Defining Leaders With Kristin Gupta

Inclusion is one of the most important values that we can foster in the workplace. When employees feel like they are a part of a team, and that their unique perspectives are valued, they are more likely to be productive and innovative. In this episode, we will discuss how to create a culture that values inclusivity. We also explore the benefits of building such a culture in business. How can we build cultures that value inclusivity? If our workplaces foster a sense of inclusion by providing opportunities for individuals to celebrate their differences, what happens in business? Highlights:  01:36 We all have an opportunity to have our own little drop in the pond or drop in the ocean to make a difference to those around us. 04:29 Allow those ambiverts, extroverts and introverts to share the floor equally.  07:07 If we are present listening, taking in the information and pausing and making sure that what we then have to contribute is appropriate, respectful and on target with the conversation at hand.  08:12 Having a crucial conversation and allowing people to, when you listen to them and you hear what they want out of it, it allows them to open up further. . 10:58 We can think especially as leaders, we can think we have a lot of the answers and especially in areas like including people and building a workplace culture or corporate culture there can be this sense that okay I know what I'm doing, I know how to lead, I know how to be a leader and what don't I know? Contact https://www.kristinadvising.com/ (Kristin Gupta website)  Special Guests:  Sara Deacon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeacon/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeacon/) Jonathan Heider: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-d-heider/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-d-heider/)

Part of the barrier to getting started building a DE&I strategy is not knowing the difference between these three concepts, and therefore how to address each. To help get us started, we've broken down the individual parts: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Let's define the terms. As leaders, we need to be aware of the different types of mined resources and how to use them effectively. Diversity, equity and inclusion is a process that requires commitment and action from everyone involved. In this episode you'll hear from the group as they discuss what it means to define diversity, equity and inclusion, and discuss some of the challenges that businesses face when trying to create an inclusive workplace. Find out some tips on how you can get started. Highlights:  03:00 Within an organization, what we really emphasized is that it becomes part of the culture.  03:51 It's not just about who you bring into your organization. It is how welcome you are to the people you bring in, making them feel at home or welcome as well. 07:22 They may be afraid to challenge directly or give direct feedback on something that somebody could do to improve. 10:33 When it comes to tokenism, it's simply taking somebody and utilizing their minority status in one way and asking them as if they are the expert for that entire minority group. 19:12 Continue to educate yourself on terminology, language and overall kind of respect for their culture. Contact https://www.kristinadvising.com/ (Kristin Gupta website)  Special Guests:  Jonathan Heider Sheila Buechel Kris Giuntolli

The internet has transformed the way we live and work, and virtual events are one of the most exciting aspects of this new era. Virtual events have many advantages over traditional in-person events, including increased reach and flexibility. However, some people worry that virtual events lack the personal touch that makes in-person events so special. In this episode Kristin and her group discuss the importance of choosing the right platform and equipment, as well as the need to create engaging content that will appeal to your target audience. Do you want to know how to be a better attendee of virtual events? Or, how to lead excellent ones? This week's discussion is adding value to the way you attend and lead these events. Virtual events are not going away. Learning how to master this skill will drastically help now and in the future! Highlights 02:40 - Getting a quality internet wherever you are going to be because if you do everything else and you have crummy internet, it won't matter. 04:46 - I think one of the biggest things in this space is the intention of which the meeting is for. 07:10 - It is absolutely 100% key to know who is my audience, what is going to light them up, and really understanding what I can do to make it fun and engaging. 21:04 - I would say to spend the time, learn how to use your technology and get quality equipment. If people can't hear you it's going to reflect on you. Contact https://www.kristinadvising.com/ (Kristin Gupta Website) Special Guests: Sara Deacon - https://linkedin.com/in/saradeacon (https://linkedin.com/in/saradeacon) Kurt Bocksenbaum - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurt-bocksenbaum/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurt-bocksenbaum/) Sheila Buechel - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilabuechel/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilabuechel/) Ben Zang - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benzang6/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/benzang6/) Anette Conrad - https://www.linkedin.com/in/edibleimpressions/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/edibleimpressions/)

