It's Time To Be YOU! Get the tools to help you become the person you've always dreamed of. Listen in as Laura Berens, founder of Love & Fit, entrepreneur, mom, and personal growth fanatic brings you success stories, mindset tips and real- life tangible takeaways to help you fulfill your goals in life and take action! To stay in touch on all that Laura is up to follow her on Instagram @laura_loveandfit. Please subscribe to the Time To Be You podcast on iTunes and share and spread the love!
In this compelling episode, Laura engages in a heartfelt and insightful conversation with Kristina Kuzmic, a mom of three who transitioned from waiting tables to becoming a successful content creator, comedian, and author. Kristina shares her journey from creating cooking videos to being discovered by Oprah, the challenges she faced with authenticity in the media, and her pivotal decision to focus on real, relatable content. The discussion delves into Kristina's personal and professional hurdles, her advice for content creators, and her latest book that addresses her son's mental health struggles. Kristina also discusses her evolution from a control-focused parenting style to one centered on connection and curiosity, emphasizing the importance of self-care, the pitfalls of seeking external approval, and practical advice for balancing parenting with a career. Additionally, she highlights the significance of support groups for children and the need for early mental health education.
Key Points Discussed:Introduction to Kristina (00:00:00 - 00:00:44)
Kristina’s background and journey into content creation.
Her initial discovery by Oprah and the resulting pressures.
Authenticity and Media Pressure (00:00:44 - 00:04:09)
Struggles with media expectations versus authentic self.
Oprah’s advice on authenticity and dealing with TV producers.
Transition to making humorous, relatable parenting videos.
Navigating a Content Creation Career (00:04:09 - 00:06:29)
Transition from waiting tables to full-time content creation.
Balancing media pressures and authenticity.
Creating a mission statement to stay focused.
Impact of the Pandemic on Career (00:06:29 - 00:07:37)
The pandemic’s effect on her book tour and comedy shows.
Adapting to career disruptions.
Advice for New Content Creators (00:07:37 - 00:09:29)
Kristina’s approach to content creation.
Handling algorithm changes and focusing on mental health.
Maintaining Mental Health and Authenticity (00:09:29 - 00:11:01)
Managing the ups and downs of social media.
Importance of self-kindness and authenticity.
Kristina’s Latest Book on Mental Health (00:11:01 - 00:17:34)
Inspiration from her son’s mental health struggles.
Collaborative writing process with her son.
Control vs. Connection (00:18:08 - 00:18:26)
Christina’s realization about choosing connection over control in parenting.
Curiosity Over Assumption (00:18:26 - 00:19:02)
Importance of approaching children with curiosity.
Parenting with Fear (00:19:02 - 00:19:52)
Negative impacts of fear-based parenting.
Being a calm and supportive parent.
Listening vs. Advising (00:20:24 - 00:21:30)
The value of asking children if they want advice or just to be heard.
Self-Care and the Myth of Selflessness (00:21:49 - 00:23:12)
Necessity of prioritizing self-care.
The Illusion of Fixing Everything (00:24:09 - 00:24:53)
Pressure parents feel to fix everything for their children.
Support Groups and Mental Health (00:25:22 - 00:26:58)
Benefits of support groups and early mental health education.
Balancing Career and Parenting (00:28:42 - 00:30:00)
Kristina’s perspective on managing dual roles without guilt.
Living for Self-Approval (00:31:39 - 00:32:03)
Importance of personal happiness over external approval.
Dropping Unnecessary Suitcases (00:33:00 - 00:34:07)
Letting go of negative judgments and pressures.
"People don't want to see a perfect mom in a perfect kitchen because most of us know that it's fake. Nobody has a perfect life."
"The harder the day, the kinder I have to be to myself."
: "I have a choice to make, whether I want to control or connect. I cannot do both."
"When a parent comes from a place of fear, the kid has nobody steady now because you're shaken up."
"I will not feel guilty for choosing to have a career that makes me fuller and makes me a better human and support system for my kids."
"Do not live for other people's approval. When someone is judging you, they're handing you their suitcase."
Mentioned Resources
Book:
"I Can Fix This and Other Lies I Told Myself While Parenting My Struggling Child" by Kristina Kuzmic
https://www.amazon.com/Can-Fix-This-Parenting-Struggling-ebook/dp/B0CCNBLGBT
Programs:
Tap Outs: A virtual support group for children starting at the age of four, offering sessions to help them deal with mental health challenges.
Other Resources:
Website: https://kristinakuzmic.com/
Connect with Kristina Kuzmic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristinakuzmic/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KristinaKuzmic
Connect with Laura Berens:
WEBSITE STORE: www.loveandfit.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itslauraberens/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itslauraberens/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-berens-b094897/
Upcoming Events
Kristina is currently on a 23-city book tour. For more details on tour dates and locations, visit her website.
