http://www.sherylkline.com/blog

In the latest Fearless Female Leadership interview, I had the privilege of speaking with Kristyn Ramsey, Senior Director of Learning & Development at D.R. Horton, about the power of humility, resilience, and lifelong learning in shaping fearless leadership. Kristyn’s story is a reminder that authentic leadership starts with embracing rejection, choosing growth, and empowering others through trust and perspective.

Kristyn opened up about the early influence of her parents—her father’s goal-setting rituals and her mother’s example of managing both work and home life—that instilled a fierce work ethic and sense of vision. Her career was not without challenges. Twice rejected for roles she deeply wanted, she chose to learn and improve instead of stepping back. Her experience underscores a core truth: setbacks can shape the most powerful comebacks.

Leading with humility, Kristyn says, is not about shrinking—it’s about shifting focus from self to service. It’s a mindset that drives ROI through trust, engagement, and a culture of continuous growth. She emphasized that humility, psychological safety, and authenticity are critical to building high-performing, resilient teams in today’s evolving workplace.

Kristyn also shared her journey from comfort to courage—leaving a 24-year career to re-ignite her learning and leadership path. Now, more than ever, she believes, leaders must embrace learning, build ecosystems of trust, and use their voices to advocate for themselves and others.

Key takeaways from the interview:

0:01:03 – Kristyn’s dad taught her to set annual personal and academic goals, instilling a lifelong mindset of vision and accountability.

0:02:45 – Early rejections in her career shaped her resilience and clarity—she chose to grow through feedback rather than be discouraged.

0:05:21 – The turning point came when a mentor told her: “Do what’s right, not what’s popular”—a mantra she still lives by.

0:07:14 – Humility is a business driver, not a weakness—it directly impacts engagement, attrition, and innovation.

0:09:36 – Everyone brings a unique gift to the table; leaders should create space for those gifts to flourish.

0:12:58 – Psychological safety is foundational—people won’t be vulnerable or authentic if they don’t feel safe.

0:14:47 – Even aspiring leaders can create microcultures of trust and humility by initiating conversations and building strong peer ecosystems.

0:18:37 – Lifelong learning is essential to stay relevant, especially in a fast-changing world shaped by AI and shifting expectations.

0:23:54 – AI won’t replace humans—but those who know how to use it will have a major edge.

0:25:19 – Rejection is redirection; choose growth, surround yourself with trusted allies, and value every person’s spark.

If you’re interested in being featured on the Fearless Female Leadership podcast, or you’re a leader looking to gain clarity on ‘what’s next’, how to build more cohesive and high-performing teams, and lead with greater confidence and influence, let’s have a confidential conversation.

Cheering you on always!
– Sheryl

http://www.sherylkline.com/blog

From Seeking to Serving: The Mindset Shift That Transforms What’s Next

If you’re at a crossroads in your career—wondering what’s next, what your next big move could be, or how to make the leap into something more meaningful—you’re not alone. I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside several clients recently who were in that exact space. Each of them ultimately landed CXO or executive leadership roles, but their real transformation started long before they signed their offer letters.

It began with a mindset shift: from seeking to serving.

Flip the Script: You’re Not Just Looking—You’re Offering

When we’re in a “seeking” mindset, it can feel like we’re chasing something outside of ourselves—waiting for someone else to hand us the next opportunity. But the truth is, you have immense value to offer. You’ve got wisdom, experience, and heart. So instead of asking, “Who will hire me?” ask this instead:

• “Where can I serve at the highest level?”
• “What kind of organization would be lucky to have me?”
• “Where do my passion and expertise fill a real gap?”

When you lead with service, you unlock clarity. You begin to envision not just a company name, but the kind of organization that’s aligned with your values and where you can make the biggest impact.

Think about:

• What size company brings out your best work?
• What kind of leadership team energizes you?
• What stage of growth excites you—start-up? scale-up? legacy reinvention?
• Where in the world would you love to show up and serve?
  

Speak It Into Reality

Another powerful tool: language. Stop saying “I’m looking for…” and start saying “I’m in the process of…”

• “I’m in the process of finding a leadership role where I can build something meaningful.”
• “I’m in the process of aligning with a company that’s growing from X to Y and needs someone with my vision and drive.”
• “I’m in the process of launching something that lights me up and serves others in a big way.”

When you speak as if your next chapter is already unfolding, it will begin to unfold. Your clarity sharpens. Your confidence rises. And the right opportunities start showing up because you’re showing up differently.

Feel Into the Future

And here’s the most important question of all: How do you want to feel in what’s next?

Your joy, your peace, your sense of contribution—these aren’t “nice to haves.” They’re essential. Raise the bar on what you’re willing to accept, not just in title or pay, but in how your next role makes you feel.

