We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Chris Hiltz a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Chris, thank you so much for joining us today. There are so many topics we could discuss, but perhaps one of the most relevant is empathy because it’s at the core of great leadership and so we’d love to hear about how you developed your empathy?
As I look back, I see that my journey to becoming more empathetic really took off with two big life adventures: being a parent and leading a team. It’s like being handed a puzzle with a million pieces—exciting and daunting all at once.
Parenting, let me tell you, it’s a wild ride. It’s not just about keeping the little ones fed and clean; it’s about tuning in to the silent language of their emotions. When my kid scrapes a knee or grapples with friend troubles, I’m right there, feeling it with them. I learned to put aside my own feelings to understand theirs.
Then there’s my team at work. They’re like a second family—each with their own quirks and cares. Training them was about more than just skillsets; it was about nurturing their spirits. I’d celebrate their wins and sit with them through the losses, always asking, “What do you need?” I learned to read the room, to sense the tension or the unspoken struggles, and to offer support without overstepping.
These conditions—parenting and team leadership—were like empathy boot camps. They taught me to listen not just with my ears, but with my heart. I’d catch the nuances in a voice or the story in a sigh, and I’d respond not just to the words, but to the feelings behind them.
The empathy I’ve nurtured is a blend of patience, deep listening, and the willingness to step into another’s shoes. It’s about creating a space where vulnerability is met with understanding, not judgment. In my work and at home, it’s become my guiding light, my way of connecting with others on a journey filled with laughter, love, and those precious, shared moments of being human.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
My name is Chris, and I’m the proud owner and visionary behind TLIC a wedding photo, video, and planning company. Since 2018, we’ve been on a mission to transform the wedding industry with our heartfelt dedication, innovative solutions, and an unwavering commitment to making every couple’s journey to “I do” as joyful and memorable as the big day itself.
A bit about me—I’m an adventurer at heart, always on the lookout for the next thrilling experience, whether it’s exploring new places or diving into the latest board game. My love for God guides me in everything I do, inspiring me to approach life and work with kindness, integrity, and a spirit of service.
Family means the world to me. As a family man, I cherish every moment spent with my loved ones, and it’s this deep sense of connection and love that I aim to bring into every wedding we craft. My eclectic interests and jack-of-all-trades nature have shaped me into who I am today—a leader eager to embrace challenges, innovate, and continuously learn.
Back before all this started, I was a missionary. That’s where my journey with video began. It was a different kind of storytelling, one that was about capturing moments and messages, and it laid the groundwork for what I’d eventually do with weddings.
Picture this: It’s 2017, and there I am, in the dim light of an upstairs groom’s suite, surrounded by a squad of photographers. I’ve got my camera in hand, and I’m asking myself, “What am I even doing here?” The air is thick with ambition and a bit of nerves, but above all, there’s this electric current of joy zapping through me. I spent a whopping 60 hours editing that 5-minute video, pouring everything I had into it. And when the couple saw it, their joy was my reward. It was more than a video—it was a legacy for them and their family. That was the moment I realized the real impact of my passion.
After flying solo for three years, it dawned on me—I could really grow TLIC into something monumental.
From 2021 to today, it’s been like constructing a skyscraper from the ground up. We had to lay the foundation, pour the concrete, and put up the steel. In 2024, we’re pulling the curtain back on the new and improved company.
We’ve completely reimagined our image and the services we offer. Now, we’re ready to take the stage and shoot for the stars. In the next three years, TLIC is going to make some noise. There’s nothing in our way. We’ve honed our craft, and we’re the best at what we do. It won’t be long before couples, vendors, and venues take notice.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my time as the owner of TLIC, I can pinpoint three pillars that have been instrumental to our success: marketing, sales, and charisma. They’ve been the backbone of how we’ve built relationships, created memorable experiences, and grown our business.
Marketing: As the head of TLIC, I’ve seen firsthand how critical it is to connect with our clients’ stories. Every couple has a unique journey, and our marketing reflects that. It’s about weaving their dreams and expectations into a narrative that highlights our ability to make their special day unforgettable. For those starting their own ventures, I’d say dive into the emotional core of your brand. Ask yourself, “What do we stand for? What’s our story?” Share that with your audience. Use your website, social media, and every advertisement to tell a story that engages potential clients on a personal level.
Sales: Sales are the lifeblood of TLIC. It’s where empathy, understanding, and service come together to meet the needs of our clients. I’ve learned that selling our service isn’t about convincing someone to buy; it’s about demonstrating how we can add value to their wedding experience. For those just starting, my tip is to focus on building relationships rather than just closing deals. When you understand what a couple is looking for and can articulate how your service will enhance their wedding, sales become a natural conversation.
Charisma: This is about the personal touch that I bring to TLIC. Charisma has helped me foster connections with clients, vendors, and team members alike. It’s the ability to engage with people, make them feel seen and understood, and inspire excitement about our shared vision for their wedding day. To develop charisma, be authentic. Show passion for your work and compassion for your clients’ needs. When you meet with potential clients, remember, it’s not just a business transaction; it’s the beginning of a relationship that could define one of the most important days of their lives.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
Looking back on the past year, my biggest area of growth has definitely been honing the skill of laser focus. As someone who’s always buzzing with ideas—trust me, my brain is like a 24/7 brainstorming session—I’ve learned that the key to success isn’t just in the quantity of ideas, but in the ability to zero in on one and see it through to completion.
In the world of weddings, where every detail can spark a hundred different visions, learning to channel my creativity into a singular objective has been a game-changer. It’s like being at a buffet with a hundred delicious dishes but choosing to savor one at a time to truly appreciate the flavors.
I’ve trained myself to not just dream up great ideas but to also critically evaluate which ones will serve TLIC and our clients best. Then, I commit to that path with unwavering dedication until it’s realized. This focused approach has not only improved our services but also enhanced our team’s efficiency and the overall client experience.
It wasn’t easy, especially for a creative soul. It took discipline, setting clear goals, and sometimes saying no to good ideas to make way for great ones. The result? A stronger, more cohesive company vision and a personal sense of accomplishment that comes from seeing an idea grow from a seedling into a towering tree. It’s been a journey of learning to trust the process, prioritize effectively, and keep my eyes on the prize. And let me tell you, the view from the finish line is pretty spectacular.
Contact Info:
- Website: mytlic.com
- Instagram: @tlicmedia
- Facebook: @tlicmedia
- Linkedin: Chris Hiltz
- Youtube: @tlicmedia
Image Credits
TLIC Media
