In this interview-style episode, Hillary shares with Kristin what it's like coming back to her business after 3 months of maternity leave. She shares how she's feeling emotionally as well as what she's doing to get back into the groove and start bringing in more projects.

Want to ask Kristin and Hillary a question? Click here to submit your question to the podcast. We'll answer it on an upcoming episode of Teachers Make the Leap!

To make sure you never miss an episode of Teachers Make the Leap, subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts.

And to stay in the know about all the exciting things we’re doing to help more teachers leave the classroom to become their own bosses, follow us on Instagram at @teachersmaketheleap or join our online newsletter by visiting www.teachersmaketheleap.com.

Kristin and Hillary reflect on their intentions for 2025, sharing what they want more of in the New Year, how they can be more fully themselves, and in what areas they want to grow.

Full Questions to Guide Intention-Setting

1. What do you want more of in the new year?
2. How can you be more fully YOU in 2024? And what's holding you back?
3. What is no longer serving you in your life? And what do you want instead?
4. What single thing could you do this coming year to feel more intentional about how you spend your time?
5. What changes could you make next year to feel more fulfilled with your work?
6. In what areas do you want to grow next year?
7. What is your top priority for 2024?
8. Choose a focus word for 2024.

Want to ask Kristin and Hillary a question? Click here to submit your question to the podcast. We'll answer it on an upcoming episode of Teachers Make the Leap!

Want to ask Kristin and Hillary a question? Click here to submit your question to the podcast. We'll answer it on an upcoming episode of Teachers Make the Leap!

To make sure you never miss an episode of Teachers Make the Leap, subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts.

And to stay in the know about all the exciting things we’re doing to help more teachers leave the classroom to become their own bosses, follow us on Instagram at @teachersmaketheleap or join our online newsletter by visiting www.teachersmaketheleap.com.

Listen here for a quick update on what you can expect from us in 2025. We're looking forward to more conversations and more great content for the Teachers Make the Leap community. <3

Want to ask Kristin and Hillary a question? Click here to submit your question to the podcast. We'll answer it on an upcoming episode of Teachers Make the Leap!

To make sure you never miss an episode of Teachers Make the Leap, subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts.

And to stay in the know about all the exciting things we’re doing to help more teachers leave the classroom to become their own bosses, follow us on Instagram at @teachersmaketheleap or join our online newsletter by visiting www.teachersmaketheleap.com.

In this episode, Hillary and Kristin have an honest conversation about managing a business during major life transitions. Hillary shares her experience being on maternity leave with her second child, discussing the complex emotions of stepping away from business while caring for a newborn. Meanwhile, Kristin opens up about making significant pivots in her business model and the challenges and rewards of decision-making as a solo entrepreneur.

Want to ask Kristin and Hillary a question? Click here to submit your question to the podcast. We'll answer it on an upcoming episode of Teachers Make the Leap!

To make sure you never miss an episode of Teachers Make the Leap, subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts.

And to stay in the know about all the exciting things we’re doing to help more teachers leave the classroom to become their own bosses, follow us on Instagram at @teachersmaketheleap or join our online newsletter by visiting www.teachersmaketheleap.com.

In par two of their year-end reflection series, Kristin and Hillary dive deeper into the challenges, learnings, and transformative moments that shaped their 2024. From navigating business evolution to finding comfort in discomfort, they share honest insights about their entrepreneurial journey.

Hillary's Year-End Reflection Questions:

1. What was an unexpected joy this past year?
2. What was your favorite book you read this year?
3. What was your favorite movie or TV show?
4. What worked out in your favor this year?
5. How satisfied were you with your work this year? What did you enjoy and not enjoy?
6. What was the biggest thing you learned about yourself?
7. What was your biggest challenge this year?
8. What is one magical moment that made you feel alive or grateful or joyful?
9. What are three adjectives you would use to describe 2023?
10. What will you choose to remember 2023 for?

Grab a journal and your favorite drink and enjoy some focused time of reflection on the year past.

Want to ask Kristin and Hillary a question? Click here to submit your question to the podcast. We'll answer it on an upcoming episode of Teachers Make the Leap!

To make sure you never miss an episode of Teachers Make the Leap, subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts.

And to stay in the know about all the exciting things we’re doing to help more teachers leave the classroom to become their own bosses, follow us on Instagram at @teachersmaketheleap or join our online newsletter by visiting www.teachersmaketheleap.com.

Join Kristin and Hillary for part one of their annual reflection episode where they unpack the unexpected delights and simple pleasures that made 2024 special. From sunny afternoons on coffee shop patios to international adventures, they're sharing the moments—and the books—that shaped their year.

Hillary's Year-End Reflection Questions:

1. What was an unexpected joy this past year?
2. What was your favorite book you read this year?
3. What was your favorite movie or TV show?
4. What worked out in your favor this year?
5. How satisfied were you with your work this year? What did you enjoy and not enjoy?
6. What was the biggest thing you learned about yourself?
7. What was your biggest challenge this year?
8. What is one magical moment that made you feel alive or grateful or joyful?
9. What are three adjectives you would use to describe 2023?
10. What will you choose to remember 2023 for?

Grab a journal and your favorite drink and enjoy some focused time of reflection on the year past.

Want to ask Kristin and Hillary a question? Click here to submit your question to the podcast. We'll answer it on an upcoming episode of Teachers Make the Leap!

To make sure you never miss an episode of Teachers Make the Leap, subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts.

And to stay in the know about all the exciting things we’re doing to help more teachers leave the classroom to become their own bosses, follow us on Instagram at @teachersmaketheleap or join our online newsletter by visiting www.teachersmaketheleap.com.

Join Kristin and Hillary as they take a look back at their most favorite and beloved episodes from their first full year of podcasting! From heartwarming guest interviews to candid business discussions, they're sharing the conversations that shaped Teachers Make the Leap in 2024.

Want to ask Kristin and Hillary a question? Click here to submit your question to the podcast. We'll answer it on an upcoming episode of Teachers Make the Leap!

To make sure you never miss an episode of Teachers Make the Leap, subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts.

And to stay in the know about all the exciting things we’re doing to help more teachers leave the classroom to become their own bosses, follow us on Instagram at @teachersmaketheleap or join our online newsletter by visiting www.teachersmaketheleap.com.

In this episode of Teachers Make the Leap, Derek Pollard shares his unexpected journey from earning a PhD in Poetry to founding Constellar Creative, where he helps financial advisors tell compelling stories through content marketing.

Key highlights:

• How poetry and financial marketing share surprising connections
• Transferable skills from academia that create magic in business
• Derek's POET framework for content marketing success
• Why academic credentials carry unique value in the business world
• Building a successful business while maintaining your teaching spirit

Connect with Derek:

• LinkedIn: Derek Pollard
• Website: ConstellarCreative.com
• Email: Derek@ConstellarCreative.com

Want to ask Kristin and Hillary a question? Click here to submit your question to the podcast. We'll answer it on an upcoming episode of Teachers Make the Leap!

To make sure you never miss an episode of Teachers Make the Leap, subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts.

And to stay in the know about all the exciting things we’re doing to help more teachers leave the classroom to become their own bosses, follow us on Instagram at @teachersmaketheleap or join our online newsletter by visiting www.teachersmaketheleap.com.