We recently connected with Alma Pantaloukas and have shared our conversation below.
Alma, so glad you were able to set aside some time for us today. We’ve always admired not just your journey and success, but also the seemingly high levels of self-discipline that you seem to have mastered and so maybe we can start by chatting about how you developed it or where it comes from?
My discipline stems from the understanding that no one is going to knock on my door and tell me to pursue amazing things. I have always known that I need to be the one to take initiative. To ensure I have the best chance of becoming the calm and collected leader I aspire to be, I set certain routines. One way I do this is by starting my morning routine at 4 a.m., two hours before my kids wake up.
During those two hours, I follow a routine that helps me start my day on the right note. I wake up, hydrate, enjoy my coffee, gratitude journal, and then spend time learning something new. This routine allows me to recharge and prepare for the day ahead.
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 came to the USA when I was 19 to be an au-pair. While doing that, I put myself through college and did really well. Eventually, I ended up living in NYC and started working at an advertising agency, which was my first experience with digital marketing, and I totally fell in love with it.
My journey then took me to Florida with my husband, where I had the opportunity to work with well-known brands like LaCroix Sparkling Water, CELSIUS Energy Drinks, and SlimFast, focusing on the development and execution of their social media strategies. After gaining valuable experience with these established brands, I ventured into the startup world to explore new challenges. During this time, I discovered my true passion: bringing creativity to smaller brands with smaller budgets. Realizing this, I decided it was time to open my own agency.
My agency, Ritual Thrive, focuses on helping small to medium-sized businesses, specifically in the CPG and health/wellness space. I’m excited to bring my expertise and passion to these businesses, helping them thrive in the digital world.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, the most impactful qualities and skills in my journey have been grit, passion, and a thirst for learning.
My determination to persevere through challenges has been crucial, especially while balancing personal responsibilities, like being a mother of two young girls. Building a successful career requires unwavering persistence. I advise those early in their journey to embrace setbacks as learning opportunities and keep pushing forward, even when things get tough.
Loving what I do has fueled my drive and creativity, making hard work enjoyable. To develop this passion, discover what excites you and pursue projects and jobs that align with your interests.
Continually seeking new knowledge has kept me adaptable and ahead of industry trends. The digital marketing landscape is ever-evolving, and staying curious has allowed me to bring fresh, effective strategies to my clients.
For those starting out, invest time in learning—whether through formal education, online courses, or staying updated with industry news. We truly have everything at our fingertips, so take advantage of it. Cultivating a habit of learning will prepare you to tackle new challenges and seize opportunities.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
One book that has played a significant role in my development is The 5AM Club by Robin Sharma. This book instilled in me the discipline to wake up at 4 a.m. every day for years. It advocates for waking up early for personal development and emphasizes the importance of crafting a morning routine.
At the core of the book is the 20-20-20 method. This method involves starting your day with at least 20 minutes of exercise to boost your physical health, 20 minutes of journaling or meditation for your soul health, and 20 minutes of learning something new to enhance your mindset.
For anyone feeling stuck and unsure about how to start their entrepreneurial journey, my advice is to start with your morning routine. Develop a routine that allows you to wake up an hour or two before everyone else, especially if you are a mother. Even just one extra hour a day adds up to 365 hours a year. Imagine what you could accomplish with that time in just one year.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ritualthrive.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ritualthrive
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/almapantaloukas/
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.