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