Own Your Power and Embrace the Journey

You are not aimlessly searching. You are intentionally aligning.

You’re not asking for a seat at the table. You’re preparing to bring the meal.

And if you need a little encouragement along the way—I’m here for you. Drop a comment, send a note, share what’s bubbling up. I’m cheering you on, always.

If this resonates and you’re ready for support—I invite you to a confidential conversation. Let’s go find your “What’s Next.”

What are you waiting for?! :)
– Sheryl

http://www.sherylkline.com/blog

In the latest Fearless Female Leadership interview, I had the honor of speaking with Lisa Abbott, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer at Boston Children’s Hospital, about the journey from “the knot” to Everest—both literal and metaphorical. Lisa’s story is an incredible example of how discomfort, determination, and asking for help can lead to powerful transformation.

Growing up in challenging circumstances, Lisa was influenced early on by teachers and mentors who saw her potential even before she did. That belief, along with her own courage and adaptability, helped her navigate a winding career path—starting in IT, moving into HR, and ultimately rising to the C-suite in healthcare despite not having a traditional background in the industry.

Lisa also shared a deeply personal metaphor from her childhood: the gym-class rope. As a child, she couldn’t climb past the knot. But years later, she not only found the strength to climb literal ropes, she also trekked to Everest Base Camp—proving how far we can go when we step into discomfort and persist. Her reflections on how to overcome inertia, build inner and outer support systems, and redefine one’s “Everest” offer rich insight for any leader in transition or growth.

Key takeaways from the interview:

• 0:01:16 – Lisa was inspired by teachers and mentors who believed in her during difficult family circumstances, setting a foundation of resilience and gratitude.
• 0:03:28 – If someone sees potential in you, trust their vision—especially when you don’t yet see it yourself.
• 0:05:04 – Own both your expertise and your limitations with confidence; people respect authenticity and clarity.
• 0:10:00 – Lisa’s career path was anything but linear—from IT to HR to healthcare—and she credits her growth to being open, curious, and patient during uncertain phases.
• 0:13:16 – The story of “the knot” is a powerful metaphor: what once felt like shame became a source of strength as she ultimately climbed to Everest Base Camp.
• 0:16:05 – Progress comes from breaking goals into small, manageable chunks. Don’t aim for the summit in one leap—focus on the next step.
• 0:17:12 – Seek out people who inspire you and actively network, even if it feels intimidating. Exposure leads to insight and opportunity.
• 0:20:00 – Reassess your inner circle. Sometimes, growth requires distancing from those who hold you back.
• 0:22:16 – Be intentional when reaching out to mentors. Bring gratitude, curiosity, and perhaps even insight of your own.
• 0:25:49 – Identify your “knot” moment—the early experience that shaped you—and ask yourself how it can be transformed into fuel for growth

If you’re interested in being featured on the Fearless Female Leadership podcast, or you’re a leader looking to gain clarity on ‘what’s next’, how to build more cohesive and high-performing teams, and lead with greater confidence and influence, let’s have a confidential conversation.

Cheering you on always!
– Sheryl

http://www.sherylkline.com/blog

My last three clients that have now recently landed CXO and executive leadership positions came to me wondering, “What is next for me?”

Some of them exited voluntarily. Some of them were exited involuntarily. And they had to take a moment and get some help through “What do I want? What is next for me? What impact do I choose to have?” And then we spent the time together to refine that clarity, put a plan in place, then help them land that next role.

I wanted to share some of the tips, tools, and strategies that were really successful for them.

Step 1: Be the observer not the judge of your emotions
If you're feeling stuck, feeling frustrated, maybe there's fear or worry wrapped in there. It's totally understandable. But what I want you to know is that there is wisdom in those emotions. Do not beat yourself up about those that can be very easy to do, but be the observer of them, not the judge. And so ask yourself if you are worried, or if you feel fear about what's next, or if you feel confused, or something like that. Take a moment and ask yourself, if that emotion were to whisper in your ear, if it was very knowledgeable, what would it teach you? So in other words, if it's fear, like fear of not finding a role, what is valuable information (such as I’m afraid of not having the income or having that next role)? If it's doubt that you may not feel qualified or maybe you're overqualified.

Step 2: What’s my next best step?
A lot of times we get paralyzed when we're in that “what's next” mode because we're thinking of something really big. Maybe you're not just looking for another role. Maybe you're looking to pivot, and you don't know what's next. Fortunately there's a proven process to figure that out. So the first step is to really process that emotion and gain wisdom from that emotion, and then ask yourself, “What is my next best step that I have control over?” Just get yourself in that forward motion. It could be something as simple as talking to someone who seems really happy and doing something that you could be interested in doing. Or, talking to a board member… talk to another executive, or what have you. But just start taking some agency, and know that you get to decide what's next. It’s not about figuring everything out, but it's just what's my next best step.

