Send us a text 😳 I snapped. I got defensive. And I shut down. All because of one piece of feedback. I was further into my career than you’d think. I should’ve handled it better… but my body went into full panic mode. Not because the feedback was harsh— …but because of the shame I’d attached to it. 💭 What if feedback doesn’t have to feel like failure? What if your reaction isn’t a flaw—but a clue? 🎧 Episode 57 is raw, real, and it’s for every high-achiever who’s ever felt wrecked by a single c...
Jun 25, 2025•26 min•Season 1Ep. 57
Send us a text "I got into my first 'dream job.' It was everything I thought I wanted. Big name. Big opportunity. But within a few months, I felt completely drained. I realized—I was hiding who I really was just to survive the culture. I didn’t even know what my core values were back then. All I knew was that something didn’t feel right." In this episode of the Business Building Blocks Podcast , Jenny Barkan and I dive deep into masking in the workplace—what it is, why we do it, and how it slowl...
Jun 18, 2025•35 min•Season 1Ep. 56
Send us a text "What if the drive to work felt heavier than the job itself?" In this deeply personal and powerful episode, Kaitlyn Rios, founder & President of Faced with Grace, shares her raw journey through toxic workplaces—and the moment that changed everything. From silent microaggressions to full-blown burnout, Kaitlyn’s story will resonate with anyone who's ever felt unseen, unsupported, or suffocated at work. 🌿 Learn how to spot the subtle signs of toxicity, how to heal after harm, a...
Jun 11, 2025•27 min•Season 1Ep. 55
Send us a text I used to shrink myself in meetings. Waited for the perfect moment to speak— Then didn’t. Because I thought: “What if I say the wrong thing?” “What if I sound too emotional?” “What if I take up too much space?” Sound familiar? Somewhere along the way, many of us were taught to be smaller to be accepted. To tone it down to be taken seriously. To lead like someone else. But what if the version of you that feels like too much Is exactly what your business, your team, your clients… ne...
Jun 04, 2025•30 min•Season 1Ep. 54
Send us a text 🗣️ "We were paying ourselves below the poverty line. I remember my tax filing from like 2002, 2003… we were below the poverty line." David Brecount, CEO and Co-Founder of US Digital Partners, joined me on the podcast and shared what those early years of business really looked like: 👉🏼 “You live off savings, and you press on. You go out and sell another project, figure out how to do it. Then you sell another project, and figure out how to do that one too.” We talked about everyt...
May 28, 2025•31 min•Season 1Ep. 53
Send us a text What if the last chapter of life could be as beautiful as the first? In this deeply moving episode of The Business Building Blocks Podcast , host Kristina Schmitt sits down with Laura Sherwood , Director of Hospice Partnerships, and Brenda Fleming , Executive Director of Hospice of Elgin , to share the powerful story behind a hospice that’s redefining end-of-life care. You’ll hear: 💜 Why Hospice of Elgin was the last to be built in its region—and how that turned into its greatest...
May 21, 2025•47 min•Season 1Ep. 52
Send us a text 🌿UNDERSTANDING ANXIETY AT WORK AND IN LIFE🌿 Anxiety shows up in life—and at work—more than we think. In this episode, I talk with Catholic Life & Mindset Coach Heidi Kennedy, who shares her story of chronic pain and anxiety—and how she found healing through mindset work. We discuss: 🔹 What anxiety really is (and isn’t) 🔹 How limiting beliefs shape our reality 🔹 Red flags to look for in your team 🔹 When and how to seek support 🔹 Heidi’s FREE online event on May 19 As lea...
May 14, 2025•29 min•Season 1Ep. 51
Send us a text ✨ Cheers to 50! Celebrating Wins, Wisdom & What’s Next ✨ I didn’t start this podcast because I had everything figured out. I started because I felt called. Some episodes were recorded in between meetings, others during quiet moments when no one else was around. There were times I wondered if anyone was even listening. But I kept showing up. 🎙️ Now here we are: 50 episodes later. 50 moments of learning, trusting, pivoting, and persevering. 50 opportunities to speak life, encou...
May 07, 2025•38 min•Season 1Ep. 50
Send us a text I remember the first time I heard my own voice on a podcast. Awkward. A little cringey. But something inside said, “Keep going.” Because I believed in the power of story. Of conversation. Of showing up—even imperfectly—to serve others through our words. That’s exactly what this week’s guest, Joe Coleman , helps people do. He’s the founder of Saint Kolbe Studios, a podcast production agency serving Catholic business owners and solo creators . And he gets it—the nerves, the ideas th...
Apr 30, 2025•30 min•Season 1Ep. 49
Send us a text Ever heard someone say: “Wait… do we really need another personality tool?” or “That model puts people in boxes.” or even “This just feels like one more thing to manage on my already full plate.” We’ve heard all the push-back—and we’re talking about it. This week on the Business Building Blocks Podcast, we’re digging into the real talk about the Working Genius model—we’ll uncover and explain all the myths, pushbacks, and concerns that we’ve heard about the model, it’s development,...
