Summary
In this episode of Grit, Grace and Glitz, Erika Rothenberger sits down with coach and former corporate executive Kristen Ripmaster to discuss what it means to live your legacy now instead of waiting for “someday.”
Kristen shares her journey from a 20-year corporate career to entrepreneurship, revealing how she learned to trust her intuition, embrace uncertainty, and create a life aligned with her values. Together, Erika and Kristen explore personal growth, midlife awakenings, overcoming fear, defining success on your own terms, and the power of taking small, intentional steps toward the life you truly want.
If you've ever felt like there's something more for you,
but aren't sure where to start, this conversation will inspire you to stop waiting and start moving.
Tune in for a powerful reminder that your next chapter doesn't begin someday. It begins today.
In This Episode, You'll Learn
• Why waiting for the “perfect time” often keeps you stuck
• How to begin living your legacy before retirement or empty nesting
• The importance of modeling courage and fulfillment for your children
• Practical ways to carve out time for personal growth, even with a busy schedule
• How small daily actions build confidence and momentum
• Why discomfort is often the gateway to transformation
• The difference between failure and feedback
• How clarity helps you make aligned decisions and pursue meaningful goals
• Strategies for overcoming fear, criticism, and self-doubt
• Why success should be defined by your values, not society’s expectations
Episode Timeline
01:16 – The Story Behind the “Silver Springs” Metaphor
02:46 – Why So Many Women Feel Called to Something More
04:00 – Modeling Courage and Fulfillment for Your Children
06:08 – How to Start Before You're Ready
07:30 – Escaping the Hamster Wheel of Life
09:09 – Midlife Crisis or Midlife Awakening?
10:19 – Finding Time for Personal Growth and Purpose
12:16 – Small Daily Actions That Create Big Change
13:16 – Overcoming Fear, Judgment, and Criticism
15:14 – Defining Success on Your Own Terms
16:30 – The Power of Clarity and Knowing Your Purpose
17:08 – Entrepreneurship, Community, and Avoiding Burnout
19:33 – Taking the Leap of Faith
20:29 – Growth Happens Outside Your Comfort Zone
22:22 – Why Fear Is Often a Sign You Should Move Forward
23:35 – Life in Asheville & Quick-Fire Questions
26:42 – Where to Connect with Kristen
27:12 – Final Thoughts on Grit, Grace, and Glitz
Where to Find Kristen:
Website: https://ripmastercoaching.com/
linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ripmastercoaching/
Connect with your host, Erika:
LinkedIn (primary)
https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikarothenberger
IG
https://www.instagram.com/erikalearothenberger?igsh=MmhjeTRhbnB1aXM2
FB
https://www.facebook.com/share/69wqEYVzFKKnci9u/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
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