The CEO Sage (Formerly Leadership is Feminine)

In this episode, Kris Plachy dives into the complex dynamic of promoting employees into management positions and the resulting challenges. Kris unpacks common issues faced by businesses as they transition from small teams to larger management structures. She candidly explores the struggles of transitioning from being an individual contributor to a manager, and details how new managers can unknowin...

In this week's episode of Leadership is Feminine, Kris Plachy dives into the tough reality of losing key team members unexpectedly in your growing business. She acknowledges the emotional toll it takes and provides insightful guidance on how to navigate these challenging moments. Throughout the episode, Kris emphasizes the inevitability of change in business and the importance of being prepared fo...

In this episode of Leadership is Feminine, Kris Plachy challenges the notion of open door policies and their effectiveness in leadership. With her signature wisdom, Kris dives into why simply declaring an open door policy isn't enough to make team members feel truly comfortable approaching you. She emphasizes the importance of being intentional and prescriptive in creating opportunities for engage...

In this episode of Leadership is Feminine, Kris Plachy addresses the challenges and dynamics that arise when a manager becomes the go-to person for complaints and venting within a company. She shares her perspective on the role of managers in extending culture, expectations, and values into the organization, while also emphasizing the importance of effective communication and translating the found...

In this episode, Kris Plachy is tackling the intriguing topic of team gossip – you know, that thing that has a way of sneaking its way into our business and team conversations? In Kris fashion, she cuts to the chase, sharing insights on how gossip can impact small businesses, leadership dynamics, and even our personal relationships. She dives into the different shades of venting, complaining, and...

In today's enlightening episode of Leadership is Feminine, we delve into the exciting world of yoga, self-care, and leadership with our amazing guest, Brett Larkin, a yoga entrepreneur and new author of  Yoga Life: Habits, Poses, and Breathwork to Channel Joy Amidst the Chaos.  Brett credits mindset shifts that host, Kris Plachy, coached her through as crucial in her journey of managing her compan...

In this episode of Leadership is Feminine, Kris Plachy dives into the concept of why good leaders say no. She presents her perspective on how saying no is a crucial skill for leaders, delving into the reasons why people often struggle with it. Kris unpacks the dynamics of people-pleasing and the underlying motivations behind saying yes when really meaning no. Throughout the episode, Kris explores...

In this episode of Leadership is Feminine, host Kris Plachy shares her insights on the unique challenges faced by female business owners whose companies have reached the three to five million dollar revenue mark and beyond. Drawing on her experience working with million-dollar female business owners, Kris discusses the complexities of team design and the vital role of leadership in scaling a busin...

In this episode of Leadership is Feminine, Kris Plachy dives into the power of intentionality in achieving our goals and becoming effective leaders. She emphasizes the importance of being intentional about our actions and decisions, especially when it comes to leadership and building successful teams. Kris discusses how many entrepreneurs excel at learning new skills and strategies to grow their b...

In this episode of Leadership is Feminine, Kris Plachy introduces the concept of the  One Hour Leader , a new offering designed specifically for female founders running million-dollar businesses. She dives deep into the challenges faced by female entrepreneurs as they transition from hitting seven-figure thresholds and the necessity to evolve and lead their teams differently.  Kris encourages wome...

In this New Year episode of Leadership is Feminine, Kris Plachy takes us on a journey of self-reflection and goal setting. With the turn of the year, Kris encourages listeners to treat this podcast as their own mini retreat, prompting them to reflect on the past year and set intentions for the year ahead. Kris emphasizes the importance of journaling and introspection, guiding listeners through a s...

In this final installment of this Gen-X Women Founders mini series, host Kris Plachy dives into the emotional load and labor that comes with being a Gen-X woman leading her own business. She delves into the societal pressures and expectations placed on women, especially those who are ambitious and successful in their careers. From the guilt associated with balancing work and family to the challeng...

