Land Use Planning for Women Planners I Project and Life Management for Land Use Planners

Land Use Planning for Women Planners I Project and Life Management for Land Use Planners

– Do you feel overwhelmed by the constant pressures in land use planning? – Are you stuck in a planning position where you feel overlooked or micromanaged? – Would you like simple and actionable project management strategies to feel more fulfilled at work and at home? – Are you ready to make positive changes in yourself and your community? Welcome to ”Land Use Planning for Women Planners,” the podcast empowering women working in land use planning! Hi, I’m Kris Valdez, a certified land use planner with over 25 years of experience in project management and mentoring within the land use profession. I’ve been in your position, likely more than once in my career. I help you move from feeling overwhelmed and stressed out to cultivating a sense of contentment. In each episode, I address the real challenges you face—navigating work-life balance without burning out, transitioning to new roles, taking on greater responsibilities, and managing difficult situations both in the workplace and at home. Join me as I share effective systems, inspiring stories, practical tips, and expert insights to help you thrive in your career while prioritizing your well-being. Whether you’re a seasoned planner or just starting out, this podcast serves as your essential resource for support and growth in the ever-evolving field of land use planning. All right, my friend, open your favorite note-taking app, and let’s embark on a journey toward positive change! Want more one-on-one support through coaching? Reach out to me at kris@krisvaldez.com

Episodes

August 12, 2025 17 mins

On this episode, we dive into the vital skill of active listening, a cornerstone of effective leadership, collaboration, and community-building. In this episode, we explore how to remain fully present during challenging conversations, the importance of reflecting what you hear to ensure others feel valued, and how mastering the art of listening can foster trust and credibility more quickly than mere words ever could. Don't miss out...

Mark as Played

On this episode, we're talking about reclaiming your spark, your sense of joy, and your calling in the complex world of land use.

We’ll talk about burnout, boundaries, mindset shifts, and practical tools to restore your peace and power. So grab your favorite tea or let’s be real, your third coffee, and settle in.

Join Kris Valdez, an award-winning land use planner and entrepreneur, as she dives into the challenges and strategies of...

Mark as Played

On this episode, we’re talking about a topic that comes up in every inbox, every performance review, and almost every coaching call I’ve ever had:

Confidence in meetings.

Not just any meetings but the kind where the room is loud, the conversation is technical, the politics are real, and the stakes feel high.

  • How do you speak up without feeling like you’re overstepping?
  • How do you lead a conversation even when you’re not the mo...
Mark as Played

On this episode, we’re talking about feedback! 

  • How to ask for it—without sounding insecure
  • How to give it—without causing harm or discomfort
  • And how to use it—to grow, not shrink

Because here’s the truth: feedback is a tool. But if we don’t know how to handle it well, it can feel like a weapon.

Let’s explore how to turn feedback in...

Mark as Played

Today’s episode addresses a topic that many of you have inquired about: Should you become a certified planner, and how can you successfully pass the exam if you decide to pursue that path? Whether you’re considering the AICP certification, are mid-career and uncertain about its value, or are already signed up and feeling overwhelmed, this episode is designed for you.

We’ll cover:

  • What certification means for you, your career, ...
Mark as Played

Hey everyone! In this episode, we're diving into a topic that often gets talked about in hushed tones but rarely named outright: Career sustainability.

How can we stay in our fields long enough to truly make a difference without burning out? It’s not an easy question! Planning for our careers can be complicated—it involves emotions, politics, and for many of us, it’s deeply personal.

But to really stick around long enough to mentor...

Mark as Played

In this episode, let's chat about something many planners find tricky: managing up. This simply means building a strong, positive relationship with your supervisor, even when you don’t always agree. 

Maybe your boss doesn't fully get the planning process, or perhaps their feedback isn’t clear. They might be busy, not communicate enough, or just be a little hard to understand. 

But managing up isn’t about changing them. It’s about s...

Mark as Played

In today’s episode, we're jumping into the exciting world of project management in both the public and private sectors!

These two areas might seem worlds apart, each with its own unique vibe and expectations. But don’t worry! They also share a ton of valuable skills and strategies that you can use no matter where you are.

Whether you're thinking about switching careers, working on projects that combine both sectors, or just want to...

Mark as Played

Today’s episode is about something most of us face, even if we rarely talk about it: Imposter Syndrome, that nagging inner voice that says:

“You don’t know enough.” “You’re not qualified.” “Who do you think you are?”

Sound familiar?

Whether you're new to planning or leading major regional initiatives, imposter syndrome can creep in quietly and derail your confidence if you let it.

But here’s the good news: You can quiet that vo...

Mark as Played

In this episode, we're talking about job transitions. The moment when you ask yourself,

"Is this still the right place for me?"

And if the answer is no…

"How do I make a move without burning out or burning bridges?"

Whether you're contemplating your first big shift or just feeling that quiet nudge that something's no longer aligned, this episode is for you.

Join Kris Valdez, an award-winning land use planner and entrepreneur, as sh...

Mark as Played

In this episode, we’re focusing on something that challenges so many of us: how to speak up, push back, and be heard without losing our sense of calm, clarity, or professionalism.

Whether it’s in council chambers, stakeholder meetings, or one-on-one with a supervisor, our ability to communicate with authority is not just a skill; it’s a form of leadership.

Join Kris Valdez, an award-winning land use planner and entrepreneur, as she...

Mark as Played

 Today, we’re diving into something foundational to every career journey: mentorship.

