We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kristin Quiroz Bayona. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kristin below.

Alright, Kristin thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

One of the biggest risks I took was leaving my corporate job to start my own company. I had been a corporate communications professional for over 15 years, however, I had known for a while that it wasn’t the right fit. One day, while sitting in my cubicle, worrying about whether I should leave my 9-to-5, my internal voice spoke up and clearly said, “This is not the place where you will thrive and realize your full potential.” In that moment, I felt the truth in those words and knew I wanted to thrive, not just go through the motions. I had never done anything like launch a business before and it felt like a huge risk, but I knew I would regret not taking a chance on myself. Three years later, I’m running a podcasting business and it’s been the most meaningful work of my career.

Kristin, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Kristin Quiroz Bayona, the founder of Podcast & Amplify, a podcast strategy consultancy focused on helping female entrepreneurs rebrand and relaunch business podcasts to amplify their voices, brand and thought leadership.

What sets me apart from others and that I’m proud of is that I incorporate my values of authenticity, inclusivity, and sustainability into my approach to working with clients. I focus on growing podcasts organically and building community instead of aggressive/inauthentic marketing tactics. I focus on helping my clients reconnect to their ‘why’, own their unique voice, and honor their capacity.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I call myself a “recovering perfectionist”! I used to think the impossibly high standards I held for myself served me, however, a few years ago I read something that helped me completely rethink perfectionism and its benefits. The article pointed out that perfectionism is actually a way to avoid being judged by appearing to be faultless and that when we don’t allow ourselves to be the flawed human beings that we are, not only are we avoiding judgment, not letting ourselves be truly seen for who we are and limiting our ability to genuinely connect with others. As someone who values connection and authenticity, I realized I had to let go of being “perfect”, foster self-compassionate, and become vulnerable so that I could build genuine a relationship with my community. 

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.podcastandamplify.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastandamplify/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/podcast-and-amplify/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@podcastandamplify/podcasts