We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Christian Bizzotto. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with CHRISTIAN below.
CHRISTIAN, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.
I come from a family of entrepreneurs, and my parents taught me three invaluable lessons that have shaped my life and career: have faith, be courageous, and follow your heart. These values were not just spoken—they were lived out in the way they approached life and business.
We grew up in the picturesque town of Enego, nestled in the Italian Alps. My parents ran a small hotel, Hotel Cristallo, which included an amazing restaurant. It wasn’t just a business; it was a way of life. From an early age, my brother and I learned the meaning of dedication. Running the hotel was a full-time operation and only one of my father’s endeavors. His other passion was sharing the craftsmanship and beauty of Italian furniture with the world. I watched as he tirelessly brought Italian design to corners of the globe—from the Middle East to Morocco, South America, and the United States.
As the business grew in the U.S., my parents took a leap of faith that would forever change our lives. They left behind everything familiar and moved to the “land of opportunity.” Looking back, I now understand how courageous that decision was and how much faith it required. Courage isn’t the absence of fear—it’s the willingness to act despite it.
I can’t imagine what it was like for them: moving to a new country with two young kids, not knowing the language, having no connections, but trusting in their vision and the belief that it would all be worth it. Were there ups and downs? Absolutely—rollercoaster-like highs and lows. But it was through those moments that I learned the true power of a united family. My parents loved each other deeply and faced every challenge together as a team, teaching my brother and me the strength that comes from unity.
Because of their example, my brother and I have never been afraid to take chances. We understand that not every venture works out as planned, but that’s okay. We learned to have faith in the process, to persevere even when things look dim, and to believe that, as a family, we can overcome any obstacle.
Their courage and faith have been a guiding light in my own journey, inspiring me to follow my heart, trust in the path ahead, and face challenges head-on. It’s a legacy I carry proudly and one I strive to pass on in my own life.
CHRISTIAN, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My darkest point became a beacon of light, guiding me to a purpose far greater than I ever imagined. My story begins with a life-changing motorcycle accident—an event that brought me face-to-face with mortality. I thought I had died that day, and the profound impact of that realization reshaped my life moving forward.
At the time of my accident, I was overweight. Months of being confined to bed only made things worse. I came to a sobering realization: I had taken my body for granted. I was given one body, one vessel for this life, and I had not been a good steward of it. That had to change.
The road ahead wasn’t easy. I was obese. I was broke financially. I was broken physically. But I had a little girl who looked up at me like I was her hero, and I had a short window to become the person I wanted her to see.
I stumbled through the process of losing weight, making every mistake along the way. I didn’t have a guide or a supportive community. In fact, I remember sharing my progress one evening at dinner, saying, “I feel like I’ve lost five inches off my waist!” My friends laughed at me, and “Five Inches” became my nickname—a painful reminder of the crabs-in-a-bucket mentality I faced.
But I pressed on. I lost 100 pounds. Those five inches turned into reality as I dropped from a size 44 waist to a size 32. Along the way, I co-founded some incredible businesses, but my heart was somewhere else. After work, I would head to CrossFit to coach beach classes.
That’s when it hit me: The biggest transformation in my life wasn’t financial. It was the body and mindset I had created. I wanted to give that same transformation to others. Coaching became my calling.
I realized that people are patterns. My journey taught me how to identify the patterns that serve people and the ones that hold them back. Today, people often refer to me as “The Obstacle Coach,” a title I embrace with pride. Whether I’m helping someone overcome addiction, lose 100 pounds, or start a business, the principles are the same: The obstacles standing between you and your potential aren’t meant to be avoided—they’re meant to be faced.
That’s why I love Spartan Races. The obstacles on the course are metaphors for life. My work is about creating a mindset that runs toward obstacles instead of away from them. I’ve been through the battles myself, and I’ve walked alongside my clients as they’ve faced theirs.
When I see someone go from surviving to thriving, that’s my greatest reward. That’s why I believe God gave me a second chance. I’m here to help others rise above their obstacles and become the best version of themselves.
Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?
While training and knowledge are essential, I believe experience and connection are what truly set someone apart in this field. I’m a big proponent of continuing education—I work with high-level coaches myself so that I can bring the best information to my clients. But there’s a catch: you can earn every certification and read every book, yet still fall short when it comes to delivering real results.
What sets successful coaches apart is the ability to adapt. It takes experience to understand that different people require different solutions. Coaching hundreds of individuals has taught me how to relate to clients in ways that inspire them to invest in themselves—not just financially, but in terms of the time and effort it takes to create lasting change.
This isn’t something you’ll find in a book or webinar. It comes from doing the work—learning to recognize the patterns people have and uncovering what truly motivates them. Everyone is different, and each person brings unique challenges and strengths to the table. The art of coaching lies in meeting people where they are and guiding them toward where they want to be.
What’s equally important is staying humble and open to learning. I learn as much from my clients as they learn from me. Every individual I work with teaches me something new about the human experience, and that continual growth is what keeps me passionate about this field.
Ultimately, success in this field isn’t just about what you know; it’s about how you connect, inspire, and create a path for lasting transformation.
Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?
If I could go back, would I choose to be a coach? Absolutely. The only thing I might change is starting sooner, but even then, I recognize that my experiences along the way have been invaluable. Every step of my journey—both the highs and the failures—has shaped me into the coach I am today.
I wouldn’t do anything differently, not because I’ve done everything perfectly, but because the failures were as important as the successes. It was through those missteps that I learned to course-correct, to adapt, and to truly understand what works and what doesn’t. The things that didn’t work out at the time turned out to be the lessons that make everything work now.
Coaching is not just a profession for me—it’s a calling. Every part of my journey, from the challenges I faced to the victories I’ve celebrated, has equipped me to better serve my clients. Looking back, I wouldn’t trade those experiences for anything. They’ve been the foundation of my growth, and they’re the reason I can help others transform their lives today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.christianbizzotto.com
- Instagram: @christian_bizzotto
- Youtube: @christianbizzotto
Image Credits
Leslie Gabaldon