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Getting After It
This isn’t just a podcast—it’s a relentless pursuit of growth, grit, and getting after life on your own terms.
Every week, we break down what it takes to push limits, embrace discomfort, and turn ambition into action. This is where wisdom meets execution—because knowledge alone doesn’t cut it. You have to apply, refine, and outwork your own self-doubt to see real results.
We bring on guests from all walks of life—entrepreneurs, athletes, creatives, adventurers—people who have battled through resistance and come out stronger. Their stories aren’t just inspiring; they’re roadmaps for anyone looking to level up.
The mission? To fuel your fire, challenge your thinking, and equip you with the mindset and tools to chase down your biggest goals.
This is Getting After It—not just a podcast, but a movement for those who refuse to settle.
Getting After It
133 - Kate Plamondon - This Is What Happens When You Bet on Yourself
What does it really mean to do it all—and actually do it well?
In this episode, I sat down with my former manager, longtime friend, and one of the most quietly powerful leaders I know: Kate Plamondon.
Kate is now a mother of three (including a set of surprise twins), a respected leader in business, and someone who’s not just surviving the chaos—but navigating it with presence, clarity, and integrity. We talk about the raw transition from being a high performer at work to balancing meetings with midnight feedings, the lessons she’s learned about leadership from raising toddlers, and how she’s built a system of resilience without burning out.
We also explore how motherhood reshaped her professional backbone, how taking a chance on herself opened the door to a leadership role, and how organization—paired with prioritization—is her secret weapon.
This episode is for anyone who feels like they’re being pulled in a thousand directions… but still want to get after it.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- The Power of Boundaries – How becoming a mom forced Kate to stop being a people-pleaser and start protecting her time, energy, and attention.
- Why Lists and Calendars Aren’t Just for Work – Practical systems Kate uses to stay organized and grounded both at home and at the office.
- The Difference Between Chosen and Unchosen Suffering – A powerful framework we discuss around discipline, challenge, and how being a parent is the ultimate endurance test.
- How to Be Present With Your Kids – Tangible tips for putting your phone down and being in the moment, guilt-free.
- Why Believing in Others Is Leadership Gold – Kate’s unique approach to management is rooted in one thing: championing people’s potential, even when they don’t see it yet.
You’re not done.
You’re just getting started.
Let’s keep getting after it.
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I hope today’s episode sparked something within you to pursue your dreams and unlock your true potential. If you found value in it, consider sharing it with someone who might need that same push.
This podcast is built for you—the dreamers and the doers. My goal is to provide a space where you can find inspiration, learn from others, and feel empowered to chase what matters most to you.
or we're rolling now oh, are we okay we're good sweet we got you finally back on the podcast. It's time back on the pod in the studio first one didn't make it live, but that's okay it was not okay actually, because that one was so good and I was sad. I had like three people from work ask about it rachel was one of them and then, like my mom was sad, ally was sad about it.
Kate:So, yeah, we finally made it back we're back, and it're back, and it'll be even better.
Brett:It'll be even better. Yeah, we had a practice run. I'm happy you're here.
Kate:Thank you, I'm happy to be here.
Brett:Yeah, I am really like for this podcast. I want to talk about, kind of, how you balance everything. That's one thing that's been impressive to watch over the years. Like for people who don't know, kate was my manager for two and a half years about that time.
Kate:Yeah.
Brett:And um taught me a lot about business development how to actually talk to people and be confident in doing it.
Kate:Um you were already good at it.
Brett:I mean, you know it's, it's something like I feel like I was good at talking to people, but not someone who I don't know on the phone. You know, that was obviously like kind of scary. Yeah, and then you're calling like a CEO and you're like, okay, well, how am I supposed to get?
Kate:this guy interested. This is worth your time, yeah.
Brett:Yeah, hey, um. I know you're busy, but listen to what I have to say for 30 seconds. Yeah, a lot from you, thank you. I've learned a lot from you. I mean, hey, that's, that's one thing I love about. Pattern is like you can learn everything from, or you can learn something from everyone, absolutely, yeah, um. So it's been great in that way. But, yeah, I think it's been really cool seeing you over the years, because when I came to pattern, you didn't have any kids, nope, um. And then you went on maternity leave and you came back and then I don't know what the time was, but then now you have twins, so you have three kids total.
Kate:I do Um closer than expected the timeline. Yeah, it's amazing.
Brett:Were you guys hoping or like shooting for one? You're just like all right well.
Kate:Yeah, the goal was have two kids close together and then kind of go from there and like figure out, you know, do we want more or whatever. We just both thought it'd be great to have two kids close together. They've got a little buddy, um, and then second pregnancy turned out to be twins, so then we have three close together.
Brett:What was that like? Like sitting in the room, you know the doctor's, like okay, yeah, there's two in there. What thoughts went through your mind?
Kate:So my first pregnancy was amazing. Like really all the things went as well as they could, which I feel very fortunate for I had minimal symptoms. It was a great pregnancy, great delivery, like everything went very smoothly. Throughout that whole pregnancy my husband joked about having twins he's always wanted twins and so he and our doctor had this whole back and forth, like oh, are you sure a second one's not hiding in there, like this whole joke, and obviously it was just one had our son and then, yeah, just before he turned one, I found out I was pregnant again and I was feeling pretty terrible, like I was really really nauseous, kind of all the symptoms that you would expect um through pregnancy, and it was way worse this time.
Kate:And they make you wait for your first appointment. It's not like you find out you're pregnant and you go right in Um, you go in around like anywhere between nine and 11 weeks, like I think some doctors do it differently, but let it develop, cause they can't really do anything until yeah you can't hear much yet, like everything's so small and early.
Kate:So at that point you just kind of wait. And then you go to that first appointment and at my office you go in with an ultrasound tech first and then from there you go in and see the doctor and so we go into the ultrasound room and it was like 8 am. No one else knew I was pregnant yet, except actually my boss at the time, bryce, because I was feeling so terrible that I had to tell him.
