Tripoint Coversations

Kristina Lowe

Tripoint Conversations uncovers what it takes to build something meaningful, one story, one decision, one conversation at a time. Hosted by Kristina Lowe, founder of Tripoint Strategic Group, this podcast features entrepreneurs, changemakers, and community builders who are shaping businesses, nonprofits, and ideas that make a difference. Each episode explores strategy, storytelling, and the purpose behind growth, reminding us that meaningful progress often starts with honest dialogue and the courage to begin.

  1. 2d ago

    Jason West | From a Traditional Remedy to Cancer Clinical Trials

    A plant from the Middle East. A laboratory in a one-stoplight town in Kansas. And a question that has now turned into years of cancer research. I recently sat down with Jason West, co-founder of Genzada Pharmaceuticals, to hear a story that is pretty hard to believe until you hear how it unfolded. It starts with Jason’s father, Gene, who grew up near Jerusalem and remembered a plant that had been used as a traditional remedy for more than a thousand years. Years later, as a chemist living in Kansas, he decided to figure out what was actually in it. That curiosity turned into something much bigger than any of them expected. They began identifying and studying compounds in the plant. Word spread around their small Kansas town. People began asking for the tea they were making and sharing their experiences. But instead of assuming those stories proved anything, the family kept digging into the science. Today, that work has grown into Genzada Pharmaceuticals, investigational cancer drugs and human clinical research. Jason takes us through that journey and what happens when something interesting in a lab starts showing enough promise to keep pursuing it. We talk about the years of research most of us never see, why his team considers itself its own biggest skeptic, what they’re learning about how their investigational drug may work, the nutritional supplements developed alongside the pharmaceutical research, and what it takes to move a potential drug through clinical trials. There is still a lot they are working to understand and a long road between promising research and an approved treatment. But that might be what makes this story so interesting. About Jason West Jason West is Executive Vice President and Co-Founder of Genzada Pharmaceuticals and CEO of Hyatt Life Sciences. With a background in biology and law, Jason is helping lead Genzada’s development of investigational therapies and clinical research in oncology. Learn more: Genzada Pharmaceuticals: genzada.com Hyatt Life Sciences: hyattlifesciences.com About Kristina Lowe Kristina Lowe is the founder of Tripoint Strategic Group, where she works with businesses and organizations on strategy, marketing and growth. She is also the host of Tripoint Conversations, exploring the stories, decisions and experiences that shape how people build and lead. To learn more or be a guest, visit: tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast Tripoint Conversations is independently produced. If you’d like to help keep these conversations coming, you can support the podcast here: tripointstrategicgroup.com/support

  2. Jul 21

    Frank Mesa | Are Your Decisions Helping You Evolve?

    Have you ever stopped to think about where your everyday decisions are taking you? Frank Mesa believes each decision moves us in one of three directions: we evolve, revolve, or devolve. We move forward, repeat the same patterns, or allow ourselves to move backward. Frank knows what each of those looks like. He began his career as a train conductor and worked his way up to Chief Operations Training Officer at MTA Metro-North Railroad. While his career was moving forward, other areas of his life were not. He was nearly 100 pounds overweight, facing serious health issues, and relying on alcohol to manage stress. In this conversation, Frank shares how he began recognizing the habits and emotions behind his choices and built a system for making better ones. His ERD framework, featured in his book Alchemy: It’s As Easy As E-R-D, offers a simple question to use when an idea, impulse, or emotion takes over: Will this decision help me evolve, keep me revolving, or cause me to devolve? We also talk about the morning routine that changed his health, why success can create dangerous blind spots, what competing on the first season of The Amazing Race taught him about pressure and self-awareness, and how small decisions build momentum over time. If you feel stuck in the same patterns and are ready to start moving forward, this conversation will help you take a closer look at the decisions shaping your health, career, relationships, and personal growth. About Frank Mesa Frank Mesa is the founder of Mesa Solutions Inc., an author, consultant, and former transportation executive. He spent more than 30 years at MTA Metro-North Railroad, beginning as a train conductor and eventually serving as Chief Operations Training Officer. Throughout his career, Frank led workforce training and development for thousands of employees and helped modernize railroad training through virtual reality, augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and digital learning systems. Frank is also the author of Alchemy: It’s As Easy As E-R-D, which introduces his framework for identifying where individuals and organizations are evolving, revolving, or devolving. Through Mesa Solutions Inc., he now helps transportation organizations improve workforce development while also helping people make more intentional decisions in their personal and professional lives. Frank also competed on the first season of CBS’s The Amazing Race. Learn more: https://mesasolutionsinc.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, visit: https://www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast Tripoint Conversations is independently produced. If you’d like to help keep these conversations coming, you can support the podcast here: http://www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/support

