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

For the longest time, I saw coaching as an expense—a “nice-to-have” but not a necessity.

That was until I found the right coach. And that changed everything.

My AHA moment? Coaching is like compounding interest. When you connect with the right coach, each session builds on the last—sharpening your decision-making, boosting your confidence, and equipping you with the tools to navigate life’s challenges. Instead of a one-time indulgence, coaching delivers long-term returns—more clarity, bolder action, and strategic thinking that helps you avoid costly missteps.

Since then, I’ve worked with leadership coaches, business coaches, even a book coach. And I can say without a doubt: coaching is an investment—in my growth, my success, and my future.

The best part? Most coaches offer a free initial session, so you can see if you truly connect before making a commitment. I always encourage people to shop around—find a coach who challenges you, supports you, and aligns with your goals.

If coaching is something you’ve been considering, I’d love to connect and explore what might be the right fit for you!

Here are the different coaching packages I offer:

📆 6-Month Program – steady, structured coaching to tackle specific goals.

🔥 VIP Coaching – an immersive, high-impact experience for fast-track transformation

💬 Sunday Success Coaching – 100% virtual, real-time Voxer coaching every Sunday to help you start your week with confidence.

I especially love Sunday Success Coaching—imagine having a coach in your pocket every Sunday, helping you set powerful intentions, confidently tackle challenges, and celebrate your wins. No scheduling headaches. Just real-time, focused guidance to set the tone for a successful week.

Learn more here: Sunday Success Coaching | Real-Time Support for a Confident Week​

1️⃣One Thing I...

🏫 Learned - In the world of strategic business decisions, this one caught my eye: Costco is switching from Pepsi back to Coca-Cola at its food courts.

If you’re a Costco regular, you probably remember that in 2013, they made the switch from Coke to Pepsi, supposedly to help keep their legendary $1.50 hot dog combo at the same price. And now, more than a decade later, they’re flipping back.

While CEO Ron Vachris hasn’t given a detailed reason, this kind of shift always makes me curious—was it consumer preference? A better supplier deal? A larger industry trend? Whatever the reason, Costco’s decisions often set the tone for others in the industry, so it’ll be interesting to see if this influences other chains to rethink their beverage partnerships.

I know people have strong opinions in the Pepsi vs. Coke debate—where do you stand? 👀

📖 Read - I came across an article recently about how Panda Express is bridging cultural gaps by introducing Lunar New Year traditions to a wider American audience. And I have to say—I love seeing this kind of thoughtful cultural exchange in action.

Panda Express isn’t just rolling out a special holiday menu; they’re weaving in the essence of Lunar New Year through themed decor, storytelling, and even partnerships with historians to ensure authenticity. They’re taking it beyond just food and helping customers connect with the rich traditions that make this celebration so meaningful.

What really stood out to me is that this isn’t just a marketing play—it’s an effort to foster understanding and appreciation across different communities. From the symbolism of the dragon dance to the significance of red envelopes, they’re giving people a taste of culture, not just cuisine. And in a country as diverse as the U.S., these kinds of initiatives help bring people closer together.

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Watched - Proud aunt moment! I recently watched my niece launch her podcast, JOYFULLY messy, and I couldn’t be more inspired by her courage and vision.

At just 22 years old, she’s been through a lot over the past nine years—challenges that would have made many people give up. But instead, she’s using her voice to uplift others, sharing her story and creating a space where people can feel heard, seen, and understood.

Her podcast is raw, real, and filled with heartfelt storytelling. And as I listened to her first episode, I couldn’t help but think—I’d love to be a guest one day! Sharing my own journey, adding to the conversation, and supporting her mission to create a community of resilience and empowerment.

I know this is just the beginning for her, and I can’t wait to see how her podcast grows and the impact it will have.

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✔️ Accomplished - This one’s personal—I’m thrilled to share that I’m now an Entreprenista Expert Council Member! 🎉

Entreprenista is an incredible platform for female entrepreneurs, and as an official contributor, I’ll be sharing insights, stories, and strategies to empower women in business.

This milestone represents years of hard work—building my expertise, learning from challenges, and staying committed to helping others grow. More than anything, I’m excited for the connections, conversations, and collaborations that will come from this opportunity.

I can’t wait to start sharing more, and I’d love to hear from you—what topics around leadership, entrepreneurship, or coaching would you love to see covered?

🤔Insight for the Week

❓Ask Kristen

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

Q: What has helped you grow your LinkedIn presence?

A: Building a strong LinkedIn presence isn’t about quick wins—it’s about consistent nurturing, authentic engagement, and a bit of strategy. Think of it like growing a thriving garden: with the right care, it flourishes!

Here are a few things that have worked really well for me:

🌟 Craft a Magnetic Profile​
Your profile is your digital handshake, so make it count! Use a professional photo, craft a headline that highlights what you do best, and bring storytelling into your summary to make it engaging and relatable. People connect with people, not just job titles.

📝 Create Value-Driven Content​
Consistently share content that educates, inspires, or resonates with your audience. Whether it’s personal insights, industry news, or lessons learned, think of your content as a service—something your network looks forward to consuming.

💬 Engage Authentically​
LinkedIn isn’t a one-way street. Comment on posts, participate in discussions, and join relevant groups. Thoughtful engagement builds relationships, and relationships build opportunities.

📢 Leverage Recommendations & Endorsements​
Don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations from colleagues and clients. Genuine testimonials highlight your impact and give people a reason to trust your expertise.

🎯 Align with Your Purpose​
Post and engage in a way that reflects your passion and goals. For me, that means talking about leadership, event management, and personal growth, while naturally connecting with professionals in related fields.

📌 Use LinkedIn’s Features​
Explore the platform’s built-in tools—write articles, host polls, or even try LinkedIn Live. These features help expand your reach and keep your audience engaged.

At the end of the day, LinkedIn success isn’t about numbers—it’s about relationships. Show up consistently, share your insights, and engage in meaningful ways. Do that, and you’ll see your network grow—organically and authentically.

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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