Savvy Leader Podcast

Kristin Gallatin
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Business

The Savvy Leader Podcast explores what it really takes to lead—your life, your business, and yourself—with clarity. Hosted by Kristin Gallatin, True North Alignment Coach and founder of Savvy Living Network, this podcast focuses on: • Recognizing patterns that keep you stuck • Navigating growth, identity, and change • Making aligned decisions in business and life Through real conversations with founders, professionals, and creators, each episode helps you step out of noise and back into direction. Recorded from the road as a full-time RV'er, this show brings a grounded, real-world perspective on leadership, freedom, and intentional living.

  1. 1d ago

    How to Protect the Life You're Building | Sustainable Success | SLP Solo ep. 63

    What if sustainable success isn't about doing more—but becoming more intentional about what you carry? We spend a lot of time learning how to build the life we want. But once we've built something meaningful, another question emerges: How do we protect it? In this episode of The Savvy Leader Podcast, Kristin Gallatin explores the often-overlooked side of success: capacity, margin, reserve, and discernment. Because being capable doesn't mean everything is yours to carry. We'll explore: Why "just because you can doesn't mean you should" matters for capable people The difference between what is possible and what is purposeful Why margin is more than extra time How reserve protects your future capacity The danger of spending every ounce of time, energy and attention simply because you have it Why optimizing every inch of your life can actually make it less livable What the Cathedral of Palms can teach us about actually living inside what we've built Why sustainable success sometimes requires subtraction Five questions to help you determine what to carry, release, protect and reserve And we'll begin looking ahead to September's theme: Focused Growth: Where should I invest my time and energy next? Because before you can decide where to invest your energy, you have to create some capacity to invest. Possible → Purposeful → Focused. CONNECT WITH KRISTIN Kristin Gallatin Creator of the True North Navigation Method | True North Strategist | Host of The Savvy Leader Podcast 🌐 Savvy Living Network: https://savvylivingnetwork.com 🎯 Work With Kristin: https://savvylivingnetwork.com/work-with-me 💌 Savvy Leaders Lounge: https://savvyleaderslounge.substack.com 🎙️ The Savvy Leader Podcast: www.youtube.com/@SavvyLeaderPodcast 💼 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/kristingallatin1 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristingallatin/ 💬 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/743925124329795 Have a question, idea, or topic you'd like Kristin to explore on the podcast? Connect with her through Savvy Living Network. IN THIS EPISODE 00:00 — Welcome & The Question We Don't Ask About Success How do we protect the life we're building once we've started creating the success we wanted? 02:30 — Just Because You Can Doesn't Mean You Should Why capable people can easily turn their strengths into obligations—and the difference between what is possible and what is purposeful. 06:00 — Capacity Is Not the Same as Responsibility Learning to distinguish between what we can do, what we're expected to do, and what actually deserves our energy. 08:30 — This Is Where Margin Comes In Why margin is more than extra time and how it creates breathing room when life doesn't go according to plan. 11:00 — Reserve: The Capacity You Intentionally Keep Why you don't need to spend every dollar, minute, opportunity, or ounce of energy simply because you have it. 13:30 — The Danger of Spending Everything You Have How constant productivity can leave us with no capacity for rest, relationships, creativity, or the unexpected. 15:30 — The Problem With Optimizing Every Inch of Your Life Why a completely optimized life can leave very little room for spontaneity, creativity, people, or simply being human. 18:00 — What Are You Actually Building Success For? A deeper look at whether the life you're building actually supports the freedom, relationships, health, faith, adventure, and purpose you value. 20:30 — The Cathedral and the Spring Kristin's Cathedral of Palms story and the reminder that reaching the "cathedral" isn't enough—you have to actually live inside it. 23:00 — Sustainable Success Requires Subtraction Why growth isn't always about adding more—and how removing what isn't aligned can create space for what matters. 25:00 — The Five-Question Sustainable Success Check A practical reflection exercise to identify what you're carrying, what is yours, what needs to be released, what needs protection, and what reserve you need to keep. 28:30 — From Sustainable Success to Focused Growth The transition into September's theme: creating capacity first, then deciding where that capacity deserves to be invested. 30:00 — A Final Thought Why sustainable success isn't about creating a life that never needs to change, but one that can change without falling apart. A QUESTION FOR YOU What are you carrying right now simply because you're capable of carrying it? And once you've created some space: Where should you invest your time and energy next? KEEP CONNECTING If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who may be carrying more than they need to. And if you're looking for greater clarity, alignment, and direction in your life, leadership, or business, learn more at: savvylivingnetwork.com