What is the secret to most great leaders? It's not title or position that makes them who they are or what they become. It is their power to influence those around them. In this episode of the show, Kristin and her group discuss Leadership is Influence. In particular, they talk about how a leader is someone who can influence others to achieve a common goal. They discuss the different ways in which people can exert their influence, and how effective leadership depends on understanding the needs and motivations of those being led. The conversation is informative and thought-provoking, offering listeners valuable insights into what it takes to be an effective leader. Highlights: 02:15 - As an influencer what is the importance of your followers and what do they like? And should you know? Should you be targeting? 04:14 - You always have the capacity to influence with every interaction. And what are you influencing? You`re influencing the character of someone, you`re influencing the behavior of someone. 15:53 - I think the expertise you need to have is to be an expert on yourself. 18:08 - When people are looking up to us it can be really easy, but if we stop focusing on ourselves we`re going to lose our audience, we`re going to lose ourselves. Contact https://www.kristinadvising.com/ (Kristin Gupta Website) Special Guests: Peter Stipan Sheila Buechel https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilabuechel/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilabuechel/) Sara Deacon https://linkedin.com/in/saradeacon (https://linkedin.com/in/saradeacon) Stuart Mason

Connecting with new people can be uncomfortable, but there is a difference between just attending virtual events and doing actual networking. In this episode, you'll find out how to be a better attendee or lead a virtual event because virtual events are not going away. Listen to the group as they discuss how to add value to the way you attend and lead virtual events because this is a great resource for you to have people that can help you with more opportunities.  Highlights: 01:57 Virtual events have really had to grow with these changes and dynamics when it comes to the business world.  02:40 Getting quality internet wherever you're gonna be because if you do everything else right and you have a crummy internet, it won't matter because people won't be able to see you or hear you so, start with a high quality internet that is reliable. 07:19 It is absolutely 100% key to know who is my audience and what is gonna light them up and really understanding what I can do to make it fun and engaging. 11:21 We have to continue learning and not be afraid to say “I don't know”.” 12:01 It's really critical to take the time and to also have the hard topic to yourself and say “Hey, I don't know everything and I need to learn,” and so, it's a continuous process; continue learning. Contact https://www.kristinadvising.com/ (Kristin Gupta website) Guest Speakers Sheila Buechel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilabuechel/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilabuechel/) Ben Zang: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benzang6/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/benzang6/) #usioneadvantage Annette Conrad: http://linkedin.com/in/edibleimpressions/ (linkedin.com/in/edibleimpressions/) Kurt Bocksenbaum: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurt-bocksenbaum/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurt-bocksenbaum/) Sara Deacon: https://linkedin.com/in/saradeaconhttps://saradeacon.com (https://linkedin.com/in/saradeaconhttps://saradeacon.com)

Leadership means facing challenges head-on. In this episode, you'll hear from the group as they discuss how to overcome challenges in leadership. As a leader, you have to know what obstacles lie ahead because a leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way. Find out the key principles to building a strong foundation in order to be prepared as a leader to lead your team in the right direction.  Highlights 03:39 Remember to check in with myself, check into what I–what works for me or what my strengths are and then collaborate or connect with people who can fill in the gaps or who can train me on something that I want to learn.  05:22 My way is gonna look different than probably every other way out there but I can take bits and pieces of what I've learned.  08:05 You have to keep an open mind and then listen to everybody you just can't go on with a blinders on anymore because that doesn't work in today's environment so, just try to be positive.  09:18 When you stop growing, you stop living,right? So, we need to constantly be challenging ourselves.  10:06 Recognizing that none of us have all the answers and that we need to be in this together as well is important.  Guest Speakers Sara Deacon: https://linkedin.com/in/saradeaconhttps://saradeacon.com (https://linkedin.com/in/saradeaconhttps://saradeacon.com) Rich Grobelny: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richgrobelny/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/richgrobelny/) Link:  https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/play/nlOalRZqc74mGClin-TX5zCSJiafghBcY5Hs9UBbbigeHEFZhSsX85EMTZLyKG7bKGXt5_hpyZUMNVXT.dPPesPVTDjkRf-nE (https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/play/nlOalRZqc74mGClin-TX5zCSJiafghBcY5Hs9UBbbigeHEFZhSsX85EMTZLyKG7bKGXt5_hpyZUMNVXT.dPPesPVTDjkRf-nE) (Passcode: &Y8*+x*U)

