Tools For Every Day Leaders & Managers With Leadership Coach Kris Plachy

In today’s episode of Leadership is Feminine, Kris Plachy explores the profound responsibility that comes with leadership and the undeniable influence leaders have—whether they realize it or not. Leadership isn’t just about making choices; it’s about understanding the weight of those choices and the impact they have on the people who follow. Kris challenges both leaders and followers to reflect: When was the last time you revisited your values? Are you making decisions based on your own beliefs, or simply following someone else’s lead? She urges listeners to take a step back, dig into their core values, and ensure they’re aligned with the people and organizations they choose to follow. But leadership doesn’t exist without followership. Kris dives into the often-overlooked responsibility of followers, emphasizing that it’s just as crucial for them to understand their own values. “It is as incumbent upon followers to know what their values are, as it is for leaders,” she says. Too often, people look to leader

In this episode of Leadership is Feminine, Kris Plachy explores the transformative power of in-person connection in business and leadership. Fresh from her retreat in Hawaii, Kris shares a fundamental truth that nothing replaces the value of in-person connection. While the business world leans heavily on virtual interactions and digital spaces, she challenges leaders to prioritize face-to-face gatherings—because the impact goes far beyond logistics or agendas. Kris emphasizes that in-person meetings don’t just strengthen relationships; they deepen commitment to the business’s mission and vision. She believes that when people have the chance to connect in real life, it changes them—it changes how they see their work, their team, and their purpose. Many talented and driven individuals are working in isolation, and that separation is limiting their ability to perform at their best. Human beings thrive on connection, and creating opportunities for in-person interaction is essential for unlocking true potential.

In this episode of Leadership is Feminine, Kris Plachy takes us on a journey through the stages of leadership and what it means to become a Sage—a woman who transforms an idea into a thriving entity and puts it out into the world. Sages are recognized as experts in their field and are known for what they do. With her heart-centered philosophy and deep coaching experience, Kris asks the thought-provoking question: How do you develop the leaders who will lead your business without you? Kris begins by exploring the first stage of leadership, where many of us ask ourselves, “How am I going to do this?” This is the phase of figuring things out on your own, navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship, and learning to trust yourself through trial and error. It’s a challenging but essential part of building a foundation. As leaders grow, the question shifts to, “How are we going to do this?” In this stage, the focus moves to building a team. Kris highlights the importance of collaboration, recognizing that succ

In this episode of Leadership is Feminine, Kris Plachy invites us to explore the transformative power of belief and the role it plays in achieving our goals. Kris challenges us to rethink the foundational beliefs that shape our actions. She unpacks why we often struggle to achieve what we genuinely want and explains how shifting our mindset can open doors to growth and fulfillment. Drawing inspiration from Dr. Henry Cloud’s book Necessary Endings, Kris examines the art of letting go. She likens this to pruning a rose bush, where cutting back is necessary to allow the healthiest growth and new possibilities to emerge. This serves as a reminder that releasing what no longer serves us can create space for new possibilities. Kris also expands on the idea of ‘purging,’ encouraging leaders to apply this principle across their lives and businesses. Whether it’s clients, vendors, technology tools, relationships, or team members, she emphasizes the importance of evaluating what aligns with our purpose and letting go

In this episode of Leadership is Feminine, Kris Plachy explores the power of our thoughts and the processes they set in motion. Kicking off the new year, Kris unpacks the compelling concept that everything we experience is a result of our thoughts. Her guiding principle? "Think, feel, do, get." Kris challenges us to pause and reflect: What if everything you have—even the things you don’t like—is something you once wanted, either consciously or unconsciously? Building on Carolyn Elliott’s provocative idea that “having is wanting,” Kris invites us to examine our lives with curiosity and honesty. In this episode, Kris explores the undeniable link between thoughts, processes, and outcomes. She reminds us that every result we experience begins with a thought, which drives a feeling, which leads to an action, which ultimately creates our reality. If we want different results, Kris encourages us to reverse-engineer our desired outcomes: Start with the result you want, then identify the actions, feelings, and thought