Apr 16, 2025•45 min•Season 1Ep. 48
Send us a text Business Building Blocks Podcast: Why Growth Begins With What You See It all started with what I was surrounded by... Ever felt like something was holding you back — but you couldn’t quite name it? In this episode of the Business Building Blocks Podcast, Kristina Schmitt unpacks the surprising truth: 🧠 Your environment is shaping your mindset. 👀 What you see is influencing what you believe is possible. Whether you’re leading a team, parenting at home, or growing your business — ...
Apr 09, 2025•23 min•Season 1Ep. 47
Send us a text The Secret to Sustainable Success She Thought She Had to Figure It All Out Alone… Until This Changed Everything. 🎙️ Stephanie Donahue was like so many high-achievers—driven, passionate, and constantly juggling the demands of leadership. But behind the scenes, she felt the weight of it all. The pressure to have the right answers. The struggle to balance work and life. The silent question: Am I doing enough? Then, something shifted. She discovered the power of coaching—not just as ...
Apr 02, 2025•21 min•Season 1Ep. 46
Send us a text Leading with Heart: The Power of Emotions in the Workplace Emotions at work—should they stay or should they go? 🤔 In this powerful episode of Business Building Blocks, I sit down with emotional resilience strategist, speaker, and author Sarah Westbrook to explore the true role of emotions in leadership and the workplace. 💡 Why do we shy away from emotions at work? 💡 How can embracing them actually make us stronger leaders? 💡 What are the practical steps to create a workplace w...
Mar 26, 2025•29 min•Season 1Ep. 45
Send us a text Healthy Leader Series Part IV : Healing the Leader Within 🌿 Have you ever felt like different parts of you are pulling in opposite directions? One part wants to step up as a strong leader, while another part holds you back with doubt or fear. What if those parts weren’t obstacles, but keys to deeper healing and wholeness? In this episode of Business Building Blocks, I sit down with Virginia Charlesworth, a registered social worker and Catholic counselor, to explore Internal Famil...
Mar 19, 2025•28 min•Season 1Ep. 44
Send us a text Healthy Leader Series Part III : Faith in Motion What does it mean to honor God with your body, mind, and soul? For Deanne Miller, co-founder of SoulCore, it’s about becoming a fit instrument—physically, mentally, and spiritually—to do God’s will. Through personal suffering, Deanne discovered the power of integrating movement with prayer, leading to her own healing and the creation of SoulCore, a practice that deepens faith through the sacred experience of the rosary. In this epis...
Mar 12, 2025•24 min•Season 1Ep. 43
Send us a text The Power of Leading Well | Business Building Blocks Podcast What makes a great leader? How do we create a culture that naturally raises up the next generation? In this episode, Kristina Schmitt sits down with Holly Leonard & Kelly Rude from Catholic Christian Outreach (CCO) to explore the power of selection, entrustment, and multiplication in leadership. They share CCO’s F.A.C.T. model (Faithful, Available, Contagious, Teachable) and why strong culture matters more than hirin...
Mar 05, 2025•45 min•Season 1Ep. 42
Send us a text Unlocking Your Motivation Code | Business Building Blocks Podcast 🎯 Have you ever wondered why you’re motivated to do certain things but avoid others? You might be familiar with assessments like DISC, MBTI, or the 6 Types of Working Genius—but what if you could dig even deeper into why you work the way you do? In this episode, I sit down with Laura Roland , founder of Laura Roland Coaching and a Certified Motivation Code (MCode) Coach , to explore how understanding motivation can...
Feb 26, 2025•37 min•Season 1Ep. 41
Send us a text The Importance of Healing on Your Leadership Journey | Business Building Blocks Podcast In this episode of The Business Building Blocks Podcast, I sit down with Jack Beers, founder of The Catholic Mentor, to discuss the powerful role healing plays in leadership, relationships, and personal growth. 🌱✨ We dive into: ✅ How unresolved wounds impact your leadership and decision-making ✅ The connection between inner healing and professional success ✅ How to break free from limiting bel...
Feb 19, 2025•31 min•Season 1Ep. 40
Send us a text 🚀 New Podcast Episode! The Perspective Shift Every Leader Needs 🎙️ Are you stuck in the "doing" instead of truly leading? In this episode, we dive into the critical mindset shift that every leader—especially business owners—must make to scale their impact, empower their teams, and avoid burnout. 💡 🔥 Learn how to transition from doing the work to leading others effectively 📖 Insights from The E-Myth & Working Genius framework ✅ Practical strategies to redefine your leaders...
Feb 12, 2025•20 min•Season 1Ep. 39
Send us a text New Podcast Episode: Humility in Leadership 🌟 What does true humility look like in leadership? It’s not about thinking less of yourself but focusing on the bigger picture—your team and mission. In this episode, we explore: ✨ Recognizing pride in its loud and subtle forms ✨ Why humility is a strength, not a weakness ✨ Practical ways to grow in humility and lead with purpose 🎧 Watch the full episode on YouTube and join us for this transformational journey. Your leadership will nev...
