Leadership doesn’t always come from being the loudest voice in the room. Often, the most impactful leaders are the ones who consistently show up, work hard, and set the standard through their actions.
In this episode of When the Cleats Come Off, Ashley welcomes her sister, Kristina Burkhardt, back to the podcast to talk about what it truly means to lead by example. Drawing from her own playing experiences, Kristina shares the lessons that helped shape her approach to leadership both on and off the field.
From learning how to support teammates to finding the courage to speak up in key moments, this conversation highlights the qualities that help athletes become trusted leaders within their teams.
Leadership Begins With Actions
For Kristina, leadership starts with the example you set every day.
She reflects on the habits and expectations she learned early in her career — showing up prepared, staying accountable, and prioritizing the success of the team over individual recognition. When athletes consistently demonstrate those behaviors, they naturally earn the respect of their teammates.
Leading by example creates a standard others can follow.
Knowing When to Use Your Voice
While actions are powerful, leadership also requires knowing when to speak up.
Kristina shares how her experiences helped her develop the confidence to communicate in the right moments — whether encouraging teammates, addressing challenges, or helping guide the team through adversity. Effective leaders balance quiet example with thoughtful communication.
Recovering Quickly From Failure
Every athlete faces mistakes and setbacks, but leaders often distinguish themselves by how they respond.
Kristina explains how learning to recover quickly from failure helped her maintain confidence and keep her team focused on the next opportunity. By modeling resilience, leaders help create an environment where teammates feel supported and motivated to move forward.
Becoming the Leader Your Team Needs
One of the most valuable lessons Kristina shares is that leadership isn’t about personal recognition — it’s about serving the team.
Great leaders adapt to what their team needs most, whether that means offering encouragement, setting the tone through hard work, or stepping up during difficult moments. By putting the team first, athletes can create a culture of trust and accountability.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
-
What it means to lead by example
Setting standards through everyday habits and actions. -
How athletes can become more effective leaders
Balancing quiet leadership with clear communication. -
Why resilience is a key leadership trait
Recovering quickly from mistakes and setbacks. -
How leaders support and motivate their teammates
Building trust and team culture. -
Why leadership is about serving the team
Prioritizing collective success over individual recognition.
About
Kristina Burkhardt
Kristina Burkhardt is a former collegiate softball player known for her leadership, work ethic, and commitment to team success. Throughout her playing career, she developed a reputation for leading by example — demonstrating the habits, resilience, and mindset that help teams perform at their best.
Her experiences continue to offer valuable perspective for athletes striving to become stronger leaders both on and off the field.