In this episode of Leadership is Feminine, Kris Plachy kicks off 2025 with a powerful reminder: You are the asset. Through a heartfelt and insightful walk-and-talk, Kris unpacks what it truly means to prioritize yourself as the cornerstone of your life and business. She explores why being “tactic-hungry” isn’t the answer and challenges us to stop outsourcing our wisdom to books, strategies, or others’ advice. Instead, Kris emphasizes the liberating—and sometimes terrifying—truth: the answers you seek are already within you. Drawing from her own journey and decades of working with clients, Kris shares the difference between tactics and wisdom, why chaos can feel oddly comforting, and how recognizing yourself as the foundation can lead to radical clarity and transformation. She also announces her focus for the year ahead: helping women embrace their role as the asset in their lives while exploring the Sage’s journey of subtraction, creativity, and reinvention. It’s a call to action for anyone ready to stop spin

Are you stuck in the cycle of saying, “I don’t have time,” and wondering why your goals feel out of reach? As the new year approaches, it’s time to get honest: is it really about time, or is it about priorities? In this episode of Leadership is Feminine, Kris Plachy challenges you to confront the deeper truth behind your excuses and start reshaping your beliefs to achieve the life you truly want. Kris dives into the psychology of why we default to “I don’t have time” and how this mindset often masks a reluctance to leave our comfort zones or prioritize ourselves. “It’s not that you don’t have time—it’s that you don’t want to or aren’t willing to prioritize yourself,” she explains. Through candid insights and personal stories, Kris illustrates how shifting your mindset and embracing discomfort can lead to powerful transformations. This episode also introduces Believe, Kris’s new program designed to help you create the beliefs and actions necessary to turn your vision into reality. As she guides you through d

Are your beliefs holding you back from achieving your full potential? In this quick episode of Leadership is Feminine, host Kris Plachy dives into the power of belief, purpose, and mindset transformation. As the new year approaches, it’s the perfect moment to challenge the inner narratives that begin with “I can’t,” “I shouldn’t,” or “I’m going to fail.” Kris offers a bold perspective on traditional strategic planning, urging leaders to stop pouring time and resources into rigid plans that life will inevitably disrupt. “Set some goals, have some ambition,” she says, “but tether them to belief and feeling. That is going to be the most compelling thing you have.” By focusing on intention, commitment, and vision, leaders can create a foundation for success that outlasts any plan. Kris also introduces her upcoming January program, Believe, designed to help leaders rewrite their mental scripts and act with intention. The program offers mini lessons and live coaching calls to guide participants through a mindset sh

Are you carrying the weight of poor performance on your team? As the year winds down, it’s time to get honest: are your employees aligned with the skills, attitudes, and behaviors your business needs to thrive? The end of the year is the perfect time to take stock, reassess, and make changes that set you up for success in the year ahead. In this episode of Leadership is Feminine, Kris Plachy dives into the power of a year-end team audit, breaking down how to evaluate where your team stands and what needs to shift. Kris challenges leaders to stop tolerating misalignment and start addressing the tough questions. Are the people you’ve hired still the right fit? Are they delivering results, or are you carrying the burden of their shortcomings? She shares practical strategies to assess team dynamics, identify gaps, and figure out whether further investment in your team’s skills will pay off. This episode also highlights the role of feedback in building a thriving team culture. “People need to know if they’re winni

Are you feeling the tension between being the visionary leader your business needs and effectively managing your team? As the year comes to a close, do you find yourself reflecting on the ambitious goals you set—and wondering if you’re giving yourself enough grace for what you did achieve? In this episode of Leadership is Feminine, host Kris Plachy invites you to examine the critical balance between leadership and management. Kris opens up the conversation with the striking statement: "A lot of people who start businesses are very good at leading because they're visionaries, they are motivating, they're inspiring... but maybe terrible at managing." And here’s the issue that she has seen many visionaries experience. She identifies that while many entrepreneurs possess the vision and motivation, they often miss out on the crucial organization and structure that managerial skills bring to the table. Not neglecting those on the other end of the spectrum, Kris also brings to light the potential pitfalls of leaders

