🎙️ Ready to break free from self-sabotage? In this powerful episode of the Sunday SoulDay podcast, we sit down with the incredible Dr. Kristina Driskill, a transformational coach, Positive Intelligence (PQ) coach, and former internationally acclaimed opera singer. [press play]
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In a world where creative online service providers & entrepreneurs often struggle to balance their artistic passions with the demands of running a business, Dr. Kristina Driskill, DMA, SEAC, CBC stands out as a beacon of empowerment. Known as “The Queen of Crushing Self-Sabotage,” Kris’s journey from international opera singer to transformational coach and business consultant is an inspiring testament to the power of reinvention and alignment.
Having performed on world stages as an opera singer, Kris eventually found herself drawn to a new stage—one where she could help others overcome self-sabotage and lead lives of ease, fun, and flow. In 2007, she founded Gilded Within LLC, a coaching and consulting company dedicated to empowering creative entrepreneurs to enjoy the process of living while building successful, values-driven businesses.
Breaking Free from the Cycle of Self-Sabotage
Self-sabotage is one of the biggest hurdles for leaders & entrepreneurs, especially those who are deeply creative and passionate. It often manifests as perfectionism, procrastination, or an inner voice that whispers, “You’re not good enough.” For Kris, these are just saboteurs in disguise, and her work is rooted in dismantling these limiting beliefs.
Through her signature Conscious Reality method, Kris helps clients reconnect with their authentic selves and rewrite the stories that no longer serve them. This evidence-based approach, backed by Positive Intelligence® research, focuses on building mental fitness and self-awareness.
As a PQ Coach, Kris's approach to coaching is rooted in the principles of Positive Intelligence, a framework developed by Shirzad Chamine, the author of the New York Times bestseller, Positive Intelligence. He outlines ten "Saboteurs"—archetypes of self-sabotage that reside in our minds and undermine our happiness and performance. These Saboteurs are the internalized voices shaped by past experiences, fears, and negative beliefs.
Kris explains how this methodology helps individuals identify and overcome the 10 archetypes of self-sabotage, such as The Judge, The Stickler, The Controller, The Hyper-Achiever, The Pleaser, The Restless, The Avoider, The Victim, The Hyper-Vigilant, The Hyper-Rational.
Kris integrates tools to help clients identify and silence their inner saboteurs, replacing them with empowering beliefs that foster joy and progress.
“Self-sabotage is like a shadow,”
Kris explains.
“It lingers until you shine a light on it. Once you see it for what it is—a learned behavior—you can release it and step into a life of alignment and ease.”
By guiding her clients through this process, Kris empowers them to cultivate a more positive and empowering mindset, ultimately leading to greater ease, joy, and flow in their lives and businesses.
Soul Fueler Reflection: How might self-sabotage be quietly influencing your decisions or holding you back as a leader, and what steps can you take to break free from it?
The Transformational Blend of Art and Science
Kris’s unique coaching approach blends her artistic sensibilities with cutting-edge research and tools. Along with her Positive Intelligence® training, she holds certifications in business coaching, money mindset coaching, and Social Emotional Arts from UCLArts & Healing, part of UCLA’s Department of Integrative Medicine. As a Gene Keys Guide, she also helps clients unlock their unique gifts and potential.
This multidimensional approach resonates deeply with creative online service providers & entrepreneurs who often feel torn between their art and the practical demands of business. Kris’s programs guide clients in harmonizing these two worlds, creating businesses that feel authentic and aligned with their core values.
The Business of Enjoying the Process
One of Kris’s standout philosophies is the importance of enjoying the process. Too often, entrepreneurs become so focused on outcomes—revenue, clients, or recognition—that they lose sight of the joy that inspired their journey in the first place.
“I’ve seen so many creatives burn out because they feel trapped by the business side of things,” Kris shares.
“But when you focus on alignment, ease, and fun, everything flows. Success becomes a byproduct of loving what you do.”
Her work has helped countless clients achieve this balance, allowing them to build businesses that thrive without sacrificing their well-being. Whether it’s overcoming self-sabotage, overcoming financial blocks, scaling their businesses, or creating more time for their craft, Kris equips her clients with the tools to succeed on their own terms.
Practical Wisdom for Everyday Life
One of the highlights of this episode is Kris’s practical strategies for thriving and keeping her mind, body and soul fueled:
Morning Success Routine: A daily practice of intention-setting and self-care.
Balancing Time: Redefining productivity by honoring your time instead of chasing the clock.
The Four Realms of Well-Being: How to nurture mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health for holistic growth.
Soul Fueler Reflection: How can you redefine productivity by honoring their time instead of chasing the clock, while ensuring you nurture your four realms of well-being—mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual?
Redefining Success
For Kris, success is not defined by external achievements but by cultivating “happiness, harmony, and health.” Her commitment to this mindset shines through as she encourages us to overcome self-sabotage, prioritize self-care, embrace our authenticity and hold our time as sacred for the foundation for true fulfillment.
Soul Fueler Reflection: How would you define success in just a few words or a single sentence?
A Global Impact with a Personal Touch
Based in Northern California, Kris serves clients worldwide through her coaching programs, which are tailored to meet the unique needs of creative entrepreneurs. Her lighthearted yet deeply impactful style resonates with clients seeking to break free from self-sabotage and embrace their fullest potential.
Dr. Kristina Driskill’s journey is proof that transformation is possible, no matter how deeply entrenched the patterns of self-sabotage may feel. Her mission is clear: to empower individuals to harmonize the melody of their lives, turning doubts into confidence and struggle into flow and freedom.
For creative entrepreneurs ready to embrace a life and business rooted in joy and authenticity, she offers the guidance you’ve been waiting for. Whether on the world stage or the coaching arena, her voice remains unwavering—a call to action for all who are ready to crush self-sabotage and step into their greatest potential.
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