Whether you're just starting out in land use planning or have been in the field for decades, the right mentorship can elevate your confidence, open doors, and clarify your path. So in this episode, we’re exploring how to find mentorship, how to build lasting mentor relationships, and how to become the kind of mentor you wish you'd had.

Join Kris V...

Mark as Played

In this episode, we’re discussing something that affects how we work, lead, and even how we feel at the end of the day: boundaries.

In land use planning, collaboration is essential between community members, engineers, elected officials, and developers. But when collaboration becomes overextension, we lose clarity, focus, and our ability to sustain good work.

So this episode is about setting boundaries without guilt, because clear ...

Mark as Played
June 26, 2025 10 mins

Hey, everyone! In this episode, we're diving into something really important that often gets overlooked: building trust with our stakeholders. While planning can sometimes feel like a purely technical task, let's be honest, it's also about relationships. Trust isn't just a bonus; it's absolutely essential for making any process work smoothly.

Join Kris Valdez, an award-winning land use planner and entrepreneur, as she dives into th...

Mark as Played

In this episode, we’re digging into a skill many of us were never taught: negotiation.

Whether it's negotiating salary, managing scope creep, or advocating for your team during stakeholder meetings, negotiation is part of your job, even if it doesn’t always feel that way.

Join Kris Valdez, an award-winning land use planner and entrepreneur, as she dives into the challenges and strategies of navigating regulatory processes, running ...

Mark as Played
June 19, 2025 8 mins

Join Kris Valdez, an award-winning land use planner and entrepreneur, as she dives into the challenges and strategies of navigating regulatory processes, running a one-person firm, and balancing business growth with environmental responsibility. In this Land Use Planning for Women Planners episode, Kris shares her journey, lessons learned, and actionable steps to help professionals and entrepreneurs successfully tackle land use and...

Mark as Played

Join Kris Valdez, an award-winning land use planner and entrepreneur, as she dives into the challenges and strategies of navigating regulatory processes, running a one-person firm, and balancing business growth with environmental responsibility. In this Land Use Planning for Women Planners episode, Kris shares her journey, lessons learned, and actionable steps to help professionals and entrepreneurs successfully tackle land use and...

Mark as Played

Find Your Fit: A Self-Reflection Guide for Women in Planning

Is your current job lighting you up—or burning you out?

Download 10 Questions to Ask Yourself to Find Your Ideal Job or Make Your Current Job Better—a free, practical guide designed specifically for women in land use planning who are ready to gain clarity, realign their careers, and take confident action toward more satisfying work.

This tool walks you through ten focused...

Mark as Played

Find Your Fit: A Self-Reflection Guide for Women in Planning

Is your current job lighting you up—or burning you out?

Download 10 Questions to Ask Yourself to Find Your Ideal Job or Make Your Current Job Better—a free, practical guide designed specifically for women in land use planning who are ready to gain clarity, realign their careers, and take confident action toward more satisfying work.

This tool walks you through ten focused...

Mark as Played
June 11, 2025 8 mins

Join Kris Valdez, an award-winning land use planner and entrepreneur, as she dives into the challenges and strategies of navigating regulatory processes, running a one-person firm, and balancing business growth with environmental responsibility. In this Land Use Planning for Women Planners episode, Kris shares her journey, lessons learned, and actionable steps to help professionals and entrepreneurs successfully tackle land use an...

Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    How do the smartest marketers and business entrepreneurs cut through the noise? And how do they manage to do it again and again? It's a combination of math—the strategy and analytics—and magic, the creative spark. Join iHeartMedia Chairman and CEO Bob Pittman as he analyzes the Math and Magic of marketing—sitting down with today's most gifted disruptors and compelling storytellers.

    Eye On College Basketball

    CBS Sports’ official college basketball podcast is the most entertaining and informative of its kind. Gary Parrish and Matt Norlander bring the sport into your ears at least three times per week with commentary, reporting, insider information and statistical analysis throughout college basketball all year long.

    The Questlove Show

    The Questlove Show builds on the award-winning Questlove Supreme podcast, bringing listeners into intimate, one-on-one conversations with peers, influences, and friends. Hosted by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, each episode uncovers the unexpected — from morning rituals and hidden talents to the art and experiences that shaped a guest’s journey. Sometimes playful, sometimes profound, always curious, QLS offers rare insight into leaders in music, film, television, comedy, literature, mental health, and beyond. It’s a fresh, unpredictable spin from a trusted source — a place where randomness is encouraged, tangents are welcomed, and conversations are anything but ordinary.

    Dateline NBC

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

    The Dan Bongino Show

    The Dan Bongino Show delivers no-nonsense analysis of the day’s most important political and cultural stories. Hosted by the former Deputy Director of the FBI, former Secret Service agent, NYPD officer, and bestselling author Dan Bongino, the show cuts through media spin with facts, accountability, and unapologetic conviction. Whether it’s exposing government overreach, defending constitutional freedoms, or connecting the dots the mainstream media ignores, The Dan Bongino Show provides in-depth analysis of the issues shaping America today. Each episode features sharp commentary, deep dives into breaking news, and behind-the-scenes insight you won’t hear anywhere else. Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dan-bongino-show/id965293227?mt=2 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4sftHO603JaFqpuQBEZReL?si=PBlx46DyS5KxCuCXMOrQvw Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/bongino?e9s=src_v1_sa%2Csrc_v4_sa_o

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2026 iHeartMedia, Inc.