Christine Errico was born with a bilateral cleft lip and palate. Throughout her life, she has had more than 20 surgeries, beginning when she was 2 months old and ending in her late twenties. Her appearance caused her to be bullied constantly at school and she was told that she would never amount to anything because of the stigma attached to having a facial difference.
On today’s episode of The Think Courageously Podcast, Christine and I explore how she made a powerful mid-life pivot. One that gave her permission to overcome the shame and low self-confidence associated with a life-long birth defect.
During our conversation, we talk about the power of community in the transformative process. When Christine found a Cleft Lip and Palate Facebook page at the age of 48, she also found the courage to share her story. Ultimately, being part of this community gave Christine the confidence to push through her fears and to redefine her purpose.
Christine shares the courage she found in applying to be a TEDX speaker three times. And how getting vulnerable after a trip to Kenya made all the difference in sharing her story.
Finally, we talk about Christine’s work with SMILE Train, a global nonporift partners with local healthcare workers to provide cleft treatments 365 days a year on five continents.
As a certified confidence and transformation coach, Christine helps adults with facial anomalies gain self-acceptance and self-esteem. A TEDx speaker, she shared her experiences growing up with a cleft lip and palate. Christine holds a PhD in business administration and accounting and has been a college professor for more than 12 years. She owns multiple businesses and advocates for the cleft lip and palate community.
Learn more about Christine at:
https://www.christineerrico.com
https://www.facebook.com/coachchristineerrico
https://www.instagram.com/christine_errico/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sasDGtJTT3M