In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Alan Smith discuss:

• The raw and genuine journey to becoming a professional speaker, including the uncertainties and triumphs faced along the way

• Balancing a dynamic family life with professional endeavors and discussing the influence of personal experiences, such as dealing with profound loss, on one's career path

• The process of self-discovery through shamanic principles and the exploration of one's 'soul path' to achieve personal fulfillment

• Career transitions, such as moving from a scrapbook store owner to a shoe store owner, and the resultant passion discovered in the process

• Writing and creative expression through fiction, specifically the novel 'The Undertaker's Apprentice', and the struggles involved with the completion of creative projects

• Overcoming personal challenges like bullying and self-confidence issues, and strategizing to balance creative ideas with project completion

Key Takeaways:

• Speaking with authenticity and practice is key to overcoming the fear of public speaking and connecting with audiences.

• Understanding oneself and peeling back layers of personal narratives is crucial for self-growth and imparting meaningful messages.

• Identifying whether one's life path aligns with their true self is essential for personal satisfaction and genuine fulfillment.

• Completing creative projects can be a challenge amidst the excitement of new ideas, but hiring individuals with complementary strengths can help achieve a balance.

• Embracing one's unique authenticity and fostering connections with others enrich life experiences and the relationships built along the way.

“Our greatest growth often comes from the most personal aspects of our lives, shaping how we connect, create, and contribute to the world around us.”

-Alan Smith

About the guest, Alan Smith:

Alan Smith, a dynamic speaker and shaman, has dedicated nearly three decades to inspiring others through his journey from discomfort to confidence. His public speaking career began unexpectedly when he and his wife became co-presidents of the Utah SIDS Alliance following the loss of their son, compelling him to overcome his fear of public speaking. This experience, combined with his tenure as a shoe store owner and his embrace of shamanic principles, shaped his unique message of authenticity and self-understanding. Alan's teachings focus on shedding layers of pretense and societal expectations to reveal one's true self, a theme central to his upcoming book, "Context Lenses."

Living in South Jordan, Utah, with his wife, children, grandchildren, and granddogs, Alan continues to share his insights through workshops, retreats, and an anticipated podcast. His creative ventures include a compelling work of fiction titled "The Undertaker’s Apprentice," where he explores themes of personal discovery and resilience. Alan's diverse experiences, from the scrapbook industry to spiritual mentorship, highlight his passion for helping others navigate their paths with clarity and confidence.

CONNECT WITH ALAN SMITH:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crazyshoeguy/

CONNECT WITH CHERYL:

Website: www.cherylknows.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwvWKXBC6fKn1dLGY11hxIg

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theknowltonteam/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylknowlton/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherylknows/

Show notes by Podcastologist: Hanz Jimuel Alvarez

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.