<![CDATA[Tripoint Conversations]]>Tripoint Conversations is about the things we’re all trying to figure out: how to build a business, lead better, raise a family, make a change, create better habits, and be more intentional with the life we’re building.

Hosted by Kristina Lowe, founder of Tripoint Strategic Group, each episode features honest conversations with entrepreneurs, business leaders, parents, experts, and people with experiences worth learning from.

These aren’t polished success stories. They’re conversations about what actually worked, what didn’t, what people learned along the way, and the practical advice they’d give someone navigating the same thing.

From entrepreneurship and leadership to parenting, personal growth, habits, and work-life balance, Tripoint Conversations is about learning from people who have figured something out and asking the questions that might help the rest of us figure it out too.

]]>https://www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcastRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Wed, 14 Oct 2026 18:11:26 GMTMon, 10 Nov 2025 15:09:37 GMT60Kristina Lowe<p>Tripoint Conversations is about the things we’re all trying to figure out: how to build a business, lead better, raise a family, make a change, create better habits, and be more intentional with the life we’re building.<br /><br />Hosted by Kristina Lowe, founder of Tripoint Strategic Group, each episode features honest conversations with entrepreneurs, business leaders, parents, experts, and people with experiences worth learning from.<br /><br />These aren’t polished success stories. They’re conversations about what actually worked, what didn’t, what people learned along the way, and the practical advice they’d give someone navigating the same thing.<br /><br />From entrepreneurship and leadership to parenting, personal growth, habits, and work-life balance, Tripoint Conversations is about learning from people who have figured something out and asking the questions that might help the rest of us figure it out too.</p>episodicKristina Loweklowe@tripointstrategicgroup.comno<![CDATA[Brynn Heckendorn | How Habit Stacking, Faith and Intentional Living Reshaped Her Family]]>Mornings didn’t always start with a one-mile run, three boys making their beds and a family devotional before everyone headed in different directions for school and work. But that’s what most mornings look like now at Brynn Heckendorn’s house.

Brynn and her husband have been building and adjusting their family routines for the past five years. They started by removing screens from the morning. Once that became part of their routine, they added checklists. Later came the family run, and eventually, the devotional. Brynn calls it habit stacking: making one change, sticking with it, then adding another when the family is ready.

That same willingness to make a change has shaped other parts of their lives. Brynn and her husband found a church home and made faith a priority, even with three boys in sports. They’ve become more intentional about making time for their marriage.

In this episode, Brynn talks about raising three boys with different personalities in a blended family, setting expectations around screens and sports, and preparing them for more independence. She also shares what has changed for her and her husband as they’ve put their own priorities into practice.

If you’re wondering where to start in your own home, Brynn’s advice is to find the part of the day creating the most friction, choose one thing to change and give it time.

You can find Brynn at:
TikTok @brynnheckendorn
Instagram @brynnheckendorn

About Brynn Heckendorn
Brynn Heckendorn is a wife, mom of three boys and the creator of HeckofaLife. She shares the real routines behind raising a blended family, from morning runs and family standards to faith, marriage and choosing sobriety. Her goal is not to give parents another picture of perfection, but to show how small, consistent changes can create a calmer home and help prepare children for independence.

About Kristina Lowe
Kristina Lowe is the founder of Tripoint Strategic Group, where she works with businesses and organizations on strategy, marketing and growth. She is also the host of Tripoint Conversations, exploring the stories, decisions and experiences that shape how people build and lead.

To learn more or be a guest, visit:
tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast

Tripoint Conversations is independently produced. If you’d like to help keep these conversations coming, you can support the podcast here:
tripointstrategicgroup.com/support

]]>ec946dd8-b991-402d-b9a8-998da1d58165Tue, 29 Sep 2026 18:29:42 GMT<p>Mornings didn’t always start with a one-mile run, three boys making their beds and a family devotional before everyone headed in different directions for school and work. But that’s what most mornings look like now at Brynn Heckendorn’s house.</p><p>Brynn and her husband have been building and adjusting their family routines for the past five years. They started by removing screens from the morning. Once that became part of their routine, they added checklists. Later came the family run, and eventually, the devotional. Brynn calls it habit stacking: making one change, sticking with it, then adding another when the family is ready.</p><p>That same willingness to make a change has shaped other parts of their lives. Brynn and her husband found a church home and made faith a priority, even with three boys in sports. They’ve become more intentional about making time for their marriage.</p><p>In this episode, Brynn talks about raising three boys with different personalities in a blended family, setting expectations around screens and sports, and preparing them for more independence. She also shares what has changed for her and her husband as they’ve put their own priorities into practice.</p><p>If you’re wondering where to start in your own home, Brynn’s advice is to find the part of the day creating the most friction, choose one thing to change and give it time.</p><p>You can find Brynn at: <br />TikTok @brynnheckendorn<br />Instagram @brynnheckendorn</p><p><b><strong>About Brynn Heckendorn</strong></b><br />Brynn Heckendorn is a wife, mom of three boys and the creator of HeckofaLife. She shares the real routines behind raising a blended family, from morning runs and family standards to faith, marriage and choosing sobriety. Her goal is not to give parents another picture of perfection, but to show how small, consistent changes can create a calmer home and help prepare children for independence.</p><p>About Kristina Lowe<br />Kristina Lowe is the founder of Tripoint Strategic Group, where she works with businesses and organizations on strategy, marketing and growth. She is also the host of Tripoint Conversations, exploring the stories, decisions and experiences that shape how people build and lead.</p><p>To learn more or be a guest, visit:<br />tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast</p><p>Tripoint Conversations is independently produced. If you’d like to help keep these conversations coming, you can support the podcast here:<br />tripointstrategicgroup.com/support</p>no00:44:55125Brynn Heckendorn | How Habit Stacking, Faith and Intentional Living Reshaped Her Familyfull<![CDATA[Jessica Lattif | When Your Job Is Costing You Your Health]]>Jessica Lattif built a successful career in tech, rising from a support role to senior engineering management at companies including Meta, Salesforce and Stripe. But behind the title and compensation, work was taking a toll on her health and sense of self.

In this episode, Jessica shares how to recognize when a job is asking too much of you and what you can do when quitting is not an immediate option. She explains why documenting health concerns matters, how to explore workplace accommodations and leave benefits, and how “radical prioritization” can help you reclaim your time and energy.

She also offers practical ways to set boundaries, advocate for greater flexibility and reconnect with the parts of yourself that have nothing to do with your career.

About Jessica Lattif

Jessica Lattif is the founder of Not Working in Tech, a platform, podcast and coaching practice supporting people experiencing burnout, toxic workplaces and the feeling that they have lost themselves inside their careers. After more than a decade in tech, including leadership roles at Meta, Salesforce and Stripe, Jessica now uses her experience to help others protect their health, navigate difficult work situations and build lives that feel more sustainable.

Not Working in Tech → notworkingintech.com

TikTok → @notworkingintech

LinkedIn → Not Working in Tech

About Kristina Lowe

Kristina Lowe is the founder of Tripoint Strategic Group, where she works with businesses and organizations on strategy, marketing and growth. She is also the host of Tripoint Conversations, exploring the stories, decisions and experiences that shape how people build and lead.

To learn more or be a guest, visit:

tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast

Tripoint Conversations is independently produced. If you’d like to help keep these conversations coming, you can support the podcast here:

tripointstrategicgroup.com/support

]]>cf962547-ecdb-40a5-b4e8-762303291313Tue, 15 Sep 2026 18:12:55 GMT<p>Jessica Lattif built a successful career in tech, rising from a support role to senior engineering management at companies including Meta, Salesforce and Stripe. But behind the title and compensation, work was taking a toll on her health and sense of self.</p><p></p><p>In this episode, Jessica shares how to recognize when a job is asking too much of you and what you can do when quitting is not an immediate option. She explains why documenting health concerns matters, how to explore workplace accommodations and leave benefits, and how “radical prioritization” can help you reclaim your time and energy.</p><p></p><p>She also offers practical ways to set boundaries, advocate for greater flexibility and reconnect with the parts of yourself that have nothing to do with your career.</p><p></p><p><b>About Jessica Lattif</b></p><p>Jessica Lattif is the founder of Not Working in Tech, a platform, podcast and coaching practice supporting people experiencing burnout, toxic workplaces and the feeling that they have lost themselves inside their careers. After more than a decade in tech, including leadership roles at Meta, Salesforce and Stripe, Jessica now uses her experience to help others protect their health, navigate difficult work situations and build lives that feel more sustainable.</p><p></p><p>Not Working in Tech → <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://notworkingintech.com" target="_blank">notworkingintech.com</a></p><p>TikTok → @notworkingintech</p><p>LinkedIn → Not Working in Tech</p><p></p><p><b>About Kristina Lowe</b></p><p>Kristina Lowe is the founder of Tripoint Strategic Group, where she works with businesses and organizations on strategy, marketing and growth. She is also the host of Tripoint Conversations, exploring the stories, decisions and experiences that shape how people build and lead.</p><p></p><p>To learn more or be a guest, visit:</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast" target="_blank">tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast</a></p><p></p><p>Tripoint Conversations is independently produced. If you’d like to help keep these conversations coming, you can support the podcast here:</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://tripointstrategicgroup.com/support" target="_blank">tripointstrategicgroup.com/support</a></p><p></p>no00:32:04124Jessica Lattif | When Your Job Is Costing You Your Healthfull<![CDATA[Minhdoan Ngo | When Achievement Isn’t Enough: Finding Fulfillment Beyond Success]]>For years, Minhdoan Ngo did what many of us are taught to do: work hard, achieve more and keep moving toward the next goal.

He served in the Marine Corps, built a successful corporate career, invested in real estate and became a provider for his family. But eventually, he had to confront a harder question: Why weren’t all of those external measures of success creating the fulfillment he expected?

In this episode of Tripoint Conversations, Minhdoan, founder of Contagious Healer, shares what led him to stop looking outward and start paying attention to what was happening internally.

We talk about the pressure to perform, the expectations we carry from childhood, why we sometimes avoid uncomfortable emotions by fixing, explaining or shutting down, and how those patterns can follow us into our closest relationships.

More importantly, Minhdoan shares practical ways to start recognizing those patterns in your own life, including how to identify when you’re triggered, become more aware of what you’re actually feeling and respond differently in the moment.

It’s a conversation about what happens when achieving more stops being the answer, and the work of figuring out what actually is.

Learn more here: https://www.contagioushealer.com/

About Minhdoan Ngo

Minhdoan Ngo is a Marine Corps veteran, entrepreneur and founder of Contagious Healer. Drawing from his own journey from high achievement to greater self-awareness, he now helps men better understand the patterns shaping their lives and relationships. Through coaching, brotherhood programs and retreats, his work focuses on emotional awareness, vulnerability, personal growth and becoming more present for the people who matter most.

About Kristina Lowe

Kristina Lowe is the founder of Tripoint Strategic Group, where she works with businesses and organizations on strategy, marketing and growth. She is also the host of Tripoint Conversations, exploring the stories, decisions and experiences that shape how people build and lead.

To learn more or be a guest, visit:

tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast

Tripoint Conversations is independently produced. If you’d like to help keep these conversations coming, you can support the podcast here:

tripointstrategicgroup.com/support

]]>4e380666-96b5-4666-8ddb-f40a4c8e15acTue, 01 Sep 2026 11:48:03 GMT<p>For years, Minhdoan Ngo did what many of us are taught to do: work hard, achieve more and keep moving toward the next goal.</p><p></p><p>He served in the Marine Corps, built a successful corporate career, invested in real estate and became a provider for his family. But eventually, he had to confront a harder question: Why weren’t all of those external measures of success creating the fulfillment he expected?</p><p></p><p>In this episode of Tripoint Conversations, Minhdoan, founder of Contagious Healer, shares what led him to stop looking outward and start paying attention to what was happening internally.</p><p></p><p>We talk about the pressure to perform, the expectations we carry from childhood, why we sometimes avoid uncomfortable emotions by fixing, explaining or shutting down, and how those patterns can follow us into our closest relationships.</p><p></p><p>More importantly, Minhdoan shares practical ways to start recognizing those patterns in your own life, including how to identify when you’re triggered, become more aware of what you’re actually feeling and respond differently in the moment.</p><p></p><p>It’s a conversation about what happens when achieving more stops being the answer, and the work of figuring out what actually is.</p><p></p><p>Learn more here: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.contagioushealer.com/" target="_blank">https://www.contagioushealer.com/</a></p><p></p><p><b>About Minhdoan Ngo</b></p><p>Minhdoan Ngo is a Marine Corps veteran, entrepreneur and founder of Contagious Healer. Drawing from his own journey from high achievement to greater self-awareness, he now helps men better understand the patterns shaping their lives and relationships. Through coaching, brotherhood programs and retreats, his work focuses on emotional awareness, vulnerability, personal growth and becoming more present for the people who matter most.</p><p></p><p><b>About Kristina Lowe</b></p><p>Kristina Lowe is the founder of Tripoint Strategic Group, where she works with businesses and organizations on strategy, marketing and growth. She is also the host of Tripoint Conversations, exploring the stories, decisions and experiences that shape how people build and lead.</p><p></p><p>To learn more or be a guest, visit:</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast" target="_blank">tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast</a></p><p></p><p>Tripoint Conversations is independently produced. If you’d like to help keep these conversations coming, you can support the podcast here:</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://tripointstrategicgroup.com/support" target="_blank">tripointstrategicgroup.com/support</a></p><p></p>no00:55:15123Minhdoan Ngo | When Achievement Isn’t Enough: Finding Fulfillment Beyond Successfull<![CDATA[Jimmy Burroughes: How to Simplify Leadership and Amplify Performance]]>When a team is struggling, the usual response is to add something: another training program, a new process, more meetings, or another tool. But what if the problem is not a lack of effort or ability? What if capable people are being slowed down by competing priorities, unclear expectations, and leaders who are too involved in the day-to-day work?


In this episode, Jimmy Burroughes shares what he learned as a British Army officer, corporate general manager, and now founder of JBL High Performance. He explains how leaders can give their teams greater clarity, make better use of the expertise around them, and recognize when being helpful has turned them into the bottleneck.


Jimmy also shares practical ways to improve communication, decide what truly deserves your time, and determine what should be stopped, slowed down, or swapped when something new is added. You’ll also learn about a free assessment you can take to find out whether you are creating a bottleneck, or send to your boss if you suspect the problem may be coming from somewhere else.

The conversation also covers the early warning signs of burnout, why resilience cannot fix an unsustainable workload, and how AI may help leaders spend more time developing people and making better decisions.


