Unlocked with Kristyn Drennen

Culture is easy to talk about and much harder to live. In this episode of Unlocked, Kristyn Drennen is joined by Sara Myers and Kelli Oberndorf, co-founders of Ekatā Group, for a grounded conversation about team health, leadership, accountability, and what it really takes to build a connected, high-performing company.Sara and Kelli explain the meaning behind Ekatā, a Sanskrit word connected to unity, and how that idea shapes their work with leadership teams. Through their VIBE framework, which stands for Value, Integrity, Belonging, and Empowerment, they help teams move from vague culture language to real conversations, practical behaviors, and shared agreements that can actually be practiced inside the business.Kristyn connects their work directly to TransformCXO’s mission of building sound businesses, steady leaders, and strong families. When a company has structure, clarity, and accountability, leaders are more stable. When leaders are stable and teams are healthy, people are able to do better work and go home with more capacity for the people they love. That is where operational transformation becomes deeply human.This conversation is especially valuable for business owners and leadership teams who sense that something feels off inside the business, even if performance looks fine from the outside. The episode explores the warning signs of unhealthy teams, including burnout, role confusion, duplicated work, low trust, lack of candor, silence in meetings, and turnover. It also offers practical language for building accountability without fear, encouraging innovation without chaos, and creating a culture where people are willing to raise their hands before small issues become expensive problems.Key HighlightsWhy team health is more than employee engagement, team culture, or another leadership buzzword.How Ekatā’s VIBE framework brings Value, Integrity, Belonging, and Empowerment into practical team conversations. Why accountability must be clearly defined in action, not just used as a word leaders repeat.How psychological safety supports candor, ownership, problem solving, and better leadership decisions.Why healthy risk-taking requires clear boundaries, standards, and defined spaces for experimentation.The warning signs that a team may be less healthy than the owner or leadership team believes.How operational clarity and team health work together to create steadier leaders and more scalable companies.Links and ResourcesLearn more about Ekatā Group: https://www.ekatagroup.comContact Ekatā Group: [email protected] TransformCXO: https://transformcxo.comIf this episode resonates, share it with a fellow leader who needs to hear it. And if you’re ready to unlock your capacity and lead from your zone of genius, book a conversation with Kristyn and the TCXO team.🎧  👉 Subscribe to Unlocked with Kristyn Drennen on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube — and share this episode with a visionary leader who needs to hear it.Learn more about TransformCXO: https://transformcxo.comConnect with Kristyn Drennen on LinkedIn: Kristyn’s LinkedIn Follow Kristyn on Instagram: @kristyndrennencxo

From the outside, success can look polished, beautiful, and almost effortless. The thriving business. The strong family. The bold life decisions. The meaningful work. The opportunities people dream about. For business owners and visionary leaders, it can start to feel like everyone else has somehow figured out how to scale, lead, parent, travel, serve, and build a beautiful life without carrying the same weight.But that is never the full story.In this episode of Unlocked, Kristyn launches a new recurring series arc: IG vs. IRL. The purpose is not to tear down success or minimize the beautiful parts of a full life. It is to tell the truth about what success actually requires behind the scenes: the pressure, trade-offs, logistics, lonely moments, family conversations, leadership decisions, and emotional discipline that rarely make it into the highlight reel.This conversation explores what it feels like to build a meaningful life while carrying real responsibility. Kristyn and Amanda Barkey discuss business ownership, family rhythms, travel, resilience, reframing “busy,” and the intentional systems that help leaders keep moving with clarity instead of chaos. Amanda brings a rare blend of honesty and practicality as she talks about building and scaling businesses, navigating a major life move, raising five children, applying EOS tools in her family life, and learning how to stay present in whatever season she is in.For business owners, this episode speaks directly to the private question many leaders carry: Why does success seem so easy for everyone else, when mine feels so full, complicated, and heavy at times? The answer is not that you are behind. It may simply be that you are finally seeing the real version of leadership, growth, and life design.This episode is an invitation to stop comparing your behind-the-scenes reality to someone else’s curated version of success. The truth is, simple does not always mean easy. Full does not always mean wrong. And the life you once prayed for may still require structure, resilience, faith, communication, and intentional choices to sustain it.Links and ResourcesLearn more about Amanda Barkey: AmandaBarkey.comAmanda’s EOS Worldwide profile: Amanda Barkey, Certified EOS® ImplementerConnect with Amanda Barkey on LinkedInIf this episode resonates, share it with a fellow leader who needs to hear it. And if you’re ready to unlock your capacity and lead from your zone of genius, book a conversation with Kristyn and the TCXO team.🎧  👉 Subscribe to Unlocked with Kristyn Drennen on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube — and share this episode with a visionary leader who needs to hear it.Learn more about TransformCXO: https://transformcxo.comConnect with Kristyn Drennen on LinkedIn: Kristyn’s LinkedIn Follow Kristyn on Instagram: @kristyndrennencxo

