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The CEO Sage — Business
The CEO Sage

You’re vitally important and completely invisible. You’re performing in what you once dreamed. The thing you built to free you has become the thing you’re trapped inside.

You’ve built something real. A business that works. A reputation that precedes you. By every measure, you’re succeeding.
And something is wrong that you can’t quite name.

You’ve tried the frameworks. You’ve bought the courses. You’ve followed the gurus. And on some level you know that none of it is going to give you what you’re actually looking for, because what you’re actually looking for is yourself.

This is The CEO Sage—a podcast for the woman who is ready to stop looking outside herself for the answer.

Kris Plachy doesn’t offer you recipes or tactics or the “real way” to scale your business. She offers you something more rare: permission to listen to what you already know. In intimate, unflinching conversations, she names the truths you’ve been waiting to hear aloud. That your wisdom matters more than the strategy. That your self-trust is the asset worth protecting. That what feels like failure might actually be an invitation to something better.

If you’ve achieved the success everyone told you to want and discovered it wasn’t what you were looking for, this is for you. If you know something needs to change but can’t see the path, this is for you. If you’re ready to stop performing and start revealing—to yourself first, then to the world—this is for you.

The CEO Sage. Where the work of becoming begins with the work of remembering who you already are.

Copyright: Copyright © 2019 - 2021 Kris Plachy

Latest Episodes:

"I Don't Have Time."The Truth About What Matters Most | E194 Dec 30, 2024

Show notes

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 ditching the "I don't have time" narrative, Kris offers practical strategies to align your priorities with your goals, setting you up for a more intentional and fulfilling year ahead. Join Kris for an empowering episode that will leave you inspired to take charge of your time, your priorities, and your life.

Key Takeaways From This Episode

The Importance of Belief: Thinking differently about yourself and your ability to reach your goals.
The Deceit of "I Don't Have Time"
The Struggle and Discomfort that Comes with New Actions to Achieve Something Not Achieved Before
The Detrimental Impact of Not Being Honest with Oneself
Changing the Narrative: Acknowledging that having time for something means making it a priority.
Replacing the Narrative of 'I don't have time' to a Truthful Statement: The freedom that comes from telling the truth about priorities

Contact Information and Recommended Resources

Discover the power of belief to achieve your biggest goals with TheVisionary.CEO's transformative 5-week group coaching experience starting January 2, 2025—visit www.thevisionary.ceo/believe to join now!

Believe: One Month to Believe. One Year to Achieve. | E193 Dec 23, 2024

Show notes

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 shift that leads to extraordinary results.

Don't miss out on early registration benefits—sign up before December 31st to secure your spot! Visit thevisionary.CEO/believe to learn more and take the first step toward a transformative new year.

Contact Information and Recommended Resources

Discover the power of belief to achieve your biggest goals with TheVisionary.CEO's transformative 5-week group coaching experience starting January 2, 2025—visit www.thevisionary.ceo/believe to join now!

Your Leadership Audit for End of Year | E192 Dec 16, 2024

Show notes

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 winning or losing," Kris insists. By fostering open communication and clear expectations, you can create a culture where everyone understands their role, their impact, and their path to success. Join Kris as she provides the tools and insights you need to realign your team, elevate performance, and start the new year with confidence.

Key Takeaways From This Episode

Why Regular Team Audits are Necessary
Consequences of Not Addressing Team Member's Performance: Ways to handle employees who perform exceptionally well and those who do not meet expectations.
Communication Issues in Teams: Highlighting the leader's responsibility in establishing effective communication practices.
Conducting a Team Audit: The process and benefits of the assessment.
Importance of Setting Clear Goals for Team Members and Providing Feedback

Contact Information and Recommended Resources Get Access to LEAD LESSONS

Have questions? Want more details about the ways we support women Visionary Founders? Visit www.thevisionary.ceo.

End of Year Questions for Entrepreneurs | E191 Dec 09, 2024

Show notes

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 who excel at managing but struggle to inspire and motivate their workforce. Often, she explains, these skilled managers tend to get too deep in the details and lose sight of the larger picture and purpose.

