Tools For Every Day Leaders & Managers With Leadership Coach Kris Plachy

In this episode of Leadership is Feminine, host Kris Plachy dives into the essential topic of expressing assertiveness and setting boundaries in professional settings. Kris illuminates the difference between what people say when they don't feel the need to guard what they say, versus what they convey in less clear ways when they feel protective. Kris emphasizes that the majority of women she coaches need guidance to articulate what needs to be said fearlessly and in clear terms. She candidly explores her own journey of setting stronger expectations during her info sessions, transforming them into active, participative experiences rather than passive webinars. A significant theme that emerges is how essential it is to set clear expectations, whether that's in team interactions, client meetings, or personal relationships. Kris candidly discusses her own experiences navigating this and shares how she boldly updated her expectations for those attending her sessions. This episode is an eye-opener for leaders who s

In another episode of Leadership is Feminine, Kris Plachy delivers powerful insights and thoughtful musings about a favorite topic: goals. Showcasing her natural finesse for leadership coaching, Kris frames a magic question that serves as an effective tool to realign our focus - "What is the goal?" In a world where our minds are cluttered with to-do lists, divergent ideas, and unexpected plans, Kris argues that this seemingly simple question can guide us back to the heart of our intentions. This episode delves into the importance of a goal-oriented approach in leadership and decision-making processes. Moreover, Kris shares an ambitious goal of her own. She hopes to inspire and influence 20 million women in leadership globally through her podcast. With this target, she highlights the underlying tenet of Leadership is Feminine - that one thriving woman can make a significant difference. She gives a call-to-action, inviting listeners to share the podcast and empower more women leaders worldwide. In her discussio

In this episode of Leadership is Feminine, Kris Plachy gets real about the journey of entrepreneurship, asking the crucial question: what kind of business do you want? She draws on her years as an entrepreneur to explore the pivotal moments that arise as businesses grow, particularly when revenue hits the million-dollar mark. Kris discusses the decision-making process and the challenges women face when scaling their businesses, emphasizing the importance of aligning business goals with personal aspirations. Kris candidly shares her insights on the need for women to consider the life they want in the future and how it intersects with their business decisions. She challenges the traditional focus on revenue and growth, encouraging listeners to think about the type of business they truly want, and if they are willing to do what it takes to achieve it. Kris questions whether building a bigger business is always the right choice and highlights the necessity of being intentional about the future. Throughout the epi

Welcome back to Leadership is Feminine! In this engaging episode, Kris Plachy sheds light on a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of running a business: the pitfalls of abdicating responsibilities as a founder. With candor and insight, Kris addresses the vulnerability that arises from handing over crucial aspects of the business and not being actively involved in their management. Kris highlights the tendency to delegate tasks to others and then disengage, whether it's bookkeeping, graphic design, or other operational functions. She emphasizes the vital role of the founder in maintaining strategic involvement and a clear line of sight into all areas of the business, even when delegating to experts. Kris delves into the potential consequences of complete abdication, such as financial mismanagement, loss of control, and the challenge of replacing key team members who hold all the knowledge. The episode explores the common tendencies of female founders, especially those from a bootstrapped background, to defer

Today's episode of Leadership is Feminine dives into the concept of designing roles within a business as assets, rather than thinking of them as employee possessions. Host, Kris Plachy emphasizes the importance of creating roles that contribute to the business's objectives and results. She highlights the need to think about roles in the company as assets and how this mindset can change the way we create and hire for roles. Kris shares insights into the responsibility of leaders to hold individuals in these roles accountable for their performance and results. She discusses the need to separate the person from the position, emphasizing that roles belong to the business, not to the individuals. Throughout the episode, Kris stresses the importance of making decisions about roles and people based on clear evidence and expectations. The episode provides valuable insights into the relationship between businesses and their employees, underlining the importance of creating a culture of accountability and contribution.

In this episode, Kris Plachy dives into the complex dynamic of promoting employees into management positions and the resulting challenges. Kris unpacks common issues faced by businesses as they transition from small teams to larger management structures. She candidly explores the struggles of transitioning from being an individual contributor to a manager, and details how new managers can unknowingly cause discomfort among their former peers. Kris emphasizes the importance of investing in management training and the significance of developing leadership skills. With real-life examples, she highlights the impact of mismanaged leadership on employee retention and the overall health of the organization. Kris also offers a thought-provoking perspective on the need for clear communication and leadership frameworks to navigate these transitions effectively. The episode provides an insightful look at the complexities of leadership transitions and emphasizes the need for intentional development and support for manage

In this week's episode of Leadership is Feminine, Kris Plachy dives into the tough reality of losing key team members unexpectedly in your growing business. She acknowledges the emotional toll it takes and provides insightful guidance on how to navigate these challenging moments. Throughout the episode, Kris emphasizes the inevitability of change in business and the importance of being prepared for it. She encourages listeners to maintain a proactive hiring strategy and always be on the lookout for new talent, even during periods of stability. Kris also urges her audience not to take departures personally, emphasizing that employees won't have the same level of attachment to the business as the founder or CEO. Kris skillfully addresses the emotional reactions that may arise when faced with unexpected turnover, reminding her audience that they possess the knowledge and capability to handle these challenges. She highlights the need for developing systems and infrastructure to support the hiring process. An impo

