The Real Secret to Authentic Leadership When Life Gets Messy -69
Curious about what it really takes to keep going when life throws its hardest challenges your way? This episode of the Marli Williams Podcast brings you an unfiltered conversation with Krista Ryan—executive coach, mental performance expert, and author of Keep Freaking Going. You’ll hear stories of resilience, vulnerability, and the raw truth about navigating trauma, isolation, and unexpected change. We touch on everything from overcoming shame to the power of asking for help, all wrapped up in Krista’s signature “KFG” (Keep Freaking Going) mindset.
If you’re interested in personal development, mental health, and leadership strategies for thriving through adversity, don’t miss this inspiring talk. Whether you’re facing burnout, loneliness, or want to become a better support for others, this episode offers powerful reminders that you’re not alone—and that authentic connection is just one text away.
Krista Ryan is a certified executive coach, facilitator, speaker, and Workplace Performance expert who is on a mission to help leaders thrive through chaos, change, and challenge.
She’s the CEO of KfG Coaching and a trusted coach for Bravely and Limitless Minds—where she brings the science of mental conditioning to the art of leadership. From C-suite leaders to elite athletes, Krista’s global clients turn to her when they need to communicate better, collaborate stronger, and perform under pressure.
With nearly two decades of experience as a Human Resources Director—and as a third-generation leader in her family-owned bank—Krista has lived what she teaches. Her no-fluff, deeply practical approach blends human insight with real-world strategy.
She’s the author of The Keep F!#ING Going*, a candid, energizing guide to navigating uncertainty and leading with strength in any season.
When she’s not coaching, speaking, or training, Krista is traveling the world in search of the best oyster bar—and fueling up with double-stuffed Oreos along the way.
Connect with Krista:
Instagram - @thekristaryan
Facebook - Krista Ryan
LinkedIn - Krista Ryan, PCC
Marli Williams is an international keynote speaker, master facilitator, and joy instigator who has worked with organizations such as Nike, United Way, Doordash, along with many colleges and schools across the United States. She first fell in love with transformational leadership as a camp counselor when she was 19 years old. After getting two degrees and 15 years of leadership training, Marli decided to give herself permission to be the “Professional Camp Counselor” she knew she was born to be. Now she helps incredible people and organizations stop waiting for permission and start taking bold action to be the leaders and changemakers they’ve always wanted to be through the power of play and cultivating joy everyday. She loves helping people go from stuck to STOKED and actually created her own deck of inspirational messages called StokeQuotes™ which was then followed by The Connect Deck™ to inspire more meaningful conversations. Her ultimate mission in the world is to help others say YES to themselves and their big crazy dreams (while having fun doing it!) To learn more about Marli’s work go to www.marliwilliams.com and follow her on Instagram @marliwilliams
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