Be Resilient. Chase the Impossible.
My Mission
Many young men and women today struggle to discover their purpose and rise above adversity. For those asking life’s biggest question—“What am I supposed to do with my life?”—I help them reframe it into something far more powerful: “How can I give back to the world?” As a motivational speaker and life coach, I guide students through keynotes and workshops to uncover their core values, define their personal mission, and build the mindset needed to find strength in struggle and direction in uncertainty.
My brand and mission, Upward & Onward, is dedicated to inspiring belief and resilience through holistic health, purposeful living, and intentional action. If you’re looking to spark purpose, cultivate growth, and create meaningful change in the lives of others—I’d love to be a part of your mission.
Meet Christopher
Christopher Seward’s story didn’t begin with success—it began with failure, nearly 300 pounds, and a dream slipping away in medical school. But what came next changed everything. He left medicine to discover something more: his mission. Over the next three years, he lost 85 pounds, ran two marathons, launched two companies, founded a nonprofit, and authored the transformative book Upward & Onward: From Adversity to Resilience, From Resilience to Purpose, From Purpose to Transcendence. Today, Christopher leads Upward & Onward as a motivational speaker, author, and purpose coach—helping young adults discover resilience, define their mission, and live with intention. In addition to his brand, he serves as a Medical Informatics Liaison at Saint Luke’s Hospital.
A proud Eagle Scout and Biochemistry graduate of William Jewell College, Christopher’s passion for service is deeply personal—shaped by his sister Elizabeth, who was born with special needs and inspired the creation of his nonprofit, The Elizabeth Kochheim Project, which supports children with intellectual developmental disabilities. Offstage, he writes music, stays active, dominates fantasy football, and cherishes time with family and friends. Onstage, Christopher brings heart, humor, and hope—delivering talks that spark reflection, ignite action, and leave lasting impact.
Discover Your Mission
Keynote – Mission Possible:
Blazing your path to purpose and transcendence
If you're stuck in neutral, asking 'What should I do next?' or 'How can I move forward?' it’s time to shift gears and change your perspective. In this dynamic, thought-provoking session, Christopher Seward will challenge you to break free from reactive thinking and embrace a life of purpose, clarity, and intentional action. With practical strategies and actionable insights, you’ll uncover your personal mission and create a plan to serve others, transforming what feels impossible into reality, and blazing your own path—Upward & Onward—toward transcendence and fulfillment.
​Keynote (optional workshop) – Transcend your life!
Adversity doesn’t have to define you—it can launch you. In Transcend Your Life!, Christopher Seward invites you into a powerful exploration of the themes behind his book, Upward & Onward, guiding you through the transformative journey from hardship to purpose. This keynote (with optional workshop) equips attendees with practical tools to re-frame struggle, build resilience, and uncover a deeper mission. Whether you’re feeling stuck, searching for meaning, or ready for your next chapter, this session will help you rise above survival mode and step into a life of intention, fulfillment, and impact. You don’t just overcome adversity—you transcend it.
Keynote – Advocates of Care
We ask nurses and front-line staff to be advocates—for safety, for patients, for outcomes. But who advocates for them? In the high-stakes world of clinical care, it's easy to lose sight of your own needs, voice, and purpose. Advocates of Care is a transformational session designed for nurses, clinical teams, and healthcare leaders ready to reclaim their sense of mission, reconnect with their values, and lead from a place of wholeness. In this powerful talk, Christopher Seward challenges healthcare professionals to expand advocacy beyond the bedside—advocating not only for patients, but for themselves, their colleagues, and the future of care. Through personal storytelling, leadership insight, and real-world strategy, attendees will walk away with renewed clarity, purpose, and strength to lead change in both their teams and themselves.
“Upward & Onward is more than a brand, it is a way of life. It is a promise to care for yourself on all fronts of your health, including mental health and physical health. I’m grateful for Upward & Onward and the change it has brought into my life.”
Dante Edwards | Strength and Conditioning Coach, Yale University
Upward and Onward - The Book
About the Book
Have you ever felt hopeless? Do you want to find your purpose? Do you want to become the person you were always meant to be? It's time to start...TODAY. From author, Christopher Seward, comes Upward and Onward, an inspirational memoir and self-help book that will motivate you to reach your full potential. Filled with quotes from industry experts, personal anecdotes, case studies, and entertaining analogies, this is a book that you cannot afford to ignore. With tactical strategies and practical advice, Upward and Onward takes you on an unforgettable journey into helping you and the ones you love find purpose and fulfillment in your life.
About the Author
Christopher Seward, founder of Upward & Onward LLC and Seward Investments LLC, is a dedicated motivational speaker and entrepreneur committed to inspiring resiliency in all people through holistic health: mind, body, and spirit.
Born in Kansas City, Missouri, Christopher grew up participating in several organizations, one of which was the Boy Scouts, where he earned the Rank of Eagle Scout at age 13.
Christopher’s sister Elizabeth, who was born with special needs, played a vital role in shaping his passion for serving others and advocating for those who are unable to advocate for themselves. Christopher attributes much of who he is to his sister and the profound impact she has had on his life.
Christopher’s journey is a testament to the power of personal resilience. Christopher is a proud alumnus of William Jewell College, holding a Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry. The COVID-19 pandemic prompted him to make a life-changing decision-to leave medical school and embark on a journey of self-discovery. Over the next three years, Christopher transformed his life, losing 85 pounds, completing a marathon, and, most importantly, finding a new purpose in helping others overcome adversity in their lives. This personal transformation was the catalyst for the creation of his brand and mission, Upward & Onward, and this book.
Christopher’s dedication to service extends beyond his professional endeavors. He volunteers through his fraternity, Lambda Chi Alpha, and the Freemasons. In addition to his company, Christopher serves as a Medical Informatics Liaison at Saint Luke’s Hospital, where he has worked and volunteered since early school.
In his leisure time, Christopher finds joy in his furthering his brand and mission, writing music, maintaining his fitness, winning at fantasy football, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
“Upward & Onward is more than a brand, it is a way of life. It is a promise to care for yourself on all fronts of your health, including mental health and physical health. I’m grateful for Upward & Onward and the change it has brought into my life.”
Dante Edwards | Strength and Conditioning Coach, Yale University
What's Your Calling?
Christopher Seward knows what transformation takes—because he’s lived it. After losing over 85 pounds, running two marathons, and walking away from medical school to pursue his calling, he founded Upward & Onward to help others break through barriers and unlock their purpose. As an ISSA Certified Personal Trainer, motivational speaker, and coach, Christopher offers a holistic approach to growth—focused on mind, body, and spirit.
His coaching model empowers clients to strengthen their mindset, rebuild their health, and realign with purpose. The mind centers on developing mental resilience and intentional mindset shifts (while not a licensed counselor, his guidance focuses on practical tools and personal growth). The body is supported through expert fitness coaching, and the spirit through life-purpose exploration and coaching aligned with your values.
Whether you’re looking to lose weight, reset your habits, build confidence, or reignite your sense of purpose, Christopher’s coaching meets you where you are—and guides you toward where you’re meant to be. His story is proof that no matter how far off course you feel, your comeback is possible.
Coaching Services
Champions Club Package
I help you achieve your goals on all facets of life: Mind, Body, and Spirit. As an ISSA Certified Personal Trainer, I help you achieve the fitness goals of your dreams, with special emphasis in transformation specialist. As your life coach, I will help you channel a growth mindset and help you spiritually step into your calling.
