Special Guest Feature: Ali Rodway | Purpose Fueled Viking Lakes
Ali Rodway describes herself as a golden retriever. Happy, sweet, playful, loyal, sometimes to a fault.
She is a Change Management Consultant at Andersen Windows & Doors, and she has learned firsthand that change never waits until you feel ready for it.
Ali is our Special Guest at Purpose Fueled | Viking Lakes on Friday, October 2nd, hosted by Kendall Harrell.
Here is more about her, in her own words.
What do you actually do (in plain language), the way you’d explain it to a friend over coffee?
I help people move through and embrace changes at work and in life.
What’s the moment or decision that changed the direction of your life or career?
There are big pillars of decisions and change that have shaped my life, moving for love, divorce, sobriety and remarriage, all of which are rooted in an understanding that “ready” is a mirage. I wasn’t ready or prepared or even fully understood any of it. But I said yes because I trusted that I could figure it out… and so far have.
What do you believe about people that most others in your field don’t?
You can’t change people. That’s not to say that people don’t have the capacity to change, they fully do! But change is an inside job on our side of the street. You can help people see new things or learn new skills, but at the end of the day, change is a choice that takes individual courage to make that no one can make for you.
What are you most proud of, in life, not just in work?
I’m incredibly proud of my sobriety (coming up on 6 years). I’m proud of it because it was a choice that didn’t come from should, but it came from a place of loving myself enough to set myself up to win everywhere else.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I honestly don’t remember my youthful aspirations. But one of my most vivid memories about me learning about who I was came from a youth basketball coach. He was giving awards for the year, best shooter, best defender etc. I got “most coachable” and at the time I was disappointed. Over the years that has been a powerful moment to reflect upon. I was never the best at anything (few are), but I was open to getting better. Powerful context for a young (or old) person to be given.
How do your closest friends or family describe you? Who do they say you are?
That I am a golden retriever, happy, sweet, playful and loyal (sometimes to a fault). You can count on Ali to see what’s possible, if we are going to spiral, let’s spiral UP!
What don’t people know about you that they should?
I get sad and anxious and feel like a fraud. All the time. It’s hard for me to ask for help.
What does “purpose” mean to you personally?
Something that only I can measure or see or fully grasp. It is an endless aspiration that might never be fully expressed, but the game to play is to live it as hard as you can for as long as you can and see what happens. For me that purpose is joy.
What’s the title of your next chapter, in life or in business?
More than math. For the vast majority of my life I was sure I wasn’t good with money. This year I have enrolled in a course to become a Certified Financial Planner. The truth is, it’s complex stuff. But what I am learning more than anything is that when it comes to finances, it’s more than math. It’s meaning and ideas and creative expression.
What don’t people know about you that they should?
Same as above.
What’s one thing you’re hoping people leave your conversation thinking about?
What would you do if you truly believed that everything always works out for you?
What’s a question you wish more people would ask you?
What should we create together?
Come meet Ali
Ali Rodway is our Special Guest at Purpose Fueled | Viking Lakes on Friday, October 2nd, hosted by Kendall Harrell. Vikings Museum, 2645 Vikings Circle, Eagan. Doors open at 7:00 AM and the event begins at 7:30 AM.
Come hear her story and bring your answer to her question. Register here.