In 2014 I was suffering from chronic illness and multiple food intolerances — my one-day dream of traveling the world seemed forever impossible. By 26, I'd lost my parents' health insurance only to discover a large lump in my right breast just two weeks later. This scary time absolutely made me stronger, and I what I learned, every human has a right to know.

Within a year, I'd made a full recovery independently of healthcare and discovered, health is our greatest wealth and time is our most valuable resource. I sold my house, everything I owned, and set sail with a one-way ticket to Portugal. Over the next 5 years I would live across 35 different countries and over 50 in total. When I returned to the States I had nothing, and yet I had everything: I was at home within myself.

I believe my mission in life is to spread understanding. As a child, it seemed I was always watching misunderstandings cause pain between people who loved each other and had good intentions, but couldn't seem to communicate in the way the other needed to hear. This led to me dedicating my life's work to the pursuit of helping others communicate messages that matter. 

From 2015 - 2019 I lived abroad across 35 different countries, gaining a global perspective that shaped my ability to communicate outside of my native language. After that, I worked as a director of communication for the Emmy-winning ad agency Definition 6, helping corporate clients experience rapid brand growth. Working with the American Heart Association furthered my passion for making a difference, and in 2023 I began working as a consultant focusing on developing my local community's growth. 

I returned from overseas with a deep understanding that the quality of our communities determines the quality of our lives. My Big Picture vision for metro-Atlanta is that one day we are recognized nationwide as a shining example of a community-centric metropolis. And as it's my hometown, my heart is in Cobb. 

Biography

Christy Renee Stehle is a dynamic speaker, coach, and facilitator who guides leaders through communication shifts that turn resistance into buy-in. Shaped by her lived experience, including navigating chronic illness and later spending 5 years overseas living across 35 countries, Christy leads with a human-first approach and proven experience growing organizations. With 20 years’ experience in behavioral science and communications, she was recently recognized as a 2025 Smart Meetings “Best of Stage Lifechanger” for her dedication to true transformation and impact.

Life as a…

Tourism Writer, Photographer & Self-Proclaimed World Citizen

One of the most common questions I’m asked is, which country was your favorite?

The truth?

Destinations that held the least expectations.