About Jimmy Burroughes

Jimmy Burroughes is the founder of JBL High Performance and the creator of Simplify to Amplify, a leadership approach that helps organizations remove performance friction and equip leaders to work with greater clarity and impact.

A former British Army officer and corporate general manager, Jimmy has worked with thousands of leaders around the world. He is also the author of Beat Burnout, Ignite Performance and the creator of Aiden, an AI-powered performance and coaching platform.

Learn more and take the free leadership assessment at:

https://www.jblhighperformance.com


About Kristina Lowe

Kristina Lowe is the founder and strategic partner of Tripoint Strategic Group, a Louisville-based marketing and strategy firm helping businesses and nonprofits clarify their direction, strengthen their marketing, and turn ideas into action.


With more than 20 years of experience across marketing, product, and strategic growth, Kristina has led initiatives for global brands and now works alongside small to mid-sized organizations ready to grow.

She is also the host of Tripoint Conversations, where she talks with leaders, founders, and operators about the experiences that shaped them and the lessons others can put to work.

To learn more about working with Kristina or being a guest, visit:

https://www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast


Tripoint Conversations is independently produced. If you’d like to help keep these conversations coming, you can support the podcast here:

http://www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/support

]]>c778e040-6034-4126-af56-a8ee2c83a906Tue, 18 Aug 2026 08:00:00 GMT<p>When a team is struggling, the usual response is to add something: another training program, a new process, more meetings, or another tool. But what if the problem is not a lack of effort or ability? What if capable people are being slowed down by competing priorities, unclear expectations, and leaders who are too involved in the day-to-day work?</p><p><br />In this episode, Jimmy Burroughes shares what he learned as a British Army officer, corporate general manager, and now founder of JBL High Performance. He explains how leaders can give their teams greater clarity, make better use of the expertise around them, and recognize when being helpful has turned them into the bottleneck.</p><p><br />Jimmy also shares practical ways to improve communication, decide what truly deserves your time, and determine what should be stopped, slowed down, or swapped when something new is added. You’ll also learn about a free assessment you can take to find out whether you are creating a bottleneck, or send to your boss if you suspect the problem may be coming from somewhere else.<br /></p><p>The conversation also covers the early warning signs of burnout, why resilience cannot fix an unsustainable workload, and how AI may help leaders spend more time developing people and making better decisions.</p><p><br /><b>About Jimmy Burroughes</b></p><p>Jimmy Burroughes is the founder of JBL High Performance and the creator of Simplify to Amplify, a leadership approach that helps organizations remove performance friction and equip leaders to work with greater clarity and impact.<br /></p><p>A former British Army officer and corporate general manager, Jimmy has worked with thousands of leaders around the world. He is also the author of Beat Burnout, Ignite Performance and the creator of Aiden, an AI-powered performance and coaching platform.</p><p></p><p>Learn more and take the free leadership assessment at:</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.jblhighperformance.com" target="_blank">https://www.jblhighperformance.com</a></p><p><br /><b>About Kristina Lowe</b></p><p>Kristina Lowe is the founder and strategic partner of Tripoint Strategic Group, a Louisville-based marketing and strategy firm helping businesses and nonprofits clarify their direction, strengthen their marketing, and turn ideas into action.</p><p><br />With more than 20 years of experience across marketing, product, and strategic growth, Kristina has led initiatives for global brands and now works alongside small to mid-sized organizations ready to grow.</p><p>She is also the host of Tripoint Conversations, where she talks with leaders, founders, and operators about the experiences that shaped them and the lessons others can put to work.<br /></p><p>To learn more about working with Kristina or being a guest, visit:</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast" target="_blank">https://www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast</a></p><p><br />Tripoint Conversations is independently produced. If you’d like to help keep these conversations coming, you can support the podcast here:</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/support" target="_blank">http://www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/support</a></p><p></p>no01:01:17122Jimmy Burroughes: How to Simplify Leadership and Amplify Performancefull<![CDATA[Jason West | From a Traditional Remedy to Cancer Clinical Trials]]>A plant from the Middle East. A laboratory in a one-stoplight town in Kansas. And a question that has now turned into years of cancer research.

I recently sat down with Jason West, co-founder of Genzada Pharmaceuticals, to hear a story that is pretty hard to believe until you hear how it unfolded.

It starts with Jason’s father, Gene, who grew up near Jerusalem and remembered a plant that had been used as a traditional remedy for more than a thousand years. Years later, as a chemist living in Kansas, he decided to figure out what was actually in it.

That curiosity turned into something much bigger than any of them expected.

They began identifying and studying compounds in the plant. Word spread around their small Kansas town. People began asking for the tea they were making and sharing their experiences. But instead of assuming those stories proved anything, the family kept digging into the science.


Today, that work has grown into Genzada Pharmaceuticals, investigational cancer drugs and human clinical research.


Jason takes us through that journey and what happens when something interesting in a lab starts showing enough promise to keep pursuing it.

We talk about the years of research most of us never see, why his team considers itself its own biggest skeptic, what they’re learning about how their investigational drug may work, the nutritional supplements developed alongside the pharmaceutical research, and what it takes to move a potential drug through clinical trials.

There is still a lot they are working to understand and a long road between promising research and an approved treatment. But that might be what makes this story so interesting.

About Jason West

Jason West is Executive Vice President and Co-Founder of Genzada Pharmaceuticals and CEO of Hyatt Life Sciences. With a background in biology and law, Jason is helping lead Genzada’s development of investigational therapies and clinical research in oncology.

Learn more:

Genzada Pharmaceuticals: genzada.com

Hyatt Life Sciences: hyattlifesciences.com

About Kristina Lowe
Kristina Lowe is the founder of Tripoint Strategic Group, where she works with businesses and organizations on strategy, marketing and growth. She is also the host of Tripoint Conversations, exploring the stories, decisions and experiences that shape how people build and lead.

To learn more or be a guest, visit:

tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast


Tripoint Conversations is independently produced. If you’d like to help keep these conversations coming, you can support the podcast here:

tripointstrategicgroup.com/support

]]>0254574a-71d3-4f0e-85a0-a40bfb40e805Tue, 11 Aug 2026 22:29:17 GMT<p>A plant from the Middle East. A laboratory in a one-stoplight town in Kansas. And a question that has now turned into years of cancer research.<br /></p><p>I recently sat down with Jason West, co-founder of Genzada Pharmaceuticals, to hear a story that is pretty hard to believe until you hear how it unfolded.<br /></p><p>It starts with Jason’s father, Gene, who grew up near Jerusalem and remembered a plant that had been used as a traditional remedy for more than a thousand years. Years later, as a chemist living in Kansas, he decided to figure out what was actually in it.<br /></p><p>That curiosity turned into something much bigger than any of them expected.<br /></p><p>They began identifying and studying compounds in the plant. Word spread around their small Kansas town. People began asking for the tea they were making and sharing their experiences. But instead of assuming those stories proved anything, the family kept digging into the science.</p><p><br />Today, that work has grown into Genzada Pharmaceuticals, investigational cancer drugs and human clinical research.</p><p><br />Jason takes us through that journey and what happens when something interesting in a lab starts showing enough promise to keep pursuing it.<br /></p><p>We talk about the years of research most of us never see, why his team considers itself its own biggest skeptic, what they’re learning about how their investigational drug may work, the nutritional supplements developed alongside the pharmaceutical research, and what it takes to move a potential drug through clinical trials.<br /></p><p>There is still a lot they are working to understand and a long road between promising research and an approved treatment. But that might be what makes this story so interesting.<br /></p><p><b>About Jason West</b></p><p>Jason West is Executive Vice President and Co-Founder of Genzada Pharmaceuticals and CEO of Hyatt Life Sciences. With a background in biology and law, Jason is helping lead Genzada’s development of investigational therapies and clinical research in oncology.<br /></p><p>Learn more:</p><p>Genzada Pharmaceuticals: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://genzada.com" target="_blank">genzada.com</a></p><p>Hyatt Life Sciences: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://hyattlifesciences.com" target="_blank">hyattlifesciences.com</a><br /></p><p><b>About Kristina Lowe<br /></b>Kristina Lowe is the founder of Tripoint Strategic Group, where she works with businesses and organizations on strategy, marketing and growth. She is also the host of Tripoint Conversations, exploring the stories, decisions and experiences that shape how people build and lead.<br /></p><p>To learn more or be a guest, visit:</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast" target="_blank">tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast</a></p><p><br />Tripoint Conversations is independently produced. If you’d like to help keep these conversations coming, you can support the podcast here:</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://tripointstrategicgroup.com/support" target="_blank">tripointstrategicgroup.com/support</a></p><p></p>no00:51:54121Jason West | From a Traditional Remedy to Cancer Clinical Trialsfull<![CDATA[Frank Mesa | Are Your Decisions Helping You Evolve?]]>Have you ever stopped to think about where your everyday decisions are taking you?

Frank Mesa believes each decision moves us in one of three directions: we evolve, revolve, or devolve. We move forward, repeat the same patterns, or allow ourselves to move backward.

Frank knows what each of those looks like. He began his career as a train conductor and worked his way up to Chief Operations Training Officer at MTA Metro-North Railroad. While his career was moving forward, other areas of his life were not. He was nearly 100 pounds overweight, facing serious health issues, and relying on alcohol to manage stress.

In this conversation, Frank shares how he began recognizing the habits and emotions behind his choices and built a system for making better ones. His ERD framework, featured in his book Alchemy: It’s As Easy As E-R-D, offers a simple question to use when an idea, impulse, or emotion takes over: Will this decision help me evolve, keep me revolving, or cause me to devolve?

We also talk about the morning routine that changed his health, why success can create dangerous blind spots, what competing on the first season of The Amazing Race taught him about pressure and self-awareness, and how small decisions build momentum over time.

If you feel stuck in the same patterns and are ready to start moving forward, this conversation will help you take a closer look at the decisions shaping your health, career, relationships, and personal growth.

About Frank Mesa

Frank Mesa is the founder of Mesa Solutions Inc., an author, consultant, and former transportation executive. He spent more than 30 years at MTA Metro-North Railroad, beginning as a train conductor and eventually serving as Chief Operations Training Officer.

Throughout his career, Frank led workforce training and development for thousands of employees and helped modernize railroad training through virtual reality, augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and digital learning systems.

Frank is also the author of Alchemy: It’s As Easy As E-R-D, which introduces his framework for identifying where individuals and organizations are evolving, revolving, or devolving. Through Mesa Solutions Inc., he now helps transportation organizations improve workforce development while also helping people make more intentional decisions in their personal and professional lives.


Frank also competed on the first season of CBS’s The Amazing Race.

Learn more:

https://mesasolutionsinc.com/

About Kristina Lowe

Kristina Lowe is the founder and strategic partner of Tripoint Strategic Group, a Louisville-based firm that works with businesses and organizations to clarify direction, align strategy, and drive growth. With over 20 years of experience across marketing, product, and strategic development, Kristina has led growth initiatives for global brands and now partners with small to mid-sized companies and nonprofits to help them move from ideas to execution.

She is also the host of Tripoint Conversations, a podcast focused on real stories from leaders, founders, and operators, exploring the decisions, challenges, and moments that shape how people build and lead.

To learn more or be a guest, visit:

https://www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast

Tripoint Conversations is independently produced. If you’d like to help keep these conversations coming, you can support the podcast here:
http://www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/support

]]>19fd18a8-e910-4acd-a122-f2996b6fc791Tue, 21 Jul 2026 08:00:00 GMT<p>Have you ever stopped to think about where your everyday decisions are taking you?<br /></p><p>Frank Mesa believes each decision moves us in one of three directions: we evolve, revolve, or devolve. We move forward, repeat the same patterns, or allow ourselves to move backward.<br /></p><p>Frank knows what each of those looks like. He began his career as a train conductor and worked his way up to Chief Operations Training Officer at MTA Metro-North Railroad. While his career was moving forward, other areas of his life were not. He was nearly 100 pounds overweight, facing serious health issues, and relying on alcohol to manage stress.<br /></p><p>In this conversation, Frank shares how he began recognizing the habits and emotions behind his choices and built a system for making better ones. His ERD framework, featured in his book Alchemy: It’s As Easy As E-R-D, offers a simple question to use when an idea, impulse, or emotion takes over: Will this decision help me evolve, keep me revolving, or cause me to devolve?<br /></p><p>We also talk about the morning routine that changed his health, why success can create dangerous blind spots, what competing on the first season of The Amazing Race taught him about pressure and self-awareness, and how small decisions build momentum over time.</p><p>If you feel stuck in the same patterns and are ready to start moving forward, this conversation will help you take a closer look at the decisions shaping your health, career, relationships, and personal growth.<br /></p><p><b>About Frank Mesa</b></p><p>Frank Mesa is the founder of Mesa Solutions Inc., an author, consultant, and former transportation executive. He spent more than 30 years at MTA Metro-North Railroad, beginning as a train conductor and eventually serving as Chief Operations Training Officer.</p><p></p><p>Throughout his career, Frank led workforce training and development for thousands of employees and helped modernize railroad training through virtual reality, augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and digital learning systems.</p><p></p><p>Frank is also the author of Alchemy: It’s As Easy As E-R-D, which introduces his framework for identifying where individuals and organizations are evolving, revolving, or devolving. Through Mesa Solutions Inc., he now helps transportation organizations improve workforce development while also helping people make more intentional decisions in their personal and professional lives.</p><p><br />Frank also competed on the first season of CBS’s The Amazing Race.<br /></p><p>Learn more:</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://mesasolutionsinc.com/" target="_blank">https://mesasolutionsinc.com/</a><br /></p><p><b>About Kristina Lowe</b></p><p>Kristina Lowe is the founder and strategic partner of Tripoint Strategic Group, a Louisville-based firm that works with businesses and organizations to clarify direction, align strategy, and drive growth. With over 20 years of experience across marketing, product, and strategic development, Kristina has led growth initiatives for global brands and now partners with small to mid-sized companies and nonprofits to help them move from ideas to execution.<br /></p><p>She is also the host of Tripoint Conversations, a podcast focused on real stories from leaders, founders, and operators, exploring the decisions, challenges, and moments that shape how people build and lead.<br /></p><p>To learn more or be a guest, visit:</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast" target="_blank">https://www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast</a><br /><br />Tripoint Conversations is independently produced. If you’d like to help keep these conversations coming, you can support the podcast here:<br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/support" target="_blank">http://www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/support</a></p>no00:37:28120Frank Mesa | Are Your Decisions Helping You Evolve?full<![CDATA[Linda Babulic | Daily Habits for a More Intentional Life]]>Most of us know the kind of person we want to be. More patient. Less stressed. Better listeners. More present with the people we love. The hard part is knowing what to actually do.

