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😳 I snapped. I got defensive. And I shut down.
All because of one piece of feedback.

I was further into my career than you’d think. I should’ve handled it better… but my body went into full panic mode.
Not because the feedback was harsh—
…but because of the shame I’d attached to it.

💭 What if feedback doesn’t have to feel like failure?
What if your reaction isn’t a flaw—but a clue?

🎧 Episode 57 is raw, real, and it’s for every high-achiever who’s ever felt wrecked by a single comment.

📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/COphBAcZfN0

📄 Free Resource: Download The Ultimate Leadership FRAMEWORK: 7 Steps to Building a Successful Business Without Sacrificing Your Life and start leading with confidence! 👉 Get it here: https://www.kristinaschmitt.ca/the-ultimate-leadership-framework

FRAMEWORK FOR DIFFICULT CONVERSATIONS : https://www.kristinaschmitt.ca/framework-for-difficult-conversations

🔗 Stay Connected with Kristina:
🌐 Website: https://www.kristinaschmitt.ca
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristinaschmitt.ca/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristina-schmitt-development/
🚀 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristinashmittdevelopment/

#BusinessBuildingBlocks #LeadershipPodcast #FeedbackStruggles #LiveNow #GrowthMindset #EmotionalResilience #KristinaSchmitt

📅 Ready to talk about how to build that kind of culture in your team or family? Book a free 30-minute consultation:
https://tidycal.com/1gvq821/30-minute-meeting

✨ FREE RESOURCES ✨
Unlock the blueprint for leadership success – download your FREE Ultimate Leadership FRAMEWORK: 7 Steps to Building a Successful Business Without Sacrificing Your Life today!

🚨 FRAMEWORK FOR DIFFICULT CONVERSATIONS: https://www.kristinaschmitt.ca/framework-for-difficult-conversations

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"I got into my first 'dream job.' It was everything I thought I wanted. Big name. Big opportunity. But within a few months, I felt completely drained. I realized—I was hiding who I really was just to survive the culture. I didn’t even know what my core values were back then. All I knew was that something didn’t feel right."

In this episode of the Business Building Blocks Podcast, Jenny Barkan and I dive deep into masking in the workplace—what it is, why we do it, and how it slowly erodes our energy, creativity, and confidence.

We talk about:
✅ The difference between adapting and masking
✅ What to do when your values don't align with your company's culture
✅ How leaders can create spaces for authenticity
✅ Why self-awareness is where it all begins

Whether you're a leader, teammate, or just trying to find where you belong, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss.

📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/XSbZP_Ct9UY

✨ Connect with Jenny Barkan:
🔗https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennybarkan/
🔗https://www.jennybarkan.com/

📄 Free Resource: Download The Ultimate Leadership FRAMEWORK: 7 Steps to Building a Successful Business Without Sacrificing Your Life and start leading with confidence! 👉 Get it here: https://www.kristinaschmitt.ca/the-ultimate-leadership-framework

FRAMEWORK FOR DIFFICULT CONVERSATIONS : https://www.kristinaschmitt.ca/framework-for-difficult-conversations

🔗 Stay Connected with Kristina:
🌐 Website: https://www.kristinaschmitt.ca
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristinaschmitt.ca/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristina-schmitt-development/
🚀 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristinashmittdevelopment/

#BusinessBuildingBlocks #WorkplaceCulture #LeadershipDevelopment #AuthenticLeadership #JennyBarkanCoaching

📅 Ready to talk about how to build that kind of culture in your team or family? Book a free 30-minute consultation:
https://tidycal.com/1gvq821/30-minute-meeting

✨ FREE RESOURCES ✨
Unlock the blueprint for leadership success – download your FREE Ultimate Leadership FRAMEWORK: 7 Steps to Building a Successful Business Without Sacrificing Your Life today!

🚨 FRAMEWORK FOR DIFFICULT CONVERSATIONS: https://www.kristinaschmitt.ca/framework-for-difficult-conversations

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"What if the drive to work felt heavier than the job itself?"

In this deeply personal and powerful episode, Kaitlyn Rios, founder & President of Faced with Grace, shares her raw journey through toxic workplaces—and the moment that changed everything. From silent microaggressions to full-blown burnout, Kaitlyn’s story will resonate with anyone who's ever felt unseen, unsupported, or suffocated at work.