We've come to learn in leadership that crucial conversation requires a two-way street. Wherein, when you give feedback, you'll also have to be open to receiving it by actively listening. In this episode, you'll find out more about how important it is to have a foundation of trust and that having relationships is crucial as well for handling crucial conversations successfully and being able to talk with sincerity and integrity.  Highlights: 02:34 Layers of anonymity start to build trust where like okay, I won't be singled out, I won't be called out for my suggestion or my feedback because my name is not associated in it. It's not part of my performance review or anything like that so I thought it was– that struck me as one way to build that culture of trust which can foster that ability to be more sincere and more kind in the feedback and more effective. 05:35 If I expect people to be honest with me because they care about me, well I need to know that they actually care and I need to be willing to do the same thing.  07:53 It's a responsibility to actually speak up and give them the feedback or take care of the problem even though it's a really difficult conversation to have. 08:51 It's easier to have these conversations when it's something objective versus something subjective. 09:17 Sometimes, us not saying that thing or us holding back from saying the hard thing is the worst thing we could do for that person. Contact https://www.kristinadvising.com/ (Kristin Gupta website)  Guest Speakers Sarah Deacon: https://linkedin.com/in/saradeaconhttps://saradeacon.com (https://linkedin.com/in/saradeaconhttps://saradeacon.com) Susan Muenter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanmuenter/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanmuenter/)

In order to create a successful business, it's important to foster a culture where people can thrive. This means creating an environment that is positive and supportive, where employees feel valued and appreciated. It's also important to have clear goals and expectations, so employees know what is expected of them. By creating a positive workplace culture, you'll be able to attract and retain top talent, which will help your business succeed. In this episode you`ll hear the group share their thoughts about why people stay and why do people go? In the time of the great resignation, we are discussing how to foster a culture of loyalty where people not only stay but thrive. Highlights 02:05 – I think the biggest thing that struck me in every feedback group, communication is always highlighted. 04:09 – One of the things that I feel privileged about is that they found ways to systematize this culture that allows people to thrive and I think that is important. 07:40 – Empowerment that allows people to feel connected to the company's culture and mission and feel like a valuable part of moving that forward. 09:33 – One component that we have to put in there is that it must be intentional. It's good to have an EOS system but if you`re not intentional about using it and implementing it then it's all going to be wasted. 14:11 – Know the “why”. The team needs to know the “why”. You can pull all the people you want together but if they don't know the “why” then they are not going to accomplish what you said. 17:01 – Staying out of the lane and then having that fresh perspective and allowing employees to share what they need to say but also going to them. Contact https://www.kristinadvising.com/ (Kristin Gupta website) Guest Speakers Cassie Adesina: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassie-adesina-cfp%E2%93%A1-financialwellness/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassie-adesina-cfp%E2%93%A1-financialwellness/) Sara Deacon: https://linkedin.com/in/saradeaconhttps:/saradeacon.com (https://linkedin.com/in/saradeaconhttps://saradeacon.com) Sarah Marshall: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahmarshall12/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahmarshall12/) & https://www.linkedin.com/company/humanworks8 (https://www.linkedin.com/company/humanworks8) Robb Vogel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vogelrc13/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/vogelrc13/) Jonathan Heider: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-d-heider/https:/www.linkedin.com/company/split-star-productions (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-d-heider/https://www.linkedin.com/company/split-star-productions) Ben Zang: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benzang6/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/benzang6/) #usioneadvantage Earl Smith: https://lsmith63.wearelegalshield.com/ (https://lsmith63.wearelegalshield.com) Sarah Vogt: http://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-v-97b64211 (www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-v-97b64211)