Kate:I was like I'm really early, but like if I need to run to the bathroom, that's why. And so, yeah, we had our son with us, and so we were both kind of like rushing Rory was not like having the best time. And so we were both kind of like rushing rory was not like having the best time, and so we were both a little cranky. And so then they start the ultrasound and we kind of thought we knew that what we were expecting. And then the tech was like okay, like so has anyone talked to you about twins yet? And like my husband jumped off off the seat. I just start laughing. I'm like no, this is our first appointment, you know. And so, yeah, it was a total shock.
Kate:Um, twins don't really run in our families or anything so it was not really in our minds a possibility and so, yeah, scott was super excited, I was just in total shock and couldn't really stop laughing. Um, and then they just kind of roll into it like, okay, this is the type of twins you have and this is what to expect, and yada, yada. And then, um, that kind of rolled into a lot of like extra monitoring and things like that, but yeah, that would scare, me. Totally unexpected.
Brett:That's amazing. Was Scott like pumped? He's like wow.
Kate:I.
Brett:I, I foreshadowed this, I made it happen.
Kate:Well, that was the joke. Like everyone kept manifesting it and making jokes about it. Like we had a friend at work who had twins the year previous and she kept saying like oh, because you feel terrible, this time I bet it's twins. And I called her and I was like how did you know it's?
Brett:so scary.
Kate:So yeah, like a lot of our friends kept making jokes about it, I don't know why it was such a topic of conversation, and then it really did turn out.
Brett:Yeah, Well, that scares me because, Allie, she says the same thing. She's like I feel like I'm gonna have twins on the first one and I'm like that, in my opinion, is the way to go. Yeah, I mean, that's the goal. Having three under two is a little insane, but I mean, I've told you like watching my brother and his wife go through it. Yeah, you get it, yeah they, you get it.
Kate:I mean they're in war I always tell you, being an aunt or an uncle who's like very involved, you get honorary parental it is.
Brett:It is pretty fun and it makes me happy like every time I see um little squish, she like just brightens up and I'm like, yep, yeah, I'm the favorite, let's go.
Brett:Yeah, so sweet it is nice, but they're adorable. Yeah, I mean, I think that story alone is insane, like just hearing having to like deal with twins and everything like that. But I think one thing that really just impresses me is the fact that like you still show up to work and like you're still a very professional woman and like that's something that, like I can imagine being hard to balance. Like being a mom being there for the kiddos and then going to work, like you know, providing that kind of thing, and then coming back and being a mom again, like that's a lot of work. That's got to be intense.
Kate:It is. It's definitely a lot. Some days, you know, some days are better than others, like most things. But yeah, it is a lot and I mean I can't say that we do it flawlessly or effortlessly.
Kate:It takes a lot of effort and a lot of helping hands. So when you have the right support around, it makes everything else much easier. Like we have wonderful help that are with the kids all day while we both work, and then it helps when you have support at the office as well. So I have, you know, great resources around me there as well and other working moms who we kind of, can, you know, talk about all the things.
Brett:Yeah, just chat about what's going on, what they're doing, how you can, you know, try that or whatever it is.
Kate:Yeah, and luckily, like through both pregnancies and through, you know, having these kids like I've always had very supportive leadership and you know, so that's extremely helpful as well, cause I don't know what I would do otherwise, right. You know, that's definitely a requirement if you're going to have a successful somewhat of a balance.
Brett:Yeah, yeah, and I think I mean it's. It's amazing Like you're in the office on pretty much like eight, 30 to nine every day, and then you work a full day, go back and, like you, you're able to balance it really well and I think it's something that's like that's incredibly hard to do. Like I talk about, um, I don't have kids, so I'm just imagining it but um, I talk about, like, how hard running is and things like that which are difficult.
Kate:That is hard.
Brett:I've never been able to do that, so like like from a physical standpoint it is tough and like mentally you have to be bought in, yeah, but that hard always. Like I talk about chosen versus unchosen suffering. And chosen suffering is like, okay, I'm going to go run a mile, um, or I'm going to go and spend 30 minutes in the gym. It's like you're trying to put yourself in front of adversity so you can like, grow and develop. And then unchosen is like you know if a loved one dies or if you know you get sick, like something like that. That's life's going to test you, um. And I talk about how there's a balance between you have to test yourself, so when those life tests comes, or they come like, you are a little bit more ready to to manage them and to go about them.
Brett:Um, and I'm not saying like kids are suffering at all, but it's difficult Like no, definitely they present challenges.
Brett:Yeah, it's like challenges and they, yeah, tests and that kind of thing and um, the difference between that and running is running eventually stops, but like being a mom doesn't, and so that's like I have a lot of admiration for moms who are able to still like be a mom but still get after other things, Like. My sister-in-law is a great example. She will train for a marathon and she has three kids. One of them is four, so you know he's not three under three Still that's a lot.
Kate:They're wild, they're wild yeah.
Brett:And that's the thing is, like she'll talk to my brother and be like hey, okay, well, I'm running in the morning on Saturday, like you take care of the kids, you can work out or do whatever you need to afterwards, um, but she still has to like build that into her schedule. Yeah, and um, I think it's just like it's. It's one of the most admirable things, because you're raising a human, you're teaching them all these like principles, right, that you want them to grow up and and be, you know, a great person for society and help other people, right, yeah, um. But yeah, I mean long, long answer or a long question. Here is a long story set up. But how have you seen like yourself grow with raising kids and challenging yourself at like you know, professionally and doing those kind of things Like what's that look like?
Kate:Yeah, well, I think it's twofold. I think you know your bandwidth to manage I don't know other people's things like whatever that is, whether it's their baggage or if they're encroaching on your boundaries and you know you're comfortable with a lot of things that when you have kids, you suddenly don't have the time or the wherewithal to do that anymore. And I'm very much like a people pleaser. I want everyone else around me to be happy and um you know.
Kate:so I think a lot of those things kind of come to a halt and suddenly it's like okay, well, this is my priority now, like I have my unit and I need to make sure they're taken care of. And if, as a mom, you also choose to, you know, continue in your career, then you also have to have capacity for that.
Kate:And so your, your capacity for other things just dwindles down because it all is being poured into, like those two cups, basically, um, and you know, when you have people who go along with that and are able to show up and help, and you know you still socialize, but you it just looks different these days, right, like so you, you just kind of shift how you go about all of things. And so I think for me that was a big change of really kind of building a new version of a backbone. Yeah, because I was always just kind of like whatever everyone else wants and whatever makes everyone happy, and I'm just, you know, here to support. And then it became like, okay, well, now this is what I need. And I had to kind of figure out how to advocate for that Um and communication, I think, with your partner changes, like you have to.
Kate:You know it's not just the two of you anymore and figuring out how to ask for help, or you know, as, like that example you just shared, as a mom, you're often the default parent in those earlier years and, um, you know, know that changes and then you go through phases and you know whatever, but, um, you do have to kind of set those times for yourself or be able to say, hey, like I need to. I need an hour or that makes sense.
Kate:I just need a shower um, so like you're on um, and so I think some of those examples are ways that, like, I've had to just adjust my approaches, which I think has helped me grow and I think will continue to happen, because you know, as your kids grow, you're learning more. Like we're all doing this for the first time.
Kate:No one enters it as an expert knowing what to do in every scenario, and so I think like that's going to be something that I continue to work on and learn for myself, but it's been, it's been interesting.
Brett:Yeah, yeah, man, that's yeah. That's crazy. I mean, I have seen like the people pleasing side words like you want everyone on the team to be happy, kind of thing. I wouldn't really call that people pleasing, though, but I think that's why I liked management.
Kate:I was able to help other people you know succeed and I liked being able to focus on their successes and helping everyone else win, because I think, like that feeds my cup, like you know it helps.
Brett:That's my favorite part too is like seeing everyone Like if someone's struggling and then they learn something and then they start, like you know, that's my favorite part too is like seeing everyone like if someone's struggling and then they learn something and then they start, like you know, hitting quota or whatever. Like that's always fun to see and fun to watch. Um, but I am curious because I feel like a team is a lot like a group of kids. How has um, being a parent like at least influence your management skills and your like style maybe is a better word um, I think it helped me be a little bit more straightforward.
Kate:Um, I was I've always been able to deliver feedback in a very like, friendly manner yeah but I think a lot of times, if I really had to deliver hard feedback or have a hard conversation, I would build it up so much in my head before the conversation, which can also be hard to admit, because it's like, well, I'm in this position, like I should just be able to do it.
Kate:You know I shouldn't be nervous to talk about it, but I think after having kids, it did help me to just be like. You know, this isn't the hard thing, you know, like handling a tantrum is a hard thing, or being up at 2 am is the hard thing, and so I think it did help me to just kind of like quiet that noise and be able to just do it without having all of that like nervous energy, and just be a little bit more confident in that, like I do know what I'm doing, I know why I have to deliver this feedback, be a little bit more confident in that, like I do know what I'm doing, I know why I have to deliver this feedback, and I think it honestly made those conversations a little bit more productive because there wasn't so much lead up. You know I'm still a pretty friendly person, so I always like to honor what people are doing well and you know kind of fold all of that into the conversation, but I think it definitely helps.
Brett:Yeah, I can't imagine you going into a meeting and be like, hey, what the hell have you been doing? You're terrible.
Kate:Can't imagine that. Yeah, no, not my style.
Brett:Yeah, it's a balance. I think you can be nice and still give direct feedback. Yeah, that was always something that my brother have. You read the book Radical Candor?
Kate:Yes, a long time ago, yeah, when we had our agency.
Brett:That was one thing he made. Read that book yeah and then after that, like this might be throwing him under the bus a little bit, but he was like so overly direct to people that I think they got their feelings hurt a little bit and a little too far. Yeah, it wasn't like it wasn't really balanced, but, um, you know, it is what it is. We were a startup, yeah, um. But yeah, I think that's important, like to give just clear, direct feedback in a constructive way. That's not like, hey, you, it's like you have things that you can improve upon.
Kate:Yeah.
Brett:And it's like I do that in coaching a lot, um, at least with, like my brother and other people who I work with, um, like he'll come to me and be like you know, I'm I'm kind of getting tired on the runs, like I don't know what I'm doing and I'm like, well, what's your food look like? And then like we'll try and break it down. And it's not like I'm coming at him from like a place of you know I'm mad at him or anything like that. It's more just like if you want to be, you know, a great runner, you have to do these things and it's like that's part of your, your feeling process, like that's how you do it.
Brett:Um, and I heard this quote yesterday, actually from one of my favorite podcasts and I wrote it down. So I'm not going to get it wrong, because every time I try and quote something on this, just like free will, it just never works. So I don't want to get it wrong on this one. But they were talking about like, believing in your dreams and having people who also believe in your dreams, like, and what that means. But here's this his, his quote.
Brett:He says one of my rules is you should only take advice from people whose dreams for your life are bigger than yours are, and, um, I feel like you had that a lot as a manager, because almost in every one-on-one and stuff, you're always like okay, well, how can I like help you, how can I get you to the next level, or anything like that. We were always talking about progression paths, um, and I feel like if you come, like, if someone needs direct feedback, and you come from it like a place like that, like hey, I believe in this person, I'm gonna give it to them, um, and hopefully they make some changes, like, like. I think it's a very different conversation than like oh, you need to change or you're fired kind of thing.
Brett:Um, but yeah, I think that's one thing that's been clear with, like, working with you is every member of the team like. You want them to succeed, and so you would do anything you could to really make that happen.
Kate:Yeah.
Brett:Has. Have you always been like that? Like, uh, you're trying to help other people and see them grow.
Kate:I think, yeah, it just has always looked different. Um, I yeah, I was thinking this actually on my way over here um, that I do. I love like being able to support and ideate with other people, and how can I help you succeed? I have a friend right now who's building out a social media plan for a new account that she's starting, that we want it to be really big and we had kind of talked about it a few weeks ago and now we're kind of sharing ideas of content she can put out there. But I don't think I would ever do it for myself.
Kate:I like I love that she's doing it and I think it's amazing and I think, like she a hundred percent can build what like she has her her mind on um, and. But it's funny because I don't think, like if I was to start something like that in my head, I'm like I don't think anyone would want to like look at that, you know. And so I think it's just that I am here to help and build other people and yeah, yeah. So I think in elementary school I would work with this special needs classroom and help them and put on plays and things like that. And then in high school I ended up being a captain on my cheerleading squad and then in college I was serving on the council of my sorority, and so I don't know, I think there's different ways in which you kind of build up those skill sets and, um, kind of find your path on, like what you're meant to do or what interests you. And my interest just happens to be working with other people and helping them succeed, and I, you know, I've enjoyed that.
