A Transformation and Leadership Coach, Inspiring the Community
Hailing from Port Elizabeth, South Africa, Christina Foxwell was born to a family of ministers and had been taught since day one to serve and care for the community. She wanted to become a minister but was reminded about a woman’s inability to do so. With very little prospects, she married aged 21 and worked at a department store. Knowing she had to carve her own destiny, she saved up money to enrol in a course in basic computer skills which helped her propel her career using her talents and through hard work. She identifies as not only a successful business owner in Australia but also as a wife, mother, daughter, sister and grandmother.
Pushing through the most challenging times of her life like migrating to Australia 15 years ago with her two children and being a survivor of domestic violence, Christina channeled her abilities and talents to lead an incredibly purposeful and determined life that could make a difference and support her family. During this time, she learned how to unlock purpose in other people. A life-changing leadership experience came to her as she led a team of people who seemed to not have the ability to rise above the “perceived lack of experience and knowledge”, and through purpose and self-belief, they became the highest performing team in a Global franchise. This inspired her to start ‘Ignite Purpose’ more than a decade ago as she finds passion in identifying the key to unlock potential amongst people, teams and organiastions. She adds, “I have held positions of sales director, general manager, and partner, and these were all on my journey toward where I am today. I have had the opportunity to be part of two global executive teams and have used my voice to create a vision and strategy to build people and performance.”
Over the last three years, Christina has authored four books that express her views on learning, growth, healing and transformation, her latest describing her own journey of healing and growth (The Glass Angel). Her hard-working nature, led by purpose and validation to feel worthy by working constantly, made her neglect time with her family and mostly herself. An epiphany struck Christina nine years ago when she had her greatest wake-up call after being diagnosed with Adrenal failure. She was required to drop all her work and look after her body. Five years ago, she was diagnosed with PTSD, this was highlighted in counseling for her son who had been a victim of bullying at school. Since then she had been on a transformation journey and has shifted the way she approaches her life and business. She exclaims that “I have stopped working to feel whole. I now realise that I am whole already and that my worthiness is something I can only give myself.”
She believes that women are being encouraged by organisations to be a part of the workforce but still believes that men receive advantages in senior roles as woman opt to have families and have time off, which impacts their career trajectory due to pre-conceived ideas on what women can and can’t do. Christina claims that organisations must do more to promote and recognise the impact of women in leadership and working culture. As a leader and business owner, she believes that getting the best from your people you need to be reasonable and honest with feedback and clear on outcomes require to achieve success. As a woman she finds that to win people over she is authentic and honest and works on presence, which helps her manage fear. This strategy allows her to understand, connect and align with others. “Practice how to align with your leader and still be honest with them about your perspective and your willingness to learn and grow. Don’t see others as competitors; rather, focus on your goals,” says Christina.
The most challenging barrier for Christina has been navigating executive peer gaslighting. This experience is common in the corporate space. A female peer gaslit her to gain power over her and compete. “It became the catalyst for me creating Ignite Purpose to help organisations and teams be better together”. Christina is grateful for these experiences as they’ve led her to have greater compassion for her clients. Painting, music and sewing are some hobbies that give her peace and exercises her ability to create. Her greatest strength has been the ability to listen to others and craft solutions using her research, experience and best practice to support growth and transformation. She also loves writing and creating programs for people to learn. Her challenges have been dyslexia and PTSD triggers, but that never let her be less effective at work.
Featured as an expert in media shows and publications, her notable mentions have been: Mumbrella, HRD Magazine, Good Morning Arizona, KUTV, Good Morning Atlanta, Augusta Free Press, news.com.au, Small business connections, NOVA FM, Upjourney, and Busy continent. Christina Foxwell emphasises that people must grow, get to know themselves and transform their ability to unlock their potential. Accepting that negative situations will come and go, not giving up on your dreams or vision for your life is elemental. She has used her voice, shared her heart, became brave and through her and her team’s work know that people can live with more joy, purpose and fulfilment which comes from personal growth and togetherness, now is the time to teach people to be better together!
