Meet Audrina Blackburn

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Audrina Blackburn. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Audrina below.

Hi Audrina, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?

How I Developed My Confidence and Self-Esteem: From Fitting In to Fully Owning Who I Am

Confidence wasn’t something that I was born with; it’s been a work in progress—and I’m pretty sure it’s a lifelong journey for most of us. If you’re constantly pushing yourself into new situations and challenges, you’re always going to feel a bit off-balance. But that’s how you grow. If I’m being honest, my journey to confidence didn’t really kick off until I stopped trying to be someone I wasn’t.

Let’s rewind for a minute.

I grew up in a uniquely blended family. I was adopted as a baby, as was my sister (different adoptions, different backgrounds), while my brother was my parents’ only biological child. I’m mixed-race—part Black and white of some sort—and my sister is Black. Looking back, I realize that my struggle to fit in started early. I was trying to “belong” even within my own family, and that need to fit in carried into my childhood and teen years. It set the stage for years of trying to be someone I thought people wanted me to be, rather than discovering who I truly was.

One thing that helped me begin to build my self-esteem was finding a passion that felt completely mine: ballroom dancing. It became a huge part of my life for about 16 years until a knee injury forced me to step away. As much as I loved it, I struggled with confidence on the competition floor. I looked the part, practiced for hours each day, but as soon as I stepped into the spotlight, I would shrink. Even judges would tell me, “One moment, you look like you own it, and the next, it’s written all over your face that you don’t believe in yourself.”

The turning point came when I stopped worrying about what people thought. As cheesy as it sounds, I had to learn to “dance like nobody’s watching.” When I let go of the need for approval, I started performing for me. That’s when I began to show up authentically, and it was the first real taste of confidence I had ever experienced.

The Big Shift: From Ballroom to Boardroom

After my knee injury, I had to reinvent myself. I went from the dance floor to the corporate world—a completely foreign environment for me. I was green, no experience, no clue what to expect. But I knew I needed to prove to myself that I could succeed. I threw everything into my entry-level role, determined to excel, and eventually moved up the ranks to become the VP of Business Operations. It wasn’t easy, and I wasn’t always sure of myself, but every small win added a new layer to my confidence.

Fast forward to just a few years ago, and life was comfortable—too comfortable. I was married, making a great salary, and living what many would call a dream life. But I wasn’t fulfilled. I knew I needed a change. So, I took a leap and blew up my entire life. I filed for divorce, left the company I had been with for almost a decade, and stepped out into the unknown.
Standing at the edge of that cliff—single, unemployed, and terrified—I could have played it safe. Instead, I took on a new role as an entrepreneur and partner, both in life and business, alongside Zach. This new chapter pushed me to really get to know me—my strengths, my flaws, and everything in between. And when you start showing up fully as yourself, that’s where real confidence is born.

What I’ve Learned About Building Confidence

So, what’s worked for me? It boils down to a few key lessons:

Stop Seeking External Validation.
Letting go of the need for approval from others was huge. Opinions are just that—opinions. They’re more about the person giving them than they are about you. When I shifted my focus from what others thought to what I thought, my confidence started to grow.

Do the Inner Work.
Self-discovery is crucial. Get to know who you really are—your values, strengths, what lights you up, and what drains you. When you’re crystal clear on these things, it’s easier to show up authentically and make decisions that align with who you are.

Live in Alignment.
Once you know who you are, start making choices that reflect that. Align your actions, relationships, and work with the real you. When you’re living in alignment, you naturally feel more confident because you’re not pretending to be someone else.

Keep Promises to Yourself.
This is a game-changer. If you say you’re going to start working out, show up for yourself. If you say you’re going to spend more time with your family, do it. Every time you keep a promise to yourself, you build self-trust, which is the foundation of confidence.

Seek Out Challenges.
Push yourself. Try new things. Get uncomfortable. Every time you step outside your comfort zone and succeed (even in small ways), you build evidence that you can do hard things, and that builds unshakeable confidence.

Reframe Negative Self-Talk.
I’m still working on this one, but being kind to yourself is critical. Instead of tearing yourself down when things don’t go perfectly, try speaking to yourself the way you would to a friend. Be your own cheerleader. When you change your inner dialogue, your outer confidence follows.

The Confidence Journey: A Work in Progress

At 34, I can finally say I know who I am, and that has led to the most confident version of myself. But it’s still a journey. Confidence isn’t a destination; it’s a muscle you build over time by showing up as yourself, even when it’s hard. It’s a continuous cycle of learning, growing, and staying aligned with who you are.

So if you’re in a place where you’re struggling with confidence, start with this: get to know yourself, align your actions with who you are, and keep the promises you make to yourself. Little by little, you’ll find yourself stepping into the confident, authentic version of you.

And remember: other people’s opinions of you are their problem, not yours.

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?

Hi, I’m Audrina Blackburn, and here’s a bit about me and my journey into the world of entrepreneurship and business consulting.