At some point in every business, the question isn’t “can you manage the finances?”It’s “should you still be the one doing it?”In this conversation, Kristyn sits down with Ryan Baer of CFO Selections to unpack a pattern they both see every day: high-performing business owners who have successfully delegated nearly every function… except finance.Not because they love it. Not because they’re the best at it.But because it feels too important to let go.The problem? What once worked becomes the very thing that limits growth, clouds decision-making, and quietly erodes the value of the business.This episode challenges you to take an honest look at your finance seat and whether staying in it is truly serving your business anymore.What You’ll LearnWhy so many business owners stay stuck in the finance seat longer than they shouldThe difference between having financial data and actually having clarityHow strong finance leadership turns numbers into simple, actionable decisionsThe behavioral side of finance and why control is often the real issueWhat “owner dependency” really looks like (and how it impacts value)The most common blind spots when owners think they’re ready for an exitHow to identify the right level of financial support for your stage of growthWhy process, controls, and structure matter more than most reportsThe real signals that it’s time to step out of the finance seatThe Hard Truth Most Owners AvoidYou didn’t build your business by accident.But you may be holding it back without realizing it.Many owners stay in the finance seat because:“I’ve always done it this way”“I don’t fully trust anyone else yet”“I should understand this before I hand it off”The Reality: If you can’t clearly explain what’s happening in your numbers and what to do about it, you’re not leading your business from a position of clarity. You’re reacting. Over time, that gap shows up in slower decisions, missed opportunities, and increased risk.A Better Way to Think About ItThe goal isn’t to remove yourself from your financials. It’s to elevate how they serve you. Great finance leadership doesn’t just produce reports. It answers three questions:What’s happening?Why is it happening?What should we do next?If your current setup isn’t doing that, it’s not a reporting issue—it’s a leadership gap.Connect with Ryan Baer & CFO SelectionsEmail Ryan:[email protected] on LinkedIn:  Ryan’s LinkedIn ProfileLearn more about CFO Selections:  Website LinkResources & Next StepsSign up for the TransformCXO Sound, Steady, and Strong NewsletterTake the Founder Freedom ScoreConnect with TransformCXO: Contact TransformCXO

Many founders start their businesses because they love building, creating, and solving big problems — but somewhere along the way, they become the bottleneck. In this episode of Unlocked, Kristyn Drennen is joined by EOS Implementer Charlie Rhea to break down the leadership structure that helps founders scale without burning out: the visionary–integrator partnership.Charlie explains the critical distinction between an EOS Implementer and an Integrator, why those roles are often confused, and how they work together to support healthy execution. Kristyn shares real-world examples from her work as a fractional integrator, including why asking a visionary to also lead, manage, and hold a leadership team accountable almost always backfires.Together, they dive deep into the visionary seat — what it is, what it is not, and why so many founders struggle to step fully into it. From protecting culture and casting vision to creating space for strategic thinking, this conversation gives founders a clear picture of what leadership looks like when it’s functioning well.This episode is especially timely for leaders heading into annual planning, navigating growth complexity, or feeling stuck between strategy and execution. If you want your business to grow beyond you — without losing control — this conversation will give you practical clarity on what needs to change next.KEY HIGHLIGHTSThe difference between an EOS Implementer and an Integrator — and why confusing the two creates frictionWhy visionaries struggle when they try to lead, manage, and hold their teams accountableWhat the visionary seat actually owns when it’s working wellHow the visionary–integrator relationship drives leadership team effectivenessPractical ways to keep vision alive inside the business — not just on paperLINKS & RESOURCESDiscover your Founder’s Freedom Score! Free tools, instant results: Founder's Freedom ScoreLearn more about EOS Worldwide: https://www.eosworldwide.comConnect with Charlie Rhea on LinkedInRecommended Books:Traction by Gino WickmanRocket Fuel by Gino WickmanLiving Forward by Michael Hyatt & Daniel HarkavyIf this episode resonates, share it with a fellow leader who needs to hear it. And if you’re ready to unlock your capacity and lead from your zone of genius, book a conversation with Kristyn and the TCXO team.🎧  👉 Subscribe to Unlocked with Kristyn Drennen on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube — and share this episode with a visionary leader who needs to hear it.Learn more about TransformCXO: https://transformcxo.comConnect with Kristyn Drennen on LinkedIn: Kristyn’s LinkedIn Follow Kristyn on Instagram: @kristyndrennencxo 

