What's really holding you back from the life you want?

In this episode of the Savvy Leader Podcast, Kristin sits down with women's leadership coach Meghan DeFord to unpack why so many high-achieving women feel stuck—despite doing everything "right."

From losing her identity after a divorce and career disruption to building a coaching business rooted in values and self-trust, Meghan shares what actually creates momentum (and what keeps people stuck in cycles of overthinking and delay).

You'll learn why clarity doesn't come before action, how to identify your core values, and what it takes to stop postponing your life.

If you've been waiting for the "right time," this conversation will challenge that thinking.

🔑 In This Episode:

• Why high-achievers struggle to move forward
• How your values shape your decisions, habits, and identity
• The difference between self-awareness and action
• Why women are conditioned to be needed—not fulfilled
• How to build self-trust and take the first step
• A practical 90-day framework for real progress
• The mindset shift that breaks procrastination

🔗 Connect with Meghan DeFord:

• Website: https://megdeford.com
• Instagram + Social: @megdeford

🎧 Find Kristin:

• Savvy Living Network
• Savvy Leaders Lounge
• Savvy Leader Podcast on YouTube
• LinkedIn Profile

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Intro & Meghan's background 01:15 – What a women's leadership coach actually does 03:00 – Lessons from philanthropy & mission-driven work 04:50 – Why values are the foundation of everything 07:00 – Identity loss, divorce, and career transition 09:30 – Living a life based on expectations vs truth 12:30 – Women are taught to be needed, not fulfilled 14:30 – Why we wait (fear, perfectionism, lack of self-trust) 16:00 – Clarity vs momentum (what actually comes first) 18:30 – Meghan's coaching process & 90-day focus 21:00 – Reframing negative self-talk 24:00 – Why your plan must fit your real life 26:00 – Transformation in 30 days (what actually changes) 29:00 – Self-awareness vs action trap 31:00 – Fear of change and identity grief 33:30 – What happens if you never change? 35:00 – Breaking fear down logically 38:00 – How to recognize when you're off track 40:00 – The cost of waiting (Viola Davis quote moment) 43:00 – Future self visualization exercise 45:00 – The "I Did It" list & building confidence 47:00 – Where to connect with Meghan

In this powerful episode of the Savvy Leader Podcast, Kristin sits down with Erech Gallatin—sales professional, business owner, and survivor of a life-altering motorcycle accident—to explore what it truly means to create value, build trust, and rebuild your life from the ground up.

Erech shares his 25+ year journey as a one-call closer, breaking down the psychology behind sales, influence, and human connection. From his early days in route sales to building a successful 360 Painting franchise, his philosophy is simple but rare: help people get what they want.

But everything changed on July 14, 2022, when Erech was struck by a distracted driver—resulting in a spinal cord injury, paralysis, and a complete life reset.

In this conversation, you'll hear:

• The truth behind one-call closing and sales psychology
• Why empathy and listening outperform polished communication
• Lessons from building and scaling a service-based business
• The mental and emotional reality of surviving a catastrophic accident
• How resilience, faith, and gratitude reshape identity
• What success, freedom, and fulfillment look like today
• Why surrounding yourself with the right people is everything

Now living life on the road, Erech shares his journey through Big E's Boondock Buzz—documenting travel, connection, and a new way of living with purpose.

This episode is for anyone navigating change, rebuilding after adversity, or seeking a deeper understanding of what truly drives success.

🔗 Watch Big E's Boondock Buzz: https://www.youtube.com/@BigEsBoondockBuzz

Watch the Savvy Leader Podcast: http://www.youtube.com/@SavvyLeaderPodcast Kristin's profile: https://Linkedin.com/in/kristingallatin1 Learn more at: Savvy Living Network Join the conversation: https://savvyleaderslounge.substack.com/ Book a guest interview: https://calendly.com/savvyleaderpodcast/podcast-interview

#SavvyLeaderPodcast #SalesPsychology #Resilience #Entrepreneurship #LifeAfterTrauma #OneCallClose #FaithAndBusiness #Reinvention

Most people don't have a motivation problem—they have an alignment problem. In this episode, I share why I walked away at the peak of my success… and what I discovered instead.

For years, I built a successful career, led teams, and did everything "right" on paper.

But behind the scenes… something felt off.

