We recently connected with Dr Kristin Kahle and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Dr Kristin , so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
I’m a woman with more than 20 years of experience in a man-heavy industry. I’ve often been in situations where I felt at a loss as to how to flex my power. Here’s where I put on practice the quote my mom has been using my whole life “When you feel your worst, look your best”. On those days I don’t want to get out of bed and show up for the world, instead of staying on my jammies I put on my best outfit, get my make-up perfect and do my hair. Women are still held to high expectations of beauty and presentation. But I have learned that I will do it ONLY IF IT MAKES ME FEEL GOOD. If it helps me feel my own power.
Of course, there are days when the inner conversation doesn’t match the outer appearance, right? What do you do then? I’m always the tallest, loudest, blondest woman in the room. I’ve had to get comfortable in my own skin. I know who I am.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
For those who never heard of me before, you can call me Dr.K., I am the founder of a successful business, a bestselling author of four books, a business coach, a consultant, and an athlete. I am a Certified Healthcare Reform Specialist, earned a DBA from Argosy University, an MBA from the University of Phoenix, and a BA from Pine Manor College.
I can say that every challenge in my life has been about others saying “No” to me. And that’s how I started a collection of “No’s” that motivated me to achieve new goals. And those experiences lead me to participate in a book to tell my story.
At the moment I have four books that are the combo breaker to give a deeper look at my philosophy. The first step is developed in “Crash and Learn”, where among other well-named entrepreneurs you can find our stories of failure and how to move on from that situation. Then in “Notivation” I use the most powerful tool (sense of humor) to explain how saying “No” will lead business owners to better decisions. Plus, I structured the book thinking about how to help entrepreneurs to earn their first million dollars!
Some other of my adventures in the business world can be read on the pages of “Lead Like a Woman: Tales from the trenches” and “Lead Like a Woman: Audacity”. A compilation of stories where successful women share their stories about learning, leading, and achieving goals.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Perseverance is the quality that has always helped me to achieve all my goals. It has made me resilient and kept me stay curious. My skills in sports have made me a team player and a strategy creator and kept my imagination stimulated.
Healthcare reform for sure is one of the biggest areas that I have been exploring and that has presented the most challenges in my life as a professional (employee and employer as well). It’s an area of knowledge that requires constant research and updating.
How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?
I believe that with this answer, a lot of professionals will identify with me. Because one of the biggest challenges is to keep evolving with technology. It takes big steps, so fast that sometimes it’s hard to keep track. But it’s important to stay updated. Especially in the business industry, where technology can always improve many processes.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://drkristinkahle.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drkkahle
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/doctork/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/thedoctorKK
