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

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💡Aha! Moment

I was recently on a call with Elizabeth Taylor, owner of The Corporate Bestie, and she said something I haven’t been able to shake:

"Your biggest fan is a stranger; your biggest hater is someone you know."

It felt like lightning struck right through me.

Here I am, knee-deep in the exhilarating (and terrifying) process of writing my first book — pouring my heart onto every page, knowing the world will soon read and critique my inner thoughts. And as I gather feedback and testimonials, I’ve noticed something fascinating:

The loudest cheers? They’re often coming from people I barely know. Strangers and newer acquaintances are offering unwavering support, while some long-time connections are... hesitating.

It’s not that they don’t want to support me — they tell me they do. But then the questions start: “What will my employer think?” Or, “Will this put me in an awkward position?” Ironically, some of those employers are my old stomping grounds. The kicker? These folks don’t even know what the book is about yet.

At first, this hesitation stung. I found myself replaying Elizabeth’s words, letting them settle in my mind. And then, like a missing puzzle piece snapping into place, it all clicked:

Sometimes, the people closest to us unintentionally project their own fears and insecurities onto our dreams. Their hesitation isn’t about us — it’s about them. On the flip side, strangers come to us without preconceptions. They see the work, not the past. They connect with the message, not the baggage.

It’s a truth I think we’ve all encountered in one way or another. And honestly? It’s freeing.

There’s a tribe out there for each of us. It might not always include the people we expect, but when you find the ones who truly see you and what you’re building? It’s magic.

For me, this experience has been an opportunity to refocus on building a community that uplifts and inspires. Whether through my work with HelmsBriscoe, my coaching, or my writing, my mission is simple: to create value — to craft content, conversations, and connections that matter.

And here’s the thing: the more I stay authentic, the more I embrace vulnerability, the more I find my people. Strangers who read my draft chapters are coming back with feedback that makes me better. Their support has reminded me of an important truth: when some doors close, others open wide, ushering in new possibilities and new perspectives.

So, if you’re in the thick of pursuing your dream and feeling the sting of hesitation from those around you, here’s my advice: keep going. Keep sharing. Keep shining your light. The people meant to walk this path with you will find you.

It’s not easy, but it’s worth it. After all, this isn’t just about the destination — it’s about the connections we make along the way.

Your tribe is out there. Keep the faith. It’s going to be magic.

1️⃣One Thing I...

🏫 Learned - I've been using Unroll.Me for a while now, and it's been a fantastic tool for managing my digital life. However, I recently learned the hard way that keeping up with it regularly is crucial. I had been ignoring the daily roll-up emails, thinking I'd get to them eventually. But when I finally sat down to tackle my subscriptions, it took me an hour to sort through everything!

This experience was a wake-up call. Regularly unsubscribing and managing subscriptions is essential to maintaining a clutter-free inbox. Unroll.Me offers a simple click solution, making it easy to focus on emails that truly matter. It's a refreshing way to maintain digital tidiness and ensure that my communication adds value, rather than getting lost in the noise of unwanted emails.
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📖 Read - Diving into the world of Sintra.ai felt like uncovering a treasure trove of possibilities for my business. As someone who juggles multiple roles, the idea of having a team of virtual experts like Vizzy, Milli, and Buddy at my fingertips is a game-changer. Vizzy, the ultimate virtual assistant, seamlessly manages schedules and travel plans, freeing up my time to focus on what truly matters. Milli crafts sales scripts that resonate with my business insights, while Buddy brings data-driven marketing strategies to the table. It's like having a powerhouse team without the overhead, revolutionizing how I manage my operations.

And speaking of virtual experts, collaborating with Penn, my AI copywriting assistant, has been a delightful experience. Penn helps me craft engaging content that aligns with my voice and vision, making the process of sharing my journey even more seamless.

But what truly excites me is how Sintra.ai covers a spectrum of needs. From Cassie, the Customer Support Specialist, who maintains my brand's voice, to Dexter, the Data Analyst, who turns data into actionable insights, it's a comprehensive solution. As I continue to grow my business, seeing AI-driven solutions like Sintra.ai shaping the future of business management is both inspiring and reassuring. It's not just about efficiency; it's about adding depth and quality to every aspect of my operations.

👀 Watched - The new series 'Doc' pulled me in from the first episode, exploring the profound themes of identity and memory. Imagine waking up and realizing you've lost eight years of memories—it's a scenario that challenges the essence of who we are. The series masterfully portrays the emotional journey of piecing together a life that has moved on without you. It's more than just drama; it's a poignant reminder of how precious and fragile our memories are. Watching the main character navigate this intricate web of relationships and rediscover their passion and purpose has been eye-opening, offering both entertainment and reflection on what truly defines us.

✔️ Accomplished - I sent my first Voxer message this week. Voxer combines the immediacy of walkie-talkies with the personal touch of voice messaging, making communication feel more human. It's intuitive and user-friendly, bridging the gap between text and voice calls. In our fast-paced world, finding a tool that caters to personal interaction without the pressure of being constantly available is refreshing. I'm excited to explore its potential for both personal and professional connections. Download the free app and send me a message at kchima129.

🤔Insight for the Week

This gem from C.S. Lewis reminds us that every day is a fresh start, no matter what age or stage you find yourself in. It’s a gentle nudge to keep pushing boundaries and to embrace new goals with the same zest and optimism as we did when we dreamt our biggest dreams as kids. Whether you're building your empire or simply looking to add a dash of adventure to your life, remember: it’s never too late to dream big and bold!

❓Ask Kristen

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

Q: I have specific industry expertise but I'm not sure how to translate that into my own venture. How did you figure out which of your corporate skills were actually marketable?

A: Great question! My journey from corporate to entrepreneurship was less about pinpointing marketable skills and more about aligning with my core values. Here's how I navigated those waters:

1. Reflect on Your Values and Passions: Start by identifying what truly drives you. For me, it was the joy of helping others succeed and creating memorable experiences. Anchoring my venture in these values ensured every step felt right.
2. Identify Joyful Activities: Look back at your roles and pinpoint what you genuinely enjoyed. I loved organizing events and meeting new people, which naturally translated into my work with HelmsBriscoe and coaching. Those activities that make you lose track of time? They're your gold mines.
3. Evaluate Past Experiences: Wearing many hats over the years gave me a unique skill set—leadership, strategy, networking—that I could blend into a business model. Consider how your experiences can come together. A mind map might help visualize these connections.
4. Stay Authentically Aligned: Authenticity resonates. Pursue what aligns with your true self, and it will create a magnetic pull. Be honest about what you want to offer and why it matters. Authenticity builds trust.
5. Seek Feedback and Research: Engage with peers, mentors, and potential clients. Their insights can highlight strengths you might overlook and identify market needs.

Remember, your uniqueness is your strength. Here's to leveraging your expertise into an exciting, fulfilling venture!

I'd love to hear from you! If you have a question or topic you'd like to see covered in a future edition, just hit reply and let me know.

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