Chrissie Bettencourt is a Digital Business Strategist, writer, and changemaker.
If there is one sentence that people often use to describe me it is, “a force for change,” both personally and professionally. I believe that change is a key driver for helping us step into our highest potential, and this belief is something that I use to create an authentic life.
Eighteen years ago, I had one of those “dark nights of the soul” when I realized I had built a life around others’ expectations of me rather than one based on who I truly was. It was a turning point and the beginning of a long journey back to myself. I ended up leaving that life and began building a new one, beginning a deep inner journey that helped me heal and become more connected with my inner self. Then one day, I realized my inner world no longer reflected my outer world. A change was required. So, I quit my unfulfilling job, sold all my belongings, and bought a one-way ticket to South America. I had no idea what I would do when I got there and knew absolutely no one, yet it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. What I thought would probably be a few months turned into twelve years with zero regrets.
This experience taught me the importance of being true to oneself and making decisions that reflect that. I still see so much fear around stepping outside of the box and the life “blueprints” others expect us to follow. Especially as women, the expectations layered on us are immense. Yet, the risk of not stepping outside that box, to me, is even greater. If we don’t, we will never discover our potential, what is true for us, and who we were meant to be.
I am now using my “changemaker” skills to teach organizations how digital and agile concepts can create a positive impact both externally and internally, as well as a thriving environment for its people. I am also writing a book to help individuals move through their own journeys of change, transformation, and empowerment.
What is the biggest impact I think we can all make? Stop fearing our power and embrace it.