In this episode of Leadership is Feminine, Kris Plachy challenges the notion of open door policies and their effectiveness in leadership. With her signature wisdom, Kris dives into why simply declaring an open door policy isn't enough to make team members feel truly comfortable approaching you. She emphasizes the importance of being intentional and prescriptive in creating opportunities for engagement with your team. Kris illustrates the concept by likening an open door policy to inviting someone into your home and how you can best make someone feel welcomed. She urges leaders to provide specific avenues for communication, such as scheduled one-on-one meetings, team lunches, or virtual office hours. Emphasizing the need for proactive engagement, Kris encourages leaders to initiate interactions, particularly with team members they might not know well. The episode emphasizes that the responsibility of creating a welcoming and approachable environment falls on the leader. Kris discusses the need for leaders to s

In this episode of Leadership is Feminine, Kris Plachy addresses the challenges and dynamics that arise when a manager becomes the go-to person for complaints and venting within a company. She shares her perspective on the role of managers in extending culture, expectations, and values into the organization, while also emphasizing the importance of effective communication and translating the founder's vision to the team. Kris explores the issue of things getting lost in translation when communicating with managers, emphasizing the need for clear expectations and a strong emphasis on the organization's vision. She also discusses the importance of managers taking ownership of their role and responsibilities, particularly when it comes to addressing tough situations and holding employees accountable. Kris shares insights on empowering managers to be effective leaders rather than just messengers for the founder's directives. Join Kris as she delves into the intricate world of leadership, offering practical insigh

In this episode, Kris Plachy is tackling the intriguing topic of team gossip – you know, that thing that has a way of sneaking its way into our business and team conversations? In Kris fashion, she cuts to the chase, sharing insights on how gossip can impact small businesses, leadership dynamics, and even our personal relationships. She dives into the different shades of venting, complaining, and gossiping, shedding light on the underlying reasons why we humans engage in these behaviors. Kris opens up about her own encounters with gossip and stresses why leaders must confront it directly within their organizations. Get ready for some practical tips on dealing with workplace gossip – Kris emphasizes the importance of setting clear expectations and values as a leader. She also discusses how leaders can either contribute to or combat gossip, highlighting the significant role their attitude plays in shaping the team culture. Plus, she shares a compelling real-life story about navigating gossip within her own team

In today’s enlightening episode of Leadership is Feminine, we delve into the exciting world of yoga, self-care, and leadership with our amazing guest, Brett Larkin, a yoga entrepreneur and new author of Yoga Life: Habits, Poses, and Breathwork to Channel Joy Amidst the Chaos. Brett credits mindset shifts that host, Kris Plachy, coached her through as crucial in her journey of managing her company and writing her book, all while navigating personal challenges. During their chat, Brett shines a light on the importance of making your yoga practice truly your own, emphasizing the critical role of awareness and breath work over prescribed poses. Kris and Brett's conversation touches on how important it is for female founders to integrate yoga into daily life, emphasizing how the practice of yoga fosters a deep connection with oneself, significantly benefiting physical and emotional health. This inspiring conversation serves as a gentle reminder to prioritize self-care, be mindful of our bodies, and understand thei

In this episode of Leadership is Feminine, Kris Plachy dives into the concept of why good leaders say no. She presents her perspective on how saying no is a crucial skill for leaders, delving into the reasons why people often struggle with it. Kris unpacks the dynamics of people-pleasing and the underlying motivations behind saying yes when really meaning no. Throughout the episode, Kris explores the impact of leaders' ability to say no on team dynamics and organizational culture. She also shares personal anecdotes from personal and professional experiences, discussing the effects of both positively and negatively delivered no responses from leaders. The episode encourages listeners to reflect on their own ability to say no and its impact on their well-being and leadership effectiveness. So, think about it – do great bosses say no? Let's dive into the power of setting boundaries and being true to our authentic selves as leaders. “Whatever the reason that you're saying yes instead of no, we're going to get to

In this episode of Leadership is Feminine, host Kris Plachy shares her insights on the unique challenges faced by female business owners whose companies have reached the three to five million dollar revenue mark and beyond. Drawing on her experience working with million-dollar female business owners, Kris discusses the complexities of team design and the vital role of leadership in scaling a business. Kris emphasizes the need for business owners to delegate and build a strong team to support the growth of the company. She talks about the signs of founder burnout and the importance of identifying vital tasks that only the founder should handle, while delegating other responsibilities. Kris provides a thought-provoking assignment for the listeners to help them identify their vital signs and understand the critical elements necessary for the success of their businesses. While addressing the challenges faced by business owners, Kris also offers a glimpse into her upcoming program, the "1 Hour Leader," designed ex

