The RV is in for service.

There are friends to see, projects to tackle, places to go, and all the familiar rhythms that come with returning to a place we love.

As I looked ahead at the next few months, I realized something.

The challenge isn't usually choosing the wrong direction.

The challenge is forgetting to choose one at all.

Life fills the space we give it.

Calendars fill.

Commitments accumulate.

Days become weeks.

Weeks become seasons.

And without realizing it, we begin living reactively rather than intentionally.

That's why I believe mid-year reflection is so valuable.

Not because we need another goal.

Because we need awareness.

As summer begins, I'm asking myself a simple question:

What deserves my attention this season?

Not what is demanding it.

Not what is competing for it.

What truly deserves it?

That question may be worth sitting with this weekend.

The Savvy Leaders Lounge is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

For Oie Dobier, that disappointing moment became the catalyst for a much bigger question:

“If my job isn’t who I am, then who am I?”

In this episode of The Savvy Leader Podcast, Kristin sits down with entrepreneur, business coach, and Bloomdocking co-founder Oie Dobier to discuss identity, purpose, entrepreneurship, and the courageous decision to design a life aligned with personal values rather than societal expectations.

Together they explore:

• The corporate setback that sparked a journey of self-discovery• How Oie transitioned from employee to entrepreneur• Why identity should never be tied to a title or promotion• Lessons learned from building a business around freedom and fulfillment• The realities of full-time van life and intentional living• What it means to create success on your own terms• Practical advice for anyone feeling stuck, burned out, or ready for change

Whether you’re navigating a career transition, questioning your next chapter, or simply seeking greater alignment in your life and work, this conversation offers thoughtful insights and encouragement for the road ahead.

CONNECT WITH OIE DOBIER

Website: https://bloomdocking.com/

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/oie-dobier-b5a8456/

CONNECT WITH KRISTIN GALLATIN & SAVVY LIVING NETWORK

Website: https://savvylivingnetwork.com

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristingallatin

Subscribe to The Savvy Leader Podcast:https://www.youtube.com/@SavvyLeaderPodcast

The Savvy Leaders Lounge is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Have you taken time to ask yourself whether the life, business, or goals you're pursuing still align with who you've become?

Growth changes us.

Experience changes us.

Sometimes the plans we made in January no longer fit the person we are in June.

Mid-year isn't just a checkpoint.

It's an invitation to pause, reflect, and make sure you're still heading in the direction that matters most.

The next six months are still unwritten.

How do you want them to look?

#MidYearRecalibration #TrueNorth #IntentionalLiving #LeadershipDevelopment #PersonalGrowth

In this episode, I sat down with my friend and coach, Lauren Dittle, to discuss what happens after the papers are signed and the dust begins to settle.

Lauren shares how her own divorce became the catalyst for helping other women navigate life’s hardest transitions. We discuss rebuilding confidence, restoring self-trust, surrendering control, and learning to see challenges as opportunities for growth rather than permanent setbacks.

One of the most powerful themes from our conversation is this:

Healing isn’t about becoming who you were before. It’s about becoming who you’re meant to be next.

We also discuss Lauren’s new community, Made for More Mama, designed for women seeking deeper connection, personal growth, and support during seasons of change.

Key Takeaways

* Healing is rarely linear.

* Self-trust can be rebuilt.

* Control is often rooted in fear.

* Community matters.

* Faith provides strength during uncertainty.

* Small practices like breathing and silence can create powerful shifts.

* Difficult seasons often reveal who we’re becoming.

Connect with Lauren Dittle

Website: https://laurendittle.com/

Substack: https://substack.com/@laurendittle

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauren_dittle/

The Savvy Leaders Lounge is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

It creates an opportunity most people ignore.

Pause.

Not panic.Not pressure.Not frantic goal chasing.

Just honest reflection.

Many people begin the year with vision, energy, and intention.But somewhere along the way life takes over:responsibilities,leadership,caregiving,stress,unexpected change,survival mode.

And slowly, people drift into automatic living.

Still functioning.Still producing.Still showing up.

But no longer fully connected to themselves.

That is why I believe discernment matters.

Discernment asks different questions:What is still aligned?What feels heavy now?What no longer fits this season of life?What deserves more attention moving forward?

This month I want to explore the idea of Midyear Discernment:reflection,recalibration,intentional direction,and rebuilding alignment before burnout becomes identity.

Not dramatic reinvention.

Just thoughtful honesty about the life you are building and whether it still reflects who you are becoming.

The Savvy Leaders Lounge is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Burnout often starts quietly.

It starts with tension.With resentment.With pressure.With slowly becoming someone you don’t recognize.

This week’s Savvy Leader conversation with Anne Potts explores the “vitality gap,” the difference between living from constant extraction and living with intention and energy.

A thoughtful conversation for anyone carrying a lot right now.

We discussed:

• Why burnout isn’t simply about workload• The concept of extraction versus restoration• Early warning signs many people dismiss• Why self-care is foundational• Practical shifts that help people reconnect with themselves

One thought that stood out:

Fun is not frivolous. It is part of maintaining a healthy and sustainable life.

Question for reflection:

Where in your life are you constantly extracting from yourself without restoring?

Sometimes the conversation never becomes the breakthrough moment you hoped for.

You try.You communicate honestly.You approach someone respectfully and calmly.

And they still respond with defensiveness, silence, blame, manipulation, or emotional shutdown.

Over time, I have learned something difficult but freeing:

Not every unresolved conversation is yours to fix.

Some people are carrying wounds much deeper than the moment in front of them.Some people feel threatened by accountability.Some people are deeply attached to the version of the story that protects them emotionally.

For years, I carried the hope of eventually having “the conversation” with my father — the honest one that would finally create understanding and closure.

Eventually I had to accept that peace was not going to come from forcing resolution.

Peace came from releasing the need for it.

That does not mean bitterness.It does not mean emotional avoidance.It means acceptance.

And maybe that is a more mature form of courage than we often acknowledge.

Sometimes courage is speaking honestly.

Sometimes courage is quietly stepping to the side when the conversation is no longer healthy, productive, or healing.

Not every relationship will give us the ending we hoped for.

But we can still choose peace.

In this solo episode of The Savvy Leader Podcast, Kristin shares a deeply personal conversation about fear, rejection, emotional conditioning, boundaries, and the courage it takes to communicate honestly.

Drawing from her own experiences growing up in a difficult family dynamic, navigating adulthood as a people-pleaser, and learning to speak up while living life on the road, Kristin explores the emotional patterns that keep many of us silent.

This episode covers:

* how childhood experiences shape communication patterns

* overcoming fear of rejection and conflict

* why most conversations are harder in our heads

* learning to ask for help and approach strangers

* setting healthy emotional boundaries

* empathy without self-abandonment

* accepting when conversations cannot be resolved

* and how small acts of courage create personal freedom

Whether you struggle with confrontation, overthink interactions, avoid difficult conversations, or simply want healthier communication in relationships and leadership, this episode offers a grounded and honest perspective on what courageous conversations really look like.

Listen & Connect

📌 https://www.youtube.com/@SavvyLeaderPodcast📌 https://savvylivingnetwork.com

🔗 https://Linkedin.com/in/kristingallatin1

We rehearse responses.Predict reactions.Assume intentions.Build entire scenarios in our heads before the conversation even begins.

And in doing so, we often create anxiety, defensiveness, and emotional exhaustion long before a single word is spoken.

This week’s Weekend Wisdom reflection continues our Courageous Conversations series with two important reminders:

* Stop trying to control the outcome.

* Lead with empathy instead of defensiveness.

You cannot control how another person responds.You cannot force understanding.You cannot manage someone else’s emotions for them.

But you CAN control how you show up.

Calm.Honest.Grounded.Curious.Respectful.

Empathy does not mean agreement.It means creating enough space to consider what another person may be carrying emotionally, mentally, or situationally before reacting.

Many conversations change the moment people stop trying to win and start trying to understand.

This week’s reflection question:What helps you stay grounded during difficult conversations?

The Savvy Leaders Lounge is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

In this deeply honest and empowering episode of the Savvy Leader Podcast, Kristin Gallatin sits down with reinvention mentor and “Next Chapter Architect” AnYes van Rhijn to explore what true transformation really looks like after 50.

AnYes shares her personal journey through grief, divorce, toxic relationships, entrepreneurship, identity shifts, and rebuilding her life from the ground up — including leaving a relationship at 57 with only 43 euros and beginning again.

Together, Kristin and AnYes unpack:

* Why reinvention is not a single event but a lifelong evolution

* The hidden emotional cost of staying stuck

* How women lose themselves in roles and expectations

* The importance of clarity, identity, and self-trust

* What it takes to rebuild confidence after major life transitions

* Why purpose-driven work matters more in the second half of life

* The mindset shifts required to create a meaningful next chapter

This conversation is thoughtful, vulnerable, practical, and deeply validating for anyone navigating change, burnout, identity shifts, career pivots, or personal reinvention.

Whether you are entering a new season of life, recovering from loss, or simply feeling called toward something more aligned, this episode offers wisdom and encouragement for the road ahead.

