Inspiring Conversations with Kristine Whitson of Upward Life Coaching

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristine Whitson.

Hi Kristine, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in a musical family, and the violin has been a big part of my life since age 4. I’ve been a member of the Los Angeles Philharmonic for the past 35 years. It’s been a privilege to perform with artists such as Gustavo Dudamel, John Williams, and Yo-Yo Ma at the Hollywood Bowl, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Carnegie Hall in New York City, and Royal Albert Hall in London, UK, among many others.
I’m also a certified professional life coach and speaker. It is a great passion of mine to help people overcome anxiety in performance (music, sports and life) and to help them achieve their goals.
On a personal note, I’m a wife, mom of 2 adult sons, mom-in-law, and a grandma of 2 sweet kiddos!

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It was not a smooth road! Anxiety was a real factor for me early in my career. I won the position in the LA Philharmonic as a very inexperienced 21 year old. I had a full-blown case of imposter syndrome. I had no clue how to handle the pressures of live performance, recording, touring, brand new repertoire every week, and playing alongside artists I had idolized for years. Growing up as a young violinist, there had been pressure and competition, but this was a different ball game altogether. I was thrown into the deep end, and it was sink or swim! There were concerts when I was so overwhelmed with anxiety and panic I could barely play. I reached a breaking point, and had to confront it head on to find healing and solutions. I know first-hand how paralyzing and debilitating anxiety can be. But I can encourage others who struggle that there is hope! Anxiety does NOT have to have the last word!

As you know, we’re big fans of Upward Life Coaching. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Upward Life Coaching was a natural outcropping of my performing career. My background offers a plethora of unique experiences that I draw from in my coaching. I have a lot of compassion for the performance/life anxiety that my clients come to me with, because I’ve been there, and in a very public and high-achieving environment. Finding faith in Jesus Christ and discovering the healing power in the Bible was the turning point in my own battle. For this reason, I coach from a Christian perspective, but I welcome skeptics and people of all faiths. For me, there is nothing better than to help clients find their purpose, break old patterns, pursue excellence, and turn what used to be roadblocks into opportunities.
During my years on stage, I’ve developed practical skills, tools, and habits that enabled me to successfully tackle the anxiety that at one point, threatened to derail my career. The tools that worked so powerfully for me are universally applicable across all professions, situations, and seasons of life. I use them in my coaching to help my clients get unstuck and achieve breakthrough.
I provide one-on-on online coaching through a collaborative process that fosters clarity, develops effective strategies, and offers ongoing support to help clients grow, learn, improve, and achieve their goals.

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Our weaknesses can become our strengths…and a help to others!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Upwardlifecoaching.com
• Instagram: kristine-upwardlife
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/KristineWhitson