What does it take to lead a global brand while also raising a little human being?

As a career-focused woman, Kara Chomistek, a Partner at PARK Production House, spent her 20s building that part of her life up. Later, when her daughter came along, she knew she would have to find a way to be a present mom while still pouring energy into her work. Today we get to hear Kara’s life-changing experiences in motherhood, how she maintains healthy relationships as a busy working mom, and how she has still been able to also successfully grow her business along the way.

Topics discussed in this episode include:

• How Kara’s life trajectory differed greatly from her friends and peers.
• The realization that dawned on her quickly after having her baby.
• How she handles guilt as a working mom and where it tends to come up the most.
• Why quality time with her daughter is so much more meaningful than the quantity of time.
• The health issues she had coming out of her pregnancy and how it impacted her energy.
• How finding the little joys in life help Kara and her husband connect in busy times.
• Kara’s secret to maintaining a healthy relationship with her business partner.
• The experiences that have helped her and her partner run a high-stress business together.
• The type of clients their business attracts and where they’re growing now.
• The advice she would have given herself as a new founder if she could go back.

PARK Production House: https://parkproductionhouse.com

Kara on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karachomistek

The Art of Strategy:https://www.theartofstrategy.ca

Alison on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisongeskin

What are the responsibilities of a great leader, and what do you need to do to embody purpose-driven leadership?

Today we’re talking with John Spence, a global business expert and coach, about the greatest lessons he’s learned in his decades of leadership. He is one of the Top 100 Business Thought Leaders in America and has a wealth of experience in advising Fortune 500 companies. During the discussion, he shares his thoughts on most leaders’ greatest struggle, along with how to solve it from the root of the problem. He also gives tips for creating a better culture in the workplace andexplains why employee happiness is key to customer happiness.

Topics discussed in this episode include:

• What John thought he would pursue as a career and why that changed.
• How he became a CEO at 26 and how it aligned him with a life-changing connection.
• What servant leadership is and why it’s important to understand.
• How being clear is kind and why this is a crucial part of leadership.
• The biggest fear most leaders have and how it presents in their business.
• The importance of building a people-centered culture, and why culture=cash.
• How shaping your employee experience impacts your customer experience.
• What people think drives a company forward versus what actually does.
• How to remove the friction from your business to support execution.
• The different ways AI can be used and why you need to know when not to use it.
• Why John believes that he’s here on this earth and what he’s doing about it.

John Spence: https://johnspence.com

John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbspence

The Art of Strategy: https://www.theartofstrategy.ca

Alison on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisongeskin

What are the secrets to maintaining a fulfilling work-life balance while leading a thriving business in the emotionally charged world of weddings?

Today we dive into the inspiring journey of Lynn Fletcher, a former school teacher turned wedding industry pro. Lynn shares how she transitioned from organizing school events to creating a successful wedding business, driven by her passion for bringing people together and her love for pink and rhinestones. She reveals the courage it took to leave a stable career and embrace entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of honesty, integrity, and accountability in her leadership style. We explore the highs and lows of her career, the personal growth she experienced, and the pivotal moments that shaped her path.

Topics discussed in this episode include:

• How Lynn transitioned from teaching to the wedding industry, embracing entrepreneurship.
• Why her love for pink and rhinestones reflects her business identity and personal passion.
• How mentorship shaped her career and led to founding Lynn Fletcher Weddings.
• Why honesty, integrity, and accountability are crucial in her leadership style.
• How she balances emotions and execution in high-pressure wedding planning.
• Why setting boundaries and maintaining work-life balance is important to her.
• How personal challenges fueled her growth and resilience in business.
• Why emotional intelligence is vital in building client relationships.
• How structured time management helps prioritize both family and business.
• Why continuous self-improvement and learning are key to her success.
• How she aims to uplift her community and maintain high standards.
• Why she believes the universe provides what is needed, not necessarily wanted.

Lynn Fletcher Weddings: https://lynnfletcherweddings.com

The Art of Strategy: https://www.theartofstrategy.ca

Alison on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisongeskin