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For most women, when we are invited to study leadership the teachers, scholars, authorities and models are primarily… men. We are indoctrinated from the time we are born that men are the leaders and that natural male characteristics are the strengths you must also possess to be a good leader. Powerful. Strong. Authoritative. Direct. Assertive. Decisive. These and so many more are attributes that are typically associated with the male model of a leader. And so, for the better part of the last one hundred years as women have made their way into the fold, in a variety of leadership roles, we have learned and studied to walk the way of a men to achieve success. Women dismiss their own knowing because we've been so indoctrinated in male leadership models. We dismiss what we know for what others tell us to be and how to be seen. There is another way to lead. To be in alignment. To not feel like an imposter. It's time for the reimagining of leadership. That's not to disparage any of the progress that has come before us. Progress is progress. For those of us who stand in the footsteps of the women who came before us we are here because of their courage, bravery and resilience. I wonder instead if women equally looked to the characteristics they learned from their mothers for leadership. I wonder if we were taught to lean on different qualities to drive success. I wonder what might happen then? The traditional qualities of mothering are communication, nurturing, listening, strength, support, grace, and yes… love. What if to be the best leader you can be as a woman, you integrated the best of both? This is how women will stand with integrity in their role as leaders. As women, we can be assertive, direct, powerful, and authoritative but we need not only rely on those attributes for success. After 25 years of watching and studying leaders, I can tell you that for sure many traditional male attributes are effective in the short run, but they typically only serve a few. Whereas, when leadership is feminine. When the leader possesses the strengths of femininity and grace the results are for all. This podcast is my like my gentle request and invitation to my fellow female leaders that we reclaim the world leadership as one that is a feminine definition. That we continue to work with all of our allies to build organizations and systems that include more support, collaboration, grace and communication. And that we do so not because we are uncomfortable with the more traditional male-dominating models, but because we truly do know that leadership is a feminine strength and attribute. And the world needs more of us leading. Now more than ever.

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The Courage to Stop A New Chapter in Leadership and Life

2025/11/24

What if the bravest act of leadership is knowing when it's time to pause? In this deeply personal episode, Kris invites listeners into the raw, honest crossroads she's currently navigating—one marked by completion, uncertainty, and a longing for deeper, more human connection. After nearly 400 episodes, thousands of hours of recording, and decades spent teaching leaders how to lead, she shares the truth many high-achieving women rarely admit out loud: sometimes the thing we've mastered is the very thing we're meant to release. Kris reflects on how leadership hasn't fundamentally changed—and on the bittersweet realization that she has said everything she came here to say. She talks openly about shifting away from the isolating online model that has defined the last several years and into work that brings her back into rooms, back into community, back into the presence she craves. She also guides listeners through a powerful reframing of accountability—not as pressure, but as profound self-care. Because when we don't follow through on the promises we make to ourselves, the weight of that avoidance becomes its own burden. Here's what we explore in this episode: The emotional and practical reality of feeling "complete" in a long-standing body of work Why accountability to yourself is one of the highest forms of self-care The difference between knowing what to do and actually doing it The discomfort, fear, and liberation of honoring the commitments you've ignored What it means to pause with integrity, clarity, and agency This episode is a pause, not a goodbye—a moment of truth-telling, gratitude, and trust in what comes next. Contact Information and Recommended Resources If you'd like to stay in touch to receive updates about what we've got coming up, visit www.thevisionary.ceo Linkedin Instagram Facebook Pinterest