  3. Jul 7

    Linda Babulic | Daily Habits for a More Intentional Life

    Most of us know the kind of person we want to be. More patient. Less stressed. Better listeners. More present with the people we love. The hard part is knowing what to actually do. In this conversation, Linda Babulic shares the habits she's developed through decades of coaching, leadership training, and her own life experiences. We talk about why so many people feel stuck, how small daily practices can help you feel more grounded, why nature matters more than we realize, and how becoming a better listener can change your relationships at home and at work. Linda also shares the story behind her upcoming novel, The Orange Compass, a story about a young woman searching for direction and discovering that the answers she's looking for aren't nearly as far away as she thought. Topics in this episode: • Why communication and conversation aren't the same thing • The daily habit Linda says can change your mindset in minutes • How to approach conflict without making it worse • Why gratitude is more than just saying "thank you" • The connection between nature, stillness, and clarity • The leadership lesson that changed the way Linda lives and leads • Why listening is one of the most overlooked life skills About Linda Babulic Linda Babulic is an author, speaker, executive coach, and founder of Zest Your Life. For more than 30 years, she's helped people strengthen relationships, improve communication, and live with greater intention through coaching, workshops, and speaking. She's the author of ZEST Your Life: A Taste of Inner Wisdom and will release her new novel, The Orange Compass, this September. The book follows a young woman searching for direction and weaves together many of the same lessons Linda has spent years teaching about purpose, relationships, and intentional living. As promised in the episode, Linda is also offering Tripoint Conversations listeners access to her free Three Daily Rituals guide. While you're there, you can also join the waitlist to be the first to hear when The Orange Compass launches. Learn more at lindababulic.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, visit: https://www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast Tripoint Conversations is independently produced. If you’d like to help keep these conversations coming, you can support the podcast here: http://www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/support

  4. Jun 23

    Jennifer Kattula | The Small Systems That Make Everyday Life Easier

    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 systemsHow Jen and her husband created a family vision before they were marriedThe power of "default decisions" and how they reduce decision fatiguePractical family rhythms that bring consistency without adding rigidityWhy trying to force yourself into someone else's routine, like becoming a 5 a.m. person, often doesn't workDividing responsibilities at home based on each person's strengthsThe simple five-minute "special time" practice they use to connect with their kidsHow Jen uses AI as a personal chief of staff to organize work and family lifeWhy focusing on three to five priorities each season leads to more progress than trying to do everythingThe 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. To learn more or be a guest, go to: https://www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast Tripoint Conversations is independently produced. If you’d like to help keep these conversations coming, you can support the podcast here: http://www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/support

  5. Jun 9

    David Cooper I What Every Business Owner Should Know Before Taking the Leap

    David Cooper has been on both sides of business for over four decades, as the owner of seven companies and as the attorney who has since helped hundreds of others build, structure, and sometimes walk away from theirs. In this conversation, he talks about what he watches for when entrepreneurs walk through his door, what business partnerships get wrong before they even start, and the week he made a last-minute call that saved him from losing everything. David shared about: Operating agreements aren't just legal formalities, they're the plan for when things go wrong. Without one, a corporate divorce can fracture both the business and the family.The conversations most partners avoid (financial exposure, exit strategy, pledging personal assets) are the exact ones that matter most before anyone signs anything.Entrepreneurs tend to plan for the upside. David makes them think through the downside, including whether their spouse is genuinely on board with what they're risking.Using AI or online templates to draft your own business agreements is, in his words, "fraught with peril." The nuance is specific to your situation, and getting it wrong is expensive.The best business decision David ever made came a week before close: he demanded cash instead of stock on a gut feeling. The company went bankrupt 13 months later. About David Cooper David Cooper is a Louisville-based corporate and business attorney with nearly five decades of experience advising entrepreneurs, business owners, and organizations through formation, growth, transactions, and succession planning. Today, through the Law Office of David H. Cooper, he helps clients navigate business transactions, partnership agreements, acquisitions, contracts, succession planning, and strategic decision-making. Drawing from both legal expertise and real-world business experience, David serves as a trusted advisor to entrepreneurs looking to build strong foundations and create long-term success. 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

  6. May 19

    Shannon Burton | From College Athlete to Mom to Sports Illustrated Swim Search Finalist at 50

    Most people see Shannon Burton today and immediately notice the confidence. They see the runway photos, the modeling career, the Sports Illustrated Swim Search finalist title, the TikTok following, and a woman in her 50s fully stepping into new opportunities without apology. But what makes Shannon’s story so compelling is everything that came before that version of her. In this episode of Tripoint Conversations, Shannon shares how being a college athlete shaped her mindset early, why resilience became one of the defining themes of her life, and how motherhood, faith, personal loss, and years of putting others first ultimately led her back to herself. We talked about the pressure women place on themselves, learning to stop caring what other people think, navigating criticism online, building confidence later in life, and why she believes women are capable of far more than they allow themselves to believe. Shannon also shares: what it was like becoming a Sports Illustrated Swim Search finalist at 50how modeling changed her confidence the realities of social media and public criticism how her husband and daughters became her biggest support system why “why not me?” became the mindset that changed everything This conversation is about confidence, growth, resilience, reinvention, and giving yourself permission to pursue the things that still call to you, no matter your age or stage of life. About Shannon Burton Shannon Burton is a former Division I basketball player, model, content creator, and advocate for women stepping confidently into new seasons of life. Shannon earned a basketball scholarship to Duke University before later transferring to Butler University, where she finished her collegiate career. After years focused on motherhood and family, Shannon found herself pursuing modeling in her 30s after being encouraged to audition for the TV reality competition She’s Got the Look. Since then, she has built a modeling career that continues to evolve into her 50s, including becoming a finalist in the 2022 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Swim Search competition and serving as a Victoria’s Secret ambassador. Beyond modeling, Shannon has built a growing social media audience by sharing honest conversations around confidence, aging, wellness, style, motherhood, and resilience. Through her content and public presence, she encourages women to stop placing limits on themselves and to pursue the things that still call to them, regardless of age or stage of life. Today, Shannon continues to model, collaborate with brands, explore entrepreneurship ventures, and inspire women with a simple mindset shift that has shaped her own journey. 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

  7. May 12

    Will Partin I Faith, Leadership & How Serving Others Changes You

    In this episode of Tripoint Conversations, Kristina Lowe sits down with Will Partin, President of GO Ministries, to talk about faith, leadership, family, identity, and what happens when you say yes before you fully understand the cost. Just weeks after getting married, Will and his wife Audrey moved to the Dominican Republic with little more than faith, a love for people, and a willingness to learn. What started as serving alongside local communities through ministry and sports outreach grew into 15 years of building relationships, empowering leaders, planting churches, supporting medical care, and raising a family far from home. Will opens up about adoption, the personal growth that came with leadership, learning how identity can shape the way we lead, and the emotional decision to leave the Dominican Republic and return to Kentucky after 15 years. He also shares how GO Ministries has grown from a small organization into an international ministry serving thousands through sports, healthcare, church planting, and leadership development, including the vision behind The Ridge, a new leadership and healing campus being developed in Kentucky. This episode is full of perspective for anyone navigating leadership, purpose, family, faith, or personal growth. Topics include: • Building GO Ministries in the Dominican Republic • Leadership and personal formation • Adoption and family life overseas • Mission trips and “mutual transformation” • Returning home after 15 years abroad • The future vision for GO Ministries and The Ridge To learn more about GO Ministries, visit www.gomin.org. About Will Partin Will Partin is the President of GO Ministries, an international nonprofit organization focused on empowering local leaders through church planting, sports ministry, medical care, and leadership development. Just weeks after marrying his wife Audrey in 2005, Will moved to the Dominican Republic, where the two spent the next 15 years building a life, raising a family, and serving alongside local communities. What began through sports ministry and relationship-building grew into a long-term commitment to developing leaders and creating sustainable impact through local churches, healthcare initiatives, youth programs, and community partnerships. GO Ministries has expanded significantly, now serving thousands through sports academies, medical outreach, leadership development, and church planting efforts across multiple countries. The organization also recently launched The Ridge in Simpsonville, Kentucky, a future leadership and healing campus designed to support ministry leaders, pastors, and missionaries through restoration, equipping, and care. 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

  8. May 5

    Chelsea Ellis-Hogan, CEO | Building Culture and Leading Change at Jim Reynolds Asphalt

    Chelsea Ellis-Hogan didn’t set out to work in construction. But growing up around entrepreneurs, she saw what it looked like to build something, solve problems, and still be present for the moments that mattered. Now, as CEO and majority owner of Jim Reynolds Asphalt, she’s not just continuing a 40+ year business, she’s reshaping how it operates. In this conversation, we talk about what it’s like to step into a family business, earn trust in an industry that’s traditionally male-dominated, and introduce new ways of thinking without losing what made the company successful in the first place. From leadership retreats and team development to bringing things like yoga and mental health into a construction crew, Chelsea shares how she’s building a culture that people want to be a part of. We also get into succession planning, developing leaders from within, and what it takes to grow a business that’s meant to last beyond the next generation. About Chelsea Ellis-Hogan Chelsea Ellis-Hogan is the CEO and majority owner of Jim Reynolds Asphalt Contractor, a family-owned business that has been serving the Louisville community for more than 40 years. Growing up around entrepreneurs, Chelsea developed an early interest in business, but didn’t originally see herself in the construction industry. Over time, she found her place by focusing on systems, leadership, and building strong relationships, bringing a fresh perspective into a legacy business. Today, she leads across multiple areas of the company, from commercial sales and marketing to operations and team development. Her approach blends practical experience with a focus on culture, investing in her team through leadership training, retreats, and new ways of thinking about growth. Chelsea is also passionate about mentorship, continuous learning, and helping others find their path, whether in business ownership or the trades. Learn more at: https://jimreynoldsasphalt.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

5
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

Tripoint Conversations uncovers what it takes to build something meaningful, one story, one decision, one conversation at a time. Hosted by Kristina Lowe, founder of Tripoint Strategic Group, this podcast features entrepreneurs, changemakers, and community builders who are shaping businesses, nonprofits, and ideas that make a difference. Each episode explores strategy, storytelling, and the purpose behind growth, reminding us that meaningful progress often starts with honest dialogue and the courage to begin.