We recently connected with Kristen VanFosson and have shared our conversation below.

Kristen, appreciate you joining us today. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.

One of the most defining moments in my life occurred when I challenged a long-held limiting belief and embarked on a journey to become a runner. I grew up with a dad that believes the definition of success is to win, at everything. And you don’t rest until you do. His high levels of competition and the agony of humiliation if he lost, are his motivators for success. Combine these attributes with his athletic abilities, you have the framework of one determined athlete, who won numerous alcaldes in the form of medals, ribbons and newspaper write ups.

My highly competitive dad was also my softball coach. Here’s how the story unfolds: Whenever I stepped up to bat and managed to hit the ball within the infield, I would inevitably be thrown out at first base. Meanwhile, my dad would yell, “Run like lightning!”—not because I was fast.

His intentions were not meant to discourage me, after all his tactics to encourage others are the same tactics that push him to win. But when he imposed his beliefs and abilities on me, I was not inspired to try harder. In fact, it was the opposite. Therefore, I continued to be thrown out at first base despite what I was capable of. Each time triggering me to internalize the thought that I can’t run. Creating a limiting belief.

I accepted this belief for 20 something years which kept the consistency of my activity level at little to no daily exercise. Until I met a fellow Kindergarten mom with a sticker on her car that said, “will run for chocolate”. I LOVE CHOCOLATE. My quiet aspirations of becoming a runner were ignited as our friendship grew.

And one day, she made me an offer that seemed crazy at the time: “you pick a 5k and I will train you”. Despite my initial doubts, I said “YES”! After all, if an experienced runner, someone that would run for chocolate, thought I could, well maybe I can.

With her assistance I decided on a 5k and began training. I started out with one pair of old walking shoes which I do not recommend. One sports bra that was at least 10 years old and never worn. One pair of athletic shorts and 100% cotton non-wicking t-shirts.

I broadcasted my 12-week training schedule on the refrigerator, checking off every run, walk and rest day. In the beginning I experienced instances when breathing was difficult, and my legs were fatigued to the point I thought perhaps they might give out or I might give up. Then, in one notable moment I went from thinking I can’t, to knowing I can during a run interval that was perfectly timed up a hill. In fact, I felt as if I was sprinting up Mount Everest. I was winded and could barely mutter the words to my coach “I need to walk at the top of this hill”. Her response, “no you don’t”. Having no energy to argue, I did as my coach instructed me and I kept running. To my dismay she was right. We reached the top of the hill and my breathing resumed to a normal level as I kept running. In that instance, I persevered beyond the chatter in my head telling me I can’t. And I was becoming a runner.

This pivotal moment fueled a determination I did not think was possible. Consistently achieving small goals became addictive, and I found myself craving movement while my ability to run longer stretches increased. With each passing day, I built both physical endurance and mental resilience.

On race day my coach ran alongside me as I crossed the finish line. While my family, holding homemade signs of encouragement, cheered me on. I relished in the realization that I had not finished first or last, but I was overjoyed to be somewhere in the middle. And I became the proud owner of a 5k sticker which was prominently placed on my car’s rear window. My parents were both proud and a bit shocked by my accomplishment, as they had never seen me embrace physical activity in this way before.

This defining moment taught me the incredible power of challenging self-imposed limitations and embracing the unknown. It highlighted the importance of perseverance, dedication, and the support of others. Since then, I have continued to set new challenges for myself, pushing beyond perceived boundaries and relishing in the joy of accomplishing my goals. This journey has transformed not only my physical fitness but also my mindset, reminding me that through determination and the right support, I can achieve what once seemed impossible.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Kristen, and I am a Healthy Habits Coach specializing in nutrition coaching, movement and building authentic connections through community. My personal journey to build the strongest version of my everyday life has been a continuous journey of education and personal development. My home is with my husband, two daughters and our yellow lab in Overland Park, Kansas. However, the place that brings me peace and inspires me the most is Rocky Mountain National Park / Estes Park, Colorado. You’ll see that we use mountain images to inspire our growth and stay grounded in our goals while always reaching for the tallest peaks!

My journey into the health and wellness industry began in my early 20s when I discovered that I suffered from severe food sensitivities. I spent years monitoring everything I ate to figure out why I felt uncomfortable in my own skin and why certain foods had harmful effects on me. Once I had a basic understanding of what was happening to me, I took control of my diet and began to see food as energy for my body and not a source of emotional comfort. By doing so, food could no longer run my life. My personal experiences ignited my passion for nutrition.

Now, I am crazy passionate about helping others improve their nutrition and incorporate movement into their lives. My goal is to support individuals in living the best version of their everyday life. Through the bridge community and the bridge emi brand, I provide a range of products and services to help individuals achieve their health and wellness goals.

One of the main services I offer is “happy hour,” a virtual meetup where up to six individuals can join me for personalized coaching specific to their goals. These sessions provide a comfortable and supportive environment for individuals to connect with like-minded individuals and receive guidance from a certified professional with personal experience. Happy hour gatherings focus on relevant coaching topics, followed by engaging group discussions, whether someone is an early riser, prefers evening sessions, or wants to dedicate time on weekends, I offer flexible options to cater to different schedules.

I also provide one-on-one coaching sessions tailored to the individual’s goals. The one-on-one sessions delve deeply into an individual’s specific goals, providing focused attention and personalized guidance. I encourage individuals to enhance their coaching experience by combining these sessions with “happy hour,” our small group sessions. The small group sessions compliment the one-on-one sessions by fostering a sense of community, allowing participants to celebrate wins, share struggles, and find ways to overcome obstacles together which greatly contribute to achieving the highest level of success.