Before You Hold Anyone Accountable, Start Here

2025/11/17

We love the idea of accountability—until it gets uncomfortable. Until it requires us to tell the truth and stop making excuses for what we've been tolerating. In this powerful episode, Kris Plachy explores the deep connection between accountability, self-trust, and personal agency—and why even the most successful women can find themselves over-tolerating, over-accommodating, and avoiding difficult conversations. Kris challenges high-achieving women to stop externalizing the problem ("Why won't they just…") and instead reclaim responsibility for their own responses, expectations, and results. The truth? Accountability isn't about controlling others—it's about your willingness to show up, follow through, and address what needs to be addressed, even when it's uncomfortable. She reminds listeners that every relationship, every result, and every outcome in your life begins with your own accountability—and that reclaiming this power is the most freeing leadership practice there is. Here's what we explore in this episode: The link between accountability, self-trust, and self-worth Why high-performing women often struggle to hold others accountable How to stop displacing responsibility and strengthen your personal agency What to ask yourself when someone doesn't meet expectations How radical accountability unlocks freedom, clarity, and growth This conversation is an invitation to take your power back—not by controlling others, but by mastering the only person you can truly lead: yourself. Contact Information and Recommended Resources Ready to tackle your biggest challenges and set yourself up for an incredible year ahead? Book a Visionary.CEO Starter Session with Kris Plachy to get personalized guidance and your own custom journal to keep you accountable—all designed to help you achieve what you really want. Reserve your spot today at www.theVisionary.CEO/starter! Linkedin Instagram Facebook Pinterest

Why Play Belongs in Leadership

2025/11/10

In this week's episode of Leadership is Feminine®, Kris speaks straight to the hearts of high-achieving women who are carrying so much—the businesses they run, the households they manage, the people they care for, and the decisions they make every hour of the day. Kris argues that successful women don't just deserve joy. They require it. After years of hosting immersive client retreats, she's seen firsthand what happens when accomplished women are offered a space designed entirely for them: where they don't have to drive, plan, decide, or take care of anyone. They get to receive. And something powerful happens. They come back to themselves. These experiences aren't frivolous. They are healing. They restore the spirit of a woman who spends her life pouring into everyone else. Kris makes the case that joy is a strategic investment. And it is necessary if we want to lead sustainably. Here's what we explore in this episode: The invisible weight successful women silently carry What shifts when women are cared for instead of caretaking How play creates emotional spaciousness and clarity Why joyful rest is a strategic requirement—not a luxury The cultural and personal permission women need to take real breaks This is your invitation to recapture delight—to make room for play, presence, and wonder. Contact Information and Recommended Resources Are you on our list to get first-to-know updates? Visit www.thevisionary.ceo/notes. Linkedin Instagram Facebook Pinterest

The Real Cost of Avoiding Accountability

2025/11/03

Kris is back with another round of the pet sitting saga—but this time, it's about more than just unreliable pet sitters. It's a story about accountability, boundaries, and leadership. Through a string of mishaps (and three fired sitters), Kris explores how these small, personal frustrations mirror the much larger issue of how we manage people in our lives and businesses. When expectations aren't met, many leaders justify, tolerate, or avoid confrontation. But as Kris shares, avoiding accountability—whether with a pet sitter or an employee—only recycles poor performance and creates a culture of tolerance instead of trust. Here's what we explore in this episode: Why unmet expectations persist, and what happens when you ignore them The emotional traps of people-pleasing, guilt, and "just letting it slide" How avoidance erodes both trust and leadership confidence The power of holding others—and yourself—accountable with grace, not anger Why mutual accountability is the missing ingredient in healthy workplaces This conversation is an invitation to protect your standards, honor your agreements, and lead with both compassion and clarity—because accountability isn't cruelty; it's integrity in action. Contact Information and Recommended Resources It's time to stop tolerating and start leading. Join me at www.thevisionary.ceo/sagemm to learn more about the new Sage Mini-Mastermind that starts November 4th. Linkedin Instagram Facebook Pinterest