What actually makes a business operating system work — and why do so many fail to deliver the clarity leaders expect?In this episode of Unlocked, Kristyn Drennen is joined by John Kitchens, a seasoned business coach with deep experience in EOS, Scaling Up, and operational leadership. Together, they unpack what operating systems really are, when a business is ready for one, and why the “install and forget” mindset leads to disappointment.The conversation goes far beyond frameworks. John and Kristyn explore the intersection of operating systems, financial acumen, AI, and leadership development — including the growing divide between transactional businesses and those built on experience and long-term value. John also shares why mentorship and leadership pipelines matter more than ever as AI reshapes entry-level roles.This episode is a must-listen for founders, integrators, and leadership teams who want structure without rigidity — and growth without burning out.Key HighlightsWhat a business operating system really is (without the jargon)How to know when your company is ready for EOS, Scaling Up, or another frameworkWhy financial ownership is critical in the integrator roleAI as a thought partner — not a crutchThe future of leadership, mentorship, and experience-driven businessesLinks & ResourcesConnect with John: https://johnkitchens.coachJohn Kitchens Coach PodcastFollow John on LinkedIn & social platforms: @JohnKitchensCoachBook Recommendations from this episodeTraction – Gino WickmanScaling Up – Verne HarnishThe AI-Driven Leader – Geoff WoodsUnreasonable Hospitality – Will GuidaraHug Your Customers – Jack MitchellRaving Fans – Ken Blanchard & Sheldon BowlesGiftology – John RuhlinIf this episode resonates, share it with a fellow leader who needs to hear it. And if you’re ready to unlock your capacity and lead from your zone of genius, book a conversation with Kristyn and the TCXO team.🎧  👉 Subscribe to Unlocked with Kristyn Drennen on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube — and share this episode with a visionary leader who needs to hear it.Learn more about TransformCXO: https://transformcxo.comConnect with Kristyn Drennen on LinkedIn: Kristyn’s LinkedIn Follow Kristyn on Instagram: @kristyndrennencxo 

In this deeply personal and practical conversation, Kristyn Drennen sits down with TransformCXO co-founder Paulina Walters to unpack what it truly means to operate a business as a ministry—without sacrificing performance, profitability, or accountability.Drawing from Paulina’s journey through C12 and her evolution as a leader, the conversation explores how faith, stewardship, and intentional leadership practices shape healthier organizations. Together, they discuss how leaders often operate from depletion rather than purpose, and how shifting that posture can radically transform culture, retention, and results.Kristyn and Paulina also share the framework that anchors TransformCXO’s mission: Sound Businesses. Steady Leaders. Strong Families. The episode highlights why leadership steadiness creates organizational calm, how people-first cultures outperform over time, and why profit and purpose are not competing priorities—but reinforcing ones.This episode is for business owners and leaders who feel stretched thin, are questioning how they show up at work and at home, and want to build something meaningful without doing it alone.Key HighlightsWhat “business as a ministry” actually means in practiceWhy leading from depletion undermines both people and performanceHow people-first leadership improves retention and long-term profitabilityThe role of peer advisory groups like C12 in leadership formationThe ripple effect from steady leaders to families and communitiesLinks & ResourcesConnect with Paulina Walters on LinkedInExplore TransformCXO: https://transformcxo.comGet your Founder’s Freedom Score: https://transformcxo.comIf this episode resonates, share it with a fellow leader who needs to hear it. And if you’re ready to unlock your capacity and lead from your zone of genius, book a conversation with Kristyn and the TCXO team.🎧  👉 Subscribe to Unlocked with Kristyn Drennen on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube — and share this episode with a visionary leader who needs to hear it.Learn more about TransformCXO: https://transformcxo.comConnect with Kristyn Drennen on LinkedIn: Kristyn’s LinkedIn Follow Kristyn on Instagram: @kristyndrennencxo 