#SavvyLeaderPodcast #WomenOver50 #Reinvention #PersonalGrowth #PurposeDrivenLife #Leadership #Mindset #Transformation #Authenticity #WomenInBusiness

Relevant Links

Connect with AnYes van Rhijn

Website: https://www.thereinventionmentor.biz/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anyesvanrhijn/

Connect with Savvy Leader Podcast

Podcast Booking Link: https://calendly.com/savvyleaderpodcast/podcast-interview

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SavvyLeaderPodcast

Savvy Living Network: https://savvylivingnetwork.com/

LinkedIn: https://Linkedin.com/in/kristingallatin1

Substack:

But many of them are simply moments that require honesty, clarity, and calm timing.

The real weight often comes from replaying them in our heads for too long.

One small practice I’m working on:Address things earlier, before emotion and overthinking build unnecessary pressure around them.

Sometimes peace comes from finally saying the thing gently and directly.

What are you carrying, with more weight than it deserves?

Not constantly.But often enough that it won’t leave you alone.

In this week’s Savvy Leader Podcast, I sat down with Meghan DeFord, a women’s leadership coach who helps high-achieving women finally move forward on the goals they’ve been holding onto for years.

And that’s the pattern.

Not lack of ambition.Not lack of capability.Just… delay.

One insight that stood out:We’ve been taught to be needed—not fulfilled.

So we build lives that work for everyone else, and quietly wonder why something still feels off.

We also talked about:

* Why clarity comes after action

* How values show up in your calendar

* The difference between thinking about change and actually doing it

And maybe the most confronting question:👉 What does your life look like if nothing changes?

No pressure. Just honesty.

If something in you knows it’s time to move—even a little—start there.

🎧 Listen/Watch the full episode: YouTube.com/@SavvyLeaderPodcast

Not from a strategy standpoint—but from a personal one.

I’ve always associated them with confrontation.Which meant I avoided them more than I realized.

I became someone who kept things moving,kept things smooth,and handled things quietly.

But “keeping the peace” and “keeping things unspoken”aren’t the same thing.

One creates alignment.The other creates distance over time.

So this is the shift I’m in right now:

Learning to trust myself enoughto say what needs to be said—without turning it into something bigger than it needs to be.

Not perfectly.But intentionally.

This week on the Savvy Leader Podcast, I sat down with Erech Gallatin—a seasoned sales professional whose career was built on understanding people, creating value, and mastering the one-call close.

But this conversation isn’t really about sales.

It’s about what happens when life interrupts your plans in a way you didn’t choose—and you’re left to rebuild not just your work, but your identity.

After a devastating motorcycle accident that resulted in a spinal cord injury and paralysis, Erech had to navigate a new reality. What struck me most wasn’t just the adversity—it was the clarity that followed.

We talk about:

Why most people misunderstand what drives real connection

The role of perspective in both business and life

How resilience is built in real time—not in theory

What it means to redefine success when everything changes

There’s a steadiness in this conversation that I think a lot of people need right now.

If you’ve been questioning your direction, your work, or how to move forward after something difficult—this episode offers something more grounded than motivation.

It offers perspective.

🎧 Watch here: https://youtu.be/id0620IRLC8🚐 Follow his journey: https://www.youtube.com/@BigEsBoondockBuzz

A lot of people are very good at managing their time—but they’re managing it around things that don’t actually reflect what matters to them.

So they stay busy.They stay productive.And still feel off.

That disconnect is subtle, but it adds up.

Real change doesn’t come from doing more.It comes from reordering what comes first.

What if your days were built around your True North…instead of everything else?

You don’t need to change everything.Just choose one decision this week that reflects what actually matters—and start there.

#TrueNorth #IntentionalLiving #Leadership #Alignment #PersonalGrowth #SavvyLiving

I’ve lived it.

More than once, I found myself standing at the edge of the “next level”—and instead of stepping forward, I stepped sideways.

This week’s Savvy Leader Podcast is a personal one.

I’m sharing:

Where that pattern showed up in my life

What I didn’t understand at the time

And how it led to the development of True North Orientation

If something feels off in your world right now, this might give you language for it.

Becka shares how a health crisis—Lyme disease, chronic symptoms, and frustration with the system—forced her to look deeper.

Not for a quick fix.Not for another solution.But for the root.

And what she discovered is something most of us don’t consider:

Your body is responding… not failing.

In this week’s Savvy Leader Podcast, we explore:

What it means to be “rooted” in your life and health

Why symptoms may actually be signals

The role of stress, environment, and subconscious patterns

How small, simple changes can create real shifts

This is one of those conversations that doesn’t just inform—it reframes.

You don’t need to figure everything out this week.

You just need to get back into alignment.

So many of us start Monday feeling pressure—

to plan more, do more, fix more.

But real recalibration is simpler than that.

It starts with honesty:

What feels off right now?

Maybe it’s something you’ve outgrown.

Maybe it’s something you’ve been holding onto out of habit.

Maybe it’s just time to move differently.

You don’t need a full reset.

Just take one aligned step today.

That’s how momentum builds.

That’s how clarity comes.

✨ One step. One shift. One decision.

Let that be enough for today.

#SavvyLiving #MondayMotivation #RecalibrateAndReset #StartWhereYouAre

Last week, I shared a thought about starting over—and how it isn’t failure.

And I still believe that.

But what’s been sitting with me since then is this…

What if we didn’t wait until things felt far enough offthat starting over felt necessary?

What if we got better at noticing the shift earlier?

Because most of the time, it’s not one big momentthat takes us off course.

It’s subtle.

It’s the small yes that didn’t feel quite right.The habit we kept, even though it stopped serving us.The pace we maintained, even when something felt off.

And before long, we’re far enough awaythat it feels like we need to begin again.

But maybe we don’t.

Maybe recalibration is just…pausing long enough to notice.

Adjusting before it becomes overwhelming.Realigning before it becomes a reset.

I’ve been feeling that more clearly this week—new place, cooler air, closer to family.

There’s something about a shift in environmentthat quiets the noise just enoughto hear what’s actually true again.

So instead of asking, “Do I need to start over?”maybe the better question is:

Where have I drifted… even just a little?

And what would it look liketo come back into alignment—now, instead of later?

It’s no longer about doing more.It’s about designing better.

In my latest Savvy Leader Podcast conversation with Jacki Hayes, we explored what it actually means to build a business that works—for you.

Not just systems that look good on paper.But systems that align with how you think, lead, and operate.

Because the truth is…If your systems don’t fit you, they will eventually fail you.

Starting over gets a bad reputation.

People treat it like something went wrong.

But more often than not, it means you’ve grown.

It means you’re no longer willing to stay where you don’t belong.

Allow yourself to go where you wouldn’t have gone before.To make a different decision.To begin again—on purpose.

This isn’t failure.

It’s a new chapter.

Something is shifting online — and it’s not just algorithms.

Trust is eroding.

In my latest podcast conversation with Naomi Rotstein, we explore what this means for creators, coaches, and entrepreneurs trying to grow in today’s digital landscape.

From AI-generated “experts” to overwhelmed audiences, the rules have changed.

And the solution isn’t more content — it’s more truth.

Not always in obvious ways.Sometimes it looks like opportunity.Sometimes it feels like obligation.

And it’s easy to slip back into old patterns without realizing it.

I’ve been thinking about two questions lately:

Does this align with who I am now—or who I used to be?Will this add clarity—or noise?

Simple questions.But they create a pause.

And sometimes that pause is all you need to choose differently.

Because alignment isn’t just about what you remove—

It’s about what you allow back in.

We spend so much time trying to simplify our lives.

Removing. Letting go. Creating space.

But no one really talks about what happens next.

Because space is uncomfortable.

This week’s podcast explores:– The vulnerability of open space– The quiet patterns of self-sabotage– The difference between alignment and performance– And the question that determines your next direction

Read, listen, and reflect:What are you doing with the time you’ve been given back?

We’re living in a time where tools are doing more for us than ever before.Automating. Simplifying. Accelerating.

And now, spring arrives—bringing longer days, more light, and a subtle sense of possibility.

But here’s the tension I’ve been thinking about:

Just because we have more time…doesn’t mean we’re using it well.

We have a choice.

To enhance our skills.To go deeper instead of faster.To rest—intentionally, not as an afterthought.Or to fill the space with more doing, more noise, more distraction.

This season is an invitation to be honest about how we’re showing up.

Not just in what we produce—but in how we choose to spend the life we’re building.

So I’ll leave you with this:

How will you shine with the time you’ve been given back?

In this episode of The Savvy Leader Podcast, Kristin Gallatin interviews licensed psychotherapist and mindset coach Ioana Chei about the mindset shifts required to build a business, overcome fear, and embrace personal growth.

Ioana shares her journey from teaching in a special needs school to opening her own psychotherapy practice and transitioning into mindset coaching. Along the way she discovered the power of identity shifts, emotional awareness, and nervous system regulation in helping entrepreneurs and leaders make bold decisions.

If you are navigating entrepreneurship, personal transformation, or leadership growth, this episode provides powerful insight.

In this episode we discuss:

✔ Transitioning from employee to entrepreneur✔ Mindset coaching vs psychotherapy✔ Managing fear when taking big risks✔ Identity shifts in personal development✔ Nervous system regulation and emotional resilience✔ Why chaos is part of growth

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction01:10 From teacher to therapist03:00 Turning a passion into a business07:00 Discovering mindset coaching12:00 Identity shifts and rediscovering yourself18:00 Coaching people through fear23:30 Fitness and mental health29:00 Nervous system regulation explained34:00 Starting a business partnership40:30 Moving coaching online43:30 Advice for aspiring leaders

Subscribe for more conversations with entrepreneurs, leaders, and change-makers.

