In this episode of ConverHERsations with Kristie Clayton, Kristie welcomes Derek Fredrickson—founder and CEO of The COO Solution—for a thoughtful conversation about identity, alignment, and honoring who you truly are as a leader.

Derek shares his journey from spending 15 years as a behind-the-scenes operator and fractional COO to stepping into the CEO role of his own company. Together, he and Kristie explore the often-unspoken tension operators feel when success is narrowly defined by titles, visibility, or ownership—and why being a second-in-command is not “less than,” but deeply essential.

Throughout the episode, they unpack:

• What it means to honor your true wiring as an operator, integrator, or builder
• Why operators are the “magic makers” who turn ideas into reality
• How to know when it’s time to explore a next chapter—and when it’s perfectly right to stay where you thrive
• The reality of the “messy middle” when transitioning roles or identities
• Why just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should
• The importance of defining your North Star and building plans for both business and personal life
• Why rest, clarity breaks, and time away are requirements—not rewards

Derek also shares powerful personal reflections on living abroad in France, navigating work-life balance across time zones, and learning to release old habits as he builds something bigger than himself. The conversation is especially resonant for COOs, integrators, and right-hand leaders who quietly carry enormous responsibility while enabling others to shine.

In this episode of ConverHERsations with Kristie Clayton, Kristie sits down with entrepreneur, author, and business growth coach Michele Kehrer for an honest, reflective conversation about mindset, boundaries, and the small shifts that create lasting change.

Michele shares her entrepreneurial journey—from owning and successfully exiting a physical therapy practice in downtown Chicago to building a new chapter as a coach helping leaders get out of their own way. At the heart of the conversation is her new book, Brave Shift, which focuses on 30 mindset shifts that help people reclaim clarity, calm, and control in both life and leadership.

Together, Kristie and Michele explore:

• How small, intentional habits create massive life change
• Why vulnerability and honesty are essential to personal growth
• The importance of morning routines that nourish the mind, body, and soul
• How burnout often stems from misaligned boundaries, not lack of discipline
• Why protecting your time is critical to protecting your peace
• How asking for help empowers both the giver and the receiver
• The connection between self-care, leadership presence, and sustainable success

Michele also shares personal stories behind the lessons in her book, including redefining productivity, recognizing when busyness is masking burnout, and learning to intentionally build rest, joy, and fun into everyday life.

In this special reflection episode of ConverHERsations with Kristie Clayton, Kristie is joined by Heather Howes and Dunya Daikhi to look back on the powerful moments, stories, and sisterhood that defined the recent FEM Summit.

Recorded just days after the Summit, this conversation goes beyond logistics and highlights—it captures the heart of what happens when women in second-in-command and leadership roles come together with intention, vulnerability, and trust.

Kristie reflects on moments that continue to resonate deeply, including life-changing personal breakthroughs, courageous panel conversations around motherhood and identity, and the collective energy that filled the room. What emerges is a picture of FEM Summit not just as an event, but as a catalyst for both professional growth and personal transformation.

Throughout the episode, the conversation explores:

• Why FEM Summit is designed as a whole-human experience, not just a business conference
• The power and responsibility of leadership from the second-in-command seat
• Common misconceptions about being “number two” and why it is a true power role
• How women in integrator and COO roles are redefining leadership for future generations
• Kristie’s own evolution from integrator to visionary leader—and owning both identities
• The ripple effect of community and its generational impact beyond the Summit
• What’s next for HERverse, including in-person masterminds and the next FEM Summit

The episode closes with a powerful message for women quietly holding everything together behind the scenes: you are already successful, your work matters, and you deserve support, celebration, and space to thrive.