Meet Christina Lynch | Chief Executive Officer, Interim Executive Director, Herbalist

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

Hi Christina, putting aside the decision to work for yourself, what other decisions were critical to your success?
The single more important decision I’ve made in my entrepreneurial journey is to operate in love, and not fear. Entrepreneurship can be a daunting journey, and fear of failure can be immobilizing. I’ve recognized that when I operate in fear, I’m not accepting opportunities that maximize my potential. This led to lower profit margins, unnecessary stress and not providing my best service. Operating in love means embracing all that I have to offer, bringing my full attention to each client, embracing empathy and patience in my daily practice and not diluting my value.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I’m the Chief Executive Officer of Trydent Consulting (Trydent). Trydent is a boutique management accounting and consulting firm that focuses on a holistic approach to people and money. We do not isolate factors to provide a transactional service, but seek to build personal relationships with our clients. We prioritize trust and transparency in everything we offer and support.

My turbulent experience in ‘Corporate America’ motivated me to curate a workplace that eliminates the uneasiness of being oneself when providing a professional service. My goal was to encourage bring the “whole” self to work. We are humans that support other humans. I assessed my personal grievances and sought to change them, not only in the workplace but with how entrepreneurs have relationships with their accountants and consultants. It’s been quite the journey in providing a nontraditional approach in a very traditional industry. And the challenges of entrepreneurship for a Black-owned business have created opportunities for resilience. In every space where I was uncomfortable or felt diminished, it provided an opportunity to remain secured in my offering and presence. In operating out of love versus logic, which I also appreciate, I found a middle ground where we can identify our fear and intimidating with money and financial reporting, to overcome past traumas. And, when financing wasn’t available, I took creative approaches to create value and self-finance my business.

My takeaway to the world is in your own self-healing journey, there’s a space to identify your purpose and approach, and to share it with the world. It’s a journey that’s constantly evolving.

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.
Admittingly, I am a lover of fine dining and intimate experiences. In this curated weekend experience, we begin with an opportunity to wind down with a relaxation experience at the Four Seasons spa. We have to start on a high note to make sure our senses are fully activated for the week. A massage and facial are a must, with additional time to take advantage of the included spa amenities. We can then migrate home to enjoy our new relaxation before changing and enjoying the tasting menu at Lazy Betty’s.

The second day, we would head to Piedmont Park for the farmer’s market. I have a serious weakness for farmers markets, supporting our farmers and small businesses. I always feel that farmer’s markets have everything that you need, from coffee, fruit to lunch and body care products. Post lunch, we would retreat temporarily to regain strength from so much excitement prior to mistakenly going to some type of herbal class or flower arrangement class that I will find on a whim. (Thank goodness for easy going friends.) This would be my negotiation before continuing our journey to another fine dining experience.

On Sunday, we would leisurely awaken and head to enjoy coffee and a light breakfast at Coffee Loft before heading downtown to walk around and buy us time before Soul Vegetarian opens for a vegan lunch. The food is healthy and amazing! After our lively lunch, we’d migrate to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens to close out our weekend, restoring our energy for another week of impact.

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?
The American Herbalists Guild has been a whirlwind of support, reconciliation and encouragement. I’m thankful for the opportunity to step in during a transitional time to continue the vision of the organization. In the midst of transition, I’ve has immense support from the prior leadership, staff and Board of Directors. I can’t imagine how talented entrepreneurs and leaders congregate for the betterment of clinical herbalism without recognition or compensation. The passion and dedication they’ve shown to myself as an individual, and to the organization, is mind-blowing. A huge shoutout to the Board President, Dr. Keren Dolan for her kind leadership and support.

Website: www.trydent.org

Instagram: @trydentconsulting

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-d-lynch-ea-mps-phr-shrm-cp-9915981b/

Image Credits
Christina Lynch (myself)