Relevant Links🎥 Watch the episode on YouTubehttps://youtu.be/aeZ7ILZ_JR8🎧 Listen on Libsynhttps://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/traffic.libsyn.com/56e68406-3b51-4cd5-8e49-1651ba97fae5/slp_ep._42_wIoana_Chei.m4a📸 Follow Ioana Chei on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/ioanachei/Follow Kristin on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kristingallatin1/🌐 Learn more about Savvy Living Networkhttps://savvylivingnetwork.com

For years, success is usually defined for us.Titles. Promotions. Big houses. Fancy cars. Recognition.

And many people spend years chasing those things because they believe that’s what success is supposed to look like.

But at some point, many of us reach a moment of reflection.

I’m sure there has been a time in your own life where you reached a meaningful place… or you finally achieved a goal you had been working toward.

Let me ask you something.

Did you actually take time to revel in that moment?

Or did you simply move the goalpost and start chasing the next thing?

It’s an interesting question, because sometimes we get so used to striving that we forget to pause and recognize what we’ve already accomplished.

For me, success has become something much simpler.

Success to me isn’t about status or possessions.

It’s the freedom to pursue what fulfills me most—serving others, living aligned with my faith, and building communities where people feel encouraged, supported, and inspired.

It’s waking up excited about the day ahead.

It’s feeling aligned with my purpose.

It’s knowing that the time and energy I’m investing is helping someone else feel uplifted, supported, or reminded of their worth.

So maybe the real question isn’t how do I become successful.

Maybe the better question is this:

Before you chase the next goal, pause and ask yourself one question.

What does success actually mean to you?

Because the answer might change the direction of your life.

Some leaders follow a path.

Others create one through experimentation.

In this episode of the Savvy Leader Podcast, Kristin Gallatin sits down with Marian Cook—founder of Archstone Workspace, executive educator for MIT and Yale, and a lifelong innovator whose career has spanned technology, government strategy, consulting, and entrepreneurship.

Marian shares how her philosophy of experimentation shaped her journey—from working as a systems engineer at IBM to launching a thriving coworking community designed to help entrepreneurs grow together.

But this conversation goes far beyond business.

We talk about:

• Why leaders must embrace curiosity• The role of experimentation in innovation• Building authentic communities around work• Supporting adults with autism through entrepreneurship• Creating human-centered workplaces• Learning through failure and resilience

Marian also shares the powerful story behind Archstone Workspace, a coworking community she built with her son Joe, and how the project has become both a business and a mission.

One of the most memorable lessons from the conversation:

“Liberate yourself from the prison of perfectionism. Just try things.”

If you’ve ever felt stuck, uncertain, or hesitant to start something new, this episode will challenge you to rethink how progress actually happens.

Often, it starts with a simple mindset shift:

It’s just an experiment.

listen on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/9EYfULvJYXU

About Marian Cook

Marian Cook is the founder of Archstone Workspace, a coworking community designed to support entrepreneurs through education, networking, and collaboration.

She is also an executive educator for MIT and Yale, specializing in leadership, innovation, and emerging technology.

With a career spanning IBM, state government innovation strategy, consulting, and entrepreneurship, Marian brings a unique perspective on leadership, resilience, and the power of continuous learning.

The right brand.The right relationship.The right morning routine.The right goals.

From the outside, alignment can look polished. Organized. Successful. Peaceful.

But alignment isn’t a look.

It’s a feeling.

And if you’ve ever truly experienced it, you know the difference immediately.

Alignment feels steady.

Not loud. Not performative. Not adrenaline-fueled.

It feels grounded.

There’s less internal argument.Less proving.Less rushing to convince yourself you’re on the right path.

When you’re aligned, your body relaxes.

Your breathing slows down.Your thoughts become clearer.Your decisions require less force.

You’re not trying to manufacture certainty — you simply feel settled.

Alignment feels like integrity inside your nervous system.

It’s when your values, your choices, and your energy are moving in the same direction.

It’s subtle.

It doesn’t always feel exciting.It often feels calm.Sometimes it even feels quiet.

And that’s why people miss it.

We’ve been conditioned to associate alignment with fireworks — when in reality, it’s more like a deep exhale.

You don’t feel pulled in ten directions.

You don’t feel the need to over-explain yourself.

You don’t feel that tightness in your chest that says, “This isn’t quite right.”

Instead, there’s a quiet internal “yes.”

Even if it’s hard.Even if it’s stretching you.Even if it requires courage.

Alignment doesn’t remove challenge.

It removes internal conflict.

And that’s the difference.

If you’re trying to figure out whether something in your life is aligned, don’t ask how it looks on paper.

Ask your body.

Does it feel expansive?Or contracted?Does it feel peaceful?Or pressured?Does it feel honest?Or strategic?

Alignment is not about optics.

It’s about congruence.

And when you experience that congruence — even briefly — you know.

Because it feels like coming home to yourself.

Pause there.

Let that land.

That’s alignment.

The long days.The late nights.The responsibility you carry for family, business, and the future you’re trying to build.

Most people only see the finished result.They don’t see the discipline, the doubt, the waiting, or the faith required along the way.

This short video montage is built around a simple idea:

I see you.

I see the mother holding everything together.I see the entrepreneur stepping into uncertainty.I see the leader choosing integrity when shortcuts would be easier.I see the believer continuing forward even when the outcome is unclear.

If you’ve been in a season of quiet perseverance, this message is for you.

Take three minutes, watch the video, and remember: the work you’re doing matters—even when no one else sees it yet.

Erica shares how her 25-year corporate career in wealth management—and managing four financial advisors’ calendars—led her to build a coaching practice focused on helping women reclaim clarity, energy, and peace.

If you’ve ever said:

* “I just need more time.”

* “I should be able to handle all of this.”

* “If I rest, I’ll fall behind.”

* “I’m always behind.”

This episode is for you.

You’ll learn:✔ Why busyness is not productivity✔ How to shift from reactive living to intentional design✔ Why willpower fails (and what works instead)✔ How to create sustainable boundaries✔ How mindset shapes time management✔ The truth about feeling “behind”✔ Practical friction-removal strategies that actually stick

This conversation blends strategy, neuroscience, emotional intelligence, and real-world coaching tools to help women lead from clarity instead of chaos.

⏱️ Episode Timestamps

00:00:21 – Welcome & Introduction to Erica Dirkes00:01:21 – From Wealth Management to Mindful Time Coaching00:02:35 – Women, Burnout & the Second Shift00:04:21 – Managing 4 Financial Advisors’ Calendars00:06:51 – The Catalyst: Life Coaching & Losing Her Mother00:08:51 – What We Must Unlearn About Time00:09:51 – “Busy” vs. Productive00:11:25 – Rest Is Not Falling Behind00:13:56 – Life Coach Certification Explained00:17:19 – Why Mindset Is the Foundation of Everything00:21:51 – Planning Ahead & Scheduling Rest First00:24:30 – Buffer Time & Avoiding Calendar Perfectionism00:27:19 – Why Willpower Is a Myth00:29:38 – Removing Friction & Designing Your Environment00:31:29 – Boundaries: What They Actually Are00:33:20 – Sustainable Productivity & Energy Protection00:37:29 – Entrepreneurship & Mindset Resilience00:40:18 – Influences: Brené Brown, Mel Robbins & More00:41:59 – Defining Success & Expanding Impact00:43:21 – Accountability & Staying on Track00:45:19 – Working With the Inner Rebel00:47:28 – Advice for Women Who Feel “Behind”00:50:53 – Erica’s Coaching Programs & Services00:54:43 – Closing Thoughts

🔗 Relevant Links

🌿 Learn more about Erica Dirkes & Mindful Time Coach https://www.mindfultimecoaching.com/

📅 Book a consultation with Erica:https://mindfultimecoaching.com

📱 Follow Erica:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindfultimecoachingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-dirkes/

🎙️ Follow the Savvy Leader Podcast for more conversations on leadership, mindset, entrepreneurship, and intentional living.

https://SavvyLivingNetwork.com

If you are ambitious, momentum-driven, and wired to endure, this episode explores the tension between speed and self-trust, loyalty and discernment, and ambition and health.

Kristin unpacks:

• What alignment really feels like (and why it's not aesthetic or curated)

• The danger of following confident voices instead of your internal compass

• How Fire Horse energy can refine or scorch

• The physical cost of overextension

• Why this season is about refinement, not frenzy

• A first look at the upcoming North Star Orientation experience

As spring approaches, this conversation invites you to pause, recalibrate, and choose direction before momentum.

If you've ever hiked in the perfectly wrong direction in business, relationships, or leadership—this episode is for you.

A powerful solo episode on alignment, Fire Horse energy, leadership integrity, and finding your North Star without burning out.

You may want to link to:

• Savvy Living Network

• Savvy Leaders Lounge

• Savvy Real Estate Co.

• North Star Orientation (Coming Soon!)

