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

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💡Aha! Moment

Last week? It was one of those weeks. You know the kind, plans falling apart, last-minute curveballs, people not following through the way I expected. At one point, after yet another hiccup, I found myself thinking:

“How could they do that?”

Ah yes. The mystical, mysterious “they.”

“They” who are always late.

“They” who don’t communicate.

“They” who somehow conspire to make life harder for me.

But right as that thought settled in, I caught myself. And I asked: “Do I really believe ‘they’ got up this morning and said, ‘Let’s make life difficult for Kristen today’?”

Cue the AHA! 💡

Assume positive intent.

It’s a mindset that pulls you out of frustration and into perspective. It doesn’t excuse behavior, but it does give you a chance to pause, get curious, and respond with empathy instead of assumptions.

Maybe the person who didn’t email back is overwhelmed.

Maybe the delay wasn’t carelessness, but juggling too many balls at once.

Maybe—just maybe—it’s not about me at all.

That shift? It changed the entire tone of my week. And honestly, it made me a better coach, colleague, and human.

Because when we assume positive intent, we create space for grace, for growth, and for truth. We ask questions before casting blame. We build trust instead of resentment. And we model the kind of leadership that people want to rally behind.

So the next time “they” get under your skin, take a breath.

Ask yourself: What if there’s more to the story?

Then lead with curiosity. That’s where connection begins.

Let’s keep kickin’ it with kindness, friends. We’ve got enough critics in the world—let’s be the ones who assume the best, even when it’s hard.

One Thing to Know

🏨 Event Essentials - Let’s talk about the unsung heroes of a successful event: audio-visual (AV) teams.

If you’ve ever planned an event, you know the tech side isn’t just an add-on—it’s the backbone. And choosing the right AV partner can make or break the experience for your attendees.

Here’s the deal: not all AV companies are created equal. Before you sign on the dotted line, make sure you get multiple quotes and ask the questions that really matter. Things like:

• Have they handled events like yours before?
• Can they provide references?
• What kind of equipment are they bringing—and is it up to date?

Because let's be honest—if the mic cuts out right before your keynote, it doesn't matter how cute the stage looks.

Also: Who’s showing up? Get clarity on staffing—how many techs will be there, what they’re responsible for, and who’s your point person when things get stressful (because something always comes up).

And please, talk backup plans. What happens if something fails? You want a team that’s already thought ten steps ahead.

Finally, don’t skip the money talk. Ask about pricing structures, package options, and what happens if you need something last minute. Transparency upfront avoids surprises later.

Bottom line? You want an AV team that feels like a partner, not just a vendor. Someone who’s invested in your success—and knows how to bring your vision to life without a tech-induced panic attack.

🏰 a_far_off_place by Katy Lampe - Guess who is having a party!? That’s right, Disneyland is turning 70, and the party is on all year long! From now through summer 2026, experience new shows, dazzling parades, and lots of magical surprises. Don’t miss the return of “Paint the Night,” the emotional new “World of Color – Happiness!” show, and a brand-new attraction starring Walt Disney himself! Plus, there’s special food, merch, character outfits, and even updates to classic rides like It’s a Small World.

With limited-time ticket deals, now’s the perfect moment to make unforgettable memories—because the happiest place on Earth just got even happier! ✨🏰🎈

Check out this blog post for 10 reasons to celebrate happy!!

🏫 Learned - Okay, I’m intrigued… Flag football is making its Olympic debut in LA, and rumor has it that some NFL players want to join.

Now part of me loves this. Who wouldn't want to see the best of the best repping Team USA on a global stage?

But here’s the catch: What about the athletes who’ve already been grinding it out in the flag football world, playing for Team USA?

This sport isn’t just a watered-down version of tackle football. It’s its own beast—built on speed, precision, and strategy. And those who specialize in it? They’ve earned their spot.

So I’m torn. Yes, it’d be exciting to see big names suit up for the Olympics. But let’s not overlook the talent and dedication of those who’ve been shaping this sport from the start.

There’s a leadership lesson in here, too: Just because you’re great at one thing doesn’t mean you automatically dominate another.

✔️ Accomplished - I Took the Weekend Off (And Didn’t Feel Guilty)! Let’s normalize this: Taking time off is a win.

For me, heading to Chicago last weekend wasn’t just a getaway but an intentional pause. I needed it. No work, no pressure, just presence. From the tequila festival to quality time with friends, I leaned all the way in. I let the to-do list sit. I had conversations that weren’t about goals or deadlines. I laughed. I wandered. I breathed.

And guess what? I came back better. More focused. More grounded. More... me. Sometimes we measure “accomplishment” in projects finished or boxes checked. But this weekend reminded me that the real wins? They’re in the moments that fill you back up.

🤔Insight for the Week

❓Ask Kristen

Q: I'm a leadership coach and seriously exploring the idea of hosting my first retreat. It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a while. I know: just because I can coach a room doesn’t mean I automatically know how to run a retreat. So I’m reaching out to those who’ve been there and I thought you would be a great person to ask. What should I be thinking about as I step into this new role as a retreat leader?

A: I love this question! Hosting a retreat can be incredibly rewarding and (let’s be honest) a little overwhelming the first time around.

If you’re starting to explore this idea, my first piece of advice is: Talk to as many coaches as you can who’ve hosted retreats before. Ask what worked, what didn’t, and what they wish they had done differently. There’s so much wisdom in lived experience—lean into it. Don’t reinvent the wheel when you can build on someone else’s lessons.

Here are a few more things to consider as you step into the role of retreat leader:

🔹 Start with the why - Before you pick a venue or build the agenda, get crystal clear on the purpose of your retreat. Is it reflection? Strategy? Team-building? Transformation? The “why” becomes your North Star for every decision that follows.

🔹 Design with intention, not just inspiration - Pretty venues and cute swag are great, but the real power is in how you curate the experience. Think through the emotional arc—how you want people to feel when they arrive, what you want them to walk away with, and how you’ll guide them through that journey.

🔹 Balance structure with space - You might be tempted to pack the agenda with every powerful exercise you know—but don’t forget to leave breathing room. Some of the most meaningful moments happen in the white space: reflection time, spontaneous conversations, or that unscheduled moment of laughter.

🔹 Pick the right people - And I don’t just mean the participants, although that matters too. I’m talking about your support team. Bring in people who complement your strengths and help carry the load. That might include a facilitator or co-leader, a retreat coordinator, and—this one’s key—a hotel sourcer (like me!) who can help you find the perfect venue, negotiate contracts, and take all that logistics stress off your plate. You want to be focused on your people, not Wi-Fi speeds or attrition clauses.

🔹 Get the logistics right - Good food, smooth transportation, a welcoming environment, and a comfortable bed seem small until they aren’t. A retreat falls flat fast if the basics aren’t covered. Don’t underestimate the power of thoughtful planning.

🔹 Leave room for magic - Some of the best moments? Totally unplanned. A fireside heart-to-heart. A surprise moment of clarity. That random group dance break or music BINGO? All magic. Plan well, but leave space for the unexpected beauty that happens when people feel safe and seen.

Hosting your first retreat is a bold move, and with the right support and mindset, it can be a truly transformational experience for both you and your attendees. If you ever want to brainstorm or talk venues, let me know!

💬 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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