The Power of Discomfort in Developing Real Leaders

2025/10/27

This week on Leadership is Feminine, Kris Plachy and her Director of Operations, Michelle Arant, sit down for an unscripted conversation that captures leadership in its most human form. What started as a casual team discussion turned into a powerful reflection on how we handle discomfort, accountability, and growth — both in business and in life. Through the lens of a lighthearted story about a pet sitter, Kris and Michelle explore how everyday moments can reveal our relationship with responsibility and self-management. They discuss the tendency to over-accommodate others, the generational shifts in resilience and follow-through, and why true leadership demands that we get comfortable being uncomfortable. Their conversation is an honest reminder that friction isn't failure — it's feedback. Whether you're mentoring a new hire, raising kids, or running a multimillion-dollar company, the path to better leadership begins with allowing discomfort to do its work. Here's what we explore in this episode: How discomfort helps us build capacity for growth and leadership The difference between supporting someone and over-accommodating them Why avoiding friction can unintentionally stunt development — for ourselves and others How leaders can model resilience and self-accountability through their own behavior What small, everyday moments can reveal about how we handle responsibility Why embracing discomfort may be the most undervalued leadership skill of all This conversation invites you to pause and ask: Where am I protecting others — or myself — from the very discomfort that could lead to growth? Contact Information and Recommended Resources Wanna join us for the Sage Mini Mastermind? Visit www.thevisionary.ceo/sagemm to learn the details and register. Linkedin Instagram Facebook Pinterest

Brainkeeping: The Leadership Practice You Didn't Know You Needed

2025/10/20

What if your mind needed the same care as your home? In this episode, Kris introduces the concept of brainkeeping—a leadership practice as vital as housekeeping. Just as we tidy our physical spaces, our mental and emotional spaces require regular clearing, reflection, and renewal. Kris shares how her lifelong curiosity and deep conversations with friends and clients have shaped her unique approach to coaching high-achieving women. Through brainkeeping she helps leaders sort through the clutter of overthinking, self-doubt, and noise—so they can access their clarity, wisdom, and creativity. She explores why so many women leaders stay in constant motion, what happens when you stop long enough to ask "why," and how stillness and inquiry can become your most powerful strategic tools. Here's what we explore in this episode: What "brainkeeping" really means—and why every visionary woman needs it How curiosity can reconnect you with your own wisdom The cost of constant noise and the value of intentional reflection How mental clutter impacts leadership and decision-making Finding your own form of replenishment, whether it's reflection, movement, or community This conversation is an invitation to pause, recalibrate, and reconnect with your mind—the most valuable asset you have as a leader. Contact Information and Recommended Resources Ready for your own Brainkeeping? Join the Sage Mini Mind Interest List Today! www.thevisionary.ceo/sagemm Linkedin Instagram Facebook Pinterest

Stop Wing-ing It: Make Your Business an Asset (Not a Job)

2025/10/13

As we head into the final quarter of the year, Kris invites you to shift your focus—from running the business to owning the business. She challenges high-achieving female founders to stop operating on autopilot and start thinking like the visionary asset holders they are. Too many women spend years building companies without ever asking the most important question: What's the plan? Whether you eventually want to sell, scale back, or simply create more freedom, your business deserves a clear direction—and so do you. Kris also introduces the Sage Mini Mastermind, a 12-week experience for women running multi-million-dollar businesses who are ready to step out of the weeds, lead from wisdom, and build a business that runs beautifully—with or without them. Here's what we explore in this episode: Why "normal" growth years don't mean failure—and how to talk to yourself about success differently How to approach bonuses and performance evaluations with clarity and confidence The difference between running a business and owning one—and why most founders avoid exit planning How to assess your business's readiness to run without you Transitioning from "decider-in-chief" to advisor and visionary Turning your experience, intuition, and wisdom into tangible business assets through a personal "mind bank" This episode is your reminder that your company isn't just a vehicle for achievement—it's an asset for freedom. The Sage Era begins when you stop measuring success by how busy you are and start designing your business to serve the woman you've become. Contact Information and Recommended Resources Don't leave your biggest asset to chance—get on the Sage Mini Mastermind waitlist now at www.thevisionary.ceo/sagemm. Linkedin Instagram Facebook Pinterest

