When Christy Pretzinger first set out to build her company, WG Content, she made a bold declaration to her accountant: If I can’t build a business based on kindness, I’ll go back to freelancing.

At the time, it was simply an intention. In hindsight, it became the foundation for her entire business philosophy. Today, Christy is the CEO and founder of WG Content, a company that has revolutionized healthcare content creation while creating a culture where employees thrive.

From Freelancing to Founder: The Evolution of WG Content

Christy’s career began in 1993 as a freelance writer. For a decade, she navigated the world of independent work before launching what was initially called Writer Girl, later rebranded as WG Content to reflect its growth and expanded services.

Unlike many entrepreneurs who start with a financial goal, Christy was driven by something deeper. “I’ve never done things for money. I needed it, of course, but it was never my primary intention.” Instead, she was motivated by the challenge of creating a company where people felt valued, seen, and supported.

A Business That Grows When You Do

A pivotal moment came in 2009 when Christy worked with an unconventional coach—an energy reader. While at the time it seemed like an abstract concept, today, neuroscience validates the very principles she learned.

“She said, ‘Your business is you, and you are your business. It won’t grow until you do.’”

That insight led Christy to develop a daily meditation practice, dive into self-awareness literature, and shift her approach to leadership. “Nothing is more important to effective leadership than self-awareness,” she says.

For her, leadership isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about being in tune with yourself and creating an environment where others can thrive.

The Neuroscience of Connection and Company Culture

At the heart of Christy’s philosophy is human connection. In a world increasingly dominated by digital interactions, she is a staunch advocate for real, meaningful relationships. “Our brains are hardwired for community and connection,”she says.

This belief extends into how she runs WG Content. The company’s core values—empowered, curious, kind, and fun—aren’t just words on a wall; they guide every decision and interaction.

From eliminating traditional performance reviews (which she believes don’t foster kindness)
to implementing company-wide meditation before meetings, her approach is anything but conventional.

The Cultural Balance Sheet: The New Measure of Business Success

While many CEOs focus on financial balance sheets, Christy has developed a different metric for success: The Cultural Balance Sheet. This concept, which became the basis for her book Your Cultural Balance Sheet: Keys to Creating an Environment Where People Can Thrive, redefines how leaders should evaluate their organizations.

Instead of just tracking profit and loss, she believes companies should assess their cultural assets and liabilities. “The biggest difference between a financial and cultural balance sheet is that cultural liabilities can move into the asset column with the right level of intention and attention.”

For example, rigidity—a liability—can be transformed into an asset of flexibility if an organization actively works toward it.

Attention is Your Most Valuable Commodity

One of the most eye-opening moments in the conversation comes when host Jules Schroeder shares a shocking statistic: without conscious effort, the average person could spend 22 years of their life on their phone.

That revelation ties directly into one of Christy’s core beliefs: what you give your attention to shapes your reality.

“If I want to do good in the world, I have to feel good. I can’t feel bad and do good in the world.” For her, that means being intentional about where she focuses her energy and encouraging others to do the same.

Tangible Ways to Build a Culture That Thrives

Christy doesn’t just talk about culture—she puts it into practice. Here are some of the innovative strategies she uses at WG Content:

• The “You Matter” Worksheet: Instead of a traditional compensation report, employees receive a You Matterworksheet, emphasizing their worth beyond just salary and benefits.
• Values-Based Recognition: Employees nominate each other for demonstrating company values, reinforcing positive behavior.
• Starting Meetings with Meditation: A practice that initially felt unconventional to some, but has since become a staple in setting a grounded, present tone for discussions.

Living an Unconventional Life with Confidence

When asked what living an unconventional life means to her, Christy responds: “It means living by my own rules and, finally, unapologetically being myself.”

That mindset is reflected not just in her personal journey but in the thriving culture she has built at WG Content.

For those looking to create meaningful change in their own workplaces, Christy’s message is clear: It all starts with self-awareness, intention, and a commitment to kindness.

Win a 1:1 Call with Christy Pretzinger + A Free Copy of Her Book!

Want to build a thriving business culture where people feel valued, engaged, and inspired? Here’s your chance! Christy Pretzinger is giving away a 30-minute private call to one lucky winner. 

About Christy’s Book:

Your Cultural Balance Sheet: Keys to Creating an Environment Where People Can Thrive is coming soon! The book explores how leaders can build a strong company culture by viewing it through the lens of a balance sheet—where cultural assets, liabilities, and equity shape long-term success. Stay tuned for its release in summer 2025!

Connect with Christy:

• Website: wgcontent.com
• LinkedIn: Christy Pretzinger