How big moments of change are a chance to cultivate joy, with communications consultant Christina Monaco

Independent communications consultant Christina Monaco reflects on switching from a corporate career to self-employment in the midst of the pandemic.

Christina’s bio:

Christina Monaco is an independent consultant and communications specialist who collaborates with clients to develop executive messaging, company narrative, and employee engagement programs.

After her most recent corporate position was eliminated in the Fall of 2020 as a result of a company reorganization, Christina founded Christina Monaco Communications LLC in early 2021 and serves as Principal consultant. As part of her role leading a consultancy, she partners with leadership teams in a variety of sectors to support them with developing the communication needed in order to create connectivity throughout an organization, inspire employees, and inform audiences.

Christina has a wide range of experience that includes Communications, Event Marketing, and Public Relations roles at some of the world’s most recognized global brand organizations, including LVMH, Condé Nast, and Hearst. During her time at LVMH she worked within the Mot Hennessy North America portfolio of Wines & Spirits brands to create and deliver corporate programs and company messaging for internal colleagues and external stakeholders. Christina has led the Communications and Event Marketing strategy for champagne brands Veuve Clicquot, Dom Pérignon, and Moët & Chandon, as well as for Belvedere Vodka, Navan Cognac, and 10 Cane Rum. Throughout her 16 years working at Mot Hennessy North America she received awards for outstanding performance in Teamwork, Innovative Partnerships, Connection to Employees, and Best in Class Events. She was also an integral part of the company’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives where she co-led the Women @ MHUSA Employee Resource Group that offered inspiring programs to advance equity and equality in the workplace.

Christina has held creative services and promotional marketing positions at renowned consumer magazines including GQ, Harper’s BAZAAR, Talk, and BRIDE’s where she created initiatives for beauty, fashion, jewelry, and lifestyle advertising partners. In addition to developing multi-platform programs to increase revenue, Christina was a national magazine spokesperson where she commentated events, videos, and branded commercials to showcase advertising partners to consumer audiences.

Christina began her career at Chiat/Day Advertising in New York in the Media Buying Department.

Originally from Long Island, NY, Christina is an ongoing participant of memoir writing workshops and enjoys spending time with friends and taking walks with her dog.

Find Christina online at on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/christina-monaco-4a88201a/ or on Instagram at @christinamnyc

Notable quotes from the interview:

"At a certain point in my life, I realized that I can do whatever I set my mind to do, no matter what people either thought of me in terms of my entrepreneurial ability, or what expectations I have on myself."

"I was always told I didn't have a mind for business... So for me, one of the most joyful things was knowing I could start my own business."

“All it takes is one person, one new client, one job, and then you're on your way."