In this conversation, Linda Babulic shares the habits she's developed through decades of coaching, leadership training, and her own life experiences. We talk about why so many people feel stuck, how small daily practices can help you feel more grounded, why nature matters more than we realize, and how becoming a better listener can change your relationships at home and at work.

Linda also shares the story behind her upcoming novel, The Orange Compass, a story about a young woman searching for direction and discovering that the answers she's looking for aren't nearly as far away as she thought.

Topics in this episode:

• Why communication and conversation aren't the same thing

• The daily habit Linda says can change your mindset in minutes

• How to approach conflict without making it worse

• Why gratitude is more than just saying "thank you"

• The connection between nature, stillness, and clarity

• The leadership lesson that changed the way Linda lives and leads

• Why listening is one of the most overlooked life skills


About Linda Babulic

Linda Babulic is an author, speaker, executive coach, and founder of Zest Your Life. For more than 30 years, she's helped people strengthen relationships, improve communication, and live with greater intention through coaching, workshops, and speaking.

She's the author of ZEST Your Life: A Taste of Inner Wisdom and will release her new novel, The Orange Compass, this September. The book follows a young woman searching for direction and weaves together many of the same lessons Linda has spent years teaching about purpose, relationships, and intentional living.

As promised in the episode, Linda is also offering Tripoint Conversations listeners access to her free Three Daily Rituals guide. While you're there, you can also join the waitlist to be the first to hear when The Orange Compass launches.

Learn more at lindababulic.com.


About Kristina Lowe

Kristina Lowe is the founder and strategic partner of Tripoint Strategic Group, a Louisville-based firm that works with businesses and organizations to clarify direction, align strategy, and drive growth. With over 20 years of experience across marketing, product, and strategic development, Kristina has led growth initiatives for global brands and now partners with small to mid-sized companies and nonprofits to help them move from ideas to execution.

She is also the host of Tripoint Conversations, a podcast focused on real stories from leaders, founders, and operators, exploring the decisions, challenges, and moments that shape how people build and lead.


To learn more or be a guest, visit:

https://www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast

Tripoint Conversations is independently produced. If you’d like to help keep these conversations coming, you can support the podcast here:
http://www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/support

]]>ba81c862-a47f-4f4e-89c1-95edead48b5dTue, 07 Jul 2026 15:00:40 GMT<p>Most of us know the kind of person we want to be. More patient. Less stressed. Better listeners. More present with the people we love. The hard part is knowing what to actually do.<br /></p><p>In this conversation, Linda Babulic shares the habits she's developed through decades of coaching, leadership training, and her own life experiences. We talk about why so many people feel stuck, how small daily practices can help you feel more grounded, why nature matters more than we realize, and how becoming a better listener can change your relationships at home and at work.<br /></p><p>Linda also shares the story behind her upcoming novel, The Orange Compass, a story about a young woman searching for direction and discovering that the answers she's looking for aren't nearly as far away as she thought.<br /></p><p>Topics in this episode:</p><p>• Why communication and conversation aren't the same thing</p><p>• The daily habit Linda says can change your mindset in minutes</p><p>• How to approach conflict without making it worse</p><p>• Why gratitude is more than just saying "thank you"</p><p>• The connection between nature, stillness, and clarity</p><p>• The leadership lesson that changed the way Linda lives and leads</p><p>• Why listening is one of the most overlooked life skills</p><p><br /><b>About Linda Babulic</b></p><p>Linda Babulic is an author, speaker, executive coach, and founder of Zest Your Life. For more than 30 years, she's helped people strengthen relationships, improve communication, and live with greater intention through coaching, workshops, and speaking.<br /></p><p>She's the author of ZEST Your Life: A Taste of Inner Wisdom and will release her new novel, The Orange Compass, this September. The book follows a young woman searching for direction and weaves together many of the same lessons Linda has spent years teaching about purpose, relationships, and intentional living.<br /></p><p>As promised in the episode, Linda is also offering Tripoint Conversations listeners access to her free Three Daily Rituals guide. While you're there, you can also join the waitlist to be the first to hear when The Orange Compass launches.<br /></p><p>Learn more at <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://lindababulic.com" target="_blank">lindababulic.com</a>.</p><p><br /><b>About Kristina Lowe</b></p><p>Kristina Lowe is the founder and strategic partner of Tripoint Strategic Group, a Louisville-based firm that works with businesses and organizations to clarify direction, align strategy, and drive growth. With over 20 years of experience across marketing, product, and strategic development, Kristina has led growth initiatives for global brands and now partners with small to mid-sized companies and nonprofits to help them move from ideas to execution.<br /></p><p>She is also the host of Tripoint Conversations, a podcast focused on real stories from leaders, founders, and operators, exploring the decisions, challenges, and moments that shape how people build and lead.</p><p><br />To learn more or be a guest, visit:</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast" target="_blank">https://www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast</a><br /><br />Tripoint Conversations is independently produced. If you’d like to help keep these conversations coming, you can support the podcast here:<br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/support" target="_blank">http://www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/support</a></p><p></p>no00:43:31119Linda Babulic | Daily Habits for a More Intentional Lifefull<![CDATA[Jennifer Kattula | The Small Systems That Make Everyday Life Easier]]>What if feeling overwhelmed isn't about having too much to do? What if it's about making the same decisions over and over again?

In this episode of Tripoint Conversations, I sit down with Jennifer Kattula, Chief Marketing Officer of Microsoft Advertising, to talk about something every busy parent and professional can relate to: the mental load.

Jen shares how the same systems thinking she uses to lead global teams has shaped the way her family approaches everyday life. From creating family values and "default decisions" to using AI as a personal chief of staff, she offers practical ideas that make life feel less reactive and more intentional. We also talk about why you don't have to do everything, why playing to each person's strengths matters, and how a few small systems can create more space for the people and priorities you care about most.


We talk about:

  • Why understanding your identity should come before building systems
  • How Jen and her husband created a family vision before they were married
  • The power of "default decisions" and how they reduce decision fatigue
  • Practical family rhythms that bring consistency without adding rigidity
  • Why trying to force yourself into someone else's routine, like becoming a 5 a.m. person, often doesn't work
  • Dividing responsibilities at home based on each person's strengths
  • The simple five-minute "special time" practice they use to connect with their kids
  • How Jen uses AI as a personal chief of staff to organize work and family life
  • Why focusing on three to five priorities each season leads to more progress than trying to do everything
  • The advice she'd give her younger self about confidence, identity, and self-awareness

About Jennifer Kattula

Jennifer Kattula is the Chief Marketing Officer of Microsoft Advertising, where she leads global marketing strategy and teams. Beyond her corporate leadership role, she's also the creator of House Rules, a framework designed to help families build more intentional lives through identity, systems, technology, and everyday rhythms.

Drawing on her background in engineering, marketing, and leadership, Jennifer applies systems thinking beyond the workplace, helping families reduce the mental load of daily life so they can spend more time on what matters most. She's currently developing a guided platform to help families create their own values, mission, and operating principles.

Learn more at jenniferkattula.com.

About Kristina Lowe

Kristina Lowe is the founder and strategic partner of Tripoint Strategic Group, a Louisville-based firm that works with businesses and organizations to clarify direction, align strategy, and drive growth.

With over 20 years of experience across marketing, product, and strategic development, Kristina has led growth initiatives for global brands and now partners with small to mid-sized companies and nonprofits to help them move from ideas to execution.

To learn more or be a guest, go to:

https://www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast

Tripoint Conversations is independently produced. If you’d like to help keep these conversations coming, you can support the podcast here:
http://www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/support

]]>a2bdab74-b5ac-46b1-a2d9-29d48dcd79ceTue, 23 Jun 2026 12:40:29 GMT<p>What if feeling overwhelmed isn't about having too much to do? What if it's about making the same decisions over and over again?<br /></p><p>In this episode of Tripoint Conversations, I sit down with Jennifer Kattula, Chief Marketing Officer of Microsoft Advertising, to talk about something every busy parent and professional can relate to: the mental load.</p><p></p><p>Jen shares how the same systems thinking she uses to lead global teams has shaped the way her family approaches everyday life. From creating family values and "default decisions" to using AI as a personal chief of staff, she offers practical ideas that make life feel less reactive and more intentional. We also talk about why you don't have to do everything, why playing to each person's strengths matters, and how a few small systems can create more space for the people and priorities you care about most.</p><p><br />We talk about:</p><ul><li>Why understanding your identity should come before building systems</li><li>How Jen and her husband created a family vision before they were married</li><li>The power of "default decisions" and how they reduce decision fatigue</li><li>Practical family rhythms that bring consistency without adding rigidity</li><li>Why trying to force yourself into someone else's routine, like becoming a 5 a.m. person, often doesn't work</li><li>Dividing responsibilities at home based on each person's strengths</li><li>The simple five-minute "special time" practice they use to connect with their kids</li><li>How Jen uses AI as a personal chief of staff to organize work and family life</li><li>Why focusing on three to five priorities each season leads to more progress than trying to do everything</li><li>The advice she'd give her younger self about confidence, identity, and self-awareness<br /></li></ul><p><b>About Jennifer Kattula</b></p><p>Jennifer Kattula is the Chief Marketing Officer of Microsoft Advertising, where she leads global marketing strategy and teams. Beyond her corporate leadership role, she's also the creator of House Rules, a framework designed to help families build more intentional lives through identity, systems, technology, and everyday rhythms.</p><p></p><p>Drawing on her background in engineering, marketing, and leadership, Jennifer applies systems thinking beyond the workplace, helping families reduce the mental load of daily life so they can spend more time on what matters most. She's currently developing a guided platform to help families create their own values, mission, and operating principles.</p><p></p><p>Learn more at <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://jenniferkattula.com" target="_blank">jenniferkattula.com</a>.</p><p></p><p><b>About Kristina Lowe</b></p><p>Kristina Lowe is the founder and strategic partner of Tripoint Strategic Group, a Louisville-based firm that works with businesses and organizations to clarify direction, align strategy, and drive growth.</p><p></p><p>With over 20 years of experience across marketing, product, and strategic development, Kristina has led growth initiatives for global brands and now partners with small to mid-sized companies and nonprofits to help them move from ideas to execution.</p><p></p><p>To learn more or be a guest, go to:</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast" target="_blank">https://www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast</a><br /><br />Tripoint Conversations is independently produced. If you’d like to help keep these conversations coming, you can support the podcast here:<br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/support" target="_blank">http://www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/support</a></p><p></p>no00:39:24118Jennifer Kattula | The Small Systems That Make Everyday Life Easierfull<![CDATA[David Cooper I What Every Business Owner Should Know Before Taking the Leap]]>David Cooper has been on both sides of business for over four decades, as the owner of seven companies and as the attorney who has since helped hundreds of others build, structure, and sometimes walk away from theirs. In this conversation, he talks about what he watches for when entrepreneurs walk through his door, what business partnerships get wrong before they even start, and the week he made a last-minute call that saved him from losing everything.

David shared about:

  • Operating agreements aren't just legal formalities, they're the plan for when things go wrong. Without one, a corporate divorce can fracture both the business and the family.
  • The conversations most partners avoid (financial exposure, exit strategy, pledging personal assets) are the exact ones that matter most before anyone signs anything.
  • Entrepreneurs tend to plan for the upside. David makes them think through the downside, including whether their spouse is genuinely on board with what they're risking.
  • Using AI or online templates to draft your own business agreements is, in his words, "fraught with peril." The nuance is specific to your situation, and getting it wrong is expensive.
  • The best business decision David ever made came a week before close: he demanded cash instead of stock on a gut feeling. The company went bankrupt 13 months later.


About David Cooper

David Cooper is a Louisville-based corporate and business attorney with nearly five decades of experience advising entrepreneurs, business owners, and organizations through formation, growth, transactions, and succession planning.


Today, through the Law Office of David H. Cooper, he helps clients navigate business transactions, partnership agreements, acquisitions, contracts, succession planning, and strategic decision-making. Drawing from both legal expertise and real-world business experience, David serves as a trusted advisor to entrepreneurs looking to build strong foundations and create long-term success.


About Kristina Lowe

Kristina Lowe is the founder and strategic partner of Tripoint Strategic Group, a Louisville-based firm that works with businesses and organizations to clarify direction, align strategy, and drive growth.


With over 20 years of experience across marketing, product, and strategic development, Kristina has led growth initiatives for global brands and now partners with small to mid-sized companies and nonprofits to help them move from ideas to execution.


She is also the host of Tripoint Conversations, a podcast focused on real stories from leaders, founders, and operators, exploring the decisions, challenges, and moments that shape how people build and lead.


To learn more or be a guest, go to:

https://www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast

]]>eaef9353-f738-40b8-93c0-665722a709f9Tue, 09 Jun 2026 16:10:17 GMT<p>David Cooper has been on both sides of business for over four decades, as the owner of seven companies and as the attorney who has since helped hundreds of others build, structure, and sometimes walk away from theirs. In this conversation, he talks about what he watches for when entrepreneurs walk through his door, what business partnerships get wrong before they even start, and the week he made a last-minute call that saved him from losing everything.<br /></p><p>David shared about: </p><ul><li>Operating agreements aren't just legal formalities, they're the plan for when things go wrong. Without one, a corporate divorce can fracture both the business and the family.</li><li>The conversations most partners avoid (financial exposure, exit strategy, pledging personal assets) are the exact ones that matter most before anyone signs anything.</li><li>Entrepreneurs tend to plan for the upside. David makes them think through the downside, including whether their spouse is genuinely on board with what they're risking.</li><li>Using AI or online templates to draft your own business agreements is, in his words, "fraught with peril." The nuance is specific to your situation, and getting it wrong is expensive.</li><li>The best business decision David ever made came a week before close: he demanded cash instead of stock on a gut feeling. The company went bankrupt 13 months later.</li></ul><p><br /><b>About David Cooper </b></p><p>David Cooper is a Louisville-based corporate and business attorney with nearly five decades of experience advising entrepreneurs, business owners, and organizations through formation, growth, transactions, and succession planning.</p><p><br />Today, through the Law Office of David H. Cooper, he helps clients navigate business transactions, partnership agreements, acquisitions, contracts, succession planning, and strategic decision-making. Drawing from both legal expertise and real-world business experience, David serves as a trusted advisor to entrepreneurs looking to build strong foundations and create long-term success.</p><p><br /><b>About Kristina Lowe</b></p><p>Kristina Lowe is the founder and strategic partner of Tripoint Strategic Group, a Louisville-based firm that works with businesses and organizations to clarify direction, align strategy, and drive growth.</p><p><br />With over 20 years of experience across marketing, product, and strategic development, Kristina has led growth initiatives for global brands and now partners with small to mid-sized companies and nonprofits to help them move from ideas to execution.</p><p><br />She is also the host of Tripoint Conversations, a podcast focused on real stories from leaders, founders, and operators, exploring the decisions, challenges, and moments that shape how people build and lead.</p><p><br />To learn more or be a guest, go to:</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast" target="_blank">https://www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast</a></p><p></p>no00:31:18117David Cooper I What Every Business Owner Should Know Before Taking the Leapfull<![CDATA[Shannon Burton | From College Athlete to Mom to Sports Illustrated Swim Search Finalist at 50]]>Most people see Shannon Burton today and immediately notice the confidence.

