Nurturing Young Minds: The Power of Leading by Example

Welcome to another edition of Kickin' it with Kristen — your midweek motivation every Wednesday!

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??Aha! Moment

Today, I want to share a story that’s close to my heart and has been an incredible journey of self-discovery, family bonding, and entrepreneurial spirit. It’s amazing how one decision can reshape your entire life, and in the process, influence the younger generation around you.

The Leap of Faith

A little over a year ago, I was entrenched in my role as a corporate executive. My days were filled with meetings, deadlines, and a seemingly endless stream of emails. My nieces and nephews saw me in a constant state of busyness, albeit from a distance. They knew I had an important job, but the nature of my responsibilities was a mystery to them.

One day, I decided that the corporate world was no longer fulfilling me the way it used to. I wanted more time for my family and friends and sought to engage in activities that truly brought me joy. When I left my job, my nieces and nephews were full of questions—a usual burst of youthful curiosity.

When my ten-year-old niece asked, “Do you regret leaving your job?” my answer was a resounding, “Not at all!” This decision has enriched my life and allowed me to contribute meaningfully to others’ lives, including theirs.

The Spark of Curiosity

Over the past year, my nieces and nephews have shown keen interest in my new ventures. They’ve offered their help with various tasks, from organizing events to brainstorming new project ideas. This curiosity led us to a journey we’re now on together—the beginning of their entrepreneurial spirit.

It all started when they had an idea to make and sell bracelets and necklaces. They called me for advice, and I couldn’t have been prouder. Their enthusiasm was infectious, and it reignited my own passion for coaching and mentoring. Together, we crafted a plan, set goals, and started working on their first project: making bracelets for a women’s getaway event.

The AHA Moment

The real “AHA” moment came when we received an order for over 40 bracelets! Seeing their eyes light up with excitement and pride was priceless. The kids weren’t just making bracelets; they were learning about commitment, creativity, and entrepreneurship. They were gaining skills that will serve them well into adulthood.

Their involvement also provided a unique teaching moment. It wasn’t just about making money; it was about understanding customer needs, managing resources, networking, and delivering quality products. This entire process has been an educational experience for them, one that no classroom could replicate.

Pay It Forward

This journey has taught me the incredible power of leading by example. My decision to leave my corporate job and pursue a more balanced and fulfilling life has shown my nieces and nephews that it’s okay to follow your heart. They now see the importance of having the courage to step out of their comfort zones and pursue their passions.

Through this experience, I’ve also been able to generate valuable content for my HelmsBriscoe work and coaching clients. The story of helping young minds become entrepreneurs resonates with many people looking to make a change in their lives. It’s a testament to the idea that when you align your work with your passion, you not only find fulfillment but also inspire others to do the same.

Wrapping It Up

So, here we are—a family project that turned into an educational adventure and a prime example of how life’s unexpected turns can lead to wonderful new paths. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that every decision, no matter how daunting, offers an opportunity for growth and inspiration.

I hope this story has given you some food for thought and perhaps even inspired you to think about the changes you’re contemplating in your own life. Remember, it’s never too late to chase your dreams, to lead by example, and in doing so, to light the way for those who look up to you.

Stay curious, stay passionate, and keep kickin’ it with a purpose!

1??One Thing I...

?? Learned - Recently, I had an enlightening meeting with Jill Staats, founder of a company that offers virtual assistance in a unique way. Her service focuses on harmonizing home and work life, providing a dedicated and personalized experience. Jill has created a subscription program where a virtual assistant is assigned to cater to your specific needs. You start with a weekly call to set priorities, and from there, they manage everything from scheduling vendors for home maintenance to planning meals and organizing special events. It’s essentially a one-stop shop for simplifying life’s many complexities. More about her services can be found here.

The idea that virtual assistants can handle more than just work-related tasks opened my eyes to a new world of possibilities. Imagine having someone who can seamlessly coordinate your doctor’s appointments, research schools for your kids, and even remember and plan for special occasions. This holistic approach ensures that nothing falls through the cracks, making it easier to maintain a balanced and organized life. Jill’s model is a fantastic solution for busy individuals looking to streamline their everyday responsibilities, and I highly recommend exploring what her company has to offer.