In this solo episode of the Savvy Leader Podcast, I'm sharing the real story behind:

• Walking away from my corporate leadership role
• Choosing alignment over expectation
• And the repeated pattern of stepping sideways instead of forward

This episode introduces the foundation of my True North Orientation framework—a structured process designed to help high-capacity individuals:

• Identify who they actually are (beyond roles and expectations)
• Recognize where they're out of alignment
• And make clear, confident decisions moving forward

What You'll Learn

• Why success can still feel wrong
• The difference between discipline problems vs. alignment problems
• How misalignment shows up in high performers
• The 4-part True North framework: Clarity, Alignment, Contribution, Direction
• What True North Orientation is (and what it's not)
• What to expect if you go deeper into this work

If something in this episode resonates, it's worth paying attention to.

👉 Learn more about True North Orientation: https://savvylivingnetwork.com/discover-true-north

👉 Connect with me / follow along: LinkedIn: https://Linkedin.com/in/kristingallatin1 Substack (Savvy Leaders Lounge): https://savvyleaderslounge.substack.com/

What if your body isn't broken… but trying to tell you something?

In this episode of the Savvy Leader Podcast, Kristin sits down with Becka Swanson, founder of Rooted Energetics, to explore the connection between faith, energy, and true root-cause healing.

Becka shares her powerful journey—from battling Lyme disease, chronic symptoms, and frustration with traditional approaches—to discovering holistic healing through nutrition, energetics, and understanding the body at a deeper level.

This conversation challenges conventional thinking and offers a new perspective: your symptoms may not be the problem—they may be the message.

🔑 What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• What it really means to be "rooted" in health and life
• How energy and cellular communication impact healing
• The hidden effects of toxins, sugar, and environment on your body
• Why symptoms may be signals—not problems
• The connection between stress, subconscious patterns, and physical health
• Practical ways to start healing naturally (without overwhelm)
• The role of faith in Becka's business and healing philosophy
• How to think differently about balance, burnout, and restoration

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome & introduction to Becka Swanson 01:30 – What "rooted" really means (faith, biology, stability) 05:10 – Becka's health crisis: Lyme disease & turning point 08:00 – Discovering nutrition as the missing link 12:00 – Sugar, toxins, and modern health challenges 15:30 – How Becka helps clients find root causes 17:00 – Stress, subconscious patterns & physical symptoms 18:30 – Real-life example: stress → UTI connection 22:00 – The power of thoughts, frequency & healing 25:00 – Why people feel stuck even after lifestyle changes 27:00 – Common patterns Becka sees in clients 30:00 – Practical lifestyle shifts & affordability of health 33:00 – Balance vs harmony in life and business 38:00 – Entrepreneurship & building Rooted Energetics 40:00 – Biohacking tools, gut health & future plans 45:00 – Simple, free ways to start feeling better today 46:30 – Thoughts on AI in health & coaching 49:30 – How to work with Becka (services & process) 53:00 – Final thoughts & closing

🔗 Connect with Becka Swanson

🌐 Website: https://www.rootedenergetics.com/ 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holisticbecka 📘 Facebook: Rooted Energetics : https://www.facebook.com/coachbeckaswanson/ 🤝 Linkedin: https://www.facebook.com/coachbeckaswanson/

🔗 Connect with Kristin / Savvy Leader

🎙 Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@SavvyLeaderPodcast 📅 Be a Guest: https://calendly.com/savvyleaderpodcast/podcast-interview 🤝 Kristin's Profile: https://Linkedin.com/in/kristingallatin1 🌐 Savvy Living Network: https://savvylivingnetwork.com 🌐 Savvy Leader Lounge: https://savvyleaderslounge.substack.com/

What if the problem in your business isn't effort—but structure?

In this episode of the Savvy Leader Podcast, Kristin sits down with Jacki Hayes, founder of Jacki Hayes & Co, to break down the real difference between Virtual Assistants and Online Business Managers—and why that distinction can completely change how your business grows.

Jacki shares her journey from a 14-year university career to building a systems-driven business rooted in strategy, operations, and sustainable growth. What started as VA work quickly evolved into high-level thought partnership, helping visionary entrepreneurs turn ideas into executable systems.

