Meet Christie Harrison

We recently connected with Christie Harrison and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Christie, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

As a teen mom, I knew early on that I had to carve out a path not just for myself but for my firstborn as well. Balancing college, work, and motherhood was overwhelming, but there was always something inside me that urged me to keep going, to push through.

I eventually completed my master’s degree in public policy and administration from Texas Southern University, but even then, I struggled with confidence. I didn’t feel like I belonged at the tables with leadership, so I started at the bottom—working my way up from a clerk to an administrative assistant, operations specialist, middle management, and ultimately, chief of staff for an elected official.

Each position taught me something valuable, and I observed my leaders, telling myself, “I can do that.” But as I moved up, I noticed a gap in leadership—many lacked the ability to genuinely grow and motivate their teams. That’s when it clicked for me. I realized that I had been placed in those positions to learn and grow, so that I could share that knowledge with others, helping them find their own path to success. This realization became my purpose: to encourage, motivate, and guide others to reach their full potential.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I own and operate Core Performance 38:16, a business dedicated to helping individuals and businesses reach their full potential through coaching and consulting services. With over 20 years of experience, I’ve led large-scale projects, managed operations for Fortune 500 companies, and worked with small businesses on everything from redevelopment to startups.

But what truly excites me is my work with 1:1 professional development clients. This is where my passion lies. Every meeting leaves me feeling fulfilled, knowing that I’m helping someone else grow and succeed. It’s in these moments that I’m reminded I’m living my life’s purpose.

At Core Performance 38:16, our motto is Envision It. Believe It. Achieve It. This speaks to the core of what we do—helping individuals and businesses see their potential, build the confidence to pursue their goals, and ultimately make those goals a reality. We believe that success begins with a vision, but it’s the belief in that vision, paired with dedicated action, that leads to true achievement. I strive to instill that mindset in each of my clients, guiding them every step of the way toward realizing their full potential.

Core Performance 38:16 is more than just a business; it’s a continuation of a brand that started with my husband’s CrossFit gym, CrossFit 38:16, named after Isaiah 38:16: “Lord, by such things people live; and my spirit finds life in them too. You restored me to health and let me live.” I wanted to carry that same spirit forward, which led to the creation of Core Performance 38:16.

In addition to Core Performance 38:16, I also play a significant role in my husband’s business, 38:16 Media, handling marketing, operations, and on-location assistance.

We began accepting new clients in April 2024, and I’m excited to continue expanding our reach. I encourage everyone to visit our website, www.coreperformance3816.com, to learn more about our services and how we can help you achieve your goals.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, the three qualities that were most impactful in my journey were resilience, strategic thinking, and the ability to build meaningful relationships.

Resilience was essential from the very beginning. As a teen mom, I had to push through challenges that felt overwhelming at times. There were moments when balancing school, work, and motherhood seemed impossible, but I kept going. Resilience is about more than just enduring; it’s about finding the strength to continue when everything in you wants to quit. For anyone early in their journey, my advice is to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. Life will test you, but it’s in those moments that you build the resilience you need to succeed.

Strategic thinking was another crucial element. Throughout my career, whether managing the operations of Fortune 500 companies or leading large-scale projects, I learned the importance of seeing the bigger picture. Strategic thinking isn’t just about planning ahead; it’s about being adaptable and recognizing opportunities that others might miss. To develop this skill, I encourage early professionals to seek out experiences that push them to think critically. Take on projects that force you out of your comfort zone, and always ask yourself, “How can I add value here?”

Finally, the ability to build meaningful relationships was perhaps the most impactful. No one succeeds alone. My journey from a clerk to a chief of staff for an elected official was paved with connections I made along the way. Building relationships isn’t just about networking; it’s about genuinely understanding and supporting the people around you. Early in your career, focus on cultivating authentic connections. Be a good listener, show empathy, and offer help without expecting anything in return. These relationships will not only support your growth but also enrich your life in ways you can’t imagine.

For anyone starting their journey, my advice is to invest in these qualities. Resilience will help you endure, strategic thinking will guide your decisions, and meaningful relationships will support you through it all. Start where you are, use what you have, and trust that you’re being shaped for something greater.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

The most impactful thing my mother did for me was instill a relentless work ethic and a deep sense of self-respect. As a single mom, she juggled numerous responsibilities, but no matter how hard things got, she always showed up. Watching her navigate life’s challenges with determination and grace taught me the value of hard work and perseverance.

She also taught me the importance of loving and showing up for myself. She believed that success wasn’t just about what you achieved but about how you carried yourself along the way. Education was non-negotiable in her eyes—she made it clear that continuing my education was the key to securing a better future. This belief pushed me to complete my master’s degree, even when the odds seemed stacked against me.

But my mom’s lessons went beyond just work and education. She was meticulous about how I presented myself to the world. From a young age, she taught me to smile, make eye contact, sit up straight, and hold my head high. She knew that these seemingly small actions would help me project confidence and command respect in any situation. And, of course, she emphasized the importance of a firm handshake—a simple yet powerful gesture that conveys strength and sincerity.

These lessons have stayed with me throughout my life and career. They’ve shaped how I approach challenges, interact with others, and, most importantly, how I see myself. My mother’s guidance gave me the tools to navigate the world with confidence and integrity, and I’m forever grateful for the foundation she provided.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.coreperformance3816.com
• Instagram: @christieiscp3816
• Facebook: Core Performance 38:16
• Linkedin: Core Performance 38:16

Image Credits

Photography:

38:16 Media, Christopher Harrison – Photographer

The JNM Creative Agency, Jazzella McKeel – Photographer