Women With Impact #5 - Christina Disler
Welcome back to Women With Impact, a newsletter all about the journeys of ambitious women and how they have a positive impact in our world.
I’m Clara Richter and this is the 5th edition of Women With Impact. If you enjoy this issue, please share it with a friend and like it above.
For this edition, I interviewed Christina Disler who is a workplace wellness expert and two-time founder. Her first venture Werklab was one of Vancouver's first co-working businesses which she grew to a leading operation in Western Canada with 20,000 sq ft of space. Christina’s second start-up is Aster, an AI-powered, people analytics platform in service of a better human experience at work.
Wishing you a pleasant read!
Best,
Clara
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The Journey
Who are you and how do you spend your time?
My name’s Christina Disler and I’m a founder, and super curious human. I spend my time overseeing my Canadian company Werklab, and building my UK based business Aster. Werklab, an award-winning, holistic wellness-focused co-working space established in 2016, is built upon the ethos of challenging 'hustle culture' and redefining productivity by fostering regenerative work environments that empower individuals to unlock their full potential and prioritise well-being for long-term business success. Aster is an AI-powered culture diagnostics tool, built to create greater transparency into the human experience within organisations.
What does impact to you?
To me, impact means generating a transformative experience for other. This is directly influenced by our action (or inaction), behaviour, decisions, and initiatives.
How do you make a positive difference in the world?
My mission is to bring people back into their humanness all contexts, be it personal or professional. I strive to foster mindfulness, encourage introspection, and empower individuals to fully embrace their full potential. My approach to making a positive difference in the world is rooted in heart-centred change.
The Lessons
How has your journey of making an impact changed you?
My journey of creating impact through entrepreneurship has been a powerful mirror, reflecting my unresolved insecurities and pain points with unanticipated intensity. Previously, I found identity in constant busyness and my Type-A personality. However, being at the heart of meaningful dialogues about work culture through my business has prompted me to reassess my approach. I've learned to slow down, to challenge my perceptions of 'growth' and success, and to redefine them in terms that respect both professional achievement and personal well-being.
What's a challenge you have encountered most often and how did you tackle it?
One challenge I've frequently encountered is the habit of making assumptions and weaving narratives without supporting facts or data. The ego can easily distort reality and cloud our judgment. To tackle this, I strive to ground my understanding in absolute facts, identifying where information is lacking before allowing conjecture to fill those gaps. It's a continuous exercise in maintaining clarity and objectivity in decision-making.
What's the biggest lesson you have learned on your journey so far?
It’s important to have vision and look ahead (with goals, and business plans) but just as important to get into present tense and focus on what’s the current state.
The Inspiration
What’s something you believe in that more people should too?
I deeply believe in the transformative power of vulnerability. By having the courage to show up, be seen and live authentically, we foster deeper connections with others, drive innovation, and create a more human, collective-minded society. If more people embraced their vulnerability, we could build a world of greater understanding, collective empathy, and authenticity. Through our shared vulnerability, we can truly appreciate the breadth of the human experience and foster a more compassionate and supportive world.
What advice would you give to other women who want to have a positive impact?
My advice to other women seeking to make a positive impact is to prioritise self-awareness. The most profound work you can do begins within yourself. Learn to tune into your inner voice and trust your intuition. By understanding yourself, your values, and your unique perspectives, you'll be better equipped to drive meaningful change in the world.
Bonus question
asked by Isabel Ehrat, previously on Women With Impact:
Where do you find the energy to keep motivated and feel on balance?
Finding awe in unexpected corners, in the simplest of moments throughout my day.
Enjoyed this or have any feedback? Let me know in the comments!
If you know someone who fits my mission and should absolutely be featured on Women With Impact, please nominate them here.