Are you feeling trapped in a career or life path that no longer brings you joy? Do you yearn to rediscover your true purpose and live a life filled with authenticity? If so, then meet Christine Passo, our inspiring March Diverse Hampton Roads Featured Member for the Diverse Hampton Roads Member Featured Member Spotlight Series – a monthly showcase highlighting our valued subscribed members!
Christine, a passionate life coach, knows firsthand the challenges mid-career women face as they grapple with feelings of unfulfillment. Join us as we delve into Christine's story and discover the life-changing strategies she uses to empower women to break free from self-doubt and embrace their most fulfilling selves.
Christine Passo, LLC
Business Owner: Christine Passo
Type of Business: Life Coach For Women
Location: Norfolk Virginia, and Virtual
Website: https://www.christinepasso.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christinepasso_lifecoach
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-passo-665a70a/
What inspired you to start your business? Share your unique vision or motivation.
I thought the possibility of becoming a solopreneur was out of my reach. I fantasized about getting out of the corporate rat race of imposter syndrome but I never imagined it would be my life. THIS was the beginning and end of the limited beliefs I had for myself and my abilities.
I spent 4.5 decades living a life I was expected to live. I completed goals for myself such as graduating from both high school and college but overall, I was following a path drawn out for me via expectations. Having graduated with a Social Work degree from UMBC, I knew I wanted to make a difference in people’s lives. Somewhere between graduation and the next two years, I ended up doing anything but service-oriented work of impact. I spent the next two-plus decades engaging in a career that never satisfied my inner need to be helpful to others. Nearly emotionally bottoming out and getting laid off were the catalysts I needed before choosing to make changes in myself. I began saying yes to all the things I’d previously said no to and answered myself honestly in the mirror every day. I hired a coach to guide me through all the parts I was too blind to see and literally turned my life into the dream I’d never thought possible. For me, it was about knowing I had more potential and realizing I deserved to see it through.I had been coaching people throughout my entire life as a team player in sports, coworker, and friend. Guiding others to see through their struggles which led them to a happier and more fulfilling life wasn’t only a passion of mine but a gift I was born with. Becoming a life coach for women and opening my own business was THE only vision I had.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced as a diverse business owner and how did you overcome them?
Call me naive but the only challenge or barrier I face as any type of a business owner is myself. There are millions of things that could potentially get in my way but nothing as prominent as me getting in my own way. The moment I stop believing in myself is the moment all the barriers appear.
Describe your products or services in a way that showcases your unique perspective or offering.
I am a life purpose and transformation coach for mid-career women. I inspire women who feel lost and unclear about their lives and guide them back to the organic side of themselves that’s always been there. I focus on authenticity because when you celebrate your unapologetic authentic self, you accept all sides of yourself from every angle to candidly believe in who you are, what you stand for, and what excites you. I wholeheartedly believe in people living their truth which equates to low judgment, always seeing the silver lining, and unequivocally knowing their importance in this life.
I coach my clients to embrace all their emotions versus masking how they really feel. I encourage them to show up in a manner that speaks to them versus performing for others. I know the feelings that surround the need to impress to say the “right” things and be who you're expected to be. I coach practices that teach the exact opposite so you always live in alignment with your beliefs and actions.
How do you aim to make a positive impact on your community or industry?
I believe in living and leading by example. I’m a work in progress for the rest of my life, just like the rest of us, and I make myself answer to my actions every day. Offering value to everyone is more important to me than what my W-2 says. Several months ago, I read the book “The Go-Giver” and it solidified my goal and purpose. Whether I’m in session with a client, co-hosting our live show, or speaking to an audience, my way of impact is through sharing the truth in my story, what I’ve lived through, and how we as humans can thrive no matter what.
What are your goals and aspirations for your business in the coming years?
I’m still building on my goals and aspirations as a one-year-old solopreneur; however, they seem to be growing bigger by the day. I aspire to be a targeted coach women can’t wait to work with when feeling lost in their lives and/or unsure of their purpose. I want to witness thousands of women as they experience themselves for the first time and discover the limitless and exhilarating life ahead of them.I want my co-host of We Built A Bridge, Dr. Colleen Saringer, and I to reach millions of people via their screen or earphones so they, too, know they belong and their thoughts matter. I want our listeners and followers to recognize the feelings they have are warranted and heard while being offered a laugh through bonded friendship. I plan to stomp on the stigmas that hang on such as sharing what we feel without fear of repercussions or judgments.
In short, I set to change the world through conversation, communication, and connection.
What advice would you give to aspiring diverse entrepreneurs just starting out?
Just do it! Don’t feel you have to have all your eggs in one basket and beautifully wrapped before getting started. Live according to your passion because when you work with heart, there’s nothing that can stand in your way. Take one day at a time, learn from what doesn’t work, and keep going. Always believe in yourself!
Although our March Featured Member spotlight has concluded, feel free to check out the inaugural feature in our series. Here's the link for your exploration: https://www.diversehamptonroads.com/blog/featured-member-series-alodeuri-from-passion-to-purpose. Don't forget to join us next month as we amplify the inspiring entrepreneurial journey of another exceptional Featured Member of Diverse Hampton Roads.
In the meantime, learn more about Christine Passo, LLC, and the services offered by visiting her website and social media channels (located below the image). Each interaction, referral, display of support, and purchase you extend to entrepreneurs like Christine, plays an important role in bolstering their success. Let's celebrate her and all the amazing diverse businesses in the Hampton Roads community! Your engagement also makes a real difference, creating a stronger and more inclusive community for everyone.
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