EO Charleston Member Spotlight: Christina Lock

In Charleston, a city known for its history and growing tech scene, Christina Lock is a notable example of entrepreneurial success. Her journey highlights the importance of perseverance, leadership and mentorship.

The Inspiration Behind Success

Christina's entrepreneurial spirit was kindled in a home where business ownership was the norm. Her father, a Danish immigrant, exemplified the American Dream by establishing his own company in the food industry when Christina was just eight. This early exposure to entrepreneurship taught her the value of hard work and the courage to forge her own path.

After college, Christina's passion for recruiting led her to help open an office in Charleston. Her trajectory from this point is marked by bold moves and visionary projects, including co-founding a software company, Sparc, which was later acquired and is now known as Booz Allen Hamilton. In 2015, Christina founded Catch, a testament to her belief in innovation and her knack for identifying and filling gaps in the market.

Core Values and Motivations

At the heart of Christina's success are the values instilled by her upbringing and experiences. The principle of "acting as an owner" guides her decision-making, fostering a culture of responsibility and integrity within her team. Christina emphasizes the importance of authenticity and commitment. She lives by the saying: “Who you are is what you do when no one’s looking. How you show up isn’t just for face time. What you’re doing in your life should be because you want to do it.”

Growth, Mentorship, and Community

Reflecting on her growth, both personally and as a leader, Christina acknowledges a shift from a competitive mindset to one of mentorship and community contribution. Early in her career, the competitive landscape was a motivator. However, she soon realized the greater fulfillment that comes from giving back and lifting others alongside her own ascent. This realization has shaped her involvement in initiatives like Women in Tech and the Harbor Entrepreneur Center, underlining her commitment to fostering a supportive ecosystem for emerging entrepreneurs.

Catch, too, has evolved, particularly through the challenges and opportunities presented by COVID-19. The company has sharpened its focus, honing in on the private sector, SaaS companies and federal government work, demonstrating the importance of adaptability and niche expertise in business.

Reflections and Forward Vision

When asked about any changes she'd make in hindsight, Christina cites her approach to maternity leave and delegation. Her experience underscores the importance of trusting one’s team and cherishing life's irreplaceable moments. 

Looking ahead, Christina sees AI as a tool that will transform industries while emphasizing the need to maintain the quality of human relationships in business.

Her short- and long-term goals for Catch are centered on growth, community engagement and staying ahead of industry trends, with aspirations for establishing another headquarters outside of Charleston.

Milestones and Balancing Acts

Christina's achievements include making the Inc. 5000 list twice in a row—a remarkable feat highlighting her company's rapid growth and her unique position as the only female on the list from South Carolina during those years. These accomplishments speak volumes about her ability to defy statistics and lead with distinction.

Balancing her roles as a businesswoman and mother, Christina views life and work as integrated, challenging the conventional notion of work-life balance. Her approach is a nuanced understanding that life's various roles are intertwined, each supporting the other.

Advice for the Next Generation

To aspiring entrepreneurs, Christina stresses the importance of networking and learning from those who have walked the path before. Her own experiences of building a business from scratch, navigating its ups and downs, and the joy of seeing it succeed are testament to the resilience and commitment required on this journey.

Gratitude and Looking Ahead

Throughout her journey, Christina remains grateful to mentors like her former CEO and the executive team at SPARC, who not only recognized her potential but also fostered her growth. Their belief in her abilities and the opportunities they provided have been instrumental in her success. Christina advises, “Look to those who are your managers and peers; ask them for advice. I was always very curious about business, and they naturally became mentors.”

Christina Lock's story is not just about her achievements in the business world; it's a narrative that weaves together the themes of grit, growth, mentorship and the power of giving back. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder that while the path of entrepreneurship is fraught with challenges, it is also replete with opportunities for learning, giving and profound personal growth.