Introduction
Christina isn’t just a business strategist or a marketing guru; she’s a force of nature. From navigating the complexities of the corporate world to empowering women to find their voices, Christina’s journey is a testament to resilience and purpose. She’s a certified brain fitness coach, a passionate advocate for community, and someone who believes in the power of combining faith with practical action.
Who is she
Principal
Chrisspeak Pte Ltd and Affiliated faculty, SMU Lee Kong Chian School of Business
Christina is a seasoned practitioner of branding and marketing with over 30 years of experience working with regional and local brands. She held strategic marketing leadership roles with the leading retailer (NTUC FairPrice) in Singapore and as Vice President of Marketing for Honestbee (APAC) collectively.
As the former Chief Marketing Officer in Residence with SMU’s Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, she mentored early-stage start-ups under incubation in its Business Innovation Generator (SMU IIE’s start-up incubation lab) and where she still develops and conducts masterclasses, as affiliated faculty of SMU Lee Kong Chian School of Business.
She consults and advises companies on branding & communications, Funnel strategy, UX for Tech platforms, Service Experience Design, Data-led growth strategy (acquisition/retention), etc.
The Journey
1MCGPodcaststudio : You’ve had such a diverse and fascinating career. What sparked your journey to where you are today?
Christina: : Thank you so much for having me. It’s wonderful to be here. Honestly, it’s been a winding road! I think what really drove me was a deep desire to find my own voice and to help others do the same. After years of working for other organizations, I realized I needed to step out and create something that truly reflected my values and allowed me to make a real impact. That’s how Chris Peek, my own company, came to be. It was about finding clarity and purpose.
Importance of community and fellowship
1MCGPodcaststudio : You also spoke about the importance of community and fellowship, particularly within a Christian context. In today’s busy world, how do you suggest people maintain those connections?
Christina: That’s a crucial point. We’re not meant to be islands. Even if you can’t attend church every week, finding like-minded individuals is essential. I’ve found that connecting with people in the Christian circle, even in business settings, provides that support and accountability. It’s about finding those “check and balance” relationships. Richard’s “Ministry without border at Florence Place” is a great example – it’s a “cell group gathering kind of thing” with “sharing of the words, prayers, and worship.” It shows that community can take many forms.
Integrating faith and practicality
1MCGPodcaststudio : You also touched on the idea of integrating faith and practicality, bringing your “five loaves and two fish” to the table. Can you explain that concept further?
Christina: Sure! It’s about recognizing the resources you already have – your talents, knowledge, and connections. Just like in the story of the five loaves and two fish, God can work with what you bring. But you have to bring something! You need to be aware of what you have and use it. It’s about stewardship and discipline, understanding that everything we have is a blessing.
Empowering women
1MCGPodcaststudio : That’s a powerful analogy. Now, you’re also very passionate about empowering women. What are some of the key messages you want to share with women today?
Christina: Oh, this is so important to me. I think we, as women, often have a “script” written for us by society, limiting our potential. We need to break free from that! Remember the “chicken coop in your head” analogy from “Chicken Run”? We need to escape those self-imposed limitations. I truly believe women should support women. When I was down, it was other women who lifted me up. We need to create those empowering spaces, like the “Hope of Hope in Life” channel and the “work collective,” where women can thrive.
Importance of mental fitness in today’s world
1MCGPodcaststudio : That’s a fantastic call to action. Speaking of thriving, you’re also a certified brain fitness coach. What’s the importance of mental fitness in today’s world?
Christina: Oh, it’s absolutely vital! Mental agility is about the brain’s ability to create new ideas. It’s about clarity, managing cognitive load, and staying resilient. We need to cultivate that “mental core,” just like we work on our physical core. Exposing ourselves to new experiences, learning new things, and connecting with others – that’s how we build that mental agility. Like in “A Beautiful Mind,” it allows us to differentiate and problem-solve, even in the face of challenges.
Importance of story telling and authenticity
1MCGPodcaststudio : That’s fascinating. And you also emphasized the importance of storytelling and authenticity in communication. Why is that so crucial, especially in business?
Christina: Because people connect with stories! It’s about being real. Start by being authentic and focus on “why you are doing this in the first place.” Don’t just tell the founder’s story; feature your customers, staff, partners, and supported organizations. That creates a richer, more powerful reflection of your brand’s values. It’s about building genuine connections.
Key takeaway
1MCGPodcaststudio : Christina, this has been incredibly insightful. To wrap things up, what’s one key message you want our listeners to take away?
Christina: Be quick to listen. Truly listen to others. It’s how we understand, learn, and build meaningful connections. And find your clarity – in your purpose, values, and understanding of situations. That clarity will guide you in making informed decisions and moving forward effectively in all areas of your life.