We recently connected with Kristy Kuhl and have shared our conversation below.
Kristy , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?
1)Unwavering Consistency 2)Commitment to the end goal, with flexibility on how you are going to get there.
3)An environment that you can thrive in – surround yourself with others on a similar path and/or people that keep your energy high, encouraging and supportive.
4) Masterminds, coaching etc. Get in the rooms – you will go faster, further and be exposed to things and ways of doing that will be incredibly helpful.
5) Learn to take breaks, instead of quitting
It’s the person that has a relentless pursuit that wins. It’s not the smartest. It’s not the most polished. It’s the one who decided what they want and they show up and do the things that most people don’t want to do. The daily grind activities that aren’t sexy. These little activities stack over time and add up in a big way!
I find that most people are afraid to try new ways to achieve their end goal. For example, When I left corporate America in the pursuit of a flexible schedule and the ability to work anywhere I had an internet connection, I tried a few different things before I landed where I am today. My end goal never changed tho – I wanted to make a massive impact in people’s lives while earning an income remotely, with people that aligned with my values and whatever hours that made sense for me that day.
Clear on the end goal but flexible in the “how to”.
We must create an environment that serves us. Morning routine, prioritize wellness (nutrition & diet), what we listen to (never news on the tv in my house), who we talk to, who we share things with. It is our responsibility to keep our energy high and our focus on the critical activities. Life is hard enough, know yourself and set up an environment that serves you the best.
You will go faster and much further if you leverage the knowledge of others who are willing to share. Not to mention you will borrow their energy and courage. Get in the personal development rooms!!
You might think you can’t afford this part but you really can’t afford NOT to do this.
Schedule in breaks. This is a marathon with some sprints built in. Know yourself and take a proactive approach by scheduling in breaks to rest and recharge. Remember to have fun!
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.
I grew up in a 1 stoplight town in northern Ohio. I always knew I was meant for more and had a big desire to figure it out. I graduated highschool, went to college, grad school and to this day, have only been back to visit.
I was always so curious and still am to this day. How do people live? What is their life like? How does that business work etc. I consider myself to be a master asker of questions!
I did what I thought I was supposed to do – get a job. And because I never wanted conversations or concerns about money to be a “thing” (childhood stuff), I was driven to make an incredible income.
I landed in the medical device industry, at some of the most prestigious companies. Intuitive Surgical, Hologic and Johnson & Johnson to name a few. I stayed in this industry in both individual contributor and leadership roles for 15 years.
On paper I had it all, but something was missing. After attending a few in-person personal development events, I heard a phrase that pierced me to my core. “Success without fulfillment is the ultimate failure”. Ah-hah! Someone finally put words to the way I was feeling.
I knew at this point, I had the platinum handcuffs and if I was going to figure out what makes me feel fulfilled and get out of the rat race, I needed to step away 100%.
I left a job making over $400,000 a year without a clue what I wanted to do next. Money is very important to me. It provides freedom and it makes you more of who you are. If you are a good person, you can do more good. On a side note, I’ve rescued and rehabilitated over 500 mommy dogs and puppies. This is part of my fulfillment.
Ok, back to “I hadn’t a clue what I wanted to do.” II only knew I wanted more peace, more joy, more happiness, more laughter, more travel, more rest, more time serving others, and less stress!
Listen to the compliments others give you. Your genius or part of it is in there somewhere.
I have always been very effective at communicating, teaching, effectively getting a compelling point across, and lighting up a room with my energy.
I am a storyteller, a coach, and a speaker.
I am the Co-Owner of the Ladies Lifestyle Network.
A Womens empowerment and personal development company.
We started in Charlotte, NC, and have since expanded into other cities!
We offer in-person monthly events that focus on personal development, networking, and creating a community. We also offer courses and retreats, and will soon offer a mastermind/weekly program.
If you want to become one of the most recognized, respected and requested women in your city, perhaps you want to apply to be a Community Director of Ladies Lifestyle Network in your city.
We will develop you into a leader, a speaker, and a community builder if you desire…perhaps you already identify with all of this.
It’s a great way to create an additional stream of revenue.
If you have an existing business and are looking to get the word out, network and showcase your business, this is an excellent opportunity to do so! What would meeting 50-75 women each month mean to you and your business?
I am uncertain if I have reached true fulfillment yet but I know I get closer every day. I am happy, I am joyful and I move with alignment, purpose and passion in everything I do. I am so grateful for the journey and the ability to recognize all the good while in the process of figuring it all out.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
When I was a little girl, my dad worked ALL the time. He was a carpenter and in addition to his job, he picked up side jobs and projects in our community to make ends meet.
When I would meet new people and they would ask me who my dad was (mentioning other men in the community with the same last name), and when I would disclose his name, they had the most wonderful reaction.
Usually, because he did some work for them or for someone they knew. They would praise his work and talk about what a delight he was to work for.
I loved that! And I wanted people to think of me the same.
I cultivated my reputation in a few ways.
I am exactly who I say I am and people see this over time.
I do the right thing – always!
I keep my energy high always and leave the room with people wanting to know “who is THAT?”
Trust, Respect, Appreciation and Integrity are my core values and I live and breathe them.
I am asked often now to be a brand ambassador and when I ask them why me, they usually come back with an answer around how trusted my brand is and how my followers believe me. I don’t think there is a greater compliment I could receive.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
I was the youngest of 8 grandchildren and the culture in my family was more focused on the breadwinners in the family and ensuring they were taken care of/heard/seen.
Essentially, the women weren’t seen or heard much. Or perhaps this is the child interpretation I made that stuck with me. Afterall, that is what most childhood trauma is, right? The perception of the child brain in a moment that became our subconscious and is inherently guiding us.
I developed a story that my voice didn’t matter. My opinion didn’t matter. Perhaps I am not right about this thing I am saying that no one seems to react to or listen to.
I had to unlearn this.
I also had to unlearn being in a stressed state. I chose a high-powered cut throat career and that fed my subconscious desire to stressed all the time. I had to unlearn this, rewire my subconscious, and see the beauty and magic that exists when I am calm, clear and rested.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://kristykuhl.com/kristykuhl.com
- Instagram: @kristy_kuhl @ladieslifestylenetwork
- Facebook: kristy kuhl Ladies Lifestyle Network
- Youtube: @KristyKuhl 7395
Image Credits
Faith Ella Photography