• Cathedral of the Palms Instagram reel

• Cathedral of the Palms Trail – St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge (Florida)

Sarah, a self-described "Process Ninja," explains how inefficiencies quietly drain time, money, and morale inside organizations—and how clarity, documentation, and involving the people doing the work can transform chaos into flow. Using a memorable burrito-line analogy, she shows why digital processes often fail and how leaders can spot breakdowns before they become costly.

The conversation also explores Sarah's entrepreneurial journey, the challenge of valuing your own expertise, and how mindset plays a critical role in leadership and change management. Later, Sarah shares her work in women's hockey, including Two Women Who Give a Puck and The Hockey Village, where she's building inclusive communities that foster belonging, resilience, and leadership on and off the ice.

This episode is for business owners, operators, and leaders who want to:

• Improve systems without overhauling tech

• Lead change without burning out teams

• Understand the hidden ROI of process clarity

• Build cultures where people feel seen, heard, and empowered

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-becker-cho/

• Clear Simple Business (Process Improvement Consulting): https://clearsimplebusiness.com

• Two Women Who Give a Puck (Podcast): https://twowomenwhogiveapuck.com

• The Hockey Village (Women's Hockey Community): https://thehockeyvillage.com

• The Hockey Village on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TwoWomenWhoGiveaPuck

• Email – Two Women Who Give a Puck: twowomenwhogiveapuck@gmail.com

• Email – The Hockey Village: sarah@thehockeyvillage.com

• Savvy Leader Podcast: https://savvylivingnetwork.com/podcast

• Related episodes:

  • My Leap from Corporate to Entrepreneurship

  • Becoming the Leader I needed to Be

Kelly shares her non-linear journey from elementary school teacher to brand strategist and website designer, revealing how psychology, intuition, and strategy intersect to create brands that truly connect—and convert. Together, they explore how branding has evolved beyond visuals into values, voice, and clarity, why strategy must come before aesthetics, and how entrepreneurs can stop chasing trends and start building aligned, sustainable businesses.

This conversation also dives into:

• How to uncover your brand "superpower"

• Personal branding vs. business branding

• Setting boundaries with clients (and why it matters)

• Navigating the messy middle of entrepreneurship

• Work-life balance as a business owner and parent

• When not to invest in professional branding

• Productivity tips for working from home

• Emerging niches in branding and online business

• Building a values-driven, women-led agency

Kelly also previews her upcoming website template shop, designed for business owners who want a strategic, budget-friendly alternative to custom websites.

Whether you're a creative, consultant, or service-based entrepreneur, this episode offers grounded insight, practical advice, and permission to evolve.

🎧 Listen now and learn how to build a brand that actually fits you.

🔗 Learn more about Kelly: https://kellyryann.com

🔗 Insta: https://www.instagram.com/kellyryannco/

Learn more about the Savvy Living Network: https://savvylivingnetwork.com/

Learn more about Kristin: https://linkedin.com/in./kristingallatin1

Ty shares his unconventional journey from audio engineering and music production to AI-driven investment research, explaining how the same systems-thinking mindset applies across creative, technical, and financial domains. He breaks down how AI can function like a team of humans, handling qualitative analysis, marketing, outreach, and research — while still requiring leadership, structure, and judgment.

This conversation explores:

• Why AI should be treated like a junior employee, not a magic solution

• How lean investment firms use AI to analyze earnings calls, 10-Ks, and filings at scale

• The biggest misconceptions about AI hallucinations, errors, and reliability

• Why infrastructure, not AI startups, is attracting major investment capital

• How solopreneurs can use AI systems to scale marketing and content without burnout

• The long game of entrepreneurship, systems-building, and sustainable success

Whether you're a business owner, solopreneur, leader, or simply curious about where AI is headed, this episode offers a grounded, practical look at how AI fits into real workflows — and real life.

⏱️ Episode Chapters 

00:21 – Welcome & introduction to Ty McLean and Moneta Research
01:10 – Ty's background: financial economics → music production
02:35 – Audio engineering as the foundation for systems thinking
03:59 – Transition into sales, marketing, and self-taught coding
04:56 – Discovering AI use cases inside investment research
06:39 – Treating AI like a "fake human" or junior employee
08:13 – Using AI for marketing, outreach, and lead qualification
09:48 – Inside Ty's AI system: Python, automation, and workflows
10:51 – AI errors, hallucinations, and why supervision matters
12:15 – Managing AI like a team: structure, training, feedback
13:19 – Misconceptions about AI perfection and skepticism
14:51 – Why AI is the "brain" — and systems are the body
16:12 – Productivity, time zones, and the "Things" task system
17:35 – Influences, mentors, and learning to think bigger
18:47 – The 10-year journey: patience, skill stacking, and grit
20:54 – Motivation, burnout avoidance, and designing enjoyable work
22:10 – Has AI already taken over the world?
24:00 – Government, military, and infrastructure-driven AI growth
26:26 – AI's impact on jobs, trades, and the future of work
28:11 – Who Ty works with: CIOs, solopreneurs, and content systems
30:22 – Advice for solopreneurs: marketing, sales, and systems first
32:20 – Navigating doubt, grind seasons, and staying independent
33:51 – Where to find Ty & who he wants to connect with
34:45 – AI, social media, and the need for human connection
35:55 – Closing thoughts and future conversations

🔗 Relevant Links & Mentions

• Ty McLean on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ty-mclean/

• Productivity App – Things: https://culturedcode.com/things/

• Savvy Leader Podcast: https://savvylivingnetwork.com/podcast

What if being a "bad salesperson" is actually a sign of clarity, integrity, and leadership?

In this solo episode of the Savvy Leader Podcast, Kristin reframes sales through the lens of servant leadership, quiet drive, and stewardship. Drawing from decades of experience in retail, real estate, consulting, and commission-based work, she explores why traditional sales pressure creates internal anxiety — and how systems, automation, and patience can transform the entire experience.

This episode is especially for leaders who:

• Feel uncomfortable with hustle-based sales tactics

• Are quietly driven, highly observant, or system-oriented

• Experience internal pressure when processes are unclear

• Want to sell with clarity, consent, and long-term trust

You'll learn:

• Why sales feels heavy when systems aren't doing their job

• How automation reduces internal pressure (not connection)

• What it means to be a "soft-touch seller" — and why that matters

• How clarity creates calm, confidence, and better outcomes

Automation isn't about scaling faster. It's about leading calmer.

🎧 Listen now and reconnect with a sales approach that honors both people and process.

🎧 Listen now and reconnect with a sales approach that honors both people and process.

• Contact Info: Host: Kristin Gallatin
• Podcast: @SavvyLeaderPodcast
• https://SavvyLivingNetwork.com

For collaborations, podcast inquiries, or speaking requests:

👉 Visit: https://savvylivingnetwork.com/contact-me

👉 Visit: https://savvyleaderslounge.substack.com/

In this episode of the Savvy Leader Podcast, host Kristin Gallatin sits down with Mindee Peterson, Sales Manager at MyTech Partners, for an honest and empowering conversation about sales leadership, culture, resilience, and self-leadership.

Mindee shares how she stepped into IT consulting without a technical background, earned trust through curiosity and humility, and built a thriving sales team rooted in values and culture. We explore what it means to lead without a victim mindset, navigate tough environments, rebuild teams during turnover, and redefine success beyond external validation.

This episode goes deeper than sales tactics — it's about identity, alignment, and learning how to leave work at work so you can lead with clarity and confidence.

🎧 In this episode, you'll learn:

• How to lead confidently in industries where you're not the technical expert

• Why culture matters more than title or compensation in sales leadership

• How women can navigate competitive environments without losing themselves

• The role of self-validation in sustainable leadership

• Why defining your values can change how you lead, sell, and live

• How Mindee rebuilt her sales team during a season of turnover

• What it takes to lead with energy, empathy, and results

Whether you're in sales, leadership, or a season of personal reinvention, this conversation will leave you feeling grounded, encouraged, and ready to lead from who you truly are.

• 00:00 – Welcome & Introduction Kristin introduces Mindee Peterson and the January sales focus.
• 01:03 – What MyTech Partners Does Mindee explains IT consulting, managed services, and her role as Sales Manager.
• 02:00 – Getting Hired Without a Technical Background Why curiosity and humility mattered more than IT expertise.
• 03:13 – Leading in a Male-Dominated Industry How naming what you don't know can build trust instead of resistance.
• 04:30 – Navigating Ego, Competition & Sales Culture Lessons learned from unhealthy environments and why culture is everything.
• 06:20 – Choosing the Right Culture as a Woman in Sales Why values alignment matters more than compensation or title.
• 08:10 – Rebuilding a Sales Team During Turnover Leadership lessons from stepping back into the field.
• 09:10 – Rejecting the Victim Mindset Why Mindee never believed being a woman limited her success.
• 10:04 – Early Work Ethic & Sales Roots From raking beaches to cocktail waitressing — sales skills start early.
• 11:46 – Results, People & Motivation Why sales was always the right fit.
• 12:36 – Redefining Leadership & Self-Validation Letting go of external wins as identity.
• 14:00 – "I Felt Dead Inside" Recognizing burnout and emotional disconnection.
• 14:30 – Defining Values for the First Time How one question sparked a personal transformation.
• 15:00 – Coaching, Peer Groups & Inner Work Why investing in yourself is non-negotiable.
• 16:00 – The 90-Day Self-Love Journey Healing old stories and releasing past wounds.
• 17:20 – New Chapters: Book, Community & Purpose Launching Mornings with Mindee and writing her chapter.
• 18:00 – The Power of Women in Community Why shared stories create healing and strength.
• 19:00 – Gratitude, Reflection & Closing Thoughts Leading from alignment and leaving work at work.

