Today we’d like to introduce you to Christie Hensler
Hi Christie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
As a newly married, driven 19-year-old, I envisioned running multiple businesses and non-profits to make a significant impact on the world. I had big plans and dreams, but I couldn’t have foreseen life’s curveballs. Divorce, financial ruin, infidelity, infertility, a 7-year battle with mental and physical health that nearly cost me my life, and the loss of family members were just some of the challenges I faced. Yet, through every valley, the vision of positively impacting others’ lives kept me going, even in my darkest times. I realized that by overcoming my own demons, I could help others do the same and live fulfilling lives.
These hardships forged resilience, empathy, and a commitment to continuous growth within me. These qualities have been instrumental in growing my business, a journey that has demanded great sacrifice, hard work, and risk-taking. The impact of this work is evident in messages from clients like this: “Thank YOU for opening our eyes and leaving us all wanting more!! You understood us & we heard you! We appreciate everything you shared with us & honestly can’t wait to see you again!” Feedback like this validates my efforts and brings my vision to life.
Today, I operate my business and live my life guided by these core values. My purpose is deeply rooted in leveraging my experiences to help others reach their potential, whether through one-on-one coaching, group workshops, or motivational speaking engagements. Every challenge I’ve faced has become a tool to empower others, turning my adversities into a powerful force for positive change.
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 anything but a smooth road. Some seasons were like crawling over broken glass. The most significant challenges included overcoming debilitating panic and anxiety attacks, deep depression, and irrational fears, all while striving to grow a successful business.
For many years, my business was our only source of income. My husband left his job a decade ago to support me in overcoming the physical and mental health battles that were threatening my life. We sacrificed every bit of security – medical insurance, company-provided cell phones, a consistent salary, a 401k – walking away from it all and risking everything for my recovery and our shared vision.
We then spent years pouring our heart and soul into growing a business, not just for our livelihood, but more importantly, to make a meaningful impact on others’ lives. This journey led us to embrace unconventional living arrangements, including traveling full-time in an RV and later living in fully furnished Airbnb’s. All of this while raising three daughters and navigating the everyday challenges of life, relationships, and finances.
These struggles, while immensely difficult, have become the bedrock of our resilience and the source of the empathy and insight we now bring to our work with clients. Each obstacle overcome has reinforced our commitment to helping others transform their own challenges into stepping stones for growth and fulfillment.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As a motivational speaker and workshop facilitator, I’ve built a reputation for delivering engaging presentations that actively involve the audience rather than simply talking at them. My expertise lies in several key areas crucial for personal and professional development:
-Emotional and relational intelligence
-Overcoming adversity
-Self-awareness – embracing and developing your best self
-Building high-performing teams by leveraging individual strengths, effective communication, and each person’s unique “working genius”
-Foundational skills for a fulfilling life and thriving career
These areas of focus allow me to help both individuals and organizations. For individuals, I provide tools for personal growth and career success. For organizations, I assist in building cohesive, high-performing teams by fostering a deep understanding of each team member’s unique attributes and how they can best work together.
What I’m most proud of is the tenacity I’ve demonstrated in pushing through my own challenges to make a meaningful difference in others’ lives. This resilience not only fuels my work but also adds authenticity to my message.
What truly sets me apart is my unique presentation style. Unlike most speakers and workshop facilitators:
-I don’t rely on PowerPoint presentations during in-person events.
-My sessions are designed for connection and collaboration, featuring activities that reinforce the concepts I’m teaching.
-Participants leave both inspired AND equipped with practical tools for lasting change.
The result is a memorable experience that goes beyond traditional presentations. I frequently hear from attendees that in all their years of attending events, they’ve never experienced one as engaging as mine.
This combination of my personal story, my interactive presentation style, and the practical tools I provide creates an experience that’s uniquely mine. It’s this blend that ensures no one can duplicate what I offer, making each session a one-of-a-kind opportunity for growth and transformation.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
One of my most cherished childhood memories is leading a team of teenagers to facilitate a feeding program for inner-city and latch-key kids. This experience stands out not just for the positive impact we made, but for how it shaped my future path.
Even as a young person, I’ve always felt a strong calling to lead and make a positive impact in my community and in others’ lives. This feeding program was more than just providing meals; it was about creating connections, offering support, and showing these kids that someone cared.
I remember the sense of responsibility I felt, balancing the logistics of food preparation and distribution with the need to motivate and guide my teenage team. The joy on the children’s faces when we arrived, and the sense of accomplishment among my team members, left an indelible mark on me.
This early experience of leadership and community service laid the foundation for my current work. It taught me the power of bringing people together for a common cause, the importance of addressing immediate needs while also building lasting relationships, and the profound impact that even young people can have when they’re committed to making a difference.
Looking back, I can see how this childhood memory was not just a favorite moment, but a pivotal one that set the course for my life’s work in motivational speaking and workshop facilitation, always with the goal of empowering others and building stronger communities.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.christiehensler.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechristiehensler/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christie.hensler
