90. When the Super Woman Facade Stops Working with Dr. Kristen Strom

What happens when achievement starts costing you aliveness? Dr. Kristen Strom joins the show to share her story of chasing success as a professor, wife, and mother—only to realize that the life she'd built was slowly draining the life out of her. From missing her kids' sporting events to feeling numb at the mention of a university teaching award, Kristen opens up about the red flags she ignored, the wake-up calls she couldn't, and the small, daily habits that quietly rewrote her entire future. We talk about what it really takes to stop hustling, start listening to your body, and build a life where you don't have to sacrifice the people you love to do the work you love. If you've ever looked in the mirror and not recognized the woman staring back, this conversation is for you. HIGHLIGHTS - Kristen's realization that she was succeeding professionally but losing herself personally—missing her kids' events, running on empty, and ignoring years of physical red flags - The numbness that set in even after receiving a student-nominated teaching award and a national publication—achievements she'd worked her whole career for - How her son's words in the car one morning became a mirror reflecting her own stress back at her - The two wake-up call moments: a vacation photo where she didn't recognize herself, and a mirror moment at 38 wondering what her 40s would feel like if nothing changed - The health reset Kristen and her husband undertook together—from nutrition and fitness to mindset and emotional wellness - Kristen's 10-minute power practice: brain dumping, setting three intentions, and expressing gratitude before the day begins - Why high achievers should think smaller, not bigger, when creating change—and how tiny habits compound over time - The identity work required to believe you're worth the investment—and to envision a future self worth becoming - How fear and discomfort are not signs to stop but signals that you're in the growth process - Kristen's transition from professor to speaker and transformational life coach, and her mission to help women thrive without turning healing into another achievement - The power of getting quiet enough to hear what you actually want—and the freedom of saying no to good opportunities that don't align CHAPTERS 2:22 — Professor Life Pressure Cooker 3:59 — Red Flags And Burnout 5:56 — Numb To Achievements 7:54 — Kids Mirror The Stress 11:02 — Restoring Marriage And Home 11:56 — Health Reset And Mindset 15:38 — Two Wake-Up Call Moments 17:16 — What Do You Want Instead 18:37 — Small Habits That Stick 21:21 — Ten Minute Power Practice 23:45 — Dream Smaller, Compound Wins 26:52 — Identity, Beliefs, And Future Self 29:22 — Fear, Peaks, And Resilience 31:13 — Turning Healing Into Purpose 35:07 — Quiet Clarity And Saying No 38:04 — How To Work With Kristen 39:08 — Final Thanks And Wrap-Up RESOURCES MENTIONED Dr. Kristen Strom's website Want to learn more? The Thread Be sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedIn This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network. Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.