If you’re interested in being featured on the Fearless Female Leadership podcast, or you’re a leader looking to gain clarity on ‘what’s next’, how to build more cohesive and high-performing teams, and lead with greater confidence and influence, let’s have a confidential conversation.

I look forward to hearing the action steps that you're taking!

Cheering you on always!
– Sheryl

http://www.sherylkline.com/blog

In the latest Fearless Female Leadership interview, I had the honor of sitting down with Lisa Coulson, SVP and Chief Human Resources Officer at Principal Financial Group, to explore how HR can evolve with purpose—moving from policy to people-centered progress.

Lisa’s leadership journey began with values instilled by her parents—her father, an insurance executive and team sports enthusiast, and her mother, a homemaker who created warmth and community. These early influences shaped Lisa’s love for collaboration, tradition, and working toward shared goals.

Her career path was far from linear. From starting as an underwriter to moving into HR consulting and later rising through the ranks at Principal, Lisa emphasized the importance of raising your hand for opportunities, even when they seem outside your comfort zone. A pivotal moment came when she said yes to a compensation role that leveraged her love for math and opened doors to senior leadership.

Lisa believes evolving HR requires both technological fluency and a human touch. Whether integrating AI or redesigning talent strategies, the ultimate goal should be to improve how organizations serve their people. She emphasized that employees are “internal customers” and that HR strategy should be rooted in values, purpose, and ROI—even if it can’t always be neatly calculated.

At Principal, Lisa is leading initiatives focused on AI education, inclusion, and fostering cross-functional collaboration. Her guiding principle? Keep swimming—and bring others along with you.

Key takeaways from the interview:

0:01:07 – Lisa’s leadership foundation came from her parents: her father’s team-building spirit and her mother’s emphasis on tradition and community.

0:04:10 – Career growth isn’t always vertical—Lisa emphasized taking horizontal moves that solve business problems and build new skills.

0:06:45 – Saying “yes” to a stretch opportunity in compensation transformed her trajectory and led to key executive experiences.

0:10:12 – HR must evolve with purpose, balancing technological advances with people-centered strategy.

0:12:33 – AI is a powerful tool, not a threat—educating employees is key to reducing fear and embracing growth.

0:16:45 – Principal’s HR strategy is grounded in purpose and aligned to customer needs and company values.

0:19:33 – Employees are internal customers—HR design should reflect their voice as much as it reflects the external market.

0:21:13 – Lisa believes a sense of shared purpose creates better outcomes—and that the ROI of engaged employees is exponential.

0:25:14 – Principal’s top HR priorities include AI readiness, inclusion, and workforce planning for evolving talent needs.

0:27:21 – Lisa’s closing advice: “Just keep swimming” through discomfort—and always pay it forward by mentoring and lifting others.

If you’re interested in being featured on the Fearless Female Leadership podcast, or you’re a leader looking to gain clarity on ‘what’s next’, how to build more cohesive and high-performing teams, and lead with greater confidence and influence, let’s have a confidential conversation. http://www.sherylkline.com/meeting

Cheering you on always!
– Sheryl

http://www.sherylkline.com/blog

If you are in a position where you are wondering what's next for you, either what's next in your current role, if you're going to exit… or even if you're going to make a major pivot… it's important to do this first.

Create some white space and to do it consistently, because I'm here to tell you that the answers—you already know them.

I know it's frustrating when you're thinking about what's next. What happens is we (especially strivers) tend to keep ourselves very busy and really distract ourselves from the pain of not knowing. So the first thing to do, if you're pondering “what's next?” is to create consistent white space.

What does that mean?

Ideally, outside or in the morning, just open your windows. Listen to the birds. You know it can be walking… it could be sitting still… but just trying to keep your mind focused on the outside (the plants, the trees, the birds, what have you). Or, if you're sitting inside, it's just listening to the sounds of the outdoors with the windows open, and to just be still.

If you're thinking you are absolutely too busy for this, then do it for a couple of minutes. Do it for five minutes, if you have the time, go for a 30 minute walk or what have you. But the length of time is not important. What IS important is that you do it consistently, and then just focus on your breath and the sounds that you hear… and then the things that come up for you. Once you're done, after a couple minutes, write those things down.

So create some white space, and I would love to hear how it goes. You don’t need to figure everything out today—you just need to make space for your own wisdom to surface.

If you’re interested in being featured on the Fearless Female Leadership podcast, or you’re a leader looking to gain clarity on ‘what’s next’, how to build more cohesive and high-performing teams, and lead with greater confidence and influence, let’s have a confidential conversation. http://www.sherylkline.com/meeting

Cheering you on always!
– Sheryl

http://www.sherylkline.com/blog

In the latest Fearless Female Leadership interview, I had the incredible opportunity to speak with Kimberly Evans, Executive Vice President, Head of Corporate Sustainability, Inclusion, and Social Impact at Northern Trust. Kimberly’s story is a powerful testament to the strength of purpose, the power of people-centered leadership, and the importance of seeking value over validation.

