Host Spotlight: Kendall Harrell | Purpose Fueled Viking Lakes
“In my view, the most impactful moments aren’t planned.” – Kendall Harrell
Kendall Harrell followed our LinkedIn posts for months before he ever walked in.
On Friday, October 2nd, he hosts Purpose Fueled | Viking Lakes for the first time, with Special Guest Ali Rodway.
He’s been to three of our locations. His take: the buildings change, but the community stays the same.
Here is more about him, in his own words.
When did you first walk through the door? What brought you here?
My first Purpose Fueled event was at the launch of the Viking Lakes site. I followed LinkedIn posts for a few months before meeting Jeni Cleveland who, after sharing her experiences, convinced me to check it out.
What made you say yes to hosting? What was the moment you decided this was worth it?
Mick asks, you say yes. I am drawn to hearing people’s story. Every perspective is different. How we experience the world is informed by our life experiences. I find myself growing as a person with every opportunity to hear another individual’s journey.
What’s your favorite moment you’ve witnessed in the room (a conversation, a breakthrough, a first-timer who clearly needed to be there)?
My favorite moment was when I was fortunate to be a special guest. I was overwhelmed by the number of people that shared experiences with mental health and appreciated that we were able to talk about it openly in that space.
What’s something about being a host that surprised you?
We’ll see. My first time hosting will be in October.
What’s one thing you’d tell someone who has never been to Purpose Fueled?
Come without an agenda. Be open to whatever learning, personal discovery, or coaching moment put in front of you in the moment.
What’s your favorite part of being a host?
People that tend to be guests are so humble. I enjoy seeing the guest receive the validation that they may not be used to getting.
What do people not see? What happens behind the scenes that most people never know about?
I don’t think people see or hear how much focus is placed on the audience experience. The primary concerns is always, “is this topic or conversation going to spark something in the audience?” The reality is that not in anyone’s control. In my view, the most impactful moments aren’t planned.
What do you want every single person who walks through the door to feel?
Welcomed and instantly part of a community.
Why is your location the best location ever?
I have been to three different locations now. The buildings change but the community is the same.
What are you most excited about for your location in the coming months?
I enjoy reuniting with people I’ve met before but I also like meeting new people, so I’m excited to see the community grow.
Who are some of your upcoming guest speakers? (Give us a preview.)
Ali Rodway in October
What’s the title of your next chapter, in life or in business?
That’s tough. This chapter isn’t close to being finished yet. I don’t know where the story is going and that’s exciting.
What don’t people know about you that they should?
I can’t tell anyone that they should know any particular thing about me. What I’ll say is that if you are curious about anything, I hope you’ll ask me and I’ll do the same.
How do your best friends, kids, or family describe you? Who do they say you are?
Those close to me know they can trust me to show up for them. They know I’m loyal and consistent. They know I have a very strong sense of fairness. Most importantly, they know laughter is a core value of mine.
Who are the types of people you really love meeting?
Purposeful people that don’t take themselves too seriously. People that think of others first and are wired to find common ground.
If there’s one thing you could help people in this community with, what would it be?
Professionally, I am a human resources leader. I am at my best as a coach but if people see anything I have that could be useful to them, I will happily share it.
Kendall hosts Purpose Fueled | Viking Lakes on Friday, October 2nd, with Special Guest Ali Rodway. We meet at the Vikings Museum, 2645 Vikings Circle, Eagan. Doors open at 7:00 AM and the event begins at 7:30 AM.
Come welcome our new host. Register here.
Find your people. Fuel your purpose.