?? Read - I came across an intriguing post by Ole Lehmann on X that had me reflecting on some uniquely American customs. As a European and native German, he visited the USA for the first time since 2018 and shared 15 weird (to him) American oddities. Among them, the casual use of “How are you?”, the challenge of trying to eat healthily in America, and he genuinely admired was the relentless pursuit of the American dream. Conversations about world-changing ideas and innovations were incredibly common, fueling a collective desire to create a better future. This spirit of progress and entrepreneurship left a lasting impression on him, capturing a positive element of America that he loved. For a deep dive into his thoughts, you can check out his full post here.

?? Watched—I watched an incredible session with Stephanie Harrison, during which she discussed her new book, “New Happy: Getting Happiness Right in a World That’s Got it Wrong.” This conversation was eye-opening as Stephanie delved into the complexities of modern happiness and the misconceptions we often have about what it means to be happy. Her argument centers around the idea that the relentless pursuit of happiness might be what’s making us unhappy. Instead, she advocates for a more balanced, holistic approach to well-being.

What struck me most was her emphasis on the need for community and connection. Stephanie argues that true happiness stems more from meaningful relationships and less from individual achievements or material gain. This session was an insightful and timely reminder to reevaluate our lives through the lens of holistic happiness. Her work provides actionable steps for those looking to get happiness “right” in a world that often seems to get it wrong. If you want to explore this further, you can check out her book here.

?? Accomplished - I recently built my profile on a new networking site called Sparkup Biz, and I’m excited about the opportunities it’s already presenting. This platform offers unlimited connections and daily networking events that keep you actively engaged with professionals from various fields. It’s an invaluable resource for anyone looking to expand their professional network.

Sparkup Biz also features a training academy, loaded with resources to help you hone your skills and stay ahead of industry trends. The community aspect is very encouraging, fostering an environment where members can genuinely support each other’s growth. If you’re curious about what this platform can do for you, join me here. So far, my experience has been rewarding, and I highly recommend giving it a try!

??Insight for the Week

The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience. — Eleanor Roosevelt

?Ask Kristen

Thanks to everyone who sent in questions. This one came from the state of Georgia!

Q: What are some of the groups you belong to that have helped you increase your network?

A: Building a strong network is essential for both personal and professional growth. Throughout my journey, I've found immense value in being part of various groups that have expanded my connections and provided valuable insights. Here are some of the key groups that have significantly contributed to my networking success:

1. LinkedIn: A powerful platform for professional networking, LinkedIn has been invaluable for connecting with industry leaders, colleagues, and potential clients globally.
2. Entreprenista: This network of entrepreneurial women provides a wealth of resources, inspiration, and opportunities for collaboration, making it a great place to build meaningful connections.
3. The Bold Leaders Collective: This group is a dynamic community of women leaders focused on growth, innovation, and supporting each other’s bold journeys.
4. The Outlier Project: A space where we believe anyone can be ordinary, but we all have the power to choose to be extraordinary. The Outlier Project has helped me connect with innovative minds and challenge traditional ways of thinking.
5. Chief: Chief is a network designed for women executives, providing a space for peer mentorship, collaboration, and growth among senior leaders.
6. Chamber of Commerce: Being a member of the local Chamber of Commerce has been crucial in staying connected with the local business community and fostering strong, localized relationships.
7. SparkUp Biz: This one is brand new! SparkUp Biz has been instrumental in providing actionable business advice and networking opportunities with driven entrepreneurs who are passionate about scaling their businesses.
8. Alignable: Alignable is a vibrant community where I enjoy engaging with other business owners, especially in groups like BossBabes, which offers tremendous support for female entrepreneurs.

These groups have not only expanded my network but also enriched my professional journey with diverse perspectives and opportunities.

I'd love to hear from you! If you have a question or topic you'd like to see covered in a future edition, feel free to send me a message!