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The Lizzy Jensen Show

Owning Your Ambition & Leading With Confidence With Sarah Sun Kanell

Season 1, Ep. 22

In this episode of Lean In With Lizzy, Lizzy sits down with Sarah Sun Kanell, former Miss Utah, BYU Student Body President, and future Bain & Company consultant, to talk about ambition, confidence, and stepping into leadership as a woman. Sarah shares the powerful story of her mother, Ling, whose resilience shaped her own path, and how she’s using her platform to advocate for second-chance hiring and women in leadership.


Together, Sarah and Lizzy dive into the challenges ambitious women face, the confidence gap between men and women, and how we can shift the narrative around women in leadership. They discuss why women hesitate to take up space, how to stop waiting for permission, and the importance of building a support system that lifts others up.


Sarah also opens up about her experiences in the Miss Utah program, navigating male-dominated spaces, and the key lessons she’s learned about purpose, resilience, and using your voice for impact.


This episode is a must-listen for any woman looking to embrace her ambition unapologetically and step into leadership with confidence.


Connect with Sarah Sun Kanell:

Instagram: @sunsarahkanell


Connect with Lizzy Jensen:

Instagram: @leaninwithlizzy & @Lizzy.jensen

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