Putting Your Oxygen Mask On First: Kristin Bauer on Preventing Burnout

Are you pushing yourself too hard for immediate results? Join Alice Tang as she speaks with Kristin Bauer, VP at Bank of the Pacific, about the long game of professional success. Kristin reveals how she landed a $5 million client account and why she had to learn to be her own best advocate to overcome her "inner enemy." Learn why Kristin believes you must put on your own "oxygen mask" first to be effective for your family and your team, and how a "marathon mindset" can sustain you through the long journey of a 16-year banking career.  In this episode, you'll learn: The Oxygen Mask Principle: Why you cannot help others effectively if you are not prioritizing your own health and breathing. Input-Result Alignment: How to recognize when your current efforts aren't working and pivot your "inputs" to achieve different results. Confidence in Meetings: The tactical advice to "just say one thing" to add value in rooms full of highly respected peers. The Marathon Strategy: Why grit and perseverance are the best tools for navigating internal and external career hurdles. Key Moments 01:38 – 16 Years of Banking: Kristin introduces her background in municipal cash management and treasury consulting. 02:40 – Mutual Friendship: Alice and Kristin discuss their meeting at the Risk Management Association. 03:13 – The $5M Milestone: The thrill of bringing in a massive client deposit account. 04:31 – Owning the Accomplishment: Alice mentors Kristin on not undermining her own professional success. 06:01 – Support vs. Sabotage: Kristin's advice on surrounding yourself with supportive colleagues and removing negative influences. 07:40 – "Just Say One Thing": A powerful tip for overcoming meeting intimidation and contributing value. 08:35 – Uplifting Community: The importance of organizations that provide a "group hug" for women in business. 10:01 – Grit and Perseverance: Why keeping one foot in front of the other is the key to longevity. 11:15 – Success is Relative: Recognizing that today's "mini successes" lead to tomorrow's big milestones. 12:20 – The Marathon Mindset: Rejecting instant gratification in favor of long-term career management. 14:55 – Work-Life Balance Pivot: Kristin shares why she prioritized health after realizing she was pulled in too many directions. 15:35 – Oxygen Mask First: Learning to prioritize yourself so you can continue to be there for your family. 17:15 – Slow Down to Speed Up: A final word on the effectiveness of moving forward with a concrete plan.