Welcome to another edition of Kickin' it with Kristen — your midweek motivation every Wednesday!
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💡Aha! Moment
For years, flying was second nature to me. I was the person who practically lived at 30,000 feet. I logged over 100,000 miles a year without a second thought. I’ve experienced aborted landings, aborted takeoffs, an engine failure midflight, and one terrifying turbulence incident where I (and many others) truly thought, this might be it.
And still, I flew. Confidently. Reassured by the stats. Because flying has always been considered the safest way to travel.
But lately, something’s shifted.
With reports of midair collisions, emergency landings, tragic accidents, and planes flipping on landing, my gut now tightens a little when I board. I look around more. I feel uneasy. And for the first time in my life, I find myself genuinely asking… should I just drive instead?
It’s been humbling to admit that fear has crept in where there used to be ease. And it’s reminded me: just because we’ve done something 1,000 times doesn’t mean it always feels the same.
The aha?
Confidence can waver, even in areas we once felt invincible. But acknowledging that fear is the first step in not letting it rule us.
And with that, tomorrow I’ll be boarding a flight to Toronto for the 2025 HelmsBriscoe ABC Conference, my first time attending! Each year, HB Associates and our industry partners gather for this incredible event to network, learn, and collaborate. It’s a chance to celebrate our collective success and deepen relationships with industry leaders who help bring our clients’ events to life.
The agenda includes a mix of business and social gatherings, so it’s not just about what we do, but also about who we do it with. And despite the nerves around flying, I’m leaning in excited, grateful, and reminded that courage isn’t the absence of fear… It’s the decision to keep going anyway.
Here’s to growing through the discomfort. And to building what’s next—together. 💼✈️🤝
One Thing to Know
🏨 Event Essentials - Thinking About an Outdoor Event? Here’s What to Ask Before You Say Yes
There’s something magical about an open-air event—fresh air, gorgeous views, and that laid-back vibe you just can’t replicate indoors. But before you say yes, here are a few questions that can save you from a logistical headache later.
👉 What’s the weather looking like? Not just the day-of, but the days leading up to it. A sunny forecast doesn’t help much if it’s been raining all week and the ground is a soggy mess.
👉 Is there a solid backup plan? A tent? An indoor option? Because Mother Nature doesn't always RSVP.
👉 How accessible is the location—for everyone? Think about mobility, parking, and proximity. And yes, double-check the restroom situation. It matters more than people think.
👉 What’s the power situation? Outdoor venues often mean no outlets or limited capacity. Generators, battery packs, or creative lighting may be needed.
👉 Are there local ordinances? Sound curfews, fire restrictions, and catering limitations can all affect your event.
👉 And here's one people often overlook: check for setup and teardown fees. Some venues charge extra for the basics: tables, chairs, and even just accessing the site early. These can add up quickly if you do not ask the right questions.
Lastly, don’t forget your guests; remind them to bring sunscreen, layers, bug spray, and maybe even a pair of comfy shoes. A little heads-up can go a long way.
Outdoor events can be stunning—but only when you’re prepared for what they really require.
🏰 a_far_off_place by Katy Lampe - With a zillion resorts in Orlando, picking the perfect one is like finding a needle in a haystack! Lucky for you, I've made it my mission to crash at every single one so I can guide your family to vacation bliss. It's a tough gig, but hey, someone's gotta dive into those pools!
First stop—Disney’s Beach Club Resort! This place is a paradise package: prime location, scrumptious dining, beachy vibes, and the crown jewel—Stormalong Bay, the coolest pool at Walt Disney World! Freshly revamped and ready for your summer splash-a-thon.
So rally your friends, partner, or the whole fam, and let's get you to Disney’s Beach Club Resort!
🏫 Learned - This week, I handed off a big project—moving my website—and it reminded me of something so simple, yet so easy to forget:
Delegation is a leadership skill.
It’s not about avoiding the work. It’s about recognizing that your time and energy are finite AND that someone else might be better equipped to handle this piece, while you focus on where your strengths really shine.
Delegating builds trust, develops your team, and frees you up to lead more strategically.
So no, you’re not “letting go.” You’re making room for growth, clarity, and your most meaningful contributions.
✔️ Accomplished - Jury Duty, Round Three...And Why It Matters
I served on a jury this week. Third time in 9 years. And yes, I had the same thought you might have: Why me again?
The answer? Honestly, it’s kind of random. Most courts pull from local voter rolls or DMV records, and the rotation just doesn’t feel fair sometimes. Some people go decades without being called. Others, like me, get tapped regularly.
But this time, it reminded me that being part of the process is part of leadership. It’s participating in the system, not just observing from the sidelines. It’s showing up, even when it’s inconvenient, and listening with care, because someone’s outcome depends on it.
Was it a disruption to my week? Yes.
Was it a chance to better understand my community and the justice system? Also yes.
Sometimes leadership looks like boardrooms and strategy sessions. And sometimes? It’s jury duty.
🤔Insight for the Week
The only way to do great work is to love what you do. — Steve Jobs
❓Ask Kristen
Q: How do you bring a coaching mindset into event planning?
A: I love this question because coaching and event planning have more in common than you'd think.
When you bring a coaching mindset into planning, you're not just checking boxes—you’re crafting an experience that’s thoughtful, intentional, and collaborative from start to finish. Here’s how I see it:
✨ Start with Vision.
Just like in a coaching session, it all begins with clarity. What’s the goal of the event? Who’s it for? What do you want people to feel, learn, or walk away with? When that vision is clear, everything else falls into alignment.
🧠 Empower the Team.
This isn’t a solo act. Invite your team and stakeholders into the process early. Ask questions. Create space for input. People support what they help create, and the result is usually more innovative (and a lot more fun).
👂 Listen Deeply.
Listen to what’s being said, and what’s not. Whether it’s a client, a speaker, or an attendee, make space for their perspectives. Ask follow-ups. Clarify expectations. That kind of intentional listening is a total game-changer.
🌀 Stay Flexible.
If coaching has taught me anything, it’s that adaptability is a strength, not a setback. Event planning will always come with surprises. Staying open, curious, and solutions-focused keeps things moving.
📣 Close the Loop.
After the event, gather feedback—real, honest, constructive feedback. What worked? What didn’t? Use it. Grow from it. Just like in coaching, reflection leads to evolution.
When you approach planning like this, you’re not just putting on an event—you’re creating an experience that connects, inspires, and delivers real impact.
And bonus: you’re modeling leadership along the way.
💬 Let’s Connect! Whether you’re planning an event, looking for leadership coaching, or dreaming up your next adventure, let’s chat. Hit reply, or find Kristen on LinkedIn and Katy on Facebook/Instagram.
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