We talk a lot about strategy, confidence, and visibility, but far less about the one skill that quietly determines how all of those things actually play out: clear, human communication.

Get ready for story time. In this episode Kim shares a hilariously uncomfortable personal experience that turned into an unexpected lesson about self-advocacy, assumptions, and the cost of not saying what we mean.

If you’ve ever left a conversation wishing you’d just said the thing, this episode is a reminder that clear communication isn’t harsh or selfish; it’s one of the most generous skills we can build.

HIGHLIGHTS

• The awkward (and unforgettable) story that sparked a deeper realization about communication

• Why highly capable women often default to politeness over clarity

• How avoiding small moments of discomfort creates bigger, longer-term friction

• The hidden cost of assuming instead of asking

• How clear communication builds trust faster than being easygoing ever will

• Simple ways to start practicing directness without feeling harsh or out of place

MENTIONS & FOLLOW

• Episode 25: Being Open to What's Next with Sara Amin
• Parenting, Party of One
• Kim's Website and Instagram

In this episode, Kim speaks directly to small business owners and founders who are navigating uncertain times, questioning their role as leaders, and wondering how to use their voice publicly to share their values. She explores the tension many business owners feel between wanting to take a stand and shifting their entire approach to activism.

If you’ve been feeling pressure to respond perfectly, lead loudly, or justify your choices publicly, this episode offers a more human and sustainable way forward.

This episode is a reminder that leadership is less about proving and more about acting in integrity.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Why small business owners are leaders, even if they don’t identify that way

• The difference between quiet leadership and out-loud leadership (and why both matter)

• Why call-out culture keeps many business owners from speaking up in important moments

• How performative action differs from meaningful, real-world leadership

• Five ways to lead and make an impact that have nothing to do with social media

• Why staying grounded in your real life is essential during moments of crisis

MENTIONS & FOLLOW

• Tashondra Govan: Therapy Straight, No Chaser
• Luvvie Ajayi Jones on visibility
• 5 Calls
• Kim Wensel Website & Instagram

Call for podcast guests!

If you’re someone who has experienced a meaningful shift, pivot, or reckoning—and you’re comfortable speaking honestly about the messy middle—you may be a future guest. Reach out at Instagram and LinkedIn

• Kim's Website