Thank you for tuning in! We hope you found this episode both enlightening and empowering. Stay connected with us for more engaging discussions and valuable insights.
Summary:
In this episode, Laura engages Sarah Wells, founder of Sarah Wells Bags, in a deep dive into her entrepreneurial journey, from creating breast pump bags to expanding her brand into clothing products. They explore Sarah's motivation, challenges faced, and strategies for navigating rapid growth and financial hurdles. The conversation also delves into the evolution of consumer needs, adaptation during the pandemic, and Sarah's advocacy for working moms through her book.
Key Points Discussed with Timestamps:
Introduction (00:00:00 - 00:00:29)
Laura introduces Sarah Wells and discusses their shared background in e-commerce businesses.
Sarah's Background and Business Start (00:00:29 - 00:04:57)
Sarah shares her journey from identifying a need for breast pump bags while exclusively pumping for her first daughter to founding Sarah Wells Bags.
Balancing entrepreneurship with new motherhood and quitting her job to focus on her business full-time.
Reflecting on the risks taken and the immense support received from her partner, childcare, and business mentor.
Entrepreneurial Spirit and Product Expansion (00:05:33 - 00:10:07)
Sarah discusses her entrepreneurial spirit and the evolution of her brand from breast pump bags to cooler bags, wet/dry bags, and clothing products.
Adapting to changing consumer needs, especially during the pandemic, by introducing washable and durable products.
Overcoming Business Hurdles (00:10:51 - 00:13:50)
Challenges of scaling rapidly and maintaining financial stability.
Difficulties in securing financing and managing inventory quantities.
Managing Inventory Dynamics (00:13:50 - 00:15:24)
The challenge of forecasting demand accurately amidst market fluctuations.
Balancing inventory across different sales platforms like Amazon and personal websites.
Adapting in Business and Parenting (00:15:24 - 00:16:57)
The necessity of pivoting quickly in response to challenges in business, akin to adapting in parenting.
Learning from experience and understanding that challenges will be overcome with time.
Advocacy for Working Moms (00:17:21 - 00:39:44)
Transitioning from the nonprofit sector to entrepreneurship and advocating for systemic changes in corporate environments to support working moms.
Writing a book focused on guiding managers and employers to create a supportive environment for working moms.
Emphasizing the importance of dialogue between employers and employees and fostering a culture of support for all caregivers.
Balancing Motherhood and Entrepreneurship (00:26:46 - 00:39:44)
Supporting caregivers in the workplace benefits all employees, fostering empathy and productivity.
Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship by prioritizing quality interactions and advocating for a supportive work culture.
Sarah's DIY approach to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of understanding every aspect of the business.
Notable Quotes:
"Creating a product is great. You always have to step into creating the product, but just know that it's always going to transform."
"We're never going to have it like this. There's no perfect spreadsheet... accepting that it's going to be an ebb and flow."
"What I really want is not just lots of reading, I want lots of change."
"Children appreciate presence more than multitasking."
Resources Mentioned:
To learn more about Sarah and her book "Go Ask Your Mother," visit goaskyourmothers.com.
Other Resources:
BIO: https://goaskyourmothers.com/pages/about-sarah-wells-author-ceo-mom
WEBSITE STORE: sarahwellsbags.com
Connect with Sarah Wells:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahwellsbags/
Connect with Laura Berens:
WEBSITE STORE: www.loveandfit.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itslauraberens/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itslauraberens/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-berens-b094897/
Summary:
In this episode of the Time to Be You podcast, Laura interviews Amanda Fisher, a pelvic floor physical therapist from Empower Your Pelvis. Amanda shares her personal journey of experiencing pelvic floor issues and how it led her to specialize in pelvic floor physical therapy. They discuss various topics related to pelvic floor health, including common issues, exercises, bladder symptoms, and lifestyle factors affecting pelvic health. The conversation also delves into the challenges of balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship, offering valuable insights and practical advice for listeners.
Key Takeaways:
Introduction (00:00:00 - 00:00:46):
Laura introduces Amanda Fisher, a pelvic floor physical therapist, and sets the stage for the discussion.
Amanda's Background and Journey to Pelvic Floor Therapy (00:00:46 - 00:02:33):
Amanda shares her background as a pelvic floor physical therapist and how her personal experiences with pelvic floor issues influenced her career path.
She discusses her journey of discovering pelvic floor physical therapy during grad school and realizing the need for such specialized care.
Amanda emphasizes the importance of addressing pelvic floor issues with positivity and hope.
