Episode 133: Karen Olson
Tue Jul 29 2025
Some moments change everything.
For Karen Olson, it was a conversation with a homeless woman named Millie on a New York City sidewalk—an encounter so simple, yet so profound, it led her to leave behind a thriving marketing career and devote her life to fighting family homelessness.
Karen went on to build Family Promise, one of the most impactful organizations addressing homelessness in America. She’s the author of Meant for More, a woman of quiet power, and a living example of what it means to answer the call—even when it pulls you off the well-worn path.
Her story is one of legacy, leadership, and love—and it’s exactly the reminder we all need right now: that true success isn’t found in titles or accolades, but in the lives we touch along the way.
As this season of the Pretty Powerful Podcast comes to a close, I couldn’t imagine a more meaningful conversation to end on. I’m taking a short break to reflect, realign, and reimagine what’s next for this platform—but the mission remains the same: to celebrate the women who dare to make a difference.
Thank you for listening, for showing up, and for believing in the power of women's voices.
Pick up Meant for More and learn more about Family Promise.
❤️ The journey isn’t over. Just evolving. Stay tuned.
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Some moments change everything. For Karen Olson, it was a conversation with a homeless woman named Millie on a New York City sidewalk—an encounter so simple, yet so profound, it led her to leave behind a thriving marketing career and devote her life to fighting family homelessness. Karen went on to build Family Promise, one of the most impactful organizations addressing homelessness in America. She’s the author of Meant for More, a woman of quiet power, and a living example of what it means to answer the call—even when it pulls you off the well-worn path. Her story is one of legacy, leadership, and love—and it’s exactly the reminder we all need right now: that true success isn’t found in titles or accolades, but in the lives we touch along the way. As this season of the Pretty Powerful Podcast comes to a close, I couldn’t imagine a more meaningful conversation to end on. I’m taking a short break to reflect, realign, and reimagine what’s next for this platform—but the mission remains the same: to celebrate the women who dare to make a difference. Thank you for listening, for showing up, and for believing in the power of women's voices. Pick up Meant for More and learn more about Family Promise. ❤️ The journey isn’t over. Just evolving. Stay tuned.