We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Christopher Cochran a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Christopher, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
Finding Purpose: A Journey Through Gratitude and Resilience
Purpose is a word we often hear but rarely pause to define for ourselves. For me, finding my purpose wasn’t a sudden realization—it was a process, born from the most challenging and transformative chapter of my life. It’s a story of love, loss, and the extraordinary wisdom of my son, Christian, who continues to inspire me and my family every day.
On August 26, 2020, our lives changed forever. Christian, just 22 years old, was diagnosed with a terminal illness. My wife, Danielle, and I sat with him, grappling with the devastating news. Through tears, we told him how deeply sorry we were that this had happened to him. Christian’s response, however, was extraordinary: “It’s OK. I would rather this be my burden than anyone else.”
In that moment, Christian taught us all what true strength, selflessness, and grace look like. It was a sentiment that would define his journey and guide us through the months ahead. Over the next 13 months, Christian lived with immense courage and purpose. From the moment he received his diagnosis until the day he took his last breath, surrounded by his family at home on September 1, 2021—Kate’s birthday—Christian never once complained.
Instead of asking, “Why me?” Christian asked, “What’s GOOD About TODAY?” This simple question became a powerful mantra—not just for him, but for our entire family. It was his way of reminding us that, no matter how dark or difficult life might seem, there is always something to be grateful for.
Christian’s empathy and kindness extended far beyond our family. He often said, “Be kind to everyone; you never know what someone could be going through.” These words weren’t just advice—they were a reflection of how he lived his life, even in the face of profound adversity. Christian’s ability to see others’ struggles, even while carrying his own, was a testament to his remarkable character.
After Christian’s passing, the weight of grief was immense. Our family—Danielle, Kate, Nicholas, and I—were left to navigate life without him. Yet, Christian’s message gave us a sense of direction and purpose. His mantra, “What’s GOOD About TODAY?” became our guiding light, helping us to focus on the beauty in each moment, even as we mourned his loss.
Carrying Christian’s legacy forward has been the most meaningful work of my life. It began with sharing his story through conversations, speaking engagements, and eventually my book, What’s GOOD About TODAY? – A Purpose Driven Life. Writing the book was both cathartic and transformative, allowing me to reflect on Christian’s impact and the lessons he left behind.
Our family also established the Christian Cochran Legacy Fund to support causes that mattered deeply to him. This fund is a way to ensure that his compassion and vision continue to make a difference in the world. Through the fund, we’ve been able to support initiatives that align with Christian’s values, spreading kindness and hope to others.
Purpose, I’ve learned, isn’t about grand achievements or accolades—it’s about showing up with intention, embracing the lessons life offers, and using them to make a difference. It’s about turning pain into purpose, finding ways to help others, and creating light in the darkest moments.
For Danielle and me, seeing Kate and Nicholas carry Christian’s values forward has been profoundly moving. Their resilience, love, and determination to honor their brother’s legacy remind us every day of the power of family. Together, we’ve learned that purpose isn’t something you find; it’s something you create through the choices you make and the lives you touch.
Today, Christian’s legacy is woven into everything we do. His story continues to inspire not just our family but everyone who hears it. Through his message, we’re reminded that life, even in its most difficult moments, holds beauty and meaning. Christian’s words—“What’s GOOD About TODAY?”—challenge us all to look for the good, no matter how small, and to share kindness freely, because we never know the battles others are facing.
Purpose, as Christian showed us, isn’t just about finding meaning—it’s about living it, every day.
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 Cochran, and my journey is deeply rooted in honoring the life and legacy of my son, Christian. After Christian’s passing, I felt a profound calling to carry forward his message of gratitude, resilience, and kindness. Today, I focus on sharing his story through my book, What’s GOOD About TODAY? – A Purpose Driven Life, speaking engagements, and community initiatives, including the Christian Cochran Legacy Fund.
The work I do is centered around inspiring others to embrace life with intention, even in the face of adversity. Whether it’s through my book or speaking to audiences across the country, I encourage people to ask, “What’s GOOD About TODAY?”—a question Christian himself asked daily, even during the most challenging times.
What makes this work so special is its deeply personal nature. It’s not just about sharing Christian’s story; it’s about connecting with others on their own journeys. Hearing how his message impacts lives—whether it’s helping someone navigate grief or encouraging them to focus on the good in their day—continues to be an incredible source of hope and motivation for me.
