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

Hi Chris, thanks for joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

The biggest risks I’ve taken in my life revolve around leaving places, roles, and organizations when things are going well.

When my wife and I decided to leave Tulsa, Oklahoma, my wife was a nurse, and I was a banker. She had grown up in Oklahoma and wanted a change of scene.

She asked me if I wanted to travel the country with her while she did a travel nursing contract. I hated my job and had no prospects for work, but I was ready for change.

When my regional manager discovered my plans, she said, “You know this won’t do anything for your résumé, right?” Years later, she admitted she was wrong.

I was teaching dance on the side and wanted to make that more of my main work, so I decided to take the time we were traveling to get certified in fitness. After a few travel contracts, we ended up in the Bay Area, California, where I was introduced to corporate wellness. At the time, this industry was unique to Silicon Valley, and had we not taken this risk, I would’ve never pivoted to this industry that I’ve spent the past nine years in.

This experience taught me a valuable lesson.

A concept from thought leader Whitney Johnson in her book Disrupt Yourself is that you should not wait until you pass your peak in experience and knowledge to jump to your next learning curve. It’s better to do it when you’re the most skilled and motivated, and everything is going well. The risk is higher, but your chances of success in your new role or venture are higher as well.

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 am a movement teacher and life coach. My why is to help others live from their souls.

My Coaching motto is you can say yes to your ambition without losing yourself in the process.

I accomplish that with my clients by integrating movement, mind-body, and creative practices with traditional life, coaching workshops, and 1:1 sessions.

The clients I primarily serve are high-achieving people of color and corporate roles.

The problem I helped my clients solve is prioritizing their mental health, well-being, and relationships while still maintaining excellent work.

I created my framework and practices because I was trying to solve something for myself. I was overworked and trying to find practices for me. As I learned more skills and shared what I learned, I realized that others also needed it.

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

A lesson I had to unlearn as people pleasing. As an Afro-Latino man of color and a preacher’s kid who has worked primarily in corporate roles, I had to learn how to blend in, be a chameleon, and Shapeshifter fit in any environment.

Adaptability is an excellent quality, but sometimes, I mute my voice to not rock the boat. I hide my anger and frustration with others, and I do not communicate my need for boundaries around work and responsibilities. When I stopped people-pleasing, I lost a crowd of clients, colleagues, and friends around me. What I gained were more quality clients, deeper relationships, and a better relationship with myself.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

Besides training and knowledge, the most important thing is discovering your why.

My role and industry can change. I could flip burgers, wash cars, or drive a garbage truck, but the intention behind how I serve people and show up for myself will remain the same.

In your life and career, what you do and how you do it is not as important as the meaning behind why you do it.

For myself, this is what it means to live from your soul.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://coachchrisrodriguez.com
• Instagram: coach_chrisrodriguez
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coachchrisrodriguez
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coach-chris-rodriguez-306b265/
• Other: https://coachchrisrodriguez.com/links/https://coachchrisrodriguez.com/podcast/ (Soulfully You Podcast)

Image Credits

Instagram @shooterjonesmedia for the picture parade picture of me dancing with my son in the carrier.