The Power of Gratitude and Resilience │ Chris Wallace

Art & Science of Complex Sales

Chris Wallace's journey is a testament to the transformative power of mindset and resilience. As an Executive Sales Consultant and Executive Sales Coach at Saratoga Sales Consulting, Chris brings not only his expertise but also his personal experiences to the table. In a heartfelt conversation, he shares how starting business meetings with genuine positivity and gratitude can set the tone for success, even amid difficulties. These principles became especially significant during his battle with pancreatic cancer, where humor, community, and a grateful mindset were essential tools for resilience. Chris's story exemplifies how personal challenges can be overcome by fostering a positive outlook, both in business and life.

Control the Controllables (2:08)

Chris shares how his early experiences with successful mentors taught him the concept of "controlling the controllables," which he adopted as a guiding principle in his coaching. He stresses the significance of self-discipline, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and the need to stay positive even when faced with challenges. He advises salespeople to find mentors, take breaks during difficult times, and maintain awareness of their ability to succeed despite obstacles. This mindset not only helps individuals in sales but can be applied to various aspects of life.

Embracing Gratitude in the Face of Adversity (11:39)

In this discussion, Paul Fuller asks Chris Wallace about gratitude in tough situations. Chris highlights that gratitude must be sincere, or it feels fake, and notes that material possessions have lost meaning for him after facing recent challenges.

He shares his unexpected cancer journey, beginning with jaundice in late 2021, leading to a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Initially overwhelmed and sad, Chris soon realized that the situation was beyond his control. Remembering his mantra of "controlling the controllables," he quickly regained his composure and focused on what he could manage. He reflects on how people often don't know how they would react to such news until it happens.

Turning Business Resilience into Personal Strength (17:56)

Chris discusses how skills learned in business helped navigate chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer. Embracing a humorous mindset of being "just sexy," updates shared on Facebook provided personal support and inspired others. Initially fearing death, Chris found joy and gratitude through the experience, attributing this resilience to business lessons and a strong support network. Chris highlights that a positive mindset is often realized during challenging times and emphasizes the importance of "controlling the controllables." He stresses the discipline needed to push aside worries and focus on what can be managed, showcasing how business skills played a crucial role in coping with adversity.