  2. Aug 12

    Leadership Begins at Home | Monica Swanson on Technology Strategy, Fractional CIO Leadership & The Family Phone Contract

    Technology should simplify our lives—not complicate them. In this episode of the Savvy Leader Podcast, Kristin Gallatin sits down with Monica Swanson, founder of MonRoe Business Solutions, Fractional CIO, technology strategist, and author of the upcoming book The Family Phone Contract. After more than 30 years leading technology initiatives for global organizations including Cargill and Thomson Reuters, Monica now helps growing businesses transform technology from a constant frustration into a strategic advantage. Together they discuss: • Why technology should support business growth—not slow it down • The warning signs your systems are holding your company back • What a Fractional CIO actually does—and why every growing company should understand the role • Why work-life balance looks different for everyone • Leadership lessons that apply equally in business and at home • Creating healthier technology habits for families • Building trust through clear expectations, communication, and consistency • Why empathy may be the most important leadership skill of all Whether you're leading a business, raising a family, or navigating both, this conversation offers practical leadership insights you can apply immediately. Connect with Monica Swanson Website: https://monroebusinesssolutions.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicaswanson/ Email: monica@monroebusinesssolutions.com Guest Monica Swanson Founder, MonRoe Business Solutions Fractional CIO | Technology Advisor | Author Host Kristin Gallatin Creator, Savvy Living Network Host, The Savvy Leader Podcast Connect with Kristin Gallatin 🌐 https://savvylivingnetwork.com LinkedIn: https://LinkedIn.com/in/kristingallatin1 Savvy Leaders Lounge: https://savvyleaderslounge.substack.com YouTube: www.youtube.com/@SavvyLeaderPodcast Subscribe for more conversations about leadership, intentional living, business growth, personal development, and creating a life aligned with your True North. #SavvyLeaderPodcast #Leadership #BusinessLeadership #FractionalCIO #TechnologyLeadership #DigitalTransformation #LeadershipDevelopment #WorkLifeBalance #IntentionalLiving #FamilyLeadership Podcast Summary Technology is only part of the equation. Leadership is what determines whether technology becomes a competitive advantage or another source of frustration. Kristin Gallatin welcomes Monica Swanson, Founder of MonRoe Business Solutions and former technology executive with more than three decades of leadership experience at Thomson Reuters and Cargill. Monica shares how her corporate career led her into Fractional CIO consulting, why growing businesses often outgrow their technology without realizing it, and how strategic leadership can simplify complex systems. The conversation then shifts from the boardroom to the family room as Monica discusses her upcoming book, The Family Phone Contract, explaining how the same leadership principles that strengthen organizations can also strengthen families. Listeners will leave with practical insights on leadership, communication, empathy, technology strategy, and building healthier relationships both at work and at home. Chapter Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 02:15 Monica's journey from corporate executive to entrepreneur 06:40 What work-life balance really means 13:20 Technology as a business strategy 19:05 Warning signs your technology is slowing growth 25:10 What a Fractional CIO actually does 32:30 Consultant vs. Fractional Executive 37:10 Leadership lessons beyond business 40:30 The Family Phone Contract 48:40 Building healthier technology habits 56:00 Leadership at home 1:02:30 Advice for leaders 1:06:30 What's next for Monica

  3. Aug 5

    From Paralegal to Purpose: Sarah Filipi on Trusting Your Inner Compass, Wellness & Intentional Living

