Why Confidence is Important in Business with Author & Speaker, Christin Collins
Welcome to another episode of “Dream Job with Danielle Cobo”!
Today, I am blessed to be joined by Christin Collins.
Christin Collins is a magnetic, thought-provoking influencer inspiring thousands to connect with their purpose, ultimate joy and love. As a former health care executive, she thought that she was doing everything she could to live a vibrant and healthy life; still her health struggled.
Her relentless pursuit to improve herself has led her to open her heart to the world and share the lessons she has learned along the way - from better health and healing, to connecting people through her creative charity and community involvement.
In her new book, Christin takes us on her non-traditional journey to uncover the root cause of her ailments. Along the way, she discovers that knowing and loving herself is essential to good health, and the foundation for optimal well-being.
“I don't want to work with someone that doesn't want to work with authentic me" – Christin Collins
Listen on iTunes, Spotify, and YouTube https://www.daniellecobo.com/podcast
Highlights
💫 1:53 A little about Christin's career journey
💫 5:06 Some advice for finding your purpose
💫 9:05 How Christin found the things that bring her joy
💫 15:11 The benefits of being open to different opportunities
💫 22:30 Why it is important to have people around that think differently than you
💫 24:04 Three takeaways from today's conversation
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Finding Your Purpose Amidst Challenges and Uncertainties
You know, I think the pandemic really shifted a lot of things within our life, obviously, you know, we've never been through a shutdown before. It's been over 100 years since we've had a pandemic. And really understanding that a lot of people just kind of sat back and said, What do we want in life? What excites me? What do I not like doing? And I know that I was one of those people as well. You know, when the pandemic hit, my husband was only home from his deployment for three months. And I knew I wanted to do something, but I didn't know what it was. And when I left corporate America and I can relate 100% with what you're saying, it was scary. I mean, you're used to this steady paycheck, you're used to health benefits and 401k and all these, I say luxuries now, because I had to go out and buy my own company car. But what it really came down to – is I took inventory of what I enjoyed about my job, and what I didn't like – and it really came down to what you're saying, which is that purpose.
And my purpose is I want to make an impact. I want women to see they have a power inside them that they get to pursue their dreams, that really begin to step into this career – their dream career. So tell me a little bit about how you really understand what your purpose is. Because I can tell you my journey took a little while. I had some insecurities, definitely, through this journey. But it really took other people saying, okay, you need to do this. So tell me a little bit about how you found your purpose.
Sure, and I think the theme for today is definitely going to be, “it's not a step 123. It's a light switch, it's a pill you can pop.” The journey to knowing who you are and knowing your why is something that takes some time. And first is defining who you're not. That's, I think, easier to do. It's like, I don't care for this part of my world, my role, my company; but then also to be sitting quietly with self and contemplating and not acting or reacting or doing, but actually just by being present and being mindful about your experience in real-time. And not chasing it as a distraction, but instead actually being present with all of the different emotions, discomforts, joys that come with life, and particularly in this conversation with your job.
So when I knew that I was coming to a close with my corporate role at the, I didn't just jump. I didn't just walk away from all those beautiful benefits that you just mentioned, it was definitely a transition. But as time evolved, and I sat quietly with myself and contemplated and meditated and connected with nature, and journaled, it became clear some of those core values that were really bubbling up as what was really important to me and how I wanted to spend much more professional time in that space. And then, like you said, it's been over 100 years since we had a pandemic, I would have never guessed that an opportunity would have come for me to go ahead and make that exit. If you asked me, you know, in February two years ago, I would have never come up with this answer. So I really encourage folks to sit in the discomfort of the quiet and plug in with who you are and journal what comes up. And slowly but surely, you'll start attracting opportunities that may be more in alignment with your purpose.
