We were lucky to catch up with Christie Harrison recently and have shared our conversation below.
Christie, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear from you about what you think Corporate America gets wrong in your industry and why it matters.
One of the primary missteps corporate America continues to make lies in its approach to professional development. There’s often a one-size-fits-all strategy that overlooks the unique skills and potential of individual employees. In my over two decades in corporate environments, I observed a stark lack of tailored development programs that cater to the specific growth needs of each individual. This neglect can stifle potential and reduce overall job satisfaction, which is why at Core Performance 38:16, we emphasize personalized development plans that truly resonate with and benefit the individual, helping them advance in their careers in meaningful ways.
Another significant issue is the persistence of outdated corporate norms, particularly the attitude of “this is how it’s always been done.” This mindset hinders innovation and adaptability, key components that drive a company forward in today’s fast-paced world. Businesses need to challenge the status quo and embrace new methodologies that reflect the dynamic nature of the market and workforce. Leaders should be at the forefront of this change, advocating for and implementing strategies that foster a more flexible and responsive corporate culture.
Lastly, the effectiveness of leadership within any organization is pivotal. Too often, leaders are selected based on their tenure or senior-level experience alone, without ensuring they truly understand the roles of those they manage. Corporate America would greatly benefit from requiring leaders to have hands-on experience in the positions of their teams. Furthermore, annual training in ethics, communication, and leadership should be mandatory to cultivate leaders who are not only effective in their roles but are also moral and ethical stewards of the company’s culture and values. As the founder of Core Performance 38:16, I started my own business to address these gaps directly, aiming to transform leadership and corporate practices for the better.
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 the founder of Core Performance 38:16, a consulting firm dedicated to professional and personal development. My journey into this industry began through a mix of personal experiences and professional progression. As a teen mom who pushed through college to eventually earn a master’s degree in public policy and administration, I learned the value of resilience and self-belief early on. My career path led me from entry-level clerical positions to becoming the chief of staff for an elected official, experiencing firsthand the impact of effective leadership and the pitfalls of inadequate management. These experiences sparked my passion for coaching and led me to establish my own business to foster meaningful change.
At Core Performance 38:16, we offer a range of services aimed at enhancing professional growth and organizational effectiveness. Our offerings include 1:1 coaching, leadership training, strategic planning assistance, and team-building activities, all tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients. We believe that personal and professional development should be accessible and customized, not one-size-fits-all. This belief sets us apart, as we strive to understand and address the specific challenges and goals of each client, helping them to not only envision and believe in their potential but to actively achieve it.
What I am most proud of is the genuine impact our work has on individuals and teams. Each positive feedback and success story from our clients reaffirms that our approach—focusing on individual strengths, fostering leadership skills, and promoting ethical practices—truly makes a difference. For potential clients, followers, or fans learning about us for the first time, I want them to know that at Core Performance 38:16, we are committed to their growth. Our motto, “Envision It. Believe It. Achieve It,” encapsulates our mission to guide them towards realizing their utmost potential, both personally and professionally.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
The decision to pivot from a secure corporate position to founding Core Performance 38:16 was both a professional and personal turning point. For over 10 years, I had nurtured the dream of starting my own coaching and consulting firm, a vision fueled by my experiences and passion for helping others realize their potential. Despite this aspiration, the security of a steady paycheck and the familiarity of corporate life held me back.
In 2020, I founded Core Performance 38:16, but it wasn’t until 2024 that we began accepting customers. This delay was largely due to the extremely toxic work environment I endured in my previous role, which involved emotional abuse, constructive discharge, harassment, and verbal abuse. This situation not only challenged my mental health but also strained my interactions with my family. It became painfully clear that a change was not just necessary but inevitable.
Pivoting into my own business required significant adjustments. The transition from a known, albeit hostile, work environment to the uncertainty of entrepreneurship tested my resilience and demanded rapid adaptation and learning. I had to build a client base from nothing, develop new skills, and shift my professional identity entirely. Embracing this change allowed me to align my work with my values and truly commit to the principles I teach—vision, belief, and action. Today, I look back on this pivotal moment as a crucial step towards fulfilling my personal dream and making a positive impact on others, affirming the need for and value of the change I embraced.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
A pivotal story that illustrates my resilience unfolded during my transition from corporate America to entrepreneurship—a journey marked by both personal and professional challenges.
As a single mother early in my life, I faced the daunting task of balancing parenthood, work, and education simultaneously. I pushed through to earn my master’s degree, which was an uphill battle involving countless sacrifices and moments of doubt. However, the real test of my resilience came later, when I decided to leave the security of a corporate job to start Core Performance 38:16.
This decision was prompted by a toxic work environment that took a toll on my mental health and family life. I was subjected to emotional abuse, harassment, and verbal abuse, which made my daily work life unbearable. Despite the fear of losing financial stability, I knew I had to make a change for my well-being and to restore my sense of purpose.
The transition was far from smooth. Leaving a high-profile position as Chief of Staff, where I was well-known and respected, led to an identity crisis. Overnight, I went from a powerful position to feeling invisible, struggling to identify with my new role as an entrepreneur with zero income. This shift was compounded by the pressure of being my own marketing agent, establishing a business without investors or working capital, relying solely on our savings—which weren’t originally earmarked for this venture.
I faced financial pressures, the challenge of building a client base from scratch, and the steep learning curve of entrepreneurship. However, I relied on the same resilience that saw me through my early years as a teen mom. I kept my vision clear, believed in my ability to make a difference, and took actionable steps every day towards building the business I had envisioned.
This journey of resilience not only allowed me to escape a harmful work environment but also enabled me to thrive in a role that aligns with my values and passion for helping others. It’s a testament to the idea that with resilience, vision, and determination, overcoming even the most daunting challenges is possible.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.coreperformance3816.com
- Instagram: @christieiscp3816
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558885407584
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/core-performance-38-16/