Have you ever felt unsure about your leadership instincts? Do you question your decisions because they don’t align with traditional expectations? In this episode of Leadership is Feminine, Kris Plachy dives into the challenges women face when self-doubt creeps in and disrupts their confidence as leaders. She examines why so many women, despite their success, find it difficult to trust their intuition, especially when navigating the complexities of leading a team. Kris highlights a powerful truth: “The common theme of the women that I work with has nothing to do with skill or ability, but has everything to do with what I would call learned self-doubt.” Through this lens, she explores how conditioning erodes confidence and teaches women to second-guess their instincts, even when they have proven their capabilities time and time again. Kris emphasizes the importance of breaking these cycles by embracing self-belief and standing firm in your vision—even when it feels isolating or unconventional. She redefines l

Are you feeling discouraged by the current state of leadership and wondering how to lead with more empathy and purpose? Do recent events have you questioning how to stay true to your values as a leader? In this soul-searching episode of Leadership is Feminine, host Kris Plachy delves into the aftermath of the election, sharing lessons from her personal experiences and those of her clients. In a world where power is too often misused, Kris reaffirms her belief in a leadership approach centered around empathy and empowerment. Sharing from her own experiences with intimidating and abusive leaders, Kris insists, "I think what matters most as female leaders is to have the empathy and the patience to give people the space they need through this process". She highlights the importance of personal agency and self-determination, explaining how our perception of circumstances often dictates the outcomes. As we navigate tumultuous times such as elections and a global pandemic, Kris urges us to focus on our own empowerme

Do you ever feel like your instincts are leading you down a different path than others in your field? Have you questioned whether your unique approach is “right” simply because it doesn’t match the norm? In this episode of Leadership is Feminine, host Kris Plachy draws inspiration from a recent conversation with a client who, like so many trailblazing women, is choosing to follow her own vision in business—even when it means going against the grain. Diving into the realities of blazing your own trail, Kris captures the complexities of being a woman who doesn’t conform to traditional expectations in her industry. She examines how trailblazing women often face doubt, rejection, and even isolation, as they make decisions that may look unconventional or “wrong” to others. Whether you’re taking bold steps to create something new or stepping away from business practices that no longer serve you, this episode encourages you to honor your vision. Kris highlights that the journey of a trailblazer is filled with ups an

Are you finding it challenging to follow through on your goals, even though you genuinely want to achieve them? Do you notice a gap between your intentions and your actual commitment, especially when the going gets tough? With the end of the year approaching, many of us are reflecting on our goals and thinking ahead to what we want to accomplish. In this episode of Leadership is Feminine, host Kris Plachy discusses the concept of true commitment and explores the difference between simply wanting something and being fully committed to making it happen. Using her own goals as an example, Kris reveals her own moments of doubt and how she's come to realize that accomplishing big things doesn’t just happen; it takes serious change, focus, and unwavering commitment. Kris explains that commitment requires going all in, staying the course, and investing in your goals even when things come up. Of course, we all have things we want, but are we truly willing to do what it takes to make them happen? It's more than just a

Are you feeling frustrated because the people you hire just aren’t working out the way you’d hoped? Do you wonder why new hires struggle to fit into your team, despite careful planning? In this episode of Leadership is Feminine, host Kris Plachy takes a close look at what might be missing in your hiring process and shares practical steps to help ensure new team members align with your business. No stranger to the challenges all leaders face when it comes to building a team, Kris candidly shares her tips on what to do when an employee just isn’t working out. Kris discusses several factors that may hinder the successful addition of a new hire to your team. She raises the importance of a structured hiring process, including creating and sharing a detailed job description, and the necessity of having your framework in place. As Kris advises, “Don’t ever hire someone if you don’t have a job description.” She also urges leaders not to hire out of desperation, cautioning that the odds of such a hire working out are

