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

Not all feedback is created equal.

One of the hardest — and most freeing — lessons I’ve learned is this: You get to decide what to do with feedback.

Sometimes feedback can be constructive. Other times, it can be biased, incomplete, or rooted in someone else’s discomfort. And when you receive a lot of it, especially as a woman in leadership, it can feel confusing. You start to question what to change, what to ignore, and what it all even means.

Here’s some real feedback I’ve received over the years:

• “You need to dumb it down — your knowledge is intimidating.”
• “You should smile more and be more energetic, like a cheerleader — it would make you seem more approachable.”
• “Your team doesn’t like that you ask so many questions — they feel attacked.”

Oof. Each one stung a bit. But also… each one gave me a choice.

Do I accept it and adjust? Do I acknowledge it, but stay true to myself? Or do I thank them and keep it moving?

Here’s how I’ve learned to navigate it:

• “Dumb it down,” I smiled, said thanks, and chose to keep showing up as the intelligent, capable leader I am.
• “Be more like a cheerleader,” — I acknowledged the intent, but chose authenticity over performance. I lead with warmth and substance — not a forced persona.
• “You ask too many questions,” — I listened. I clarified my intent to learn and teach, and I adjusted my approach so curiosity wouldn’t be mistaken for criticism.

Feedback doesn’t define you — it informs you. You get to filter it through the lens of your values, your goals, and your truth.

Here’s a simple way to process feedback:

1. Pause – Take a breath and avoid reacting in the moment.
2. Consider the source – Is this someone who knows you well or sees your full context?
3. Look for patterns – One comment may be noise. Multiple? That’s data.
4. Filter through your values – Does the feedback help you become more of who you want to be?
5. Choose your response – Accept, adjust, acknowledge, or let it go.

The choice is yours.

What’s the most confusing or frustrating feedback you’ve received — and what did you do with it?

One Thing to Know

🏨 Event Essentials - Don’t Skip the Site Visit! Photos and floorplans can only tell you so much. A site visit gives you the full picture: how the space flows, the vibe of the lobby, what the meeting rooms really feel like, and even how loud the nearby street or elevator is.

I've caught more red flags (and found more hidden gems) during site visits than I can count — awkward room layouts, outdated guest rooms, poor signage, and confusing navigation from one space to the next. On the flip side, I’ve also discovered unexpected bonuses: stunning outdoor spaces, amazing service teams, or small design touches that create a wow-worthy guest experience.

I love helping arrange site visits for the clients I work with! Whether I attend on their behalf or coordinate a seamless walkthrough for their team, it’s one of the most valuable steps in the planning process. If it's a high-stakes event, visiting in person can save you headaches — and help you negotiate with confidence.

🏰 a_far_off_place by Katy Lampe - Ever dreamed of a girls' getaway or a couples' escape to Walt Disney World but got tangled up in timing?

Well, buckle up for the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival! It's the ultimate excuse for a grown-ups-only adventure, where you can munch and sip your way across the globe!

Mark your calendars: this flavorful festival kicks off August 28th and continues until November 22nd!

Check out this blog post for more info! Ready to plan something- reach out today!

🏫 Learned - My niece came over to hang out one evening while I was finishing up work.

As I vented a little about a specific situation that’s been creating a lot of last-minute requests and avoidable stress, she just smiled and said:

“The Cost of Staying.”

Y’all. That stopped me in my tracks. That’s the title of my own book—and she tossed it back at me like a mic drop.

And honestly? She was right.

This was a one-off client relationship that’s been feeling off for a while. Different work styles, different pace, and more misalignment than momentum.

Her words reminded me of something I often say to my clients: You always have a choice.

Even as a coach, I sometimes need the reminder that holding onto something out of habit (or obligation) comes with its own price.

And that’s not fair—to me or to the client.

Here’s what I know for sure: The right-fit clients bring energy, trust, and shared clarity. I’m lucky to work with so many of those people every day.

This moment was about learning to let go when it’s not that.

Because sometimes the most aligned thing we can do is say, “This isn’t the right fit—let me help you find someone who is.”

✔️ Accomplished - We just passed 30 reviews on The Cost of Staying — and I’m beyond grateful. Reviews are like gold to authors. They help others discover the book, build trust, and keep the momentum going long after launch day.

If you’ve already written a review, thank you — truly. Your words mean more than you know.

And if you haven’t yet, I’d love to gift you a copy of my book in exchange for an honest review. Just send me a message with your address, and I’ll send you a book!

🤔Insight for the Week

❓Ask Kristen or Katy

Q: I feel stuck, like I’m carrying things that aren’t mine anymore—old responsibilities, outdated roles, expectations. How do I even begin to let go?

A: Oh, I feel this one deep in my bones. Letting go is one of the hardest and bravest things we’ll ever do—not because we don’t want to move forward, but because we’re often holding onto people, roles, and stories that once served us.

But here’s the truth I had to learn: letting go isn’t a single moment. It’s a practice.

When I was preparing to leave my corporate role, I didn’t wake up one morning and quit. I started by quietly removing things from my office. I cleared out emails. I unfollowed accounts that drained me. My body knew before my mind did that something had to change.

If you’re feeling the weight of “stuck,” here’s a simple practice from The Cost of Staying that helped me:

Grab a journal and ask yourself:

• What’s been nagging at me lately?
• Where do I feel myself holding back?
• What relationships feel different these days?
• What parts of my life feel heavy?

Then go a level deeper:

• Am I holding onto this out of habit, fear, or loyalty?
• What would feel lighter if I let this go?
• What might become possible if I created this space?

You don’t have to solve it all today. Just notice. Awareness is the first crack in the armor of “stuck.” And once you start letting go of what no longer fits, you make space for what does.

Want the full guided exercise?
📘 Download the full Digital Workbook here​
📖 Or dive deeper into the full story in The Cost of Staying available here​

💬 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.

Forwarded this email? SIGN UP HERE. Follow me on LinkedIn.​

​

​