Kat Walks 🍃

Episode Summary In this episode of Kat Walks, I’m walking you through one of the hardest and most humbling experiences of my adult life—how I went from a credit score in the low 500s to 795.This is Part 1 of my credit story. I share how I ended up with bad credit, what it cost me, and the exact step-by-step process I used to start rebuilding. From the Capital One card I opened at 18, to the $5,000 personal loan I took out for a now long-gone ex, to the shame, dependency, and fear I carried for nearly a decade—I’m sharing all of it.This episode is for anyone who’s been silently struggling with their finances, and especially for those who are ready to start fixing it—without shame.What You’ll Hear in This EpisodeWhy I was in credit card debt by 20The moment everything fell apart during the 2008 financial crisisHow my credit dropped into the 500s and stayed there for 8 yearsThe real cost of bad credit: housing, cars, phones, and career opportunitiesHow I pulled all three of my credit reports and started the dispute processWhy small debts under $1,000 often fall off when challengedHow I negotiated directly with creditors to pay off what remainedWhat a secured credit card is and why it was the game-changer for meHow I got approved for my first real credit card after years of denialWhy I believe there’s no shame in starting over—just power in startingResources MentionedAnnualCreditReport.com – Pull your free credit report from all three bureausSecured credit cards – Ask your bank or credit union if they offer oneDebt settlement (DIY vs. using a service—what I chose and why)Next Up In Part 2 (for paid subscribers on Substack), I’ll share how I went from good to great—reaching a credit score of 795 and learning how to keep it there. We’ll go deeper into credit card strategy, utilization, points, and handling debt when life happens again.Subscribe & Stay Connected If you’re not already subscribed, join me on Kat Walks on Substack to get more episodes like this, behind-the-scenes tools, and full access to Part 2 of this series.Paid subscribers will also receive bonus content like downloadables, guides, and tools I personally use to run my life and business.

Episode Summary In this walk, I’m not just reflecting—I’m revealing. I’m talking about immigration, legality, family, values, and why I’ve made decisions in the past that could be seen as reckless or even career-ending. I’ve approved the hiring of undocumented workers. I’ve opened accounts for them. And I’m telling you this openly, not to be praised, but to be honest.Because what defines me isn’t my business or career. It’s how I live in alignment with my values—even when it’s inconvenient, risky, or unpopular.If you’ve never sat across from a family who fled cartel violence, or watched fear fill someone’s eyes at the sound of a police siren, you may not understand why I do what I do. But if you’re someone who believes people deserve safety, freedom, and dignity, regardless of where they were born or how they got here, then this episode is for you.What You’ll Hear in This EpisodeWhy I’ve knowingly supported undocumented immigrantsThe dinner conversations that changed how I view “legality”Real stories of women trapped in abusive relationships because of their legal statusWhat my grandfather’s legacy taught me about doing things “right” and still being wrongWhy I believe laws without empathy are emptyWhat I mean when I say: Leave my people aloneWhy I believe “undocumented” doesn’t mean “unworthy”The difference between being legal and being goodA message to anyone who still thinks “illegal” is a complete definition of a human beingSubscribe for free or become a paid supporter to receive more honest content, exclusive downloads, and tangible tools for values-based living: https://katwalks.substack.com

Episode Summary: In this episode, I unpack what’s really been on my mind lately: the way we approach quarterly goals—and how they might actually be holding us back.As Q3 planning kicks off for a lot of leadership teams, I reflect on a recent conversation with a Head of Marketing client and the realization that sparked from it. We talk about the difference between KPI-driven and project-based goals, how I used to use quarterly goals to feel productive, and what changed when I finally asked myself: If this is truly important, why am I not working on it every day?I share how reading The ONE Thing by Gary Keller reshaped the way I think about prioritization, why I no longer treat time-based goals as sacred, and how I’ve shifted to focusing on momentum instead of timelines. This applies not only to business, but to health, relationships, family, and creativity.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:Why quarterly “Rocks” might just be placeholdersThe two types of quarterly goals and how to spot the differenceA framework that helped me ask better questions around time and valueA story about pouring thousands into a project that didn’t move the needleHow to know if a goal deserves daily attention—or any attention at allThe questions I ask myself now when setting prioritiesWhy I’m letting go of arbitrary timelines and focusing on aligned actionMentioned in This Episode:The ONE Thing by Gary KellerSubscribe to Kat Walks on Substack:If you connected with this episode, you’ll love my Substack, Kat Walks—a space where I share honest reflections, insights, and the real behind-the-scenes of navigating business, motherhood, and identity. 👉 Subscribe here and walk with me.