Rooted in humble beginnings, Kim shared how her mother’s example of selflessness and generosity shaped her entire approach to leadership. A defining childhood moment—watching her mother put groceries back at checkout—fueled her lifelong “why”: to succeed so her mom would never have to go without again. That clarity of purpose has guided Kimberly through the financial services industry, where she’s often been the only woman—and sometimes the only person of color—in the room.

Kimberly emphasized that success doesn’t require fitting a mold, but rather leveraging resilience, adaptive capacity, and emotional intelligence. She challenges leaders to mine for talent where others don’t look, build teams around transferable skills, and invest in people, not résumés. Her mindset of “let your why find the way” and her philosophy of seeking value versus validation are lessons for leaders at every level.

Key takeaways from the interview:

0:02:34 – Kim’s mother modeled selflessness and community care, even when resources were scarce—a lesson that shaped her leadership philosophy.
0:07:53 – At just six years old, Kim vowed to succeed so her mother would never have to put groceries back again—a promise that became her lifelong "why."
0:08:46 – Lacking a traditional finance background, Kim leaned on mindset, mentors, and resilience to thrive in a male-dominated industry.
0:13:54 – The current talent landscape demands adaptive capacity over rigid experience; success belongs to the curious, the coachable, and the resilient.
0:15:01 – Talent is everywhere—opportunity is not. Leaders must “mine for talent” in unexpected places and value lived experience as much as formal credentials.
0:17:35 – Focus on people who can “learn as they go and grow”—these are the leaders of the future in an AI-disrupted world.
0:21:09 – Kim’s personal framework: the 3+1 R’s—Readiness, Resilience, Relevance, and Relationships.
0:22:37 – Leaders should seek value, not validation; external approval is fleeting, but knowing your worth creates lasting confidence and clarity.
0:24:08 – You may not control the validation you receive—but you always control the value you deliver.
0:25:00 – True growth happens outside of comfort zones. Kim reminds us: stay in the game, trust your “why,” and lead with heart.

If you’re interested in being featured on the Fearless Female Leadership podcast, or you’re a leader looking to gain clarity on ‘what’s next’, how to build more cohesive and high-performing teams, and lead with greater confidence and influence, let’s have a confidential conversation.

Cheering you on always!
– Sheryl

http://www.sherylkline.com/blog

In the latest Fearless Female Leadership interview, I had the privilege of speaking with Lauren Dunn, Chief People Officer at Wiss, about building a people-first culture that drives real profitability. With an open heart and sharp business sense, Lauren shared how empathy, flexibility, and authentic leadership create not only happier teams—but stronger bottom lines.

Lauren’s leadership journey began in male-dominated industries like restaurants and real estate, but she never let that dim her voice. Inspired by her mother’s decades-long career as a teacher, Lauren brings a service mindset to leadership—believing the best leaders know their people, listen deeply, and act with kindness.

At Wiss, Lauren has cultivated a workplace where employees are encouraged to be themselves, speak up, and thrive. From wellness programs and mentorship to flexibility for working parents, she proves that doing right by your people is not a “nice to have”—it’s a business strategy.

Key takeaways from the interview:

0:01:16 – Growing up as the middle child in a male-dominated environment taught Lauren to speak up and trust her voice.
0:03:17 – “Don’t be afraid to break it.” Mistakes are learning moments; transparency and courage drive innovation.
0:05:11 – A people-first approach leads to profitability—because inspired employees generate the best ideas.
0:06:46 – Hybrid flexibility and culture-first office design helped WIS bounce back post-pandemic.
0:09:35 – Flexibility and authenticity top WIS’s list of priorities—especially for working parents and caregivers.
0:11:36 – Companies that ignore wellness and flexibility suffer higher turnover, less innovation, and employee burnout.
0:16:29 – Start small: even if only a handful join a wellness program at first, impact compounds over time.
0:21:21 – Highlighting real employees’ stories on social media grew engagement and recruiting reach.
0:24:09 – Anxiety clouds performance. Wellness initiatives protect employee health—and company outcomes.
0:35:55 – Leadership is service. Leading with kindness, empathy, and a growth mindset benefits everyone.

If you’re interested in being featured on the Fearless Female Leadership podcast, or you’re a leader looking to gain clarity on ‘what’s next’, how to build more cohesive and high-performing teams, and lead with greater confidence and influence, let’s have a confidential conversation. http://www.sherylkline.com/meeting

Cheering you on always!
– Sheryl