Up until a few years ago, my life was pretty predictable. I was a VP of Business Operations at a performance marketing company in Las Vegas, making six figures, traveling often, and enjoying life as a dog mom. But something inside me knew I needed more—more growth, more challenges, and a bigger purpose.

After going through a significant life transition—including a divorce and leaving the company I had been with for almost a decade—I took a leap into entrepreneurship. I co-founded Summit Chasers Network alongside my partner, Zach. It was a huge shift, but one that has allowed me to truly align my life and career with what I’m passionate about: helping small and mid-sized businesses succeed by building sustainable growth strategies.

What We Do at Summit Chasers Network
At Summit Chasers Network, we work with small and mid-sized business owners, founders, and entrepreneurs, focusing on the core principles that drive long-term success. We aren’t about quick-fix marketing trends or empty promises. Instead, we dig deep into building strong business foundations—whether it’s operations, team development, or strategic growth. Our goal is to equip business owners with the tools and systems they need to not only scale but to create a lasting legacy.
We help our clients grow their businesses while also allowing them to live the life they want. That’s something we’re proud to embody ourselves, having successfully run our business from a travel trailer on the road, proving that you can create a thriving business while prioritizing freedom and flexibility.

What Problems Do We Solve?
Many small businesses struggle with scaling. Often, they get caught up in the day-to-day grind and lose sight of the bigger picture. That’s where we come in. We help them identify the gaps in their operations, streamline processes, and develop a roadmap for growth that’s sustainable. It’s not just about growing fast—it’s about growing with purpose. Whether it’s increasing operational efficiency, strengthening team dynamics, or refining their business strategy, we help businesses focus on what truly matters: creating a legacy that goes beyond profits based on building a solid foundation.

What Sets Us Apart?
There are a lot of business consulting firms out there, but what sets Summit Chasers Network apart is our approach. We are doers and hands-on partners. We take the time to understand the unique challenges and goals of each business we work with. We don’t just offer one-size-fits-all solutions. We have a team of specialists that allows us to see the full picture and not just focus on surface level issues but really address the root cause. Plus, we practice what we preach. We’re living proof that with the right systems in place, you can run a business from anywhere, under any conditions, without sacrificing growth or success.

What I’m Most Proud Of
I’m incredibly proud of the way we’ve been able to create success, not just for ourselves, but for the businesses we partner with. Over the past year, we’ve helped founders build sustainable businesses, create jobs, and set up legacies that impact their communities. I’m also proud of the challenges we’ve overcome—both in business and in life—because they’ve only made us stronger and more adaptable.

What I Want Potential Clients to Know

At Summit Chasers Network, we’re more than just consultants; we’re your strategic partners. We care about your success as much as you do, and we believe in building businesses that aren’t just about profits, but about making a lasting impact. If you’re ready to grow, scale, and create a business that supports the life you truly want, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Whether you need help with strategy, team development, or operations, we can help you get there—no matter where you’re starting from.

The best first step for businesses to start to build those foundations to scale is our 5-Day Strategy Core Challenge.

If you’re tired of spinning your wheels, feeling like you’re working hard but not seeing real results, this is for you. Many business owners get stuck throwing tactics at the wall, hoping something sticks but that isn’t a strategy—it’s exhausting.

Our 5-Day Strategy Core Challenge is designed to help you break through the confusion and build a solid strategy that actually works. It’s time to stop guessing and start making confident decisions that move the needle for your business.

What to Expect:
🚀 Live, Interactive Sessions: We’ll dive into one-hour sessions each evening (plus a special Saturday morning wrap-up) to tackle your biggest roadblocks.
🎯 Personalized Strategy Development: We’ll work through your unique challenges and refine a plan that’s aligned with your goals.
🏆 Clear Success Metrics: Learn how to set goals that aren’t just “nice to have,” but actually drive results.
📝 Daily Homework: Keep the momentum going and apply what you’ve learned each day.
🤝 Community Support: Connect with other like-minded business owners and build your network. Let’s be real—entrepreneurship can feel lonely; you don’t have to do it alone.

By the End of the Challenge, You’ll Walk Away With:
– A rock-solid Strategy Core to guide your business decisions.
– A focused plan for where to put your time, energy, and resources.
– Proximate goals that lead to consistent, long-term growth.

Don’t keep spinning your wheels—get the clarity you need to make impactful moves.

👉 Save Your Spot for the 5-Day Strategy Core Challenge Now!
https://scngetstarted.com/stratcorechallenge

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, I’d say three core qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are resilience, self-awareness, and intentional action. Developing these hasn’t been a straightforward path, but each one has shaped me into who I am today, helping me overcome challenges and build the confidence to step into new, sometimes uncomfortable situations.

