#12 | How To Rock Your Career & A Crown With Cheslie Kryst

Which titles does Cheslie Kryst currently hold?

A.) Complex Litigation Attorney in 2 States

B.) Extra TV Correspondent

C.) Miss USA 2019

D.) Board Member of Big Brothers, Big Sisters

E.) All of the above

That would be E.) All of the above!

Which brings us to how on earth does she do it all?! Time to dig out your pen & paper because it’s time for you and I to copy Cheslie’s homework…

Full Time Job: Salary, Job Description, Vacay Days (7:20)

I was a judge for Miss USA 2019 and boy did I learn a lot. One of my biggest lessons? I had no idea that being Miss USA was actually a full time job. Oh yes, a real job with a job description, salary, benefits, vacation days – the whole enchilada! Cheslie dug into the details of what her job role consists of and how she balances it.

He asked, “So what do you do?” (9:20)

It’s a common question at every party or gathering someone casually starts up a conversation with, “So, what do you do?” With so many roles and responsibilities Cheslie confided in us that her answer to that question depends on the day and the person. If she’s laying low, in sweatpants and not “on” she’ll simply say she’s an attorney. It’s the easiest go to answer. I find this to be true with most things. If someone asks me how work is going and I don’t want to answer I will usually just default to, “Things are good!” It’s lazy but it works.

Show Off Your Achievements (10:40)

You can see me really pushing Cheslie here because the thought of her defaulting to attorney when she has accomplished so much struck me! But I get it. I love how she realizes that staying humble and being proud is a fine line. But, how do you balance it then? Cheslie explained that as a woman it can be more difficult as you don’t get the opportunity to humble brag about yourself and more often than not you have to wait for other people to introduce you and sing your praises. Cheslie details HOW she details what she does when she wants to flex a bit of her accomplishments. I will definitely be using this tactic!

Public Speaking Secrets (15:30)

Everyone loves a good hack. Cheslie gives us the insight scoop on tactics and tricks you can start learning as early as high school. From school plays and public speaking classes to pushing into uncomfortable situations and volunteering there’s a wide mix of ways to sharpen your skills. I was also relieved to hear that she’s still learning all the time! When I hear about people who are this talented still improving it makes me feel better about my own improvement techniques.

How To Mess Up (21:20)

With COVID19 driving everyone digital presenting and interviewing have become harder than ever. Digital presentations and interviews are a totally different vibe than in person. When you’re in front of people you can see their reactions, see them writing things down, or whispering to one another and get an idea of what they are interested in. Cheslie let’s us in on how she steps up digital interviews and what you can do too.

BIG TIP: To save an interview is going poorly, don’t let them know that you are flustered! Act like you know what you’re doing and keep going!

Build Confidence (27:40)

Cheslie’s best tips to building confidence include her favorite TED Talk on power poses, reminding herself about accomplishments and remembering those who have supported her over the years.

Super focus on the task at hand to build confidence in yourself. The only person who knows about your worst moments is you – to everyone else you’re a blank sheet of paper!

Finding a Mentor (34:40) 

I love that Cheslie outlined, step-by-step, how she reached out to people in search of a mentor. Hearing her process made me realize how repeatable it can be for any of us! When she explained that the hardest hurdle to get over was asking I felt like jumping out of my seat. As in, YES EXACTLY, it is so tough to muster up that courage!

Finding the right mentor is like dating. You’re going to strike out in your search for someone but you have to put in the work.

My Favorite Tip: If someone is asking you to mentor them. Find out if they are serious by asking them to do something small. Have them listen to a podcast or read an article and give you their thoughts. 9 times out of 10 they don’t do it. If they do they follow up, then there is a good chance that the person will be worth the time it takes to mentor them.

Things We Can Do THIS WEEK To Make Us Better (44:20)

• Best app/program you’ve started using lately? Teleprompter, TikTok, & Robinhood

• What is the best gift you’ve given yourself or done for yourself in the last year? A ring and trying to forgive myself for the mistake I make

• Favorite Podcast/Newsletter/Resource/person that you learn from? The Skimm, NYT, & Robinhood Snacks

• What is one thing everyone should try THIS WEEK? 13th the Documentary

• What’s one thing you want to get better at? Being consistent!

I already follow Cheslie on Instagram and she does not disappoint. She keeps me laughing and smiling with her inspiring posts. Join us on the ‘gram!

We have some awesome guests coming up in the next few weeks! Hints: sports league exec, Shark Tank alum & a business coach. Join in on the fun: https://www.kimkaupe.com/cwk-calendar