Kris notes, "You have to understand the dynamics of both. How do I leverage the hearts and minds and hands of other people to achieve the result I want? And how do I envision that result in a way that helps others be excited, be a part of it, and it becomes integral to the culture?"

As we wrap up the year, Kris challenges you to reflect on your own leadership and management skills, offering an invaluable perspective that just might lead to your breakthrough and take your business and your team to the next level.

Key Takeaways From This Episode

Performance and Growth: Understanding the annual growth, performance, and progression.
Distinction between Managing and Leading: And the need for a balance between the two.
Clarity on What the Entrepreneur Role Entails: Description of common gaps in leadership and management skills
Invitation for Listeners to Reflect on Their Skills and Their Goals.
Encouragement to Work on Personal Growth to Steer Business Growth.

Contact Information and Recommended Resources Get Access to LEAD LESSONS

Have questions? Want more details about the ways we support women Visionary Founders? Visit www.thevisionary.ceo.

Why So Many Women Who Lead Don't Believe They are Good at Leading | E190 Dec 02, 2024

Show notes

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 leadership as an act of nurturing accountability, showing that feminine leadership is not about pleasing others but about setting clear boundaries and holding people—including yourself—accountable to their commitments. If you've ever questioned whether you're "doing it wrong" simply because you're doing it differently, this episode offers validation, empowerment, and actionable insights to reclaim your confidence as a leader. Join Kris to discover how embracing your instincts and breaking old cycles can not only transform your leadership but inspire others to do the same.

Key Takeaways From This Episode

Challenges for Women in Leadership: Societal conditioning leading to self-doubt in adult women.
Self-Doubt Arising When Scaling and Needing a Team
The Impact of External Opinions: Exposure to differing opinions leads to women questioning their mission and leadership ability.
Encouraging Women to Trust Their Personal Intuition and Decisions
Misconceptions Around Accountability in Leadership
Encouragement for Breaking Cycles of Self-Doubt and Setting an Example of Self-Belief

Contact Information and Recommended Resources Get Access to LEAD LESSONS

Have questions? Want more details about the ways we support women Visionary Founders? Visit www.thevisionary.ceo.

Navigating Disappointment Finding Strength & Purpose in Leadership | E189 Nov 25, 2024

Show notes

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 empowerment – where we spend our money, our time, and how we view our circumstances.

In a time when character and integrity in leadership are tested, join Kris, more inspired than ever to pour into people ready to step into their own power.

Key Takeaways From This Episode

Personal Experiences with Bad Leadership: A look at experiences of bullying, and intimidation from leaders.
Role of Leadership in Achieving Results
Importance of Continuation: Decision to continue towards empowerment.
Focus on Self Empowerment and Agency: Importance of women's financial freedom and authority.
Advocacy for Empathy and Love Despite Political Differences

Contact Information and Recommended Resources Get Access to LEAD LESSONS

Have questions? Want more details about the ways we support women Visionary Founders? Visit www.thevisionary.ceo.

Being a Trailblazing Woman | E188 Nov 18, 2024

Show notes

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 and downs—grappling with societal pressures, personal insecurities, and limiting beliefs. But she reminds us that this path, though challenging, is also incredibly rewarding. By standing firm in their choices, these women not only break barriers but also pave the way for others. In Kris's words, "The path of a trailblazing woman is to wrangle doubt and fear and rejection and jealousy and feeling ostracized."

Join Kris in celebrating the courage and resilience of trailblazing women. This episode is a reminder that you're not alone in following a vision others may not fully understand. If you've ever wondered whether you're "doing it wrong" simply because you're doing it differently, this episode will inspire you to keep going, to embrace your instincts, and to continue carving out a path that's uniquely yours.

Key Takeaways From This Episode

Definition of a Trailblazer and the Challenges They Face
Personal Experiences and Observations: Kris shares personal experiences and what she has seen among her clients when it comes to stepping outside the norm.
Handling Isolation and Doubt as a Trailblazer: Dealing with negative feedback and the influence of societal norms.
Encouragement and Support for Trailblazing Women
The Importance of Community, Self-Belief, and Holding On to the Vision

Contact Information and Recommended Resources Get Access to LEAD LESSONS

Have questions? Want more details about the ways we support women Visionary Founders? Visit www.thevisionary.ceo.

