From Doing the Work to Leading It

In this episode, Ken Freire sits down with Kristen Wade, founder of HR HireVersion, to discuss the often-overlooked challenges newly promoted executives face as they transition into senior leadership. Drawing from more than 30 years in human resources, Kristen shares why executive roles can feel isolating, the leadership skills most organizations fail to teach, and how intentional coaching can help leaders succeed without sacrificing the people and priorities that matter most. The conversation also explores entrepreneurship, building a purpose-driven business, avoiding burnout, and growing through focus instead of hustle.

• HR HireVersion – https://hrhireversion.com
• LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com
• Full Focus – https://fullfocus.co
• LifeFocus Kit (Full Focus) – https://fullfocus.co/lifefocus/
• LinkedIn (marketing platform discussed) – https://www.linkedin.com

• 00:01 – Kristen's background and why she helps newly promoted executives Kristen shares her 30-year HR career and explains why she now focuses on coaching executives through leadership transitions.
• 03:12 – Entrepreneurship, retirement, and defining non-negotiables The discussion shifts to moving from a side business into full-time entrepreneurship and creating intentional work-life balance.
• 05:28 – What non-negotiables really mean Ken and Kristen explain how identifying personal values, boundaries, and priorities helps leaders avoid burnout and regret.
• 08:37 – Why great employees struggle as new executives They discuss the leadership gap between technical excellence and executive readiness, along with the importance of strategic thinking and coaching.
• 11:28 – Kristen's executive coaching framework Kristen outlines her assessment-based coaching process, how she identifies leadership gaps, and why her 90-day program accelerates executive success.
• 13:44 – Growing a business without burning out The conversation explores avoiding shiny-object syndrome, narrowing your audience, focusing on one core offer, and building depth before expanding.
• 16:19 – Finding clients through relationships and workshops Kristen explains how referrals, networking, and educational workshops have become her most effective client acquisition strategies.
• 19:29 – Expert-Led Business Report Kristen shares what she's experimenting with (LinkedIn marketing), the biggest challenge in her business, her growth goals, thoughts on AI and coaching, and the legacy she hopes to leave by helping executives thrive both professionally and personally.