That is spot on, and so much of what I was experiencing as well. And you face just how life changes and you get these moments to sit and be present. I never would have thought that I went from being a diamond Delta member, you know, high platinum member with Mary eyes, but 250 nights in a hotel one year. I never would have thought that I would go from that to now it's I don't even know last time I packed my suitcase, which was interesting. I'm actually really excited to get back in the field. But when I had those moments to sit and be present, and really reflect back and say, “What brings me the most joy?” And whether you're thinking of starting your own business or whether you still want to be in corporate, I think my journey was, I really took reflection and said, “Okay, what do I love most about my job? What do I not like?” Okay, so I don't like getting on top of people for doing their expense reports. You know, I loved when I got to partner with people and really understand like, what's their career plan. Where do they want to go? And really building it with them and linking arms with them and seeing them achieve those goals.
But you also said tapping into these emotions. Because what was really, really hard for me as a leader was putting together these career plans with people, and then people wouldn't do anything with them. And they wouldn't be accountable for them. They wouldn't take initiative on them. So it's like, Hmm, well, how do I get to still do what I love, but maybe not really work with people who just want to go for it? So when did you know in those moments where you got clarity, and you sat and said, Okay, emotionally, this is what brings me joy?
Helping People Achieve Success by Creating a Positive Company Culture
I love that analogy, and I so appreciate the question. And I'm reflecting on, you know, my year and a half journey to exiting corporate to start on my own. And like you said, you're helping people create a plan for their success, yet they weren't executing that, right? I was creating under my team that I've led an amazing culture and trajectory. It was very exciting. But I was part of a larger system over which I had almost no control. And so what started becoming very obvious to me was that frustration of it's wonderful that I'm loving on my team and we're on this trajectory, but I'm not in alignment with the overarching system goals.
And so when I really got uncomfortable with that, suddenly, this opportunity, this buyout, came through. And they gave me a six-month cushion to be able to figure it out. And it was so uncomfortable when my husband said, “You want to take the package, don't you?” And I said I do. And he says, “Well, what are you gonna go do?” And I said I don't know. It was that moment of freefalling. Not everybody can do that. I'm not suggesting that everybody does that. That is what I did. And it was in the discomfort of those six months, that an offer came through unexpectedly; all of a sudden, the phone rang, and an opportunity came through that didn't exactly make sense. But as I opened myself up to it, it was a perfect opportunity. That opportunity lasted six months.
So why I bring that into the space is to be really clear that this isn't necessarily just this skipping down, you know, with rose petals, happy, happy joy, joy, angels singing everywhere. You know, it was very interesting – moments of joy, moments of fear, a journey of growth. But in the hindsight, the theme was staying true to who I was, and what I believed in. And I knew that I wanted to own my culture. I wanted to be the decision maker on what my brand and my team represented. And then the phone rang again. And the phone rang again, and the phone rang again. And you can't make this stuff up. And so now here I sit one year after exiting my corporate job. And I am blessed to say that my income actually exceeds what I was making a year ago, and I was scared to death to walk away. But I knew that I wanted to host a culture of love, well-being, and thriving; not where I work with people that had to do. I want to attract people that want to be in that kind of culture, and that's exactly what happened.
Sounds like we're very much so in alignment when it comes to working with people that want to take that next step. And yes, owning your business – for anybody that's out there, I don't think I've cried more in one year than anywhere else in my life. And I mean, insecurities I didn't even know deep down inside just came out of nowhere. My poor husband, I can't even count how many times I've cried to him. And you know, he would sit there and coach me through and going like, “Why are you questioning yourself?”
Manifesting Opportunities
So let's talk a little bit about getting calls. Because a lot of times people are in the position where they're looking for a job, and really taking ownership of your career. And you and I have both been in a position where we've not – I guess I looked for a job when I was 23. That was when I got into sales. But since then, I've never looked for a job. They've always come to me. Same with you. You're in this position now. So let's talk a little bit about how can you manifest opportunities, and the benefits of being open to opportunities as well.
That is possibly my favorite question I've heard. I love that. I have two things I want to touch on in reference to that.
First and foremost, I am open. I'm curious about anything that crosses.
