Bringing it ALL Home

I just returned from Nitrogen 's Fearless Investing Summit (#FISummit) in Nashville, and what an experience it was! Kicking things off by speaking at the Fearless Women session was both an honor & a privilege (we missed you terribly Sheryl Hickerson ), but beyond that, the entire event was filled with inspiration, bold ideas, and exciting innovations. As I reflect on the summit, I can’t help but think about what it really means to live and work fearlessly—and how we can take that mindset home and apply it daily.

Fearless vs. Fear Less

I talked about this in last week's Opening Bell, and it was reiterates this past week in Nashville -- being fearless doesn’t mean the absence of fear. It’s about feeling the fear and acting anyway. Whether you run a business, lead a team, or advise clients, fear is inevitable. But what if we focused not on eliminating fear, but on fearing less—quieting the doubts just enough to take the next step? The entire conference was filled with people & firms dong just that!

Innovation Is the Future

This year’s summit emphasized the power of innovation—particularly in the realms of fintech, AI, and new technologies. These advancements aren’t just buzzwords; they’re tools that allow us to serve clients better, streamline our businesses, and create opportunities for tremendous growth. But here’s the key: Innovation doesn’t mean replacing human connection -- quite the opposite. It is actually there to ENHANCE it! The most successful advisors, leaders, and entrepreneurs will be those who leverage technology without sacrificing relationships. It’s not tech vs. people—it’s tech and people, working together.

Bold Connections and Authentic Conversations

The energy at the summit reminded me how much we grow through meaningful connections. The conversations, shared insights, and moments of support from friends & colleagues were a powerful reminder that we thrive best when we surround ourselves with the right people. This ties perfectly into one of my philosophy: "KNOW your people, FIND your people, LOVE 'em hard!" Building relationships with those who lift us up is essential, not just for business growth but for personal fulfillment, too. No amount of technology can replace the power of authentic connection.

Taking Fearless Action

The message throughout the summit was clear: Waiting for the perfect moment isn’t the path to success — taking action is. Whether it’s launching a new initiative, trying something bold with a client (like one of the incredible tools or resources that were shared), or stepping into deeper relationships with your clients, the key is to move forward, even when it feels uncomfortable. Progress doesn’t come from perfection; it comes from movement.

What’s Your Next Bold Step?

So, as I bring the lessons from the Fearless Investing Summit back home, I challenge you to do the same. What’s your next bold step? Maybe it’s adopting new technologies, starting a project you’ve been hesitant about, or rethinking how you engage with clients. Whatever it is, now is the time to step forward.

Let’s carry the fearless mindset into our everyday work, knowing that growth comes from action, innovation works best with connection, and fulfillment comes from loving what we do—and loving the people we do it with.

Cheers to your success,

Kristin

P.S. If you’re looking for a dynamic speaker for your firm or conference, let’s connect! I am booking now for 2025, and would love to bring some new energy, insights, and creative strategies to your team.