Brett:Yeah.
Kate:And so I don't know, does that answer that?
Brett:I think that's that's. That's awesome. I think that's like a little different. Yeah, it's interesting because I've been thinking about stuff like that too. Like okay, well, where did these traits come from in my life? A lot of it comes from childhood, but I think that's cool. That's a rare trait now Because everyone's so focused on like how can I make it? Or like how can I, you know, make it? Or like what can I do to you know, make another million dollars? I don't know whatever the scenario is, but it's like a lot of self-centered focus and, um, I mean, I'm kind of connecting the dots now, but like, even as a mom, like you can't be self-centered if you have to be serving the kids like that's, that's your duty.
Brett:You're in Scott's duties to like to raise the kids Right. Um, hopefully, you know, Allie and I will have that same opportunity soon.
Kate:Absolutely.
Brett:Um, but yeah, I mean it makes sense why, like in your management skills, like as a mom, like you are the way that you are? Um, I think it's. Yeah, that's a rare thing.
Kate:But what um?
Brett:yeah, what was a time because I'm thinking about this now where, like, you didn't have that confidence, like where you, um, I guess, felt like you could take a step on yourself or take a step for yourself rather than help someone else. Does that make sense? Because you were talking about the social media thing and how, like, that's more for your friend, not necessarily for you like you'll help with the ideas, um, but were you ever just like, hey, I also want to see if I can take a shot on myself, like, take a chance yeah, I think honestly, um coming to pattern was like a big step in that direction for me um we should talk about that a little bit like the beginning days, because it is a crazy story how you started that.
Kate:Yeah, cause I was an individual contributor Um my first role in the business development world sales development, whatever you want to call it. Um, I did not know what I was being hired for. I was going into a role. It was at the time it was called a market development representative. Um, I was going into a role. At the time it was called a market development representative and I assumed it had to do with marketing of some sort, and it was my first real exposure to a corporate job.
Kate:After college. I had held a couple other positions like in sales admin or sales assistant roles and things like that, so my first real like corporate interview, yeah.
Brett:Real quick. Did you graduate in business?
Kate:Public relations actually.
Brett:Oh, wow, okay, yeah, all right.
Kate:Um, and so I knew I didn't want to do that by the end of the degree.
Kate:I was kind of like I don't think this is for me, but, um, I definitely had like the people skills and I wanted to be, you know, somewhat either like customer facing or, in this case, prospect facing, where I was able to have those like outward conversations. And yeah, so I interviewed and the woman who interviewed me was also from New England and so I was kind of like okay, I feel like we have some sort of connection already and it worked out. But in the interview I remember they asked me like are you comfortable on phones? Like you know how's your communication and organization? And you know, looking back, it all made sense. But I was kind of like oh, interesting questions for like a marketing position, you know what are you talking about?
Brett:Am I going to be doing surveys Like?
Kate:right, yeah. So then I started out and my dad was kind of like you and sales like this is interesting. And it worked out. I was like addicted to being at the top of the leaderboard and like exceeding my quota. And you know, then I was helping to onboard new people to our team and it just kind of like snowballed from there.
Brett:Yeah.
Kate:And, yeah, then ended up in team lead positions along the way and with Pattern it was listed as a manager position for the business development team and through the interview process they were, like you know we've been, we wanted a director, but directors really don't want to manage. Like, I think at the time there was two people and when I actually started it was down to one because someone else moved into a different role. And, um, you know, so everyone that they were interviewing were like well, I want larger teams, I want to manage managers. And I was kind of like, well, I'm here and I have so much to give, I have all this energy and I'm ready to, you know, help build this out with you. And so, you know, it worked out. And that was kind of how I got started into, like the management path. Um, outside of you know, being in the team lead role, um, so, yeah, that was a big step in that direction of like I'm going to put myself out there and try this.
Kate:And um it. Yeah, luckily it worked out.
Brett:And it's opened up like, yeah, it's opened up tons of doors. I feel like, cause I mean, your job has, you know, progressed over the years and gotten more and more complex, but, um, I think that's, that's a really important lesson for anyone out there who's like you know I I don't know if I will do well in this, and it might seem scary at first or whatever Like you might be trying to get into something new, like you with business development and that kind of thing, but like taking a chance on yourself is important.
Kate:Yeah.
Brett:And I felt the same way Like when I moved up to Pattern or moved up to Utah for Pattern, like I left my family and all this stuff. But I was like I just want to give it a shot, like see what I can do, cause I always play Um, have you ever heard of fear setting?
Kate:No.
Brett:So it's like it's a concept by Tim Ferriss. It's like a big Silicon Valley investor guy um, has a podcast of himself, but like he talks about this principle of fear setting, which is, if you have a goal in mind and let's just for this example, say like OK, I want to be the business development manager pattern and I'm going to go for that interview Then you sit down, you're like OK, what are the worst things that can happen? Like one, they say no, two, I get the job, but I fail. Like OK, and basically the whole point of that exercise is for you to say if these things happen, will I be okay? And if the answer is yes, then it's like why not?
Brett:Why not try? Was there fear going into that role?
Kate:Definitely. I mean, at the time the sales organization was pretty small compared to a lot of other established companies and Pattern was already doing so well, but the sales organization, I think there were like five sales reps at least in our office and um, so I was meeting with all like c-suite executives for a manager position which had a lot of other corporate uh entities would not really be the case um, you'd be meeting with, like other mid-level um leaders, and so, yeah, it was definitely intimidating but really exciting, because I had been in an e-commerce marketing company previously and I loved it.
Kate:I loved the field, I loved talking to those people.