In this latest episode of Leadership is Feminine, Kris Plachy dives into the unique world of Gen-X women and the impact they have on leadership and change. This episode candidly addresses the impact of the pandemic on different generations and how it has influenced the struggles of the younger population. She discusses the need for leaders to understand and embrace the needs of the younger workfor...

In our 3rd installment of Kris Plachy's GenX Female Founder Series of "Leadership is Feminine," host Kris addresses the unique challenges and experiences of Gen X female entrepreneurs, with a special emphasis on imposter syndrome.  Specifically why so many of us experience it and how developing our understanding of it can help us overcome it… For good.  Kris shares her journey and insights, tracin...

As we continue our conversation about GenX Female Founders in Leadership is Feminine, this enlightening episode explores the unique world we all operate in, as GenX Women. Today's focus is on the distinctive challenges they face as part of the "Sandwich Generation," juggling responsibilities towards both aging parents and growing children, often while managing thriving businesses. The episode delv...

Welcome to the first episode of the Gen-X Women Founders mini-series. In this episode of "Leadership is Feminine," host Kris Plachy delves into the distinct struggles and triumphs of the Gen-X generation. As a Gen-Xer herself, Kris identifies with the unique challenges posed by the background many people in this generation faced, which has shaped them into the resilient leaders they are today. Thr...

Despite what it may seem like in the business world, there are alternative ways to address the normal processes of running a business. And, as women, we ought to embrace these ways. We don't need to approach our businesses and the necessary aspects of them in the traditional masculine way. This has been my life mission and passion: To come alongside women entrepreneurs to show them that leadership...

It's time for real talk. Revenue is down for many businesses. That's the reality but that doesn't mean there aren't solutions. But we have to face the facts of what's happening and go through the process of running through potential solutions to get the results that we want. As we go through ups and downs in our businesses, having doom and gloom about it isn't helpful. But neither is the (sometime...

At a certain level, you can feel very comfortable as well as powerful in your ability to handle whatever comes your way in that expertise. It's an awesome feeling and well-earned. But there is also a power in allowing yourself to become a novice and start from scratch in something else. In this episode, I talk about the value (and fun) of bringing new learning and new areas into your life. Going b...

AI through Chat GPT is a resource you can leverage to complete tasks you don't want to do. It can be set up to automatically document and organize various administrative elements you've probably been put off doing. Chat GPT isn't the only one out there but it's the one I like best. It makes things like research, content creation, policies and procedures, and so many more things much easier, especi...

When we're constantly distracted and drained by lower level problems, the higher level ones never get solved. This reality is plain and simple and we may realize it intellectually but aren't always sure how to fix it practically. The issue with solving the higher level problem in a practical manner is that you must first take a step back so you can look above the lower level problem. And looking a...

When you've achieved the same success over and over, the initial euphoria of feeling extremely accomplished and excited can wane. It just feels different. And you may find yourself feeling lost, looking for what sparks your magic again. You may even feel a bit guilty. But what if it's really okay? What if it's not a problem when you derive happiness from something other than your business anymore?...

I'm an answer junkie. Are you one too? What exactly is an answer junkie? In short, it's someone who wants answers and is not content in not knowing. In this episode, I explore the reality of navigating life as an answer junkie. Answers can make things make sense, can bring structure to things that feel chaotic… but not everything has an answer. So what, then, does the answer junkie do? Let's talk...

Unconventionality produces unconventional leadership. But what, exactly, is unconventional leadership and why should we desire to be an unconventional leader? It all begins with first understanding yourself and where leadership really comes from. To address this, I wanted to share one of my personal Hawaii walk recordings. This time of thought and reflection was borne out of my angst of wanting to...

When a major tragedy strikes, businesses and personal lives are affected in countless ways. Some effects are easy to see, some are less obvious. But all are important. And all need and deserve to be lovingly and compassionately addressed. A personal friend and client of mine,  Keani Barnes , is part of the Maui community recently devastated by fires. As a boutique business owner, I wanted to have...