Hi, I’m Christina! (she/her/hers)
Title: CFO | Team: Admin & Leadership | At Inflow Since: 2010
General Bio:
I’ve spent my entire life in and around the business world. My family owned and operated the oldest family-owned business in Canada until 2015. The family shoe business (started in 1867) went through many changes, challenges, and triumphs, including the development of discount stores and a rapidly changing business environment. Exposure to the business challenges my family faced inspired me to enjoy helping others navigate through dynamic business conditions.
During my professional career, I’ve worked as a short-interest trader in London and as an investment advisor with Dean Witter (now JP Morgan). As Chief Financial Officer for a successful corporate housing firm in Denver, I implemented streamlined reporting to identify key metrics for decision making, staff incentive programs, and operational processes that removed inefficiencies.
I founded Gemsbok Consulting, Inc., after helping a struggling business reorganize their financial reporting, pinpointing exactly where they were losing money. Thanks to my intense curiosity and commitment to helping transform their business, this company still operates today. Almost 18 years later, I’ve worked with over 200 different companies to help them develop and maintain efficient financial and operating structures.
I first came to Inflow as a consultant, and my role grew with the company. Since starting with Inflow in 2010, I’ve developed reporting that provides directors and the CEO insights into client profitability, company goals, client and staff retention, and many other key metrics used in decision making. Currently, I still have my consulting practice but only work with a few select clients.
For fun, I enjoy playing ice hockey, camping, spending time with my family, playing games, watching movies, knitting, and traveling. I’m an avid Crossfitter and coach my son’s hockey team.
What’s the most fun thing you’ve bought with your Build Your Own Perks?
Tickets to take the family to some musicals: “Stomp” and “Aladdin” were the family favorites.
What’s the best part about working at Inflow?
For me, it’s the leadership team. We are collaborative, we respond with, “Yes, and…” (which keeps us creative and open to new ideas), and we support each other through successes and obstacles.
Do you have a favorite Inflow moment?
I can’t come up with a specific moment; over the years, we’ve had so much fun and, as a team, have overcome so many obstacles. Some good memories are the company picnic, holiday parties, and going to lunch with staff and getting to really know them.
If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing?
If I didn’t have to work at all, I’d work on my idea of a way to bring tools and resources to traditional classrooms to support kids with dyslexia. I’d also volunteer at and promote Vertical Skills Academy (a school in Evergreen just for dyslexic kids). I’d spend my time figuring out a way to get these kids the support they need regardless of their families’ financial ability to pay for services or a private school.