A Glimpse into My Story: The Path That Led to Dukoda
Life is a journey, and mine has been shaped by resilience, transformation, and a deep desire to build something meaningful.
Nine years ago, I moved to my current home to care for my dad as his health declined. For the last six months of his life, I was his full-time caregiver. After he passed, I stayed to look after my mom. It was during that time that I began investing in my own growth, stepping into personal development, and redefining what leadership meant to me.
It was also during this time that Dukoda was born. I knew I wanted to create something bigger than just a job—I wanted to build a business rooted in leadership, resilience, and breaking free from the expectations of others.
Then, in March 2022, life shifted again when my mom fell and broke her hip. I became her full-time caregiver until she passed away that November. After that, I found myself in unfamiliar territory. Who was I outside of caregiving? What was next?
The answer was already in motion.
🔥 Dukoda – A leadership and consulting business built to help people succeed on their own terms.
🔥 Trailblaze Your Way – A movement about breaking the mold, redefining success, and leading unapologetically.
🔥 Koda Buddies – A nonprofit focused on leadership, resilience, and personal growth for youth.
This isn’t just a career path—it’s my mission. It’s about creating impact, making bold moves, and proving that you don’t have to fit into anyone else’s version of success to make a difference.
👉 Follow my journey as I grow my business, expand my nonprofit, and step fully into what I was meant to do.
Karen Siliven-Monnier
Karen is an Author, Artist, and international trainer, speaker and coach. As the owner and Executive Director of Dukoda, she assists businesses and individuals bridge the gap between where they are and where they want to be through programs customized to their needs.
An avid hiker, Karen enjoys being in nature and often draws inspiration from the various trails she hikes in the Ozarks.
Legal Notice:
Dukoda™ is a leadership consulting and training company designed to empower businesses, executives, and entrepreneurs with high-impact, results-driven leadership strategies. The integration of personal growth, leadership, and nature-based insights makes Dukoda™ a unique approach in the leadership space.
I am publicly stating that Dukoda™—including its branding, methodologies, consulting programs, and training materials—is my original intellectual property.
Trademark & Copyright Notice:
- Dukoda™ is owned by Karen Monnier and is protected under intellectual property laws.
- Any unauthorized use of this name, branding, or consulting material without explicit permission is a violation of intellectual property rights.
- I am in the process of securing trademark protection for Dukoda™ to ensure its exclusive use in leadership consulting and training.
Why This Matters:
Dukoda™ was created to provide a fresh, powerful approach to leadership and success. I am committed to making sure it remains a trusted, valuable space for businesses and individuals who want to step into their full leadership potential.
đź“Ś Website: www.dukoda.com / www.trailblazeyourway.com
đź“© Contact: [email protected]
Dukoda
I am often asked what does "Dukoda" mean? Where did the name come from? When considering a business name, I wanted something unique. What did I want my business to represent? Dukoda is a business that values all people. We strive to provide support, encouragement, and a safe environment to express your current challenges and the tools to help navigate through them.
So, what was the inspiration behind the name? I was inspired to create the name from the two loves of my life who offered me support, protection, companionship and unconditional love, my beloved German Shepherds, Duke and Dakota. I combined their names and "Dukoda" was created.
Duke
Duke traveled everywhere with me. He flew twice, played in the ocean in Connecticut and showed off his frisbee skills at a beach in Oregon. He was protective of me, but did so subtly, by simply standing between me and anyone he didn't want near me
Dakota
Dakota was my girl. She was fiercely protective of me and was my hiking buddy. She also traveled everywhere with me and enjoyed going for 'walker runs' where she would bark at people walking on sidewalks when we drove through towns.
