The Marketing Matrix

The Leadership Advantage: How Internal Growth Drives External Success with Kristen Toth : TMM 185


Episode Summary

Kristen discusses her partner-style approach to consulting, helping founders navigate everything from funding milestones and strategic shifts to team development and operational growth. She also explores the lessons she’s learned through athletics, music, and leadership, and explains how tools like the Enneagram and DISC assessments can improve self-awareness and team dynamics. Whether you’re leading a startup, scaling a business, or building a stronger team, this conversation offers valuable insights on creating lasting impact from the inside out.

Episode Notes

In this episode, Kristen Toth shares her journey from engineering to leadership coaching and entrepreneurship, revealing her innovative approach to supporting high-growth ventures and fostering internal growth for sustained success. Whether you're a founder, executive, or aspiring leader, Kristen’s insights will inspire you to shift focus inward for exponential impact.

Key Topics:

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction and episode overview

00:26 - Kristen’s background and transition from engineering to leadership coaching

01:45 - The mission of Ulu Partners and her work supporting founders

02:36 - Challenges and insights around editing and preparing for podcasting

04:13 - Kristen’s personal journey, education, and board memberships

05:36 - Her role as a professor at the University of Michigan and her dual-location lifestyle

07:44 - The importance of saying yes to the right opportunities and goal setting for 2023

10:05 - Exploring her passion for women’s sports and its leadership lessons

11:30 - Playing rugby, her involvement with women in sports platforms, and upcoming leadership programs

12:53 - The transfer of athletic skills into business and entrepreneurship

13:58 - Playing violin and musical background

14:56 - From engineering to personal development—her curiosity-driven career path

16:28 - The significance of internal team development and building a strong company culture

18:24 - How Kristen supports entrepreneurs through complex scaling and internal systems

19:41 - The importance of internal focus versus external resource expansion

20:10 - Why business owners miss the internal growth opportunities

23:18 - The Enneagram and DISC assessments—Kristen’s self-awareness

25:12 - Her consulting approach—partners, advisories, and implementation

27:34 - Common triggers for entrepreneurs to seek her support—funding, strategy shifts

28:37 - Building authentic outreach and relationships over cold outreach

33:41 - Her business goals for 2023: projects, community-building, and content creation

36:10 - Final thoughts on her multifaceted expertise and future plansResources 
 

Connect with Kristen Toth :

https://ulupartners.com


 

 IF WE WORK TOGETHER, YOU’LL GAIN:

➤ Enhanced intercultural communication and leadership skills.

➤ Strategies for building trust-based client relationships.

➤ Insights into leveraging AI for executive coaching.

➤ Tailored solutions for navigating US-India business dynamics.


 WHY IT WORKS:

This isn't just another leadership program; it's a partnership focused on results. We use cultural insights, AI, and relationship-building to make strategic decisions that elevate your leadership and business.

 

 WHAT’S NEEDED TO WORK TOGETHER:

➤ A commitment to intercultural growth and development.

➤ Openness to innovative strategies and AI tools.

➤ A desire to enhance leadership presence and authenticity.

 READY FOR THE NEXT STEP?

👍 If you're ready to transform your leadership approach, let’s talk. Schedule a call with us below to get started.

👉 Schedule a call
 

See you next week on The Marketing Matrix!