Today we’d like to introduce you to Christine Riley VanDerVort.
Hi Christine Riley, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
If I were to tell you, “something about myself,” it would be a Netflix series with 10 Seasons, covering every genre: comedy, drama, horror and a sprinkle of sci-fi. My story began as so many have – humble beginnings raised by a single Mom, complicated family dynamics, on my own at age 17, and dreams realized and unrealized. My life experiences have covered: a premature child with disabilities; a challenging marriage, the loss of my mother; the loss of my father; the betrayal of people I trusted; heartbreak; losing everything and rebuilding from scratch; accepting at a very young age that no one was ever coming to rescue me; letting go of friends and family who became strangers; and looking in the mirror and not recognizing myself. I learned so many lessons and grew into a better person. Through it all, I’m so grateful to be here and to continue my dance with life.
In 2009 I came to San Diego from Philadelphia with 5 suitcases of clothes; 1 local best friend with an extra room; 1 copy of “Eat, Pray, Love,” from a male friend; 1 broken heart; 1 broken spirit; and 1 crate full of emotional baggage. All I knew was that the pain of what I was going through exceeded the pain of making a change. With the love and support of many East Coast and West Coast friends, San Diego’s fresh air and sunshine, long walks on the beach, a LOT of therapy, and good old-fashioned hard work, I built a new career as a CA paralegal and human resources professional and, most importantly, found happiness and peace in my life.
As far back as I can remember, I’ve had a passion for being an advocate and a natural ability to hear unspoken words and feel what others are feeling. My life experiences and gut instincts have allowed me to connect with people in an unfiltered, direct, and truthful way. Whether I am coaching business owners on navigating human resources concerns or mentoring fellow human resources professionals on building credibility with their legal teams, there is no greater feeling for me than to support them and see them succeed. Far too many times, I’ve seen, and experienced myself, the toll it takes on people when there is a lack of communication, support, compassion, and human connection. After 15 years in San Diego, I’m now building a consulting practice that not only empowers small business owners to better understand themselves, their teams and manage their risks but one that also helps HR professionals improve their credibility and get their seat at the leadership table.
Advice: Don’t let life break you. Honor the friends who stay. Embrace the pivot. Come what may, be grateful. Learn to love yourself. Forgive, but remember the lesson. Read, read, read! Dance, dance, dance! Journal, journal, journal! Treat people with dignity and respect, especially yourself. Trust that the hardest decisions turn out to be the best decisions.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has been a winding road of cobblestones, tree roots and boulders! It has been an interesting trek through the deepest, darkest parts of the forest, and I wouldn’t change it. Without the struggles, I would not be the same – I would not have the perspective, growth, or grateful heart that I have right now. A few of the struggles are mentioned in my answer to “Tell Us About Yourself.”
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a legal professional (Paralegal) with expertise and a passion for leadership coaching, training & mentoring and employee & labor relations. I am known for my grit and directness served with healthy sprinkles of grace and compassion. Leaders can be challenging because their focus is typically on performance and bottom lines. I reminder them that without their people there would be no performance or bottom lines. 🙂 I am most proud of my work coaching, training and mentoring HR professionals on building credibility and working with leaders and small business owners on how to navigate the complexities of workplace relationships, HR, performance and cohesive teams. What sets me apart is that my legal background helps me bridge the relationships between legal and HR professionals. They don’t speak the same language, and I would consider myself a kind of “interpreter.”
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
My advice to young and seasoned professionals to have more than one mentor, different cultural backgrounds, different age groups, and even different professions. Having a variety of mentors helps you expand your perspectives and emotional intelligence in both depth and breadth. For example, I have had mentors with more experience in the HR fields who know the rules of road for building relationships and navigating difficult relationships with senior leaders. I have also had mentors who are legal professionals (attorneys, paralegals and legal secretaries) – each has a different perspective and approach to leadership issues and concerns, as well as case management and trial preparation. Then there is the business coach who helps me focus on my goals, challenges me to step outside my comfort zone, and ensures that I put my best foot forward with new clients and business contacts. One size does not fit all when it comes to mentors. It’s important to first get to know the person(s) you value, respect and admire before asking them if they would like to be your mentor. As with any relationship, choose your mentors wisely. You want someone who is respected, has integrity and is successful, both professionally and personally.
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Image Credits
myself.