Together, they explore:

• The difference between a VA (execution) and an OBM (strategy + leadership)
• Why most business owners already have systems—they just aren't working
• How to build workflows that actually align with how you think and operate
• The importance of flexibility in systems (and why rigid processes fail)
• How personality, introversion, and cognitive wiring impact business operations
• Scaling from solopreneur to agency—without losing alignment

Jacki also shares practical insights on onboarding, delegation, team structure, and why your systems must evolve as your business grows.

If you're a creative, coach, or service provider feeling overwhelmed by operations—this episode will bring clarity.

Connect with Jacki Hayes: 🌐 Website: https://jackiehayes.co (Start Here tab for services + resources) Jacki's Blog: https://www.jackihayes.co/articles

Listen + Follow Savvy Leader Podcast: Savvy Leaders Lounge Savvy Living Network Kristin Gallatin's Profile

⏱️ Timestamps

00:19 – Meet Jacki Hayes: Systems strategist for creatives 01:09 – From university career to entrepreneurship 03:06 – Why she pursued OBM certification 06:28 – Confidence, credibility, and community in business 11:06 – VA vs OBM: The critical difference 13:55 – What onboarding really looks like (90+ days deep dive) 15:11 – Identifying inefficiencies in client workflows 17:03 – Project-based vs long-term support 19:07 – Using personality frameworks in business 22:16 – Introverts in business: how they actually operate 25:07 – Structure vs creativity (and why both matter) 26:40 – Building systems that fit the person (not templates) 28:52 – Coaching vs consulting: her real approach 32:00 – Why systems must evolve constantly 33:41 – Avoiding long-term tool commitments (test first) 34:47 – Preventing burnout as a strategist 36:07 – Transitioning from solopreneur to agency 39:30 – Advice for new online business owners 41:29 – AI in business: practical + ethical perspective

In this episode, Kristin sits down with Naomi Rotstein, a business mentor for health and wellness professionals, to discuss the evolving online landscape and the rise of the "trust recession."

From AI-generated coaches to shifting buyer behavior, Naomi shares practical strategies for building trust, creating scalable offers, and standing out with authentic content.

If you're building an online business in today's noisy digital world, this conversation is essential.

👉 Connect with Naomi: https://www.instagram.com/iamnaomirotstein Naomis Latest Offering: https://1fitfuture.mykajabi.com/FIT-BIZ-STUDY-HALL

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00:19 – Intro + Meet Naomi Rotstein 00:01:24 – From corporate burnout to entrepreneurship 00:03:27 – Why online business is harder than it looks 00:04:29 – Building a scalable fitness business 00:06:22 – The "Trust Recession" explained 00:08:29 – AI-generated coaches & loss of credibility 00:10:31 – Why buyers are more skeptical than ever 00:11:42 – Creating offer tiers that actually convert 00:14:00 – Pricing strategy & buyer psychology 00:15:09 – Funnels, free challenges & upsells 00:17:09 – Choosing the RIGHT platform for growth 00:18:15 – Identifying your ideal client (the right way) 00:19:42 – Overwhelm, shiny objects & staying focused 00:20:48 – Social media boundaries & intentional use 00:22:44 – Competition vs authenticity 00:25:01 – Why mentorship is non-negotiable 00:27:12 – Building community & masterminds 00:28:24 – Launching offers without certainty 00:30:07 – The prep work most people skip 00:31:31 – Market research that actually works 00:32:10 – Avoiding burnout in business 00:34:00 – Letting go of misaligned offers 00:36:05 – Future vision: FitBiz University 00:39:55 – Visibility strategy that works NOW 00:40:19 – The #1 content strategy: face-to-camera 00:42:54 – Where to find Naomi + what's next

👉 Meet Kristin: Linkin.com/in/kristingallatin1 Visit the Savvy Community: SavvyLivingNetwork.com Checkout the SavvyLeadersLounge on Substack!

What happens after you simplify your life and finally get your time back?

You simplified your life—but what do you do with the space that remains? A deep dive into self-sabotage, alignment, and redefining success.

In this solo episode of the Savvy Leader Podcast, Kristin explores the real challenge of growth—not removing what no longer serves you, but deciding how to use the space that remains.

