A Chronic Entrepreneur: Christine Innes
After being diagnosed with Adult Asthma in 2015 at the age of 38, Christine had the courage to stop and press the restart button on every aspect of her life. Despite going through an incredibly dark period in her life she found the strength to share her story in hopes that people out there would be able to resonate and find inspiration from it in the same way she found inspiration from others. Today, Christine is the thriving founder of The Corporate Escapist, has her very own magazine and is a proud author, speaker and coach.
What came first, the “chronic” or the “entrepreneur”?
The chronic.
Did you go through any sort of 12-stages of grief with the diagnosis or take it in its stride?
My whole life was reassessed. I had to stop work and I then realized my marriage was toxic, I had to file for bankruptcy and I quite literally restarted again. I think the biggest part of the grief was letting go of who I was then and adjusting to who I am now.
Are you on any treatments? What modalities are in your wellness team?
I am under the care of specialists and learning to listen to my body when I need to rest. I also use alternative wellness such as meditation, journaling, acupuncture and lifestyle.
What is a ‘bad day’ for you? How do you look after yourself on a ‘bad day’ or a day that is particularly stressful?
I try not to think of any day as "bad" as I listen to my body and go with the flow. I know it can be easier said than done, so I rely on practices such as meditation, journaling and heading to my favourite place; the beach. Doing all of this allows me to be reconnected and also removes the negative energy from my body.
I will say, it is essential every day that we listen to our bodies and allow ourselves the kindness and grace we would give to others when we are not feeling our true selves.
How did the path of entrepreneurship come to you?
After spending 22 years in the corporate world I had some time to reset and realign myself. I began sharing my personal story, the story of how I went from being broke, broken, leaving a toxic and unfixable marriage and finding my true self. Sharing my story inspired others and I knew then that something inside of me was calling to continue to inspire others as others’ stories changed my life. It may sound like an "accident" of finding entrepreneurship, yet I truly believe I have found my true passion and calling in life. When life gives you a road block this can be for the best new adventure.
What does a typical day in business look like for you? How does your chronic illness influence what your typical day looks like? Is your day-to-day routine pretty consistent or does it change?
On tough days which generally will be for 7-10 days, I rest and I have learnt to be organized and focus on just the key tasks with the business. My day to day changes and the key is to surrender and go with the flow. The more I overthink it all, the more stressed I become. This is one of the key triggers for my asthma.
What have you learnt about yourself through your entrepreneurship journey? How have you changed, if at all in your relationships, decisions, what you value/your life philosophy?
I have learnt who I am. This has also brought me to life coaching. Sharing my story is helping me heal myself and help others.
What has been your most memorable moment in business from the last 2-3 years?
Launching a magazine during a pandemic and having it reach 3 main countries - Australia, USA and Canada.
Best & worst bits of being A Chronic Entrepreneur?
When you are forced to rest, the mind is still racing and all you want to do is work and take action but your body doesn’t allow it.
Are you a 5-year planner or are you winging it?
A bit of both. I am learning to trust my intuition and be guided. However, you do need a plan but it is okay if that plan changes.
What are you looking forward to in the next 6 months-1 year?
Growing my business and also the people I am working with and building those relationships.
Who are your back up dancers?
My son, my family, my team that is working with me and my spiritual coach.
Who are your ultimate dinner party guests, (dead or alive), and who would you seat on either side of you?
Oprah, Brene Brown, Eckart Tolle, Gabby Bernstein and Einstein
What are you looking forward to in the next 6 months-1 year?
The planning for another business and also spending quality time with the family.
Where can people find you online?
www.facebook.com/thecorporateescapists
www.instagram.com/thecorporateescapists
Let us know what you think of this story, and share your story with us on Instagram by tagging @achronicentrepreneur and using the hashtag #achronicentrepreneur.
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