Summary
In today's episode, we're thrilled to welcome Kristina Chaston, a leader at the crossroads of technology, leadership, and community impact. With a diverse background spanning operational management, people development, and business strategy, Kristina has made an impressive mark in both the corporate world and the tech industry.

As Co-Managing Director of Her Tech Circle, a volunteer-run organization focused on empowering women in tech, she is passionate about fostering inclusive, supportive spaces for women to learn and thrive.

Kristina’s leadership journey includes roles at Jonas Software, SupportAbility Software, and Upland Software, where she has led teams, driven business growth, and built initiatives that prioritize people. Her commitment to giving back is evident in her volunteer work with non-profits like Impact for Women Inc., helping those in need.

Today, Kristina shares her story, leadership philosophy, and insights on the importance of mentorship, sponsorship, and creating opportunities in the tech world. It’s an inspiring conversation you won’t want to miss!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Kristina Chastain

03:04 The Meaning of Success in Tech

05:29 Navigating Passion and Practicality in Business

07:56 Challenges and Benefits of Women in Tech

10:28 The Role of Empathy in Leadership

12:59 Giving Back: Volunteering and Mentorship

15:42 Her Tech Circle: Empowering Women in Tech

17:58 Work-Life Balance in Leadership

20:39 Purpose-Led Business and Personal Purpose

23:11 Legacy in Leadership

26:02 Advice for Aspiring Tech Leaders

28:20 Finding and Doing Work You Love

For more information on the various great volunteer work Kristina is doing please check out the organisations she is driving to help women in technology and to flee domestic violence below

Her Tech Circle
Impact For Women

This has been Rachel Sparkes, exploring the intersection of career, creativity and conscious living so you too can find and do the work you love.

Remember, live is short so do something awesome.

Love your work!

Rachel Sparkes

In this first solo episode, Rachel Sparkes reflects on the insights gained from a podcast featuring marketing legend Seth Godin.

She discusses the importance of discipline in creativity, the necessity of taking action by 'shipping' work, and how to navigate feelings of resistance as indicators of growth.

Rachel emphasizes the value of sticking to a routine, engaging directly with the tools of creation, and recognizing that frustration can signal progress in personal development.

Chapters

00:00 The Power of Discipline in Creativity

05:21 Navigating Resistance: Signs of the Right Path

The podcast with Seth Godin mentioned in this episode is the one with Marie Forleo linked here - Seth Godin on Creativity, Generosity and the Practice

Check out the book by Stephen Pressfield - The Artists Journey

If you are interested in starting your own podcast using this amazing software I recommend Riverside.fm. You can get 20% off by using my Riverside besties link here

For more from Rachel subscribe to her Substack Newsletter Love Your Work!

Love Your Work! Podcast

Exploring the intersection of career, creativity and conscious living. Insights on balancing the grind with growth, the hustle with healing, and choosing creativity over mindless consumption.Episode Summary

In this episode of the Love Your Work! podcast, host Rachel Sparkes interviews Mark Truelson, a seasoned business leader and consultant. They explore Mark's journey from corporate roles to consultancy, discussing the importance of employee engagement, psychological safety, and the balance between passion and practicality in work.

Mark shares insights on defining success, the role of purpose in business, and the significance of understanding one's Sparketype to find fulfillment in various domains of work.

In this conversation, Rachel Sparkes and Mark Truelson explore the intersection of creativity, career development, and leadership. They discuss the importance of holistic career conversations that go beyond performance reviews, the need for work-life integration, and the adaptability required in today's rapidly changing business landscape.

Mark shares insights on evolving internal motivation as a leader and the significance of leaving a positive legacy. The discussion concludes with practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing curiosity, kindness, and the importance of emotional connections in the workplace.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Love Your Work Podcast

02:20 Mark's Journey to Consultancy

10:23 Defining Success in Business

18:29 The Importance of Psychological Safety

21:43 Finding Purpose and Passion

28:55 Balancing Passion with Practicality

32:53 Embracing Creativity and Learning

34:15 The Importance of Holistic Career Conversations

39:33 Work-Life Integration vs. Work-Life Balance

42:03 Adapting to Rapid Changes in Business

47:02 Evolving Internal Motivation as a Leader

52:11 Legacy and Purpose in Leadership

56:41 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Resources and Mark Truelson's contact details

Mark Truelson | LinkedIn@get_sparked on Instagram

You can also take the free SPARKETYPE Assessment Home - Sparketype