🌿 Learn how to spot the subtle signs of toxicity, how to heal after harm, and what healthy leadership really looks like. Whether you're in the storm or trying to recover from one, this episode is your reminder: You're not alone, and you're not crazy.

💼 Listen now and join us on a mission to eradicate workplace toxicity, one courageous woman at a time.
📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/sNVAeQIxy1w

Connect with Kaitlyn:
🔗 facedwithgrace.org | 💌 connect@facedwithgrace.org

📄 Free Resource: Download The Ultimate Leadership FRAMEWORK: 7 Steps to Building a Successful Business Without Sacrificing Your Life and start leading with confidence! 👉 Get it here: https://www.kristinaschmitt.ca/the-ultimate-leadership-framework

FRAMEWORK FOR DIFFICULT CONVERSATIONS : https://www.kristinaschmitt.ca/framework-for-difficult-conversations

🔗 Stay Connected:
🌐 Website: https://www.kristinaschmitt.ca
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristinaschmitt.ca/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristina-schmitt-development/
🚀 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristinashmittdevelopment/

#ToxicWorkplaces #HealthyLeadership #WorkplaceCulture #BusinessBuildingBlocksPodcast #FacedWithGrace #WomensLeadership #BurnoutRecovery #WorkplaceWellness

📅 Ready to talk about how to build that kind of culture in your team or family? Book a free 30-minute consultation:
https://tidycal.com/1gvq821/30-minute-meeting

✨ FREE RESOURCES ✨
Unlock the blueprint for leadership success – download your FREE Ultimate Leadership FRAMEWORK: 7 Steps to Building a Successful Business Without Sacrificing Your Life today!

🚨 FRAMEWORK FOR DIFFICULT CONVERSATIONS: https://www.kristinaschmitt.ca/framework-for-difficult-conversations

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I used to shrink myself in meetings.
Waited for the perfect moment to speak—
Then didn’t.

Because I thought:
“What if I say the wrong thing?”
“What if I sound too emotional?”
“What if I take up too much space?”

Sound familiar?

Somewhere along the way, many of us were taught to be smaller to be accepted.
To tone it down to be taken seriously.
To lead like someone else.

But what if the version of you that feels like too much
Is exactly what your business, your team, your clients… need?

This week on The Business Building Blocks Podcast, we’re flipping the script.
Because what you’ve been hiding might just be the leadership superpower you’ve been waiting for.

Listen to: From Flaw to Fuel: How My Weakness Became My Superpower
Let’s stop shrinking—and start leading as we are.

📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/hID1WgtduEY

📄 Free Resource: Download The Ultimate Leadership FRAMEWORK: 7 Steps to Building a Successful Business Without Sacrificing Your Life and start leading with confidence! 👉 Get it here: https://www.kristinaschmitt.ca/the-ultimate-leadership-framework

FRAMEWORK FOR DIFFICULT CONVERSATIONS : https://www.kristinaschmitt.ca/framework-for-difficult-conversations

🔗 Stay Connected with Kristina:

🌐 Website: https://www.kristinaschmitt.ca

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristinaschmitt.ca/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristina-schmitt-development/

🚀 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristinashmittdevelopment/

#FromFlawToFuel #OwnYourVoice #WomenInLeadership #ImposterSyndromeNoMore #BusinessBuildingBlocksPodcast #LeadWithAuthenticity

📅 Ready to talk about how to build that kind of culture in your team or family? Book a free 30-minute consultation:
https://tidycal.com/1gvq821/30-minute-meeting

✨ FREE RESOURCES ✨
Unlock the blueprint for leadership success – download your FREE Ultimate Leadership FRAMEWORK: 7 Steps to Building a Successful Business Without Sacrificing Your Life today!

🚨 FRAMEWORK FOR DIFFICULT CONVERSATIONS: https://www.kristinaschmitt.ca/framework-for-difficult-conversations

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🗣️ "We were paying ourselves below the poverty line. I remember my tax filing from like 2002, 2003… we were below the poverty line."

David Brecount, CEO and Co-Founder of US Digital Partners, joined me on the podcast and shared what those early years of business really looked like:

👉🏼 “You live off savings, and you press on. You go out and sell another project, figure out how to do it. Then you sell another project, and figure out how to do that one too.”

