We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Chris Christie a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Chris, appreciate you joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

I will never forget that night. It was a Thursday, and I was sitting in Hospice, watching the Patriots with my older brother—my hero. We had done this countless times, cheering and cursing together over every play. But this time was different. I was watching, and he was taking his last breath.

The Patriots made an incredible catch, and the play went under review. I turned to him and asked, “Can you believe it?” But he was gone.

The next morning, still lost in the shock, I came across a statistic. It said that 86% of people in nursing homes share something in common—they all have regrets about things they didn’t do. That was my brother. He was the kind of man who gave everything to others but never found the time for the adventures he wanted for himself.

Later that day, scrolling through my social media feed, I grew frustrated. Social media had become something I hated. The negativity, the divisiveness, the feeling that someone was always watching—it didn’t feel right. But the truth is, I still loved what it could be. Social media connects people. Some of my closest friends are people I’ve never even met in person, and that’s a gift.

That was the moment it hit me. I had found my life’s work. I was going to create a new social media platform—one that stripped away the toxicity and negativity, one that would inspire people to chase their dreams, their adventures. To live without regrets.

My brother had inspired me throughout his life, and now he was inspiring me even after his.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m Chris Christie—an entrepreneur, visionary, and coach, but above all, I’m someone deeply committed to living a life of service. My journey has been filled with both successes and failures, but each experience has shaped me into who I am today, and my mission is clear: I want to make a difference in the lives of others.

When people ask me what my goal with The Mill is, my answer is simple. I want to cry every day, knowing that I’ve impacted someone’s life in a way that’s so profound it brings me to tears. I’ve been inspired by the people who meant the most to me—my mom and my older brother—both of whom passed away with a list of missed adventures. Their lives, though full of love and sacrifice, were also marked by unfulfilled dreams. That’s what drives me. I want to make sure that others don’t live with the same regrets.

The Mill is the vehicle I’m using to help people live their adventures now, while they can. Whether it’s something as simple as a walk in the woods or a lifelong dream to travel the world, I’m here to help make those dreams more accessible and to build a community where we can share and celebrate those adventures together.

I couldn’t do this alone. I’m supported every step of the way by my older sister, my son, and my wife—my lifelong adventure partner. Together, we’re on a mission to inspire people to live their own adventures today, so that tomorrow is filled with stories, not regrets.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was the idea that everything had to happen on my schedule. I used to lack patience, expecting people to move at my pace and respond when it was convenient for me. If I didn’t get a quick response, I’d assume they’d lost interest or weren’t as committed as I was. It created a lot of unnecessary stress in my life, and ultimately led to failed businesses, missed opportunities, and even lost friendships.

It wasn’t until I slowed down and started valuing the process—whether it was waiting for others or giving myself time—that things changed for the better. I began to appreciate not just my own time, but that of others as well. I started respecting other people’s concerns and opinions and became more open to new ideas and adventures. It’s been a dramatic shift, and for the first time in a long time, I feel like I’m truly living a life of purpose. That simple adjustment—learning to be patient—has made all the difference.

Any advice for managing a team?

My approach to managing a team is rooted in one key principle: don’t just manage—lead. In today’s world, it’s essential for leaders to genuinely value their employees and create a positive, supportive environment. Studies consistently show how important it is for team members to feel appreciated and empowered in their roles.

My management style, which has worked for over 40 years, is straightforward. The person directly beneath me has one main responsibility: to make me look good. Now, that might sound self-serving at first glance, but here’s the real philosophy behind it. My role, in return, is to create an environment where they feel safe, encouraged, appreciated, and equipped with all the tools they need to thrive. When they succeed, I succeed—and that mindset filters down through every level of leadership.

By focusing on building a supportive and collaborative team mentality, you not only boost morale but also foster a culture of shared success. This creates a strong, unified team where everyone is working toward the same goal. It’s a proven approach that has helped me maintain high morale and achieve lasting success.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thecharactermill.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecharactermill/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecharactermill
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-christie-22402044/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thecharactermill