Episode Summary In this episode of Kat Walks, I'm taking you along for a walk that's about more than fresh air. It's about how we respond to conflict, and more importantly, how we reclaim our energy in the face of someone else’s chaos.My daughter recently asked me a powerful question about arguments and what we wish we had said in the moment. That conversation led us down a path of self-awareness, boundaries, and emotional regulation. I share how I evolved from someone who always had to have the last word, to someone who now filters every interaction through a calm and conscious lens.If you've ever replayed an argument in your head or felt the urge to clap back at someone who pushed your buttons, this one's for you. I'm giving you my exact approach—from facial expressions to non-responses—and yes, there might even be a "Shit Talking Guide" in the works.What You'll Hear in This EpisodeMy daughter’s surprising question about argumentsWhy I used to replay conversations obsessively (and how that made me sharper)The evolution from reactive to reflectiveThe mental checklist I use before I respond to anyoneMy go-to question to disarm conflict: "Do you feel better about yourself for saying that?"Why some people don’t deserve a response at allThe power of pausing, breathing, and asking questionsA breakdown of facial expressions and tone that set boundaries without saying muchHow I’m teaching my daughter to hold her power in tough conversationsWhy being a "world-class shit talker" means knowing when not to talk shitMentioned in the Episode "Conscious Shit Talker Response Guide" PDF for paid Substack subscribersSubscribe and Stay Connected If you're enjoying these voice memo-style reflections, make sure you're subscribed to Kat Walks on Substack at https://katghazarian.substack.com. Paid subscribers will also receive exclusive downloads, guides, and behind-the-scenes tools for living and leading with intention.

HR Sucks is gone. Dunzo. Finito. I talk about the pressure of content creation, why I took a step back from social media, and how I rediscovered my voice through a voice memo and a walk. I also dive into the Thought Leader Archetype quiz that helped me make sense of why nothing I was trying before felt quite right. If you're a business owner, a people manager, a mom—or all three—I think you’ll feel seen in this story.What You’ll Hear in This EpisodeThe weather shift that sparked a mindset shiftWhy HR Sucks no longer felt alignedHow healing plays a central role in professional successWhat happened when I accidentally deleted my YouTube channelMy toxic relationship with social media and why I stepped awayHow a birthday gift to myself turned into a six-month resetThe moment of peace I found watching squirrels and birdsWhy outsourcing my marketing never workedDiscovering Macy Robison and the Thought Leader ArchetypesRealizing I’m a Category Creator and what that means for how I share contentWhy Substack makes more sense for me than social platformsMy love for voice memos and how they’ll shape Kat Walks going forwardWhat to expect as a free or paid subscriber to this newsletterResources I MentionedThought Leader Archetypes Quiz by Macy Robison https://www.macyrobison.com/quizPodcast Episode for Category Creators (Macy Robison) https://www.macyrobison.com/podcast (Look for the episode dedicated to Category Creators)Professional Troublemaker by Luvvie Ajayi Jones https://www.luvvie.org/professional-troublemakerBlue Ocean Strategy by W. Chan Kim & Renée Mauborgne https://www.blueoceanstrategy.comAirChat (voice-memo based social app by Naval Ravikant — currently offline) https://www.air.chatSubscribe and Stay ConnectedIf you enjoyed this episode and want more, you can subscribe to Kat Walks on Substack at https://katwalks.substack.com. Free subscribers will receive regular walks with me, and paid subscribers will get access to templates, tutorials, downloads, and behind-the-scenes tools for life and business.

In this episode of The HR Sucks Show, Katrina sits down with Kevin Koby and Jack Peat, the Co-Founders behind Abstrax Tech, to unpack the unfiltered journey of building a cannabis science company from the ground up.From Jack's rebellious school days (read: expulsions) to doubling EBITDA through culture—not just spreadsheets—this episode is packed with real talk, hard lessons, and a surprising amount of laughter.We get vulnerable about leadership blind spots, dig into the stigma surrounding cannabis, and even ask: If Abstrax were a cannabis strain, what would it be?Whether you’re a founder, leader, or just someone who’s trying to make sense of scaling without selling your soul, this one’s for you.🔍 What You’ll Learn:The unconventional origin story of Abstrax TechHow putting people first drove exponential growthOne leadership decision they’d double down on—and one they’d rethinkThe challenges of hiring in the cannabis industryWhy team culture is way more than ping-pong tables and pizza partiesThe one rule they'd pass on to future entrepreneurs💬 Memorable Quotes:"Most people think EBITDA growth is all about the numbers. For us, it started with the people." – Kevin Koby "I was expelled from school... and now I’m running a multi-million dollar company. There’s a lesson in that." – Jack Peat "If Abstrax were a strain, it’d hit smooth but sneak up on you. Just like us."🔗 Connect with the Guests:Website: www.abstraxtech.com Kevin Koby (LinkedIn): linkedin.com/in/kevin-koby-0a17411b2