Tactical Advice Won't Save You, But Self-Trust Will

2025/10/06

What does it feel like to finally stop overworking, over-explaining, and over-proving—and instead lead from a place of grounded confidence? In this episode, Kris shows us what life and leadership look like when self-trust and self-worth are fully integrated. She shares the story of a client who went from being minimized by her partners to running a thriving $10M company while taking a guilt-free month away from her business. This transformation illustrates the power of moving beyond surface-level fixes to address the root issue: believing yourself and believing in yourself. Kris outlines the real markers of integration: working in resonance instead of overwork, resting as a source of strength, setting boundaries without apology, and claiming your right to joy and desire. This is the Sage Era—where your wisdom serves not just you, but those you lead and influence. Here's what we explore in this episode: Why releasing your business as your identity opens up freedom and clarity How guilt, self-doubt, and over-functioning fade once trust and worth align The role of inner authority in creating decisions rooted in self-belief What it means to model Sage leadership for the women who come after you This conversation is an invitation into the Sage Era—where your wisdom, value, and authority aren't up for debate. Contact Information and Recommended Resources Your journey starts with clarity. Head to thevisionary.ceo/trust and take the Self-Trust & Self-Worth Index Kris designed to give you immediate insight. Linkedin Instagram Facebook Pinterest

Success Won't Fix Your Worthiness Problem

2025/09/29

What if your worth wasn't tied to your revenue, your output, or anyone else's approval? In this episode, Kris takes us deeper into the heart of worthiness and why so many high-achieving women still wrestle with believing in themselves—even after building successful companies, raising families, and achieving goals most people only dream of. Kris breaks down the difference between self-trust (believing yourself) and self-worth (believing in yourself), and why the latter is the quiet, constant hum that shapes everything you do. She explores how conditional worth shows up in subtle ways—like people pleasing, avoiding difficult conversations, or downplaying your own success—and why guilt over what you've built is often a sign you don't fully own your value yet. Here's what we explore in this episode: The false scorecards and hidden "supervisors" you've been measuring yourself against Why women tie worth to achievement, perfection, or proving How guilt for your success erodes confidence and leadership Why rest can be a radical act of reclaiming value What it looks like to live differently when you truly know your worth This episode is your invitation to stop proving, release guilt, and reclaim the truth: you are already the prize. Contact Information and Recommended Resources Your journey starts with clarity. Head to thevisionary.ceo/trust and take the Self-Trust & Self-Worth Index Kris designed to give you immediate insight. Linkedin Instagram Facebook Pinterest

Stop Compartmentalizing Your Confidence

2025/09/22

Why can you trust yourself to build a multimillion-dollar company—but not to have one hard conversation? In this episode, Kris pulls back the curtain on the anatomy of self-trust. From visionary ideas to money, health, relationships, and leadership, she reveals why so many women compartmentalize their confidence—rock solid in some domains, shaky in others. You'll hear how past experiences, identity "totems," and cultural conditioning quietly erode our confidence, and why fear, vulnerability, and inherited stories often dictate where we doubt ourselves most. More importantly, Kris shows you how to begin repairing that trust—through awareness, reframing, and practice—so you can finally stop second-guessing and start standing fully in the leader you already are. Here's what we explore in this episode: The surprising gap between visionary trust and day-to-day confidence The different domains of self-trust—and where women most often stumble How identity, environment, and old narratives shape what you believe about yourself Why it feels safer to trust money or process than people or intuition Practical ways to build competence and leverage your strengths to close the gaps This episode calls you to stop treating self-trust like a mystery and start treating it like a skill. You don't have to be perfect—you just have to start believing yourself again. Contact Information and Recommended Resources Your journey starts with clarity. Head to thevisionary.ceo/trust and take the Self-Trust & Self-Worth Index Kris designed to give you immediate insight. Linkedin Instagram Facebook Pinterest

