Alanna Knobben’s Stories, Lessons & Insights

We recently had the chance to connect with Alanna Knobben and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Alanna, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Friendships! I feel like I’ve won the lottery with the amazing people in my life. From cooking fabulous meals together, to late-night fireside chats, to playing cards or rolling the dice on our next big adventure, these moments bring me so much joy with the people I love most. There’s something magical about genuinely seeing each other, cheering each other on, and being a safe place when life gets tough. I always leave these times smiling and feeling grateful.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Alanna Knobben, founder of Carry You With Me, where I help people navigate love, loss, and personal growth through creativity and connection. I began as an author and community builder, creating spaces for people to honor their stories and experiences, and over time my work has evolved into keynote speaking, where I share insights on resilience, transformation, and the power of connection on a larger stage. What makes it unique is the focus on both heart and creativity, the blend of lived experience and professional expertise. Helping people transform grief, change, or challenge into moments of reflection, growth, and even joy. Right now, I’m exploring new programs and experiences that bring people together to connect deeply, celebrate life, and carry forward the love and stories that shape us.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
The need for approval and to please others. For as long as I can remember, I sought validation from others, running my work by people to feel confident that it was good enough. Over the past few years, especially running my own business and multiple ventures, I’ve had to shift this mindset. I still care about making others happy, but more thoughtfully and with boundaries. I’m learning that I am not responsible for how others feel or react, and that my intuition and knowledge are enough to guide me. A pat on the back or meaningful acknowledgment still feels great, but it now comes secondary. It’s a lifelong journey, but I’m finally starting to rely on myself for approval first.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes—many times. I would threaten to quit my own company or let myself wallow in self-pity, chasing endless reasons why it was too hard, too much work, or not rewarding enough. About a year ago, at a difficult crossroads in year seven of my business, I knew a huge change was needed to protect my energy and passion, but I didn’t know exactly how. Then it came—a massive pivot in my time, focus, and delivery that allowed me to repackage and share everything I had built and learned in a new way, reaching broader audiences through speaking. All along, the soft whisper behind the loud threats of quitting was telling me I had what it takes and would figure it out. The impact is real, not imagined. It is important work, and the world is waiting for it.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes—the public version of me is the real me, though you’re unlikely to see me on stage in sweats and no makeup! I do like to throw on a cute outfit, add a couple of curls and a bit of makeup, but that’s about as high-maintenance as it gets. The stories I share, the way I show up, and how I live my life are always aligned. My messages come straight from the heart, drawing on both personal experiences and the deeper exploration I’ve taken to understand myself and the world. Authenticity is essential to me, and as a lifelong curious creator, I invest time and energy in spaces where I can be real and share meaningful parts of myself.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Have you ever gotten what you wanted, and found it did not satisfy you?
I think this is part of the human condition, most of us are always setting targets, consciously or subconsciously, and then moving the goalposts when we get there. I’m no different. There were times I thought, ‘If I could just hold one copy of my storybook, that would be all that mattered in my career.’ Then I got the book, sold thousands of copies, and suddenly wanted to write many more and expand its reach. More recently, landing a few big contracts felt like it would be a game changer but the truth is, I still feel the same drive and desire to do more. The income eases some pressure, and the larger scope is exciting and rewarding, but I still feel there’s so much more to create, share, and offer.

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