Mergers test everything: leadership, communication, trust, and culture. Many organizations focus on systems, contracts, and integration plans, but overlook the human experience inside the transition.In this episode of Unlocked, Kristyn is joined by Sara Hoffman, Managing Partner at Conexus Insurance Partners, for a candid conversation about designing a people-first organization in the midst of growth and change.Sara shares how Conexus approached their merger with intention, using clear leadership rhythms, consistent communication, and shared accountability to keep people aligned. Rather than relying on slogans or values statements alone, the leadership team focused on building structures that reinforced trust and clarity week after week.You’ll hear how separating ownership conversations from leadership execution created psychological safety, why predictable communication rhythms reduced uncertainty, and how peer-to-peer recognition helped bring core values to life in a tangible way.This episode is especially relevant for leaders navigating mergers, acquisitions, partnerships, or rapid growth who want to protect culture while still driving execution.What You’ll LearnWhy most mergers struggle with culture, even when the strategy is soundHow leadership rhythms and meeting structure shape the employee experienceThe importance of separating ownership dynamics from leadership executionHow peer recognition reinforces values more effectively than top-down messagingWhat it really means to design a people-first organization, not just talk about oneAbout the GuestSara Hoffman is a Managing Partner at Conexus Insurance Partners, where she helps lead a growing, people-centered organization built on clarity, trust, and intentional leadership. Sara brings a grounded, practical perspective on culture, communication, and what it takes to lead well through change.Links & ResourcesLearn more about Conexus Insurance PartnersConnect with Sara Hoffman on LinkedInExplore TransformCXO and fractional Integrator/COO support

In this episode of Unlocked, Kristyn sits down with organizational transformation expert Noel Andrews-Sotta to explore why change management is far more relevant and human than leaders realize. Noel introduces her Change Compass, a simple framework that helps teams navigate uncertainty with clarity, confidence, and stability.Most leaders think change management is only necessary in the “big” moments: acquisitions, restructures, major system rollouts. But the truth is, the micro-changes happening inside your business every day have a far greater impact on performance, culture, and emotional bandwidth.In this deeply practical episode, Kristyn and Noel unpack the subtle ways change shows up in an organization and how leaders can guide their teams through it with more empathy, steadiness, and strategic clarity.Noel shares her signature framework, The Change Compass, built around four simple but powerful questions that reveal what’s truly shifting, what’s stable, what’s known, and what still needs clarity. This tool has helped executive teams calm chaos, align messaging, resolve issues faster, and rebuild trust in moments of uncertainty.Listeners will learn how to apply this method during weekly leadership meetings, one-on-ones, process updates, team changes, and any moment where overwhelm or ambiguity begins to impact performance.Whether you're scaling quickly, restructuring, adding new roles, or simply navigating everyday disruptions, this episode gives you a clear and human-centered way to lead people through change, big or small.Key HighlightsWhy change management is underutilized in small, everyday momentsThe psychology behind why teams resist changeHow leaders unintentionally create more instabilityHow to facilitate Noel’s Change Compass with your teamThe differences between “what is changing” vs. “what feels like change”How to rebuild trust when you don’t have all the answersWhy the change curve matters and how to normalize itHow to shift teams from a victim mindset to a hero mindsetLinks & ResourcesConnect with Noel on LinkedInLearn more about TransformCXO: https://transformcxo.comChange Curve Toolkit (recommended resource): LinkStay ConnectedIf this episode resonates, share it with a fellow leader who needs to hear it. And if you’re ready to unlock your capacity and lead from your zone of genius, book a conversation with Kristyn and the TCXO team.🎧  👉 Subscribe to Unlocked with Kristyn Drennen on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube — and share this episode with a visionary leader who needs to hear it.Learn more about TransformCXO: https://transformcxo.comConnect with Kristyn Drennen on LinkedIn: Kristyn’s LinkedIn Follow Kristyn on Instagram: @kristyndrennencxo 