They see the runway photos, the modeling career, the Sports Illustrated Swim Search finalist title, the TikTok following, and a woman in her 50s fully stepping into new opportunities without apology.


But what makes Shannon’s story so compelling is everything that came before that version of her.


In this episode of Tripoint Conversations, Shannon shares how being a college athlete shaped her mindset early, why resilience became one of the defining themes of her life, and how motherhood, faith, personal loss, and years of putting others first ultimately led her back to herself.


We talked about the pressure women place on themselves, learning to stop caring what other people think, navigating criticism online, building confidence later in life, and why she believes women are capable of far more than they allow themselves to believe.


Shannon also shares:

  • what it was like becoming a Sports Illustrated Swim Search finalist at 50
  • how modeling changed her confidence
  • the realities of social media and public criticism
  • how her husband and daughters became her biggest support system
  • why “why not me?” became the mindset that changed everything


This conversation is about confidence, growth, resilience, reinvention, and giving yourself permission to pursue the things that still call to you, no matter your age or stage of life.


About Shannon Burton

Shannon Burton is a former Division I basketball player, model, content creator, and advocate for women stepping confidently into new seasons of life.

Shannon earned a basketball scholarship to Duke University before later transferring to Butler University, where she finished her collegiate career. After years focused on motherhood and family, Shannon found herself pursuing modeling in her 30s after being encouraged to audition for the TV reality competition She’s Got the Look.

Since then, she has built a modeling career that continues to evolve into her 50s, including becoming a finalist in the 2022 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Swim Search competition and serving as a Victoria’s Secret ambassador.

Beyond modeling, Shannon has built a growing social media audience by sharing honest conversations around confidence, aging, wellness, style, motherhood, and resilience. Through her content and public presence, she encourages women to stop placing limits on themselves and to pursue the things that still call to them, regardless of age or stage of life.

Today, Shannon continues to model, collaborate with brands, explore entrepreneurship ventures, and inspire women with a simple mindset shift that has shaped her own journey.

About Kristina Lowe

Kristina Lowe is the founder and strategic partner of Tripoint Strategic Group, a Louisville-based firm that works with businesses and organizations to clarify direction, align strategy, and drive growth.

With over 20 years of experience across marketing, product, and strategic development, Kristina has led growth initiatives for global brands and now partners with small to mid-sized companies and nonprofits to help them move from ideas to execution.

She is also the host of Tripoint Conversations, a podcast focused on real stories from leaders, founders, and operators, exploring the decisions, challenges, and moments that shape how people build and lead.

To learn more or be a guest, go to:

https://www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast

]]>93c5fb1f-af8c-41b2-b74d-565ef5fb9e7eTue, 19 May 2026 08:00:00 GMT<p>Most people see Shannon Burton today and immediately notice the confidence.<br /></p><p>They see the runway photos, the modeling career, the Sports Illustrated Swim Search finalist title, the TikTok following, and a woman in her 50s fully stepping into new opportunities without apology.</p><p><br />But what makes Shannon’s story so compelling is everything that came before that version of her.</p><p><br />In this episode of Tripoint Conversations, Shannon shares how being a college athlete shaped her mindset early, why resilience became one of the defining themes of her life, and how motherhood, faith, personal loss, and years of putting others first ultimately led her back to herself.</p><p><br />We talked about the pressure women place on themselves, learning to stop caring what other people think, navigating criticism online, building confidence later in life, and why she believes women are capable of far more than they allow themselves to believe.</p><p><br />Shannon also shares:</p><ul><li>what it was like becoming a Sports Illustrated Swim Search finalist at 50</li><li>how modeling changed her confidence </li><li>the realities of social media and public criticism </li><li>how her husband and daughters became her biggest support system </li><li>why “why not me?” became the mindset that changed everything </li></ul><p><br />This conversation is about confidence, growth, resilience, reinvention, and giving yourself permission to pursue the things that still call to you, no matter your age or stage of life.</p><p><br /><b>About Shannon Burton</b></p><p>Shannon Burton is a former Division I basketball player, model, content creator, and advocate for women stepping confidently into new seasons of life.<br /></p><p>Shannon earned a basketball scholarship to Duke University before later transferring to Butler University, where she finished her collegiate career. After years focused on motherhood and family, Shannon found herself pursuing modeling in her 30s after being encouraged to audition for the TV reality competition She’s Got the Look.<br /></p><p>Since then, she has built a modeling career that continues to evolve into her 50s, including becoming a finalist in the 2022 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Swim Search competition and serving as a Victoria’s Secret ambassador.<br /></p><p>Beyond modeling, Shannon has built a growing social media audience by sharing honest conversations around confidence, aging, wellness, style, motherhood, and resilience. Through her content and public presence, she encourages women to stop placing limits on themselves and to pursue the things that still call to them, regardless of age or stage of life.</p><p></p><p>Today, Shannon continues to model, collaborate with brands, explore entrepreneurship ventures, and inspire women with a simple mindset shift that has shaped her own journey. <br /></p><p><b>About Kristina Lowe</b></p><p>Kristina Lowe is the founder and strategic partner of Tripoint Strategic Group, a Louisville-based firm that works with businesses and organizations to clarify direction, align strategy, and drive growth.<br /></p><p>With over 20 years of experience across marketing, product, and strategic development, Kristina has led growth initiatives for global brands and now partners with small to mid-sized companies and nonprofits to help them move from ideas to execution.<br /></p><p>She is also the host of Tripoint Conversations, a podcast focused on real stories from leaders, founders, and operators, exploring the decisions, challenges, and moments that shape how people build and lead.<br /></p><p>To learn more or be a guest, go to:</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast" target="_blank">https://www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast</a></p><p></p>no00:39:04116Shannon Burton | From College Athlete to Mom to Sports Illustrated Swim Search Finalist at 50full<![CDATA[Will Partin I Faith, Leadership & How Serving Others Changes You]]>In this episode of Tripoint Conversations, Kristina Lowe sits down with Will Partin, President of GO Ministries, to talk about faith, leadership, family, identity, and what happens when you say yes before you fully understand the cost.


Just weeks after getting married, Will and his wife Audrey moved to the Dominican Republic with little more than faith, a love for people, and a willingness to learn. What started as serving alongside local communities through ministry and sports outreach grew into 15 years of building relationships, empowering leaders, planting churches, supporting medical care, and raising a family far from home.


Will opens up about adoption, the personal growth that came with leadership, learning how identity can shape the way we lead, and the emotional decision to leave the Dominican Republic and return to Kentucky after 15 years.

He also shares how GO Ministries has grown from a small organization into an international ministry serving thousands through sports, healthcare, church planting, and leadership development, including the vision behind The Ridge, a new leadership and healing campus being developed in Kentucky.

This episode is full of perspective for anyone navigating leadership, purpose, family, faith, or personal growth.

Topics include:

• Building GO Ministries in the Dominican Republic

• Leadership and personal formation

• Adoption and family life overseas

• Mission trips and “mutual transformation”

• Returning home after 15 years abroad

• The future vision for GO Ministries and The Ridge


To learn more about GO Ministries, visit www.gomin.org.


About Will Partin

Will Partin is the President of GO Ministries, an international nonprofit organization focused on empowering local leaders through church planting, sports ministry, medical care, and leadership development.

Just weeks after marrying his wife Audrey in 2005, Will moved to the Dominican Republic, where the two spent the next 15 years building a life, raising a family, and serving alongside local communities. What began through sports ministry and relationship-building grew into a long-term commitment to developing leaders and creating sustainable impact through local churches, healthcare initiatives, youth programs, and community partnerships.

GO Ministries has expanded significantly, now serving thousands through sports academies, medical outreach, leadership development, and church planting efforts across multiple countries. The organization also recently launched The Ridge in Simpsonville, Kentucky, a future leadership and healing campus designed to support ministry leaders, pastors, and missionaries through restoration, equipping, and care.


About Kristina Lowe

Kristina Lowe is the founder and strategic partner of Tripoint Strategic Group, a Louisville-based firm that works with businesses and organizations to clarify direction, align strategy, and drive growth.

With over 20 years of experience across marketing, product, and strategic development, Kristina has led growth initiatives for global brands and now partners with small to mid-sized companies and nonprofits to help them move from ideas to execution.

She is also the host of Tripoint Conversations, a podcast focused on real stories from leaders, founders, and operators, exploring the decisions, challenges, and moments that shape how people build and lead.

To learn more or be a guest, go to:

https://www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast

]]>27c94909-88c6-45bb-956b-88859900b9e3Tue, 12 May 2026 08:00:00 GMT<p>In this episode of Tripoint Conversations, Kristina Lowe sits down with Will Partin, President of GO Ministries, to talk about faith, leadership, family, identity, and what happens when you say yes before you fully understand the cost.</p><p><br />Just weeks after getting married, Will and his wife Audrey moved to the Dominican Republic with little more than faith, a love for people, and a willingness to learn. What started as serving alongside local communities through ministry and sports outreach grew into 15 years of building relationships, empowering leaders, planting churches, supporting medical care, and raising a family far from home.</p><p><br />Will opens up about adoption, the personal growth that came with leadership, learning how identity can shape the way we lead, and the emotional decision to leave the Dominican Republic and return to Kentucky after 15 years.<br /></p><p>He also shares how GO Ministries has grown from a small organization into an international ministry serving thousands through sports, healthcare, church planting, and leadership development, including the vision behind The Ridge, a new leadership and healing campus being developed in Kentucky.<br /></p><p>This episode is full of perspective for anyone navigating leadership, purpose, family, faith, or personal growth.<br /></p><p>Topics include:</p><p>• Building GO Ministries in the Dominican Republic</p><p>• Leadership and personal formation</p><p>• Adoption and family life overseas</p><p>• Mission trips and “mutual transformation”</p><p>• Returning home after 15 years abroad</p><p>• The future vision for GO Ministries and The Ridge</p><p><br />To learn more about GO Ministries, visit <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.gomin.org" target="_blank">www.gomin.org</a>. </p><p><br /><b>About Will Partin</b></p><p>Will Partin is the President of GO Ministries, an international nonprofit organization focused on empowering local leaders through church planting, sports ministry, medical care, and leadership development.<br /></p><p>Just weeks after marrying his wife Audrey in 2005, Will moved to the Dominican Republic, where the two spent the next 15 years building a life, raising a family, and serving alongside local communities. What began through sports ministry and relationship-building grew into a long-term commitment to developing leaders and creating sustainable impact through local churches, healthcare initiatives, youth programs, and community partnerships.<br /></p><p>GO Ministries has expanded significantly, now serving thousands through sports academies, medical outreach, leadership development, and church planting efforts across multiple countries. The organization also recently launched The Ridge in Simpsonville, Kentucky, a future leadership and healing campus designed to support ministry leaders, pastors, and missionaries through restoration, equipping, and care.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>About Kristina Lowe</b></p><p>Kristina Lowe is the founder and strategic partner of Tripoint Strategic Group, a Louisville-based firm that works with businesses and organizations to clarify direction, align strategy, and drive growth.<br /></p><p>With over 20 years of experience across marketing, product, and strategic development, Kristina has led growth initiatives for global brands and now partners with small to mid-sized companies and nonprofits to help them move from ideas to execution.<br /></p><p>She is also the host of Tripoint Conversations, a podcast focused on real stories from leaders, founders, and operators, exploring the decisions, challenges, and moments that shape how people build and lead.<br /></p><p>To learn more or be a guest, go to:</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast" target="_blank">https://www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast</a> </p><p></p>no00:44:37115Will Partin I Faith, Leadership & How Serving Others Changes Youfull<![CDATA[Chelsea Ellis-Hogan, CEO | Building Culture and Leading Change at Jim Reynolds Asphalt]]>Chelsea Ellis-Hogan didn’t set out to work in construction.

But growing up around entrepreneurs, she saw what it looked like to build something, solve problems, and still be present for the moments that mattered.

Now, as CEO and majority owner of Jim Reynolds Asphalt, she’s not just continuing a 40+ year business, she’s reshaping how it operates.


In this conversation, we talk about what it’s like to step into a family business, earn trust in an industry that’s traditionally male-dominated, and introduce new ways of thinking without losing what made the company successful in the first place.


From leadership retreats and team development to bringing things like yoga and mental health into a construction crew, Chelsea shares how she’s building a culture that people want to be a part of.


We also get into succession planning, developing leaders from within, and what it takes to grow a business that’s meant to last beyond the next generation.


About Chelsea Ellis-Hogan

Chelsea Ellis-Hogan is the CEO and majority owner of Jim Reynolds Asphalt Contractor, a family-owned business that has been serving the Louisville community for more than 40 years.


Growing up around entrepreneurs, Chelsea developed an early interest in business, but didn’t originally see herself in the construction industry. Over time, she found her place by focusing on systems, leadership, and building strong relationships, bringing a fresh perspective into a legacy business.

Today, she leads across multiple areas of the company, from commercial sales and marketing to operations and team development. Her approach blends practical experience with a focus on culture, investing in her team through leadership training, retreats, and new ways of thinking about growth.


Chelsea is also passionate about mentorship, continuous learning, and helping others find their path, whether in business ownership or the trades.


Learn more at:

https://jimreynoldsasphalt.com/


About Kristina Lowe

Kristina Lowe is the founder and strategic partner of Tripoint Strategic Group, a Louisville-based firm that works with businesses and organizations to clarify direction, align strategy, and drive growth.

With over 20 years of experience across marketing, product, and strategic development, Kristina has led growth initiatives for global brands and now partners with small to mid-sized companies and nonprofits to help them move from ideas to execution.

She is also the host of Tripoint Conversations, a podcast focused on real stories from leaders, founders, and operators, exploring the decisions, challenges, and moments that shape how people build and lead.