Kate:As a consumer myself, I felt very connected to it and so, in knowing about pattern for a couple of years and just seeing the success they were having, I knew I wanted to be a part of that and so, with that you know anxiety or nervousness that came with the interview process, the excitement was there too of like, if this works out, it could be really really cool. And turns out, it has been really really cool. Yeah, it's been crazy to see like the growth that we've experienced and the successes that we've seen and putting on accelerate and all of these like really exciting things. Um, and I've met some wonderful friends that you know. So really, in that example of like this fear setting, um, understanding the possibilities that could be, I don't, I don't think I even realized what those possibilities were because it's been even bigger than I imagined.
Kate:But yeah, it's been absolutely like the coolest thing and I'm very fortunate, you know, to be able to balance the two of being a mom and I mean that's like, of course, my favorite title my favorite part of my day, but then when I'm at work and I, you know, I'm able to be in these meetings and help solve these problems and work with the people that we get to work with, it's also really cool.
Brett:It is awesome. Yeah, it has been a fun journey. I think I may have been talking to you about the first Accelerate that we had. It was in like a hotel yeah, the Grand America. And now it's like in a in the salt palace.
Kate:So it's like it's just grown a lot and it's it's been fun to see.
Brett:Yeah um, but I do have to our amazing events team yeah, they are great, they do it all, all of them. It's insane like they work for hours, like when that time comes around.
Brett:It's like late nights I think I saw something that they were up to like 3 in the morning in the Slack channel. I can't remember, but it is amazing what they do and they're very organized. Which is what I want to ask you about is organization, because I know we've talked about lists before, like having time blocks in your calendar. I remember when I first started I was like I know what I'm supposed to be doing but just don't know when to do it. Looking back now, it's like that's such a dumb thing to worry about.
Kate:Well, it's easy to get lost in the sauce when you first start out and you're managing pipeline and calls and emails and all these different things. And then you also have the meetings start to pop up. So it's easy when you're first starting out not to know how to manage all of the different things, because in in college and you know all these different it's pretty easy.
Brett:Yeah, it's like get it done by the same, so you don't really have that.
Kate:Yeah.
Brett:Um, but I know you're very organized.
Kate:Try to be.
Brett:So how do you? How do you go about like organizing your day?
Kate:Well, time blocking for sure, I use my calendar for everything, personal and professional, like when I have to remember.
Kate:To I don't know, call like a kid's doctor I put it in my calendar like call to set this appointment. I last night had to turn my husband's away and I had to turn the sprinkler on and off. I set timers for those. Like I know that because my brain is split into a lot of different areas at this time in my life like I need those reminders. I'm not someone who can just like I will. I don't know if you've seen these reels and it's like kind of the same idea of give a mouse a cookie. It's like give a mom a task, and so it's like, okay, I'll just unload the dishwasher. But then I go to put this away and I realized this pot's dirty and so I bring that over and that reminds me that my laundry's not done, and so then the things just keep going and so then it takes you 10 hours to finish emptying the dishwasher because you just cause you were doing everything else.
Kate:Yeah, so that's very real, Like I don't know if people talk about that. It's very real, um, and I think it's the same with work and stuff. And so I just had to recognize like I need these tools to help me stay on task or to help me, you know, complete these things on time. And so I use my calendar for seriously everything, and I do try to remind myself of like I'm folding the laundry right now.
Kate:Finish folding the laundry and then go on to the next thing, but I do that with work too, of like, okay, I'm going to complete this task or this project or whatever it is, remember to send that calendar invite and you know, like, complete the tasks. And there was a few weeks ago where we were just really busy at work leading up to Accelerate, and outside of work we had a lot of things going on and I was starting to kind of like let that go and I lost my wallet like twice in one week and yeah and just everything starts going to chaos.
Kate:Yes, everything does and, like my husband, had to be like are you okay, like you need to take a deep breath, because, like this is you know you're a little chaotic right now and I was like no, you're right, like I really need. And I was like no, you're right, like I really need to just take a breath and reset. And just when you use the tools at your disposal, it's amazing what you can do.
Brett:Yeah.
Kate:But when you start to let those things, you're like no, it's fine, it's fine. Suddenly it's not fine.
Brett:Right.
Kate:And you're losing your wallet and your keys and whatever else. So, yeah, I think that's a big part of it, of like recognizing the things that you can control, and if those are in place, things will go a lot more smoothly than if you're, you know, just kind of like running around with your head cut off and delivery groceries are an amazing service.
Brett:That is nice. I mean really. Yeah, I mean we do before, yeah, we have a, we have a lot of time, so we can still go and get them, but when that time comes for sure we will be doing that.
Kate:It is. I don't know what I would do without it at this point. Well, I remember we really rely on it.
Brett:I remember the early days of being a child and I don't know, maybe like four years old. That's a ballpark and it was always like a two-hour thing because she had to go get these things for my brother and this for my sister and this for my dad, and then the weekly groceries it was just nuts.
Kate:We have a shared grocery list that we share with myself and our nanny and my husband, and so all of us can add. So it's like, okay, well, when the kid's snacks run out while she's working, so then I'm not looking for it later on. It's amazing.
Brett:That is amazing. Technology is the best. That's great. Um segue do you have any other tools that you use besides, like your calendar notes, Like those kinds of things?
Kate:I love lists you just mentioned. We've talked about that before. I am a list girl.
Brett:I write things down in my planner or on a just notepad at home of like these are the things I want to get done today, and I love crossing them off.
Kate:That is a huge reward. So, yeah, definitely a list is a big one for me. And then, I think, not suffering in silence. I use that as a management tool as well. Like every time I'm onboarding someone or working through someone who's having, just like you know, challenges to meet quota, whatever it is, never suffer in silence. And so if, like, there's a lot of things that you need to get done or things on your plate that you can share with someone else, so if that is a teammate, a manager or your partner, um, I think making sure to talk about it is helpful, because then they can help remind you and you can like hold each other accountable of, like did you do this thing, and so I don't know.
Kate:I think that's part of it Just kind of all harks back to that communication piece. But lists, I guess, are a way of like communicating with yourself.
Brett:It's true. I mean, yeah, I do the same thing, Like have a notebook and I do a little box instead of a cross through.
Kate:So then every time I'm done.
Brett:I have a notebook and I do a little box instead of a cross through.
Kate:So then every time I'm done, check mark yeah, that's it. Yeah, but um so satisfying.
