Passion, Coaching, & Event Magic!

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

Don't put off your potential — try coaching and book a complimentary Coaching Session today! #leadership #personaldevelopment #learning

??Aha! Moment

Sometimes, what you're searching for is right in front of you, waiting for you to see it. I have two passions in my life, I love to help people be the best they can be and create unforgettable experiences and memories.

Whether it’s crafting a special date for my husband, organizing a delightful day for my nieces and nephews, planning an exciting outing with friends, designing a perfect day for myself, or helping a leader think through a complex issue, the joy of seeing people appreciate, grow, and revel in the moments I create has always fueled my spirit.

Professionally, this passion found its expression when I led a Meeting & Convention department. The thrill of selecting the perfect location and the right hotel, curating the menu, choosing speakers, and planning events was unparalleled. Designing incentive trips that not only rewarded but also inspired, was something I deeply loved. The happiness and satisfaction on people's faces were my true rewards.

In the last year, I have focused on my coaching work and the #NextGen online course, helping individuals build their LinkedIn presence; I couldn't shake the feeling that something was missing. I reminisced about my days in the event and hospitality space with several colleagues and friends over the last year but left those conversations just as trips down memory lane. Then, in a flash of clarity, my aha moment arrived. The people I had been sharing my passion with weren't just listeners; they were gateways to my return to what I loved. All I needed to do was reach out and ask for help to reconnect with my passion.

And so, I did.

I'm thrilled to announce that I'm embarking on a new chapter as an independent licensee for HelmsBriscoe, the Global Leader in Hotel Site Selection and the Placement of Meetings & Events. This opportunity not only reignites my love for the event industry but also marries it with my professional expertise, opening new doors to help you select the perfect hotel for your event or meeting anywhere in the world. It’s a dream come true to blend my passion for creating memorable experiences with the ability to provide tangible, impactful solutions for others in this space.

Running my own business means I don't have to choose between my loves. I can continue to pursue my passion for coaching leaders while also helping event planners, business owners, and individuals find the best venue at the best value for their event. This dual path allows me to impact lives in multiple ways, enriching both my professional journey and the experiences of those I work with.

This journey has taught me an invaluable lesson: sometimes, the path to fulfilling our desires and rediscovering our passions is not about searching far and wide. Instead, it's about recognizing the opportunities that lie right before us, in the connections we've built and the conversations we've had. All it takes is the courage to take that next step and ask.

Here's to new beginnings, to following our passions, and to the surprising discoveries that come when we open ourselves to the possibilities right in front of us.

1??One Thing I...

?? Learned - In an exciting nod to tradition, Paris is buzzing with the Olympic spirit and has brought back a historic event from 1914—the Waiter's Race. This unique race, which took place through the a neighborhood, saw participants skillfully balancing a tray with a croissant, coffee, and a glass of water over a 1.2-mile course. The competition was open to staff from all Parisian bistros, celebrating the city's rich café culture and the anticipation of the upcoming Olympic Games. I loved how the spirit and charm of Paris were showcased! To see these waiters in action, watch the event here!

?? Read - Elaine Lin Hering, in "3 Strategies for Speaking Up at Work and Building Buy-In and Understanding From Your Team," offers a fresh perspective on effective communication. She introduces three strategies: "Start With Why," to connect emotionally; "Make the Ask Clear," for clarity in communication; and "Embrace Resistance," viewing opposition as an opportunity for growth. These approaches aim to foster a collaborative and understanding team environment.

My key takeaway from Hering's insights is the empowering notion that resistance should not deter us from speaking up but be embraced as a normal part of the communication process, offering a path to deeper engagement and problem-solving.

?? Watched - A solar eclipse is set to sweep across North America on April 8, 2024, offering views from Mexico through the US and into Canada. This rare event allows us to witness the moon completely covering the sun. However, the excitement comes with caution—viewing the eclipse without proper protection can harm your eyes. The National Eye Institute recommends specific safety measures to prevent damage, emphasizing the use of eclipse glasses. This advice ensures everyone can safely enjoy the eclipse without risking their vision. For detailed safety tips, visit the National Eye Institute’s guide on how to watch the eclipse safely: NEI Safety Tips.

?? Accomplished - I updated my LinkedIn profile to reflect the addition to my entrepreneur journey. This refresh includes the incorporation of my coaching business and my new venture with HelmsBriscoe, symbolizing the fusion of my passion for leadership development and my expertise in the event planning industry. It's a new chapter where I don't have to choose between my passions—I can embrace both. Whether you're looking for guidance to elevate your leadership skills or seeking the perfect venue for your next event, my updated LinkedIn profile showcases the breadth of my services. I invite you to check out my profile and book a call to explore how we can collaborate to achieve your goals.

??Insight for the Week

“How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” —Winnie the Pooh

?Ask Kristen

Thanks to everyone who sent in questions. This one came from a leader in Charlotte, North Carolina!

Q: Kristen, I've been wrestling with the notion of career progression versus personal satisfaction. In your experience, how do you advise someone to strike a balance between pursuing ambitious career goals and ensuring they maintain a healthy, fulfilling personal life? Is there a particular coaching question or exercise you find especially effective in navigating this common dilemma?

A: Imagine your life is like a garden, where different parts, like your career and your happiness, are plants that need care. Think of it this way: you don’t have to water every plant the same amount. Some might need more, some less, depending on what they are and what they need to grow.

So, here’s a question to help you figure this out: "What does being successful in your job and being happy in your personal life look like to you, and what small changes can you make now to get closer to that picture?"

This question asks you to think about what you really want from your work and your life. It's like deciding what plants you want in your garden and how to take care of them. Sometimes, you might pay more attention to one plant than another, but that doesn't mean you forget about the rest. It’s all about finding a way to make sure each part of your life gets what it needs to do well.

Remember, finding balance doesn’t mean everything has to be equal all the time. It's more about making sure each part of your life gets the right amount of attention at the right time, just like in a garden. This way, you can work towards success at your job and happiness in your life in a way that feels right to you.

Do you have a question about a current leadership challenge or situation? Send me a DM with your question and I will answer it in upcoming newsletter