This conversation dives into:

• Why simplification is the easy part—and what makes it uncomfortable
• The subtle ways self-sabotage shows up (even as generosity)
• The internal conflict between growth and identity
• What alignment actually feels like (beyond aesthetics or productivity)
• A personal story from hiking the Cathedral of the Palms and pushing past self-doubt
• Redefining success as freedom, not accumulation

If you've been feeling stuck, stretched, or unsure what's next—this episode will help you pause, reflect, and choose your direction with intention.

Key Question: What are you doing with the time you've been given back?

🔗 Connect & Resources: Subscribe to Savvy Leaders Lounge https://savvyleaderslounge.substack.com/

More about Kristin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristingallatin1/

Check out the Savvy Living Network! SavvyLivingNetwork.com

Join LEAD Network! https://LEADNetwork.Pro

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome + Month Theme: Simplify to Scale 01:10 – Why Simplifying Isn't the Hard Part 02:45 – The Discomfort of Space 04:10 – The Reality of More Time in Today's World 06:00 – Are You Using Your Time Intentionally? 07:15 – Self-Sabotage: The Quiet Step to the Side 10:30 – Generosity, Worth, and Internal Conflict 13:20 – Why We Stop Just Short of Success 15:10 – Alignment: What It Actually Feels Like 17:45 – Hiking Story: Cathedral of the Palms 20:40 – The Moment You Almost Turn Back 22:30 – Alignment as a Felt Experience 24:10 – What Success Actually Looks Like Now 26:30 – Freedom, Faith, and Intentional Living 28:10 – The Question That Changes Everything 29:30 – Closing Reflection: Now What?

From Therapist to Mindset Coach: How to Take Bold Risks, Regulate Your Mindset, and Build a Meaningful Practice

Episode Summary

What does it really take to leave a stable career and pursue a calling that aligns with your purpose?

In this episode of The Savvy Leader Podcast, Kristin Gallatin sits down with licensed psychotherapist and mindset coach Ioana Chei to discuss the powerful mindset shifts required to pursue meaningful work and build a business rooted in purpose.

Ioana shares her journey from working in a public special-needs school to launching her own psychotherapy practice and evolving into mindset coaching. Along the way, she reveals how personal awareness, emotional regulation, and identity shifts play a crucial role in leadership and entrepreneurship.

Together they explore:

• The moment a "side passion" becomes a real business • Why self-awareness is essential for leadership growth • How nervous system regulation affects decision-making • The role of emotional resilience when taking risks • Why chaos is often a sign of growth

If you are an entrepreneur, aspiring leader, or someone navigating personal transformation, this conversation offers both insight and encouragement.

Episode Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction to Ioana Chei 01:10 – From teacher to psychotherapist 03:00 – When a "hobby" becomes real work 05:00 – Burnout and the need for coaching 07:00 – Discovering mindset work and blind spots 10:30 – Awareness vs action in personal growth 12:00 – Identity shifts and rediscovering lost parts of yourself 15:30 – Taking the leap into entrepreneurship 18:00 – Coaching people through fear and risk 21:00 – Protecting your energy as a coach or therapist 23:30 – Fitness and movement as mental health tools 27:00 – Psychotherapy vs mindset coaching 29:00 – Nervous system regulation explained 32:00 – Breaking emotional patterns 34:00 – Starting a practice with a business partner 38:00 – What growth looks like in a coaching practice 40:30 – Moving coaching online and future plans 43:30 – Advice for leaders preparing to take risks 46:00 – Final reflections: embracing chaos and enjoying the journey

Relevant Links

🎥 Watch the episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/aeZ7ILZ_JR8

🎧 Listen on Libsyn https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/traffic.libsyn.com/56e68406-3b51-4cd5-8e49-1651ba97fae5/slp_ep._42_wIoana_Chei.m4a

📸 Follow Ioana Chei on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ioanachei/

Follow Kristin on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristingallatin1/

🌐 Learn more about Savvy Living Network https://savvylivingnetwork.com

In this episode of the Savvy Leader Podcast, host Kristin Gallatin sits down with Marian Cook, founder of Archstone Workspace, Harvard-trained educator, and executive educator for MIT and Yale.

Marian shares her unconventional leadership journey—from systems engineer at IBM to innovation strategist, government advisor, educator, and entrepreneur. Along the way, she developed a philosophy that has shaped her career: treat everything like an experiment.

