Christie Mims is the Founder and CEO of The Revolutionary Club, the number one destination for smart women who are unwilling to settle for anything less than career happiness. Compassionate, caring, and a little kick-ass, Christie is here to make sure that you love what you do (note: life is too short not to love what you do). A certified professional coach and recovering consultant with a background in working for Fortune 500 companies, Christie has been there, done that, and worn those uncomfortable shoes. She has dispensed career advice for Forbes, LearnVest, Brazen Careerist, Yahoo! and many more; and she can be seen speaking at the University of VA, The Daily Muse, Women for Hire, The US Army, and at a variety of other organizations.
Why is career transition so important?Christie says we treat our jobs as Disney treats love. That is not really the case, though. Your career is something that is going to span 50+ years. When you enjoy your work, you tend to live a healthier and longer life. The more we invest in our careers, the happier we are in our careers.
What is the #1 thing that holds people back in making a career change?Fear holds people back. Fear of failure, of not liking your new choice of career. Most people let the fear seep in and talk ourselves out of this big change. Sometimes it is easier to stay stuck than to make a change.
What can people do to overcome their fear?The best way to conquer your fears is to find a sense of community. Once you know that others feel the same and you get to talk about your fears and feel normal about it, it can help you face your fears. Also, get expert support and a plan. If you knew the answers, you would do it. So, let someone guide you towards getting over your fears.
What is the career happiness revolution?When you find your passion, you are reconnecting with who you really are, which we tend to cover up by our safe jobs. When you stop following everyone else, it is a revolution. It can feel like you are shaking up your life. The revolution club is a space where people can talk honestly about their careers. She believes that if we can change the talk about work, we can change people’s lives.
What are the benefits of your free program, New Year, New Career, No Fear?After taking this program, students have said they found their passion or asked their boss for a raise. People said they have never felt better in their careers. There is no better time to be thinking about your career. The economy is finally getting better. Companies are changing their structures to allow for more freedom.
What is your favorite career success story?After a change in the way she thought and a career shift, one of Christie’s students is now an environmental engineer and she says she would never have had the courage to do it without the course. She did not believe it was possible. Another student is going to make more money in his own business than he is now and has a year of work already lined up.
Interview Links