To learn more or be a guest, go to:

https://www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast

]]>b7170b56-0871-45f4-94d7-c4e66cb34ebaTue, 05 May 2026 08:00:00 GMT<p>Chelsea Ellis-Hogan didn’t set out to work in construction.</p><p>But growing up around entrepreneurs, she saw what it looked like to build something, solve problems, and still be present for the moments that mattered.<br /></p><p>Now, as CEO and majority owner of Jim Reynolds Asphalt, she’s not just continuing a 40+ year business, she’s reshaping how it operates.</p><p><br />In this conversation, we talk about what it’s like to step into a family business, earn trust in an industry that’s traditionally male-dominated, and introduce new ways of thinking without losing what made the company successful in the first place.</p><p><br />From leadership retreats and team development to bringing things like yoga and mental health into a construction crew, Chelsea shares how she’s building a culture that people want to be a part of.</p><p><br />We also get into succession planning, developing leaders from within, and what it takes to grow a business that’s meant to last beyond the next generation.</p><p><br /><b>About Chelsea Ellis-Hogan</b></p><p>Chelsea Ellis-Hogan is the CEO and majority owner of Jim Reynolds Asphalt Contractor, a family-owned business that has been serving the Louisville community for more than 40 years.</p><p><br />Growing up around entrepreneurs, Chelsea developed an early interest in business, but didn’t originally see herself in the construction industry. Over time, she found her place by focusing on systems, leadership, and building strong relationships, bringing a fresh perspective into a legacy business.<br /></p><p>Today, she leads across multiple areas of the company, from commercial sales and marketing to operations and team development. Her approach blends practical experience with a focus on culture, investing in her team through leadership training, retreats, and new ways of thinking about growth.</p><p><br />Chelsea is also passionate about mentorship, continuous learning, and helping others find their path, whether in business ownership or the trades.</p><p><br />Learn more at: </p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://jimreynoldsasphalt.com/" target="_blank">https://jimreynoldsasphalt.com/</a> </p><p><br /><b>About Kristina Lowe</b></p><p>Kristina Lowe is the founder and strategic partner of Tripoint Strategic Group, a Louisville-based firm that works with businesses and organizations to clarify direction, align strategy, and drive growth.<br /></p><p>With over 20 years of experience across marketing, product, and strategic development, Kristina has led growth initiatives for global brands and now partners with small to mid-sized companies and nonprofits to help them move from ideas to execution.<br /></p><p>She is also the host of Tripoint Conversations, a podcast focused on real stories from leaders, founders, and operators, exploring the decisions, challenges, and moments that shape how people build and lead.<br /></p><p><b>To learn more or be a guest, go to:</b></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast" target="_blank">https://www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast</a></p><p></p>no00:28:25114Chelsea Ellis-Hogan, CEO | Building Culture and Leading Change at Jim Reynolds Asphaltfull<![CDATA[Rebecca Rupp I The Story Behind Derby Pie and the Next Generation Carrying It]]>Derby week in Kentucky comes with a lot of traditions. For Rebecca Rupp and her family, one of those isn’t just something she celebrates, it’s something her family built.

Her great grandparents created Derby Pie in 1954. Her dad spent decades growing it into what it is today. And in 2024, after his passing, Rebecca and her siblings were faced with a decision they never expected to make.

Step in…or let it go.

In this conversation, Rebecca shares what it looked like to walk into a business she didn’t plan to run, in the middle of grief, without a roadmap. We talk about the weight of legacy, learning a business from the inside out, and figuring out how to lead in your own way while still protecting what came before you.

This isn’t really about pie. It’s about family, identity, and what happens when something that’s always been part of your life suddenly becomes your responsibility.

About Rebecca Rupp

Rebecca Rupp is co-owner of Kern’s Kitchen, the family business behind the original Derby Pie.

After growing up around the business, she stepped into ownership in 2025 alongside her brother following the unexpected passing of their father, who had led the company for decades.

Today, Rebecca focuses on relationships, brand presence, and continuing the legacy of a product that’s become a Kentucky tradition, while finding her own way to lead it forward.

Learn more at:

https://derbypie.com/

About Kristina Lowe

Kristina Lowe is the founder and strategic partner of Tripoint Strategic Group, a Louisville-based firm that works with businesses and organizations to clarify direction, align strategy, and drive growth.

With over 20 years of experience across marketing, product, and strategic development, Kristina has led growth initiatives for global brands and now partners with small to mid-sized companies and nonprofits to help them move from ideas to execution.

She is also the host of Tripoint Conversations, a podcast focused on real stories from leaders, founders, and operators, exploring the decisions, challenges, and moments that shape how people build and lead.

To learn more or be a guest, go to:

https://www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast

]]>bbf77f21-cbdd-42b2-8842-ced8630a3268Tue, 28 Apr 2026 08:00:00 GMT<p>Derby week in Kentucky comes with a lot of traditions. For Rebecca Rupp and her family, one of those isn’t just something she celebrates, it’s something her family built.</p><p></p><p>Her great grandparents created Derby Pie in 1954. Her dad spent decades growing it into what it is today. And in 2024, after his passing, Rebecca and her siblings were faced with a decision they never expected to make.</p><p></p><p>Step in…or let it go.</p><p></p><p>In this conversation, Rebecca shares what it looked like to walk into a business she didn’t plan to run, in the middle of grief, without a roadmap. We talk about the weight of legacy, learning a business from the inside out, and figuring out how to lead in your own way while still protecting what came before you.</p><p></p><p>This isn’t really about pie. It’s about family, identity, and what happens when something that’s always been part of your life suddenly becomes your responsibility.</p><p></p><p><b>About Rebecca Rupp</b></p><p>Rebecca Rupp is co-owner of Kern’s Kitchen, the family business behind the original Derby Pie.</p><p></p><p>After growing up around the business, she stepped into ownership in 2025 alongside her brother following the unexpected passing of their father, who had led the company for decades.</p><p></p><p>Today, Rebecca focuses on relationships, brand presence, and continuing the legacy of a product that’s become a Kentucky tradition, while finding her own way to lead it forward.</p><p></p><p>Learn more at: </p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://derbypie.com/" target="_blank">https://derbypie.com/</a></p><p></p><p><b>About Kristina Lowe</b></p><p>Kristina Lowe is the founder and strategic partner of Tripoint Strategic Group, a Louisville-based firm that works with businesses and organizations to clarify direction, align strategy, and drive growth.</p><p></p><p>With over 20 years of experience across marketing, product, and strategic development, Kristina has led growth initiatives for global brands and now partners with small to mid-sized companies and nonprofits to help them move from ideas to execution.</p><p></p><p>She is also the host of Tripoint Conversations, a podcast focused on real stories from leaders, founders, and operators, exploring the decisions, challenges, and moments that shape how people build and lead.</p><p></p><p>To learn more or be a guest, go to: </p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast" target="_blank">https://www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast</a> </p>no00:40:06113Rebecca Rupp I The Story Behind Derby Pie and the Next Generation Carrying Itfull<![CDATA[Summer Dixon I A Leader Who Thrives in Ambiguity, Supporting CEOs Through the Decisions That Matter]]>In this episode, I sit down with Summer Dixon, founder of Dixon Strategies and a Vistage Chair, for a conversation that goes beyond titles and into how leaders actually think and make decisions.

Summer built her career inside a fast-moving corporate environment where she was constantly stepping into the unknown, launching teams, building programs, and figuring things out before there was a clear path.

That’s where she realized something that still defines her work today: She doesn’t wait for clarity. She creates it.


Now, she spends her time sitting across from CEOs and business owners, helping them work through the decisions that don’t have easy answers, the ones that carry weight, complexity, and real consequences.


We get into:

• Why some leaders continue to grow while others stall

• What it really means to be open to learning at the highest levels

• How the best decisions often come from asking better questions, not having faster answers

• And why having the right space to think and talk things through changes everything

We also talk about building something outside of the work, and why creating spaces like


CollabHERate matters just as much as the work itself.

If you’ve ever been in a position where you’re expected to have the answers, but still need a place to think, this conversation will resonate.


About Summer Dixon

Summer Dixon is the founder of Dixon Strategies and a Vistage Chair based in Louisville, Kentucky. She works closely with CEOs and business owners, helping them think through complex decisions, navigate growth, and lead more effectively.


Before starting her own business, Summer spent nearly two decades in corporate leadership, where she built and led teams, launched new programs, and operated in fast-moving environments that required constant problem-solving and adaptability.


In addition to her client work, she brings leaders together through peer groups and local initiatives like CollabHERate, focused on connection, conversation, and shared growth.

Learn More at:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/summerldixon/


About Kristina Lowe

Kristina Lowe is the founder and strategic partner of Tripoint Strategic Group, a Louisville-based firm that works with businesses and organizations to clarify direction, align strategy, and drive growth.

With over 20 years of experience across marketing, product, and strategic development, Kristina has led growth initiatives for global brands and now partners with small to mid-sized companies and nonprofits to help them move from ideas to execution.

She is also the host of Tripoint Conversations, a podcast focused on real stories from leaders, founders, and operators, exploring the decisions, challenges, and moments that shape how people build and lead.

To learn more or be a guest, go to:

https://www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast

]]>467eedda-58dc-421f-a177-ee17a4432ec6Tue, 21 Apr 2026 08:00:00 GMT<p>In this episode, I sit down with Summer Dixon, founder of Dixon Strategies and a Vistage Chair, for a conversation that goes beyond titles and into how leaders actually think and make decisions.<br /></p><p>Summer built her career inside a fast-moving corporate environment where she was constantly stepping into the unknown, launching teams, building programs, and figuring things out before there was a clear path.<br /></p><p>That’s where she realized something that still defines her work today: She doesn’t wait for clarity. She creates it.</p><p><br />Now, she spends her time sitting across from CEOs and business owners, helping them work through the decisions that don’t have easy answers, the ones that carry weight, complexity, and real consequences.</p><p><br />We get into:</p><p>• Why some leaders continue to grow while others stall </p><p>• What it really means to be open to learning at the highest levels </p><p>• How the best decisions often come from asking better questions, not having faster answers </p><p>• And why having the right space to think and talk things through changes everything </p><p>We also talk about building something outside of the work, and why creating spaces like </p><p><br />CollabHERate matters just as much as the work itself.</p><p>If you’ve ever been in a position where you’re expected to have the answers, but still need a place to think, this conversation will resonate.</p><p><br /><b>About Summer Dixon</b></p><p>Summer Dixon is the founder of Dixon Strategies and a Vistage Chair based in Louisville, Kentucky. She works closely with CEOs and business owners, helping them think through complex decisions, navigate growth, and lead more effectively.</p><p><br />Before starting her own business, Summer spent nearly two decades in corporate leadership, where she built and led teams, launched new programs, and operated in fast-moving environments that required constant problem-solving and adaptability.</p><p><br />In addition to her client work, she brings leaders together through peer groups and local initiatives like CollabHERate, focused on connection, conversation, and shared growth.</p><p>Learn More at: </p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/summerldixon/" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/summerldixon/</a></p><p><br /><b>About Kristina Lowe</b></p><p>Kristina Lowe is the founder and strategic partner of Tripoint Strategic Group, a Louisville-based firm that works with businesses and organizations to clarify direction, align strategy, and drive growth.</p><p></p><p>With over 20 years of experience across marketing, product, and strategic development, Kristina has led growth initiatives for global brands and now partners with small to mid-sized companies and nonprofits to help them move from ideas to execution.</p><p></p><p>She is also the host of Tripoint Conversations, a podcast focused on real stories from leaders, founders, and operators, exploring the decisions, challenges, and moments that shape how people build and lead.</p><p></p><p>To learn more or be a guest, go to: </p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast" target="_blank">https://www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast</a></p><p></p>no00:32:07112Summer Dixon I A Leader Who Thrives in Ambiguity, Supporting CEOs Through the Decisions That Matterfull<![CDATA[Tiffany Calvert | Defining What Comes Next on Your Own Terms]]>For most of her career, Tiffany Calvert helped organizations figure out how people perform, grow, and lead at scale. She spent over two decades inside Brown-Forman building leaders, shaping culture, and developing talent across the business.

Now she’s doing that work in a completely different way.


In this conversation, we get into what it looks like to step out of a long, successful career and build something of your own, not from scratch, but from everything you already know.


Tiffany shares how she’s helping leaders and teams understand where they do their best work, why so many people feel drained even in successful roles, and how tools like Working Genius create clarity around what gives you energy.


We also talk about readiness, not just for the next role, but for the next version of your career. What it takes to move forward with confidence, how to stop defaulting to what you “should” do, and how to build momentum in a way that actually fits who you are.

This is a conversation about using your experience differently, designing work around your strengths, and moving forward with intention.


About Tiffany Calvert

Tiffany Calvert is the founder of Onward & Upward Consulting, where she works with leaders and organizations to navigate change, strengthen teams, and build momentum with clarity.


Through coaching, workshops, and tools like Working Genius, she helps individuals and teams understand how they work best so they can build roles, careers, and organizations that fit.


Her work is focused on helping people move forward with more clarity, confidence, and intention.


Learn more at:

www.onupgrowth.com


About Kristina Lowe

Kristina Lowe is the founder and strategic partner of Tripoint Strategic Group, where she works with businesses and organizations to align strategy, leadership, and growth. Her background spans building and scaling brands, leading cross-functional teams, and developing go-to-market strategies that drive real results.


Through Tripoint Conversations, Kristina sits down with leaders to go beyond titles and talk about what it looks like to build, lead, and grow something that matters.


