When it comes to advice for today’s young professionals, Christina Henderson offers everyone the same words of wisdom. “Ask questions, be engaged and do the thing. Even if you’re scared, even if you don’t feel ready, do it anyway,” said the executive director of The Running Event (TRE).
It would be wise to listen to Henderson, who has been at the helm of TRE — an annual event that has grown exponentially during a time of trade show uncertainty — since 2019. What’s more, the advice she offers to others are the words she, too, lives by.
“Sometimes people on my team are like, ‘Christina has done this a million times.’ But I still get nervous,” she said. “I’m going to keep showing up, I’m going to keep doing it until it’s a little less nerve-wracking.”
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Henderson admitted she hasn’t had one singular mentor throughout her career. Instead, she said numerous bosses, managers and women industry leaders have guided her.
As she mentors others, Henderson also offered praise to a pair of specialty run retailers — Brooke Beck of Red Coyote and Kathy Dalby of Pacers Running — who created Empowerun, an annual event that connects women leaders in the industry.
“That changed the trajectory of my career,” Henderson said. “I’ve built relationships there and I’ve gained so much confidence in who I can be in the industry from that gathering every year.”
A version of this article appeared in the June 3 print issue of FN, as part of the “Women Who Rock” special section. On June 5, FN and Two Ten Footwear Foundation honored these women at a live event in New York City.
