Ambassador Feature: Christopher Couillard | Purpose Fueled Viking Lakes
We asked Christopher Couillard what he notices about a room that most people walk right past. His answer was two words: “who’s alone.” That’s the whole job, really. Meet our Viking Lakes Ambassador.
When did you first walk through the door? What brought you here?
It was the first or second Purpose Driven Coffee (previous name) held at The Gnome in Saint Paul. I’m guessing the timing…around Feb 2023.
I came to support Mick and the PDC venture, and I was very curious to have the experience.
What made you say yes to being an Ambassador?
I wanted to support the success of the Vikings Lake location and I wanted to give Mick the freedom to focus on playing his role.
What do you notice about a room that most people walk right past?
Who’s alone.
What do you want every person who walks through the door to feel, especially someone who almost didn’t come?
I want them to feel a real connection with at least one person. I want them to welcome they belong. I want them to feel welcome and that everybody else is glad they are here. Most of all I want them to feel that this is a safe place where they can be themselves and take conversational risk.
What’s your favorite introduction you’ve made (two people you knew needed to meet)?
I have no idea.
How do you know when someone really needed to be here?
There are several ways. Sometimes they tell me, “am I glad I came, I needed to be here”. When we are having discussions at the table. Their eyes tell me a lot. What they say tells me a lot. Another way is when they say something like “I thought this was a networking event. This is not what I expected (they mean this in a good way).
What’s one thing you’d tell someone who has never been to Purpose Fueled?
Focus on the table conversations and take a risk, be honest.
Purpose Fueled shows up differently in different people. How does it show up in you?
Listen. Be other centered. Ask meaningful questions of others. Take time to just watch and observe. Smile. Let people know they are seen and heard.
When you invite someone to Purpose Fueled, what do you say?
You won’t regret spending your time this way. I encourage them to participate in the table conversations to the best of their ability. Focus on having a new experience and leave your networking perceptions at the door.
What’s one thing you’re excited about sharing with people right now, in your life or your work?
Nothing comes to mind.
What’s the title of your next chapter, in life or in business?
A quiet mind and a loving heart.
What don’t people know about you that they should?
That I have struggled with low self esteem, insecurity and feeling different my whole life.
How do your best friends, kids, or family describe you? Who do they say you are?
I don’t know. This question has motivated me to ask them in the coming week.
Who should find you in this room?
Someone who is hurting.
What problem do you love solving for people?
I get the spirit of the question. I’m more interested in coming along side someone and to discover what they need/want. Sometimes it’s listening and they don’t want feedback, input, etc. If they want specific feedback, they ask and I have relevant experience I’ll tell them.
That’s Christopher. If you’ve been to Viking Lakes and felt like someone was glad you showed up, there’s a good chance it was him.