From “One Day” to Day One: Christie Harrison’s Bold Leap Into Entrepreneurship

Christie Harrison, founder of Core Performance 38:16, turned frustration with corporate limits into a mission to empower others. As part of the Wantrepreneur to Entrepreneur Spotlight series, Christie shares how she left a secure leadership role to build a consultancy that helps individuals, businesses, and corporations unlock their full potential. Through tailored strategy, operational clarity, and a focus on purpose-driven leadership, she guides clients to transform ideas into measurable results. Christie’s journey of betting on herself, embracing transparency, and leading with authenticity offers a powerful blueprint for aspiring entrepreneurs ready to take control of their impact and future.

Hi, Christie! Thanks for joining us today. Tell us about your business. Who do you serve, how do you serve them, and what's the impact that your business and work makes?

Core Performance 38:16 is a consulting and professional development firm committed to helping individuals, businesses, and large corporations unlock their full potential. We specialize in strategic business consulting, operational efficiency, and leadership development—serving entrepreneurs, small business owners, and corporate teams seeking clarity, structure, and sustainable growth.

We meet clients where they are, offering tailored 1:1 sessions, team workshops, and action-driven frameworks that turn goals into measurable outcomes. Our approach isn’t one-size-fits-all—we listen, assess, and build personalized roadmaps that align with each client’s vision and operational needs.

The impact of our work extends beyond strategy and structure. We help clients rediscover confidence, reclaim direction, and execute with excellence. Whether it’s launching a business, refining operations, or elevating leadership, we create lasting transformation rooted in faith, purpose, and performance.

Tell us about the moment you finally felt like you went from wantrepreneur to entrepreneur.

The moment I truly felt like I transitioned from wantrepreneur to entrepreneur was when I walked away from the security of a steady paycheck and fully committed to building Core Performance 38:16. It wasn’t just about launching a business—it was about trusting myself, my vision, and my ability to create impact without waiting for external validation.

I remember sitting in my home office, signing my first paid client and realizing, “This isn’t just an idea anymore—this is real.” That was the shift. I stopped overthinking and started executing. Every challenge since then has reinforced that I didn’t just start a business—I built something that solves problems, changes lives, and reflects my purpose.

Describe the moment or period in your life/career that motivated you to make the entrepreneurial leap.

The idea for Core Performance 38:16 was born in 2020 during the pandemic. I secured the LLC and created the logo, but beyond that, life and career demands kept it on the shelf. I kept telling myself, “One day.” That day came in April 2024.

After years of being underutilized and undervalued—despite the titles, experience, and results—I reached a point where I could no longer allow an employer to place limits on my voice, my impact, or my worth. I chose to bet on myself. That’s when Core Performance 38:16 was reborn—not just as a business, but as a commitment to build something that aligned with my purpose, values, and vision.

Describe a tool, service, or software that has been a game-changer for your business. How does it contribute to your success?

Several tools have been instrumental in helping me operate Core Performance 38:16 efficiently, but three stand out. HoneyBook has transformed the way I manage the client experience—from inquiries and scheduling to contracts and payments—keeping everything streamlined and professional in one place.

QuickBooks is essential for maintaining accurate financial records and making informed decisions about budgeting, cash flow, and growth strategies. It gives me the financial clarity every entrepreneur needs.

Lastly, I leverage AI tools for analyzing market trends, researching how industries compare or compete, planning content strategy, and even mapping out my personal-to-professional schedule. It’s become a powerful part of my backend operations, helping me work smarter and stay ahead in an evolving business landscape.

We know that success is very often a non-linear path. Tell us about a failure, pivot point, or lesson that changed your course or direction and helped to get you where you are today.

One of the biggest pivot points in my journey was choosing to walk away from a secure leadership role after consistently being undervalued. I had the title, the experience, and the performance—but not the voice. The environment became so toxic that I started questioning my worth, even though deep down I knew I was capable of more.

At the time, leaving felt like failure. But in hindsight, it was the breakthrough I needed. That moment forced me to confront what I truly wanted—not just stability, but purpose, ownership, and impact. It led me to fully commit to Core Performance 38:16 and create the kind of business culture I wished I had experienced: empowering, strategic, and grounded in values.

What I thought was a setback was actually a setup for growth, clarity, and the life I was meant to build.

What unconventional strategy did you employ that significantly impacted your business?

One unconventional strategy that significantly impacted my business was choosing to lead with transparency and imperfection. In a world where entrepreneurship is often portrayed as polished and perfect, I leaned into showing the process—sharing the late nights, the pivots, the lessons, and even the losses.

This approach created deeper trust with my audience and clients. They weren’t just buying services—they were buying into authenticity, resilience, and a real-life example of what it looks like to build something from the ground up. That level of connection has led to stronger client relationships, consistent referrals, and a brand that feels both professional and human.

What’s something you wish you knew sooner that you’d give as advice for aspiring or newer entrepreneurs?

I wish I had known sooner that clarity doesn’t come before the leap—it comes after you start moving. I spent so much time waiting for the “perfect moment,” the perfect plan, or the full picture before taking action. But the truth is, entrepreneurship is built in motion.

That said, my biggest piece of advice is to start with a written plan. Not just ideas or dreams, but a documented, actionable roadmap. You never know how far you’ve come or how much farther you have to go unless you can see it in front of you. A written plan keeps you grounded when emotions run high and focused when distractions show up.

Start small, start smart—but start with strategy.

Want to dive deeper into Christie's work? Check out the links below!

• Visit Core Performance 38:16's website coreperformance3816.com
• Follow Core Performance 38:16 on LinkedIn
• Find Core Performance 38:16 on Facebook
• Follow Christie on Instagram @christieiscp3816