Leadership today requires more than titles, performance metrics, or relentless achievement. For many women in leadership—especially those in male-dominated industries—the real challenge isn’t capability, it’s identity.
In this powerful joint episode of the Hello Moxie Podcast, Nicole Donnelly sits down with Kristina Schmitt, Leadership Coach, former manufacturing executive, and host of the Business Building Blocks podcast, to explore what it truly means to lead with strength, self-trust, and moxie.
Their conversation dives deep into women in leadership, burnout, strengths-based leadership, and how reconnecting with who you are—not what you do—can change everything.
When Leadership Becomes Identity
Kristina spent years leading in manufacturing, often as the only woman in the room. While she was confident and capable, she shared how subtly her role began to define her sense of self.
“I allowed my role to become my identity, instead of just feeling mighty within myself.”
This is a common experience for high-achieving women. Titles can provide validation, but when identity becomes tied to performance, leadership can feel fragile. Any setback feels personal. Any transition feels like loss.
Kristina shared that stepping away from her role as a plant manager initially felt like losing part of herself—but ultimately became the path to greater clarity and confidence.
“Stepping out of manufacturing actually helped me feel more mighty than I ever did inside the role.”
Women in Male-Dominated Industries
As a woman in manufacturing, Kristina described moments of both strength and intimidation—particularly when she was young, leading teams of older men.
“Most of the time I forgot I was the only woman in the room—until there were moments when it became extremely obvious.”
Rather than framing her experience as a deficit, Kristina reflected on how these environments shaped her resilience. Still, she emphasized how critical it is for women leaders to anchor their identity internally rather than relying on external validation.
This insight is especially relevant for women navigating male-dominated industries, where leadership norms often undervalue relational strengths, empathy, and intuition.
Strengths-Based Leadership & Working Genius
A turning point in Kristina’s leadership journey came through discovering the Six Types of Working Genius, a strengths-based leadership framework created by Patrick Lencioni.
The model helps leaders identify:
-
Their natural geniuses
-
Their competencies
-
And their areas of frustration
“When you realize someone is struggling because of frustration—not a character flaw—everything changes.”
Kristina now uses this framework in her coaching work to help leaders:
-
Reduce burnout
-
Increase team effectiveness
-
Build empathy
-
Create sustainable leadership systems
For women leaders especially, strengths-based leadership can be a powerful antidote to overachievement and chronic self-doubt.
Stillness, Burnout, and Self-Trust
Nicole shared how burnout led her to develop the Moxie Method, a leadership framework grounded in somatic awareness, stillness, and self-trust.
Instead of pushing harder, Nicole learned to slow down and listen to her body—rebuilding confidence from the inside out.
Kristina echoed how rare, yet essential, this practice is for leaders:
“Sitting still is hard—but it’s often where the clarity comes from.”
Burnout, they discussed, isn’t a failure of ambition. It’s often a signal that leaders are operating outside their natural strengths and ignoring their nervous system.
Women Inspiring Women
One of the most touching moments of the episode came when Kristina shared about a woman who deeply inspired her—not a historical figure, but a close friend named Laura.
Laura played a pivotal role by continually inviting Kristina into growth, faith, and community—helping her take courageous steps toward a new chapter.
“Sometimes all it takes is someone who keeps inviting you to take the next step.”
It’s a reminder that leadership isn’t always loud. Often, it’s relational, patient, and quietly transformative.
Key Takeaways for Women in Leadership
1. Your role is not your identity
Leadership is who you are, not the title you hold.
2. Strengths reduce burnout
Working in your natural genius creates energy instead of exhaustion.
3. Stillness builds self-trust
Slowing down helps leaders reconnect with intuition and clarity.
4. Women lead differently—and that’s a strength
Empathy, energy, and connection are not weaknesses.
5. Invitation is a powerful leadership tool
Growth often begins with one encouraging voice.
Final Thoughts
Leadership with moxie isn’t about pushing harder—it’s about leading from alignment.
As Kristina Schmitt’s journey shows, when women reclaim their identity, honor their strengths, and trust themselves, leadership becomes sustainable, impactful, and deeply human.
“If you’re given the inkling to do something, just do it—something is there pushing you forward.”