    What happens when your heart tells you it's time for a completely different path? In this episode of The Savvy Leader Podcast, Kristin Gallatin sits down with entrepreneur, photographer, wellness coach, and sustainability advocate Sarah Filipi for an inspiring conversation about trusting yourself, embracing life's transitions, and creating a life that aligns with your values. Growing up in Minnesota, Sarah developed an early appreciation for nature, helping milk cows, exploring the outdoors, and even making trips to Wisconsin just to see kangaroos. After attending college in Idaho and beginning a successful legal career on the East Coast, she eventually returned to Minnesota to continue working as a litigation paralegal. Although she excelled professionally, she reached a point where both her mind and body made it clear she was living a life that no longer aligned with who she was. That pivotal moment led Sarah to leave a 12-year legal career and pursue entrepreneurship full-time through Sarah Grace Photography, where she has spent the past 17 years helping individuals, executives, families, and organizations tell their stories through authentic portrait photography. Her commitment to helping people feel comfortable, confident, and seen naturally evolved into a second career as a certified fitness instructor, and eventually into the creation of Your Wellness Compass, where she now serves as a Certified Health & Wellness Coach and Energy Wellness Practitioner. Together, Kristin and Sarah explore: Recognizing when your life is no longer aligned with your purpose Navigating major life and career transitions Trusting your intuition during seasons of uncertainty The power of "micro shifts" to create meaningful, lasting change Building businesses that reflect your personal values Sustainable living and eco-conscious entrepreneurship Mental wellness, stress, and self-awareness AcuEnergetics and supporting the body's natural healing processes Why wellness extends far beyond diet and exercise Finding motivation through purpose rather than pressure Sarah also shares why she believes our bodies often communicate what our minds haven't yet acknowledged, why learning to trust yourself is one of life's greatest skills, and how small, intentional decisions can transform every area of your life. Whether you're considering a career change, navigating anxiety or burnout, searching for greater purpose, or simply wanting to live a healthier and more intentional life, this conversation offers practical wisdom, compassion, and hope. About Sarah Filipi With nearly three decades of professional experience spanning law, entrepreneurship, photography, and wellness, Sarah Filipi brings a unique combination of analytical expertise, creativity, and compassion to every client relationship. After spending 12 years as a litigation paralegal, Sarah built a successful career as a professional portrait photographer and entrepreneur, celebrating more than 17 years helping individuals and organizations tell their stories through executive headshots, senior portraits, and corporate photography. Her gift for helping people feel comfortable, confident, and authentically themselves naturally led to a deeper passion for supporting personal transformation. Today, Sarah is the founder of Your Wellness Compass, where she works as a Certified Health & Wellness Coach and Energy Wellness Practitioner. Integrating evidence-informed wellness coaching, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) principles, and AcuEnergetics, her approach focuses on the connection between the body's electrical, physiological, and nervous systems to help clients reduce stress, restore balance, and cultivate lasting well-being. A lifelong learner, Sarah proudly operates Certified Woman-Owned and Certified Green businesses and is dedicated to helping others create healthier, more intentional, and fulfilling lives through science-informed, compassionate care. Connect with Sarah 📸 Sarah Grace Photography https://www.sarahgracephotos.com 🌿 Your Wellness Compass https://www.urwellnesscompass.com Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahgracephotography/ If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to The Savvy Leader Podcast, leave a review, and share this conversation with someone who may be navigating a transition of their own. Every journey toward a more intentional life begins with one small step. Subscribe for weekly conversations on leadership, personal growth, intentional living, entrepreneurship, and finding your True North. Connect with Kristin LinkedIn: https://.Linkedin.com/in/kristingallatin1 Website: https://SavvyLivingNetwork.com Substack: https:SavvyLeadersLounge.Substack.com YouTube: www.youtube.com/@SavvyLeaderPodcast #SavvyLeaderPodcast #IntentionalLiving #Leadership #PersonalGrowth #Entrepreneurship Chapters / Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 01:12 Meet Sarah Filipi 03:15 The emotional moment that changed everything 08:30 Leaving a successful legal career 13:20 Becoming a professional photographer 18:40 Building an eco-conscious photography business 26:15 Helping clients feel comfortable in front of the camera 30:10 Creating Your Wellness Compass 37:25 What are "Micro Shifts?" 44:50 Why wellness is more than fitness 50:30 Information overload and protecting your mind 57:40 Learning to trust yourself 1:03:15 Sarah's advice for anyone starting over 1:07:00 Where to connect with Sarah

  4. Jul 29

    The Freedom of No: Why Saying No Protects the Life You're Building | Sustainable Success Series Preview

    Have you ever felt guilty for saying "no"? For many of us, saying yes has become second nature. We say yes to opportunities, requests, obligations, and expectations—often at the expense of our own health, peace, and purpose. In this episode of The Savvy Leader Podcast, Kristin Gallatin explores why "No is the most freeing word in the English language." She shares personal stories of being a lifelong "yes girl," why saying no can feel so heavy, and how learning to protect your time and energy is essential for creating a life of lasting freedom. This episode concludes our July series, Freedom & Flexibility, and introduces August's new theme: Sustainable Success. You'll also get a preview of the Four Pillars of Sustainable Success: • Alignment • Capacity • Resilience • Margin If you've been working hard to build a meaningful life or business, this conversation will challenge you to ask an important question: What greater "yes" is waiting on the other side of your next "no"? CHAPTERS 00:00 – Welcome & July Reflection 02:35 – The Freedom We Think We're Chasing 07:15 – Confessions of a Recovering "Yes Girl" 15:20 – Why Is "No" So Heavy? 24:10 – Every Yes Costs Something 30:45 – Protecting the Life You're Building 35:15 – Introducing the Four Pillars of Sustainable Success 41:30 – Looking True North 45:10 – Closing Thoughts Connect with Kristin Gallatin 🌐 Website: https://www.savvylivingnetwork.com 📬 Subscribe to the True North Weekly Letter: https://www.savvylivingnetwork.com/newsletter 🎙 The Savvy Leader Podcast: https://www.savvylivingnetwork.com/podcast 💼 Work With Kristin: https://www.savvylivingnetwork.com/work-with-me 🤝 LEAD Network Professionals: https://www.leadnetworkprofessionals.com 📖 Read more on Substack: https://savvyleaderslounge.substack.com If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs permission to protect the life they're are building. Until next time… Stay aligned, stay intentional, and keep moving toward your True North.