Additionally, Happy Healthy Trails is a dream-turned-reality—an aspect of this community that celebrates the joys of the outdoors, healthy and delicious food, and an active lifestyle. Partnering with Sara Walkenbach, known as Freckle Face Foodie, we’ve created a haven where people can connect, be inspired, and embark on fun adventures.

Our monthly adventures form the heart of Happy Healthy Trails. Whether it’s hiking on area trails or trying new activities like kayaking or rowing classes, we’re all about embracing the thrill of discovery. We’ve even organized our very own Hot Chocolate 5k race, followed by a cozy gathering around a fire pit with snacks and warm drinks.

We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to participate, so most of our Happy Healthy Trails adventures are either free or require a minimal cost. We want to remove barriers and invite people from all walks of life to join us in living a healthy and fulfilling life.

What sets me apart from others in the industry is my commitment to the power of embracing vulnerabilities and creating authentic connections. I believe that by cultivating strong relationships within the group, individuals can develop unique strengths and the courage to tackle limiting beliefs. I’m proud of the cohesive and supportive community that has been built within the bridge emi brand, where individuals come together with individual pursuits but find strength through shared successes and missteps.

I strive to solve the problem of maintaining healthy habits in the face of everyday challenges. I understand that motivation can weaken, and excuses can win, but having an accountability partner or group can make all the difference. By providing a supportive community, I aim to help individuals navigate through triggering moments, stressful schedules, and other obstacles that may derail their progress. I firmly believe that by surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals and receiving support, encouragement, and accountability, individuals can overcome self-sabotaging behaviors and create healthy lifelong healthy habits.

One thing I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know about me and the bridge emi brand is that we are committed to their success. I am dedicated to supporting individuals who are ready to live the strongest version of their everyday life. My approach combines nutrition, movement, and building authentic connections. I want to inspire others to accomplish the wildly unimaginable and exceed their expectations, even when faced with self-doubt. I aim to provide the tools, guidance, and community necessary for individuals to make positive changes and achieve their health and wellness goals.

I am most proud of the bridge community that has evolved over the years. From nervously posting inspirational messages to now offering personalized coaching, the community has grown and become a source of support and empowerment for individuals from all backgrounds. The fact that individuals can come together, encourage each other, and discover their inner strength is truly inspiring to me.

In summary, my brand, the bridge emi, offers a range of products and services centered around nutrition, movement, and building authentic connections. The cornerstone of my approach is the combination of personalized one-on-one coaching which empowers individuals to achieve their goals through tailored guidance and virtual small group sessions, known as “happy hour,” which provides a supportive platform for interactive discussions on relevant topics.

We give you the opportunity to try new things, get in touch with nature, and meet cool people on our awesome “Happy Healthy Trails” adventures. By mixing physical activity, nature, healthy snacks and community connections, you can make meaningful friendships while working towards a healthier lifestyle.

My focus is on helping individuals overcome challenges, create healthy lifelong habits, and live the best version of their everyday life. I am dedicated to supporting my clients, fostering a sense of community, and inspiring others to achieve their goals and exceed their own expectations.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Throughout my life, reading was not a passion of mine. However, in recent years, I decided to give it a try and started with the book “The Art of Imperfection” by Brene Brown. This book had a significant impact on my management and entrepreneurial thinking by teaching me the value of embracing vulnerability and imperfections. It helped me understand that taking risks and being authentic are essential for personal and professional growth.

After discovering the joy of reading, I became interested in self-improvement and picked up “The Happiness Project” by Gretchen Rubin. This book delves into the exploration of happiness and creating habits that bring joy into our lives. It further shaped my philosophy by emphasizing the importance of small, intentional actions and the cumulative effect they can have on our overall well-being and success.

My journey of personal development continued with Darren Hardy’s book “The Compound Effect.” This book highlights the power of consistent, incremental progress in achieving significant results. It resonated with me, inspiring me to cultivate habits that bring about positive change and optimize my performance.

To deepen my understanding and application of these concepts, I participated in various programs offered by Darren Hardy. I completed the Jump Start program, became a two-time alumni of the Hero’s Journey program (a year-long program focused on 21st-century leadership), and participated in the Business Master Class (BMC) program. These programs provided me with practical strategies, insights, and tools to enhance my management and entrepreneurial skills.

Additionally, I regularly engage with Darren Hardy’s content, such as his Darren Daily videos, which offer valuable insights and motivation to continue learning and growing. Now, reading has become a daily habit, and I rarely go a day without immersing myself in a book or other educational resources.

If you visit my website at https://thebridgeemi.com/books-journals/, you can explore a comprehensive list of books that have inspired me on my journey. These resources have played a crucial role in shaping my management and entrepreneurial thinking, instilling in me a passion for personal growth, and guiding my philosophy towards achieving success and happiness.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

To keep my team’s morale high, I prioritize several key approaches. Firstly, I serve as a consistent and committed accountability partner, ensuring that everyone understands their responsibilities and providing ongoing feedback. Secondly, I lead by example, demonstrating unwavering dedication and passion for our mission. Thirdly, I act as their biggest cheerleader, regularly offering encouragement, recognition, and praise for their good work. Additionally, I make it a point to celebrate wins and empathize with failures, fostering a sense of togetherness and growth. I actively listen to my team members, seeking to understand their perspectives and concerns. I also engage in respectful and difficult conversations when necessary to promote learning and mutual understanding. Finally, I find joy in celebrating the achievements of my team members, as their success is our collective success. By embodying these principles, I create an environment where morale remains high and individuals thrive.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thebridgeemi.com
• Instagram: thebridgeemi
• Facebook: thebridgeemi
• Youtube: @thebridgeemibig3
• Other: [email protected] emi’s trailblazin’ bridgers is the private Facebook page. It is by referral and approval only. If you want to join, let’s chat!

Image Credits
I have taken these pictures.