Breaking the Generational Code of Self-Doubt

2025/09/15

Why do so many accomplished women still doubt themselves—even after building extraordinary lives and businesses? Kris continues her Self-Trust & Self-Worth mini-series with a powerful exploration of the programming women inherit from generations before us. She invites us to reflect on the systemic, cultural, and ancestral patterns that quietly shape how women value themselves—and why even the most accomplished female founders still lie awake at night second-guessing their own decisions. From hiding success out of guilt to resisting difficult conversations at work, Kris shows how the paradox of female leadership is never about capability—it's about the stories we've absorbed about what women "should" be. And she challenges us to stop playing small, stop apologizing for what we've built, and start owning the lives we've worked so hard to create. Here's what we explore: Why inherited programming makes self-trust harder for women than men The cultural double standard that shames women for success How female founders get boxed in by guilt, doubt, and "shoulds" The hidden cost of over-functioning and perfectionism Why leadership requires both confidence and compassion This episode is your reminder that you are not broken—and you're not alone. The work ahead isn't about fixing yourself, it's about unlearning what never belonged to you in the first place. Contact Information and Recommended Resources Your journey starts with clarity. Head to thevisionary.ceo/trust and take the Self-Trust & Self-Worth Index Kris designed to give you immediate insight. Linkedin Instagram Facebook Pinterest

What Happens When You Finally Believe in Yourself

2025/09/08

Kris launches a brand-new mini-series with a masterclass on Self-Trust and Self-Worth for Female Founders. And she encourages us to ask: Why do we trust ourselves to build entire businesses—but not to have one hard conversation? After wrapping the seven transitions of Beyond the CEO, this next season dives deeper—into the paradox that so many successful women face: the ability to make bold, visionary moves while quietly second-guessing themselves in the day-to-day. Across the next five weeks, you'll hear Kris unpack her full Self-Trust and Self-Worth masterclass, designed to help you see how every "tactical" problem—whether it's firing someone, raising your rates, or stepping back from the business—is rooted in how much you believe yourself, and how much you believe in yourself. Here's what we explore: The paradox of female founders: bold vision paired with constant second-guessing The difference between self-trust ("I believe myself") and self-worth ("I believe in myself") Why tactical problems are often symptoms of deeper trust and worth issues How overachievement and shame fuel cycles of exhaustion and over-functioning What changes when you finally believe yourself and believe in yourself This episode is your invitation to stop treating the symptoms and start healing the root. Because when you strengthen self-trust and self-worth, you don't just lead better—you build a business and a life that finally feels aligned with the woman you've already proven yourself to be. Contact Information and Recommended Resources Your journey starts with clarity. Head to thevisionary.ceo/trust and take the Self-Trust & Self-Worth Index Kris designed to give you immediate insight. Linkedin Instagram Facebook Pinterest

The Most Overlooked Step Between Leading and Leaving

2025/09/01

What's your plan for the business you've worked so hard to build? After walking through all seven transitions in the Beyond the CEO series, Kris is turning her focus to what comes next: the tactical and strategic steps every founder must take to ensure the business can run—and even thrive—without her constant presence. This isn't just about getting through today's to-do list. It's about preparing your business, your team, and yourself for what's ahead—whether that's scaling, exiting, or simply reclaiming more of your life. Because the truth is, too many women wait until they're burned out before asking the hard questions: Is my business ready? Am I ready? What happens after this season ends? Here's what we explore: Why a team audit is as essential as cleaning out your closet The leadership shift from telling to asking—and how it changes everything How to capture your wisdom and IP so others can use it without you The possibility of creating generational wealth through an exit Why retirement isn't the end—it's a call to design a future with purpose This episode is your invitation to stop avoiding the practical steps and start laying the foundation for a business you can lead and leave. Because the earlier you prepare, the more options you have—and the more freedom you create to design what's next. Contact Information and Recommended Resources Wanna know more details about the Sage: Coaching for Female Founders that will be starting in October? Visit www.thevisionary.ceo/beyondtheceo to add your name to the interest list. Linkedin Instagram Facebook Pinterest

The Transition That Changes Everything

2025/08/25

Are you willing to release control and trust others with what you've built In this episode, Kris closes out the Beyond the CEO series by walking through the final transitions that take you from structure and strategy into wisdom and possibility. It's not just about building processes—it's about letting go of false truths, reclaiming clarity, playing without an agenda, and stepping fully into Sage energy. This is where leadership becomes less about control and more about trust, curiosity, and freedom. Here's what we explore: The surprising power of asking "What do you think?" instead of giving answers Why restless, "itchy" seasons are signs of growth, not failure How boredom after success reveals what was missing all along The trap of being needed versus the freedom of being trusted What Sage energy looks like in practice—and why it always whispers, "There's more. This episode is your invitation to stop defaulting to what's inherited, expected, or safe—and start building a business you can both lead and leave. Because when you do, you create the freedom to explore what's next and the impact to feed the future with your wisdom. Contact Information and Recommended Resources Interested in more of what we've been teaching here? Visit www.thevisionary.ceo/beyondtheceo to add your name to the interest list. Want some coaching on these transitions I've been featuring in this series? Visit www.thevisionary.ceo/callin to learn more and submit an application. If selected, your call will be published on this podcast in future episodes. Linkedin Instagram Facebook Pinterest

