We were lucky to catch up with Chris Cullen recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Chris, thanks for joining us today. Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?

The moment that changed the trajectory of my career, and life, came in the form of a gnarly ski fall. For 6 months I was trying to fight this nagging voice inside telling me to leave the company I was with after 11 great years. As I was interviewing for my 5th promotion, I kept feeling this tug to look another direction. As I fought against it, a ski fall forcing me to sit still for 8 weeks, rehab/pt for 18 months, and learn to move my shoulder with 7 screws in it helped me remove distractions and force myself to answer the important questions. What do I want in life? Who am I here to serve? What is my true purpose? When I was forced to sit still, I was able to gain clarity. I took the jump into starting my own speaking and coaching business and haven’t looked back since.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Chris Cullen, founder of Win Within and author of I Get To: Change Your Words, Change Your Life. My path began as a Division 1 baseball captain at Michigan State before spending three years in the minor leagues. From there, I built an 11-year career in MedTech with Stryker, leading teams across the U.S. and Canada and generating over $100M in sales. Along the way I became a two-time Ironman finisher, which shaped my belief that better thoughts create better outcomes.

Today I work with leaders, athletes, and organizations to strengthen mindset, identity, and culture. My clients range from Fortune 500 companies such as Genentech, Eli Lilly, Marriott, Jersey Mike’s, Qualtrics, and Stryker to the University of Georgia softball program. Through books, coaching, and workshops I provide tools that help people build resilience, confidence, and perspective so they can sustain performance without losing themselves in the process.

What makes my work unique is that it comes directly from lived experience rather than abstract theory. I have been in the trenches of chasing outcomes, leading high-pressure teams, and rebuilding perspective when things did not go as planned. I am most proud that my message has helped people reframe challenges by shifting from “I have to” into I get to. My mission is to help people win within so they can lead themselves with clarity and bring their best to their work, their teams, and their lives.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

Every leader needs a follower. In order to ask a follower to truly follow you, you must lead with vulnerability and openness. Humans like raw, unedited, and authentic connection. We don’t thrive on fear based motivation.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Going from an Ironman to having 7 screws in my shoulder and rehabbing for 18 months taught me to be resilient. The day to day pains and struggles of fighting for mobility, strength, and basic function taught me to pursue the larger picture and take care of the little things day to day.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://chriscullen.com/
• Instagram: chriscullen_c3
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriscullenmindset/