Keysi Sayago is a model, mechanical engineer, and former Miss Venezuela, where she went on to place in the Top 3 at Miss Universe. In this episode, she shares her road to winning the crown, the difference of what she's noticed of the world of pageants there versus in North America. She shares insights that are applicable to anyone in any industry - how to handle criticism with grace for personal growth, the importance of self-belief and staying grounded in the face of competition.

Keysi and Lauren reflect on their experiences in pageantry, advocating for holistic judging systems and critiquing the industry's shallow beauty standards. They emphasize the need for personal and professional growth opportunities for contestants beyond titles, and share tips for managing online criticism and stress. Keysi expresses her passion for empowering young girls in the pageant industry through coaching, highlighting the importance of confidence and uniqueness.

Chapters

0:00 - Episode Preview

1:24 - Introduction

2:40 - Start of Interview with Keysi Sayago

3:04 - Breaking Down the World of Pageants

3:34 - Unique Paths to Pageantry and Insecurities

5:35 - Entry into Miss Venezuela Pageant

8:17 - Draw to Engineering and Career Choices

9:39 - Pageant Intimidation and Confidence

10:08 - Unexpected Win at Miss Venezuela

14:52 - Enjoying the Competitive Ride

16:06 - The Value of Pageant Experiences

18:47 - Subjectivity in Beauty Judging

20:24 - Freshness in Pageant Scoring Systems

22:04 - Beauty's Role in Pageants and Judging Systems

33:28 - Elevating the Pageantry Experience

39:41 - Dealing with Criticism and Self-Confidence

43:10 - Rule Changes in Pageantry