When Women Lift Women: My 30-Year Journey from Skeptic to Believer

Welcome to another edition of Kickin' it with Kristen — your midweek motivation every Wednesday!  

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💡Aha! Moment

When I first entered corporate America over 30 years ago, seeing women support other women was a rare sight. With so few of us in leadership roles, it was almost like there was only room for one or two. The unspoken rule seemed to be that we had to compete with each other just to keep a seat at the table. Many of us felt the pressure to fit in with the "boys’ club," and openly supporting another woman could even feel risky.

It wasn’t until I was contemplating leaving corporate life that I began meeting women outside my organization who, to my surprise, genuinely supported one another. At first, it felt strange. I even thought, Is this real? But as I spoke with more women who generously shared advice, spent time answering my questions, and cheered me on, I realized something life-changing: we’re so much better when we lift each other up.

Today, in my own work, I see women who do exactly what I do sharing resources, referring clients, and genuinely wanting others to succeed. They’ll sometimes even refer clients to me, simply because they believe my background might be a better match for that client’s needs. Imagine that—women helping other women, even when they don’t have to.

The aha? I only wish I’d seen this kind of support earlier in my career. It’s a reminder that lifting each other up doesn’t just create opportunities for individual success—it builds a culture where we all win. And the best part? It’s contagious. Once you experience that kind of support, you’ll want to pay it forward.

And the best part? It's contagious. Once you experience that kind of support, you'll want to pay it forward. Now, I'm curious: what's one way you could lift another woman up this week?

1️⃣One Thing I...

🏫 Learned - I discovered something surprising about myself—I actually like vegetables! I recently spent a few days at a wellness retreat where I tried dishes with beets, squash, and other veggies I’d never really enjoyed before. Was it the way they were prepared? Maybe my taste buds have just evolved, or perhaps I’ve liked these veggies all along and never gave them a fair shot. Either way, it’s opened up a whole new side of food for me!

📖 Read - I recently read an article about the steep decline in marriage rates in China, highlighting a growing demographic crisis. Despite government campaigns to promote marriage and boost birth rates, marriage registrations are set to hit their lowest recorded level. Factors like high unemployment, rising living costs, and shifting social expectations—especially among young, educated women—are leading many to delay or even reject marriage. It’s a fascinating look at how cultural and economic shifts impact not only family structures but also long-term workforce dynamics.

👀 Watched - I came across a heartwarming yet deeply insightful conversation between Andrew Garfield and Elmo about grief, where Andrew discussed his journey with the loss of his mom. Following Sesame Workshop on LinkedIn has shown me just how many invaluable resources they offer for kids and families dealing with tough topics like grief. If you know a child navigating loss, this video and the resources at m.sesame.org/Grief could be incredibly helpful.

✔️ Accomplished - I’m excited to share that I found two fantastic hotel brands for a couple of clients: Limelight Hotels and SCP Hotels. These properties offer unique experiences and align well with the types of retreats my clients love. If you’re in the market for something fresh and distinctive, I’d recommend checking them out!

Limelight Hotels: Adventure Awaits in Every Stay

Limelight Hotels offer a unique blend of adventure and laid-back luxury, designed to be a gateway to discovery and connection with local culture. Each property, from Aspen to Snowmass, is crafted to inspire thrill-seekers and leisure-lovers alike, offering everything from skiing to stargazing right at guests' fingertips. Their modern spaces are filled with curated local art and feature thoughtful design elements that reflect the character of each location. For those looking for authentic connections, Limelight staff know the ins and outs of each community, offering personalized recommendations that make each stay feel genuinely local. And with upcoming locations in Mammoth and Boulder, Limelight Hotels continue to expand their passion for adventure and connection to new horizons.

SCP Hotels: Where Wellness Meets Social Impact

Soul Community Planet (SCP) Hotels are redefining hospitality with a mission centered on wellness, social good, and sustainability. Each SCP hotel embraces a “Soul, Community, Planet”, providing guests with comfortable, eco-friendly spaces that support inner peace, positive connections, and environmental stewardship. From regenerative travel practices to their "Every Stay Does Good" program, SCP is all about leaving the world a little better after every visit. Their wellness offerings include SCP Fit facilities with Peloton bikes, yoga rooms, and meditation spaces, while their GSD (Get Stuff Done) Commons provide guests with functional, comfortable workspaces. Their farm-to-fork dining focuses on locally sourced, plant-forward meals that are as sustainable as they are delicious. And with a commitment to Fair Trade Pricing, SCP lets guests pay upon checkout based on the quality of their experience. So, if you are not satisfied for any reason, you can let them know what you feel would be an appropriate price and your bill will be adjusted accordingly.

🤔Insight for the Week

 Strong women don’t compete; they empower. – Unknown

❓Ask Kristen

Thanks to everyone who sent in questions. This one came from the state of Arizona and it's a good one!

Q: I'm working in a negative environment where my coworkers are constantly complaining, especially about our boss. While I actually like and respect him, they seem determined to get him in trouble and often twist the facts to make him look bad. It feels like they won’t stop until he’s forced out. How should I handle this situation?

A: That sounds like such a challenging situation! Navigating a workplace with negative dynamics can be really tricky, especially when you feel like you're caught between your coworkers and a boss you respect.

Here are a few strategies to consider:

1. Stay Neutral and Professional: Try to keep your interactions as positive and constructive as possible without directly engaging in the negativity. If conversations with your coworkers start turning into a vent session about your boss, try gently steering the topic back to work-related matters or excuse yourself if you can.
2. Document the Positives: If you genuinely respect your boss and see him doing good things for the team, it may be helpful to keep a record of positive contributions he’s made. If things escalate and there’s an official review of his leadership, having facts on hand could make a big difference.
3. Focus on Your Own Growth and Morale: In environments like these, it’s easy to get pulled down by the negativity. Set small goals for yourself that focus on your professional development and positivity. This could mean identifying new skills to work on or creating personal milestones that keep you motivated and engaged.
4. Assess the Situation Regularly: If it seems like the work environment is becoming increasingly hostile, it may be worth asking yourself whether the negativity is impacting your own job satisfaction and well-being. If it gets to the point where the environment becomes too toxic, exploring other roles within or outside the organization may be worth considering.
5. Consider a Private Conversation: If you’re comfortable, you could have a one-on-one conversation with your boss, sharing that you’ve noticed some negativity on the team without naming names or getting too specific. This could open the door for him to address the team's morale more proactively.

Remember, ultimately, you're only responsible for your own actions and reactions. Maintaining your integrity and staying focused on your work can go a long way in situations like this.

I would love to hear from you! If you have a question or topic you'd like to see covered in a future edition, comment below or DM me!