We were lucky to catch up with Christine D. Gagnon recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Christine D., so happy to have you on the platform and I think our readers are in for a treat because you’ve got such an interesting story and so much insight and wisdom. So, let’s start with a topic that is relevant to everyone, regardless of industry etc. What do you do for self-care and how has it impacted you?
Self-care for me is consistency. I treat every day the same—including weekends. I’m around 4:30 a.m. without an alarm, I clear my inboxes so I’m starting clean, then I head straight to the gym: Pilates first, followed by about an hour of cardio. After that, it’s coffee and into the workday.
The impact has been significant. That routine eliminates decision fatigue, lowers stress, and gives me both physical energy and mental clarity. Clearing email early removes cognitive drag so I’m responsive; training hard anchors my focus and mood. As fairly busy professional, this approach translates into sharper prioritization, steadier leadership in high-stakes moments, and reliable follow-through. It’s not about perfection – it’s about repeatability, and that’s what keeps me effective.
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?
People often describe my career as polymathic, bridging finance, strategy, and academia. First and foremost, I serve as CFO of Roha Group, a New York–based private equity firm. In addition, I lead CDG Holdings Group, a diversified holding company that includes Odin Frigg LLC, a boutique speakers bureau.
Alongside my executive work, I’m pursuing my Doctorate in Business Administration at UNC Charlotte and serve as a Practitioner in Residence in the Department of Accounting within the Walker College of Business at Appalachian State University. I’m also a CPA, having started my career at PwC, a firm I still consider one of the best foundations for anyone entering the profession.
My academic background includes a B.S. and M.S. in Accounting and an MBA in International Business from the University of Connecticut, as well as a Master of Legal Studies from Washington University. I’ve also completed executive education at Harvard Business School and Stanford University.
What ties all of this together is my drive to explore and connect ideas across disciplines—finance, law, strategy, education, and storytelling while building platforms like TEDxCatawba and Odin Frigg that amplify voices and spark new conversations.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Curiosity. Continuing to ask questions and having a desire to learn broadens my horizons and makes my thinking more diverse.
Dedication and persistence. There are long days, and things don’t always fall together smoothly. Dedication and persistence are the gas in the tank that powers you through.
Resilience. Life is full of ups and downs, lefts and rights, and non-linear paths. Having grit is important. Even when you’re persisting, things might not work out the way you want—resilience helps you reset.
Advice for those early in their journey: Be open-minded. The more open-minded you are, the more you can bring in different views, opinions, and perspectives—and that’s healthy for growth and decision-making.
If you knew you only had a decade of life left, how would you spend that decade?
If I knew I only had a decade left, I would probably spend it mostly how I’m spending it now. I live life intentionally: I try to know my limits, and I’m completely comfortable saying no. If anything, I’d balance my time to spend a bit more with my husband, my parents, and my friends—I might shift that ratio toward that end a bit more. But I really wouldn’t do a whole lot differently, because I’m quite satisfied with where I am in my life. That hasn’t always been the case but I’m really happy with where I am today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.christinedgagnon.com
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-d-gagnon-9613556
- Other: https://linktr.ee/christinedgagnon
https://tedxcatawba.com
Image Credits
Tom Trevatt Photography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
