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TLP450: Finding Happiness and Harmony Wherever You Work with Kristel Bauer

The Leadership Podcast

Release Date: 03/05/2025

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Kristel Bauer is a corporate wellness & performance expert, keynote speaker, TEDx speaker & the host of the Live Greatly podcast. She is the author of “Work-Life Tango: Finding Happiness, Harmony, and Peak Performance Wherever You Work.”

Kristel shares a fresh perspective on work-life harmony, moving beyond outdated notions of balance. Using the metaphor of the tango dance, Kristel explains how leaders can move with the rhythm of their lives—adjusting, leading, and following at different moments. 

She discusses how leaders can model self-care, create meaningful workplace connections, and foster a culture that prioritizes well-being without sacrificing performance. She also explores the power of small adjustments—what she calls "checkpoints"—to help leaders and teams navigate work and life with greater fulfillment. 

If you’ve ever struggled with burnout, guilt about work-life boundaries, or felt pressure to “do it all,” this episode will offer a fresh perspective.

 

https://bit.ly/TLP-450

 

Key Takeaways

[01:43] Kristel Bauer shares her background in integrative medicine and how her experience in psychiatry and functional medicine shaped her understanding of well-being. She discusses the importance of continuous learning and expanding one’s perspective.

[04:41] Kristel explains that the traditional concept of work-life balance isn’t practical in today’s world, where technology blurs the lines between work and home. Instead, she envisions work and life as a dance—fluid, dynamic, and adaptable. The metaphor of tango captures the movement, energy, and passion needed to navigate both work and personal life successfully.

[07:40] Kristel advocates for inner balance. She emphasizes that leaders should focus on making choices aligned with their values rather than achieving a perfect 50/50 split between work and life.

[12:15] Kristel highlights that leaders must first take care of themselves before they can effectively support their teams. She encourages leaders to model self-care, prioritize relationships, and create a culture where employees feel valued. Simple gestures—like checking in with team members informally—can have a profound impact.

[17:17] She advocates for informal check-ins between leaders and employees to foster trust and open communication. A simple five-minute conversation can help team members feel valued and understood.

[20:22]When addressing fairness in the workplace, Crystal suggests focusing on employee output rather than rigid work schedules. She acknowledges the challenges leaders face in maintaining fairness while ensuring productivity.

[23:56] Kristel shares a real-life example of a leader adjusting an employee’s work schedule after learning about their struggles. She emphasizes that small changes can significantly improve employee well-being and performance.

[30:07] She advises employees who are unhappy at work to focus on transferable skills and learning opportunities while seeking new opportunities. She encourages people to perform with integrity and intention, regardless of job satisfaction. 

[34:17] The book introduces "checkpoints" to encourage self-reflection and intentional decision-making. Crystal believes that regularly assessing one's priorities can help people feel more empowered and aligned with their goals.

[35:38] Closing quote: Remember,“Happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance, order, rhythm, and harmony” —  Thomas Merton

 

Quotable Quotes

"Work-life balance isn’t about a perfect split—it’s about finding harmony between what matters most to you."

"Leadership isn’t just about managing tasks; it’s about showing up as your best self so you can inspire others to do the same."

"Small moments of connection with your team can make a big impact—never underestimate the power of a five-minute conversation."

"True balance isn’t about counting hours—it’s about aligning your work and life with your values."

"If you don’t take care of yourself, you can’t show up fully for your team. Great leadership starts with personal well-being."

"Success isn’t about avoiding challenges; it’s about learning how to navigate them with confidence and adaptability."

"You don’t have to love your job to learn from it. Every role offers skills and experiences that can help you grow."

"The best leaders create an environment where people feel safe to share, grow, and bring their best selves to work."

"Instead of striving for perfection, focus on progress. Small adjustments can lead to big changes in how you feel and perform."

"Leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about listening, learning, and creating space for others to thrive."

“Happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance, order, rhythm, and harmony” —  Thomas Merton

 

This is the book mentioned in this episode

 

Resources Mentioned