128. Kirsten Kortebein | The behind the scenes that most people don't see: building Vert, unglamorous work, freelancing, life between the US and Europe
May 8, 2024
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Kirsten Kortebein, co-founder of Vert.run, discusses challenges in freelancing, work-life balance, growing the company, crewing experiences, and living with an endurance athlete. Topics include resilience in entrepreneurship, balancing passion and prioritization, importance of working smart, and dynamics of support in running.
Persistence and resilience are crucial in freelancing, requiring a thick skin to handle rejection and consistent pitching.
Balancing work-life priorities and family connections influences relocation decisions for personal and professional fulfillment.
Embracing rejection, continuously pitching ideas, and expressing gratitude are crucial for sustaining success in creative freelance careers.
Deep dives
Importance of Building a Thick Skin in Freelancing
In freelancing, especially in journalism or media, developing a thick skin to handle rejection is crucial. Persistence in pitching ideas and proposals is essential, as it often takes numerous attempts to secure a positive response. Building a career through constant pitching and resilience against rejection forms a significant part of freelancing success.
Challenges and Decisions in Personal and Professional Life
Kirsten's decision to move from Annecy, France back to the US after 11 years was influenced by various factors. The pandemic acted as a catalyst, prompting a reflection on the importance of family proximity. Balancing work-life priorities alongside familial connections led to a relocation decision focused on personal and professional fulfillment.
Resilience and Gratitude in Creative Professions
In creative careers like photography or professional athlete coaching, resilience and determination are essential. Embracing rejection, continuously pitching ideas, and managing self-expectations are key to sustaining a successful freelance career. Expressing gratitude for familial and professional support plays a vital role in personal growth.
Maintaining Focus and Sustainable Growth in Startups
Successful startup journeys like Bertrand emphasize the importance of maintaining focus on core objectives. CEO leadership in prioritizing customer satisfaction and strategic planning has been instrumental in Bertrand's sustainable growth. Balancing innovation while staying true to the startup's values is crucial for continued success.
Navigating Training Relationships and Embracing Support
Managing relationships when one partner is heavily invested in training for ultra-running requires open communication and mutual understanding. Acknowledging the support from partners, friends, and families in training endeavors, and actively involving them in the process, fosters a supportive environment. Recognizing emotional investments in athletic achievements and expressing gratitude enriches training experiences and relationships.
I’m recording this interview live, from the Vert.run headquarters in Boulder and my guest today is Kirsten Kortebein. Kirsten is one of the vert.run co-founders, together with her partner Moises Jimenez and their friend Max Keith. We talk about what she thinks and how she feels about the journey with Vert, what are some of the challenges that she had to face in her working experience, we talk about work and life balance, setting priorities, growing the company, living with an endurance athlete, crewing experiences and much more.
I’m sorry if the audio quality is not the best, but I hope you can forgive us and still find the conversation interesting and fun.