Together they explore:

• Why experimentation is the foundation of innovation

• How community drives business success

• Lessons from building Archstone Workspace

• Supporting adults with autism through entrepreneurship

• The role of resilience, curiosity, and continuous learning in leadership

• Why leaders must create human-centered workplaces

• The mindset that allows entrepreneurs to pivot, grow, and thrive

Marian also shares powerful reflections on failure, leadership culture, and the importance of stepping outside your comfort zone.

If you're a business owner, leader, entrepreneur, or lifelong learner, this conversation will challenge you to bet on yourself and start experimenting with what's possible.

About Marian Cook

Marian Cook is the founder of Archstone Workspace, a coworking community designed to support entrepreneurs through education, networking, and collaboration.

She is also an executive educator for MIT and Yale, specializing in leadership, innovation, and emerging technology.

With a career spanning IBM, state government innovation strategy, consulting, and entrepreneurship, Marian brings a unique perspective on leadership, resilience, and the power of continuous learning.

Savvy Leader Podcast https://savvyleaderslounge.substack.com/

Archstone Workspace https://archstoneworkspace.com

Marian Cook LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianfcook/

Savvy Living Network https://savvylivingnetwork.com

Savvy Leader Podcast YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@SavvyLeaderPodcast

What if the real problem isn't time… but your mindset about time?

In this powerful episode of the Savvy Leader Podcast, Kristin Gallatin sits down with Erica Dirkes, Time Management & Life Coach and founder of Mindful Time Coaching, to unpack the truth about productivity, burnout, boundaries, and why willpower doesn't work long-term.

Erica shares how her 25-year corporate career in wealth management—and managing four financial advisors' calendars—led her to build a coaching practice focused on helping women reclaim clarity, energy, and peace.

If you've ever said:

• "I just need more time."

• "I should be able to handle all of this."

• "If I rest, I'll fall behind."

• "I'm always behind."

This episode is for you.

You'll learn: ✔ Why busyness is not productivity ✔ How to shift from reactive living to intentional design ✔ Why willpower fails (and what works instead) ✔ How to create sustainable boundaries ✔ How mindset shapes time management ✔ The truth about feeling "behind" ✔ Practical friction-removal strategies that actually stick

This conversation blends strategy, neuroscience, emotional intelligence, and real-world coaching tools to help women lead from clarity instead of chaos.

⏱️ Episode Timestamps

00:00:21 – Welcome & Introduction to Erica Dirkes 00:01:21 – From Wealth Management to Mindful Time Coaching 00:02:35 – Women, Burnout & the Second Shift 00:04:21 – Managing 4 Financial Advisors' Calendars 00:06:51 – The Catalyst: Life Coaching & Losing Her Mother 00:08:51 – What We Must Unlearn About Time 00:09:51 – "Busy" vs. Productive 00:11:25 – Rest Is Not Falling Behind 00:13:56 – Life Coach Certification Explained 00:17:19 – Why Mindset Is the Foundation of Everything 00:21:51 – Planning Ahead & Scheduling Rest First 00:24:30 – Buffer Time & Avoiding Calendar Perfectionism 00:27:19 – Why Willpower Is a Myth 00:29:38 – Removing Friction & Designing Your Environment 00:31:29 – Boundaries: What They Actually Are 00:33:20 – Sustainable Productivity & Energy Protection 00:37:29 – Entrepreneurship & Mindset Resilience 00:40:18 – Influences: Brené Brown, Mel Robbins & More 00:41:59 – Defining Success & Expanding Impact 00:43:21 – Accountability & Staying on Track 00:45:19 – Working With the Inner Rebel 00:47:28 – Advice for Women Who Feel "Behind" 00:50:53 – Erica's Coaching Programs & Services 00:54:43 – Closing Thoughts

🔗 Relevant Links

🌿 Learn more about Erica Dirkes & Mindful Time Coach https://www.mindfultimecoaching.com/

📅 Book a consultation with Erica: https://mindfultimecoaching.com

📱 Follow Erica: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindfultimecoaching LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-dirkes/

🎙️ Follow the Savvy Leader Podcast for more conversations on leadership, mindset, entrepreneurship, and intentional living. https://SavvyLivingNetwork.com