Meet Chris Shields

We recently connected with Chris Shields and have shared our conversation below.

Chris, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?

I keep my creativity alive by keeping the flow pure and unhindered. I often liken creativity to the human body—when the flow of blood is blocked, the body suffers. In the same way, creativity suffers when things that don’t belong are allowed to clog the heart and mind. Writer’s block isn’t usually a lack of ability, but a sign that something foreign has crept in or that we’ve overused what should be used in balance.
For example, food itself is good, but overindulging in it clogs the body. The same is true with creativity—when heartbreak, distractions, or bitterness cloud the heart, they restrict the natural flow of expression. An impure heart can only mimic what’s around it, but a pure heart creates something new.
For me, the key to keeping creativity alive is protecting the purity of my heart. When my heart is clear, creativity flows freely—and that’s what allows me to be original, to set trends rather than follow them, and to create work that can genuinely impact the world.

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?

I’m Christopher Shields, but most people call me Chris. I’m a communicator, author, and coach passionate about transforming lives through identity-based leadership, biblical truth, and practical mentorship. My journey has always been about helping people rediscover who they are in Christ and walking in the freedom and purpose they were created for.
I hold a Bachelor’s in Practical Ministry from Christ for the Nations Institute, and today I serve as a high school basketball coach at Valhalla High School. Coaching is more than teaching plays—it’s about developing character, grit, faith, and leadership in student-athletes, both on and off the court. I see it as a form of discipleship, shaping young men to not just win games, but to win in life.

As an author, I’ve been blessed to publish more than 10 books—including Infinity and Beyond Faith, Trash Talk, Champion, Kingdom Mindset, Nomizo, and You Are Known. Each one flows from the same heartbeat: reminding people that they’re not trash—they’re treasure. That message comes from my own journey of healing and identity—realizing that true creativity and leadership flow from a heart that knows its worth.

What excites me most is seeing people break free from false labels and step into their true calling. Whether I’m on a basketball court, behind a microphone, or putting pen to paper, my mission is the same: to raise up leaders, empower the next generation, and release creative expressions that point people back to their true worth.
Looking ahead, I’m continuing to expand both my writing and speaking, while developing fresh mentorship opportunities that equip leaders and creatives to become difference-makers and world changers.

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?

Looking back, three qualities have been most impactful in my journey: clarity of identity, disciplined creativity, and servant leadership.

First, clarity of identity has been foundational. Understanding who I am in Christ and embracing the truth that I’m not defined by labels or others’ expectations has shaped every decision I’ve made—from coaching to writing to mentoring. Early in my journey, I learned this when a major setback tempted me to doubt my calling, but staying rooted in my identity gave me direction and confidence. My advice for anyone starting out is to invest in self-reflection, prayer, and studying truth—when you know who you are at your core, you can pursue your purpose without being sidetracked by fear or comparison.
Second, disciplined creativity has been a game-changer. Creativity isn’t just inspiration—it’s consistent practice. I’ve seen this in my writing: showing up daily, even when I didn’t feel inspired, eventually produced books and messages that have impacted lives. For those starting out, create routines that allow your gifts to flow, whether that’s writing, coaching, or another form of expression, and protect your heart from distractions that drain your energy.

Third, servant leadership has been essential. On the basketball court and in mentoring, leading with humility, empathy, and integrity has opened doors and built trust. I remember a student-athlete who was struggling academically and personally; by focusing on listening and guiding him rather than just enforcing rules, he transformed not only his performance but his mindset. My advice here is to serve others first, lead by example, and let your actions reflect your values—real influence grows from consistency and care.

Ultimately, these three—identity, disciplined creativity, and servant leadership—have guided me through challenges and breakthroughs alike. My encouragement for anyone early in their journey is to cultivate them intentionally: know who you are, practice and protect your gifts, and lead in a way that lifts others. That combination will prepare you for both success and significance.

What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?

I believe it’s most impactful to go all in on your strengths while maintaining awareness of areas that need growth. When you invest in your strengths—those gifts and abilities that flow naturally—you can create your greatest impact, influence, and legacy. Focusing on what you do best allows you to operate in your zone of excellence, whether that’s coaching, mentoring, writing, or leading others.

At the same time, I believe in staying self-aware and addressing weaknesses just enough that they don’t hold you back. You don’t need to be perfect at everything, but you do need to ensure that gaps in critical areas don’t hinder your effectiveness. Early in my coaching career, for example, I realized my strength was developing character and identity in my players, but I initially struggled with some technical aspects of the game. Instead of trying to master every skill equally, I focused on building their mindset and leadership while learning enough technique to guide them effectively. The result was transformative: they grew not just in skill, but in confidence, resilience, and leadership—the kind of growth that lasts a lifetime.

In my writing and speaking, I take the same approach. I concentrate on my core gifts of communicating identity, spiritual truth, and mentorship. I don’t try to mimic styles that don’t come naturally; instead, I refine my strengths while complementing them with enough knowledge in other areas. This has allowed me to release over 10 books, mentor countless students, and make an authentic impact through my speaking and coaching.
So my view is: double down on your strengths, guard your weaknesses just enough, and let your unique gifts shine. That’s where excellence, influence, and fulfillment intersect—and where you can make the kind of difference that truly lasts.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Chris Shields

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Highlighter Series
Is the public version of you the real you?

We all think we’re being real—whether in public or in private—but the deeper challenge is

Highlighter Series
Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?

We asked some of the most interesting entrepreneurs and creatives to open up about recent

Highlighter Series
What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?

Coffee? Workouts? Hitting the snooze button 14 times? Everyone has their morning ritual and we