We talked about everything from starting with raw perseverance, to raising a family while building a business, to this powerful reminder:

💡 "Leaders need silence. Leaders need white space on the calendar to consider things, digest information, and make decisions."

We also dove into what it really means to lead a team:

🧡 "You have to love your team members. You have to care for these people. This is about loving your neighbor as yourself. That’s it—right there."

If you’re building a business, raising a family, or simply trying to stay aligned with your purpose—this one’s for you.

📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9AOWhVkqLXQ

📲 Connect with David:
🌐 Website: https://www.usdigitalpartners.com/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brecount

📄 Free Resource: Download The Ultimate Leadership FRAMEWORK: 7 Steps to Building a Successful Business Without Sacrificing Your Life and start leading with confidence! 👉 Get it here: https://www.kristinaschmitt.ca/the-ultimate-leadership-framework

FRAMEWORK FOR DIFFICULT CONVERSATIONS : https://www.kristinaschmitt.ca/framework-for-difficult-conversations

🔗 Stay Connected with Kristina:
🌐 Website: https://www.kristinaschmitt.ca
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristinaschmitt.ca/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristina-schmitt-development/
🚀 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristinashmittdevelopment/

#BusinessBuildingBlocks #LeadershipQuotes #StartupJourney #EntrepreneurLife #DavidBrecount #USDigitalPartners #WhiteSpaceMatters #LeadWithLove #FaithDrivenEntrepreneur #PodcastQuotes #FounderWisdom

📅 Ready to talk about how to build that kind of culture in your team or family? Book a free 30-minute consultation:
https://tidycal.com/1gvq821/30-minute-meeting

✨ FREE RESOURCES ✨
Unlock the blueprint for leadership success – download your FREE Ultimate Leadership FRAMEWORK: 7 Steps to Building a Successful Business Without Sacrificing Your Life today!

🚨 FRAMEWORK FOR DIFFICULT CONVERSATIONS: https://www.kristinaschmitt.ca/framework-for-difficult-conversations

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What if the last chapter of life could be as beautiful as the first?

In this deeply moving episode of The Business Building Blocks Podcast, host Kristina Schmitt sits down with Laura Sherwood, Director of Hospice Partnerships, and Brenda Fleming, Executive Director of Hospice of Elgin, to share the powerful story behind a hospice that’s redefining end-of-life care.

You’ll hear:
💜 Why Hospice of Elgin was the last to be built in its region—and how that turned into its greatest strength
🏡 How a “cottage” in the woods became a symbol of peace, nature, and dignity
🌿 What it means to lead with heart in the most human moments of healthcare
🔥 How values like “Moments Matter” and “In It Together” are not just written—but lived

Whether you’ve faced loss, work in care, or simply want to know how leadership, community, and compassion intersect—you won’t want to miss this one.

🌐 Learn more or support the mission: http://elginhospice.com

👉 Listen now and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/gUaTCL0_Gzg

📄 Free Resource: Download The Ultimate Leadership FRAMEWORK: 7 Steps to Building a Successful Business Without Sacrificing Your Life and start leading with confidence! 👉 Get it here: https://www.kristinaschmitt.ca/the-ultimate-leadership-framework

FRAMEWORK FOR DIFFICULT CONVERSATIONS : https://www.kristinaschmitt.ca/framework-for-difficult-conversations

🔗 Stay Connected with Kristina:
🌐 Website: https://www.kristinaschmitt.ca
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristinaschmitt.ca/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristina-schmitt-development/
🚀 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristinashmittdevelopment/

#HospiceWithHeart #LeadershipMatters #MomentsMatter #HospiceOfElgin #BusinessBuildingBlocksPodcast #EndOfLifeCare #PurposeDrivenLeadership #CommunityCare #PodcastEpisode52

📅 Ready to talk about how to build that kind of culture in your team or family? Book a free 30-minute consultation:
https://tidycal.com/1gvq821/30-minute-meeting

✨ FREE RESOURCES ✨
Unlock the blueprint for leadership success – download your FREE Ultimate Leadership FRAMEWORK: 7 Steps to Building a Successful Business Without Sacrificing Your Life today!

🚨 FRAMEWORK FOR DIFFICULT CONVERSATIONS: https://www.kristinaschmitt.ca/framework-for-difficult-conversations

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🌿UNDERSTANDING ANXIETY AT WORK AND IN LIFE🌿

Anxiety shows up in life—and at work—more than we think.