In this fun and unfiltered episode, I sit down with my friend and fellow HR rebel, Kira La Forgia, founder of Paradigm HR. When we get together, you can count on some friendly roasting and a whole lot of laughter — and yes, we somehow always find a way to make HR a little dirty.We dive into topics that every HR pro (and anyone who’s ever worked in corporate) will relate to, including:Pay Your Speakers: Why conferences need to prioritize paying their speakers — and why Kira and I often skip HR conferences altogether.Performative Posting: Is reacting to every viral moment on social media actually driving change, or is it just performative noise?Justin Baldoni vs. Blake Lively: The surprising HR parallels in this high-profile legal battle.Annual Performance Reviews: If you’re giving your team consistent feedback, do we really need them anymore?Plus, Kira is officially the first guest in my brand-new studio! And in true HR Sucks fashion, chaos followed — because right after recording, the podcast's YouTube channel was deleted.We’re working on it, but in the meantime, be sure to resubscribe once we’re back. And if you’re new here, welcome! No pressure to subscribe just yet — but if you enjoy this episode, leave a comment and let us know your thoughts.Guest Spotlight: Kira La ForgiaWebsite: the-paradigm.comInstagram: @‌kiralaforgiaParadigm HR Instagram: @‌theparadigmmParadigm HR Podcast: Listen Here

I read Buy Back Your Time with ‪@danmartell‬ and hired an assistant because he told me to. Yup, I'm THAT guy (girl) who read a business book and listened to it. It happens to the best (most stubborn) of us. Her name is Gabriella, aka Gabi, and I interviewed her as well as share my internal hiring process that not only works for me, but for dozens of companies I've worked with over the years (supposedly). ChatGPT wrote the rest of this: 🧠 What You’ll Learn: How to know when it’s time to hire help The "Task Tree" exercise to identify delegation opportunities Why your job descriptions might be sabotaging your hiring efforts Knock-out questions that save you HOURS of time How I use LinkedIn and Indeed to quickly sort and select The structure of a two-part interview process that actually works The right way to make an offer and prep for onboarding 👀 Behind-the-Scenes Moments: Gabi reveals what it was really like going through my hiring process The bizarre scam Gabi encountered on her first day 😅 A "Would You Sue Me?" segment featuring enemas, stripper poles, and celebrity crush pickup lines. Yep. It’s a thing. 🛠 Resources Mentioned: Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell

In this engaging episode of the HR Sucks Podcast, host Katrina Ghazarian sits down with HR veteran and consultant Carol Fraser. With over 33 years in the field, Carol shares her insights on the major shifts and transformations in HR from traditional personnel management to strategic business partnerships. The conversation covers the impact of technology, the importance of understanding human behavior, and the evolving role of HR in company culture and business success. Carol also delves into her personal journey, transitioning from traditional HR roles to consulting post-9/11, and introduces her innovative 'Dancing Leaders' program, which combines dance with leadership development. Tune in for a deep dive into the complexities, challenges, and future of HR, along with actionable advice for HR professionals looking to invest in themselves and elevate their practice.

In this episode of HR Sucks, we delve into the importance of understanding and living by your core and personal values. Sharing personal experiences from reading Tony Robbins' 'Awakening the Giant Within' and implementing Gino Wickman's Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), we explore how aligning personal and business values builds stronger relationships and more cohesive teams. You'll be guided through the step-by-step process of identifying, defining, and living your values, complete with practical actions for continuous self-evaluation.

In this episode of HR Sucks, we delve into the hot topic of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and critically analyze Elon Musk's controversial stance on the matter. We'll discuss how properly implemented DEI programs contribute to business profitability, citing Tesla's recent financial decline as a case study. The episode also unpacks the ripple effects of influential leaders dismissing DEI, addresses misconceptions about meritocracy, and provides actionable steps for companies to execute DEI effectively.

Thinking about making the leap from HR employee to independent consultant? In this episode of HR Sucks, I break down exactly how I transitioned from a full-time HR leader to launching my own consulting firm, Gameday HR. I share the three key moves I made in the 30 days after resigning that set me up for long-term success, including how I turned my former employer into my first client.If you’re stuck overthinking your next steps, this episode will give you a clear, no-BS roadmap to making the transition on your terms. Whether you’re worried about burning bridges, setting your rates, or defining your scope of work, I’ve been there—and I’m sharing what actually works.