What if your biggest obstacle isn’t lack of drive, but the very habits that made you successful? In this candid and practical episode, host Kristyn Drennen talks with executive coach David Shrum about what happens when high achievers plateau and how Meta Performance™ Coaching helps leaders break through the invisible ceilings that keep them stuck.David shares insights from his own leadership journey and explains how the shift from high performance to meta performance changes everything — from how you set goals to how you lead your team. Together, Kristyn and David unpack:The subtle “stuckness” that hides behind success.How curiosity, not advice, is the engine of great coaching.The athlete’s mindset — why growth requires getting back in the gym.The difference between performance at work and transformation through work.What to look for when hiring a truly great executive coach.Whether you’re an executive, entrepreneur, or lifelong learner, this conversation will challenge your assumptions about growth and inspire you to pursue the version of yourself you haven’t yet met.Key HighlightsThe “high performer problem” — and why doing more isn’t always the answer.How Meta Performance Coaching shifts focus from being the best to becoming limitless.Lessons from Amazon and Jeff Bezos on vision beyond success.The power of curiosity over advice in true coaching relationships.The connection between personal and professional transformation.Links & ResourcesLearn more about TransformCXO Executive Coaching: https://transformcxo.com/coachingConnect with David Shrum on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-shrumBook Recommendation: Beyond High Performance by Jason JaggardExplore more episodes at TransformCXO.com/Unlocked

The Data and Humanity Behind Great People Decisions with Brandon Kinsey, Co-Founder of Kinsey ManagementWhen financial pressure rises, even the best leaders can fall into the “layoff trap”—cutting too quickly, hiring too emotionally, or keeping the wrong person in the right seat.In this powerful conversation, Kristyn Drennen and Brandon Kinsey challenge how founders make people decisions when it matters most. They explore how behavioral strategy and data-driven insight can help leaders move from reaction to reflection—pairing heart with hard truth.Brandon shares how Predictive Index helps identify alignment, resilience, and pressure-handling styles within teams, while Kristyn brings an operational and leadership lens to show how structure and data work together to create clarity.Listeners will learn how to:Avoid emotional bias when restructuring or hiringDiagnose leadership health and team fitUse behavioral data to strengthen decision-makingBalance courage, clarity, and compassion in moments of pressureCreate alignment around vision, communication, and credibilityIf you’ve ever wrestled with a tough leadership call, this episode will help you see people decisions through a more courageous, strategic lens—one grounded in both data and humanity.Key HighlightsThe hidden cost of the “layoff trap” and how founders can avoid itWhy gut-based decisions often create long-term culture damageFive alignment anchors every healthy team needsThe right time to use behavioral assessments in hiring or restructuringHow to combine emotional intelligence with objective dataWhy courageous clarity is the ultimate leadership multiplierLinks & ResourcesLearn more about Kinsey Management: https://kinseymgmt.comConnect with Brandon Kinsey on LinkedInExplore leadership transformation with TransformCXO: https://transformcxo.comStay ConnectedIf this episode resonates, share it with a fellow leader who needs to hear it. And if you’re ready to unlock your capacity and lead from your zone of genius, book a conversation with Kristyn and the TCXO team.🎧  👉 Subscribe to Unlocked with Kristyn Drennen on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube — and share this episode with a visionary leader who needs to hear it.Learn more about TransformCXO: https://transformcxo.comConnect with Kristyn Drennen on LinkedIn: Kristyn’s LinkedIn Follow Kristyn on Instagram: @kristyndrennencxo 