  5. Jul 22

    5 Signs Your Work No Longer Aligns With Your Values | Redefining Success Before Burnout

    Are you successful on paper... but quietly wondering why your work no longer feels fulfilling? In this solo episode of the Savvy Leader Podcast, Kristin Gallatin explores one of the most overlooked causes of burnout: misalignment. Many professionals believe they need a new job, another promotion, or a fresh start. But often, what they're really searching for isn't a different career—it's a different way of living. In this episode, Kristin shares five signs that your work may no longer align with your values, along with a personal story from a hike through Florida's Cathedral of the Palms that forever changed how she thinks about purpose, direction, and finding your True North. You'll learn: • The hidden signs of career misalignment before burnout takes over • Why productivity without purpose leaves us feeling empty • How to uncover your personal values through awareness instead of pressure • Three practical ways to reconnect with what truly matters • Why small course corrections often create the biggest life changes If you've ever found yourself wondering, "Is this really what I want?" this conversation is for you. This week's reflection: Freedom isn't having more options. It's having the clarity to choose the ones that align with who you are. Connect with Kristin Linked In: https://Linkedin.com/in/kristingallatin1 🌐 Website: https://SavvyLivingNetwork.com 💌 Subscribe to the newsletter: https://savvyleaderslounge.substack.com/ 🎙 Subscribe to the podcast for weekly conversations on leadership, intentional living, personal growth, and navigating life with greater clarity and purpose.

  6. Jul 15

    Freedom After Disruption: How to Let Go, Find Peace & Live in Alignment | The Savvy Leader Podcast

    What does freedom really mean? For many of us, the answer changes over time. Freedom may begin as independence, success, or financial security. But after career transitions, caregiving, loss, burnout, or unexpected life changes, freedom often takes on a much deeper meaning. In this solo episode of The Savvy Leader Podcast, Kristin Gallatin shares personal experiences and practical insights about finding freedom after disruption—and why lasting freedom begins with alignment rather than control. If you've ever felt like your life no longer reflects your values, this conversation is for you. In this episode you'll discover: ✔ Why trying to control other people steals your peace ✔ How to mourn the life you thought you would have ✔ What it means to redefine freedom after major life changes ✔ Recognizing when your work or environment no longer aligns with your values ✔ Lessons learned from leaving corporate leadership to become an entrepreneur ✔ Why entrepreneurship isn't easy—but alignment is worth pursuing ✔ The four-step True North Navigation Method: • Recognize • Reorient • Design • Navigate This episode is for entrepreneurs, professionals, caregivers, leaders, and anyone navigating change while searching for greater clarity, purpose, and direction. If this episode encouraged you, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it with someone who may need this message today. Connect with Kristin Gallatin 🌐 Website: https://SavvyLivingNetwork.com 📰 Subscribe to the True North Weekly: https://www.SavvyLeadersLounge.substack.com 🎙 The Savvy Leader Podcast: https://www.savvylivingnetwork.com/podcast 🤝 LEAD Network Professionals: https://LEADNetwork.pro 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SavvyLivingNetwork 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristingallatin1 📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristingallatin 📧 Business Inquiries: kristin@savvylivingnetwork.com 🎤 Interested in being a guest on The Savvy Leader Podcast? Guest Request & Release Form: https://forms.gle/joTbQ4mZAicbi92y8 About The Savvy Leader Podcast The Savvy Leader Podcast is for entrepreneurs, professionals, caregivers, and individuals navigating life's transitions who want greater clarity, alignment, and purpose. Each week, Kristin Gallatin shares practical strategies, thoughtful conversations, and real-life experiences to help you lead yourself well, navigate change with confidence, and intentionally create a life aligned with your values. Remember... Stay aligned. Stay intentional. And keep moving toward your True North. Timeline 00:00 Introduction 01:40 How Our Definition of Freedom Changes 05:10 Leaving Corporate for Entrepreneurship 09:20 Grieving the Life You Thought You'd Have 13:05 Why Control Steals Your Peace 17:40 Letting People Be 21:15 When Your Work No Longer Aligns with Your Values 25:10 The True North Navigation Method 32:30 Final Thoughts 34:15 Closing