• MyTech Partners: https://www.mytechpartners.com

• Mornings with Mindee (Networking Group): https://info.mytech.com/events

• Savvy Living Network: https://SavvyLivingNetwork.com

Stefani shares her incredible journey from selling produce at a Minnesota farmer's market at age six to leading high-performing teams in corporate America for 25 years. After her corporate role was eliminated, Stefani pivoted to help small business owners and entrepreneurs bridge the gap between "having a conversation" and "signing a contract."

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The Power of Curiosity: Why the best salespeople act like toddlers and ask "why" three times.

• The Uber Analogy: Why you can't lead a client to a destination if you don't know where they are starting from.

• Overcoming the Corporate Identity Crisis: How to find your worth when you no longer have a big-box company title behind you.

• Practical Sales Tips: Why you should ask for the "3 most important things" in every discovery call.

• Deep Gratitude: A unique perspective on how grounding yourself can fuel your business success.

Timestamps:

• 0:00 – Introduction to Stefani Havel
• 1:07 – Lessons from the Farmer's Market: Selling at 6 years old
• 3:30 – Pivoting after a 25-year corporate career
• 7:00 – Why extroversion isn't required for sales success
• 9:00 – The Uber Driver Analogy for client journeys
• 10:30 – The "3 Important Things" question
• 16:00 – Shedding the corporate identity and finding self-worth
• 30:30 – Morning routines: Fitness and Deep Gratitude
• 42:00 – Upcoming 8-week sales course and future goals
• 45:00 – Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: Fearless Clarity

Episode Title: Conversations into Contracts: Mastering Sales Strategy with Stefani Havel

Summary: Stop selling and start connecting. Today on The Savvy Leader, Kristin Gallatin welcomes Stefani Havel of the Sales Strategist Network. Stefani explains why so many passionate entrepreneurs struggle to talk about their business and offers a masterclass in "asking better questions." Whether you are a corporate veteran looking to pivot or a small business owner feeling stuck, this episode provides the roadmap to sales confidence.

Key Takeaways:

• Meet them where they are: If you don't understand a client's "starting point," you can't provide the right solution.

• The DISC Connection: Using personality science to avoid "railroading" your prospects.

• Choose your stress: The freedom (and responsibility) of being in control of your own income.

• Niche Clarity: Why a confused mind never buys—and how to fix your messaging.

Connect with Stefani Havel:

• Book a Call: bettercallstephanie.com

• Free Sales Archetype Quiz: salesstrategynetwork.com/quiz

• Website: stephaniehavel.com

• Social Media: Find Stefani on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook by searching Stefani Havel.

Mentioned in this Episode:

• The Sales Strategist Network: Helping turn prospects into paying clients.

• DISC Assessment: Science-backed personality and behavior styling.

• Mentors Mentioned: Michael Maher (Certified Referral Trainer), Bill Walsh (America's Small Business Expert), and Sandra Yancey (eWomen Network).

Connect with The Savvy Leader:

Host: Kristin Gallatin

• Linkedin Profile
• SavvyLivingNetwork.com
• Savvy Leaders Lounge on Substack!

In this episode, Sandy explains the science of the X39 patch, how it activates stem cells, and why she is now on a mission to help others "get their joy back." Whether you are struggling with chronic pain, fatigue, or just looking for a more conscious way to lead your healthiest life in 2026, this episode is a must-listen for your Wednesday morning commute.

Key Highlights:

• The Turning Point: Sandy's emotional story of health struggles and finding hope when she had "nothing left to lose."

• The Science of Light: An introduction to non-transdermal patches and how they use body heat and infrared light to promote healing.

• The Navy SEAL Connection: The fascinating origin story of LifeWave technology.

• Leadership in the "In-Between": How Sandy manages a leadership role in a factory while building her passion-led business.

• Future Innovations: A sneak peek at light-infused water and new humanitarian tech coming from LifeWave.

Contact Sandy and learn more:

https://lifewave.com/smolin

https://www.facebook.com/Marketing.with.Sandy.Molin

https://www.facebook.com/sandy.molin

Learn about LEAD:

https://LEADNetwork.Pro

Learn about Kristin:

https://SavvyLivingNetwork.com

https://Linkedin.com/in/KristinGallatin1

After more than 35 years in business, navigating corporate leadership, entrepreneurship, caregiving, transformation, and reinvention, I'm sharing what rebuilding truly looks like when you lead with experience, clarity, and purpose.

In this New Year reflection, I explore:

• What it means to rebuild after a season of transformation

• How leadership evolves when endurance is replaced with discernment

• Lessons learned from decades of business ownership and community leadership

• Why quieter, more intentional growth often leads to stronger foundations

• How I'm shaping the next chapter of the Savvy Living Network, including consulting, AI strategy for leaders, and online-first business building

This episode builds on themes from the Honor the Journey series — including transformation, letting go, generosity, and identity — and looks ahead to what's possible when we stop proving and start aligning.

Whether you're a business owner, consultant, leader, or professional navigating change, this message is for you if:

• You're rebuilding instead of starting over

• You want sustainable growth without burnout

• You're redefining success on your own terms

🎧 New episodes of The Savvy Leader Podcast release every Wednesday at 7am.

🌐 Savvy Living Network: https://savvylivingnetwork.com

🎙 The Savvy Leader Podcast: https://sites.libsyn.com/599760/site Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you listen

💼 LEAD Network Professionals: https://leadnetwork.pro

✍️ Savvy Leaders Lounge (Substack): https://substack.com/@savvyleaderslounge

📩 Contact Kristin: Email: kristingallatin@gmail.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristingallatin1

From self-employment challenges, building meaningful professional and personal relationships, to downsizing into RV life and finding freedom in simplicity, Kristin shares stories of leadership, faith, and intentional generosity. Learn how letting go can create space for transformation, new beginnings, and deeper connections.

🎁 Topics Covered:

• The power of intentional generosity in leadership and life

• Boundaries, discernment, and giving without self-abandonment

• Lessons from downsizing and transitioning to RV life

• Faith, reflection, and Christmas season wisdom

• Daily positivity notebook practice to start 2026 with clarity

💡 Resources & Links Mentioned:

• 29 Gifts book: https://29gifts.org

• Savvy Living Network: https://www.savvylivingnetwork.com

• Connect with Kristin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristingallatin1

🎧 Listen on: YouTube: https://youtu.be/gYcKpQllYz4

In this timely episode of The Savvy Leader Podcast, Kristin Gallatin welcomes Tony Peltier, a professional driver and business owner behind Tony Goes There, and the heart-centered wedding DJ brand MY Day DJ.

Tony shares the powerful origin story that shaped his mission: advocating for women's safety, building trust through exceptional service, and creating a business model rooted in reliability, ethics, and human connection. With over eight years of experience, Tony offers invaluable insights into:

• What most travelers don't realize about airport transportation

• How professional drivers plan for weather, delays, and peak travel seasons

• Why personalized service matters more than luxury vehicles

• Travel hacks that can save you time, stress, and frustration

• How advocacy, empathy, and business strategy intersect

• What brides should look for in a wedding DJ beyond the playlist

This conversation is especially relevant as we head into the busy holiday travel season, where preparation, communication, and choosing the right professionals can make all the difference.

🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Tony Goes There – Professional, safe, and reliable driving services https://www.TonyGoesThere.com

• MY Day DJ – Wedding DJ services centered on trust, flow, and guest experience https://www.mydaydj.com

• FlightAware – A real-time flight tracking tool Tony uses to plan seamless pickups https://www.flightaware.com/

• Stories Foundation – A nonprofit supporting women escaping sex trafficking https://www.storiesfoundation.org/

• LEAD Network Professionals http://LEADNetwork.Pro

Whether you're a frequent traveler, a business owner, a bride-to-be, or someone who values service done right—this episode will change how you think about transportation, trust, and leadership.

🎧 Listen now and travel smarter this season.

Recorded during the Christmas season, this episode is a reflective and honest conversation about faith, purpose, marriage, and becoming who you were created to be.

• What it means to truly walk in faith, not just believe

• The difference between knowing God and knowing Christ

• Why conviction is not condemnation—and how growth really happens

• How faith became essential during entrepreneurship and uncertainty

• A new understanding of purpose, significance, and being chosen

• A candid perspective on biblical marriage and leadership

• How God became a father, mentor, and steady guide

• Why you are not behind, broken, or lost—you are becoming

This episode is for anyone who:

• Is questioning faith or rediscovering it

• Feels called to something more but doesn't have all the answers

• Is navigating leadership, marriage, or personal growth

• Wants encouragement to keep walking—even when it's hard

✨ You are not behind. ✨ You are not broken beyond repair. ✨ You are still becoming.

• 🎧 Listen to the episode: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpwYPbNDQ0Iu9z3JMKYu6DrD1wQhjxeUW

• 🌐 Savvy Living Network: https://savvylivingnetwork.com

• 🤝 LEAD Network Professionals: https://LEADNetwork.pro

In this episode, she discusses:

• The personal journey that led her to launch a consulting firm focused on culture and people.

