We were lucky to catch up with Alli Thul recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Alli, great to have you with us today and excited to have you share your wisdom with our readers. Over the years, after speaking with countless do-ers, makers, builders, entrepreneurs, artists and more we’ve noticed that the ability to take risks is central to almost all stories of triumph and so we’re really interested in hearing about your journey with risk and how you developed your risk-taking ability.
I’ve always been a big dreamer, and I think that built up some confidence in that whatever I get myself into, I can figure it out.
If I had to pinpoint where that came from, I’d say it’s a mix of two main things. Growing up, I played competitive soccer as a goalkeeper. There’s this interesting dynamic in that position because it’s a team sport, so you rely on your teammates and trust that together you can persevere. But as a goalkeeper, you’re also in this solo position where things come down to you as both a leader and the last line of defense. This experience helped shape my belief that I can handle tough situations and also taught me the importance of being able to rely and lean on those around me.
Additionally, both of my parents are pretty entrepreneurial, so I grew up watching them create their own freedom through hard work and creativity. I remember tagging along with them on various gigs after school and on weekends when I was really little but balancing all of our extra curricular, too. Looking back, it was just another example of their dedication and hard work to ensure our family had a good life. Their example showed me that taking risks and working hard can lead to great things and just generally that taking a risk can work out.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
About a year and a half ago, I took the plunge and went all-in on my personal training business, HELM Training Co. The idea behind HELM is to offer high-quality, personalized training that empowers people to live their best lives, whatever that looks like for them. We customize training plans to fit each client’s unique needs and goals, whether they’re here locally or halfway across the globe.
What really excites me about HELM is the transformation I get to see in my clients. It’s incredibly rewarding to help people achieve things they once thought were out of reach, like running their first marathon, hitting a PR on a lift, or just feeling more confident and healthy in their daily lives.
We offer a wide range of training options, from semi-private, one-on-one sessions, a hybrid training program, to remote coaching. We focus on overall wellness, incorporating training, nutrition and lifestyle coaching to make sure our clients are supported in every aspect of their life.
At the moment, we are enjoying the process of building community between our members and continuing to provide them the best service possible!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, the three things that have been game-changers for me are a willingness to take risks, the ability to connect with a diverse range of people, and knowing how much I still have to learn. These have been key to my growth in every way.
First, taking risks has been huge, although often a bit scary. Leaving a consulting job to dive into personal training was a big leap for me. Starting my own business was another. Both pushed me out of my comfort zone and forced me to learn and adapt quickly. Without being able and willing to take risks like these, I wouldn’t have built HELM Training Co. or be anywhere near the person I am today.
Connecting with a wide variety of people has also been a huge superpower of mine. Even though I’m more introverted, I’ve learned to connect deeply with clients, colleagues, and mentors from all walks of life because I’ve let myself see and experience a lot, too. I’ve travelled, had an entirely different career, been an athlete, and more. All of these different experiences helps me connect with and relate to so many different people which has helped me build a strong support network and broaden my perspective on training and life.
Lastly, being aware of how much I don’t know has been a massive level-up for me. This awareness keeps me curious and wanting more knowledge. It pushes me to keep learning and improving, which in turn helps me better serve my clients, grow my business, strengthen my relationships, and enhance my life more and more.
For anyone just starting out, my advice is to lean in to these qualities. Try to take smart risks and step out of your comfort zone. Build genuine connections with people from all walks of life. Stay curious and always look for opportunities to learn more. Find mentors who have achieved what you aspire to and learn from them. I believe, this mix of risk-taking, connection, and continuous learning will set you on a successful path.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
It’s less about a single person and more about a mindset of exploration. My willingness to explore has been the most significant factor in my growth and success to this point. This exploration has taken many forms—through experiences, education, and travel. Since childhood, I’ve been driven by a deep curiosity and a desire to understand the world around me and in college, I fully embraced this curiosity by travelling pretty extensively, often solo. I even lived abroad for an internship, which immersed me in new cultures and presented its own unique challenges (like learning a new language). These experiences all forced me to adapt, learn, and grow in ways I never imagined. They taught me empathy, problem-solving, and the value of stepping outside my comfort zone.
Travelling and exploring unfamiliar places have profoundly shaped my approach to life and business. It’s taught me to embrace the unknown and seek out new experiences. Whether it’s trying a new sport, learning a new skill, or immersing myself in a different culture, I’ve learned the importance of being open to new opportunities.
For anyone looking to develop essential skills and qualities, I encourage you to explore. Travel to places you’ve never been, try new activities, and allow yourself to be a beginner. Embrace the journey of learning and growing. This mindset of exploration and curiosity will help you overcome challenges and achieve success in your personal and professional life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.helmtraining.co
- Instagram: @helmtraining.co
Image Credits
Melanie Lazor
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