If you’d like to learn more about the podcast or be considered as a guest, visit:

www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast

Tripoint Conversations is independently produced. If you’d like to help keep these conversations coming, you can support the podcast here:
http://www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/support

]]>e528ff74-d84c-4422-9b53-235d5c6746fbTue, 14 Apr 2026 08:00:00 GMT<p>For most of her career, Tiffany Calvert helped organizations figure out how people perform, grow, and lead at scale. She spent over two decades inside Brown-Forman building leaders, shaping culture, and developing talent across the business.<br /></p><p>Now she’s doing that work in a completely different way.</p><p><br />In this conversation, we get into what it looks like to step out of a long, successful career and build something of your own, not from scratch, but from everything you already know.</p><p><br />Tiffany shares how she’s helping leaders and teams understand where they do their best work, why so many people feel drained even in successful roles, and how tools like Working Genius create clarity around what gives you energy.</p><p><br />We also talk about readiness, not just for the next role, but for the next version of your career. What it takes to move forward with confidence, how to stop defaulting to what you “should” do, and how to build momentum in a way that actually fits who you are.<br /></p><p>This is a conversation about using your experience differently, designing work around your strengths, and moving forward with intention.</p><p><br /><b>About Tiffany Calvert</b></p><p>Tiffany Calvert is the founder of Onward &amp; Upward Consulting, where she works with leaders and organizations to navigate change, strengthen teams, and build momentum with clarity.</p><p><br />Through coaching, workshops, and tools like Working Genius, she helps individuals and teams understand how they work best so they can build roles, careers, and organizations that fit.</p><p><br />Her work is focused on helping people move forward with more clarity, confidence, and intention.</p><p><br /><b>Learn more at:</b></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.onupgrowth.com" target="_blank">www.onupgrowth.com</a></p><p><br /><b>About Kristina Lowe</b></p><p>Kristina Lowe is the founder and strategic partner of Tripoint Strategic Group, where she works with businesses and organizations to align strategy, leadership, and growth. Her background spans building and scaling brands, leading cross-functional teams, and developing go-to-market strategies that drive real results.</p><p><br />Through Tripoint Conversations, Kristina sits down with leaders to go beyond titles and talk about what it looks like to build, lead, and grow something that matters.</p><p><br />If you’d like to learn more about the podcast or be considered as a guest, visit:</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast" target="_blank">www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast</a><br /><br />Tripoint Conversations is independently produced. If you’d like to help keep these conversations coming, you can support the podcast here:<br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/support" target="_blank">http://www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/support</a></p>no00:44:18111Tiffany Calvert | Defining What Comes Next on Your Own Termsfull<![CDATA[Lawrence Smith | From C-Suite to Coach: What It Takes to Lead Through Growth, People, and Pressure]]>Most leaders aren’t stuck because they don’t know what to do.

They’re stuck because they’re not acting on what they already know.

 

In this episode of Tripoint Conversations, I sit down with Lawrence Smith, a former CFO, CEO, and COO who has led companies through growth, turnarounds, and high-stakes decisions, and now works as an executive coach helping leaders navigate complexity.

But this isn’t a conversation about theory.

 

It’s about what actually happens inside organizations:

  • Why companies grow faster than their people, and what that breaks
  • The real reason leaders lose confidence in their teams
  • Why replacing people is often the wrong move
  • And how one simple question led to a $10M shift in a business almost overnight

 

Lawrence shares what he learned sitting in the seat, and what he sees now working alongside CEOs who are trying to figure out their next move.

 

One of the most powerful moments in this conversation comes down to something his mentor told him after he talked for 25 minutes straight: You already know what you’re going to do.

 

The challenge isn’t finding the answer.
It’s having the clarity and discipline to follow through.

 

If you’re leading a team, growing a business, or sitting in a role where you feel the weight of decisions, this one will hit.

 

About Lawrence Smith

Lawrence Smith is a business and executive coach who works with CEOs and leadership teams to navigate growth, change, and decision-making.

 

Before coaching, he served as a CFO, CEO, and COO, leading companies through turnarounds and high-growth phases after starting his career at Exxon.

 

He now helps leaders move from knowing what to do, to actually doing it.

 

Learn more at:
https://lawrencesmith.focalpointcoaching.com/

 

About Kristina Lowe

Kristina Lowe is the founder and strategic partner of Tripoint Strategic Group, where she works with businesses and organizations to align strategy, leadership, and growth. Her background spans building and scaling brands, leading cross-functional teams, and developing go-to-market strategies that drive real results.

 

Through Tripoint Conversations, Kristina sits down with leaders to go beyond titles and talk about what it actually looks like to build, lead, and grow something that matters.

 

If you’d like to learn more about the podcast or be considered as a guest, visit:
https://tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast

]]>6f465306-38e6-4768-88f3-b2811e4084d3Tue, 07 Apr 2026 08:00:00 GMT<p>Most leaders aren’t stuck because they don’t know what to do.<br /><br />They’re stuck because they’re not acting on what they already know.</p><p> </p><p>In this episode of Tripoint Conversations, I sit down with Lawrence Smith, a former CFO, CEO, and COO who has led companies through growth, turnarounds, and high-stakes decisions, and now works as an executive coach helping leaders navigate complexity.<br /></p><p>But this isn’t a conversation about theory.</p><p> </p><p>It’s about what actually happens inside organizations:</p><ul><li>Why companies grow faster than their people, and what that breaks</li><li>The real reason leaders lose confidence in their teams</li><li>Why replacing people is often the wrong move</li><li>And how one simple question led to a $10M shift in a business almost overnight</li></ul><p> </p><p>Lawrence shares what he learned sitting in the seat, and what he sees now working alongside CEOs who are trying to figure out their next move.</p><p> </p><p>One of the most powerful moments in this conversation comes down to something his mentor told him after he talked for 25 minutes straight: You already know what you’re going to do.</p><p> </p><p>The challenge isn’t finding the answer.<br />It’s having the clarity and discipline to follow through.</p><p> </p><p>If you’re leading a team, growing a business, or sitting in a role where you feel the weight of decisions, this one will hit.</p><p> </p><p><b>About Lawrence Smith</b></p><p>Lawrence Smith is a business and executive coach who works with CEOs and leadership teams to navigate growth, change, and decision-making.</p><p> </p><p>Before coaching, he served as a CFO, CEO, and COO, leading companies through turnarounds and high-growth phases after starting his career at Exxon.</p><p> </p><p>He now helps leaders move from knowing what to do, to actually doing it.</p><p> </p><p>Learn more at: <br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://lawrencesmith.focalpointcoaching.com/" target="_blank">https://lawrencesmith.focalpointcoaching.com/</a></p><p> </p><p><b>About Kristina Lowe</b></p><p>Kristina Lowe is the founder and strategic partner of Tripoint Strategic Group, where she works with businesses and organizations to align strategy, leadership, and growth. Her background spans building and scaling brands, leading cross-functional teams, and developing go-to-market strategies that drive real results.</p><p> </p><p>Through Tripoint Conversations, Kristina sits down with leaders to go beyond titles and talk about what it actually looks like to build, lead, and grow something that matters.</p><p> </p><p>If you’d like to learn more about the podcast or be considered as a guest, visit:<br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast" target="_blank">https://tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast</a></p>no00:42:54110Lawrence Smith | From C-Suite to Coach: What It Takes to Lead Through Growth, People, and Pressurefull<![CDATA[Annette Manias - How Emotional Intelligence Shapes Leadership, Culture, and Succession ]]>Annette Manias didn’t just build a business. She built the people who would eventually take it over.

 

After more than 30 years leading her company, she made a decision most owners struggle with. She didn’t sell to private equity. She didn’t hand it off to a competitor. She sold it to three employees she had developed along the way.

 

In this episode of Tripoint Conversations, we get into how that actually happens.

 

This is a conversation about emotional intelligence, but not in the way most people talk about it. We’re talking about hiring the wrong people and realizing too late it’s a culture issue. About leaders who can’t get to the next level and don’t know why. About teams that look fine on paper but aren’t working in reality.

 

Annette shares what emotional intelligence really looks like inside a business. Where it shows up. How it breaks down. And how it can either accelerate a leader or quietly hold them back.

 

We also get into real moments from her career. Hard leadership decisions. Missteps. And the shift from building a company to building leaders inside it.

 

If you lead people, or you’re trying to figure out why something isn’t clicking in your team, this one will hit.

 

About Annette Manias

Annette is the founder of EQ Training and Development and a leadership advisor who helps companies strengthen how their people actually work together. Before that, she spent more than 30 years building and leading her own technology company, growing it from the ground up and eventually selling it to three employees she had developed into leaders.

 

Today, she works with business owners, CEOs, and leadership teams to build emotional intelligence in a way that shows up in hiring, communication, and culture, not just theory.

 

Click here to learn more:

https://eqnavigator.com/

 

About Kristina Lowe

Kristina Lowe is the founder and strategic partner of Tripoint Strategic Group, where she works with businesses and organizations to align strategy, leadership, and growth. Her background spans building and scaling brands, leading cross-functional teams, and developing go-to-market strategies that drive real results.

 

Through Tripoint Conversations, Kristina sits down with leaders to go beyond titles and talk about what it actually looks like to build, lead, and grow something that matters.

 

Click here to learn more about the podcast or be a guest, visit:
https://tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast

]]>d68ab82c-b4ae-4926-9131-cdc5ec256611Tue, 31 Mar 2026 08:00:00 GMT<p>Annette Manias didn’t just build a business. She built the people who would eventually take it over.</p><p> </p><p>After more than 30 years leading her company, she made a decision most owners struggle with. She didn’t sell to private equity. She didn’t hand it off to a competitor. She sold it to three employees she had developed along the way.</p><p> </p><p>In this episode of Tripoint Conversations, we get into how that actually happens.</p><p> </p><p>This is a conversation about emotional intelligence, but not in the way most people talk about it. We’re talking about hiring the wrong people and realizing too late it’s a culture issue. About leaders who can’t get to the next level and don’t know why. About teams that look fine on paper but aren’t working in reality.</p><p> </p><p>Annette shares what emotional intelligence really looks like inside a business. Where it shows up. How it breaks down. And how it can either accelerate a leader or quietly hold them back.</p><p> </p><p>We also get into real moments from her career. Hard leadership decisions. Missteps. And the shift from building a company to building leaders inside it.</p><p> </p><p>If you lead people, or you’re trying to figure out why something isn’t clicking in your team, this one will hit.</p><p> </p><p><b>About Annette Manias </b></p><p>Annette is the founder of EQ Training and Development and a leadership advisor who helps companies strengthen how their people actually work together. Before that, she spent more than 30 years building and leading her own technology company, growing it from the ground up and eventually selling it to three employees she had developed into leaders.</p><p> </p><p>Today, she works with business owners, CEOs, and leadership teams to build emotional intelligence in a way that shows up in hiring, communication, and culture, not just theory.</p><p> </p><p>Click here to learn more:</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://eqnavigator.com/" target="_blank">https://eqnavigator.com/</a></p><p> </p><p><b>About Kristina Lowe</b></p><p>Kristina Lowe is the founder and strategic partner of Tripoint Strategic Group, where she works with businesses and organizations to align strategy, leadership, and growth. Her background spans building and scaling brands, leading cross-functional teams, and developing go-to-market strategies that drive real results.</p><p> </p><p>Through <b>Tripoint Conversations</b>, Kristina sits down with leaders to go beyond titles and talk about what it actually looks like to build, lead, and grow something that matters.</p><p> </p><p>Click here to learn more about the podcast or be a guest, visit:<br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast" target="_blank">https://tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast</a></p>no00:47:4719Annette Manias - How Emotional Intelligence Shapes Leadership, Culture, and Succession full<![CDATA[Ann Brown: Leadership Is a Contact Sport, Building People, Culture, and Real Impact]]>I sat down with Ann Brown, founder of Development Edge, for a conversation that goes far beyond HR and leadership theory.

Ann has spent more than 30 years working across corporate, nonprofit, and consulting environments, helping organizations build stronger teams, develop better leaders, and create workplaces where people actually want to stay.

But what makes this conversation different is how she thinks about people.

We talked about why leadership is a “contact sport,” and what that really looks like in practice. Not from a place of authority, but from showing up, understanding people, and creating a path for them to succeed.

Ann also shares:

  • What most companies get wrong about onboarding and developing employees
  • Why leaders struggle when they make everything about “I” instead of the team
  • The importance of doing the “lonely work” when building a business
  • How mentorship shaped her career, including lessons that still guide her today
  • And how faith has played a role in the impact she continues to make

This is a conversation about leadership, but more importantly, it’s about people.

If you’re leading a team, building a business, or trying to grow into a better leader yourself, there’s something in this episode for you.

About Ann Brown
Ann Brown is the founder of Development Edge, a consulting firm focused on HR strategy, leadership development, coaching, and workplace culture. With over 30 years of experience, she partners with organizations to build inclusive, high-performing teams and stronger leaders.

Learn more: https://www.thedevelopmentedge.com/

About Tripoint Conversations

Tripoint Conversations is hosted by Kristina Lowe, founder of Tripoint Strategic Group.

 

The podcast goes beyond titles and resumes to explore the real stories behind leadership.

 

Through conversations with founders, executives, and community leaders in Louisville and beyond, the show explores what drives them, what they have learned along the way, and how they are building businesses, organizations, and communities that create lasting impact.

 

For more information or to be a guest, visit:
www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast

]]>6be7df44-9e08-42fc-88a4-27740cdaaaa0Tue, 24 Mar 2026 08:00:00 GMT<p>I sat down with Ann Brown, founder of Development Edge, for a conversation that goes far beyond HR and leadership theory.</p><p></p><p>Ann has spent more than 30 years working across corporate, nonprofit, and consulting environments, helping organizations build stronger teams, develop better leaders, and create workplaces where people actually want to stay.</p><p>But what makes this conversation different is how she thinks about people.</p><p></p><p>We talked about why leadership is a “contact sport,” and what that really looks like in practice. Not from a place of authority, but from showing up, understanding people, and creating a path for them to succeed.</p><p></p><p>Ann also shares:</p><ul><li>What most companies get wrong about onboarding and developing employees</li><li>Why leaders struggle when they make everything about “I” instead of the team</li><li>The importance of doing the “lonely work” when building a business</li><li>How mentorship shaped her career, including lessons that still guide her today</li><li>And how faith has played a role in the impact she continues to make<p></p></li></ul><p>This is a conversation about leadership, but more importantly, it’s about people.</p><p></p><p>If you’re leading a team, building a business, or trying to grow into a better leader yourself, there’s something in this episode for you.</p><p></p><p><b>About Ann Brown</b><br />Ann Brown is the founder of Development Edge, a consulting firm focused on HR strategy, leadership development, coaching, and workplace culture. With over 30 years of experience, she partners with organizations to build inclusive, high-performing teams and stronger leaders.</p><p></p><p>Learn more: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.thedevelopmentedge.com/" target="_blank">https://www.thedevelopmentedge.com/</a></p><p></p><p><b>About Tripoint Conversations</b></p><p>Tripoint Conversations is hosted by Kristina Lowe, founder of Tripoint Strategic Group.</p><p> </p><p>The podcast goes beyond titles and resumes to explore the real stories behind leadership.</p><p> </p><p>Through conversations with founders, executives, and community leaders in Louisville and beyond, the show explores what drives them, what they have learned along the way, and how they are building businesses, organizations, and communities that create lasting impact.</p><p> </p><p>For more information or to be a guest, visit:<br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast" target="_blank">www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast</a></p>no00:36:2418Ann Brown: Leadership Is a Contact Sport, Building People, Culture, and Real Impactfull<![CDATA[Jessica Wuchterl & Lisa Stephens of Xtreme Coating Solutions | Rebuilding Culture and Trust]]>In this episode of Tripoint Conversations, Kristina Lowe sits down with Jessica Wuchterl, owner and Chief Visionary Officer, and Lisa Stephens, CEO of Xtreme Coating Solutions, a Kentucky-based company specializing in epoxy flooring, concrete coatings, concrete repair and resurfacing, flooring restoration, and commercial surface protection.

