CSM Game-Changer Issue with Cristiano Ronaldo 2019 BODY ISSUE - Lauren Flodquist | Page 268

CSM: This is your feature debut to be on Center Stage
Magazine, what is the experience like when you are
included in our roster for 2019’s Summer Body is-
sue?
PRISCILLA: It’s obviously an exciting opportunity
to be associated with an edition focused on fitness by
such a great publication like CSM. I got a call from
a photographer friend about being selected and was
super excited. We had a lot of fun shooting.
CSM: What do you think makes Center Stage Maga-
zine stand-out or makes it unique in other publica-
tions around the globe?
PRISCILLA: The magazine is such a showcase
for “pretty” people on the outside but then you get
a chance to read about what makes them beautiful
people on the inside as well. That coupled with all of
the premiere sponsors and awesome editorials makes
it a wonderful publication.
CSM: What are the duties and responsibilities that
entail to your current profession or career?
PRISCILLA: As an owner of a Crossfit Gym, my
responsibilities range from all of the challenges of
running a business to working hard to understand in-
dividual needs of our members. I worked at a promi-
nent engineering firm to put myself through college
and then spent 12 additional years in the corporate
world using my Bachelor of Science Degree in In-
dustrial Distribution degree. I just wasn’t fulfilled. I
have always tried to keep my body healthy but about
6 years ago I found Crossfit and now I get to use my
background to build a business that is also my pas-
sion!!
CSM: This year’s bimonthly edition is about going
for game-changing results in careers and individual-
ity and inspiring people (being a beacon of inspira-
tion); describe how you defied your limits and exude
confidence in your career and what did you do to
push those boundaries.
PRISCILLA: I try to be a living example of a posi-
tive vibe, strong, confident woman that is also kind,
caring and genuine. I turned the big 40 late last year
and understand how hard it is to stay physically fit
especially juggling all of life’s time drains as a busi-
ness owner, wife and mother of 2. Before jumping
into gym ownership, I never pictured myself as a role
model and mentor but now I get to help others reach
their physical goals while also coaching the mental
aspects of health and wellness. I am truly blessed to
be surrounded by some many wonderful people both
in my professional and private life! I try to do my
part to give back. I now have much bigger aspira-
tions which include growing my brand, starting an
online support site aimed at inspiring 40 something’s
with the “age is just a number” mindset but equally
important is the give back. We are partnered with
Faith Rx to incorporate a Christian based message
into our patron’s lives and also volunteer with my
partner to host a couple of different church groups
once a week at our gym.
I didn’t really see myself as a leader in the past but
now embrace being a role model and want to be a
positive influence on everyone I meet.
CSM: Being assertive and attentive is required for
this profession. Have you ever made or encountered
difficult decisions? How did you manage that?
PRISCILLA: As a business owner, you do that fre-
quently. It is not always easy, but as a wise man
once said to me...you must take the emotion out of
business decisions. That doesn’t mean losing your
sympathy chip, but there is always a solution to an
issue. I started my Crossfit business 2 years ago with
a friend who had prior experience in owning a gym.
She had great intentions but as a single mother with
kids in H.S. and a demanding career she could not
allocate the time needed to help build a startup busi-
ness. It was difficult but I was able to have a con-
structive conversation with her and help build an exit
strategy that was good for her and also helped me
find a partner who compliments me extremely well
in Rev. 2 of our business.
CSM: How do you handle the situation if people get
intimidated by you and your work?
PRISCILLA: Ask Crystal. Seriously, all anyone has
to do is say hello. They would see that I am easy go-
ing and am very supportive of others goals and suc-
cesses. “A candle loses nothing by lighting another
candle”. There have been instances where peers who
didn’t know me assumed I might be an overly com-
petitive queen B but quickly learn that is not the case
at all.
CSM: What game-changing results do you look for-
ward this year?
PRISCILLA: I really want to focus on elevating my
education. The more informed I am, the more I can
pass on to our athletes and my supporters. Also, I had
a pretty serious injury a year ago but have rehabbed
well. I now want to get back in competition mode.
CSM: Describe the person who made an impact in
your life and how that is significant.
PRISCILLA: Depends on what part of my life you
ask; because there are many. My mentor; Janne, has
been an ongoing 25+ year impact in my life when it
comes to the advice of life. Health and Fitness, in my
youth, it started with watching my father’s love for
working out and bodybuilding; pushing me to pursue
my goals, supporting them and guiding my success,
my husband. I am inspired daily by my circle at the
gym. So many quality people who each contribute
something I learn from all the time.
CSM: How do you set goals for yourself?
PRISCILLA: I predominantly don’t set goals that I
know I will fail at. I set plans to execute and I journal
everything! Somewhat like a snowball effect. Once
I accomplish my short term goal I roll up that energy
and attention to focus on the next challenge.