Whether I'm happy within a role or whether I'm not, when something or someone crosses, I pause and I'm open to it. I have no idea if that's something I'd be interested in, but I'm happy to have a conversation. It may be that I know someone else who would be perfect for them. It may be that I'm going to listen and be like, “Wow, that is absolutely not anything I'm interested in.” I don't know the answer. But the first and foremost is to be open. Because not everything – like I mentioned before, you know, some of the opportunities that crossed at first I was like, “That doesn't really seem like it would be a fit.” And then after some exploration, I was like, “That is amazing.” And if we tweak it in these three ways, it's a perfect fit for a chapter I didn't even know was possible. So that's number one.
And then the second thing, is it doesn't have to be all about you.
And what I mean by that is spending at least 50% of your time – as you're knowing who you are, as you're knowing what your life's purpose is, and as you're interfacing with the community – to also support and celebrate others. Sharing some information that somebody else has that blew your mind, you're like, “Wow, that's really cool.” Or, “I'm really admiring your work.” Or “Keep going.” So the other half of the question is, how are you putting yourself out there to a community that it isn't about you, but you're supporting others? And then all of a sudden you find yourself in a relationship, to have opportunities that, again, you can't even dream up because you don't even know they're out there.
Yeah, you know, and it's interesting that during the pandemic, when I started to put myself out there and just started to create posts and just share knowledge just because, I wanted to spawn and it's opened the doors to so many connections. I've met people all over the world, I've been on a podcast in Australia, multiple in the UK and Canada, and one earlier for a podcast in Canada. And, you know, the pandemic, I think, has opened the doors to creating connections all over the world. And it's just a matter of showing up and always leading with value, you've got to give more than you receive.
That's exactly it. And I'm reflecting currently, I'm very blessed that I have three corporations that I consult for, of which all three call me, right, I didn't have a portfolio to hand them a checklist of this is what I do. Or this is what I could do for you. But all three of them were aware of who I was as a person and some of my successes from the past. And I do something similar for all three yet unique with all three. So to your point, when you're putting your content out there, your thoughts out there, your heart, and yourself out there, it's not only helping you grow and better understand what you have to say and what's important to you; but then you're attracting entities that might reach out and then you can co-create an opportunity that's a win-win for all parties.
Knowing Yourself and Carrying the Right Attitude Towards Success
And, you know, it's one of the things I work with my clients with – if you want doors to open for you, then you need to put yourself out there and be vulnerable. And don't worry about other people's judgments. Who cares? There are enough people in the world where – there's gonna be people that are going to like you and there's gonna be people that don't like you. And I'm gonna surround myself with the people that like me and for the people that don't like what I put out there, that book or whatever. I definitely gave up on the fear of judgment and as well as comparison because comparing yourself to others is really just the thief of joy. And so when I work with my client, it’s put yourself out there, develop your brand; because if you want opportunities to come to you, you've got to put yourself out there, you've got to show people what you're worth.
And what you've just said is the whole foundation, right? Put yourself out there know who you are, and be comfortable in your own skin. Think about someone you know, who's just happy with who they are, and how attractive that is, right? And it's like how calming. And they might not be the most physically attractive or they might not have all the acronyms after their name, but if they're comfortable with who they are, then the second thing that just bubbled up for me is this shift. And not only do I do this, but when I am working with folks, I hold space for them to discover this. You know, I don't want to be working with someone that doesn't want to work with authentic me. To your point, I don't work for everyone, right? I'm a very unique human, you're a very unique human. I want to work with people that want what I bring to them. I don't want to wake up every day like, “Oh, God, what do I have to do today?” And you know, it's just swimming upstream like a salmon and it's exhausting. Instead, when I'm connecting with a potential opportunity, I am equally vetting. Do I want to work with them? Is that a culture? Is that a person that I want to be spending a lot of time with? Because the energy-suck? I know I'm done. Not interested.