But this conversation is not really about flooring.

 

It is about what happens when a growing family business reaches a breaking point and leadership has to decide whether to keep operating the same way or rethink how the company runs.

 

Jessica shares the moment she realized that even though the company looked successful from the outside, she was burned out and questioning whether the business was worth it. That realization led to years of reflection, working with coaches, and eventually making one of the most difficult decisions a founder can make: bringing in outside leadership.

 

That decision led to hiring Lisa Stephens as CEO.

 

When Lisa stepped into the role, the company was dealing with internal conflict, teams blaming each other, and a culture where people were afraid to make mistakes. Instead of focusing only on operations or sales, they started by rebuilding trust.

 

Together, Jessica and Lisa reshaped the organization by focusing on transparency, leadership accountability, and putting people in roles where they could succeed.

 

In this conversation, they talk about:

  • Why many business owners struggle to let go of control
  • What changes when a company commits to improving its culture
  • How transparency and profit sharing motivate employees
  • Why allowing people to make mistakes creates stronger teams
  • What it takes for a founder to admit they may not be the right person to lead day to day

 

Within a year, the results were dramatic. The culture shifted, employee engagement improved, and the business began growing in new ways.

 

If you are a business owner, CEO, or leader trying to improve company culture, grow a team, or navigate leadership change, this conversation offers a real look at what that transformation takes.

 

About Xtreme Coating Solutions

Xtreme Coating Solutions is a Kentucky-based company specializing in epoxy flooring, concrete coatings, concrete repair and resurfacing, and flooring restoration for both commercial and residential spaces.

 

From warehouses and industrial facilities to garages and retail environments, the company helps clients protect and restore surfaces with durable coating systems designed to extend the life of concrete and improve functionality and appearance.

 

Learn more:
https://xtreme-coat.com/

 

About Tripoint Conversations

Tripoint Conversations is hosted by Kristina Lowe, founder of Tripoint Strategic Group.

 

The podcast goes beyond titles and resumes to explore the real stories behind leadership.

 

Through conversations with founders, executives, and community leaders in Louisville and beyond, the show explores what drives them, what they have learned along the way, and how they are building businesses, organizations, and communities that create lasting impact.

 

For more information or to be a guest, visit:
www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast

]]>10622ff8-85cb-4863-b9e9-8ea8d93c6c9bTue, 17 Mar 2026 08:00:00 GMT<p>In this episode of <b>Tripoint Conversations</b>, Kristina Lowe sits down with <b>Jessica Wuchterl, owner and Chief Visionary Officer, and Lisa Stephens, CEO of Xtreme Coating Solutions</b>, a Kentucky-based company specializing in epoxy flooring, concrete coatings, concrete repair and resurfacing, flooring restoration, and commercial surface protection.</p><p>But this conversation is not really about flooring.</p><p> </p><p>It is about what happens when a growing family business reaches a breaking point and leadership has to decide whether to keep operating the same way or rethink how the company runs.</p><p> </p><p>Jessica shares the moment she realized that even though the company looked successful from the outside, she was burned out and questioning whether the business was worth it. That realization led to years of reflection, working with coaches, and eventually making one of the most difficult decisions a founder can make: bringing in outside leadership.</p><p> </p><p>That decision led to hiring <b>Lisa Stephens as CEO.</b></p><p> </p><p>When Lisa stepped into the role, the company was dealing with internal conflict, teams blaming each other, and a culture where people were afraid to make mistakes. Instead of focusing only on operations or sales, they started by rebuilding trust.</p><p> </p><p>Together, Jessica and Lisa reshaped the organization by focusing on transparency, leadership accountability, and putting people in roles where they could succeed.</p><p> </p><p>In this conversation, they talk about:</p><ul><li>Why many business owners struggle to let go of control</li><li>What changes when a company commits to improving its culture</li><li>How transparency and profit sharing motivate employees</li><li>Why allowing people to make mistakes creates stronger teams</li><li>What it takes for a founder to admit they may not be the right person to lead day to day</li></ul><p> </p><p>Within a year, the results were dramatic. The culture shifted, employee engagement improved, and the business began growing in new ways.</p><p> </p><p>If you are a business owner, CEO, or leader trying to improve company culture, grow a team, or navigate leadership change, this conversation offers a real look at what that transformation takes.</p><p><b> </b></p><p><b>About Xtreme Coating Solutions</b></p><p>Xtreme Coating Solutions is a Kentucky-based company specializing in epoxy flooring, concrete coatings, concrete repair and resurfacing, and flooring restoration for both commercial and residential spaces.</p><p> </p><p>From warehouses and industrial facilities to garages and retail environments, the company helps clients protect and restore surfaces with durable coating systems designed to extend the life of concrete and improve functionality and appearance.</p><p> </p><p>Learn more:<br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://xtreme-coat.com/" target="_blank">https://xtreme-coat.com/</a></p><p> </p><p><b>About Tripoint Conversations</b></p><p>Tripoint Conversations is hosted by <b>Kristina Lowe</b>, founder of Tripoint Strategic Group.</p><p> </p><p>The podcast goes beyond titles and resumes to explore the real stories behind leadership.</p><p> </p><p>Through conversations with founders, executives, and community leaders in Louisville and beyond, the show explores what drives them, what they have learned along the way, and how they are building businesses, organizations, and communities that create lasting impact.</p><p> </p><p>For more information or to be a guest, visit:<br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast" target="_blank">www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast</a></p>no00:49:3017Jessica Wuchterl & Lisa Stephens of Xtreme Coating Solutions | Rebuilding Culture and Trustfull<![CDATA[Linda Ruffenach | From CEO to Advisor: Helping Leaders Build Businesses That Last]]>What happens when a leader spends nearly two decades building a company… and then steps away to help others do it better?

 

In this episode of Tripoint Conversations, Kristina Lowe sits down with Linda Ruffenach, founder of Execuity.

 

Linda spent 19 years helping grow a company from startup to more than 3,000 employees across four countries, serving in roles across operations, finance, and eventually CEO. Along the way she experienced something many leaders quietly face: the isolation and weight of leadership.

 

Today through Execuity, Linda works alongside business owners to bring financial clarity, strategic discipline, and long-term thinking to the way companies grow and transition.

But this conversation goes deeper than spreadsheets and strategy.

 

We talk about the emotional weight of leading thousands of employees, why chasing revenue alone can actually hurt a business, the mistakes founders make when they don’t understand their financials, and what it really means to build a company that has lasting value beyond the owner.

 

We also explore Linda’s passion for mentorship, the unexpected lessons she learned building the Whiskey Chicks community, and why confidence, in business and in life, often comes from experience.

 

In this episode we discuss:

• The loneliness that often comes with leadership
• Why many business owners misunderstand their financials
• The difference between revenue growth and real business value
• Lessons learned scaling a company to thousands of employees
• Helping founders think like investors, not just operators
• The role of mentorship and paying knowledge forward
• Why leaders need purpose beyond their business

 

About Linda Ruffenach

Linda Ruffenach is the founder of Execuity, a consulting firm that helps business owners accelerate value, improve financial discipline, and prepare their companies for long-term growth or transition.

 

Before launching Execuity, Linda spent nearly two decades helping build a global customer engagement company that grew to more than 3,000 employees across multiple countries. She later served as CEO before transitioning into advisory work helping other leaders navigate the challenges of growth, strategy, and succession.

She is also the founder of Whisky Chicks, a community that began as a way to connect women through bourbon education and has grown into a network of hundreds of members.

 

Learn more at:
https://execuity.com

https://whiskychicks.com/

 

 

About Tripoint Conversations

 

Tripoint Conversations is hosted by Kristina Lowe, founder of Tripoint Strategic Group.

This podcast goes beyond titles and resumes to explore the real stories behind leadership: the pivots, doubts, discipline, and decisions that shape a life and a business.

 

Through conversations with leaders in Louisville and beyond, we explore what drives them, what they’ve learned the hard way, and how they’re building meaningful impact in their communities.

 

Because the most meaningful growth rarely happens on the surface.

 

Listen to more episodes at:
www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast

 

]]>14f1faa5-dd5c-46fa-8e23-b1c0c40ff010Tue, 10 Mar 2026 08:00:00 GMT<p>What happens when a leader spends nearly two decades building a company… and then steps away to help others do it better?</p><p> </p><p>In this episode of <b>Tripoint Conversations</b>, Kristina Lowe sits down with <b>Linda Ruffenach</b>, founder of Execuity.</p><p> </p><p>Linda spent 19 years helping grow a company from startup to more than 3,000 employees across four countries, serving in roles across operations, finance, and eventually CEO. Along the way she experienced something many leaders quietly face: the isolation and weight of leadership.</p><p> </p><p>Today through Execuity, Linda works alongside business owners to bring financial clarity, strategic discipline, and long-term thinking to the way companies grow and transition.</p><p></p><p>But this conversation goes deeper than spreadsheets and strategy.</p><p> </p><p>We talk about the emotional weight of leading thousands of employees, why chasing revenue alone can actually hurt a business, the mistakes founders make when they don’t understand their financials, and what it really means to build a company that has lasting value beyond the owner.</p><p> </p><p>We also explore Linda’s passion for mentorship, the unexpected lessons she learned building the Whiskey Chicks community, and why confidence, in business and in life, often comes from experience.</p><p> </p><p>In this episode we discuss:</p><p>• The loneliness that often comes with leadership<br />• Why many business owners misunderstand their financials<br />• The difference between revenue growth and real business value<br />• Lessons learned scaling a company to thousands of employees<br />• Helping founders think like investors, not just operators<br />• The role of mentorship and paying knowledge forward<br />• Why leaders need purpose beyond their business</p><p> </p><p><b>About Linda Ruffenach</b></p><p>Linda Ruffenach is the founder of <b>Execuity</b>, a consulting firm that helps business owners accelerate value, improve financial discipline, and prepare their companies for long-term growth or transition.</p><p> </p><p>Before launching Execuity, Linda spent nearly two decades helping build a global customer engagement company that grew to more than 3,000 employees across multiple countries. She later served as CEO before transitioning into advisory work helping other leaders navigate the challenges of growth, strategy, and succession.</p><p></p><p>She is also the founder of <b>Whisky Chicks</b>, a community that began as a way to connect women through bourbon education and has grown into a network of hundreds of members.</p><p> </p><p>Learn more at:<br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://execuity.com" target="_blank">https://execuity.com</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://whiskychicks.com/" target="_blank">https://whiskychicks.com/</a></p><p> </p><p> </p><p><b>About Tripoint Conversations</b></p><p> </p><p>Tripoint Conversations is hosted by Kristina Lowe, founder of Tripoint Strategic Group.</p><p></p><p>This podcast goes beyond titles and resumes to explore the real stories behind leadership: the pivots, doubts, discipline, and decisions that shape a life and a business.</p><p> </p><p>Through conversations with leaders in Louisville and beyond, we explore what drives them, what they’ve learned the hard way, and how they’re building meaningful impact in their communities.</p><p> </p><p>Because the most meaningful growth rarely happens on the surface.</p><p> </p><p>Listen to more episodes at:<br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast" target="_blank">www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast</a></p><p> </p>no00:35:3916Linda Ruffenach | From CEO to Advisor: Helping Leaders Build Businesses That Lastfull<![CDATA[Anora Morton | Redefining the Plan on Her Own Terms]]>What happens when the “safe plan” falls apart?

In this episode of Tripoint Conversations, Kristina Lowe sits down with Anora Morton, founder of The Nori Project, to talk about setbacks, identity, entrepreneurship, and what it actually takes to build something from nothing.

 

Anora’s path started with a full ride to college and a 20-year plan to become a lawyer. It led her through law school, two failed bar exams, public defense work, corporate burnout, and eventually into entrepreneurship.

 

What began as an idea to modernize food access through smart vending infrastructure became Nori, a company that challenged outdated distribution models and pushed Kentucky’s vending and agriculture industries into new conversations.

 

This episode covers:
• Failing the bar exam after doing everything “right”
• The pressure of public expectations
• Walking away from a traditional career path
• Starting a hardware based startup from scratch
• Raising capital and navigating accelerators
• Pivoting when the market pushes back
• And why every company has a season

 

Since this conversation was recorded, Nori has officially ceased operations after accomplishing what it set out to do. As Anora recently shared, it closed not with apology, but with impact.

 

This is not a story about vending machines. It’s about resilience. It’s about risk. It’s about learning you are not defined by a test, a title, or a single chapter.

 

If you are in a pivot, questioning the path you chose years ago, recovering from something that did not go as planned, or building something that feels bigger than you, then this episode is for you.

 

About Anora Morton
Anora Morton is the founder of The Nori Project, a category creating company that reimagined food access through tech enabled vending infrastructure. Through grants, accelerator programs, and early adoption partnerships, Nori introduced new models for distributing healthy food in underserved communities and influenced regional food systems conversations.

 

You can review Nori’s archived impact at:
https://thenoriproject.com

Follow Anora’s next chapter at:

https://anoraplease.com

 

Tripoint Conversations is hosted by Kristina Lowe, founder of Tripoint Strategic Group. This podcast explores the real stories behind leadership, pivots, discipline, and the decisions that shape a life and a business.

