Episode Description

Why do so many high achievers reach success—yet still feel unfulfilled?

In this episode of Building the Biz, Shane Bauman sits down with executive leadership expert Kristen Kenton for a deep, honest conversation about achievement, identity, and what it truly means to live and lead well.

Kristen is the President & CEO of Kenton Talent Management and the founder of the Executive Women’s Summit. Through years of working with high-performing executives, she’s seen a consistent pattern: success alone doesn’t create fulfillment.

Together, Shane and Kristen explore the difference between achievement and contentment, the role of emotional intelligence in leadership, and how purpose, values, and faith shape sustainable success—both personally and professionally.

This episode is for leaders who have done “all the right things” but are still asking: Is this it?

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why achievement doesn’t guarantee fulfillment
• The difference between success, contentment, and purpose
• Common patterns among high achievers who feel stuck or restless
• How emotional intelligence impacts leadership effectiveness
• Why identity matters more than outcomes
• The hidden cost of tying self-worth to performance
• How faith and hope shape resilient leadership
• What transformational leadership actually looks like in practice

Notable Moments & Themes

• Achievement vs. fulfillment: why hitting the goal can still feel empty
• Emotional intelligence as a stronger predictor than credentials
• The role of trauma and unresolved identity in leadership pressure
• Purpose as the missing link for sustainable success
• Leading from values instead of external validation

About the Guest

Kristen Kenton is President & CEO of Kenton Talent Management, where she helps organizations identify and develop transformational leaders who align results, culture, and purpose. She is also the founder of the Executive Women’s Summit, a leadership development community dedicated to helping high-performing women grow with authenticity and impact.

Links & Resources

• Kristen Kenton on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristenkenton/
• Kenton Talent Management: https://kentontalentmanagement.com
• Executive Women’s Summit: https://executivewomenssummit.com
• Building the Biz Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/building-the-biz/id1711862560

Tags / Keywords

Leadership, Entrepreneurship, High Achievers, Emotional Intelligence, Executive Leadership, Purpose & Fulfillment, Faith in Business, Identity & Success, Personal Growth, Organizational Culture, Women in Leadership

Disclosure

Shane Bauman is a Registered Representative and Financial Advisor of Park Avenue Securities LLC (PAS). Securities products and advisory services offered through PAS, member FINRA, SIPC. Financial Representative of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian), New York, NY. PAS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Guardian. RISE is not an affiliate or subsidiary of PAS or Guardian. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Guest speakers and their firms are not affiliated with or endorsed by PAS, Guardian, or RISE and opinions stated are their own. Guardian, its subsidiaries, agents and employees do not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. Consult your tax, legal, or accounting professional regarding your individual situation. 8727728.1 Exp. 1/28