Ambassador Feature: Casey Stenehjem | Purpose Fueled Saint Paul
We asked Casey Stenehjem what she notices about a room that most people walk right past. Her answer: how welcoming everyone already is.
Meet our Saint Paul Ambassador.
When did you first walk through the door? What brought you here?
I first walked through the door early this summer. It wasn’t just one thing that brought me there… it was a collection of moments. Things I had seen on social media, meeting Mick the year before, and hearing nothing but great things about Purpose Fueled from pretty much everyone around me. Eventually I decided it was time to see it for myself.
What made you say yes to being an Ambassador?
The decision was easy. I genuinely appreciate what Purpose Fueled stands for, and the people I have met through it have only reinforced that. In sales, the best thing you can be is an ambassador for something you actually care about… and this one was a no-brainer.
What do you notice about a room that most people walk right past?
How welcoming everyone is. I am happy to be added to that team.
What do you want every person who walks through the door to feel, especially someone who almost didn’t come?
The community is here to support you, and you will feel it.
What’s your favorite introduction you’ve made (two people you knew needed to meet)?
So many I cannot even count! Awe! Perhaps the now couple =)
How do you know when someone really needed to be here?
When they are hesitant to do so, nervous, etc.
What’s one thing you’d tell someone who has never been to Purpose Fueled?
Be prepared to feel in a lighter mood walking out.
Purpose Fueled shows up differently in different people. How does it show up in you?
I heard once, “the more you interact with the depth of people, the more I acknowledge it exists”. This is how it shows up for me.
When you invite someone to Purpose Fueled, what do you say?
I want to bring you to a networking group that isn’t like anything you have ever been in before. And you will walk away feeling inspired and brighter in your day.
What’s one thing you’re excited about sharing with people right now, in your life or your work?
I just competed in the Scottish Highland Games for the third time and have zero intention of slowing down. It is a dying sport, and someone has to do something about that. Look it up!
I am also a plant mom of 80+ houseplants, and yes, I decided that wasn’t quite enough, so I’ll be enrolling in the Master Gardeners Program through the U of M in the future. Life is too short to do things halfway.
What’s the title of your next chapter, in life or in business?
Working on taking up space.
What don’t people know about you that they should?
My background is a lot of things, but boring is not one of them. Exercise Science degree, 13+ years as a personal trainer, bodybuilding competitor and judge for a decade, CrossFit athlete, and now a Scottish Highland Games competitor with no plans of stopping. I have been sharpening my communication skills in Toastmasters for 6+ years, spent time as a non-profit project manager helping donors save strangers’ lives, and somehow also became the mom of a dog and 80+ houseplants.
And the thing that surprises people most? I am a heavy introvert who has gotten really good at not acting like one.
How do your best friends, kids, or family describe you? Who do they say you are?
Growth oriented inside and out, always sees the best in people, fiercely loyal, and the last person who will let you sell yourself short. Real, a little quirky, and genuinely one of a kind.
Who should find you in this room?
Anyone who feels uncomfortable or not sure who to talk to. I can always talk!
What problem do you love solving for people?
I love inspiring people, and seeing them grow. Weather that is a conversation, and connection, or just simply someone to listen.
That’s Casey. If you’ve been to Saint Paul and felt like the room already knew you belonged, there’s a good chance it was her.