In this episode, I talk with Catholic Life & Mindset Coach Heidi Kennedy, who shares her story of chronic pain and anxiety—and how she found healing through mindset work. We discuss:

🔹 What anxiety really is (and isn’t)
🔹 How limiting beliefs shape our reality
🔹 Red flags to look for in your team
🔹 When and how to seek support
🔹 Heidi’s FREE online event on May 19

As leaders, it’s vital we understand anxiety—for ourselves and our teams. This episode will shift your perspective and equip you with tools to help.

📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/hf5hhZ0UEX4

📅 Sign up for Heidi’s free event: https://www.heidikennedy.co/overcomeanxiety

📩 Let me know what part of this episode resonated most with you.

📲 Connect with Heidi:
📸Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catholiclifecoaching
🚀Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heidi.spateholts

📄 Free Resource: Download The Ultimate Leadership FRAMEWORK: 7 Steps to Building a Successful Business Without Sacrificing Your Life and start leading with confidence! 👉 Get it here: https://www.kristinaschmitt.ca/the-ultimate-leadership-framework

FRAMEWORK FOR DIFFICULT CONVERSATIONS : https://www.kristinaschmitt.ca/framework-for-difficult-conversations

🔗 Stay Connected with Kristina:
🌐 Website: https://www.kristinaschmitt.ca
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristinaschmitt.ca/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristina-schmitt-development/
🚀 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristinashmittdevelopment/

#Leadership #MentalHealthAtWork #BusinessPodcast #AnxietySupport #MindsetMatters #CatholicLeadership #WorkingGenius #EmotionalIntelligence

📅 Ready to talk about how to build that kind of culture in your team or family? Book a free 30-minute consultation:
https://tidycal.com/1gvq821/30-minute-meeting

✨ FREE RESOURCES ✨
Unlock the blueprint for leadership success – download your FREE Ultimate Leadership FRAMEWORK: 7 Steps to Building a Successful Business Without Sacrificing Your Life today!

🚨 FRAMEWORK FOR DIFFICULT CONVERSATIONS: https://www.kristinaschmitt.ca/framework-for-difficult-conversations

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✨ Cheers to 50! Celebrating Wins, Wisdom & What’s Next ✨

I didn’t start this podcast because I had everything figured out.
I started because I felt called.

Some episodes were recorded in between meetings, others during quiet moments when no one else was around. There were times I wondered if anyone was even listening. But I kept showing up.

🎙️ Now here we are: 50 episodes later.
50 moments of learning, trusting, pivoting, and persevering.
50 opportunities to speak life, encourage leaders, and grow in purpose—even when it wasn’t easy or visible.

If you’ve ever felt like your work is unseen or your progress too slow—this one’s for you.
Because the work that feels hidden is often the work that’s holy.

💛 Thank you for listening. Thank you for walking this journey with me.

🎧 Tune in to Episode 50 now—it’s a heart-to-heart on what it really takes to build something meaningful.

🔗 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/insbe05mPJ8

📄 Free Resource: Download The Ultimate Leadership FRAMEWORK: 7 Steps to Building a Successful Business Without Sacrificing Your Life and start leading with confidence! 👉 Get it here: https://www.kristinaschmitt.ca/the-ultimate-leadership-framework

FRAMEWORK FOR DIFFICULT CONVERSATIONS : https://www.kristinaschmitt.ca/framework-for-difficult-conversations

🔗 Stay Connected with Kristina:
🌐 Website: https://www.kristinaschmitt.ca
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristinaschmitt.ca/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristina-schmitt-development/
🚀 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristinashmittdevelopment/

#CheersTo50 #BusinessBuildingBlocks #FaithfulOverFamous #LeadershipPodcast #WomenWhoLead #PodcastMilestone #HiddenWorkHolyWork

📅 Ready to talk about how to build that kind of culture in your team or family? Book a free 30-minute consultation:
https://tidycal.com/1gvq821/30-minute-meeting

✨ FREE RESOURCES ✨
Unlock the blueprint for leadership success – download your FREE Ultimate Leadership FRAMEWORK: 7 Steps to Building a Successful Business Without Sacrificing Your Life today!

🚨 FRAMEWORK FOR DIFFICULT CONVERSATIONS: https://www.kristinaschmitt.ca/framework-for-difficult-conversations