In this episode of Leadership is Feminine, Kris Plachy dives into the power of intentionality in achieving our goals and becoming effective leaders. She emphasizes the importance of being intentional about our actions and decisions, especially when it comes to leadership and building successful teams. Kris discusses how many entrepreneurs excel at learning new skills and strategies to grow their businesses but often struggle when it comes to applying these same strategies for leading their teams. She encourages listeners to reassess their priorities and focus on the core reasons behind their goals, rather than simply making a list of tasks to complete. Throughout the episode, Kris shares personal insights into her new year’s goals, particularly in prioritizing self-care, and how she is enacting short sprints in order to achieve her desired outcomes. And that by focusing on just a few small tasks, it not only simplifies goal-setting, but also increases productivity and energy, enabling individuals to focus on

In this episode of Leadership is Feminine, Kris Plachy introduces the concept of the One Hour Leader, a new offering designed specifically for female founders running million-dollar businesses. She dives deep into the challenges faced by female entrepreneurs as they transition from hitting seven-figure thresholds and the necessity to evolve and lead their teams differently.  Kris encourages women to invest time and effort to address the people issues in their businesses and create a high-functioning work environment. She also emphasizes the need for a framework that allows for effective and efficient leadership without being consumed by the day-to-day people management struggles. Throughout the episode, Kris expresses a strong commitment to simplifying the leadership journey for female founders, highlighting the need for clarity, decisiveness, and building an aligned team that supports the vision of the business.  Kris provides an in-depth overview of the One Hour Leader program, discussing its structure and

In this New Year episode of Leadership is Feminine, Kris Plachy takes us on a journey of self-reflection and goal setting. With the turn of the year, Kris encourages listeners to treat this podcast as their own mini retreat, prompting them to reflect on the past year and set intentions for the year ahead. Kris emphasizes the importance of journaling and introspection, guiding listeners through a series of thought-provoking questions to help them evaluate their experiences from the past year and envision their aspirations for the coming year. She invites her audience to consider who they've become in the previous year and how this growth influences the individual they aim to be in the new year. The episode delves into the concept of "game film review," likening life to a series of moments and decisions that require analysis and introspection without personal judgment—more of an examination and learning experience. Kris shares her perspective on setting short-term goals or "sprints," as a strategy for increased

In this final installment of this Gen-X Women Founders mini series, host Kris Plachy dives into the emotional load and labor that comes with being a Gen-X woman leading her own business. She delves into the societal pressures and expectations placed on women, especially those who are ambitious and successful in their careers. From the guilt associated with balancing work and family to the challenges of self-advocacy and trusting one's own instincts, Kris explores the emotional burden carried by many Gen-X women. Throughout the episode, Kris encourages listeners to shed the guilt and embrace their worth and success. She emphasizes the importance of trusting oneself, and feeling pride in one's accomplishments. The conversation also highlights the need for empowerment and support among Gen-X women, addressing the impact of generational roles on personal and professional life. This episode discusses how Gen-X women also fully embrace their drive to continue to show up in the work place and lead. Kris also shares

In this latest episode of Leadership is Feminine, Kris Plachy dives into the unique world of Gen-X women and the impact they have on leadership and change. This episode candidly addresses the impact of the pandemic on different generations and how it has influenced the struggles of the younger population. She discusses the need for leaders to understand and embrace the needs of the younger workforce and the importance of being open-minded and embracing change. The conversation also centers around the emotional load carried by Gen-X women, exploring how their leadership styles and personal well-being are shaped by the responsibilities they carry. Kris emphasizes the importance of being open-minded and seeking curiosity, rather than giving in to fear and judgment. Listeners can expect a thought-provoking exploration of how generational shifts influence leadership, personal growth, and professional challenges for Gen-X women. Tune in to the full episode to gain powerful insights into the world of Gen X women and

In our 3rd installment of Kris Plachy’s GenX Female Founder Series of "Leadership is Feminine," host Kris addresses the unique challenges and experiences of Gen X female entrepreneurs, with a special emphasis on imposter syndrome.  Specifically why so many of us experience it and how developing our understanding of it can help us overcome it… For good.  Kris shares her journey and insights, tracing the evolution of women's roles in leadership from the early '90s to the present day. She discusses the initial need for women to emulate masculine traits in the workplace and the shift towards more empathetic and emotionally intelligent leadership. Through personal anecdotes and reflective questions, Kris explores the deep-seated issue of imposter syndrome, particularly prevalent among women leaders aged 45 to 60. She urges listeners to rethink their approach to leadership, advocating for a balanced integration of both masculine and feminine energies. Why Gen X Female Founders Must Listen: This episode is a must-li

How GenX women show up as leaders and in our relationships has a definite flavor all its own. Unlike our parents, we’re more collaborative, for one thing, especially as parents now ourselves. But how does that influence the impact we have as leaders? Let’s talk about it… But before we get started, let me say… I’m absolutely loving diving into all this with you. And if you haven’t heard it already, I recommend listening to the 1st episode in this series before this 2nd one. The statistics and insights I share in it bring even more context to why GenX women founders are unique. “We were raised with this freedom, only to be confronted with the fear that comes with that.” – Kris Plachy What You’ll Learn What we’re fighting through Increased awareness Collaborative relationships Freedom with fear Contact Info and Recommended Resources Connect with Kris Plachy LEAD FOR WOMEN: LEAD FOR WOMEN is THE curated Leadership Development, Training AND Advisement program for Elite Visionary Women, including C-Suite Women