Entrepreneurs pour everything into their business — but when it comes to their personal wealth, even the most successful leaders often find themselves disorganized or exposed.In this episode of Unlocked, host Kristyn Drennen sits down with Tiffany Charles, Chief Growth Officer at Destiny Capital, to explore why every entrepreneur needs a Personal Wealth Operating System™ — and how aligning your personal and business goals creates true financial freedom. Together they unpack:Why your business should be your wealth engine, not your retirement planHow to bridge the gap between business success and personal financial clarityThe emotional side of money and why vulnerability is a leadership strengthWhat to do when your personal wealth feels messy, scattered, or reactiveSimple ways to start building structure and intentionality into your financial lifeResources Mentioned:Song: “Regulate” by Warren G & Nate Dogg — Tiffany’s ultimate walk-up anthemSphere Rocket Virtual Assistant Company – Kristyn’s go-to recommendation for virtual assistant supportLearn more about Destiny Capital: www.destinycapital.comConnect with Tiffany Charles on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tiffanycharlesEmail: [email protected] ConnectedIf this episode resonates, share it with a fellow leader who needs to hear it. And if you’re ready to unlock your capacity and lead from your zone of genius, book a conversation with Kristyn and the TCXO team.🎧  👉 Subscribe to Unlocked with Kristyn Drennen on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube — and share this episode with a visionary leader who needs to hear it.Learn more about TransformCXO: https://transformcxo.comConnect with Kristyn Drennen on LinkedIn: Kristyn’s LinkedIn Follow Kristyn on Instagram: @kristyndrennencxo 

Are you spending your best energy on the right things—or are you buried in tasks that drain you?In this solo episode, Kristyn Drennen breaks down the Delegate & Elevate strategy, a simple yet transformative exercise that helps leaders reclaim their time, focus on their zone of genius, and unlock capacity for what truly matters.Kristyn walks through the five steps of the framework:Find your 100% — define the hours you’re willing to work and still feel balancedList everything you do — get it all out of your head and onto paperList everything you should do — surface the strategic work that keeps getting pushed asideEvaluate your list — use the four quadrants to see where your time really belongsDelegate and elevate — free yourself from tasks that don’t serve your geniusYou’ll learn how to spot what belongs on your plate, what your team can take on, and how to elevate yourself back into the leadership role your business truly needs.Why it matters:When leaders make these shifts, they don’t just lighten their workload—they rediscover their energy, strengthen their teams, and fall back in love with their business.Resources & LinksDownload the Delegate & Elevate WorksheetLearn more about how TransformCXO helps leaders elevate at transformcxo.comSchedule a Discovery Call with Kristyn's preferred VA Company: SphereRocketStay ConnectedIf this episode resonates, share it with a fellow leader who needs to hear it. And if you’re ready to unlock your capacity and lead from your zone of genius, book a conversation with Kristyn and the TCXO team.🎧  👉 Subscribe to Unlocked with Kristyn Drennen on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube — and share this episode with a visionary leader who needs to hear it.Learn more about TransformCXO: https://transformcxo.comConnect with Kristyn Drennen on LinkedIn: Kristyn’s LinkedIn Follow Kristyn on Instagram: @kristyndrennencxo 

High performers love to push, grind, and go — but what if the missing link to greater results isn’t more effort, but better rest?In this episode of Unlocked, host Kristyn Drennen sits down with David Shrum, a Meta Performance™ Executive Coach and former EMS Director, to unpack why rest is not a luxury, but a critical discipline for leaders. Together they explore:The difference between passive breaks and active restHow to uncover and rewrite the limiting stories leaders carry about restWhat to do when you feel overwhelmed by vision — or starved for itWhy protecting your “furnace” of energy fuels better leadership, better families, and better resultsResources Mentioned:Rest: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less by Alex PangSleeping At Last’s Enneagram Album (especially songs 6 & 8)Connect with David Shrum on LinkedIn or via email.Reference Correction: Using furnace as a description for our energy reserves and the necessity to protect it comes from Jason Jaggard in his book Beyond High Performance.🎧  👉 Subscribe to Unlocked with Kristyn Drennen on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube — and share this episode with a visionary leader who needs to hear it.Learn more about TransformCXO: https://transformcxo.comConnect with Kristyn Drennen on LinkedIn: Kristyn’s LinkedIn Follow Kristyn on Instagram: @kristyndrennencxo 