In addition to this work, I serve as the CEO of an IT company, where I lead efforts to provide innovative technology solutions for our clients. I also serve on the Board of Directors for Coeptis Therapeutics, a public biotech company dedicated to groundbreaking research to solve hard-to-cure cancers worldwide. This role has been deeply meaningful, as it aligns with my commitment to making a positive impact on global health and advancing life-saving treatments.
Through the Christian Cochran Legacy Fund, we support causes that align with Christian’s values, including education, mental health awareness, and cancer research. These initiatives allow us to extend his legacy in tangible ways, creating positive change and giving back to the community.
Right now, I’m also focused on expanding my reach through new projects. I’m working on creating a podcast inspired by my book, titled What’s GOOD About TODAY?, where I’ll have conversations with people who are making a difference in the world. This platform will allow us to explore how others live purpose-driven lives and inspire listeners to do the same.
Additionally, I continue to speak at events and collaborate with organizations to spread Christian’s message. Whether it’s through book signings, speaking engagements, or interviews like this one, my goal is to connect with as many people as possible, reminding them to find the good in every moment and to live with kindness and gratitude.
At the heart of everything I do is the desire to make Christian proud and to ensure his legacy continues to impact lives. Life is full of challenges, but with gratitude, purpose, and a commitment to kindness, we can all find something good about today—and every day.
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?
Three Qualities That Made All the Difference
Looking back, there are three qualities that stand out as being most impactful on my journey: resilience, empathy, and intentionality. Each of these has shaped not only how I approach challenges but also how I strive to make a difference in the lives of others.
1. Resilience
Life will inevitably bring moments of adversity, and resilience is what allows us to navigate those storms. For me, resilience became essential when my son Christian received his terminal diagnosis. Resilience didn’t mean ignoring the pain but rather finding the strength to face it, to move forward, and to honor Christian’s legacy by sharing his message with the world.
Advice: Resilience is a skill that can be developed. Start by embracing challenges as opportunities to grow. Reflect on the lessons they bring and focus on the small steps you can take each day to keep moving forward. Surround yourself with people who lift you up and remind you of your strength.
2. Empathy
Christian often said, “Be kind to everyone; you never know what someone could be going through.” That lesson has stayed with me. Empathy allows us to connect with others on a deeper level, to understand their struggles, and to offer support. It has guided me in my work, both as a speaker sharing Christian’s story and as a leader in my professional roles.
Advice: To cultivate empathy, listen actively and approach others with curiosity instead of judgment. Take time to understand different perspectives and be present in your interactions. Empathy isn’t just about understanding—it’s about acting with compassion.
3. Intentionality
Purpose is about living with intention—making deliberate choices that align with your values and priorities. For me, intentionality means asking myself every day, “What’s GOOD About TODAY?” and focusing on how I can use my time and energy to create a positive impact.
Advice: To develop intentionality, take time to reflect on your goals and values. Write them down and revisit them regularly to ensure your actions align with your vision. Set boundaries to protect what matters most and don’t be afraid to say no to distractions that take you off course.
These three qualities—resilience, empathy, and intentionality—have been the foundation of my journey. My advice to anyone starting out is to embrace these qualities early on and remember that personal growth is a process. Be patient with yourself, celebrate small wins, and stay committed to living a life of purpose and kindness.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Absolutely! Collaboration is at the heart of spreading Christian’s message and creating meaningful change. I’m always looking to connect with individuals and organizations who are passionate about inspiring resilience, gratitude, and kindness in others.
Here are some of the ways I’m looking to collaborate:
Mental Health, Education, and Cancer Research Initiatives: I’m eager to partner with organizations or individuals working in these areas to support programs that align with Christian’s values. Whether it’s joint campaigns, fundraising events, or advocacy efforts, I’m always open to exploring impactful ways to make a difference.
Podcasters, Speakers, and Storytellers: Sharing stories of hope and transformation is powerful. I’d love to collaborate with podcasters, authors, and speakers who focus on inspiring others to find strength and purpose in their lives.
Corporate and Community Leaders: Businesses and nonprofits that are committed to fostering gratitude, resilience, and kindness are welcome partners. Whether it’s hosting speaking engagements, sponsoring events, or launching community initiatives, I’m excited to work with groups that share a similar vision.
If you’re reading this and feel our missions align, I would love to connect and explore how we can work together to amplify this message. You can reach me directly through my website at www.chriscochranspeaks.com or via email at [email protected].
Together, we can inspire others to embrace gratitude, spread kindness, and find What’s GOOD About TODAY?
Contact Info:
- Website: www.chriscochranspeaks.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chriscochranspeaks/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chris.cochran.948/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pghcochran/
- Twitter: https://x.com/WGAT__
