We had the good fortune of connecting with Christian Murphy and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Christian, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
I love this question because innovation has been the center of my first year at Wellspring Living because I see clearly how risk taking can help an organization (and often an individual) stretch and grow for the better. Even when met with obstacles or challenges on your journey, you still learn something valuable along the way.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
For nearly 15 years, I have worked in the space of advocacy for women and children. From my first days being a volunteer coordinator for youth in the foster care system through DeKalb CASA to today, I’ve always been determined to bring a passionate and upbeat energy to everything that I do.

It has not been easy and beginning my career in the peak of a recession helped me to see firsthand how philanthropy and community can make or break an organization’s mission. Unsurprisingly, being supported by great mentors like Shan Cooper and Kathy Waller, and becoming active in the Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Atlanta Chapter, has truly helped shaped my professional career and helped me stay focused on what matters most.

Additionally, I’ve learned that hope is not a strategy and to accomplish great things, you have to be grateful at all times. Learning from your strengths and growing in your areas of weakness can truly be transformational.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Greater Atlanta is filled with lots of great places – I’d start with coffee at Refuge before exploring the High Museum, having lunch at Rum’s and then taking a walk down the Beltline. . I truly enjoy being able to go to the Marietta Square on the weekends and visiting festivals like Dogwood, Atlanta Food & Wine, etc. though I would always take guests to my first Atlanta home, Spelman College.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to shoutout my mom. As an entrepreneur, she’s always modeled dynamic grit, determination, and faith. Without her love and encouragement, I might not have finished Spelman when an outstanding financial balance stood in the way. She reminded me to be persistent in my visits to the financial aid office and to work while I was at home during break to do my part. Even as an adult, she continues to be my greatest cheerleader and source of never-ending grace and faith.

Website: https://www.wellspringliving.org

Instagram: @gratefulcee @wellspringliving

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cmurphy2007/

Image Credits
Shineza Photography, Amber Jennings

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.