We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Christina Gavin. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Christina below.
Hi Christina, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
As an only child in a large Irish Catholic family, my work ethic was instilled very early on. Not only did my parents wake up every morning and commute from the California suburbia into the bustling city, but I also watched and admired all of my older cousins’ jobs throughout malls, ice cream shops, and makeup counters. I couldn’t wait until it was my turn. As a child, I was always eager to earn extra cash. Lemonade stands and babysitting were regular weekend activities, as well as weekly chores, as I thrived on the thrill and independence of becoming an earner (and a saver!).
The greatest thing my parents taught me when it came to my work ethic was to work hard for what you want, and nothing in life ever comes free (and if it does, you better read the fine print). I grew up watching my mother climb the corporate ladder at multiple Fortune 500 companies to become an HR Executive, which ultimately led to her success in leading a consulting business. While she was navigating the culture of many companies, my father worked as a Chief Financial Officer across various law firms. I wouldn’t be who I am today without the incredible role models in my life, especially my family, who ingrained just how important work ethic is to the success of career and family.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
As a multi-passionate individual, I find the most joy in helping people. From teaching yoga, to brand photography and resume coaching, my true passion lies in empowering women to thrive in their environments. That’s why I founded my business, Christina in the Valley. By merging my love for wellness, photography, and business acumen, I aim to assist those who may feel stuck in their current position or stage in life.
Through my podcast, also named Christina in the Valley, I share the stories of C-Suite Executives, Female Founders, and business disruptors. These narratives provide a landscape and framework for others who may find themselves in similar situations or aspire to leadership roles. My goal is to offer advice that listeners can practically apply to their own lives.
It took me several years to figure out how to integrate my creative skills and hobbies into one cohesive venture. But ultimately, I discovered that my true purpose in life is to support and uplift women.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The three most important qualities and skills that have helped me on my journey are resilience, grace, and adaptability. When you’re starting your career, it’s easy to get caught up in finding the perfect job that meets all your criteria. But it’s also important to recognize that you might end up in roles that don’t align with your skills or passions. I learned from mistakes and failures, tested new skills and am still continually discovering what I love to do. Many of us fear the unknown, thinking we’re supposed to have everything figured out. Social media often presents an edited version of people’s lives, when in reality, no one has it all figured out. Understanding this can make navigating life’s challenges easier and more authentic.
Resilience and grace are crucial for success. Every job or situation will have its stressful moments. Learning to navigate these challenges and persevere despite setbacks is key to overcoming fear of failure. If you can handle tough situations with grace, you’re already ahead of the game.
Lastly, being able to adapt quickly to change is essential. As John Maxwell famously said, “Fail early, fail often, but always fail forward”. Embracing this mindset helped me navigate through the challenges of the pandemic. Instead of letting it derail my career, I saw it as an opportunity to further my education and I graduated with my MBA in Finance, while continuing to work full-time. The ability to adapt to whatever life throws your way is invaluable and will serve you well in all areas of life.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
As I build my brand and my business, I am always looking for women who are open to sharing their story. Wether you work in a male dominated industry, you’ve climbed your way into the C-Suite, or left corporate America to pursue your own passions, I’d love to interview you on my podcast to showcase your story and hear the advice you have for others about how to follow your dreams. Please reach out to me via my website at christinagavin.com.
Contact Info:
- Website: christinagavin.com
- Instagram: @christinainthevalley
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-gavin-990587111/
- Youtube: Christinainthevalley
Image Credits
The Wild Bloom Studio, Desirae Marie Photography, Vinh Nguyen Photography
