Meet Erica Segel

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Erica Segel a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Erica, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

My whole life, I’ve been searching for meaning and purpose. From a young age, I felt a strong pull to connect with something bigger than myself. That thirst for answers and a deeper sense of meaning led me to work side by side with a world-renowned peace ambassador who traveled the world teaching about meditation and inner peace.

For years, I lived one of the most unusual lifestyles—constantly traveling, living out of a suitcase, and experiencing life through the lens of service and global connection. But over time, I began craving roots and belonging. I realized that what I truly needed wasn’t just connection on a global scale—it was community. I wanted to feel part of something local and tangible, surrounded by people who shared my values and sense of purpose.

When my career brought me from Rome, Italy to Malibu, California, I didn’t fall in love with it right away. But as time passed, Malibu began to mean something entirely different to me—not just a beautiful destination, but a place defined by the people who live here. The teachers, business owners, parents, and volunteers who show up for each other—that’s the real Malibu.

That realization inspired me to create Malibu Moves, a platform designed to bring people together through movement—regardless of age, fitness level, or body type. It’s more than a race; it’s an opportunity for connection, inclusion, and impact. A way to experience the real Malibu—the Malibu that cares, gives back, and moves forward together.

That same desire for connection also led me to get involved with the local Malibu Chamber of Commerce. I first joined as Chair of the Women’s Leadership Committee, which profoundly impacted my life and allowed me to meet some of the most inspiring women in our community. I later joined the board, and now serve on the executive team of the newly merged Palibu [Malibu Pacific Palisades] Chamber of Commerce.

Through all these experiences—especially after witnessing the devastation of the wildfires—I’ve found that my purpose is rooted in community. It’s in building bridges, creating spaces for people to come together, and helping others rediscover their own strength and belonging.

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?

I’m the founder and race director of Malibu Moves, a community-driven event company that organizes inclusive and transformative running and walking experiences along Malibu’s breathtaking coastline. Our flagship event, IPS Malibu Moves: Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, 1 Mile & Kids Run sponsored by UCLA Health, takes place every October at Zuma Beach and brings together people of all ages, fitness levels, and backgrounds to move for a cause that matters.

What makes Malibu Moves so special is that it’s more than just a race—it’s a movement. This year we’ve made the bold decision to donate 100% of event profits back to the community, ensuring that our impact extends far beyond race day. Every step taken supports local schools and fire recovery efforts through our partnership with the Malibu Education Foundation, The Emily Shane Foundation and the Community Fire Brigades.

What excites me most is seeing people who once doubted themselves cross the finish line—walkers, first-time participants, families, seasoned athletes—all celebrating together. The energy at the finish line is electric. You see strangers high-fiving, families cheering for each other, and people realizing they’re part of something bigger than themselves. That’s the heart of Malibu Moves: connection, empowerment, and purpose.

We’re currently gearing up for our second annual event on October 25–26, 2025, which will be our biggest celebration yet. New this year is the Coastal Quest Challenge, a two-day experience where participants complete both the 1-Mile Zuma Dash on Saturday and a distance of their choice (Half Marathon, 10K, or 5K) on Sunday—earning three medals, two shirts, and unlimited access to the beer garden as their reward for going the extra mile (literally!).

Beyond the event itself, Malibu Moves is evolving into a year-round platform that celebrates movement and community. We’re expanding our Charity Movers program, offering fundraising-based entries that allow participants to raise money for our charity partners while receiving exclusive perks and recognition.

At its core, Malibu Moves is about belonging. It’s a reminder that movement is for everyone—and that together, we can create something truly meaningful for our community.

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, I’d say the three qualities that shaped my journey the most are resilience, empathy, and community-minded leadership.

Resilience has been my anchor. Building something meaningful—especially in the community space—comes with its share of setbacks, uncertainty, and moments of doubt. Whether it was navigating permits, rebuilding after wildfires, or launching a new event from scratch, I’ve learned that resilience isn’t about being unshaken; it’s about adapting, staying grounded, and finding solutions even when the path isn’t clear. My advice to anyone starting out is to view challenges as training grounds. Each obstacle strengthens your ability to lead with clarity and confidence.

Empathy has guided every decision I’ve made. Malibu Moves was built on the idea that movement should be inclusive—that everyone, regardless of pace, body type, or background, deserves to feel celebrated. Developing empathy means learning to listen—to your community, your team, and yourself. The more you understand what people need and what drives them, the stronger your impact will be.

And finally, community-minded leadership. I’ve come to realize that success feels most meaningful when it uplifts others. My biggest growth has come from shifting my focus from “what can I achieve?” to “what can we build together?” My advice is to invest in relationships, give before you expect anything in return, and lead with authenticity. The more you connect your work to a purpose bigger than yourself, the more powerful and fulfilling your journey becomes.

If you knew you only had a decade of life left, how would you spend that decade?

If I only had a decade left, I would spend it with my family—before anything else. It’s so easy to get caught up in the constant rush of life, especially when you’re building something meaningful or trying to make an impact. Sometimes, we convince ourselves that we’re too busy for the very people who give our lives meaning. But when you strip everything else away, it’s those moments with family—the laughter, the ordinary days, the shared meals—that matter most.

Beyond family, I’d focus on leaving a legacy rooted in connection. Not one measured by titles or achievements, but by the lives touched and the communities strengthened. I’d want to spend those years continuing to create spaces where people feel seen, celebrated, and part of something bigger—just as Malibu Moves has done for me and so many others.

At the end of the day, I think legacy is less about being remembered and more about what continues because of you. If my work inspires even a few people to slow down, move with purpose, and show up for one another, then I’ll know I’ve spent that decade well.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://malibumoves.com
• Instagram: malibumoves
• Facebook: malibumoves
• Linkedin: erica.segel
• Twitter: malibumoves
• Youtube: malibumoves

Image Credits

Malibu Moves