What if feeling overwhelmed isn't about having too much to do? What if it's about making the same decisions over and over again?

In this episode of Tripoint Conversations, I sit down with Jennifer Kattula, Chief Marketing Officer of Microsoft Advertising, to talk about something every busy parent and professional can relate to: the mental load.

Jen shares how the same systems thinking she uses to lead global teams has shaped the way her family approaches everyday life. From creating family values and "default decisions" to using AI as a personal chief of staff, she offers practical ideas that make life feel less reactive and more intentional. We also talk about why you don't have to do everything, why playing to each person's strengths matters, and how a few small systems can create more space for the people and priorities you care about most.

We talk about:

• Why understanding your identity should come before building systems
• How Jen and her husband created a family vision before they were married
• The power of "default decisions" and how they reduce decision fatigue
• Practical family rhythms that bring consistency without adding rigidity
• Why trying to force yourself into someone else's routine, like becoming a 5 a.m. person, often doesn't work
• Dividing responsibilities at home based on each person's strengths
• The simple five-minute "special time" practice they use to connect with their kids
• How Jen uses AI as a personal chief of staff to organize work and family life
• Why focusing on three to five priorities each season leads to more progress than trying to do everything
• The advice she'd give her younger self about confidence, identity, and self-awareness
  

About Jennifer Kattula

Jennifer Kattula is the Chief Marketing Officer of Microsoft Advertising, where she leads global marketing strategy and teams. Beyond her corporate leadership role, she's also the creator of House Rules, a framework designed to help families build more intentional lives through identity, systems, technology, and everyday rhythms.

Drawing on her background in engineering, marketing, and leadership, Jennifer applies systems thinking beyond the workplace, helping families reduce the mental load of daily life so they can spend more time on what matters most. She's currently developing a guided platform to help families create their own values, mission, and operating principles.

Learn more at jenniferkattula.com.

About Kristina Lowe

Kristina Lowe is the founder and strategic partner of Tripoint Strategic Group, a Louisville-based firm that works with businesses and organizations to clarify direction, align strategy, and drive growth.

With over 20 years of experience across marketing, product, and strategic development, Kristina has led growth initiatives for global brands and now partners with small to mid-sized companies and nonprofits to help them move from ideas to execution.

She is also the host of Tripoint Conversations, a podcast focused on real stories from leaders, founders, and operators, exploring the decisions, challenges, and moments that shape how people build and lead.

To learn more or be a guest, go to:

https://www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast