Hey design dashers, today, we’re diving deep into a conversation that every ambitious woman needs to hear. We had the incredible pleasure of chatting with Kerstin Kirchsteiger, the powerhouse behind the Work-Life Flow Podcast, a guest who knows exactly what it means to walk that fine line between ambition and burnout, and let us tell you – she did not hold back!
Kerstin’s story is the perfect blend of science, heart, and a whole lot of courage. From her days as a scientist with a Ph.D. to her pivot into becoming an executive coach, she’s experienced first-hand the pressure that comes with trying to “have it all.” And let’s be honest, who hasn’t felt that way at some point, right?
“The Structures Weren’t Built for Us”
One of the first truth bombs Kerstin dropped was this: “The structures were not built for us as moms.” We had to take a moment to let that one sink in because, if we’re being real, isn’t that exactly how it feels sometimes? From inflexible work hours to expectations that leave zero room for anything outside of the 9-to-5, it’s no wonder so many women feel like they’re caught in a never-ending balancing act.
Kerstin opened up about her journey from academia to coaching and how her desire for a more collaborative environment led her down a path that she wasn’t expecting but desperately needed. “I realized really soon that I did not enjoy the postdoc life… I’m more of a collaborator,” she told us. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the path to success isn’t a straight line – and that’s okay!
Emotional Intelligence: Your Secret Weapon
Now, if there’s one thing that really got us nodding our heads, it was when Kerstin talked about the importance of emotional intelligence (EI) in leadership. “We know a lot. We know the tools. The implementation… that’s where coaching is super valuable,” she said, and we couldn’t agree more.
The way she broke down how EI isn’t just a buzzword but a must-have skill for creating an environment where people feel safe, heard, and valued was nothing short of inspiring. It’s the kind of leadership that not only transforms teams but creates a culture where women can actually thrive.
“You Have to Decide Who You Want to Be”
This one hit hard, fam. “You have to decide who you want to be,” Kerstin shared when discussing leadership and work-life balance. It’s easy to get lost in the hustle, to think that working longer and harder is the only way to prove ourselves. But what if we took a step back and redefined success on our own terms?
Kerstin encouraged us to be intentional about how we show up, both in our work and personal lives, and to be unafraid of setting boundaries. Because let’s face it – you can’t pour from an empty cup.
Key Takeaways:
- Embrace Emotional Intelligence: True leadership isn’t about being the smartest person in the room; it’s about understanding and managing your emotions and those of others. Create spaces where people feel safe and valued.
- Redefine Success: It’s not about climbing the ladder just for the sake of it. Ask yourself, “What do I want to stand for?” When you align with your core values, making decisions becomes a whole lot easier.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help: Women, especially, are conditioned to think we have to do it all. But as Kerstin pointed out, “Noticing your needs and actually being okay to ask for help… this is the struggle I see most with women.”
- Create Your Own Path: If the system wasn’t built for you, don’t be afraid to build your own. As women, we have the power to challenge the status quo and create workplaces that honor who we are – in all our messy, beautiful, multi-faceted selves.
Vent, Reflect, Communicate – Repeat!
We couldn’t help but laugh (and feel a little called out) when Kerstin shared how important it is to vent – in a safe space, of course. “Sometimes it helps to vent for a few minutes… and then take a step back,” she said. It’s about releasing the tension before diving into difficult conversations. We’ve all been there, right? Where you’re about to explode if you don’t get it off your chest?
The key is to allow yourself that space to vent, then reflect, and come back with a more constructive mindset. It’s not just about being heard; it’s about finding solutions that actually work.
Why You Need to Hear This Episode
If you’ve ever felt like you’re on the verge of burnout, if you’re tired of juggling a million things and feeling like you’re not doing any of them well – this episode is your permission slip to take a breath. To challenge the systems that weren’t built for us and to build something better.
As Kerstin so beautifully put it, “We want to do well; we just don’t always have the capacity to do so.” And isn’t that the truth?
So, Design Dash fam, grab a cup of coffee (or your favorite glass of wine) and join us for this candid, inspiring conversation. It’s time to redefine what success looks like – on our own terms.
You won’t want to miss this one!
P.S. Make sure to check out more of Kerstin’s work over at her website KerstinKirchsteiger.com or connect with her on LinkedIn. This is one journey you’ll definitely want to follow.
So, whether you’re catching this on your morning commute, during that (rare) quiet moment at home, or while pretending to be productive at your desk, you won’t want to miss this one. It’s a rollercoaster of laughs, aha moments, and those “OMG, that’s me!” realizations.
THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY:
The DesignDash Podcast is sponsored by Monogram Luxury Appliances.
Monogram is a long time partner and go to for us at DesignDash, as well as our design firm, Laura U Design Collective. We love them because they believe in three main pillars that we, as creatives, can easily get behind: sourcing superior Materials, offering high-quality Performance, and taking Ownership. Each of these upholds their commitment to high quality, innovation, and homeowners.
