Life and Work with Kristina Will

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristina Will.

Kristina, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
‘What makes my story unique and sets me apart from all the others?’ I do not own a business, I do not run a charity organization and I am not a young CEO of a company. After some serious thinking, what sets me aside from others is my kind-heartedness, hard work, determination and confidence in everything I do.

It was not always that way though. Growing up, I was very timid and quiet (an introvert) and did my best to blend in and stay in my “comfort zone”. It was not until late 2013/early 2014 that this changed and I broke out of my comfort zone and started becoming the person I am today. The life event that helped with this change was joining a CrossFit box. CrossFit Infinite Strength opened up across the street from my office and despite being scared, nervous, and thinking I would never last, I signed up for their 6-week “On-Boarding” class. I was hooked before the end of the six weeks because I felt empowered doing movements that I never thought I was capable of, and the community at this box welcomed me and pushed me to break out of my shell.

I noticed a change in myself in 2015 shortly after I had started working with my current coach/mentor/friend, James Ellis, to help with my nutrition and Olympic lifts. Shortly after signing up for personal training with him, I received an email that I had gotten into the Nike Half Marathon in San Francisco. Training for this race was one of the hardest for me mentally because it was summer in Arizona. Finishing the race was beyond rewarding, both physically and mentally, because there were times I wanted to give up but I pushed through those feelings. I went on to run two more half marathons the following year. Running is still something I enjoy but has been on the back burner for now while I focus on my true passion of Olympic Weightlifting.

I do not want to sound cliché but I truly found myself through this sport. Stepping onto the platform is a terrifying yet exciting experience, especially as an introvert who does not like to be the center of attention, and would rather blend in with the crowd. This was evident the first year that I started to compete; I was timid and my nerves would sometimes get the best of me. It was like Russian roulette whether or not I’d make a lift. With James’ guidance, I continue to uncover my potential and am constantly reminded that I am stronger than I realize. I have learned to harness that nervous energy, step onto the platform with confidence, and have fun.

Earlier this year, I was determined on earning my Level 1 USAW Coaching certificate so I could help others learn about the sport. I drove out to California for a weekend, despite there being a course later on in the year in Arizona because I could not wait to teach others. I have been assistant-coaching a workshop this summer and it has truly been a rewarding experience helping others improve their skills.

Has it been a smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road and part of me is happy about that because I think the obstacles and challenges I have faced helped to make me a stronger person. Each challenge/obstacle is a life lesson that you can use in the future to help yourself or others who may be going through something similar.

My biggest obstacle has been myself. I have always been a shy, timid, reserved person but in order to get to where I am today, I have had to break out of my comfort zone. It was not easy but I think having the support of family, friends, a supportive coach and the CFIS community really helped me blossom.

Family, friends, and coworkers began noticing a difference. They started telling me that I was showing more confidence and being more assertive both at work and personally. I did not even realize I was changing. Once it was brought to my attention, I began believing more in myself and my potential.

Once you start believing in yourself, your goals/dreams/new opportunities do not seem as daunting. You are excited for the journey and the chance to prove yourself.

One of my favorite quotes is by Maya Angelou, “You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.”

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I started my career in clinical research as a Regulatory/Research Assistant in a community oncology clinic. Ten years and multiple mergers later, I am now with HonorHealth in their Research Institute as a Supervisor of Regulatory Affairs.

I did not intend to stay at this company or in this field. It was a job that worked around my school schedule and when I graduated, I wanted to find a job in the field that I was studying (history). I did not know much about clinical research or oncology so I would go home and research everything. I felt like this was a whole new path in my education. I wanted to be able to understand what the physicians, nurses, and coordinators were talking about. I picked up tasks that were given to me quickly and became very efficient at my job. Other teams within the office began to utilize me for tasks that needed completion. It was so much fun learning about all the different aspects of clinical research.

In 2011, my immediate supervisor left the company. Management put me in the position while they looked for a replacement. I proved myself invaluable and was given the position of Regulatory Affairs Associate. I managed this new workload of multiple clinical trials while still attending my last year at ASU. Over the last eight years, I have been able to advance my career, knowledge of clinical trials and federal regulations. After merging with HonorHealth, I was promoted to Supervisor of Regulatory Affairs where I managed five employees across multiple disease areas and my own trial workload.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve benefited from using?
I do have an ever-growing stack of books and podcasts saved that I try to keep up with reading or listening to because of the benefits they have had on me. “Chasing Excellence” by Ben Bergeron is one of my favorite books and was given to me as a gift. I am very appreciative of this person for giving it to me because the book has helped me tremendously not only my training but also my personal and professional life. After finishing the book, I found out that there was also a podcast of the same name, and I listen to that often to continue my career and personal growth.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @klwill88

Image Credit:
Lifting photos – Tim Scott, Headshots – Lina C.

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