Do you find yourself frustrated because your team isn't working the way you expected? Are you struggling to understand why your employees don’t seem to share the same drive and commitment that you bring to your business? In this episode of *Leadership is Feminine*, host Kris Plachy explores the diverse reasons people work and how understanding these differences can transform your approach to leadership. Kris explains that it is easy to assume that everyone’s motivations for working are the same, but the reality is often very different. The assumptions leaders make about others' motivations for working can create conflict. She explains that leaders often expect their team members to share the same level of dedication, only to face disappointment when reality doesn't align. Kris introduces the concept of the "leadership lens," highlighting that each person views work through their own set of experiences, values, and beliefs, which can greatly differ from those of their leaders or colleagues. As Kris states, “Th

As a driven visionary, you have a clear idea of what success looks like—but the path to get there isn't always straightforward. Doubt, fear, and hurdles often creep in, challenging your confidence and testing your resolve. In this episode of Leadership is Feminine, host Kris Plachy explores the experience of visionary doubt—the internal struggle that arises not just once, but repeatedly along your entrepreneurial journey, and asks: are you willing to overcome the discomfort and focus on who you need to become to achieve your vision? She further discusses that the doubt often kicks in when business owners hit a point where they can no longer manage everything by themselves or the business goes through a big shift. It's a crucial part in an entrepreneur's journey, and Kris says being able to adapt is a marker of success. Kris also emphasizes the power of seeking advice from your future successful self - the you who has already achieved your vision. This can provide a fresh perspective and motivate you through t

In this episode of Leadership is Feminine, host Kris Plachy dives into the power of acceptance and the futility of resisting reality. Drawing from her 13 years of leading retreats in Hawaii, Kris reflects on a key question she frequently asks: "What do you wish wasn’t?" This thought-provoking question highlights how often we get stuck wishing circumstances, people, or experiences were different. Instead of fighting against what is, Kris encourages listeners to embrace the present and explore new possibilities. Through a series of reflective stanzas, she emphasizes the importance of taking personal agency and making new choices, rather than expending energy on resistance. Tune in to discover how shifting from wishing for change to embracing your power to act can propel you forward as a leader and visionary. “There is no way to make what was again. There are only choices that move us forward or keep us stuck. The past is gone, the present is our current truth. But the future, our future, always exists in our n

As a driven entrepreneur, you likely pride yourself on being self-reliant and handling everything on your own. Yet, deep down, you know that to grow your business and thrive, you need to lean on your team more. In this episode of Leadership is Feminine, host Kris Plachy explores the challenge many Gen X women entrepreneurs face: asking for and accepting support. Raised with a strong sense of independence, you might struggle to delegate, and when others fall short, it's tempting to just do it yourself. But what if, instead of rescuing everyone, you could guide them—and in the process, free up your own time and energy? Kris shares her strategies on maintaining emotional balance when dealing with disappointments, and how to guide others through their errors, instead of rescuing them. She encourages us to assess situations pragmatically, rather than letting our emotional tolerance dictate our response to setbacks. As you tune into this episode, discover a new leadership mindset that fosters support, maturity and

As someone who is leading a business and looking to uplevel your life, not only have you endured a lot of change, but it’s also something you seek. But just because you wish things were different, that doesn’t mean that change comes easy. In this episode of Leadership is Feminine, host Kris Plachy talks about the relationship we have with change, and invites listeners to examine our willingness to be open to change. Kris shares a personal tale of her weight loss journey, losing 60 lbs in a year. Along with her journey, she shares viewpoints on change and how these transformational moments don't arrive through perfect circumstances but through taking action in spite of hardships. Weaving together her experiences, she emphasizes that your life situation doesn't magically improve post-change, and it's essential to step into a better version of yourself to handle life's challenges more effectively. Kris dispels the myth that everything will be perfect once change happens. She also emphasizes the crucial role of e