Preparing for Pelvic Floor Health (00:02:33 - 00:05:36):
Amanda and Laura discuss the importance of preparing for pelvic floor health, especially during and after pregnancy.
They highlight the significance of proper form and functional movements in daily activities to support pelvic floor muscles.
Amanda emphasizes the need for a full range of motion in pelvic floor muscles and the impact of poor form on pelvic health.
Exercises and Rehabilitation for Pelvic Floor Health (00:05:36 - 00:14:00):
Amanda explains the challenges of pelvic floor exercises and the importance of connecting with the pelvic floor muscles.
She discusses internal pelvic floor assessments and the different layers of pelvic floor muscles.
The conversation touches on the role of stress, anxiety, and lifestyle factors in exacerbating bladder symptoms.
Amanda provides insights into bladder irritants and strategies for managing bladder symptoms through hydration and diet.
Overcoming Challenges and Adopting Healthy Habits (00:10:06 - 00:14:00):
The discussion explores personal challenges, such as reluctance to drink water due to busy schedules.
Amanda explains how the bladder adapts to increased fluid intake and encourages listeners to prioritize pelvic health despite challenges.
Balancing Motherhood and Entrepreneurship (00:14:00 - 00:25:50):
Urinate every 2 to 3 hours to prevent bladder retention and stretch.
Practice relaxation exercises for pelvic floor muscles to ease pain during sex.
Recommended exercises include deep squats, child's pose, and happy baby pose.
Techniques like contract-relax can help alleviate pain and tension.
Guest's experience balancing three boys and a business.
Strategies for time management and setting boundaries.
Importance of being present with family and prioritizing tasks.
Overcoming imposter syndrome and fear of failure in entrepreneurship.
Encouragement for aspiring entrepreneurs to start imperfectly and embrace growth.
Quotes:
"Your bladder is a fast learner. Once it starts to know that you're adding extra fluid, it'll start to stretch out the length that you're holding your urine in again." - Amanda Fisher on bladder adaptation.
"It doesn't have to be perfect all the time...just start it and just build the rest." - Amanda Fisher on starting imperfectly in entrepreneurship.
Resources Mentioned:
Empower Your Pelvis website: empoweryourpelvis.com
Connect with Amanda Fisher:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empower.your.pelvis/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@empoweryourpelvis?_t=8lZrrUrl58i&_r=1
Connect with Laura Berens:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itslauraberens/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itslauraberens/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-berens-b094897/
Hilary Hendershott, @hilarythecfp is the Founder of Hendershott Wealth Management, a financial advisory firm for women, host of Profit Boss Radio, and a Top 40 Under 40 Entrepreneur. After overcoming her own financial struggles, Hilary decided to meet people where they are. Not everyone can come to the table with six figures to invest, so she created 7 Steps to Wealth to help empower women to own their financial well-being.
Episode 36 of the Time To Be You podcast encourages women to own up to their financial situations. Debt, high interest loans, and other money obstacles are nothing to be ashamed of. It's time to be honest and own your financial situation, Once you take ownership over your financial state, you can work on changing your narrative. A key to financial success is to learn how to best manage your financial situation. If you start to manage your money, you can begin thriving!
Bio:
Hilary Hendershott is the founder of Hendershott Wealth Management, a leading financial advisory firm for women, where her mission is to motivate women and their loved ones to be financially empowered. Hilary hosts Profit Boss® Radio, a weekly podcast where she and her guests offer inspiration and actionable advice to support women in their financial journey. She’s also a TEDx speaker, and has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, NBC, ABC, FOX, DailyWorth, Forbes, and Investopedia. Hilary was recognized as a Top 40 Under 40 Entrepreneur in Silicon Valley and in 2018, Investopedia named her one of the Top 100 Most Influential Advisors in the US. With more than 30 television appearances, she’s considered the go-to personal finance expert in Silicon Valley for NBC, where they have nicknamed her "The Investor's Voice of Reason." Social links: https://twitter.com/HilarytheCFP https://www.facebook.com/hilaryhendershott/ https://www.hilaryhendershott.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/hilarythecfp
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Follow Laura on IG! https://www.instagram.com/laura_loveandfit/
Lauren Zander, @laurenzander_coach, is the Co-Founder and Chairwoman of the Handel Group, a life coaching and corporate consulting company, and author of Maybe It's You: Cut the Crap. As a pioneer of life-coaching, she developed the Handel Method which is used by companies and schools to teach people personal integrity. Why are people committed to keeping promises to others but not to themselves?
Episode 35 of the Time To Be You podcast teaches you to focus on your inner dialogue in order to find what you truly love. Lauren believes we inherit emotional DNA from our parents and that those traits are shaping our inner dialogue. 80% or more of your thoughts are negative which are keeping you from achieving your dreams. You must first recognize these negative thoughts in order to use your lower self to lead you to your higher self.
