“I believe each and every one of us is extremely unique. I believe we all have unique gifts and passions. I believe we all have a unique purpose in this life.
My purpose, gifts, abilities, experiences, and passions have led me to create my own coaching business, and serve men in a way that truly changes lives. I care about sustainable, long-term success (results) for my clients, and I am eager to show you more of what this looks like.” —Chris Katrenick
Meet Chris
Pictures of fun, challenging, beautiful moments in my life so far.
EIU v. South Carolina (talk about mindset… first pass of the game was a tipped INT!)
UVA, Virginia Tech, Walk-Ons Independence Bowl.
Skiing in Breckenridge (1st Annual Super Bowl Ski Trip)
Golfing at Kingsmill Resort (1st Annual Birmingham Invitational)
My beautiful wife Abby.
My first CKat former athlete event in Chicago.
And yes, 2 Chainz (what a day!)
What do you do for fun?
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Where to start! I'll keep it brief.
In 2020 I worked with a therapist / life coach on several areas in my life I was really struggling with (my family dynamics, football challenges, wanting to transfer, COVID pressures / dynamics, friendships, my relationship). After getting to know one another, she said, "Chris, I think you could be really successful working in this [mental health] space. The fact that you are a man, you played football, and your ability to connect with others is unique." That stuck with me.
Fast forward to 2023. I'm no longer playing football. I'm not super fulfilled with corporate work in general. I am not using my gifts / talents / strengths / uniqueness as much as I want. I am looking for something different. I want to have a new big dream to run after. So, I prayed, and prayed, and prayed about this.
One afternoon the message from my therapist in 2020 snuck back into my head. I thought, "Maybe I could be good at that. Maybe it'd be an opportunity for me to use my uniqueness and serve others. Maybe this is what I'm meant to do." I then called a close family friend who runs a very successful coaching business. We talked about entrepreneurship, coaching, various programs, how I might be able to work with athletes, and more. That was one of the most exciting and energizing phone calls I've ever had (thank you Addie!). A few weeks later, I invested in the IPEC training program, and began my journey.
I am here now, trusting God, and enjoying every second of it.
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I want to make a lasting impact on people. I want to inspire others to be their authentic selves and challenge status quos. I want to inspire excitement in life after sports. I love deeply connecting with others. I love building relationships. I want to foster confidence in others. I want to be able to fully utilize my God-given gifts in a way that aligns with my values and serves others.
I want to share the benefits I’ve experienced (and continue to experience) through coaching:
I now know what I want, and what I don’t want; I’ve clarified my values.
I am extremely excited about where I’m at in life. The most exciting part of my life is now!
I am more confident in myself than ever before.
I am eager to continue growing and learning.
I am connecting with so many people, building real relationships... not just deal relationships.
I am more creative than I’ve ever been.
I celebrate much more often, and build off the momentum I’ve created.
I take more risks.
My faith has strengthened.
I am more optimistic.
I feel empowered to choose how I am going to show up in life.
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I finally said “yes” to God. I let go of the outcomes. I let go of where I wanted my business to evolve. Where I wanted my career to be. Once I did this, doors opened, conversations deepened, evidence in what I was doing appeared, and I was convicted to lean more into making what I do Christian-based.
I have no idea where this will lead. The “success” in this is that I am more dependent on God. More reliant on him. I feel His work on my heart and my desires. I am trusting in His promises. I know that I am more than what I do. All of this (growing relationally with the God of the universe), is making me more motivated, excited, disciplined, present, joyful, fulfilled, and at peace.
I don’t know what “100” looks like (assuming I’m at “0”)… but I at least know what “1” is. That is more than enough for me.
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I am on a journey. I have not "arrived." I don't know everything. I am very much still playing the game of life. What's different now is that I am creating my life. I am not at the effect of things. I am the cause. What I mean by this is I am choosing how I want to show up, respond, and continue forward regardless of what happens. Regardless of any uncontrollables.
I myself continue to utilize coaching for a multitude of reasons. If I'm not willing to pay for it, how could I expect anyone else to spend money working with me! I continue to be amazed by the impact it is having on my life. Life really is about the process, the journey; it's not about achieving some end state... it's about the ride.
And, let's talk about sports. This was my childhood dream! Playing Division 1 football. It was an unbelievable time in my life; living out a childhood dream! I am so grateful for the opportunities football gave me, and continues to give me.
Lastly, I include this section because I want to start all my partnerships with 100% authenticity. It's important to me that people know who I really am. I know one thing that is absolutely TRUE for me is that I am only going to find success, growth, accomplishment, fulfillment, and joy by being 100% myself. There is no way around it. I expect the same from everyone I work with. And yes, that can be scary! It’s worth it, always.
What is the coaching process?
Solutions-focused process taking people from where they are to where they want to be.
A service and collaborative partnership that follows the client’s agenda (not the coach’s).
A space free of judgement and quality time to focus on what’s really getting in the way, and what’s working.
A coach listens unconditionally, asks empowering questions, gives no advice, and isn’t trying to “fix” anything.
My goal as a coach is to get a tremendous amount of sustainable success for my clients in a short amount of time.
Frequently Asked Questions:
“So, you give advice on how I should live my life?”
NO ADVICE! Instead, I will ask thought-provoking questions in a structure that allows you to clearly articulate the answer you already have within (which you do have!). I’m not the expert in your life, just in the coaching process.
“How is coaching different than therapy, in general?’”
A coach is like an athletic trainer—assisting with performance and improvement.
A therapist is like a sports medicine doctor—addressing injuries and healing.
Coaches may touch on emotional or personal history, but always in service of goal attainment & growth, not healing.
“What is the whole point of this? Why would I do this?”
To get what you want and where you want to be faster, easier, with more intention and confidence, and with less stress. This is an opportunity to accelerate growth and get closer to the living the life you want.
Chris earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Duke University in 3 years, and went on to receive a Masters Degree in Business Management from Duke’s Fuqua School of Business during his fourth year of eligibility.
Chris then transferred to Eastern Illinois University for one final season in 2021. Since then, Chris has become a Certified Professional Coach through iPEC, the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching, an intensive certification program.
Chris is also an Energy Leadership Index—Master Practitioner (ELI-MP) – an additional certification required for the attitudinal assessment program (also through iPEC)—and is accredited with the International Coach Federation (ICF) as an Associate Certified Coach (ACC).
