We had the good fortune of connecting with Kristin Bartholomew and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kristin, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
As a busy mom of three, I have been navigating the work-life balance rollercoaster for almost 2 decades. As a recent college graduate back in 2007, I was excited (albeit surprised) to find out that I would soon become a mom to my first daughter. My husband and I had been married a mere 16 months when I learned that my best-laid plans (to start a teaching career in the public schools) were already being rewritten.

I view the blessing of my firstborn daughter as the beginning of an adventure to figure out how I would pursue my professional calling without compromising my intentional motherhood.

From working from home in 2009, compiling profit and loss reports, to leading over 250 volunteers at a large church in Chicagoland, to eventually serving as the HR Director at a successful Chick-fil-A restaurant, I have always sought to balance all of the many aspirations and dreams I had for myself with intentionality and purpose.

As my skills in leadership development and professional coaching grew through certifications, education, and experience (along with my 3 children), I learned to embrace opportunities as they arose in my life without fear or intimidation. The courage that was fortified through my personal and professional growth eventually led me to build a coaching firm of my own where I could impart the same learnings, wisdom, and support I had benefited from to my clients through business support, developmental workshops, and executive coaching.

My work-life balance today looks vastly different than it did 17 years ago. I’m no longer managing naptimes and cutting grapes in half, but rather shuttling kids to and from sports practices and summer camps as they continue to spread their wings while I simultaneously expand mine. But at the heart of it remains the same desire: to show up for my family and my calling with integrity, grit, and courage.

What should our readers know about your business?
My business, KMB Coaching, exists to support leaders who are juggling a lot—but still want to lead with confidence, clarity, and purpose. I work with clients through executive coaching, strategy sessions, and team trainings to help them grow strong, people-first businesses and teams without losing themselves in the process.

What sets my work apart is that I bring both strategy and soul to the table. I care deeply about helping people show up as their whole selves while still getting results. My clients often say they feel seen, supported, and like they finally have a true thought partner in their corner.

I’m most proud of how this business has grown from the inside out. I spent over a decade leading in high-performing organizations—from megachurches to Chick-fil-A franchises to international mentorship communities—so I’ve been in the room for the tough conversations and big transitions. That experience shaped how I coach today: grounded, practical, and always human.

Starting my own business definitely wasn’t easy. I’ve had to push through fear, learn how to set boundaries (and stick to them!), and figure out how to lead well while still being present for my family. I’m married to my college sweetheart, and we’ve got three kids in three different schools—so “balance” is something I’m learning and practicing every day.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned? You don’t have to do it all alone. And you don’t have to hustle yourself into the ground to be successful. You can build something meaningful and sustainable. That’s the heart behind KMB Coaching—and it’s what I want every leader I work with to know.

If nothing else, I hope people walk away from my work feeling more confident in who they are and how they lead—because when leaders lead well, everyone benefits.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There are so many incredible things to do in DFW! When my family moved here almost three years ago, I had no idea that we would still be learning and exploring the area all these years later. It’s incredible how many nooks and crannies there are to dive into.

When my friends come to visit, there are a few non-negotiables that we absolutely must visit. The downtown historical McKinney Square is a no-brainer. The stores, restaurants, and coffee shops are just adorable! We can spend a whole day wandering around experiencing it.

The food in the area is crazy good. Whether you want a solid barbeque dinner at Hutchins, ice cream from Handles, or food trucks galore to eat from while you listen to live music at the Truck Yard, this area has it all.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to shoutout a former mentor of mine who has pushed and challenged me to be courageous. As a young mom, I often turned down opportunities due to imposter syndrome, or seeing myself as “just a mom.” Once I stopped living in that mindspace, I found that the opportunities really were endless and that my role as a mom was actually a huge benefit to me, not only within my home but also outside of it!

Over the years, I have learned that we are capable of so much more than we thought, we just have to have the courage to take the first step. Since you’re reading this, I’d encourage you to take a moment and ask yourself, “What is an opportunity I would jump at if I had the courage to do so?”

Website: https://kmbcoaching.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momlife_balance/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-bartholomew-shrm-cp/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100075799197431

Other: MomLife Balance Podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/show/2ZdO6uldztNqJnR7Z6eD2h?si=zIO102wdROOYsuy4Sg2maw

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.