Today we’d like to introduce you to Christine Polite

Hi Christine, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?

My journey has been anything but linear—and I love that about it. I’ve always seen myself as a misfit, navigating life with curiosity, courage, and a deep belief in making a difference. At 20, I was diagnosed with type-1 diabetes (T1D) while studying abroad in Italy. That experience was transformative: I had to learn how to advocate for myself, even when my symptoms were dismissed by doctors. It was a turning point that sparked my passion for self-advocacy and resilience.

Professionally, I’ve spent over 15 years at the intersection of creativity, strategy, and impact, with roles in non-profits, agencies, and even as the owner of a custom cake shop. That detour into entrepreneurship taught me about risk-taking, problem-solving, and the value of creativity in everything I do.

Now, I’m thrilled to serve as a Senior Account Director at Media Cause, a social impact agency. In this role, I get to work with non-profit clients to further their missions, clarify their strategies, and raise critical funds. It’s incredibly fulfilling to partner with organizations committed to positive change and help them amplify their impact.

Throughout my career, I’ve been passionate about redefining professionalism—challenging outdated norms and embracing authenticity, empathy, and creativity. I believe in creating environments where people can bring their whole selves to work. That’s a message I continue to share in my personal content on LinkedIn, where I connect with others, spark conversations, and encourage professionals to rewrite the rules on their own terms.

Ultimately, my story is one of persistence, reinvention, and staying true to my values. It’s messy and beautifully imperfect—but every twist and turn has shaped the leader I am today.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

Absolutely not—it’s been a road full of twists, potholes, and the occasional detour. But those challenges have shaped me into the person and professional I am today.

One of the earliest and most profound obstacles was my type-1 diabetes (T1D) diagnosis at 20. Suddenly, I was thrown into a world where I had to manage a chronic condition for life. Learning how to advocate for myself—especially when doctors dismissed my symptoms—was tough, but it also sparked a fire in me. It taught me resilience and resourcefulness, skills I now carry into every aspect of my life.

Career-wise, the road has been anything but straightforward. Leaving traditional roles to start my own custom cake shop was one of the biggest risks I’ve ever taken. While it was creatively fulfilling, the realities of entrepreneurship brought challenges like managing operations, juggling finances, and learning through trial and error. But that experience gave me a toolkit I wouldn’t trade—one that makes me a more agile, thoughtful strategist today.

Another challenge has been navigating the invisible expectations of what it means to be “professional.” I’ve always felt like a bit of a misfit, not fitting neatly into traditional molds. Whether it’s advocating for tattoos in the workplace or pushing for more inclusive leadership styles, challenging these norms hasn’t always been easy. But I’ve learned that being true to myself and encouraging others to do the same creates the most meaningful work and relationships.

Parenthood has also added another layer of complexity. Balancing being present with my two young children while building my career has been both beautiful and chaotic. There’s no magic formula—just a lot of grace, a lot of teamwork with my husband, and a commitment to staying true to our values as a family.

Through it all, the biggest lesson I’ve learned is that no road is ever smooth. The key is embracing the detours, finding strength in the challenges, and staying curious about where the journey might take you next.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?

As a Senior Account Director at Media Cause, I help non-profit clients amplify their impact through strategic communications, marketing campaigns, and fundraising initiatives. My work sits at the intersection of creativity and strategy—blending storytelling with data-driven insights to engage audiences meaningfully. I’m proud to have a career that spans leadership roles in social impact and agency spaces, working with organizations that are committed to creating positive change.

Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to lead campaigns for some incredible organizations. One standout project was with Spotify Social Impact, where I collaborated with their team to develop strategies that aligned their platform with causes that mattered to their users. The campaign focused on elevating underrepresented voices and empowering communities through music and storytelling. It was an amazing opportunity to connect Spotify’s brand values with social impact, showing how purpose-driven work can thrive within a global, consumer-focused platform.

In addition to Spotify, I’ve developed comprehensive communications frameworks, social media strategies, and content roadmaps for a range of non-profits and mission-driven clients. These projects have ranged from advocacy initiatives to public health campaigns and education programs, allowing me to sharpen my expertise across different sectors. One thing I love is working on complex projects that require both creative ideation and operational precision—bringing innovative ideas to life while ensuring that every detail is executed flawlessly.

I’m also known for fostering inclusive team cultures and empowering others through mentorship. Helping junior talent grow has always been important to me, and I take pride in creating collaborative environments where everyone feels valued. I believe that the best work comes from people who feel comfortable bringing their whole selves to the table—whether that means celebrating differences, embracing quirks, or sharing diverse perspectives.

What sets me apart is my ability to navigate non-linear career paths. Running my own cake shop, for example, taught me how to balance creativity with operations—skills I still use today. These diverse experiences have given me the versatility to approach problems from multiple angles and develop strategies that are both innovative and practical.

What I’m most proud of is the real-world impact of my work. Whether I’m helping non-profits raise critical funds or guiding a brand like Spotify toward meaningful social impact, every project is an opportunity to drive change. At the heart of it all, my work is about building partnerships, telling powerful stories, and creating a future where organizations can thrive while making the world better for everyone.

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?

One surprising thing is that I once owned a custom cake shop and even appeared on the TV show Cake Boss! It was one of the most unexpected but rewarding chapters of my life. Running the shop taught me so much about entrepreneurship—balancing creativity with operations, managing a business, and understanding customer needs on a whole new level. It also sparked my passion for turning big, bold ideas into reality, which has carried over into my work today.

Another fun fact: my family and I have fostered 16 puppies (and counting!). Each one brought its own unique personality and challenges, but the experience has been incredibly rewarding. It’s a way for us to give back, bring joy into our home, and embrace a bit of chaos along the way. These experiences help keep me grounded and remind me of the importance of compassion in everything I do—whether at work or in life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://polite.carbonmade.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tineymarie/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinemariepolite/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@politepov