Feb 05, 2025•23 min•Season 1Ep. 38
Send us a text 🌟 Healthy Habits for Effective Leadership 🌟 In this episode of the Business Building Blocks Podcast, we’re diving into the role of healthy habits in leadership. Discover how to create routines that support your goals, boost your productivity, and bring balance to your busy life. 💡 Key takeaways from this episode: 1️⃣ The importance of consistency in leadership habits. 2️⃣ Simple steps to build habits that stick. 3️⃣ How intentional habits can transform your leadership style. Wh...
Jan 22, 2025•21 min•Ep. 37
Send us a text 🌟 Welcome to the Healthy Leader Series! 🌟 In this episode of the Business Building Blocks Podcast, we’re kicking off an exciting journey toward healthier leadership. Discover how to balance the demands of your professional life with habits that promote wellness, productivity, and joy. 💡 Key takeaways from this episode: 1️⃣ Why healthy leadership is vital for long-term success. 2️⃣ The foundational habits every leader should adopt. 3️⃣ Practical steps to align your leadership wi...
Jan 15, 2025•17 min•Season 1Ep. 36
Send us a text Hope often gets misunderstood—some see it as passive, others see it as unnecessary. But in this episode, we explore why hope is an essential virtue and a powerful force in achieving both personal and professional goals. 💡 Discover how hope fuels resilience, strengthens faith, and helps us stay on track—especially when the road gets tough. ✨ Here’s what you’ll learn: 1️⃣ What hope really means and why we need it. 2️⃣ The mindset shift that will help you stay on track—even when thi...
Jan 08, 2025•16 min•Season 1Ep. 35
Send us a text "Another assessment? What can this one tells me that I haven’t already heard?” The 6 Types of Working Genius isn’t just another personality test—it’s a game-changer for understanding how work can energize you or leave you burned out. 💡 In this episode, I break down: ✅ The 6 steps of work that make up the model and explain your energy or frustration. ✅ Why knowing your genius boosts productivity and morale. ✅ How leaders can use this tool to align teams, hire better, and develop s...
Dec 23, 2024•42 min•Season 1Ep. 34
Send us a text ✨ Timeless Goal Setting Tips ✨ Why is January 1st treated like the ultimate fresh start for goal setting? The truth is, the date doesn’t matter—what matters are the strategies and habits you put in place to achieve success. 🎯 In this episode, I’m sharing: ✅ The secrets to setting SMART goals that actually work. ✅ How to avoid common pitfalls when planning your goals. ✅ Practical tips to turn your resolutions into results. 🎧 Ready to crush your goals and thrive in 2025? Listen to...
Dec 12, 2024•17 min•Season 1Ep. 33
Send us a text Ever wondered how a job at McDonald’s or time spent in ministry could help you build a thriving financial advising practice? 🤔 In this episode of the Business Building Blocks Podcast , Kristina sits down with Financial Advisor Will Murley to uncover how past experiences, mindset shifts, and expert planning can pave the way for success. From working in ministry to helping Catholic families with their financial goals, Will shares how every step of his journey contributed to his suc...
Dec 06, 2024•32 min•Season 1Ep. 32
Send us a text "Why do I have to say thank you to someone for doing their job? Isn’t that what the paycheck is for?” I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard this! 👀 Positive feedback often gets overlooked because it doesn’t feel like a pressing need. But here’s the thing: Positive reinforcement doesn’t just build morale—it increases performance, motivates teams, and fosters trust. 💡 In this episode, I’m diving into: ✅ Why positive feedback is essential for success (at work AND at home). ✅ A...
Nov 26, 2024•20 min•Season 1Ep. 31
Send us a text Leading Remote Teams with Raul Hernandez Ochoa Remote, hybrid, in-person—what's the best fit for your team? In this episode, Kristina speaks with Raul Hernandez Ochoa, a husband, father, growth strategist, and founder of Do Good Work. Raul helps businesses scale profitably without the overwhelm. Together, they explore strategies for building effective, engaged, and high-performing remote teams. Whether you're managing a fully remote setup or balancing the challenges of a hybrid wo...
Nov 20, 2024•32 min•Season 1Ep. 30
Send us a text How to Have Healthy Conflict What comes to mind when you hear the word "conflict"? Do you feel stress or anxiety, or do you welcome it? Is conflict something you avoid, or do you see it as an opportunity for growth? In the latest episode of the Business Building Blocks Podcast, Kristina shares 3 essential ground rules for keeping conflict healthy—especially timely as we approach the holidays and navigate post-election discussions. 🎧 Listen to the full episode and discover how to ...
Nov 13, 2024•25 min•Season 1Ep. 29
Send us a text Does your personal mission feed into your work? You may have been told to leave your personal life at home or check your problems at the door, but as faith-filled leaders, that’s not what we’re called to do. When we allow our personal vocations, struggles, and accomplishments feed into our work, we can bring our whole selves, which makes us more productive as a team and a business. On this episode, Kristina speaks with Chris Bray, a Catholic musician, speaker, and author. They dis...
Nov 06, 2024•42 min•Season 1Ep. 28
