Christine Reidhead is a Business Professor at Navajo Technical University. She is the Founder and CEO of AfrikRising Nonprofit Organization and #1 Best Selling Author!
Q: First of all, tell us about the start of your professional career?
I believe my younger years cultivated my fighting spirit as I’ve had to fight my way out of many situations to reach the top and being a single parent early on has prepared me for challenges and trying situations throughout the years that followed while I pursued my educational goals. Throughout these years, my family was priority and always will be, which boils down to what has transpired.
The past ten years, I’ve focused all my effort towards making my family’s livelihood better than it was. Achieving my associate’s degree, bachelor’s of arts degree and master’s of science degree, and now my soon to be doctorate (ABD), each identifying milestones in my life that I’m very proud of. My professional career began with becoming an accountant at a Tribal College in New Mexico. Working three years at Navajo Technical University, provided me insight to what could be expected of me at other professional positions. Looking at my two young sons, having just been recommended for a director’s position and believing that I could accomplish almost anything at this point, I began pursuing a doctoral degree.
Currently, I hold an Associate Professor position, Chair of the Business program, Vice President to the Faculty Congress, Project Manager on a Federal Transportation grant and a prominent member on a few executive committees. I thrive on working on challenging projects, being pushed beyond familiar surroundings and learning new and exciting stuff. I consider myself a lifelong learner.
Q: What advice would you give to beginners who are nervous?
Go for what you’re aiming to accomplished. Learn as much as you can and work as hard as you can and try to maintain the attitude of keeping your nose to the grinding stone, as it will eventually pay off. There may be people around you who are so much smarter, but may have one flaw, and that is, they don’t want to do the work. If you’re always the hardest working person in the room, good things will happen. Be patient, everything takes time and is well worth the effort when all is said and done.
Q: What’s your motto or the advice you live by?
I have a few mantras that keep me going, especially during times that I find myself beginning to doubt myself. Nothing is better than revitalizing yourself with mottos or mantras that speak directly you. These are my go-to sayings, “Bigger, stronger, faster”, “strive for greatness” and, “Mamba mentality”. Things that push me to work harder, to be better, to learn more are important aspects that keep me from letting my guard down. I always want to keep learning and improving myself for as long as I can for the rest of my life.
Q: What are your future goals ?
Future goals are many, although, I have narrowed them down to two or three. I certainly want to maintain the important mission that we’ve started with the establishment of AfrikRising, a non-profit organization focusing on helping African children in need of survival and everyday needs. I am proud of what we are doing with and for citizens in both, Nigeria and Ghana, Africa. There are many more children that we want to better lives for and frankly need our help. However, we certainly welcome anyone that is willing to join us with helping those in need.
The other major future goals that I’ve been eyeing are, holding a prestigious position as a college or university Dean, Vice President and President within the next ten years. I feel that in five to seven years, I’ll have the professional experience, credentials and knowledge to successfully possess one of these positions. Anything beyond that will only make my professional career that much better and satisfying.
Q: Who is your role model and why?
I would say Kobe Bryant is my role model, in light of the superstar’s death, and to be honest, he’s been at the top of my list of role models. He was a ferocious competitor with an unmatched work ethic. He always performed as if he was the worst player on the team, meaning, he always felt he needed work even harder than ever. Then, after his basketball career, he worked just as hard. His family was a priority as it was revealed at many of his community and organizational activities. He gave back to the community and helped others on many occasions. He tells you to be the best you can be and to not let anyone tell you you can’t do something.
Q: How can we follow you on social media?
