Profile of a Business Owner: Kristen O'Shea
Kristen consults with organizations to become great places to work. She uses Gallup CliftonStrengths, engagement and well-being with her company O'Shea Strengths Coaching to coach, train and speak. Kristen proudly pioneered and championed Kansas State University becoming a Strengths-based campus. This journey is featured in the introduction of Gallup’s CliftonStrengths for Students book and was shared through her keynote at the Gallup CliftonStrengths Summit 2018.
Kristen has her Masters of Education in Positive Coaching & Positive Psychology from the University of Missouri. Her bachelors is in Family Science & Human Development, Gerontology, and a minor in Leadership Studies from Kansas State University.
TK: If you were stranded on an island, what three items would you be sure to have with you?
KRISTEN: Bible, Music/Laptop, Library Card
TK: Tell about a failure that helped move you to growth, innovation or success?
KRISTEN: I didn't get hired by Gallup to train and coach around strengths. So, I hired myself to do it! I never thought I would want to do entrepreneurship because the sales and risk. I would have rather been hired by Gallup to go work with their clients. However, once I got over that, I've learned it is incredibly fulfilling to create this work for myself, help clients change their engagement and well-being, and do it on my own schedule.
TK: How do you recharge?
KRISTEN: Jazzercise! Family! Good sleep! Jesus time to remember what matters in life. Time to dream, imagine, create.
TK: How many businesses have you started/do you currently have?
KRISTEN: Two. O'Shea Strengths Coaching and Kristen O'Shea Florals, and I am a franchisee at Jazzercise (i.e. Jazzercise Instructor).
TK: How did your previous work lead you to business ownership?
KRISTEN: I've always had a tremendous about of self-will and thrive in independence. I helped start the strengths movement across Kansas State University and kept training, speaking and coaching for years after even when I was in a traditional job. One referral and workshop led to another and I decided to make it full-time as a business. I never want to go back, it is so fulfilling!
TK: What is the best book you read this year? (favorite books in general)
KRISTEN:
First, Break All the Rules by Gallup
CliftonStrengths for Students by Gallup
When by Daniel Pink
Boundaries by Henry Cloud Townsend
Feel the Fear... and Do it Anyway by Susan Jeffers
Adaptive Leadership by Harvard Business Review
Love Does by Bob Goff
Present Over Perfect by Shauna Neiquist
Mess and Moxie by Jen Hatmaker
TK: How do you encourage creativity in your business?
KRISTEN: I like to partner with others in the field to learn what they are doing creatively with the clients, products, business processes, etc. I am thankful for membership organizations, LinkedIn, TK Business and other platforms that keep us connected.
