We recently connected with Christina Wise and have shared our conversation below.
Christina, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
From the very beginning of my career to nearly the end—across three decades and multiple industries—I was often the only woman in the room.
That experience shaped everything: how I communicated, how I prepared, and how I learned to lead with confidence even when I wasn’t sure I belonged. I didn’t start with a roadmap. My corporate journey began at 18 with a handwritten résumé and a summer clerical job at The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. My dad worked in a local factory and rushed me to apply when he heard they were hiring. I’ll never understand how I landed the interview and got the gig but when summer ended, they asked me to stay.
With Goodyear’s tuition reimbursement, I worked full-time and earned a degree. But what really propelled my career wasn’t my education, it was grit, curiosity, and a relentless work ethic. I leaned into leadership roles in Treasury, was invited to participate in Goodyear’s Future Global Leaders program, and learned more about myself through experiences like the Myers-Briggs assessment and the Women’s Initiatives in Leadership programs. Even with that support, I battled imposter syndrome and sometimes wondered if I belonged. But I kept showing up, learning, and outworking just about everyone.
When I moved into freight and private equity, places even more male-dominated, I took with me the same tools: preparation, confidence, and intuition. At Yellow Transportation, I rose to VP and Treasurer. At Solera, I helped take the company private and ultimately was a CFO of one of their divisions. Whether in finance, freight, or tech, I focused not on being the only woman, but on being the most prepared, the most capable, and the most willing.
Still, there were sacrifices. I had (and still do have) a really supportive spouse, which made a huge difference. But I missed things like my daughter’s first lost tooth while I proofed an offering memorandum in New York with our legal team. That moment still sits with me. Women often carry the weight of trying to “have it all,” and while I believe we can, I also know that it takes honest tradeoffs and support behind the scenes.
The real lesson? Don’t get stuck on who’s in the room. Be the person who knows their stuff, asks great questions, and walks in with presence. If someone sees only your gender, let them also see your excellence. That’s what got me through every boardroom—and it’s still what I carry with me today.
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?
After decades in corporate finance, often as the only woman in the room, I never imagined I’d pivot from boardrooms to brushes. But stepping away from a high-level career gave me space to explore something completely different: creating.
Wise Market LLC began quietly. I painted a few items as gifts, then cheer boxes for our local cheer team, and before I know it I’m starting a business to support the care and keeping of a horse. Not mass-produced keepsakes, but pieces that reflected real moments: signing days, championships, senior nights. I had never painted a ball for my own daughter during her D1 soccer career, and I realized how powerful it could be to mark those milestones in a lasting way.
Today, Wise Market LLC offers hand-painted, customized gifts for athletes, coaches, and teams. Each item, whether it’s a football, basketball, softball, or soccer ball, is painted by hand with personal touches that celebrate achievements, relationships, and hard work. There’s nothing generic about it. People send me their stories, and I translate those stories into something they can see and hold.
We’re currently expanding into new formats. One of our latest additions is a hand-painted home plate, which recently served as a custom gift for college donors. We’re also growing our ambassador program by partnering with coaches, clubs, and organizations to offer exclusive discount codes and commission opportunities.
Whether I’m painting in my studio or posting updates about Bee (my horse and unofficial mascot) in our “Weekly Buzz,” everything we do reflects a commitment to quality, creativity, and meaningful storytelling.
Wise Market LLC isn’t just a side hustle. It’s a new chapter, one where I get to create, connect, and deliver something uniquely personal. It’s not art for art’s sake. It’s art with a purpose.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
When you’re the only woman in the room, again and again across industries, you figure out quickly what it takes to succeed. For me, three qualities made the biggest difference: curiosity, resilience, and communication.
Curiosity kept me engaged and adaptable, whether I was navigating a global treasury strategy or teaching myself how to turn a painted sports ball into a product people actually wanted. I never assumed I had all the answers and that mindset has carried me from corporate meetings to creative entrepreneurship. If you’re just starting out, let “Why?” and “What if?” be part of your vocabulary. Curiosity will open more doors than confidence alone ever will.
Resilience was essential. From missed promotions and tough boardroom feedback to moments of self-doubt, I learned to take a breath, take the lesson, and keep going. I wasn’t immune to failure, but I never let it define me. Whether I was pitching to a CEO or troubleshooting a product mishap in shipping, I leaned on grit. If something doesn’t work, pivot. BUT DON’T QUIT.
Communication has always been my edge. I learned how to listen with intent, speak with clarity, and read the room. In male-dominated environments, I made sure my voice carried weight by backing it with preparation and empathy. If you want to stand out, whether in business, art, or leadership, learn to tell your story well. How you connect with others will shape your influence more than any resume ever could.
If you’re at the beginning of your journey, don’t fixate on titles. Focus on becoming someone who learns fast, bounces back, and communicates with purpose. These are the skills that helped me thrive when I was the only one in the room and they’ll serve you no matter where your path leads.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Absolutely—I’m always looking to collaborate with people who are passionate about celebrating life’s big moments through meaningful, personalized gifts. At Wise Market LLC, our custom hand-painted sports balls, canvases, and gifts have become keepsakes for athletes, families, schools, and organizations—and I’m excited to grow that impact with new partnerships.
We’re especially looking to connect with:
Athletes who want to become brand ambassadors. Share your story and earn through our referral program by using and promoting your custom discount code.
Moms in search of memorable gifts for birthdays, graduations, signing day, senior night, and special moments throughout the season.
Coaches looking for team gifts, retirement tributes, or personalized items to welcome new players or celebrate major wins.
Club teams and directors who want to offer something special to their athletes and families. We provide custom discount codes and offer a 10% commission on sales generated.
High schools and colleges, including donor relations and alumni departments, for unique appreciation gifts.
Youth sports organizations that want to offer families keepsake options or include custom gifts as part of sponsorships or events.
Sports photographers interested in bundling custom artwork with team or individual photo packages.
Fraternities and sororities seeking standout items for fundraising, auctions, or milestone gifts.
Corporate teams looking for handcrafted, meaningful gifts for clients, employees, or events.
If you’re reading this and thinking, “That sounds like a fit,” let’s connect! Visit www.wisemarketllc.com, message me on Instagram @WiseMarketLLC, or get in touch via the website contact form.
Let’s bring your vision to life—one hand-painted piece at a time.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.wisemarketllc.com
- Instagram: @wisemarketllc
- Facebook: @wisemarketllc
- Other: Tik Tok: @wisemarketllc