In this episode of Defining Leaders, Kristin is joined by Cynthia Andersen, a Director at AITP-Chicago. Cynthia and Kristin talk about improving performance, motivating others, and getting things done.  Cynthia shares her thoughts on prioritizing and re-prioritizing to inspire action. She also shares the acronym that she learned in the session. Tune in to this episode to master the little things so you can see how far you can go! Episode Highlights 01:30 – One was reprioritizing. You have to constantly realize what you're trying to accomplish and prioritize what you`re doing, and reprioritize. 06:40 – If we can hire the right person to get the job done sometimes that is closer to money, if we can be better at doing this or we have the right people in the right seats often that's closer to the money. 07:31 – Staying consistent, jotting things down especially if you`re doing things over and over again, have a system for that or if you`re a business or company, investing in programs or systems to be able to make your people's lives easier. 09:25 – Some people thought about their careers and you talk about recognition. How do they get recognized on what they've accomplished but also how can they be a contributor to the company to make it more successful. 10:27 – All of us have the same amount of time in our day, some people accomplish great things and some people get overwhelmed by all the little things that they can't even accomplish. Contact with Kristin https://www.kristinadvising.com/ (Website) Contact with Cynthia https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthiaandersenpmp/ (Linkedin)

In this episode of Defining Leaders, Kristin is joined by Laurie Chamberlin. Laurie is the CEO of LHH Recruitment Solutions of the Adecco Group's U.S. legal recruitment, consulting and solutions division. Laurie shares her professional background and explains how they handled the company during the pandemic. Laurie talks about her thoughts in reinventing normal and why it is important for today's organizations. Tune in to this episode to hear more interesting insight about reinventing normal. Episode Highlights 04:57 – It takes about 6 weeks to create a habit. We've now been working remotely in this new world and I don't think we'll return to what it was pre-pandemic. 05:30 – They're re-evaluating their lives from 3 perspectives. 1. what kind of flexibility have they had and what do they want. 2. Do they have a sense of purpose? 3. Overall wellness.  07:46 – The people that we all considered heroes during Covid completely changed from what they were before. 09:57 – I think that every company can find purpose in what they do, otherwise they wouldn't exist. 18:44 – If I said tomorrow, we`re all going back to the office, there will be 20% who would applaud it, 60% will be like I`m not sure what this means, and 20% would be down right hostile and so that is something that I think we all need to recognize. Contact with Kristin https://www.kristinadvising.com/ (Website) Contact with Laurie https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurie-chamberlin/ (Linkedin)

In today's episode, we've invited Matt Ley, Principal at Flip The Script, an expert consultant working with companies to align their strategies to their business goals to maximize results. Matt will help us through the conversation on how we can vision forward to the future in our business while at the same time ensuring today is run well. The conversation started by Matt giving us a few important points to consider especially now that so much is happening and there's so many blurred lines when it comes to roles in companies. He gave us clarity on different concepts such as leadership vs management, vision vs integration, responsibility vs accountability and titles vs activities. He addresses an important topic on responsibilities in companies.  Listen in this episode and learn about what you could do to focus on the future while optimizing today.  Episode Highlights 2:10 A lot of what this presentation was about and what we're trying to do here is, I think I'll call it concept clarity, we're taking things that look like they should be similar and teasing them apart to the subtle differences. 3:29 If the vision is running too far ahead of the integration or the integration is too set in its ways where it's at and it's not falling apart, there becomes this disconnect, possibly even a break.  4:56 A leader is someone who lives at the strategic level, a manager is someone who lives at the tactical layer, an individual contributor is someone who lives at that operational level of the value creation. 9:08 Leaders are there to define the new; managers are there to refine the now. 13:40 You need to talk about what value you bring for creating vision, what value you bring for creating optimization to multiply value. Contact https://www.kristinadvising.com/ (Kristin Gupta Website) https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattley/ (Matt Ley LinkedIn  ) 

