Maxwell Christian Embraces his Passion for Fitness and Philanthropy

Photo by LaJuana Taylor

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Interview by Hannah Sprouse

Originally from New Jersey, Maxwell Christian now embraces his passion for fitness and philanthropy through his involvement in Columbus. In his free time, the Analytical Chemistry Specialist at Mettler Toledo showcases his hidden talent as a boxing coach and serves as Vice Chair for CYP Club Cares, the service board of the Columbus Young Professionals Club.

Name: Maxwell Christian
Age: 28
Profession: Analytical Chemistry Specialist, Mettler Toledo
Neighborhood: Short North
Connect: LinkedIn

Where are you from and what brought you to Columbus? I am a New Jersey native, I have lived in multiple states due to family, college, and work. In fact, work is what relocated me Columbus.

Give us a snapshot of your career path: I started my career in Pharmaceutical sales as a field rep in Texas, then I was relocated to New York for Medical Device Sales where I covered a large region including Chicago, New York, Denver and Ohio. Currently I am with Mettler Toledo.

Tell us about your current career role: My current role at Mettler Toledo allows me to be involved on the consultation of instruments that healthcare companies use in the pre-analytical and post-analytical process as they develop technologies to help people.

What gets you up in the morning? Knowing that we are called to greatness and that every day I have to get up and be committed to answering that call.

And what gets you through the workweek? Music. I believe there’s a song, soundtrack, and/or anthem that gets you through the week regardless of the challenges the week might throw at you. One of the playlists that I enjoy is GrooveJive’s The People’s Playlist on Spotify and AppleMusic. Everyone should definitely check it out.

What advice helps to guide you along the way? “Chase your passion and in it you will find your purpose.”

Explain some of your work-life balance challenges. How do you achieve success in spite of the hustle and bustle? Time management will always be a challenge whether it’s in your work life or your personal life. The key is to identify what items are priorities, including your work goals and personal goals. For me, I have a working checklist that I use daily. It allows me to be cognizant of what action items need to be accomplished. Sometimes that checklist can consist of work items or something as simple as meditation time and buying groceries. Organization is key. My checklist allows me to have a sense of peace and it gets me that much closer to achieving a work-life balance.

What do you do or where do you go to unwind? I go to the gym. I either box or I lift. Working out is not only great for stress relief, but also another healthy activity to ensure that I’m ready for whatever life throws at me.

What might someone be surprised to know about you? That I can sing. I only showcase this talent to my close friends or at volunteer events to keep the energy high. Recently, I volunteered at the Columbus Early Learning Center where I was reading books to kids. Singing the words in the some their books versus just reading out loud kept them engaged and it was refreshing to see the joy I was able to bring them.

When you were a kid, what did you say you wanted to be when you grew up? Still working on this goal. I would rather not jinx it.

If you could have a superpower, what would you choose? Superspeed like Barry Allen from Flash. Flying is overrated, but being faster than the speed of sound is like teleportation and flying all in one.

What would your autobiography be called? The Bridge – A Man with a Vision to Connect Communities.

If you could go to dinner with anyone in the world (living or dead), who would you choose and where would you eat? Nelson Mandela, somewhere in Paris. I would love to discuss how he was able to impact his country (and the world) and become the bridge between races during the turbulent era he lived in.

What books or podcasts are you reading/listening to right now? Books: How to Win Friends and Influence People, Leaving with a Seal, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Podcasts: GroooveJive, The Breakfast Club, Oprah’s Super Soul Conversations.

What are among the top places you’d recommend to someone who is visiting or new to Columbus? Our local art museum and anywhere in the Short North. We have some of the best food spots in the country. I am a huge fan of GoreMade Pizza. It’s a local Columbus pizzeria and they sell beverages drafted in Columbus.

What organizations are you involved with in the community? I currently serve as the Vice Chair for CYP Club Cares, the philanthropic arm of Columbus Young Professionals. I joined Columbus Young Professionals after relocating to Columbus from New York. The energy in this group was amazing and their navigation of the city is what drew me in. Their ability to not only connect young professionals but also engage in community impact is what increased my involvement. I also coach boxing on Fridays at Pilger’s Old Skool Boxing & Fitness Academy. Fitness, and more specifically boxing, is something I have been passionate about for awhile. It gives me the opportunity to give back by coaching at Pilger’s, while also achieving my fitness goals and that is what has made for a well-rounded experience at the facility.

What’s the most exciting thing about Columbus right now? The Blue Jackets.

What are three things you think Columbus needs, or wish Columbus had? More rooftop bars for the summer and more cross functional community development initiatives, especially in the urban sector. Outside of those two key things, Columbus is an amazing city and is constantly growing not only in demographic, but in innovation as well.

If someone were to ask you what the “pulse” of Columbus is, what would you tell them? We are the pulse. The people of Columbus. Whether you are a native or someone who has just relocated, we all have the ability to make Columbus a thriving city, especially through an increase in collaboration.