By: Mj Toledo
Dr. Tristina Anderson, a life mastery consultant and corporate leader, has surmounted considerable challenges to become an inspiration for executives seeking to harmonize their professional and personal lives.
In this exclusive interview, she imparts wisdom from her journey as a wife, mother, and grandmother, offering valuable advice on living fearlessly and without regrets.
Q: Dr. Anderson, you have faced significant challenges in your life, including a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) diagnosis while pregnant. How has this experience molded you as a person?
Dr. Tristina Anderson: My HIV diagnosis marked a turning point that utterly changed my outlook on life and success. It taught me the importance of prioritizing what truly matters.
The experience guided me to go through life with purpose, concentrating on creating experiences with my loved ones while chasing my professional aspirations. It has taught me to be present in each role I have, whether as a mother, wife, or executive and to discover joy and purpose in every facet of my life.
Q: Your decision to relocate to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, stemmed from a desire to provide your children with diverse life experiences. How has this move influenced your perspective on work-life integration?
Dr. Tristina Anderson: Relocating to Puerto Vallarta was a daring choice, for sure. It affected our family dynamics and my view on work-life integration. Immersing ourselves in a different culture showed us new possibilities and ways of living and that work and life are not separate entities but connected aspects of our existence.
Q: As a grandmother, how do you weave your experiences and wisdom into your 12-month “Fearless Living: No Regrets” program for executives?
Dr. Tristina Anderson: Being a grandmother has granted me a distinctive perspective on life’s journey, which I weave into my “Fearless Living: No Regrets” program.
I recount personal anecdotes of how I have gone through different life stages, emphasizing the importance of creating enduring memories and nurturing relationships. I urge executives to view their lives holistically, considering the long-term impact of their choices on their families and legacy. My experiences as a grandmother have reinforced the value of patience and the joy of fostering others’ growth.
Q: Your program centers on building “full spectrum wealth.” How do you apply this concept to your life as a wife, mother, and grandmother?
Dr. Tristina Anderson: Full spectrum wealth involves cultivating abundance in all areas of life, extending beyond finances. In my own life, I apply this concept by deliberately investing time and energy into my relationships, health, personal growth, and spiritual well-being, alongside my career.
As a wife, I prioritize quality time and open communication with my spouse. As a mother, I focus on being present and supportive. As a grandmother, I create special moments and traditions that will be treasured for generations. I also make sure that I tend to my physical and mental health, continuously learn and grow, and contribute to my community.
Q: Many executives struggle with guilt when trying to harmonize work and family. What advice do you offer in your coaching program?
Dr. Tristina Anderson: Instead of feeling guilty about time spent away from family or work, focus on making conscious choices about allocating your time and energy.
Establish clear boundaries and communicate openly with your family and team about your commitments and priorities. Practice mindfulness to be fully present at work or with family.
Remember that quality of time often outweighs quantity. Create meaningful rituals and traditions with your loved ones that do not require large amounts of time but have a significant impact.
Q: You went from a devastating health diagnosis to a master of business administration (MBA) and a doctor of business administration (DBA). How do you use this experience to motivate executives?
Dr. Tristina Anderson: I remind executives that challenges, no matter how daunting, can inspire growth and achievement. We work on developing a growth mindset, where obstacles are seen as stepping stones rather than roadblocks.
I also remind them the importance of breaking large goals into smaller, manageable steps. By sharing how I balanced my health concerns, family responsibilities, and academic pursuits, I demonstrate that achieving significant goals while honoring multiple commitments is possible.
Q: Your 12-month program is divided into 8 modules. How do you address the distinctive challenges executives face juggling family responsibilities in these modules?
Dr. Tristina Anderson: Each module in my program tackles different aspects of life integration, focusing on the distinctive challenges faced by executives with family responsibilities.
We begin by helping participants clarify their values for both their professional and personal lives. We then work on time management and prioritization strategies that accommodate work and family commitments.
One module specifically addresses effective communication and boundary-setting—crucial skills for managing expectations at work and home. We also cover stress management and self-care, emphasizing their importance in maintaining energy for career and family.
Throughout the program, we use real-life scenarios and personalized action plans to ensure that participants can practically apply the strategies to their own situations.
Q: You have mentioned that there is only a “YOU,” not a “work you” and a “life you.” How does this philosophy translate into practical strategies for executives trying to harmonize career ambitions with family time?
Dr. Tristina Anderson: This philosophy involves integrating all aspects of your life rather than compartmentalizing them.
In practice, this means finding ways to blend work creatively and family time. For example, I encourage executives to involve their family responsibilities when appropriate, such as discussing business challenges at the dinner table or bringing children to suitable work events.
We work on aligning career goals with family values, ensuring that professional pursuits enhance rather than detract from family life. I also advocate for flexible work arrangements for better integration of work and family responsibilities. The key is to view oneself as a whole person, bringing the same values, skills, and authenticity to all areas of life rather than trying to be a different person at work and at home.
Q: As a grandmother, what is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self about harmonizing career aspirations with family responsibilities?
Dr. Tristina Anderson: If I could give advice to my younger self, it would be this: Embrace the journey and trust your instincts. Do not fear creating your definition of success, including career fulfillment and rich family experiences.
Remember that time is precious and fleeting, especially with your children. Make conscious choices about how you spend your time and energy, always keeping your core values in mind.
Be present in each moment, whether at a board meeting or a family dinner. Do not strive for perfect balance, but for meaningful integration of all aspects of your life. Lastly, be kind to yourself. You are doing the best you can, and that is enough. Your career and family will benefit from a happy, fulfilled you.
Dr. Tristina Anderson’s insights offer a fresh perspective on integrating professional ambitions with family life. Her emphasis on living authentically and creating a life of no regrets provides valuable guidance for executives seeking a more fulfilling and balanced life.
Published by Gracia M.