On Being Committed Nov 11, 2024

Show notes

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 list of ambitions; it's about narrowing our focus and fully committing to a singular goal. As Kris says, "Be honest about what it is that you really, really, really want... and then, look at the bigger plan."

She also discusses the importance of being a woman of her word, to herself and those she commits to. Kris also points out how breaking commitments can lead to a self-perpetuating cycle of not following through. Giving your word should, therefore, be a respected and thoughtful act.

Join Kris as she navigates understanding desires versus commitments, the impact of your commitments on others, and how being intentional with commitments can create not only a better image of oneself but also a clear path to achieving those ambitious life goals.

Key Takeaways From This Episode

Personal Reflections on Commitment
Exploring Reasons of Wanting Something
Understanding the Struggle of Commitment: Ensuring that it is a priority.
The Effects of Not Following Through Due to a Lack of Commitment: The negative impact of making arbitrary commitments
The Journey of Daily Decision-Making and Focus: Encouragement for listeners to narrow their focus.

Contact Information and Recommended Resources Get Access to LEAD LESSONS

Have questions? Want more details about the ways we support women Visionary Founders? Visit www.thevisionary.ceo.

Why New Hires Don't Work Out - and How to Fix It | E186 Nov 04, 2024

Show notes

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 very low. This episode is a look into a successful hiring process, complete with tips such as maintaining consistent communication with new recruits, setting accurate expectations about work culture, noting your non-negotiables, and the importance of a swift firing process when necessary.

Kris offers insights that will help you refine your approach and build a team that truly supports your vision. Tune in to hear Kris's unique perspective on leadership and hiring, inspired by years of experience and helping entrepreneurs just like you.

Key Takeaways From This Episode

Importance of a Hiring Framework: Emphasizing the importance of job descriptions and the hiring process.
Maintaining Clarity During Hiring Process: Presenting candidates with expectations.
Avoiding Desperate Hires: Identifying the issues that arise from hastily hiring candidates.
Communication and Honesty During the Hiring Process: Portraying a realistic picture of what working in the company is like.
Importance of Continuous Communication Post-Hiring: Suggesting frequent check-ins to avoid misunderstandings.
It's Ok to Fire Someone: Learning to quickly let go of hires who don't fit
Always Have Candidates in the Pipeline: Adopting a continuous interviewing process to always have potential candidates.

Contact Information and Recommended Resources Get Access to LEAD LESSONS

Have questions? Want more details about the ways we support women Visionary Founders? Visit www.thevisionary.ceo.

Why Do You Work? | E185 Oct 28, 2024

Show notes

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, "The reason we work is ours and ultimately, the only person who is accountable for whatever that reason is – is you." She encourages listeners to take responsibility for their own motivations while also fostering a culture of accountability within their teams.

Kris provides a practical solution by emphasizing the importance of setting a strong foundation: ensure the vision is clear, values are well-defined, and team members understand their roles and agreements. She stresses that leaders must hold employees accountable to these expectations while consistently providing feedback to foster growth and alignment within the team.

This episode offers practical guidance for leaders who want to move past frustration and build a workplace where different motivations are understood and valued, leading to more effective collaboration and results.

Key Takeaways From This Episode

Understanding Your Reason for Why You Work
Differences in Perspectives, Employees vs. Leaders: Recognizing that everyone's reasons aren't necessarily the same.
The Leadership Lens: How perspectives and assumptions affect work environments.
Conflict in Workplaces Based on Assumptions We Make: Importance of mutual understanding and avoiding assumptions in interactions.
The Need for Accountability: How accountability issues, on either end, can affect the overall work environment.
Advice for Employees and Employers: Encouragement for employees not satisfied with their jobs to seek better opportunities and advice for leaders to be clear about company vision, values, and goals.
Ownership & Responsibility: The role of honesty and emphasizing the importance of personal responsibility in job performance.

Contact Information and Recommended Resources

Have questions? Want more details about the ways we support women Visionary Founders? Visit www.thevisionary.ceo.

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