The Three T’s For Hiring
Yes. So when I was a hiring manager for a fortune 500 company, and I was hiring people, I always put together these three T's.
I was in sales, so obviously we had territories across the nation. So I was hiring based on the territory, what were the immediate needs of that territory? Was it a territory where there were key opinion leaders and I needed somebody very experienced with relationships in the area? Or was it new emerging territory and I could take a little bit of a risk and get somebody new in that's just excited and eager and wants to put themselves out there?
And the other one was the team – understanding what are the needs of the team. What are the strengths? Where are the opportunities? Where are they? Where's the gap? And how are they going to align with the culture?
My third t is time. Can I sit in the car with this individual for eight hours on field code travel and actually look forward to spending time with them? Because you spend more time at work than you do at home. It's so important that you enjoy the people you work with.
So those are my three T's for hiring. Those are awesome hot tips. I absolutely love it. And you know, it's that feeling. It's, again, does this person know who they are? Are they comfortable in their own skin? Are they representing in a way just to get the job for the money, or for the fame, or whatever it is? And finding to your point, that authenticity. I want a diverse population around me that isn't just going to yes to me for the sake of promotion, or you know, accolades. I actually love being in space and in a community with people who think differently than me, and who are comfortable with having conversations about, “Hey, I respect what you just said. I heard you, I completely see it a different way. Can I explain that to you?” And I welcome the difference, because if I just had all the answers, then why do I need to work with anyone else, right? I want to be able to work with others so that I can grow, and I can assimilate some of their thoughts. Or maybe I just do a whole one ad from being in the community with them.
Yes, and sometimes the biggest mistake – I'm sure I was like this in the very beginning as a new emerging leader – is hiring people like yourself. And what I found over the years was – and people always asked me, I think I've only heard one person with industry experience. Everybody else over seven years never had industry experience. And they said I want different perspectives. You know, we were, I wanted somebody with strong business acumen. I want somebody with social media skills. I wanted a diverse team because we get to learn, we can challenge people. I don't have all the answers right? And no one person on the team has all the answers. It's a matter of us coming together and holding each other high, and as a team supporting each other up. So what are three things that you'd like our audience to take away from our conversation today?
How to Gain the Confidence and the Right Attitudes to Achieve Success
I think first and foremost, the number one which could actually be number 123 is honestly taking the time to know who you are and understanding that every single human alive, we have a unique purpose. I mean, you and I have very similar purposes. But we also have a very definite separation in our purpose. So the number one takeaway is when you're wanting to attract your dream job, know who you are, and be comfortable with your passions, your values, and your talent set. If there's something you want to change, change it; but just know that you don't have all of the talents and all of the answers, just know who you are.
The second thing that I'd love the audience to take away is to be open. Be open to new experiences. I won't take you through the last five roles I've had professionally because there have been at least five if not more, and they're so different. And the theme though, with all five, was that if you had asked me as a college undergrad, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” I promise you, I didn't even know these five things were jobs. So it was by being open that I was able to cross with these opportunities that I was like, “Oh my gosh, that sounds interesting. I'm gonna give that a try.” So be open to endless possibilities that you haven't even imagined.
Third, and extremely important as a takeaway, is don't make it all about you. Whether you're connecting in an interview situation and you decide, “Hey, do I want to work here?” Not, “Oh, my gosh, I need this job. I want this job. I want that title. I want that paycheck.” You know, really step back and be like, “Is this the right culture for me?” You're interviewing them as much as they're interviewing you. But then also not making it all about you is knowing who you are and is wonderful. Putting it out authentically is wonderful, but also being in community with others and celebrating others, and supporting others; because it's from community that we find opportunities that we didn't even know existed.
That is great advice. And yes, interviewing is like dating. And then when you sign the offer letter, it's up. It's like a marriage. Marriage is for a lifetime, but it is dating for the long term. And you get to interview the company as much as they're interviewing you. So knowing that going into the interview really says the value that you have, because a lot of people go in and say, “I just want the job.” But what if you don't like it?