1. Resilience: Bouncing Back Stronger
Resilience is the ability to push through setbacks, adapt, and come back stronger. Whether it was starting over after a knee injury ended my ballroom dancing career or completely overhauling my life by leaving a secure corporate job, resilience is what kept me moving forward. It’s less about never getting knocked down and more about picking yourself up every single time.

How to Build It:
-Embrace Failure as Feedback. When something doesn’t work out, don’t see it as the end of the road. Ask yourself, “What did I learn from this?”
-Cultivate a Growth Mindset. If you view every challenge as an opportunity to learn and grow, setbacks won’t shake you as much. Books like Mindset by Carol Dweck are great starting points.
-Seek Out Small Challenges. Push yourself consistently with smaller, manageable challenges to build up your resilience muscle over time.

2. Self-Awareness: Understanding Your True Self
Self-awareness has been key to building confidence and living authentically. Early on, I was so caught up in trying to fit in that I didn’t really know who I was. But the more I got to know myself—my strengths, values, and what really lights me up—the more confident I became. Self-awareness allows you to show up fully as yourself, and that’s where real confidence comes from.

How to Develop It:
-Ask the Hard Questions. Spend time reflecting on questions like, “What do I value?” “What drains my energy?” and “What makes me feel alive?” Journaling can help you dig deeper.
-Seek Honest Feedback. Ask trusted people around you to share their perspective on your strengths and blind spots. It’s uncomfortable, but it accelerates growth.

3. Intentional Action: Aligning Your Life with Your Values
Knowing yourself is one thing, but acting in alignment with that knowledge is what truly moves the needle. This means being deliberate about how you spend your time, what goals you set, and the type of people you surround yourself with. Every small action you take either moves you closer to alignment or further away. When I started keeping promises to myself and acting in line with my values, I felt more authentic—and as a result, my confidence skyrocketed.

How to Implement It:
-Set Clear Intentions. Before taking on a new goal or commitment, ask yourself, “Is this aligned with who I am and who I want to become?”
-Make Small, Consistent Changes. Don’t try to overhaul your life overnight. Pick one or two areas and take small, daily actions that reflect your values.
-Measure Alignment. Periodically evaluate whether your actions are in sync with your intentions. If not, reassess and realign.

Advice for Those Early in Their Journey
Start by Getting to Know Yourself. This is the foundational step. If you don’t know who you are, it’s hard to know what confidence looks like for you. Spend time on self-reflection, try new things, and don’t be afraid to pivot as you discover more about yourself.

Practice Showing Up Authentically. Once you’ve gained self-awareness, work on expressing that in your actions and decisions. Don’t be afraid to be different; the people who matter will appreciate you for who you are.

Take Consistent, Small Steps. Confidence is built through action. Set small challenges, show up for yourself daily, and celebrate your wins—no matter how small. Confidence isn’t a switch you flip; it’s something you build, one step at a time.

Remember, the journey to confidence and self-esteem is a marathon, not a sprint. Be patient with yourself, and keep moving forward, one step at a time.

Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?

Our ideal client at Summit Chasers Network is typically a small to mid-sized business owner, founder, or entrepreneur who is deeply passionate about their business but is struggling to get past certain roadblocks in scaling effectively. Summit Chasers are people who have big visions for their company but need help establishing the solid foundations necessary to support sustainable growth.

Key Characteristics of Our Ideal Client:

Growth-Minded and Ambitious: They are not content with the status quo. Our ideal clients are driven, open to new strategies, and ready to step up as leaders in their organization. They value growth—not just in revenue but in building strong teams and creating long-lasting impact​.

Willing to Invest in Building Strong Foundations: They understand that success is not just about chasing quick wins but creating robust systems and processes. They are looking to develop a solid foundation in operations, leadership, and team dynamics before pursuing aggressive scaling strategies​.

Open to Honest Feedback and Ready to Evolve: We work best with clients who are willing to take a hard look at what’s working and what’s not. They are open to transparent, no-BS conversations about their business and are willing to make changes that are sometimes uncomfortable but necessary for long-term success​.

Community-Oriented: Our ideal clients see the value in building connections. They’re not just focused on their own success but are eager to engage with and learn from other business owners, share their experiences, and contribute to a broader network of growth and support​.

Who We’re Not a Fit For:
We’re probably not the best fit for business owners looking for a quick fix or those solely focused on short-term gains without considering long-term sustainability. If the priority is to chase trends or vanity metrics rather than building a strong, scalable foundation, our approach may not resonate as strongly​.

Ultimately, our ideal client is someone who wants to create a lasting legacy, not just a profitable business. They’re in it for the long haul, and they’re ready to do the deep work needed to get there. If this sounds like you, let’s talk about how we can partner to elevate your business to the next level.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.summitchasersnetwork.com
• Instagram: @summitchasersnetwork.com
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SummitChasersProductions
• Other: Voices of Impact Podcast:
  apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/voices-of-impact-by-audrina/id1732938486
  spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2X5XN1TGjFenHTmKuhsuX9

Image Credits

n/a all photos are my own