In this episode of Defining Leaders, Kristin is joined by Sara Deacon, Leona Kimball, Fabio Bonacquisto, Jennifer Patrick and Rick Kent to talk about rediscovering your personality and getting to know a little bit more about it. During the Defining Leader's webinar, the group took an assessment called 16 Personalities which jump started the podcast today. They started by talking about each of their results and as the conversation got deeper, the group then started analyzing what each of the letters mean.  The group shared some amazing analysis about the 16 Personalities assessment that will help anyone who wants to take the test. They reiterate the importance of appreciating and being comfortable with who you are versus comparing yourself with other people. We tend to overlook who we are because we're so caught up with comparing ourselves with the perfect version of other people. It's important to embrace ourselves, especially our traits and personalities.  Episode Highlights 04:62 The other thing that also sort of made sense was as a leader in my professional career, throughout my life I've evolved from that quiet guy on the sidelines to becoming a little bit more extroverted and assertive. Not only out of necessity because of the roles I've had in leadership, but because I've enjoyed it. I've learned to enjoy it and I'm comfortable with it. 06:29 I need to change a little bit of how I interact with others so that I can be more welcoming to people of different personalities.  11:09 It doesn't necessarily mean we make decisions based on intuition because a lot of times intuition tends to be like, women versus men, women tend to be more intuitive, that's not the case when it comes to this one. 13:15 We can learn from the other side of that because sometimes you just got to make a decision, right, then sometimes you need to put more thought into it because if we're if we all make decisions just based on what our gut says, where's the world's going to take us? 14:42 When taking this test, it shows where your weaknesses are and right now I'm seeing that I'm turning more into that person that needs that list, and I'm fully ready to jump on in and turn that 52% all the way up into the 90% for a little bit for what I need in life right now and that's what I've taken from this test in general is looking at those weaknesses or those strengths and seeing which ones I want to change up. 17:48 We need to be comfortable with who we are. Contact https://www.kristinadvising.com/ (Kristin Gupta website) Co-Hosts: Sara Deacon - Life Balance Coach https://linkedin.com/in/saradeacon (https://linkedin.com/in/saradeacon) Leona Kimball – HR / Talent Leader https://www.linkedin.com/in/leona-kimball-751231/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/leona-kimball-751231/) Fabio Bonacquisto: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fabio-bonacquisto-7373b267/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/fabio-bonacquisto-7373b267/) Jennifer Patrick, HR Leader https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-patrick-1b44ba18/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-patrick-1b44ba18/) Rick Kent https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickckent/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickckent/) Resources: 16 personalities link to assessment: https://www.16personalities.com/ (https://www.16personalities.com/)

In today's episode, Kristin is joined by Sara Deacon, Fabio Bonacquisto, Julie Weigand and Caryn Willens to talk about living your purpose. Oftentimes we tend to dim our light just because we're afraid of showing others our capabilities. We're afraid of being judged or not achieving the standards of society which gets in the way of showing our true potential. It's important to remember that holding back our authentic selves will only lead to depriving the world of our gifts and talents.  The group begins the conversation by sharing their thoughts on a video they all previously watched about living your purpose by Lisa Nichol. Each of the members shared inspiring realizations from the video. They reiterate the importance of letting your light shine and not allowing fear to hold you back. Towards the end of the episode, Kristin shared a wonderful poem called Greatest Fear by Marianne Williamson which is about not letting your fears make you small.  Episode Highlights 2:50 Maybe the dream isn't like this grandiose picture of lavish excess wealth and abundance but maybe it's simple. I just want to have the time and the peace of mind and the presence to be with the people I love and to pour into them in the best way possible. 4:20 I loved how she said that when we hold back our authentic selves were depriving the rest of the world of our light and our gifts.  6:27 One thing that stuck out with me was like at the end when the whole crowd started to give thanks and it just showed that when someone has a message and then they share it with other people, it actually does resonate with everyone else. 14:25 Our Greatest Fear by Marianne Williamson  16:10 If we hide our light under a bushel, if we deplete ourselves and say, I'm not good enough, we're not just affecting ourselves, we're affecting the others that don't get it too and sometimes we need that to be our motivating force as well.  17:36 Instead of being afraid of that light that I have inside me, embrace it and take it to that next level. 20:30 A support system is so important even if it's just one person because very often we are taught to think small and it prevents us from bringing forth what we do have inside to share. Contact https://www.kristinadvising.com/ (Kristin Gupta website) Co-hosts Sara Deacon:      https://linkedin.com/in/saradeacon (https://linkedin.com/in/saradeacon) Fabio Bonacquisto:          https://www.linkedin.com/in/fabio-bonacquisto-7373b267/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/fabio-bonacquisto-7373b267/) Julie Wiegand:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-wiegand-profile/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-wiegand-profile/) Caryn Willens:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/caryn-willens-400a8827/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/caryn-willens-400a8827/) Link to referenced Lisa Nichol's video and other resources: https://www.kristinadvising.com/post/resource-livingyourpurpose (https://www.kristinadvising.com/post/resource-livingyourpurpose)