Brett:Yeah, it's the best. Accountability is a big one though. Yeah, because, like right now, trying to make this thing with getting after it to where, like I post more content, talk to you a little about, about this at work, and it's kind of like imposter syndrome again, um, and then also like I just think about people who know me, they see it and they're like, oh, he's doing this now like, oh man, yeah, I don't know like it's funny, though, because I think a lot of people have that right yeah and.
Kate:But when I see your content I'm like. I am so proud of him for putting that out there like this is so great to see, it's so cool, and like I think it's a great conversations that you're having with the different guests that you do you know, whatever. So and maybe that again like it goes back to I like just love cheering other people on, but I don't know like, and again, I think if I did it I'd be like what no one wants to look at me, but when, I see other people do it, I'm like yes.
Kate:So, like you know, hopefully you can let go of that because I think it's awesome.
Brett:Well, yeah, it is tough, Like I feel like I always have that. But what's great is, like Ali's the one who's like hey, like who cares, yeah, like just post it, like it doesn't matter, yeah, and then she's always like the one that's holding me accountable, like hey, did you post something today?
Brett:Or like or, um, like I tell her I want to read and she's like do you get any reading done or did you get your miles in? Like, whatever it is just having someone who's like reminding you, um, to do the thing that you want to, or whatever it is that you need help with.
Kate:Yeah.
Brett:It's like don't suffer in silence. Try and help other people reach their goals, and they'll do the same for you.
Kate:Yeah.
Brett:Um, but it's interesting. It's yeah, it's pretty interesting, A hundred percent. I did want to ask you about how you remain present with your kids Because we've talked about, like you and I, how you don't want to be a screen family, like that kind of thing. Allie and I are very much the same. We don't want our kids to be exposed to like all the screens and stuff and I've seen my brother parent that same way and it's like it's a night and day difference compared to other kids who have, you know, screens and you know there are that might work for some parents and don't want to shoot down that, but like I think there is something to one being present with the kids and then to like letting them play and that kind of thing and have an imagination, but yeah.
Brett:Um more towards the first question, like how do you like, what do you do to stay present with the kids when you're with them?
Kate:Yeah, I mean, I think it's um, definitely easy. You know, when we have access to our email and our Slack and our you know social media profiles, whatever, to just like pull that out or throw on you know a show or whatever. Um, and trust me, screen time is a tool. Like I, we don't have zero screen time in our house, but when I need five minutes to, like, get dinner on the table or, um, if it's a way for us to just like sit and be calm, or if someone's sick and you can't be out playing, you know, whatever it is like. There is a time and a place and and I do not claim to be like a screen-free household for myself or our kids, but, um, I try and use it as a tool, not as a crutch. And when we're out in public, like, I want my kids to be experiencing that and not be, you know.
Kate:Just we're not like out all the time. It's a little hard to get out of the house these days, but um imagine, yeah um, I think you know for us it's folding them into our interest. But then also, like I don't know, it's been really fun to just like rory loves this, like choo-choo train song, and so instead of being like, oh, this annoying song, I'm like woohoo, like choo-choo, let's go.
Kate:Like so sing along and dance, and just like be silly and try and put my phone down, because, of course, at the end of the day, when I'm tired, I just want to like scroll mindlessly, and you know, of course, that that's something we've been a little bit conditioned into. But with kids, like they just want to play and they want to be with you and they want to run around outside with bubbles, and so I think it's just if you let yourself be in those moments and remember why that's fun for them, it becomes fun for you, and then it's like that's what you end up craving, instead of being on your screen or putting on a show for them. And I think it's a lot easier in the summer, like now that it's warm out too.
Brett:It's the best. It's so much easier, just like all right shoes on get outside yeah.
Kate:And we're also fortunate we have a pool and so now we can go swimming and they love that and it's just being able to just let yourself be is really it's fortunate. Not everyone has that ability, but I think that's it. Just putting the phone down and being with them and whatever's on there can wait. You can call people back you can respond later. But that's why having help is the best, because then working hours are working hours.
Kate:Like you know, he knows, like mom's at work and you know, it's a good delineation so that I can focus when I need to, but be off when I'm off. You know, and I think we're at a company where family does come first, like our founders are very family centric people. And so there's a lot of understanding there, um where I'm sure at a lot of other companies like that, understanding doesn't exist. And so that would be really hard of like. Oh, you know you're expected to answer the phone at 8 PM, during bedtime.
Kate:You know that that's not an expectation here, um, which is, you know, great, and I think everyone trusts us to be able to respond when we can. If you are tending to to family things and needs, um, so I think that's helpful. But yeah, I don't know, I think just you know, like we have a lot of different interests, that like we want the kids to be interested in, and like Scott loves planes and aviation and warships and things like that, and now Rory loves looking at pictures of warships and he has like these airplane pamphlets and he's like Dad, look at this plane, and so that's like an interest that they can share.
Kate:That is not, you know, related to a screen or things like that.
Brett:You got to take them to Midway.
Kate:I know that is so cool. Yeah, they just went and toured the Lexington in Corpus Christi.
Brett:Texas yeah, yeah, yeah, you were telling me that actually. Yeah.
Kate:So he got to sit in some different planes and things like that. So he was like in absolute heaven. That's so cool. Yeah, he loves Dusty Crop Hopper Really.
Brett:Yeah.
Kate:There we go. He's a big fan of Planes, the movie.
Brett:Yeah, Allie and I watched that for like first time not too long ago.
Kate:It's so cute he loves. Dusty yeah, big fans. So again, like that, you know when he wants to watch a movie. We'll do like 15 minutes.
Kate:Yeah, okay well, and then you get that movie for a whole week. You know, yeah, that's perfect. I mean, why not? Yeah, so anyway, I don't know. I think it just comes down to being able to really like. You know, you kind of have to switch gears. When you're not um with your kids all like all day, every day, um, you have to kind of switch that mindset um, which can be hard.
Brett:But I was gonna ask you is do you find that to be hard, like turning off the work brain when you get home?
Kate:Some days, or the mom brain when you get to work.
Brett:Yeah, I feel like that would be the harder one to turn off.
