Welcome to another edition of Kickin' it with Kristen — your midweek motivation every Wednesday!
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💡Aha! Moment - The Title Illusion
One of the things I often see with my coaching clients is how much energy they spend chasing titles. VP. Director. Chief Something Officer. The letters after your name, the line on the business card—it can feel like the ultimate validation.
I get it, because I’ve been there. When I first left corporate, I remember stumbling over the simplest question: “So, what do you do?” Without the weight of a big title behind me, I felt exposed. The reactions from others were actually fine, but the loudest judgment came from the voice in my own head. Were they thinking, “She’s just a coach” or “She just does hotel sourcing”? Wasn’t she an executive? Something must have happened…
The truth is, something did happen, I chose myself. I chose to create work that made me happy, not a title that looked impressive. And along the way, I realized credibility doesn’t come from a title. It comes from relationships, from results, from impact. Those are the things people actually remember.
Tips if you’re struggling with the “title trap”:
When you introduce yourself, lead with what you do for others instead of your title. (“I help leaders find their voice” sticks far more than “Director of ___.”)
Ask yourself: Would I still want this role if it came with no title attached?
Remember: a title can open a door, but it’s your results that keep you in the room.
My Aha: Titles fade. Impact lasts.
One Thing to Know
🏨 Event Essentials - The Hidden Line Items That Sneak Up on Planners
Even the best-laid event budgets can be derailed by the sneaky line items no one sees coming. You think you’ve accounted for everything—venue, food & beverage, A/V—and then the extras show up: service charges, internet fees, drayage, late-night labor, power drops, even coffee refills at hotel pricing. Suddenly, you’re over budget before the first attendee arrives.
The good news? With a little foresight, you can protect your budget. Ask detailed questions up front, and don’t assume anything is included just because it was in your last contract. Build in a 10–15% buffer for surprises, and partner with someone (yes, like me!) who knows where the hidden costs live and how to negotiate them down.
Because here’s the truth: what blows budgets isn’t usually the big-ticket items—it’s death by a thousand hidden cuts. Spot them early, and you’ll keep your event finances under control.
✅ 5 Hidden Costs to Ask About Up Front:
- Service charges & gratuities (can run 24–28% on F&B)
- Internet/Wi-Fi access (sometimes billed per device!)
- Union or late-night labor (especially for A/V or room flips)
- Rigging & power drops (for lighting, booths, or stages)
- Drayage & handling fees (moving materials in/out of the venue)
📝 Event Budget Glossary (in plain English):
- Drayage (a.k.a. Material Handling): Fees to unload, move, store, and reload event materials—usually billed by weight.
- Rigging: Costs for hanging items from the ceiling, like lights or signage, requiring certified crews.
- Power Drops: Charges to bring electrical power to your space—essentially paying to “plug in.”
- Union Labor: Required setup/teardown crews in many venues, with specific hourly rates (higher for nights/weekends).
- Service Charges: Mandatory fees (24–28%) added to F&B or AV—different from gratuity.
🏰 a_far_off_place by Katy Lampe - Let’s chat about Universal Orlando Resort!! This place is an adrenaline-fueled paradise for the entire family, bursting with fab food, snazzy hotels, and entertainment that’ll leave you starry-eyed! If Universal isn’t on your recent travel roster, it’s high time to pencil it in. We just spent a whole week visiting all 4 of their parks, and the mix of chill vibes and thrill rides was spot on!Why am I head over heels for this place?
- Easy peasy! Pick up those tickets, scoop up the express passes, and you're on your way. Their express pass system allows you to visit attractions when you want so you aren’t tied to too many times.
- Epic Universe—a fresh theme park that's drop-dead gorgeous with jaw-dropping attractions and shows. It’s rewriting the theme park rulebook!
- Harry Potter—if there’s a Potterhead in your crew, stepping into Diagon Alley or casting spells with your wand is pure magic. It’s like living in the pages of the book!
- Get ready, thrill seekers! If heart-pounding excitement is your jam, the Velocicoaster is your ultimate adrenaline-packed coaster!
Want to dive deeper? Reach out to Katy Lampe, and let’s chat!
🏫 Learned - I just spent a week in Las Vegas, and here’s what I was reminded of—I love the options. The food, the shows, the games you can play at any hour…it really is an experience like no other. But there was one thing I couldn’t get past: why is smoking still allowed in so many of the casinos and facilities?
Between the haze of cigarette smoke and the constant smell of pot, it was overwhelming. For a city that thrives on reinvention and creating world-class guest experiences, this feels like a major miss. It left me thinking about how quickly an otherwise amazing environment can be overshadowed by one thing that people tolerate “because that’s just how it is.”
My takeaway: Just because something has always been done a certain way doesn’t mean it still belongs. Sometimes, the boldest move is clearing the air—literally and figuratively.
✔️ Accomplished - Some people swear by spring cleaning—I tend to do mine in the fall. This past week, it was all about my office. I decluttered, rearranged, and gave the space a refresh.
It’s amazing how different a room can feel with just a little clearing out and reorganization. For me, it wasn’t just about a tidy office; it was about creating a space where I actually want to sit down, think, and create.
Sometimes the smallest shifts in our environment make the biggest difference in our energy.
🤔 Insight for the Week
You don’t need a new year to make a change. All you need is a Monday. — Unknown
❓A Question Worth Asking
Every week, I’ll leave you with one question—something I’m asking myself or my clients. Take it into your next team meeting, journaling session, or just a quiet moment.
As we head into the final stretch of the year, it’s tempting to think the big moves have to wait until January. But the truth is, four months is plenty of time to make meaningful change. Sometimes it’s not about doing more—it’s about choosing the right thing to start (or stop) that creates real momentum.
🟡 This week’s question: What’s one thing I can still start (or stop) before December that would make a real difference?
💬 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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