Kristina Karlsson: From Great Risk To Global Brand

The Wisdom Of... with Simon Bowen

In this episode of 'The Wisdom Of' Show, host Simon Bowen engages in a compelling conversation with Kristina Karlsson, founder of Kikki K and Dream Life. Kristina shares her remarkable journey from starting a stationery business in Australia to building a global retail empire, and how she navigated both tremendous success and significant challenges with resilience and wisdom.

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Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Introduction and Kristina's journey to Australia

05:13 The birth of Kikki K and early vision

10:46 Building a global retail presence

18:58 Navigating success and challenges

25:44 The importance of systems and mentorship

33:44 Dealing with business loss during COVID

38:35 Lessons from winning and losing in business

45:13 Advice for young entrepreneurs

50:22 Rapid-fire questions and conclusion

Key Insights:

Success Principles:

• Do something you're passionately about
• Set a clear vision
• Dream big - remove perceived limitations
• Don't say no, say how

Critical Questions for Dreaming Big:

• What would you do if you knew you couldn't fail?
• What would you do if you had all the resources?
• What would you do if you had all the health and energy?

Business Growth Strategies:

• Systemize everything from the start
• Learn from mistakes and document solutions
• Build strong networks and mentorship relationships

Leadership Lessons:

• The importance of vulnerability in leadership
• Building support networks for both success and challenges
• Maintaining perspective during difficult times

About Kristina Karlsson

Kristina Karlsson is the founder of Kikki K, a global stationery and lifestyle brand that grew to over 120 stores worldwide and served clients in over 150 countries. Starting from a simple dream written on paper, she built the business from scratch, eventually reaching revenues of $650 million at its peak. After navigating the challenges of COVID-19's impact on retail, Kristina has embarked on a new venture with Dream Life, focusing on helping others achieve their dreams through personal development and goal-setting.

Connect with Kristina Karlsson

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristinadreamlife/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristinadreamlife/
• LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/kristina-karlsson

About Simon Bowen

Simon has spent over two decades working with some of the most influential leaders across many complex industries and circumstances. His very clear finding is quite simply that thinking is valued less than doing in almost every situation in our modern world. However, Simon has conversely observed that the power and success of any business, project or organization will be in direct proportion to the level and quality of thinking of the people and the quality of the idea or ideas on which it is built. As such, Simon is leading the renaissance of thinking.

A sought-after speaker, facilitator and advisor to global leaders, Simon has demonstrated the efficacy of his line method for over 20 years with Fortune 500 companies, heads of Government, the military and private sector in strategic planning, the incubation of innovation, crisis management, and moments of conflict.

Connect with Simon

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonbowen-mm/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialsimonbowen/
• Website: https://thesimonbowen.com/

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