Your Next Chapter Won't Come From Your Old Blueprint

2025/08/18

Have you been intentional about what stays in your life—and what goes? If you've been following this special Beyond the CEO mini-series on the seven transitions every founder must face, you know last week was all about play, curiosity, and exploration. Now, in Transition Six—Intentional Design—we take everything you've discovered in that playful, curious phase and start shaping it into a grounded, deliberate vision for what's next. This isn't about hustling toward another "should." It's about building your next chapter with clarity, purpose, and your own rules. Kris shares why this stage only works if you've truly given yourself the gift of experimentation first—and how skipping that step leads to recreating the same patterns you've outgrown. She walks through her own clarity breakthroughs (including a newfound love of pickleball, hosting in-person gatherings, and refining her environment) and invites you to ask yourself: What's in? What's out? What's worth designing into the next version of your life? Here's what we explore: Why play and exploration are prerequisites for true clarity How to sculpt a new vision without dragging old expectations into it The importance of refining, not just adding Why environment, people, and commitments all deserve intentional choice How universal truths guide every stage of your evolution This episode is your invitation to stop defaulting to what's inherited, expected, or safe—and start crafting a life and business that reflects the woman you are now. Contact Information and Recommended Resources The best way to stay in the know? Get on the list. I've got some exciting things coming your way, and I always share with my email list first. Head to the thevisionary.ceo/notes and opt in. Join me in Hawaii Learn more at www.thevisionary.ceo/hawaii Linkedin Instagram Facebook Pinterest

Podcast reviews

Read Leadership is Feminine® podcast reviews

4.9 out of 5

239 reviews

★★★★★

kcg1975 2025/08/06

Always perfect timing and topics

Kris has an incredible gift for saying exactly what I need to hear, exactly when I need to hear it. She beautifully weaves together the real, lived ex...

★★★★★

Birdbear1 2024/03/01

Leading women who lead

Love Kris! She has made such an impact in my life and has helped me learn to lead.

★★★★★

12244 mom 2023/10/23

Life saving

I hold a leadership position in a hospital system leading physicians, and found Kris and her work a few years ago. She is compassionate, deeply insigh...

★★★★★

lkjar 2023/07/13

Listen if you want to lead!

I’ve been binging Kris’ podcast for the last couple of weeks, and it has been wild to watch my brain shift from its normal mode of, “How can I support...

★★★★★

AngieBrown26 2023/06/19

Leadership is feminine

I love Kris’s perspective and her ability to ask the hard questions to help me level up in my leadership qualities and life overall. She connects to d...

★★★★★

Anonymous1347366 2023/05/23

Phenomenal content

Kris Plachy is a huge role model & inspiration. I LOVE this podcast.

★★★★★

DesiCreswell 2023/05/16

Following for years!

I’ve been following Kris for years and am continually impressed with the depth of her knowledge. She shares it all with honesty and expertise.

★★★★★

MoonaLisa Project 2023/05/12

So much value!

Every time I listen my mind is blown. I’m served with ideas and actionable steps to take. I love the clarity and vision I get when I listen. Thank you...

★★★★★

Starpower67 2023/05/08

My go-to leadership compass

Kris has a way of speaking directly to my internal thoughts and concerns and lights the way for more leadership clarity. Plus, she’s never afraid to g...

★★★★★

seana_p 2023/03/08

New Year 22

Thank you for a great start to the new year! My reaction to each affirmation told me where I need to do some work! Some of them I completely embraced ...

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