Meet Risa August

We were lucky to catch up with Risa August recently and have shared our conversation below.

Risa, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

Honestly, I grew up in a household where I had to build an emotional callous, learn some grit, and survive. It was either toughen up or be swallowed by blackness. This carried me into my adult life where I put my head down and worked hard in whatever I pursued. In my need for perfection and accomplishment, I discovered a love for triathlons and eventually found myself crossing the finish line of my first Ironman race. Fast forward through more years of endurance cycling, local CrossFit competitions, mountain climbing, starting and growing my own successful business, and finding out about my life-altering diagnosis, I soon learned my life would never be the same.

Following an unsuccessful brain surgery and six weeks of radiation treatment, I was lying on my sofa for yet another day in my tattered gray sweatpants and realized I had two choices…live or die. Toughen up or be swallowed by blackness. I wanted to live, truly, fully, all-out live. I wanted to do better, be better, and live life on my terms. And that was the day I decided I would ride my bike from Canada to Mexico down the Pacific Coast.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’ve always been drawn to stories—both personal and shared—and my journey as a writer and storyteller is deeply rooted in that passion. Professionally, I focus on using my experiences and insights to inspire and connect with others, whether it’s through my writing, speaking engagements, or other creative pursuits. My book, The Road Unpaved: Border to Border with a Brain Tumor and a Bike, is a perfect example of how I weave personal narrative with broader themes of resilience, humor, and transformation.
What excites me most about what I do is the opportunity to create a deeper connection with readers. Writing is not just about telling a story; it’s about finding the universal truth in an experience that can resonate with others. My journey—especially living with a brain tumor—has given me a unique lens through which I view the world. I hope to offer others a sense of hope, humor, and humanity in the face of life’s unpredictability.
Currently, I am working on a few projects, but mainly I’m expanding my work to include workshops that encourage others to tell their own stories of resilience and personal growth. I believe that everyone has a story worth sharing, and my goal is to help people find their voice, whether they’re battling a personal challenge or simply looking to understand themselves on a deeper level.
There’s something truly special about giving people the tools to explore their inner worlds through writing or creative expression. It’s something I’m incredibly passionate about and excited to see evolve in my career.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

#1) Following my diagnosis, I realized I was focusing on my limiting beliefs and I had to start reframing these beliefs with my goals in mind. If I planned on doing something in a particular way but it would no longer be possible, I would find another way to do it. For example, I always wanted to hike the Camino de Santiago in Spain, I can no longer walk far distances, so I completed it by bicycle instead.
Limiting ourselves closes us off to possibilities. If something doesn’t work, it doesn’t mean it’s not possible, it simply means it’s time to explore a different path.

#2) I realize that I have the power to shift my perspective around my circumstances. Following my diagnosis, I soon learned that my body would never operate the way it used to. Instead of focusing on what I could no longer do, I began focusing on what I could do. Please see #1, it opened me up to a world of possibilities.
Let me add to this by saying, when I come to a roadblock, I no longer view it as an obstacle, it’s simply something to navigate. I can go over, around, under, or through it, it’s a matter of shifting my thinking. And sometimes those roadblocks can turn into your greatest gift. It’s all a matter of perspective!

#3) Asking, accepting, and receiving help when necessary, is vital!
In the past, I was determined to accomplish everything on my own, asking for help felt like a cop-out, or even weakness. After spending 10 days in ICU tethered to a bed by wires and tubes, I quickly learned the importance of accepting help. So often, I am the first to help another, which genuinely fills my heart. Not accepting help could very well rob another person of what fills their heart. Now, I accept help where I can and I offer help where I can. The give and take in my life feels more balanced. In my work, I gladly accept the kindness and generosity of others who have connected me to places and people I never imagined, and I love paying it forward. Again, there’s a balance.

All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?

This is a tough one. Life feels like one big challenge at the moment. But I would have to say that my health is currently challenging me more than ever. I have been battling my disease since surgery in 2019 without finding a viable treatment. The day-to-day task of getting out of bed, completing daily responsibilities, and staying positive can feel overwhelming or nearly impossible at times.

What keeps me going is that I know deep within me is a spark and I will do whatever it takes to keep it ignited. Some days it’s a short walk with a friend, having tea on my patio, diving into some crafts, snuggling my dog, or dreaming big and writing down my goals. My list of matches to keep that spark lit is expansive and if I keep fanning the flame, it grows. Again, I don’t limit myself.

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