From Marine Biologist to Business Journalist, Fitness Coach, and Entrepreneur: Kristine Crouch
Kristine is a powerhouse woman. She helps people lead healthy lives by being a Holistic Wellness coach and running a vegan and organic products store. She has traveled the world being a business journalist and she is also a published scientist, having discovered two new species. In this interview, she shares about her experience shifting careers and balancing multiple passions.
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Q: Tell us about your current work roles.
I am a project director and business journalist at Global Media Post, I run a vegan and organic products store online called La Filipiniana, and I am a Zumba Fitness instructor and Holistic Health and Wellness Coach, where I focus on fitness, plant-based nutrition and overall well-being.
Q: what led you your careers?
My background in exercise and dance led me to become a certified Zumba Fitness instructor in Australia in 2014, while my passion for health, wellness, and fitness led me to take up a plant-based nutrition course online through e-Cornell in 2016. Thanks to my educational background and scientific writing skills, when the opportunity to write for international business journals and newspapers arose, with the exciting perk of traveling around the globe, it was a no-brainer to accept.
Q: What is your educational background?
I spent thirteen years at the International School of Manila, holding International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma. I also hold a Bachelor in Marine Studies (with Honours), majoring in Marine Biology & Ecology from the University of Queensland.
Q: Did you have any life-changing experiences that led you to what you’re doing today?
Quite simply, a message on LinkedIn was my gateway to a life that diverted me from my Marine Biology studies and into traveling the world doing sales, marketing, and business journalism.
Q: How did your family and upbringing influence your career choices
As a half-Australian, half-Filipino, I was exposed to the gorgeous outdoors that Australia and the Philippines have to offer. From the pristine beaches and coastline to forests and mountains. Also, I grew up with animals - dogs, birds, fish, iguanas, rabbits, hamsters, mice, chickens, which sparked in me a love for nature and biology.
Q: Who has been your strongest influence in life?
My parents. They are long-life athletes, and fitness and health enthusiasts: my dad has been a long-distance runner and exceptional athlete his entire life, competing in marathons, triathlons, duathlons, etc. My mum has also competed in endurance-racing and taught aerobics in her pre-pregnant years. Additionally, both of my parents, for as long as I’ve known them, do not smoke, consume alcohol, and maintain a balanced, whole-food diet. Both are very health-conscious, with my dad having been a vegetarian for over 27 years, and my mum now a plant-based eater.
Q: What are you most proud of accomplishing?
I am a published scientist, having written two papers that are published in Systematic Parasitology. While completing my Honours Year in University, I discovered two new species (one of a new species + genus) of marine worm (parasite).
Q: What would you say motivates you the most to do what you do?
Gaining life experience and being able to impart my knowledge to others. My passion is to reach, teach, and impact lives in a positive way; anything I can do to help inspire or improve someone else’s life, whether it be in the physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual dimension motivates me and is fulfilling.
On Making a Career Shift
Q: Can you share about your past careers and what made you decide to transition/leave that field?
The opportunity to travel the globe is what shifted me from stationing myself in Australia as a Marine Biologist. In just over three years working in sales and business journalism, I have lived in multiple cities and traveled five continents: Asia (Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, Indonesia), South America (Panama, Colombia, Peru), the United States (11 states), Europe (Germany, Australia, France, Spain, Switzerland, Italy, the Vatican City, Sweden, Portugal, Finland) and Africa/MENA (Dubai, Egypt, and Oman).
Q: How did you find the courage to leap from one field to another?
Apart from my hunger to see the world, my father and his own life/career experience are what gave me the confidence and courage to travel on my own. My father traveled extensively for work for over 30 years, mainly with the Asian Development Bank.
Q: What has been the greatest challenge for you when it comes to switching careers?
I suppose it’s the knowledge of not having yet explored my full potential as a Marine Biologist and what more could have been in store had I gone down that route.
Q: What advice do you have for others who are trying to switch careers?
First, ensure that the direction you are moving into will expand your horizons by presenting you with new challenges that will grow and develop your skill-set. Second, if you are able to consult your parents, do that. I always looked to my parents for their wisdom and guidance. After all, they raised me. If any two people were to know me better than me I would bet on them. Third, ensure that you enjoy the career switch, knowing that you will have fun in the next season, despite challenges and curve-balls. Besides, growth (aka the magic) does happen outside of your comfort zone.
Ensure that you enjoy the career switch, knowing that you will have fun in the next season, despite challenges and curve-balls. Besides, growth (aka the magic) does happen outside of your comfort zone.
Q: What’s next for you, what are you looking forward to?
I look forward to growing my online platform and reach as a Holistic Health and Wellness Coach. I want to expand my client portfolio and online presence. I also have a passion for music and spent most of my university years as a wedding singer and played gigs at cafes. I want to continue my craft and hopefully play and perform at events.
On Balancing Multiple Passions
Q: How do you balance being in different fields simultaneously?
This takes good time management and good planning in order to set sufficient time aside for your respective projects; from strategy planning to execution. It is definitely challenging, but worth it.
Q: What has been the greatest challenge for you when it comes to balancing multiple careers?
Not being able to spend the time I’d want on a particular project, since my time is divided. Pre-COVID-19, my time was more dedicated to my corporate job, doing sales and business journalism. Given the lull in business as a result of COVID-19, I’ve been able to spend significantly more time on my online coaching business, in addition to having started La Filipiniana, my organic and vegan food & drinks store.
Q: What advice do you have for others who want to build a life around their multiple passions?
Discover what your passions are and exactly what you want to achieve from them.
Having clear motivation, vision and goal-setting will help actually get things done and progressing forward in the multiple passions / crafts you have.
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Learn more about and connect with Kristine at:
Website: https://www.kristinecrouch.com
Instagram: @fruitfullykristine; @bodyby_kc; @la_filipiniana
Youtube: Fruitfully Kristine
Facebook Group: Body By KC The Daily 7 Support Group