Ambassador Spotlight: Missy Schussler
Missy Schussler notices the person standing alone before anyone else does. At Purpose Fueled, that instinct is the whole job.
She’s an Ambassador at Purpose Fueled | Viking Lakes.
Professionally, she’s a Program & Transformation Leader at CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen).
Here’s more in her own words.
When did you first walk through the door? What brought you here?
“I first came to Purpose Fueled through Michelle, a former Ambassador. We originally connected through Brillect and had met for coffee a couple of times and really clicked. She invited me to Purpose Fueled, and knowing Michelle, I figured it would be my kind of place. She was right. I loved that it felt less like traditional networking and more about genuine connection and building relationships.”
What made you say yes to being an Ambassador?
“It felt natural. I genuinely enjoy connecting people and making sure someone feels welcome, especially when they’re walking into a room where they may not know anyone. If I can help someone feel like they belong here, I’m all in.”
What do you notice about a room that most people walk right past?
“I notice the person standing by themselves. I notice when someone looks nervous, unsure, or like they don’t quite know where to go. I’ve always been that way. My instinct is to walk over, introduce myself, and make them feel like they have someone in the room.”
What do you want every person who walks through the door to feel, especially someone who almost didn’t come?
“That they’re glad they came. I want them to feel welcomed, included, and comfortable being exactly who they are, not like they have to prove why they belong in the room.”
What’s your favorite introduction you’ve made (two people you knew needed to meet)?
“I don’t know that I have one favorite introduction. I make them all the time! I love listening to someone and realizing, wait, you need to know this person. Whether it leads to a job, a friendship, an idea, or just a great conversation, I love making that connection.”
How do you know when someone really needed to be here?
“I think you can usually see it. At one Purpose Fueled event, a first-time attendee came in about 30 minutes late and was clearly flustered. She’d had trouble finding the location and parking, and I could tell she was frustrated and probably wondering if she should even stay. I went over, welcomed her, and told her about my own first time when I ended up in the wrong place. I basically said, ‘You’re here now. Stay!’ Sometimes people just need one person to notice them and make them feel like they belong.”
What’s one thing you’d tell someone who has never been to Purpose Fueled?
“Just come. You don’t need a perfect elevator pitch, a stack of business cards, or even a reason for being there. Come as you are, meet some really good people, and see what happens.”
Purpose Fueled shows up differently in different people. How does it show up in you?
“For me, it’s connection. I’m naturally curious about people, I ask questions, and I genuinely want to know their story. And once I know people, I’m constantly thinking about who I can connect them with.”
When you invite someone to Purpose Fueled, what do you say?
“It’s usually more in passing: ‘You should come to Purpose Fueled with me sometime. I think you’d really like it.’ I think the right people are drawn to it once they experience it.”
What’s one thing you’re excited about sharing with people right now, in your life or your work?
“I’m starting a new professional chapter after a season of a lot of change and uncertainty, and I’m genuinely excited about what’s ahead. I’m also building something creative of my own with Stem & Hearth floral business, which has been a completely different, and really fun, side of me to explore.”
What’s the title of your next chapter, in life or in business?
“Trusting What’s Next.”
What don’t people know about you that they should?
“People tend to notice my outgoing, high-energy side first. I’m definitely a ‘Woo’ person, I love people, connection, conversation, and bringing people together. I also know that kind of energy isn’t everyone’s cup of tea! What people may not know is that underneath it, I’m actually paying really close attention. I notice who seems uncomfortable, who hasn’t said much, or who might need someone to pull them into the conversation. My energy comes from genuinely caring about people and wanting them to feel included.”
How do your best friends, kids, or family describe you? Who do they say you are?
“Outgoing, loyal, determined, and probably a little relentless. I’m the person who brings people together, figures things out, asks a million questions, and shows up when someone needs me. My family would also tell you I don’t sit still very well.”
Who should find you in this room?
“Anyone who walked in wondering who they’re going to talk to. Seriously, come find me. I also love meeting people navigating career transitions, leading change, building something new, or simply looking for genuine connection.”
What problem do you love solving for people?
“I love helping people get unstuck. Professionally, that often means taking something complicated or messy, bringing the right people together, and creating clarity and a path forward. Personally, sometimes it’s as simple as saying, ‘I know someone you should meet.'”
Want to meet Missy? Join us at Purpose Fueled | Viking Lakes on November 6th. Register here.