Community Champion Spotlight: Monica Swanson | Purpose Fueled Viking Lakes
Monica Swanson is usually the first person you’ll meet at Purpose Fueled Viking Lakes. She’s at the check-in table, making sure everyone gets greeted, gets settled, and gets pointed toward a good conversation.
She left the corporate world a few years ago craving something more meaningful. She found it at Purpose Fueled, and now she’s the one building it for everyone else who walks through that door.
Here’s her story, in her own words.
When did you first walk through the door? What brought you here?
I wanted to socialize with professionals after leaving the corporate world a few years ago. I was craving some meaningful connections!
What made you say yes to being a Community Champion?
I had volunteered at a few locations which was fun. I had visited various locations which was nice, but was hoping to build more meaningful connections over time, and also was hoping for something a little closer to home in the south metro. When Mick asked me to be the CP at Vikings Lakes, I didn’t hesitate!
What’s your favorite moment you’ve witnessed in the room?
I love when the table conversations are so vibrant that Mick has to work to get everyone back focused on the speakers :-), or at the end of the event with people staying long after our official end time. I’ve made so many meaningful connections from the people I sit with.
What’s one thing you’d tell someone who has never been to Purpose Fueled?
This is about meaningful connections, and not swapping business cards. You most likely will make some business connections, but they start out with meaningful personal connections during the event.
What do you want every person who walks through the door to feel?
Seen, heard and understood!
What does being a Community Champion actually look like?
Showing up early, working with a team of people to get the room set up and have quite a few laughs during the process. We also meet every few months for a lunch to discuss how we can keep our PF events vibrant, and enjoy some time together.
What do people not see? What happens behind the scenes that most people never know about?
We are managing the logistics to ensure the best in-person event can take place! We are getting the monthly work into a smooth process, allowing all volunteers to use their skills to help however they can.
What’s the hardest part of the role?
Not having sufficient time to chat with everyone! As we check people in or manage the details, I’m often distracted with a few tasks that don’t allow me to have as many meaningful conversations. I always take part in the table discussions which gives me the true connections. During check-in, my focus is to greet everyone, get them checked in, and off to an enjoyable morning with coffee and conversations.
What’s your favorite part?
Working with the behind-the-scenes team at Vikings Lakes. We have a lot of fun during each event, and have even more fun during our bi-monthly lunches.
What surprised you most about stepping into this role?
Mick has a great balance of a process, but also leaning on me to improve things however I can. He is a great collaborator, and also knows he’s recruiting talented people who can add to his experience versus solely follow his lead.
Why is your location the best location ever?
Vikings Lakes is an impressive location, being in the Vikings Museum. How cool is it to have an insider view of the museum? And the location is convenient to get to with lots of parking.
What are you most excited about for your location right now?
We have a great mix of regular attendees and new attendees. I love the excited good-byes at the end when people state they’re excited to come back to this location.
Who are some attendees at your location that people should know?
Mick, for sure. He is the gem behind PF! Michelle Collier is a great connector. Luke & Peder Melin are a dynamic father / son duo, often side-by-side and we pull them apart so we can share the Melin magic with others.
What’s the title of your next chapter?
I’m Monica Swanson, founder of MonRoe Business Solutions. I help business leaders turn a patchwork of technology decisions into a clear technology strategy that saves time, improves visibility, and supports growth. My next chapter — I will be a published author before the summer is done! More on this later.
How do your best friends, kids, or family describe you?
Logical, always willing to help, driven (maybe that is my impatience in action? haha), and a child of God.
Who should find you in this room?
At the front check-in table. Or the taller dark-haired lady keeping Mick in line. 🙂
What problem do you love solving for people?
Building their confidence, giving them hope for their future, and thinking through logical next steps for whatever hurdles they may have in front of them.
Monica is one of the people who makes Purpose Fueled feel like Purpose Fueled. The one showing up early, staying late, and making sure no one walks their purpose journey alone. If you haven’t met her yet, come find her at Viking Lakes.