In this episode, Kristin is joined by Peter Stipan, Sara Deacon and Caryn Simmons to talk about defining your purpose in life. Identifying your purpose is essential in living your best life. If you know what your purpose is, it'll give you an opportunity to enhance it and use it. Having a sense of purpose can help you survive the challenges that life gives you. The group started the conversation by talking about their own purposes in life.  As the conversation gets deeper, the group talks about embracing change when it comes to our purpose in life. Change helps us to move forward gracefully and there's nothing wrong if your purpose in life changes.  The conversation ends with Kristin sharing the 5 key takeaways in the topic.  Episode Highlights 1:14 When we talk today about defining your purpose, it's really not just about finding fulfillment in your work life, it's about much more than that, it's about finding fulfillment in your life.  4:57 As we were discussing in our small group, most people I think had their purpose or had at least a vague sense of where their purpose was leading them, even if they couldn't quite define it concisely. 8:43 It's not about teaching people my way. It's about helping people unfold and uncover their own way that helps them be more intentional, more invested in the outcome that they themselves want.  16:20 Finding your why or finding your purpose is so important because it's what gets you out of bed in the morning but it's also what instigates you not being the victim.  Contact https://www.kristinadvising.com/ (Kristin Gupta Website)

In today's episode, Kristin is joined by Katie Conley, Fabio Bonacquisto, Sara Deacon, Wendy Terwelp and Rich Grobelny to talk about finding what's unique about us. It's important to embrace our unique personalities and traits in order for us to grow more. We sometimes forget to appreciate the things we are great at because of all the things happening around us. The group begins by talking about the importance of knowing your differentiator.  As the conversation gets deeper, they talk about vulnerability and how it contributes to knowing your differentiator. It can be scary to be vulnerable sometimes but it's also important in knowing your true self. Being vulnerable can help you find out who you are as a person.  The conversation ends with each sharing their differentiators to the group.  Episode Highlights 02:04 So when we talk about differentiators, I really want to make sure that we're focused on ourselves as a whole being, and what sets us apart, not just what we do, because what we can do can change but who we are is the core of that. 04:10 I noticed that when someone has an example of how that other person perceives themselves, they're able to start to compartmentalize and figure out exactly who they are, and sometimes it's that extra push.  08:30 I think it's really important to realize that you're, you're one person, you know, and you're a whole person. And it's important to not only self-reflect on who you are, but also to gain some perspective of how others see you. 14:14 We see different aspects of who we are, but we still have a core, that driving force behind what we do. How often do we do things that maybe aren't right for us because we don't know what that course is? 19:33 Our tone can also convey command or leadership that way so there's some different attributes that we're learning in the face of the pandemic to really rely on our other strengths. 22:13 All of us have the potential, we have the potential to do anything we want and if we take that attribute right there, and start learning and doing whatever we want, we can become whatever we want.  Contact https://www.kristinadvising.com/ (Kristin Gupta website)