Summary:What happens when loyalty clashes with leadership? In this episode of Unlocked, host Kristyn Drennen sits down with powerhouse real estate leader Tina Caul to explore the messy middle of growing a business: wrong seats, tough calls, team misalignment, and the freedom that comes from making the hard decisions faster.Listeners will hear:●      How to navigate wrong person/right seat dilemmas●      The politics of titles, silos, and fragile egos●      The turning point that forced Tina to change course●      How finding her perfect integrator unlocked freedom and growth●      Tina’s “Extra 10%”: the one soul-check question every visionary should askCall to Action:Follow Tina on Instagram @tina_caul and on Facebook at Tina Caul. 👉 Subscribe to Unlocked with Kristyn Drennen on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube — and share this episode with a visionary leader who needs to hear it.Learn more about TransformCXO: https://transformcxo.comConnect with Kristyn Drennen on LinkedIn: Kristyn’s LinkedIn Follow Kristyn on Instagram: @kristyndrennencxo 

High performers often pride themselves on their ability to grind—but at what cost?Andrew Hartman knows this story firsthand. As a scaling COO, he pushed himself to the breaking point, sacrificing his health, relationships, and sense of presence until burnout forced a change. That journey led Andrew and his wife, Kelly, to create Time Boss, a system designed to help leaders and teams run at their highest sustainable pace.In this conversation with host Kristyn Drennen, Andrew shares:His personal story of stress-induced health struggles and how burnout reshaped his career.Why “time is cash, not credit” and how leaders should budget it wisely.The simple weekly practices that unlock clarity, focus, and productivity.Why personal commitments like workouts, date nights, and family time must be non-negotiable.How companies can set healthy communication norms to reduce chaos and increase deep work.Kristyn and Andrew also dive into practical takeaways—how to stop letting your inbox run your day, how to reframe your calendar as a reflection of your values, and why leaders must move beyond tolerating life to choosing the life they want.Whether you’re a visionary business owner, an overwhelmed executive, or simply someone who wants to reclaim their time, this episode will leave you with tools and encouragement to step into a new way of working and living.Key HighlightsAndrew’s raw story of burnout and recovery.The danger of “sprinting a marathon” in leadership.Why personal commitments should be treated like fixed costs.The Time Boss system: backlog, calendar, and daily list.Practical tips to reset, recover, and lead with clarity.Links & ResourcesLearn more about Time Boss: https://timeboss.usConnect with Andrew Hartman on LinkedIn: Andrew Hartman LinkedInWatch the free Time Boss Masterclass: https://timeboss.us/masterclassIf you enjoyed this episode, please follow Unlocked with Kristyn Drennen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and don't forget to rate, review and subscribe. Explore Kristyn’s work with TransformCXO: https://transformcxo.com

Welcome to the debut of Unlocked with Kristyn Drennen—a podcast for visionary leaders ready to discover what’s next.In this opening conversation, producer Jon Ekstrom interviews Kristyn to set the stage for the episodes ahead. Kristyn shares her story of building TransformCXO, where she and her team of fractional executives help business owners prepare for scale and high-value exits. She reflects on her philosophy of combining horsepower and joy in business—a fresh alternative to hustle culture—and why aligning values with execution is the key to lasting success.You’ll also hear:The personal story behind Kristyn’s drive to help owners prepare for business transitions.A candid look at why 90% of business owners regret selling their companies—and how to avoid it.The importance of intangible capital (people, processes, customers, culture) in building real enterprise value.A powerful framework for shifting from working in the business to working on the business.Kristyn’s commitment to leaving every listener with something tactical and actionable.This episode also features the first Unfiltered segment—a fun look at Kristyn’s walk-up song, guilty pleasures, and the experiences that humanize her beyond the boardroom.Key HighlightsWhy Kristyn launched Unlocked and what listeners can expect.The difference between transactional leadership and relational impact.Case studies of two mergers—and why one thrived while the other failed.The “Delegate & Elevate” mindset shift every leader needs.Kristyn’s belief that better businesses create stronger families and communities.Links & ResourcesLearn more about TransformCXO: https://transformcxo.comConnect with Kristyn Drennen on LinkedIn: Kristyn’s LinkedIn Follow Kristyn on Instagram: @kristyndrennencxo If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Unlocked with Kristyn Drennen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and don't forget to rate, review and subscribe. For more tools and insights, visit TransformCXO.com