We were lucky to catch up with Cristina Chianese recently and have shared our conversation below.
Cristina, 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.
Purpose to me is the intersection of personal fulfillment and impactful actions. It’s about using our unique abilities to drive positive change and realizing that fulfillment often lies in these contributions.
Purpose doesn’t always announce itself in grand strides; more often, it’s the result of the small, intentional steps we undertake each day. It’s a part of our daily decisions, where we match our skills and passions with acts that matter, cultivating a sense of purpose that is intimately ours, yet drives change or offers support to those around us.
Finding my purpose as helped me achieve balance and happiness in my life. It’s an attainable goal for all of us. The search for purpose generally involves introspection, stepping out of your comfort zone and being creative with how to use your talents. The fulfillment comes from the journey – seeing how our actions – no matter how small can contribute to a bigger purpose and give us a sense of direction.
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 husband John and I, along with our two amazing kids, Nicholas (9) and Mackenzie (6), have made our home in Pelham Manor, a place that’s grown dear over the past 9 years. We were drawn to Westchester’s charm and city proximity when we were both in media—myself at NBC and John at Discovery—and Pelham seemed the perfect fit. Little did we know, how much this little town would weave itself into the fabric of our lives.
Since leaving NBC, my career has spanned marketing and business consultancy for several agencies, a stint running marketing and e-commerce for a mask company, and now, I take pride in working for a Pelham-based company, fassforward. Here, we work with Fortune 500 companies, specializing in leadership and storytelling, with my role focusing on driving business development and expanding our partnerships.
But my involvement with the community extends beyond my professional role. As head of our local Chamber of Commerce—a position fueling my passion and purpose—I’ve thrown myself into supporting local businesses, especially during the pandemic. My efforts have ranged from creating websites to running social campaigns, pivoting business models to meet new requirements, and even managing a gift shop from our home.
Although my background is corporate and I’m not a business owner, my skill set complemented what many local businesses needed. Together, we’ve developed new initiatives to keep businesses afloat during uncertain times.
Now in my fourth year leading the Chamber, I’m proud of the robust business community we’ve built. With over 140 members, we’ve secured three county grants, with the latest being $250K, in a collective effort with local government—a testament to a partnership we’ve cultivated and cherished. We roll out exciting programs that unify our community, and I sometimes joke that our Chamber’s strong marketing focus mirrors my expertise. But truly, it’s the strength of our board and the infusion of new talent and ideas that keep us thriving.
What sets our Chamber apart is the deep connections we share. We come together to celebrate successes and tackle challenges, ensuring everyone feels supported. Leveraging our collective skills, we address the diverse issues any town faces, building a network not just of businesses, but of relationships that foster a resilient and vibrant community.
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?
For those just beginning their professional journey, my advice is straightforward: enjoy the path you’re on. In my early media career, I was so intent on the next promotion that I didn’t always recognize the value of the experiences I was gaining. It’s important to pause and appreciate where you are and what you’re learning. Don’t be in such a rush for the future. Enjoy the now.
Be clear on your strengths and the areas where you can improve. Everyone excels at different things. I’m at my best brainstorming creative solutions in a meeting, but I don’t enjoy math. Concentrate on what you do well and be forgiving of your weaker areas. This is also where building a diverse team is key. Surround yourself around people who are better than you and compliment you. Don’t see others as competition but as compliments.
Cultivate your network like a garden, with care and dedication. It will grow and stay with you throughout your career. I am still connected with my first boss out of college, a testament to a well-nurtured professional circle. When the inevitable surprises of life occur, a diverse network is invaluable for advice, encouragement, and support.
Do what gets you excited about waking up in the morning. Not every part of a job is going to be thrilling, but if you’re passionate about what you do, it will naturally lead to better results.
And lastly, seek out work that fills you with purpose. My role at the Chamber, though entirely voluntary, is what I’m most proud of. The personal satisfaction I get from this work surpasses any of my corporate achievements. Find work that is meaningful and makes an impact. You might not have the time to volunteer, but whenever possible, find ways to give back. It’s about finding your purpose in the work you do and the difference you make.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
Feeling overwhelmed is a universal experience. For me, the antidote lies in embracing fitness. My day kicks off around 5 am, and I dedicate the next one to two hours to an invigorating mix of weightlifting and cardio. It’s during this time that my creativity flourishes, solutions to lingering problems emerge, and I gather the energy I need for the day ahead. While we can’t dictate how we’ll feel upon waking, carving out this personal time allows for a mood reset and a reclaiming of our schedule. Prioritizing self-care is crucial.
I’ve become an avid Peloton enthusiast. A 45-minute session is more than just exercise; it’s a holistic experience that boosts both my physical and mental well-being. The instructors, especially Robin Arzon, offer more than just a workout—they support my mental and emotional journey. As a fellow parent navigating a similar life phase, Robin’s insights resonate with me deeply. Her empowering reminders have inspired me to embrace the ‘power of no.’ As a natural people-pleaser, I often find myself saying yes too readily. This year, I’m carrying her wisdom with me, allowing her voice to remind me of the strength found in setting boundaries.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pelhamnychamber.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crissychianese/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chianesecristina/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cristina-chianese/