 

Learn more at:
www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast

]]>0d55140b-7294-4a50-a38a-d86f274e72f2Tue, 03 Mar 2026 10:00:00 GMT<p>What happens when the “safe plan” falls apart?<br /></p><p>In this episode of Tripoint Conversations, Kristina Lowe sits down with Anora Morton, founder of The Nori Project, to talk about setbacks, identity, entrepreneurship, and what it actually takes to build something from nothing.</p><p> </p><p>Anora’s path started with a full ride to college and a 20-year plan to become a lawyer. It led her through law school, two failed bar exams, public defense work, corporate burnout, and eventually into entrepreneurship.</p><p> </p><p>What began as an idea to modernize food access through smart vending infrastructure became Nori, a company that challenged outdated distribution models and pushed Kentucky’s vending and agriculture industries into new conversations.</p><p> </p><p>This episode covers:<br />• Failing the bar exam after doing everything “right”<br />• The pressure of public expectations<br />• Walking away from a traditional career path<br />• Starting a hardware based startup from scratch<br />• Raising capital and navigating accelerators<br />• Pivoting when the market pushes back<br />• And why every company has a season</p><p> </p><p>Since this conversation was recorded, Nori has officially ceased operations after accomplishing what it set out to do. As Anora recently shared, it closed not with apology, but with impact.</p><p> </p><p>This is not a story about vending machines. It’s about resilience. It’s about risk. It’s about learning you are not defined by a test, a title, or a single chapter.</p><p> </p><p>If you are in a pivot, questioning the path you chose years ago, recovering from something that did not go as planned, or building something that feels bigger than you, then this episode is for you.</p><p> </p><p>About Anora Morton<br />Anora Morton is the founder of The Nori Project, a category creating company that reimagined food access through tech enabled vending infrastructure. Through grants, accelerator programs, and early adoption partnerships, Nori introduced new models for distributing healthy food in underserved communities and influenced regional food systems conversations.</p><p> </p><p>You can review Nori’s archived impact at:<br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://thenoriproject.com" target="_blank">https://thenoriproject.com</a><br /></p><p>Follow Anora’s next chapter at:</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://anoraplease.com" target="_blank">https://anoraplease.com</a></p><p> </p><p>Tripoint Conversations is hosted by Kristina Lowe, founder of Tripoint Strategic Group. This podcast explores the real stories behind leadership, pivots, discipline, and the decisions that shape a life and a business.</p><p> </p><p>Learn more at:<br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast" target="_blank">www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast</a></p>no01:06:1415Anora Morton | Redefining the Plan on Her Own Termsfull<![CDATA[Cathi Bingaman | From Idea to 12-Year Business and the Decision to Go For It]]>What happens when the vision comes before the confidence?

In this episode of Tripoint Conversations, Kristina Lowe sits down with Cathi Bingaman, founder of InSync with You, a Louisville-based personal concierge and home management company serving busy professionals, physicians, executives, and families.

For over a decade, Cathi has built a trusted, word-of-mouth business designed to help high-capacity women reclaim time, reduce decision fatigue, and create more peace inside their homes and careers.

But this conversation goes deeper than errands or organization.

We talk about:

  • The moment she realized people were already coming to her for “her thing”
  • Why nothing about building a business is linear
  • The gap between vision and confidence
  • Decision fatigue and the mental load many women carry
  • Why asking for help is not weakness, it’s leadership
  • Surrounding yourself with people who inspire you
  • And why life is too short to ignore what keeps tugging at you

Cathi shares the real behind-the-scenes of entrepreneurship, the doubts, the near quitting moments, the business coach investment, and the discipline it takes to stay the course.

If you're:

  • Thinking about starting a business
  • Building something slowly on the side
  • Feeling stretched thin in your home or career
  • Or wondering if your idea is already showing up in your life

This episode is for you.

About Cathi Bingaman

Cathi Bingaman is the founder of InSync With You, a personal concierge and lifestyle management company based in Louisville, Kentucky.

Her team provides high-level, white glove support including home management, organization, move coordination, vendor management, event planning, and ongoing household reset services through programs like “Lighten the Load.”

She is also a board member of NAWBO Kentucky (National Association of Women Business Owners) and a nominee for Today’s Woman Most Admired Woman.

Learn more at:

https://insyncwithyou.com/

About Tripoint Conversations

Tripoint Conversations is hosted by Kristina Lowe, founder of Tripoint Strategic Group. This podcast goes beyond titles and resumes to explore the real stories behind leadership, the pivots, the doubts, the discipline, and the decisions that shape a life and a business.

Through conversations with leaders in Louisville and beyond, we examine what drives them, what they’ve learned the hard way, and how they’re building impact in their communities, their companies, and their families.

Because the most meaningful growth rarely happens on the surface.

Learn more at:

www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast

]]>996dcbd0-9fa5-4f85-96ac-5ddc4a9474b5Tue, 24 Feb 2026 12:07:50 GMT<p>What happens when the vision comes before the confidence?</p><p></p><p>In this episode of Tripoint Conversations, Kristina Lowe sits down with Cathi Bingaman, founder of InSync with You, a Louisville-based personal concierge and home management company serving busy professionals, physicians, executives, and families.</p><p></p><p>For over a decade, Cathi has built a trusted, word-of-mouth business designed to help high-capacity women reclaim time, reduce decision fatigue, and create more peace inside their homes and careers.</p><p></p><p>But this conversation goes deeper than errands or organization.</p><p></p><p>We talk about:</p><ul><li>The moment she realized people were already coming to her for “her thing”</li><li>Why nothing about building a business is linear</li><li>The gap between vision and confidence</li><li>Decision fatigue and the mental load many women carry</li><li>Why asking for help is not weakness, it’s leadership</li><li>Surrounding yourself with people who inspire you</li><li>And why life is too short to ignore what keeps tugging at you</li></ul><p></p><p>Cathi shares the real behind-the-scenes of entrepreneurship, the doubts, the near quitting moments, the business coach investment, and the discipline it takes to stay the course.</p><p></p><p>If you're:</p><ul><li>Thinking about starting a business</li><li>Building something slowly on the side</li><li>Feeling stretched thin in your home or career</li><li>Or wondering if your idea is already showing up in your life</li></ul><p></p><p>This episode is for you.</p><p></p><p><b>About Cathi Bingaman</b></p><p>Cathi Bingaman is the founder of InSync With You, a personal concierge and lifestyle management company based in Louisville, Kentucky.</p><p></p><p>Her team provides high-level, white glove support including home management, organization, move coordination, vendor management, event planning, and ongoing household reset services through programs like “Lighten the Load.”</p><p></p><p>She is also a board member of NAWBO Kentucky (National Association of Women Business Owners) and a nominee for Today’s Woman Most Admired Woman.</p><p></p><p>Learn more at: </p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://insyncwithyou.com/" target="_blank">https://insyncwithyou.com/</a></p><p></p><p><b>About Tripoint Conversations</b></p><p>Tripoint Conversations is hosted by Kristina Lowe, founder of Tripoint Strategic Group. This podcast goes beyond titles and resumes to explore the real stories behind leadership, the pivots, the doubts, the discipline, and the decisions that shape a life and a business.</p><p></p><p>Through conversations with leaders in Louisville and beyond, we examine what drives them, what they’ve learned the hard way, and how they’re building impact in their communities, their companies, and their families.</p><p></p><p>Because the most meaningful growth rarely happens on the surface.</p><p></p><p>Learn more at:</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast" target="_blank">www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast</a></p><p></p>no00:27:5414Cathi Bingaman | From Idea to 12-Year Business and the Decision to Go For Itfull<![CDATA[From Corporate to Compassion: Vic Roos on Leading with Love and Clarity]]>In this episode of Tripoint Conversations, I sit down with Vic Roos, founder of VPR International and a leadership advisor with more than 30 years of corporate experience.

Vic spent decades inside organizations like GE Appliances before realizing something was missing. In the middle of COVID, while leading global procurement teams, he had a simple but radical insight: organizations don’t just need performance, they need kindness.

That insight led him to bring the Working Genius framework into GE Appliances, shift into internal consulting, and eventually step away from corporate life entirely. The tipping point came on a park bench in Seneca Park, when the same encouragement he once gave his wife was returned to him.

Now, through VPR International, Vic works with leaders and teams to build clarity, trust, and compassion inside organizations, helping them replace politics with vulnerability and ego with humility.

We talk about:

• Why organizational health outlasts short-term metrics

• How Working Genius changes team dynamics

• The courage it takes for leaders to say “I don’t know”

• And why love might be the most underestimated leadership principle

Learn more about Vic at: www.vprinternational.com

—

Tripoint Conversations is hosted by Kristina Lowe, founder of Tripoint Strategic Group in Louisville, Kentucky.

Listen to more episodes at: www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast

Tripoint Conversations is independently produced. If you’d like to help keep these conversations coming, you can support the podcast here:
http://www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/support

]]>1ff7e985-402f-4957-9104-3fd01d40942dTue, 17 Feb 2026 00:48:31 GMT<p>In this episode of Tripoint Conversations, I sit down with Vic Roos, founder of VPR International and a leadership advisor with more than 30 years of corporate experience.</p><p></p><p>Vic spent decades inside organizations like GE Appliances before realizing something was missing. In the middle of COVID, while leading global procurement teams, he had a simple but radical insight: organizations don’t just need performance, they need kindness.</p><p></p><p>That insight led him to bring the Working Genius framework into GE Appliances, shift into internal consulting, and eventually step away from corporate life entirely. The tipping point came on a park bench in Seneca Park, when the same encouragement he once gave his wife was returned to him.</p><p></p><p>Now, through VPR International, Vic works with leaders and teams to build clarity, trust, and compassion inside organizations, helping them replace politics with vulnerability and ego with humility.</p><p></p><p>We talk about:</p><p>• Why organizational health outlasts short-term metrics</p><p>• How Working Genius changes team dynamics</p><p>• The courage it takes for leaders to say “I don’t know”</p><p>• And why love might be the most underestimated leadership principle</p><p></p><p>Learn more about Vic at: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.vprinternational.com" target="_blank">www.vprinternational.com</a></p><p></p><p>—</p><p>Tripoint Conversations is hosted by Kristina Lowe, founder of Tripoint Strategic Group in Louisville, Kentucky.</p><p></p><p>Listen to more episodes at: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast" target="_blank">www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast</a></p><p></p><p>Tripoint Conversations is independently produced. If you’d like to help keep these conversations coming, you can support the podcast here:<br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/support" target="_blank">http://www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/support</a></p>no00:30:5413From Corporate to Compassion: Vic Roos on Leading with Love and Clarityfull<![CDATA[Alison Moulder on Growth, Culture, and Meaningful Work]]>In this episode of Tripoint Conversations, I sit down with Alison Moulder, founder of Simplicity and Style, a Louisville-based organizing, styling, and relocation company.

Alison didn’t start with a five-year plan. She started with three young kids, a season of wanting more, and an encouraging friend who told her to stop overthinking and hit “publish” on a website.

What began as a few organizing projects has grown into a boutique business built intentionally, one that allows women to work around school bus schedules, lead with compassion, and create spaces that bring real peace into people’s lives.

We talk about building slowly instead of scaling fast, protecting culture as your team grows, pricing your work with confidence, and why organizing a storage room can sometimes mean giving someone room to breathe again.

This conversation is about meaningful work, and creating something that fits your life while inviting other women into it along the way.

Learn more at: www.simplicityandstyle.com


—

Tripoint Conversations is hosted by Kristina Lowe, founder of Tripoint Strategic Group in Louisville, Kentucky.

Learn more at: www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast

To receive updates or recommend a future guest, visit the website and join the email list.

]]>be92e374-8d30-474c-ac87-d45ee65f2f2aTue, 17 Feb 2026 00:39:23 GMT<p>In this episode of Tripoint Conversations, I sit down with Alison Moulder, founder of Simplicity and Style, a Louisville-based organizing, styling, and relocation company.</p><p></p><p>Alison didn’t start with a five-year plan. She started with three young kids, a season of wanting more, and an encouraging friend who told her to stop overthinking and hit “publish” on a website.</p><p></p><p>What began as a few organizing projects has grown into a boutique business built intentionally, one that allows women to work around school bus schedules, lead with compassion, and create spaces that bring real peace into people’s lives.</p><p></p><p>We talk about building slowly instead of scaling fast, protecting culture as your team grows, pricing your work with confidence, and why organizing a storage room can sometimes mean giving someone room to breathe again.</p><p></p><p>This conversation is about meaningful work, and creating something that fits your life while inviting other women into it along the way.</p><p></p><p>Learn more at: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.simplicityandstyle.com" target="_blank">www.simplicityandstyle.com</a> </p><p><br />—</p><p>Tripoint Conversations is hosted by Kristina Lowe, founder of Tripoint Strategic Group in Louisville, Kentucky.</p><p></p><p>Learn more at: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast" target="_blank">www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast</a> </p><p></p><p>To receive updates or recommend a future guest, visit the website and join the email list.</p>no00:30:5012Alison Moulder on Growth, Culture, and Meaningful Workfull<![CDATA[The Story Behind Tripoint Conversations]]>Welcome to Tripoint Conversations.

In this first episode, I’m sharing the story behind why I launched this podcast, the career pivots, the unexpected turning points, and the moment I realized it was time to stop waiting for perfect and just begin.

After years working in strategy, marketing, and leadership across industries, I found myself at a crossroads. Instead of going back to what was familiar, I decided to build something new, a space for real conversations with the leaders shaping Louisville and beyond.

Tripoint Conversations is about the moments in between success headlines, the pivots, the risks, the uncertainty, and the resilience it takes to build something meaningful.

If you’re navigating your own next chapter, this podcast is for you.

Subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming conversations with local founders, nonprofit leaders, authors, and community builders.

Learn more at: www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast

If you’d like to receive updates or recommend a guest, head to the website and join the email list.

I’m glad you’re here. Let’s get started.


Tripoint Conversations is hosted by Kristina Lowe, founder of Tripoint Strategic Group in Louisville, Kentucky, offering fractional strategy, marketing, and development support for growing organizations.

]]>a90e19db-d4bb-4f9b-a679-a4956340965bTue, 17 Feb 2026 00:29:46 GMT<p>Welcome to Tripoint Conversations.<br /></p><p>In this first episode, I’m sharing the story behind why I launched this podcast, the career pivots, the unexpected turning points, and the moment I realized it was time to stop waiting for perfect and just begin.<br /></p><p>After years working in strategy, marketing, and leadership across industries, I found myself at a crossroads. Instead of going back to what was familiar, I decided to build something new, a space for real conversations with the leaders shaping Louisville and beyond.<br /></p><p>Tripoint Conversations is about the moments in between success headlines, the pivots, the risks, the uncertainty, and the resilience it takes to build something meaningful.<br /></p><p>If you’re navigating your own next chapter, this podcast is for you.<br /></p><p>Subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming conversations with local founders, nonprofit leaders, authors, and community builders.<br /></p><p>Learn more at: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast" target="_blank">www.tripointstrategicgroup.com/podcast</a> <br /></p><p>If you’d like to receive updates or recommend a guest, head to the website and join the email list.<br /></p><p>I’m glad you’re here. Let’s get started.<br /><br /><br />Tripoint Conversations is hosted by Kristina Lowe, founder of Tripoint Strategic Group in Louisville, Kentucky, offering fractional strategy, marketing, and development support for growing organizations.</p>no00:06:4311The Story Behind Tripoint Conversationsfull