Today we’d like to introduce you to Christie Harrison.
Hi Christie , we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My path definitely wasn’t linear, and that’s a big part of why I do what I do today.
I became a mother at a young age, which forced me to grow up quickly and make very intentional decisions about my life and career. I worked my way through school, built a career across public service, corporate environments, and small businesses, and spent more than 20 years inside organizations helping stabilize operations, lead complex projects, and move ideas forward.
Along the way, I learned some tough lessons about leadership and value. I was often trusted with big responsibilities, yet found myself in environments where relationships mattered more than results and where my voice didn’t always carry the same weight as my work. Those experiences were frustrating, but they also clarified a lot for me.
Eventually, I reached a point where I had to decide whether I wanted to keep building other people’s visions or finally build my own. That’s what led to Core Performance 38:16. While the business was formed during the pandemic, it didn’t fully come to life until later, after burnout and a strong pull to do work that actually aligned with who I am.
Today, I help entrepreneurs, professionals, and organizations bring clarity to their ideas, structure to their operations, and confidence to their leadership. Every chapter of my journey, early motherhood, career setbacks, and rebuilding, shaped how I lead and serve now. I didn’t get here overnight, but I got here honestly, and that’s what I’m most proud of.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Definitely not a smooth road, and I think that’s the honest part people don’t talk about enough.
One of the biggest struggles was burnout. I spent years showing up, delivering results, and being the person people relied on when things needed to be fixed, yet still finding myself overlooked, undervalued, or boxed in. That disconnect between effort and recognition wears on you over time.
Starting my own business came with its own challenges too. Leaving the security of a steady paycheck, trusting myself fully, and learning to pace growth instead of rushing it were all real adjustments. There were moments of doubt, especially early on, where I questioned whether I was doing the “right” thing or just the harder thing.
I’ve also learned that entrepreneurship can feel isolating. You’re making decisions constantly, often without immediate validation, while still trying to stay grounded and present for your family. Balancing ambition with real life has been one of the toughest lessons.
That said, every struggle sharpened my clarity. It forced me to define my boundaries, my values, and the kind of work, and life, I actually wanted. The road hasn’t been easy, but it’s been honest, and it’s taught me resilience in a way smooth sailing never could.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Core Performance 38:16?
Core Performance 38:16 is a strategy and consulting firm built for people who are capable, but overwhelmed, stuck, or trying to scale without clear structure.
At its core, we help entrepreneurs, professionals, and organizations turn ideas into executable plans. That can look like business planning, operational strategy, SOP development, leadership coaching, or professional development, but what we’re really known for is clarity. People often come to us with a vision and a lot of moving parts, and we help them organize the chaos into something practical, sustainable, and aligned with real life.
What sets us apart is that this isn’t theoretical work. Everything we do is grounded in real-world experience, working inside large organizations, government entities, startups, and small businesses. I don’t just tell clients what should work; I help them build what will work based on their capacity, resources, and goals. There’s no fluff, no generic templates, and no pressure to grow faster than they’re ready for.
Brand-wise, what I’m most proud of is trust. Clients know they’re getting honesty, strategy, and accountability, not hype. We’re not here to sell quick wins; we’re here to help people build something solid, whether that’s a business, a career pivot, or stronger internal operations.
What I want readers to know is this: Core Performance 38:16 exists to help people stop second-guessing themselves and start moving forward with intention. You don’t need to have it all figured out, you just need the right support, the right structure, and the willingness to take the next step.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that capability alone isn’t enough, you have to advocate for yourself and your vision.
For a long time, I believed that hard work, loyalty, and results would automatically lead to growth and recognition. What I learned instead is that clarity, boundaries, and confidence matter just as much. If you don’t define your value, someone else will, and often incorrectly.
I’ve also learned that alignment is everything. When your work no longer fits who you’re becoming, no amount of effort will make it sustainable. The moment I stopped forcing myself into spaces that required me to shrink was the moment things started to shift.
That lesson guides how I lead today and how I work with clients: success isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing what actually aligns with your values, your capacity, and your purpose.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.coreperformance3816.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coreperformance3816/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Core-Performance-3816-61558885407584/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/core-performance-38-16/?viewAsMember=true
Image Credits
38:16 Media, Chris Harrison
Lauren Marie Photography
Kori Williams Photography
