Talking Career, Flow, Health, & Motherhood with Kristina Godfrey
When we asked Kristina to be the guest for the GSPR blog this month, she laughed, saying, “are you sure you want to interview me?”
It’s what makes her the incredible boss and leader that she is and makes us love her so much!
In 2023, Godfrey Social PR will celebrate Kristina Godfrey and the anniversary of 25 years in business. The CEO of GSPR and a woman that, as her friends put it, “is the one we go to for, well, pretty much any advice!”
From skincare to health, mental wellness, career, and equilibrium (she doesn’t believe in the word “balance” 😉), Kristina isn’t just another talking head. She embodies what so many women strive for in life – a thriving PR agency, a full family life, and insight, plus wisdom on physical and mental health.
Yet Kristina would rather be home with a good book, a glass of wine, or celery juice, depending on the time of day, than be interviewed for an article. Which is why we adore her!
We sat down with Kristina and asked some questions about her life, lessons, and feelings about life, business, and happiness. Enjoy!
On Owning a Thriving PR and Marketing Agency:
The PR and marketing industry is very different today than it was when I started. But regardless of shifts and tactics over time, I believe having a thriving business is all about having the right team and the right people in their places.
I’ve learned over the years that if you have the wrong people, even if they’re nice or competent at their job, it brings down the energy of the whole company.
But how do you know if you’re hiring the right person or helping them thrive appropriately?
It’s one-half learning the lessons every leader must learn about how to find a dream team and one-half luck and faith. I mean, you can’t just operate on faith. For me, being a leader and having a thriving business with a team is ensuring that my employees are happy and fulfilled. And that takes work!
In each generation, the needs and goals of professionals change. And I have had to pivot lead with humility, so I can continue to learn what I need to do to help my team thrive.
Nothing is constant, and being flexible with my team, services, and clients to change as the marketplace changes have been and will continue to be the driving force of GSPR.
Speaking of driving force; how do you keep your clients happy and continue to thrive in this competitive market?
On the client side, I have purposefully maintained a boutique agency format over the years. There’s a perception that a bigger agency will get more extensive results, which is categorically false. Passionate people get results.
I’m very purposeful with how GSPR presents itself and how we connect with and serve our clients. We want to provide a foolproof level of service to our clients that their brand can’t get from a larger agency.
We have a small but mighty team. We’ve survived and grown by personalizing our service and caring about our clients as if they are family members and our own brand.
On Striving to Help Women-Owned Companies Thrive:
I’ve always tried to bring in a human element to working with our clients, and I’m passionate about women-owned businesses because women have to work so much harder and smarter when launching their businesses.
Because I have worked to build a company that is successful as a woman and mother, it brings me immense joy to help other women leaders and owners do the same.
On Being a Working Mother:
My career and autonomy are so important to me as a woman.
It’s not easy running a business and being a wife and mother, but my career has actually been really good for my marriage, my motherhood, and my personal well-being. Often, moms are treated like the family taxi and/or resident chef. They’re supposed to be at everyone’s beck and call. Something I feel has been really good for my kids is that I’m not constantly available. I am there for the big things and if they need me, but my family respects my time, and I feel that continuing to focus on my business and career has only made me a better mother and partner.
Not to say that any job is not challenging, and you need to pick what works for you, but I love having my independence. My career has given me that reward.
On Ensuring Her Health, While Running a Business & Family:
The older I get, the more I realize that I will not feel good and have stamina or energy if I run myself ragged. I’ve learned that every woman should feel REALLY good, but if you don’t prioritize your mental and physical health, you will feel crappy all the time.
Health and wellness is also something I have always geeked out on. I thrive the most when my routine includes little tiny modifications and habits. I’ve discovered that over time, small changes lead to bigger outcomes.
Things like making celery juice in the morning or taking five minutes to meditate, these little routines all add up to better health and more energy so I can run a business and a family.
Don’t get me wrong, equilibrium is important. Being able to have coffee in the morning and let my hair down on the weekend is part of being mentally healthy too.
Energy and wellness are cyclical; sometimes, you can’t just “push through.” Sometimes taking a break or a down day will make you more powerful and productive in the long run.
No phase lasts forever. When things slow down, take that time so you have the energy for the busier moments.
On Her Morning Habits:
Here’s what I love to do in the morning. Sometimes in a different order! 😍
Wake up and Reflect on the Day Ahead
Meditate (10-20 minutes)
Drink a glass of warm water or celery juice
Make my Four Sigmatic Perform Coffee with L-Theanine & Cordyceps Mushrooms with collagen and Chaga Elixir
Workout or Move my Body - 6 days a week
Note: I don’t believe in punishing workouts. I love the classes from Melissa Wood, or any kind of pilates, yoga, or walking workout
I take care of myself before I do anything else. Dishes can wait. Beds can wait. I believe that if you do what’s good for yourself first, everything else will fall into place.
It’s not so you look better, it’s so that you feel better!
On Her Evening Routine:
Let’s be honest, sometimes I’m out having fun, but if I’m home, here’s what helps me wind down:
Foam Roll - I foam roll almost every night, while I’m watching TV, or taking downtime. Then I stretch. Once a week I visit Perspire Sauna Studio.
Let’s Face It - My nightly face routine is also really important to me, and sometimes I do a red light treatment with the MitoPRO Series while I also meditate. It’s about four nights a week. Skincare holy grails: Neocutis BIO SERUM FIRM Rejuvenating Growth Factor & Peptide Treatment, Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch, and SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic.
Read to Sleep - I love to get in bed and read until I’m ready for sleep. I try to read something fun before bed.
On the GSPR Vision for the Future:
The Godfrey Social PR vision is simple - We will continue to find new creative and innovative ways to grow and serve our clients.
Right now, we’re really getting into grassroots PR efforts, social media, and content PR.
Interested in chatting with Kristina and the GSPR team? We’d love to hear from you!