• Simple, no-cost strategies for leaders to improve employee experience (Hint: It involves asking questions and taking action!).

• Navigating complex HR changes like the MN Paid Family Medical Leave Act (PFMLA) with "ferocious curiosity."

• Why staying authentic and embracing your "true north" is essential for long-term fulfillment and success.

Tap in for a dose of HR with a sparkle! ✨

🔗 Listen to the full episode: [Insert Podcast Episode Link Here]

• Connect with Victoria: https://www.pinkslipsolutions.com/

• Profile: https://www/Linkedin.com/in/vbizzotto

• Join the LEAD Network: https://www.LEADNetwork.pro

In this deeply personal, leadership-focused episode, I share the transformation season that reshaped my life, my health, my marriage, and the way I lead in business. After my husband's catastrophic motorcycle crash, I stepped into a full-time caregiver role—a role that does not come naturally to my impatient, goal-oriented, efficiency-driven personality.

But crisis has a way of exposing who you really are… and inviting you to become who you're meant to be.

I talk about:

• How major life events force transformation—and why the former you and the new you cannot coexist

• The health wake-up call that forced me to slow down when my stress-induced heart condition appeared

• Why your values become your anchor during high-pressure chapters

• How business owners can stabilize operations during personal crisis without burning everything down

• The real emotional and strategic process of letting go—habits, identities, and responsibilities

• Our decision to move into an RV full-time and how simplifying our life created the space we needed for healing and clarity

• The surprising isolation of RV life and how we're navigating missing community, comfort, and connection

• How the transformation season shaped the future of the Savvy Living Network and my leadership philosophy

This episode is not just my story—it's a blueprint for every leader navigating a lifequake, crossroads, or forced reset.

Whether you're facing burnout, caregiving, financial upheaval, loss of direction, or simply a chapter that demands change… this episode will remind you:

Transformation is uncomfortable—but it's also where you reclaim your life.

Savvy Living Network https://savvylivingnetwork.com

Podcast Home https://savvylivingnetwork.com/podcast

Podcast on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@SavvyLeaderPodcast

Kristin Gallatin Business Consultant | Broker/Owner, Savvy Properties Founder, Savvy Living Network 📧 kristingallatin@gmail.com 🌐 https://savvylivingnetwork.com 📍 Traveling the U.S. in a 5th-wheel RV with Big E's Boondock Buzz!

Discover Emily's holistic approach to email marketing, which treats email not as a standalone tool but as part of a larger, interconnected business ecosystem. She explains how to use data and authenticity to build magnetic relationships with subscribers, drive passive income through intentional automations, and focus on long-term customer experience over quick sales. Emily also details her popular "Welcome with Intention" workshops and introduces her Substack, Bloom, which blends strategic marketing with intentional living. Tune in to learn how authenticity and strong values are the real north stars for impact-driven brands.

Key Topics Covered:

• The unexpected push to leave the corporate world and start a business.

• The importance of reflecting on values when business slows down.

• Building a strong support system and the power of vulnerability.

• What makes Emily's "holistic" approach to email marketing unique.

• How to utilize automations and intention to generate passive income.

• The non-monetary, long-term benefits of relationship-focused email campaigns.

• Emily's journey as an herbalist-in-training and how it influences her business mindset.

Emily LeDuc, a small business email marketing strategist, discusses her shift from the corporate grind to building a successful, values-aligned, and holistic consulting practice. Emily doubled down on her entrepreneurial spirit and passion for wellness. She outlines her unique approach to email strategy, emphasizing that the most impactful marketing comes from viewing email holistically—connecting it to your website, social media, and, most importantly, the human on the receiving end. Emily stresses that authenticity and value alignment are key to creating magnetizing content, establishing trust, and building the automated systems necessary for reliable passive income in the long game of relationship marketing.

• The Savvy Leader Podcast: https://sites.libsyn.com/599760

• Emily LeDuc's Website: LaDucMarketingllc.com

• Emily's Substack, Bloom: https://bloombyemily.substack.com/

• Emily's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilylleduc/

In this raw and deeply practical episode of The Savvy Leader Podcast, I share the day everything changed — July 14, 2022 — when a phone call informed me my husband had been airlifted from a motorcycle crash. Overnight, I became a crisis commander running four businesses, advocating in a Level 5 trauma center, and holding my entire world together with sheer grit, systems, and leadership.

This isn't a story about tragedy. This is a story about leadership in crisis, decision-making under pressure, and how to run a business when life demands everything you have.

You'll learn:

✔ How to instantly re-prioritize when the unexpected hits ✔ What business owners MUST do in the first 72 hours of a crisis ✔ How to communicate with clients so they stay loyal and understanding ✔ How to delegate, document, and stabilize your operations ✔ Why cutting obligations is not failure—it's leadership ✔ The systems that helped me keep real estate, marketing, networking, and a contracting business alive ✔ How to protect your energy and create clarity when your brain is overwhelmed ✔ What this crisis revealed about my identity as a leader

If you're an entrepreneur, leader, community builder, or someone who has ever continued showing up through heartbreak, this episode will speak to you.

Website: SavvyLivingNetwork.com Podcast: @Savvy Leader Podcast (available on all major platforms) LEAD Network Professionals: LeadNetworkProfessionals.com

Want to connect, collaborate, or be featured on the show?

Email: KristinGallatin@gmail.com Instagram: @kristingallatin Facebook: Savvy Living Network LinkedIn: KristinGallatin1

Stephanie shares her incredibly compelling personal journey, from a devastating stillbirth due to unmanaged thyroid issues (0:01:22) to founding her practice to help other women with chronic illness and Hashimoto's (0:04:20) advocate for better care. Learn why the conventional medical system often falls short in chronic care (0:08:09) and how to adopt the "Just Eat Real Food" (JERF) approach for a sustainable lifestyle (0:19:46).

Since this episode airs the Friday after Thanksgiving, Stephanie offers timely, actionable advice on fortifying your body. Skip the quick-fix detoxes (0:39:34) and instead, learn the three pillars for better health, especially heading into the feasting season: Prioritize sleep, ensure proper hydration with electrolytes, and focus on high protein intake (0:41:48). Discover the "brick house" analogy for health (0:46:07) and the mental shift needed to prioritize wellness over cravings.

• Advocacy in Healthcare: Why you are in charge of who you see for your health (0:06:42).

• Functional Nutrition Defined: Getting to the root cause of chronic health issues (0:15:16).

• Sustainable Health: Moving past food fear and maintaining commitment to your body's needs (0:21:37).

• Internet Malarkey: How to filter out the quick fixes and supplement scams (0:27:30).

• Mindset Matters: Identifying with your illness versus embracing wellness (0:33:48).

• Stephanie's Practice: Outofthewoodsnutrition.com or Helpforhashimotos.com

• Podcast: Help for Hashimoto's

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-ewals-385589359/

• Recipe Ingredient Mentioned: Siete Foods (0:19:11) https://sietefoods.com/

• Meal Prep Option: Kevin's Meals (0:19:30) https://www.kevinsnaturalfoods.com/

From walking out of her corporate job on the exact same day her husband resigned, to juggling three jobs just to stay afloat, to slowly building multiple income streams — real estate, digital marketing, franchising, and community leadership — this episode breaks down what really happens when you choose to bet on yourself.

Kristin dives into:

• How she used complementary businesses to stabilize income

• Why she recommends 12 months of cash reserves before taking the leap

• Her early struggles in real estate and what finally clicked

• The surprising reason she stepped back from a rising sales career

• "Conflict of values" — and how it shapes your decisions without you realizing it

• Scaling Gray Duck Marketing Group during COVID

• Launching LEAD Network Professionals and why the market desperately needed a new kind of networking group

• Building a strategic, values-driven brand that actually converts

• Why clarity, consistency, and community matter more than hustle

If you're a new entrepreneur, a burned-out professional, or someone craving a more aligned life, this episode will give you perspective, encouragement, and tactical insight to help you honor your journey — wherever you are today.

LEAD Network Professionals https://www.leadnetwork.pro

Savvy Living Network Community https://www.savvylivingnetwork.com

Connect with Kristin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristingallatin

Learn the secrets to wearing multiple "hats" without burnout, the true definition of balance, and the power of intentional action in building a fulfilling career and life. Jeannie also gives an exclusive sneak peek at her upcoming book!

Where to find Jeannie (GO!) Grimes

• Cars for Neighbors: www.carsforneighbors.org (Go here to Donate or find the Application for car repair assistance in Anoka County)

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Gm7yQ86Co/
• Mary Kay www.marykay.com/jeanniegogrimes
• Proud member of the LEAD Network Professionals Group https://www.LEADNetwork.Pro
• Ham Lake Chamber
• Metro North Chamber

Kristin's contact:

• https://www.Linkedin.com/in/KristinGallatin1
• https://www.SavvyLivingNetwork.com

Description: In this episode of the Savvy Living Network, Kristin Gallatin—Real Estate Broker/Owner, corporate trainer, long-time operations leader, entrepreneur, and creator of the Savvy Living Network—shares the pivotal moment she realized nothing was stopping her from becoming anything she wanted to be.

