We were lucky to catch up with Kristen Baldwin recently and have shared our conversation below.
Kristen, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
My resilience? I definitely got that from my mom. Growing up, it was just her, my brother, and me. I remember watching her juggle life with this fierce determination that never seemed to waver, even during the toughest times. She took on a second job when we needed the extra money, but when it meant she might miss my brother’s basketball games or my cheerleading competitions, she didn’t hesitate to let it go. That showed me what really mattered.
She worked relentlessly, not only to make ends meet but to make sure we could enjoy those extra-curricular activities that were so important to us. I still remember the pride in her eyes the first time she managed to take us on a vacation with just her income. After school, I’d go to her workplace and watch her put in long hours, pushing through, always with a goal in sight.
From her, I learned that if you’re willing to put in the work, you can make anything happen—there’s always a way. That belief has fueled my entrepreneurial spirit and shaped who I am today. I’ve carried this with me: If you have the will, you can find the way. Just like my mom did.
I got it from my mama.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’ve always been someone who finds joy in supporting others. Think of me as the player on the basketball team who racks up the most assists—I’m at my best when I’m helping everyone else shine. This desire to assist led me down an unexpected path to where I am today, and it’s been a game-changer.
My professional journey began in a role where I was responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of a company. I absolutely thrived in this environment, loving every aspect of making life easier for our clients and for our CEO. However, as much as I loved the work, it eventually became clear that the fit wasn’t right anymore. But it had given me a clear vision of what I wanted to do next.
As a single mom, my top priority has always been to build a life that allows me more quality time with my daughter—less time working and more time being present for her. Initially, this seemed like an impossible goal. I started looking for a job that would utilize my skills in managing operations without consuming all my time. During my search, I kept running into business owners who needed operational help but not on a full-time basis. Despite my initial hesitation about starting my own business, encouragement from family and friends, and a little nudge from the good Lord, I decided to give it a go.
Starting out with just one client, I began to network, hired a business coach, and soon found myself fully self-employed. My client list grew, and as it did, I found myself working less, earning more, and spending invaluable time with my daughter.
Today, I run a business that specializes in optimizing operational efficiency. I help companies streamline their processes so they can work smarter, not harder. This isn’t just about making operations more efficient—it’s about creating a system that supports sustainable growth and success. After setting up these systems, I often continue to manage their daily operations, which keeps me connected and invested in their success.
This career path has not only fulfilled my professional aspirations but also allowed me to live the life I envisioned with my daughter. We have more quality time together, and I also have time for my own interests, like running long distance races and volunteering at our church.
I’m excited about the impact my work on operational efficiency has had recently. If you’re looking to get your business’s backend organized and level up, I’m your go-to. This is more than a job to me—it’s about making a real difference, one operation at a time.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey, three key skills have truly shaped my path: listening, discernment, and simplification.
1. Listening Skills: As someone who alleviates clients’ pain points, listening is crucial. It’s not just about hearing words; it’s about understanding the deeper needs and emotions behind them.
2. Discerning Skills: This involves asking the right questions. Often, clients don’t fully know what they need until you help uncover it. My job is to dig deeper, which sometimes means asking tough questions to get to the heart of the issue.
3. Simplification: I take complex problems, break them down, and reassemble the pieces into something better. This skill is about making everything more efficient and understandable.
Advice for Those Starting Out:
Embrace the mantra: “Smart people ask questions.” Early on, I was hesitant to ask questions, fearing they might seem silly. But I’ve learned that asking questions is essential—it shows you’re thinking deeply and committed to understanding. Always be curious, ask thoughtful questions, and use these opportunities to learn and grow. This approach will not only help you develop these critical skills but also set you apart in your career.
Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
The book “Who Not How” by Dan Sullivan has been pivotal in shaping my professional approach. This book taught me the power of leveraging others’ talents instead of figuring out how to do everything myself. It emphasized the importance of focusing on ‘who’ can help achieve goals rather than ‘how’ I can do it alone, promoting collaboration and strategic resource deployment. By applying these principles, I’ve managed to enhance my productivity and focus on high-value tasks, enabling personal and professional growth. This shift from solo effort to teamwork has not only streamlined operations but also multiplied my effectiveness in every project I undertake.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ezaops.com
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kbaldwinezaops/
Image Credits
Kelli Cornelia Photography
Faith Benson Photography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