  7. Jul 8

    AI, SEO & the Future of Small Business Marketing with Autumn Gran | What Business Owners Need to Know

    Artificial intelligence is changing the marketing landscape faster than most business owners realize—but technology alone isn't the answer. In this episode of the Savvy Leader Podcast, Kristin Gallatin sits down with digital marketing strategist Autumn Gran, founder of Gray Matter Marketing, to discuss what is really happening in digital marketing, SEO, AI search, and online visibility. Autumn shares how she built her business after recognizing that many marketing agencies focused on vanity metrics instead of meaningful business results. Together they explore how AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity are changing the way customers search for information—and why strategy, implementation, and authentic expertise matter more than ever. Whether you're an entrepreneur, small business owner, consultant, or professional building your brand, this conversation offers practical insight into preparing your business for the next generation of digital marketing. In this episode you'll learn: • Why AI is reshaping search and SEO • The biggest mistakes small businesses make with digital marketing • Why vanity metrics don't equal business growth • How Google and AI search engines evaluate online content • Why implementation matters more than simply using AI • What business owners should be preparing for over the next few years Connect with Autumn Gran Website: https://withgraymatter.com Learn more about Gray Matter Marketing for website development, SEO, digital marketing strategy, and business growth resources. Connect with Kristin Gallatin Website: https://www.savvylivingnetwork.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SavvyLeaderPodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristingallatin1/ Subscribe to The Savvy Leader Podcast for weekly conversations about leadership, business growth, AI, personal development, and intentional living. #DigitalMarketing #ArtificialIntelligence #SmallBusiness #SEO #BusinessGrowth #Leadership #Entrepreneur #MarketingStrategy #AISearch #SavvyLeaderPodcast

  8. Jul 1

    Building Resilient Organizations: Executive Alignment, Leadership Growth & the Power of Sponsorship with Kara Kuykendall

    What happens when a company has all the right systems, meetings, and strategic plans in place—but execution still breaks down? In this episode of the Savvy Leader Podcast, Kristin Gallatin sits down with executive advisor and founder of True North Leadership, Kara Kuykendall, to explore what it really takes to build resilient organizations that thrive through growth, change, and uncertainty. Drawing from her experience leading global operations and supporting executive teams, Kara shares why organizational resilience is about far more than processes and frameworks. It requires leadership alignment, operational clarity, accountability, trust, and a shared understanding of purpose. Together, Kristin and Kara discuss: • Why execution often breaks down even in well-run organizations • The difference between operational structure and organizational resilience • How leaders unintentionally create dependency within their organizations • Building healthy workplace cultures that support both performance and people • Overcoming imposter syndrome and learning to trust yourself • The critical difference between mentors and sponsors • Why leadership growth requires honest feedback and challenge • How executive teams can remain aligned during periods of rapid growth and change Whether you're a business owner, executive, emerging leader, or someone navigating your own professional growth, this conversation offers practical wisdom and thoughtful insights on leading with clarity, confidence, and resilience. Connect with Kara Kuykendall Website: https://www.truenorthleader.net LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karamkuykendall Connect with Kristin Gallatin & Savvy Living Network Website: https://www.savvylivingnetwork.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristingallatin Savvy Leaders Lounge: https://www.savvyleaderslounge.com Listen, Watch & Subscribe 🎥 Watch the full episode: https://www.youtube.com/@SavvyLeaderPodcast

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About

The Savvy Leader Podcast explores what it really takes to lead—your life, your business, and yourself—with clarity. Hosted by Kristin Gallatin, True North Alignment Coach and founder of Savvy Living Network, this podcast focuses on: • Recognizing patterns that keep you stuck • Navigating growth, identity, and change • Making aligned decisions in business and life Through real conversations with founders, professionals, and creators, each episode helps you step out of noise and back into direction. Recorded from the road as a full-time RV'er, this show brings a grounded, real-world perspective on leadership, freedom, and intentional living.

Information

  • Creator
    Kristin Gallatin
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    62
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Savvy Leader Podcast
  • Show Website
    Savvy Leader Podcast