Kristin tells the story of standing in a corporate training room, finally recognizing that her superiors weren't "special," and that she was fully capable of doing their job—if she chose to. That realization sparked her transformation from a self-doubting employee into an influential, people-first leader.

She also reveals the leadership philosophies that shaped her career, including her core belief:

"Appreciate people for exactly who they are and what they have to offer. Nothing more, nothing less."

Kristin's mission became clear: To inspire her team to want to work—and to work for her—because they cared, respected her, and didn't want to disappoint her.

This episode also includes the powerful moment of encouragement she received after a major promotion, when a former manager said: "Our company just got a little bit better today."

Whether you're a leader, entrepreneur, or someone striving toward personal growth, this episode will help you rethink the meaning of influence, confidence, humility, and potential.

Savvy Living Network Website: https://savvylivingnetwork.com Savvy Living Facebook Group: https://facebook.com/groups/savvylivingnetwork Savvy Living Instagram: https://instagram.com/kristngallatin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristingallatin1/ Courses, planners, & digital tools: https://savvylivingnetwork.com

In this inspiring edition of the Savvy Leader Podcast: Stories Behind the Business, host Kristin Gallatin sits down with LEAD Network Professionals member Justin Persinger, owner of The Expert Company. Justin shares his candid journey from mechanics and finished carpentry to pioneering a specialized niche in the roofing industry: premium steel roofing. Driven by a passion for detail (01:16) and a commitment to sustainability, Justin aims to reduce the estimated 20-26 billion pounds of asphalt shingles filling US landfills annually (01:50).

Justin discusses the challenging realities of starting a business as a transplant (06:07, 20:59), the financial and emotional toll of moving, and navigating the often-slow payoff of storm damage restoration (07:17). He provides valuable insights into the crucial need to communicate the value of lifetime roofing systems versus short-term fixes, especially considering rising insurance costs and deductibles (11:17).

A key focus for the LEAD audience, Justin reveals the strategies he uses to maintain focus and avoid burnout while working demanding hours, including finding community support through business networks (23:39) and adhering to a powerful morning routine focused on exercise, meditation, journaling, and reading (30:29). Finally, Justin lays out his ambitious 3-year goal to shift 90% of his business to premium metal roofing (35:50) and offers essential advice: prioritizing relationships over transactions in business networking (38:46).

Timestamps & Key Discussion Points

00:41 – 01:22 | Introduction to The Expert Company, Justin's background, and the focus on the LEAD Stories Behind the Business series. 01:23 – 02:29 | The Niche: Focusing on premium steel roofing and the driving force to reduce asphalt shingle waste in landfills. 02:30 – 03:25 | From Finished Carpentry to Roofing: How his background in detailed craftsmanship translated to specialized roofing skills. 04:44 – 07:16 | The Unexpected Pivot: Moving to Minnesota, losing a job opportunity, and the accidental segue into storm damage restoration and roofing in 2012. 11:17 – 13:20 | The Value Proposition Challenge: Explaining the Return on Investment (ROI) of a lifetime metal roof compared to asphalt, factoring in rising deductibles. 15:51 – 20:41 | The Stress of Starting Up: The emotional and financial journey of draining savings, juggling roles, and the difficulty of building a business as a non-local transplant. 22:27 – 23:55 | Mental Clarity & Support: The importance of surrounding yourself with people who support and challenge you (Business Networking Groups). 29:56 – 33:19 | Avoiding Burnout: Implementing the structured 5 AM morning routine (exercise, meditation, journaling, reading) to maintain sanity during 80–100-hour workweeks. 35:34 – 37:51 | Future Vision: The 3-year goal to reach 90% metal roofing and the aspiration for a strong, cohesive team (5–8 members) focused on quality over quantity. 38:15 – 41:08 | Advice for Aspiring Leaders: The crucial need to join good professional networking groups early on and planning for increasing overhead costs.

Learn more about the The Expert Co:

website: https://www.theexpertcompany.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-persinger-77b52b4a/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theExpertCo/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_expert_co/

www.SavvyLivingNetwork.com

In these shorter, punchier episodes, host Kristin Gallatin opens up the vault on her personal story to reveal the foundational lessons that created her leadership perspective. This week, we go back to the beginnings.

Kristin shares:

• Why her life motto is "Never Say Never," and how this commitment was born from necessity, not choice.
• The overwhelming anxiety of her childhood—including the vivid, 50-year-old "zombie nightmare"—and how that feeling of being a "frustrated guide" became her core strength.
• The unique freedom of the pre-internet 70s/80s, and how early self-reliance became her trademark of blazing new trails.
• The critical decision at age 20 that catapulted her onto the corporate ladder, setting her on a path to mastery.

This is more than a memoir; it's a guide to understanding how your deepest challenges become your greatest assets. Look for the "Honor the Journey" series every week, mid-week!

Discover how to reconcile your inner money rebellion and turn hard work into sustainable wealth.

🔑 Episode Highlights & Timestamps

• [0:46] My Money Gauntlet: The personal struggles and the silence that kept me trapped in the earn-pay cycle.
• [3:24] The Core Mindset: Reconciling the belief that "My value is not defined by money" with the need for effectiveness.
• [5:20] Your Thoughts Create Your Reality: Why your mind is fertile ground and how to guard your words (Reference: As a Man Thinketh).
• [6:46] The Power of Thinking Big: Why setting small, manageable goals limits your success (Reference: The Magic of Thinking Big).
• [11:46] The Debt Snowball: How this brilliant behavioral hack builds confidence and eliminates debt fast (Reference: Dave Ramsey).
• [13:51] Defining Freedom (CIL): Using the Current Ideal Lifestyle concept to define when you are truly free (Reference: 10x is Easier Than 2x).
• [17:25] The Five Types of Holistic Wealth: Maximizing more than just your bank account.
• [19:25] Your Value Principle: Why your income ceiling is determined by how highly you value your work (Reference: The Psychology of Money).
• [29:40] Maximize Joy, Die With Zero: The ultimate meaning of money and the power of the Memory Dividend (Reference: Die With Zero).

📚 Book References

• As a Man Thinketh
• The Magic of Thinking Big
• Think and Grow Rich
• The Science of Getting Rich
• Dave Ramsey's Debt Snowball Method
• 10x is Easier Than 2x
• The Psychology of Money
• Die With Zero

🔗 Connect & Resources

• Learn more about a Savvy Leader Life: https://www.SavvyLivingNetwork.com
• Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.Linkedin.com/in/KristinGallatin1
• Follow on Instagram: https://www.Instgram.com/KristinGallatin
• Join our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/743925124329795

This episode is a valuable twofer, fitting perfectly into both the Money Series by demystifying small business finances and the Stories Behind the Business Series by exploring Jacquee's unique journey and operational strategy. Jacquee shares why her approach is to meet business owners "mid-chaos," her belief that numbers are naturally simple, and how she maximizes her productivity as a virtual entrepreneur—even thriving at night!

Learn about:

• [01:03] - The "Aha" Moment: Jacquee's journey from a childhood love of numbers to starting Vantage Virtual Services after helping a family business untangle their books.
• [04:04] - Why Numbers Make Sense: The personal story behind her passion for accounting and the fulfillment of bringing chaos to clarity for business owners.
• [06:57] - Her Guiding Principle: No Shame in Messy Books: Jacquee explains her welcoming approach to clients who come to her at their breaking point, assuring them that "nothing is an emergency."
• [10:33] - Why She Chose Main Street Over Wall Street: The reason Jacquee chose to focus on small businesses instead of the traditional CPA or public accounting route—it's about the fulfillment of helping the "smaller guys" succeed.
• [13:08] - From P&L to Prosperity: The three key financial reports every business must analyze (Income Statement, Balance Sheet, and Statement of Cash Flows) to move from short-term demands to long-term vision, including the importance of job costing for project-based businesses.
• [18:23] - The Virtual Leader's Secret: Systems & Flow: How Jacquee maintains focus and productivity as a solo entrepreneur by relying on systems (like ClickUp and Keeper) and specific weekly rhythms.
• [24:11] - Working with Your Natural Rhythm: Jacquee's honest discussion about her productivity as a "night person" and letting go of the 9-to-5 box.
• [33:52] - The Biggest Compliance Challenge: Key pain points small businesses face today, focusing on the complexity and compliance of adding payroll (including the new paid family leave changes in Minnesota).
• [39:08] - The Future of Financial Advisory: Jacquee's plans to expand offerings with Xero and use AI to pivot from manual data entry to deeper advisory and analytical work.
• [43:29] - Advice for New Business Owners: The number one thing to avoid: overcomplicating your Chart of Accounts—keep it simple!
• [48:48] - Must-Have Tech Tools: A deeper dive into the two crucial software platforms she uses to run her business: ClickUp for task management and Keeper for the client portal.

🔗 Resource Links

Vantage Virtual Services - Bookkeeping & Advisory | www.VantageVS.com

Podcast Host | The Savvy Leader Podcast | www.SavvyLivingNetwork.com LEAD Network | Learn more about the LEAD Network | www.LEADnetwork.Pro Jacquee's Tool 1 | ClickUp (Task Management Software) | https://clickup.com/ Jacquee's Tool 2 | Keeper (Client Portal Software) | https://keeper.app/

Molly shares the incredible, personal story that ignited her passion for mortgages—a $20,000 lesson learned the hard way (01:50). She explains how that experience turned her into an educator for her clients, dedicated to showing them the powerful tool that is real estate.

