Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristine Palmer
Hi Kristine, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am an Austin-based entrepreneur who has co-founded 3 businesses including Horse + Bow, a leadership development organization that partners with horses to help humans become the best version of themselves. I started my career at Merrill Lynch where I learned a lot about both good and poor leadership. While on maternity leave, I went on to achieve my MBA at St. Edward’s University and entered the world of startup & small business consulting. I also invented and launched my own product. Eventually, I became a co-founder in an event rental marketplace, which was successfully acquired in 2023. I’ve been lucky to continue doing the marketing work I love through my marketing agency, OverCoffee Consulting, and also, partnering with my horses, my husband and my sister to lead team building activities and leadership development through Horse + Bow.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has been a very winding road. Each venture has had degrees of failure and success, all providing incredible opportunities to learn about myself and others. One major learning point I have noticed in all of the struggles is that it is so much harder to do it alone. All of my greatest successes have been found in a team environment. All of my greatest struggles have been experienced alone. It may seem easier to not have to rely on anyone else, or to not have to compromise with others, but I have found that it is more fun, energizing, and ultimately more fulfilling to work on ventures in partnership with others seeking to achieve the same goal.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At Horse + Bow, we work with leaders and teams to help them become the best versions of themselves and to have fun working together as they face challenges and find success. We spend so much time with our coworkers, but our relationship and experiences in the office context leave a lot to be desired. Horses show us how to come together as a herd that places high value on safety and connection. When we learn from horses, we see how important it is to care for one another well, to be fully present, and to lead mindfully.
We offer private retreats to individuals and groups who would like to make a substantial effort to develop their leadership skills, learn effective communication and collaboration and practice mindfulness in a new way. We also offer fun team building activities with our horses and incorporate our archery challenge as a mindful and exciting activity for groups to experience together.
Located just outside of Austin, in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, we provide a unique escape in nature to hone important skills and adjust mindsets so that you and your team can go back to the office with a fresh perspective, deeper connection and meaningful memories.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that together we can accomplish more and enjoy the journey more fully. I’ve learned to choose my partners wisely and to be curious about what each opportunity will bring.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.horseandbow.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/horseandbow/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/horseandbowatx
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1HENXzVInZMgH_4mlurVuA