Kate:It's definitely more difficult, like it's fun I mean my kids like they love our nanny, which we're very grateful for, and we love her too. But it's easier when you're leaving and they're already having fun and he's like bye, mom like I'm gonna have fun, you know, and of course, it's sad to leave.
Kate:That seems it's like, well, I just want to play with you too. But it does make entering the work day easier to be like okay, now, this is what I'm going to go focus on and I know they're in good hands. Um, but on the flip side, when you have a hard morning and he's crying because you're going to work, or saying no, no, like mommy, don't leave, or whatever, like that's a lot harder of a switch.
Brett:It's got to be tough.
Kate:Not every day is the same, but I know like when I leave, at the end of the day I kind of go through a mental checklist of like okay, what am I doing tomorrow and did I complete all the things today? And oh, just, you know, finish sending this calendar invite. And it kind of goes back to using those tools of like finish the things that you're doing so that on my way home, yeah, I can kind of like get excited to be with my kids and like shift into that and absolutely play the choo-choo train song on your way home you're like let's go, just get pumped getting into this
Kate:um, yeah, it's my new hype song, but yeah, so I don't know. I think it all kind of like ebbs and flows and I'm sure everyone has different ways of doing it, but for me, like that, those kinds of like transitional periods kind of can impact the other Um, and so the more smoothly all of that runs like, the better. Um, and it is a little nice. You know, I used to have like a seven minute commute before kids and I was like this is amazing.
Kate:I can like go home during lunch or I can, you know, just get right home and go into whatever I need to do. But now in our house, where now it's about 20 minutes to the office and it's kind of the perfect time to like give yourself a little bit of decompression time before jumping into like well, it's fun, or whatever the chaos that ensues with kids, um and like getting dinner ready and just jumping into that, and so that way, like if I do think of something else that I forgot throughout the day, or something I need to message someone, I can like make myself a note or you know, whatever it is, yeah, add to the list.
Kate:Yeah, add it to the list.
Brett:Exactly.
Kate:Yeah.
Brett:What's a lesson that you hope your kids learn from you?
Kate:Oh, a lesson they learn from me. I'm big on kindness, which just you know. I think if they can take that away of like be kind to others, I mean that's so basic, but I do think it is so important.
Brett:I did see a sign yesterday. Allie and I were driving on the freeway and it said if you can be anything, be kind.
Kate:Yeah.
Brett:I was like that's a good quote. Yeah, why not?
Kate:Why not?
Brett:You know, it's not that hard.
Kate:It's getting harder and harder.
Kate:Well, yeah, I guess that's true In today's world, like you know, people can be jerks yeah, that is the hard heads down in our computers and all in our phones all day, and, like I think that human interaction, it gets harder and harder to have patience for people and, um, sometimes, though, if you're able to zoom out, yeah, and be like you know, everyone really generally has good intentions, um, but I think the more you experience, the bad intentions. I don't know, it's hard, and so I think if I can just remind them that, like it, it's good to be kind, but also stand up for yourself and like, have your own boundaries and, um, you know, I think that's important too and so, like it really is all a balance.
Kate:but as long as you have a good support around you and you choose the right people to be with, then you know, the rest feels a little bit lighter. Yeah, so I don't know.
Brett:No, I would. I think that's a great lesson. I'm sure it'll change as life goes on.
Kate:Right now I'm like oh, you're also cute and innocent and fun, and so it's easy to say that, um, but I also want them to be able to work hard, and you know, know that things don't just land in your lap. That's a big part of it too, um, and you know. So I want to be able to provide for them while they're also learning to provide for themselves and they learn responsibility, and, um, you know that that's a big part of growing up.
Brett:It's huge, it's a huge one, but it it like you said it growing up? It's huge, it's a huge one, but it it like you said it? It's a rare trait now to to be kind, and usually there's no downside for being kind. You're not going to get any negative consequences from that, unless, I don't know, you're being too kind to the guy. That's like threatening you, then maybe you will. But like, yeah, you need to learn how to stand up to yourself and hard work is crazy important. Like you need hard work, you need persistence and you need to learn how to be resilient, like when challenges come up and yeah, yeah, yeah.
Kate:Resilience is huge for sure. It's. It's not always easy for people to like keep going you know, when you get knocked down and all different challenges pop up and you have to, you know, face them to the best of your ability.
Brett:Um, but then keep going and you have to just like keep moving it is hard.
Kate:Yeah.
Brett:Has there been a time where you have had to be resilient as a parent?
Kate:Oh yeah.
Brett:I'm sure yeah. Um as a parent, I don't really know so like that could have been, just like every day people listening there. Like Brett, that was the dumbest question I could have heard you say.
Kate:I mean, I think it shows in a lot of different ways, because kids are always testing you, especially once they're in that toddler phase and you know, it kind of is up to you to figure out how you teach that lesson, and then also when you're ready to just resolve it and help, because they're still learning how to manage these big emotions and things like that, and that's when that balance between partners comes in of OK, well, this is the things that I've tried, and the tantrum is still going on. And so then we just had this happen. Um, it was like after my husband had taken our son on that trip and he had the time of his life, but then, coming back into our normal routine, he was tired, he was his like timing was off because of um being in a different time zone, and he's like this sucks, there's no planes around, right?
Brett:It's like this is so boring.
Kate:Um had been like wrestling with dad and his buddy all weekend. So then he was like trying to wrestle his one-year-old sister, and I'm like you know yeah, it's not going to work.
Kate:So suddenly we're back into our normal and he's not so far a very tantrum-y kid, like of course they pop up here and there, but for the most part he's pretty even-keeled. And that week, because of his exhaustion and just timing, whatever, all of those things compiled was like a big change on his system and so he was having more tantrums and I was like, trying everything in my tool belt, I'm like, okay, kind you know, give me a hug, let me help you calm down. Like, are you hungry? Do you need water? Okay, well, this isn't working, you need to go calm down in your room, whatever. And then I'm like, okay, I've tried everything. Like you need to go in there. And so scott goes and he's like, oh, he just needed a hug.