In this must-listen episode, we dive into:

• The Power of Coaching: How 15 years under authority with a coach multiplied her income by 10x and transformed every area of her life (01:00-08:00).
• Hustle with Grace: Molly's disciplined approach to work-life integration, including the importance of a scheduled time to "turn it off" (14:10).
• Real Estate as the Bedrock of Wealth: Compelling statistics from the Federal Reserve proving why owning is the ultimate superpower for generational wealth building, especially for young people (16:15).
• The Tax-Free Superpower: Understanding the immense and often overlooked benefit of the $250,000 tax-free gain on a primary residence sale (21:13).
• Market Insight & Strategy: Why buying in a higher-rate, balanced market is a strategic move that saves you time, money, and mental energy (31:55).
• First-Time Buyer Resources: Piles of money and assistance available to help first-generational buyers get into a home for as little as $1,000 (37:50).

Molly is a true savvy leader, balancing her business success with deep faith and a commitment to helping the next generation. Don't miss her powerful closing thoughts on faith and business (42:57).

Connect with Molly Nadeau Peterson: Website: [mollynadeau.com] NMLS #308436 | Neighborhood Loans

Up Next in The Money Series:

• A Personal Financial Planner
• A Business Bookkeeper/Accountant
• Money Mindset with your host, Kristen Gallatin

SavvyLivingNetwork.com

#SavvyLeaderPodcast #MoneySeries #RealEstate #MortgageBroker #GenerationalWealth #BusinessCoach #MollyNadeauPeterson #Leadership #MoneyManagement #FinancialFreedom

In this deeply honest episode, I share my journey from the "I got it girl" to the woman finally ready to be seen. For decades, I relied on the power of presentation (even changing clothes in the car!) and fierce self-reliance to hide my inner chaos. I break down the crucial difference between professional grit and true emotional courage, exploring how that shield—the one I thought protected me—actually blocked genuine love and connection. I discuss the final barrier: moving past thoughtful gifts to articulate true affection, even when the words feel risky. If you've ever felt the fear of karaoke is stronger than the fear of public speaking, you'll relate. Finally, I share the peace found in God's unconditional love and the powerful "timeline" therapy technique I use to release old pain, allowing me to confidently step into my True North Self. It's time to ask: What's the worst that can happen?

#Vulnerability #TrueNorthSelf #SelfLove #Courage #EmotionalIntelligence #FaithJourney #PersonalGrowth #Healing #Perfectionism #Podcast

SavvyLivingNetwork.com

https://savvylivingblog.blogspot.com/2025/06/from-entrepreneurial-drive-to-spiritual.html

We have a frank, relatable conversation about major life and career shifts in midlife. Tracy and I share our own recent reinventions (her new coaching business; my full-time RV/online business life) and how we navigated the chaos that comes with true change.

In this episode, you will learn:

• The difference between a midlife crisis and a midlife opportunity.
• Why taking a "full stop" (pausing everything) is essential for alignment.
• How to adopt an Abundance Mindset and define it on your own terms.
• The key daily practices (like morning free-writing) that help you stay grounded without being overly controlling.

Tracy's story is a powerful reminder that it is never too late to reinvent yourself and build a life that is even more fulfilling!

Timestamp Highlights: 03:06 - The Power of the "Full Stop" and Surrendering Control 04:01 - Why Midlife is an Opportunity, Not a Crisis 13:40 - Redefining the "Abundance Mindset" 20:00 - Figuring out Your Next Step When You Don't Know What You Want 31:11 - Major Breakthroughs Come from Redefining Simple Concepts

Connect with Tracy Fallon: Website: [prioritizeandthrive.com] [Link to her LinkedIn/IG]

Subscribe to The Savvy Leader Podcast: [Your Podcast Link]

#MidlifeReinvention #TracyFallon #SavvyLeaderPodcast #CareerPivot #MidlifeCoaching #WomensEmpowerment #Mindset

Buzzsprout (or other hosting platform)

TITLE: Midlife Reinvention: Trading Crisis for Opportunity with Tracy Fallon

SUMMARY/BLURB: This week, Host Kristen Gallatin welcomes midlife reinvention coach, Tracy Fallon of Prioritize and Thrive Coaching. Tracy and Kristen share a passion for embracing profound life and career changes. They dive into how to take back control when life throws everything at you at once—from major career shifts to the realities of perimenopause. Discover the power of "the full stop," why midlife is your greatest opportunity, and how to define abundance in your own terms to move from desperation to inspired creation. This episode is packed with "Weekend Wisdom" for any savvy leader ready to reinvent their next chapter!

GUEST LINKS:

• Website: [prioritizeandthrive.com]
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/TracyFallon

HOST LINKS:

• Savvy Leaders Lounge: [savvyleaderslounge.com]
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristingallatin1

🔥 Bonus! Don't miss Barb Monson's transformative "Visible Woman" workshop on August 21st! This is an amazing opportunity to learn how to truly stand out. Register here: https://lnkd.in/gNAbq-Es

Learn more about Barb here: https://www.barbmonson.com/

Learn more about the Savvy Leaders Lounge the SavvyLeadersLounge.com

Check out the SavvyLivingNetwork.com while your at it!

Learn more about Jill Brown PR at https://jillbrownpr.com/

Learn about The Savvy Leaders Lounge at SavvyLeadersLounge.com

Checkout the Savvy Living Network resources at SavvyLivingNetwork.com

Kendra emphasizes that knowing how to build, maintain, and leverage your connections is a critical skill. They challenge the modern tendency to rely solely on AI or search engines like Google for everything, from finding a plumber to a financial advisor. While technology is a powerful tool, it often lacks the trust, personal history, and direct accountability that come with a genuine human connection.

The conversation highlights how a strong, ready-to-use network can serve as a safety net, offering support, advice, and opportunities when you need them most. From getting a referral for a new job to finding a trusted professional for a personal need, your network can protect your interests and your career in ways that an impersonal online search never could.

Tune in to learn why protecting your career and your life with the right connections is one of the smartest moves you can make.

SavvyLeadersLounge.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendramilessmith

Interview with Frank Spevak: The Real-World MBA

We recently sat down with Frank Spevak, the author of The MBA You Need but Won't Get, to chat about his book and what it really takes to succeed in business. Our conversation went beyond the typical business school talk, diving into the core of what makes a great leader.

Making Decisions That Matter

One of the big takeaways from our talk was Frank's view on decision-making. He believes it's more than just a business function; it's a moral act. Frank explained that when a leader makes a decision, they're not just choosing a path forward—they're revealing their values and what truly matters to their company. He made it clear that leaders need the courage to make decisions even without perfect information, and they need to be okay with failure, as it's a natural part of the learning process.

The Innovative and Courageous Leader

Frank also shared his thoughts on what makes a leader truly innovative. It's not about being a creative genius; it's about being courageous and embracing a "learn-it-all" attitude. He calls this "Always Be Curious," or ABC. This means constantly seeking knowledge and being open to new ideas, even if they come from unexpected places. He reminded us that innovation isn't about avoiding failure, but about learning from it.

We wrapped up our chat by talking about legacy. Frank made a powerful point: success isn't just about what you build, but what you leave behind. He argues that a leader's most important job is to develop other leaders. This ensures that the business can thrive and continue to grow long after you've moved on, turning your hard work into a lasting legacy. It's a great reminder that the ultimate goal isn't to be a hero, but to empower others to become leaders themselves.

Find more about Frank at:

FrankSpevak.com

Look for more Savvy Resources at:

SavvyLeadersLounge.com

SavvyLivingNetwork.com

Beyond the well-known responses of fight, flight, freeze, and fawn, discover a fifth, often overlooked, reaction to fear – one that you can cultivate over time to become an automatic, empowering force in your life.

Join us as we explore real-life experiences, from exhilarating cliff dives to nail-biting Skycoaster rides and the challenges of public speaking, to illustrate how fear manifests and how we can choose to respond. You'll learn:

• Why you don't have to prove anything to anyone and that sometimes, simply acknowledging your limits is the bravest act.
• How focusing on delivering value and engaging content can completely overshadow your personal anxieties, making you a memorable and impactful presence.
• The profound realization that you are enough and that investing in your growth is a powerful act of self-love.

We share how pushing personal boundaries, much like the exhilaration of riding a motorcycle, can forge a stronger, more courageous you. You'll understand why those seemingly "special" individuals at the top aren't any better than you – they simply learned to harness their "f***-it factor" to overcome their fears.

This episode is a call to action: pick just one fear that's holding you back from living the life you design. You don't have to conquer them all. Embrace your unique talents, invest in yourself, and discover the immense freedom that comes from choosing your path. It's time to hone your "f*-it factor"** and unlock your full potential.

SavvyLeadersLounge.com

Learn more about the Stories Foundation at https://www.storiesfoundation.org/

Learn more about the Savvy Leaders Lounge the SavvyLeadersLounge.com

Check out the SavvyLivingNetwork.com while your at it!

Learn more about the Savvy Leaders Lounge the SavvyLeadersLounge.com

Check out the SavvyLivingNetwork.com while your at it!