In the fast-paced world of corporate life, finding balance and inner fulfillment can often feel like an elusive dream. The relentless demands, heavy workloads, and mounting pressures can leave even the most seasoned professionals teetering on the edge of burnout. However, amidst this challenging landscape, there are those who have managed to break free from the grind and find a new calling—one that not only allows them to conquer stress but also empowers others to do the same.
In this exclusive interview, we are speaking with Christiane Foerster who has undergone an incredible transformation from a successful CFO and executive with almost three decades of corporate experience to a dedicated stress coach.
For many years, she experienced firsthand the toll that stress can take on one's mental and physical well-being. But rather than succumbing to the pressures, Christiane finally chose a different path—one that led her to become a stress coach, guiding others towards balance, fulfillment, and renewed vitality.
Let´s dive into her journey, explore the reasons behind her shift, and discover how her unique blend of business acumen and coaching skills helps empower individuals to conquer stress and achieve balance.
Christiane Foerster, Stress Coach
So, let's start at the beginning. What led you to make this profound change in your career?
My decision to transition from the corporate world to becoming a stress coach was fueled by my personal experiences: After years of shouldering heavy workloads and striving for success in the corporate sphere, I found myself virtually on the edge of burnout. Despite the great collaboration I had with my teams and colleagues all over the world, the immense pressure of my corporate responsibilities, combined with the constant demand for results, took a toll on both my mental and physical well-being.
That sounds quite challenging. How did you manage to navigate this difficult period?
During the demanding times when work and the mental load became overwhelming, I found myself trying to push through and continue functioning as best as I could. However, there came a point when my body simply wouldn't cooperate anymore. I felt physically drained and found it difficult to even move.
Recognizing that something needed to change, I made an appointment with my doctor, hoping for a quick fix, perhaps a pill or some medication. To my surprise, my doctor offered me a different perspective: He said that I had a choice – either take a pause now for three weeks or face the possibility of an indefinite period of burnout in the near future. His words resonated with me and forced me to reevaluate my priorities. It was a turning point that made me realize I needed to give my life a new perspective.
In response to this wake-up call, I made a decision to leave the corporate world behind and embark on a new path. I wanted to help others facing similar struggles, so I pursued training as a psychological advisor, stress and burnout advisor, grief counselor, and stress coach. It was a deliberate choice to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to support individuals navigating through their own difficult times.
This journey of reinvention has brought me to where I am today. By combining my personal experiences with the expertise I have gained, I am now able to help others in their own quests for well-being and resilience. I am deeply passionate about assisting individuals in finding healthier approaches to work and life, ensuring that they do not reach the point where they too face a burnout.
That is quite a remarkable transformation! Can you tell us more about your role as a stress coach and the services you offer?
As a stress coach, my primary focus is to help individuals reclaim their lives from the clutches of stress and achieve a state of balance and fulfillment. Through personalized coaching sessions, I work closely with clients to understand the root causes of their stress and develop effective strategies to overcome them. Whether it's managing work-related pressures, navigating personal challenges, or finding ways to maintain a healthy work-life integration, my goal is to empower my clients with the tools and techniques they need to thrive in both their personal and professional lives.
Additionally, I conduct different workshop formats and deliver keynote speeches to raise awareness about healthy stress management and promote a culture of well-being within organizations. Stress in the workplace has become increasingly prevalent in recent years, exacting a heavy toll on the physical and psychological well-being of employees. Its detrimental effects can be felt not only on an individual level but also on the overall performance and success of organisations: Reduced productivity, financial losses, and higher employee turnover are just a few of the consequences businesses face due to unchecked stress.
Therefore the concept of healthy stress management is becoming increasingly important in this demanding environment. It is not about “anti-stress” but rather about leveraging positive stress for personal growth and preventing the escalation of negative stress.
Drawing inspiration from the best mindset strategies used in high-performance sports and the latest findings from psychological studies, I offer a comprehensive approach to stress management. I blend my own practical knowledge and experience with cutting-edge techniques to deliver impactful solutions that truly make a difference in people’s lives.
It is evident that your transformation has equipped you with a powerful blend of expertise. How has this process impacted you personally, and why do you believe you are the right coach for business people seeking balance and stress relief?
This journey has been incredibly transformative, not only for my career but also for my own well-being. By immersing myself in the world of coaching and personal development, I've learned invaluable lessons about resilience, self-care, and the importance of finding purpose beyond professional success. I have witnessed firsthand the positive changes that can occur when individuals prioritize their mental and emotional well-being, both for themselves and those around them.
Furthermore, my background as an executive and my intimate knowledge of the corporate landscape enable me to connect deeply with business professionals who are grappling with stress and burnout. I understand the unique challenges they face, such as relentless deadlines, high-pressure decision-making, and the constant drive for success. By combining my business acumen with my coaching skills, I offer a holistic approach that resonates with my clients and allows them to achieve sustainable change and transformation – from the practice for the practice, so to speak.
Your journey is truly inspiring! Is there any final message you would like to share with our readers?
Dear all, I urge you to recognize that stress and mental health should not be stigmatised. It is time to normalize conversations around stress and make mental well-being a priority in our lives. Stress is not our enemy – it is a natural response that can be managed in healthy ways. Everyone has the ability to learn and practice effective stress management. Let’s work together to break down the barriers and create a supportive environment where we can openly discuss and foster mental well-being!
Follow me on LinkedIn, and visit my website for more information on stress coaching and healthy stress management.