Kate:I'm like, oh, I gave him a hug you know, um, but I think that balance of like, you have to have resilience and you can't take it personally because really it like has nothing to do with you right um, and then know, I think that balance of just figuring out when to tap someone else in or whatever is helpful, but then being able to go into the next day of like, okay, hopefully there's none of those today, because every day there's going to be something different and you have to figure out how to manage it for that kid. So, yeah, I don't know, and then also tend to the things that you need to tend to that are not child related.
Brett:I mean, that's that's getting after. In a nutshell, showing up every day and still like trying to have the best attitude while doing it and I'm sure sometimes that's hard, like maybe you don't get a good night's sleep or you know, works really stressful and, um, I think it's just like really, really admirable and that's one thing.
Brett:Like moms don't get enough credit, I don't think, um, you know, we could do a lot better with like supporting moms. Um, just like, from seeing my own sister-in-laws and sister go through it Like it's I don't know like, especially with like professional stuff too, like we could definitely support them better. I think England gets like a year right, oh yeah.
Kate:There's a lot the US could be doing for maternity leave for sure, unfortunately, but I think do with what you have and make the most of it.
Brett:Yeah.
Kate:And the time that we get with our kids, it does fly by. I cannot believe I have a two and a half year old, nevermind twins, after that. Like it just kind of, if you zoom out, it's like how are we already here? It's crazy, right. But then when you're in the thick of it, it's like easy to get frustrated and stuff. Like you know, no one's perfect, we're all just still humans and figuring it out day by day. Um, but ice cream helps, and wine.
Brett:Hey, there you go, A little bit of ice cream a little bit of wine, sit back.
Kate:You know it, it definitely helps.
Brett:Yeah, yeah, well, yeah, I I think what you're doing is amazing, like both a pattern, both as a mom, and, um, yeah, I think it's just. It's a great example of what you can do if you do push yourself, and you obviously do in many ways. So, yeah, I think it embodies the getting after it mindset.
Kate:We're trying Getting after it Well. I'm proud of you and it's great that I get to have a friend like you to help support me Well always.
Brett:That's why we're all here to support each other and help each other out. Anything else, that's that's. I mean. That's uh, why we're all here to support each other and help each other out.
Kate:So, um, anything else, anything else, you know, we didn't actually talk about taylor, which is shocking. But didn't? Yeah, I think I let in with that last time yeah, but taylor I mean, if you haven't well been brought up to date on the latest news she has bought back all of her original work oh, so she's, she's totally good now. Yeah, so we're very happy for Taylor Swift that is cool and that's crazy.
Brett:I learned that studios do that. What's the guy's name? I don't know if you ever saw this guy who is kind of a redneck dude. He sang one song on TikTok and it went super viral and then he wrote all his music.
Brett:Oh cool, but anyways, oliver anthony, that's his name, okay, but he like got all these record companies calling him like hey, we'll give you seven million dollars, like, and this guy's like, oh well, I should do that right, like that's a huge amount of money. And joe rogan's like I guess he called him and he's like don't do it, like, don't sign anything. They're pretty much gonna steal money from you, like royalties are where it's at and they're gonna have all of them, um, anyways. So he didn't do that and he just like published his own music and he like got super big. Turns out he's getting a divorce and his wife wants everything, but anyways oh, no story so I didn't know music studios did that like yeah
Kate:that's crazy and I think along like a while back, like it was kind of normal or something I don't know, but in um all of the upheaval with, like um the changing hands of taylor's music and um how her contracts were written when she was younger yeah it. It just sparked a much larger conversation, it seems. It's crazy. Yeah, so a lot of artists are being more aware of making sure that they own their masters.
Kate:they call them and like all of the lyrics and the music videos like all of that goes with it, and so, anyway, yeah, she was re-recording all of those so that she, you know, had her own. We called them, or called them taylor's version. Yeah, um, and so all of her fans were only listening to those versions, to give you know that's fair them their, their time, um, but she just was able because of the eras tour and, yeah, all of that she was doing extremely well, and was able to buy them all back and it's crazy.
Brett:Do you know how much she paid for all of it? I?
Kate:think, think it was $350 million.
Brett:That's insane, that is crazy, I think $350. Holy cow.
Kate:Yeah.
Brett:But she'll probably make tons of money off that now.
Kate:I hope so, because now you know, I hope that whatever royalties are attached and all of those things like she owns it all now. So you know, I think, for sure you know, and she's doing all right.
Brett:She's doing all right. Well are they? Uh, are her and Travis Kelsey getting married? I mean as much as.
Kate:I'd love to. I'm not actually friends with Taylor Swift, unfortunately, um, so I don't know. The rumor mill is always going. I hesitate to ever say anything as matter of fact when it comes to Taylor because she is just full of surprises and I think when she's ready to tell us about her love life she will. But I think they are just happy as can be and are just adorable.
Brett:They're so cute. I keep telling Allie, if an opportunity ever comes up, to be her pilot.
Kate:No, seriously, Allie, we need you to fly Taylor Swift around.
Brett:I mean, I could quit my job. I could make my content as bad as I want it to, don't need to make money off of it. She'd be good.
Kate:Good for life. Yeah, no, that is a great dream that I'm happy to support.
Brett:Yeah, we'll make it happen.
Kate:Yeah, we need to have her.
Brett:Networking, we'll network, we'll network up the chain.
Kate:Yeah, gotta get there.
Brett:Yeah, so good. Taylor's great Karma's still one of my favorite running songs.
Kate:It's so good.
Brett:It's a great one.
Kate:Yeah.
Brett:But okay, honestly, I appreciate you coming back on.
Kate:Give me a second chance to record this. I think it's wonderful and you're doing a great job, so thank you for having me.
Brett:Always. Well, you know that's. Uh, the point of this is to have people on to share their stories and what they're doing to get after it, and you got a lot that you're doing, so I think it's it'll be a good episode, yeah.
Kate:And I would say you know, like, if there's ever anybody who wants to talk about motherhood, talk about work, any of those things like, connect with me on LinkedIn, I'm happy to have those conversations. I think it's nice to be able to, you know, just talk about it and hear someone else's perspective. So I learned from working moms all the time.
Brett:I mean great person to learn from, if that's you. So thank you. Well, appreciate everyone for listening today and, as always, keep getting after it.