This past week I updated my professional bio for an upcoming speaking engagement and reminded of the stark difference between “then” and “now”.

Kristin Rohman Rehkamp, Vice President, Global Solutions (2018)

Kristin Rohman Rehkamp is experienced in the performance of full scope interior design, workplace strategy and project management for large corporate clients.   She is a graduate of Colorado State University with a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design.  Kristin has a diverse background including interior architecture & design, planning, business portfolio management and operations support/analysis. In previous corporate leadership roles, it was Kristin’s job to be courageous and act as a strategic thought leader providing reliable insight to senior leadership (including opinions on future investments and necessary levels of risk taking). Kristin consistently demonstrates the ability to influence, motivate and inspire collaborative teams to seek strategic solutions that demonstrate design excellence, but as importantly achieve business goals and long-term value. 

Kristin Rohman Rehkamp, Mom + Small Business Owner + Advocate (2021)

Kristin currently owns and operates La Vie Est Belle, an online community and store.  Given her personal experience with her oldest daughter, she is passionate about serving communities/organizations/individuals working to break down barriers, raise awareness and make a difference in the lives of those braving mental illness.  Kristin proudly serves as a PrairieCare Fund Board Member and in various St. Croix Valley, MN community leadership roles and programs. As Kristin advocates for her daughter through writing and speaking engagements, she looks forward to evolving mental health/well-being thinking and care models for those that journey with her family.

I share these bios to illustrate that the best laid plans can and will take a “right turn”…and then a “left”. But regardless of if we are steering the ship or the current is taking us in a direction we did not anticipate, we need to trust all things happen for a reason. Do not let who we are today define who we need to be tomorrow. Life is unpredictable at best. It is how we embrace it that counts. There are certainly parts of the “former” me I miss. And, I wish more than anything my daughter did not struggle and/or I could burden her pain. But, I challenge all of us to not be afraid of allowing the unknown. Embrace the life that might be different despite fear, hardship and challenges. In my case, I have found even greater joy and pride. It is no longer my resume that matters, but instead it is the quality of my life, the well-being of our children/family and a legacy I can be proud of. Never will I let fear or shame stand in the way…and neither should you.