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Bio:
Lauren Handel Zander is the Co-Founder and Chairwoman of Handel Group ® , an international corporate consulting and life coaching company. Her coaching methodology, The Handel Method ® , is taught in over35 universities and institutes of learning around the world, including MIT, Stanford Graduate School ofBusiness, NYU, and the New York City Public School System. Lauren is also the creator of Inner.U:Learn to Human Better Ⓡ , the online coaching course that teaches the entirety of The Handel Method, which has been used by dozens of celebrities, CEOs, and entrepreneurs since 2004, and she is the author of Maybe It’s You (Published by Hachette Book Group, April 2017), a no-nonsense, practical manual that helps readers figure out not just what they want out of life, but how to actually get there. She has spent over 20 years coaching thousands of private and corporate clients, including executives at LiveNation, Ticketmaster, Vogue , BASF, and AOL. Lauren has been a featured expert in The New YorkTimes, BBC, Forbes, Women’s Health, Dr. Oz, and Marie Claire and she is a regular contributor to Business week and the Huffington Post.
Talk to a human and see if Handel Group coaching options are right for you: http://bit.ly/BEYOUCONSULT
On the web: HGLife.Coach
Facebook.com/HGLifeCoaching
On Instagram @handelgroup
Resources: Learn to Human Better with Lauren Zander's online coaching course, Inner.U.
Sign up now with your TIMETOBEYOU100 coupon and get $100 OFF!
Sign up before April 22nd and also receive these free gifts: 3 coaching cheat sheets, 3 coaching videos, and exclusive access to a live group coaching call with Lauren Zander on launch day.
Get Started here: http://bit.ly/BEYOUINNERU
Questions:
1. Can you give us a brief background of yourself and how you started the Handel Group?
2. What was your inspiration behind your book: Maybe It’s You: Cut the Crap, Face Your Fears, Love Your Life
3. In your experience working with entrepreneurs as well as with marriages - what are the top two things you feel come up the most that people are having issues with?
4. What really is the Handel Method? How did you develop it?
5. How do you balance running your own business, speaking and all that you do all while being a mom of 3?
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Follow Laura on IG ! https://www.instagram.com/laura_loveandfit/
⠀Debra Maldonado, @debrabmaldonado, is a master life coach, instructor, and bestselling author of Let Love In. She helps awaken peoples mind for their personal development which is what lead her to find her purpose in life, to help people be happy. Debra wants people to know it's okay to feel guilty sometimes or like you're not enough, but if you're conscious of it you can take steps to manage it. You have to realize where you are may not be perfect, but that's because it's not complete. No-one really has it figured out, you have to figure it out for yourself too.
Episode 33 of the Time To Be You podcast wants to help everyone have a healthy mind. Entrepreneurs often try to use their business as a way to find satisfaction in life, a business can't fulfill that for you. In order to be truly successful and find satisfaction, you have to chase your purpose. Chasing your purpose will lead to satisfaction. If you can learn to manage your mind, the happier you'll be with all the ups and downs that life brings!
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Bio:
Debi is a Master Jungian Life Coach Instructor and the author of the bestselling book, Let Love In: Open Your Heart & Mind To Attract Your Ideal Partner (Wiley 2010). She is also is a columnist for Inc.com Magazine and frequent speaker on women’s empowerment and leadership and has been featured by ABC News, ABC Radio Network, FOX News, NBC News, WB2, Cosmopolitan, Natural Health, Huffington Post, YourTango, Publisher’s Weekly, Complete Woman, and Playboy Radio, among others. In her former life, she was a marketing executive at MTV Networks and various internet start-ups and then trained as a hypnotherapist and launched her own 6-figure business. She left hypnotherapy behind when she joined forces with Dr. Rob and incorporated their Jungian Coaching model which took their business to the 7-figure level.
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Questions asked in this episode:
1. Can you give us a brief background of yourself and what you do? 2. What is Jungian Positive Psychology? 3. For new entrepreneurs, what is the one thing that stops them from being successful? 4. How do you help others step away from their old conditioned patterns that may not be useful? 5. You talk about funnels and business stuff being great but the most being your internal work. Many of us our built to work, work, work and that will bring us success. What would you say to that? ⠀ ⠀
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Resources
https://www.facebook.com/1creativelove
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Follow Laura on IG! https://www.instagram.com/laura_loveandfit/
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https://www.instagram.com/laura_loveandfit
Interested in coaching from Laura? Schedule a free discovery call now: https://calendly.com/itslaurab/discoverycall
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