Welcome to HR Sucks! In this episode, we dive deep into what company culture really means—beyond the superficial perks and slogans.We break down the six crucial questions every organization must ask to diagnose cultural health, identify misalignments, and create a workplace where employees thrive.You’ll also learn how to differentiate genuine culture from a well-rehearsed performance and get insights from the book Beyond High Performance by Jason Jaggard, paired with real HR consulting experience.Get ready for a game-changing discussion on how real company culture impacts retention, productivity, and business success.

We are wrapping Season 1 with a powerful message and guest, Adam Michaels who is Founder and CEO of the PaaS company Enrollify. Leaving a 7 figures earning behind to start and self-fund a startup aimed to solve a huge disparity in the employee benefits market, Adam learned incredible and teachable lessons along the way. A person who believes in leading with love and building businesses that truly benefits people has been the foundation to Enrollify’s young success. Listen to this story of self discovery and evolution from one of our favorites. Learn more about Enrollify: https://enrollify.io/Follow Enrollify on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enrollifyinc/If you’d like to learn more about Gameday HR, visit www.gamedayhr.comIf you’d like to connect with Katrina on Instagram: www.instagram.com/katghazarian

Brad Lea built LightSpeed VT into a multi-million dollar global tech company from scratch. As its founder and CEO, his vision led to LightSpeed VT becoming the world’s leading interactive training system – a system that he’s proud to share with others. In addition to being a CEO, Brad also hosts the top-rated podcast Dropping Bombs and is the author of The Real Deal. He’s one of the funniest guys I know and it’s apparent in this episode as we discuss the things you’re probably not allowed to discuss.Follow Brad on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealbradlea/Check out LightSpeed VT: https://www.lightspeedvt.com/hereforyouIf you’d like to learn more about Gameday HR, visit www.gamedayhr.comIf you’d like to connect with Katrina on Instagram: www.instagram.com/katghazarian

She’s a TEDx speaker, accomplished author, and runs a company focused on shifting company culture by motivating the individual. Nada Lena Nasserdeen joins us for a conversation to tell us her story and what to do when you’re not motivated. Connect with Nada on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nadalena_rise/Purchase Rise Up For You: https://www.nadalena.com/bookIf you’d like to learn more about Gameday HR, visit www.gamedayhr.comIf you’d like to connect with Katrina on Instagram: www.instagram.com/katghazarian

Stephanie Saunders knows how to turn an unsexy industry into an industry that made Forbes Top Social Media Influencers of 2020 list. With over 28,000 followers on LinkedIn, Stephanie made the conversation about property damage interesting. As host of the podcast show, S2 Show, CEO of S2 Marketing, and Founder of the Suskind Foundation - Stephanie is ready for more. Listen in to hear her story and strategies to becoming an influencer she can be of. Connect with Stephanie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ucs-stephaniesaunders/Listen to her podcast: https://thes2show.com/If you’d like to learn more about Gameday HR, visit www.gamedayhr.comIf you’d like to connect with Katrina on Instagram: www.instagram.com/katghazarian

She has a successful private practice in Beverly Hills, a fast growing eCommerce business, a hit show on Netflix, a popular conference, and she wants to slow it all down. Dr. Sheila Nazarian had a record year in 2020, but she is committed to taking breaks to regroup and fill her bucket. Did we mention she’s also a wife, mom, activist, and philanthropist? Dive into this episode and listen in on how she does it all. Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsheilanazarian/To learn more: https://nazarianplasticsurgery.com/eCommerce site: https://theskinspot.com/If you’d like to learn more about Gameday HR, visit www.gamedayhr.comIf you’d like to connect with Katrina on Instagram: www.instagram.com/katghazarian

Born a statistic, now succeeding at life and business. Josh Levin is the founder of Empowered Electric, an INC Top 500 company, and The Empowered People, a good(ish) podcast and personal coaching focused on not letting your past dictate your future. Whether it is about overcoming lies, fears, doubts or statistical odds, Josh has done it and it is his aim to be an Example not an influencer. In this episode we talk about growing a team, Lebron James, and his disdain for tacos. Learn more about Empowered KC: https://empoweredkc.com/Empowered People Podcast: https://empoweredkc.com/podcast/If you’d like to learn more about Gameday HR, visit www.gamedayhr.comIf you’d like to connect with Katrina on Instagram: www.instagram.com/katghazarian

So you built a $1 billion company, what do you do next? You start a podcast. On this episode we chat with the high [clean] energy CEO, Jayson Waller and dive into building a 1700 employee organization, hard lessons, and getting out of your head to perform to win. Listen to Jayson’s podcast: https://trueunderdog.com/Follow Jayson on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaysonwallerbam/Learn more about POWERHOME Solar: https://www.powerhome.com/If you’d like to learn more about Gameday HR, visit www.gamedayhr.comIf you’d like to connect with Katrina on Instagram: www.instagram.com/katghazarian