Kristin is joined by Rick Kent, Sarah Deakin, Julie Weigand and Ann Wicker to talk about finding real happiness in our lives. They begin by talking about what real happiness is and how you acknowledge it in your life. Happiness can be different for everyone but the key is to appreciate the things around us.  The conversation got deeper as it revolves around the mindset you should have to appreciate the happiness that you receive in your life. We are sometimes so focused on the next big thing in our lives that we don't capture the happiness that the present time brings us.   The conversation ended by talking about taking a moment to appreciate the little things in life. Episode Highlights 2:55 Saying yes to new things and opportunities even though it makes you uncomfortable because it allows you to experience the journey in a much nicer way.  3:54 We got too caught up in accomplishing the end goal or getting to that goal that we don't take enough time to stop along the way and make some memories and enjoy the ride.  10:10 Having compassion for yourself in those rough days really goes a long way. It's all part of growth as well, not just the journey of happiness.  18:28 Not everyone's version of happiness is the same, many of us view this differently.  Contact https://www.kristinadvising.com/ (Kristin Gupta website)

Kristin is joined by Sandy Cleveland and Peter Stipan to discuss improving leadership in a virtual world. They talk about how the shift to a virtual work environment has influenced how we lead our teams and how it's changed our businesses. The conversation focuses on challenges to moving to a virtual platform including setting up a virtual or hybrid structure, increasing the level of engagement, building trust in a virtual environment, and the lack of connection without face-to-face connectivity. They also discuss what is going well and the positive outcomes of moving into a virtual workspace. Episode highlights 03:02 Finally, we see an environment where we recognize that people don't have to be sitting in their seats in an office to get work done. 04:32 That nuance between 100% face-to-face at the organization, then going virtual, and now let's do something in between, there are nuances between all three of those that we have to be aware of.  06:22 How do we build trust? When we're together it seems the quickest way to build trust is solving problems together. Can we solve problems efficiently, effectively with a virtual team? 07:18 We're moving from meeting to meeting without that five minutes in between which has really caused some rifts in that connection. 08:30 We don't have the bookends of when you get to the office and you leave the office. You never leave your work. People are working all hours of the day and night now too.  16:52 Now we're building relationships based on who we are, what we believe in, and our values which are so key to what we do on a daily basis. That to me is important and we need to emphasize that in the virtual environment.  Contact https://www.kristinadvising.com/ (Kristin Gupta website)

Welcome to the first episode of the Defining Leaders podcast. In this podcast, your host Kristin Gupta will share some learnings and real-life examples from real people. She will talk about how they're changing their lives and becoming stronger leaders, developing themselves, discovering more about themselves, and growing together - because together is better. In this episode, Kristin shares a few things about core values.  Episode highlights 02:24 - Create community. We support each other and build each other up.  02:55 - Explore different perspectives. Learning from other people helps us to grow.   05:23 - Thrive. Are you finding some ways to thrive? Or are you just showing up? Contact https://www.kristinadvising.com/ (Kristin Gupta website)

Welcome to the Defining Leaders podcast. Defining Leaders was founded by the idea that together is better.  We started as a virtual community that worked together to help develop and lift each other up, helping to boost one another's careers and make work a better place to be.  We wanted to grow that community.  So, we decided to bring it here. Many of us struggle to find support and direction within our professional journeys.  Our companies and organizations struggle in developing their internal leaders, and don't always know where to go for help. We have created a community that focuses on helping our members find authentic connection, discovery, and empowerment so they can find a healthy, enjoyable, and fulfilling career.   With topics like “Find Your Purpose”, “Resilience”, and “Moving from Player to Coach”, In each episode we tackle challenging issues that we face today and hear real life stories of those that have been there, gaining from their experiences.  We will also hear stories from those who have struggled.  Because you're not in this alone. We are real, community based, passion driven, and accepting.  We want to make sure you feel at home, and have an opportunity to find your growth here.   I'm your host, Kristin Gupta, The Connector of People  You're invited to join our community and share your story at https://www.kristinadvising.com/ (kristinadvising.com)