448. A Better Way: A Brand with a Cause
Katie Allen
Delighted to be a broadcast journalist, with visions of co-hosting Good Morning America one day, Katie noticed her health was suffering. At 25, her hair started to fall out. “I couldn’t sacrifice my health for a job, even though I loved it.”
Katie Allen is vice president of viaONEHOPE, a merit-based marketing platform that empowers entrepreneurs to make an impact while making an income. Katie leads the business and the community of more than 1,200 cause entrepreneurs. ViaONEHOPE was founded by ONEHOPE, a brand with a mission to celebrate and serve the world through thoughtfully crafted products that make a measurable impact for specific charitable causes. Katie graduated from University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She and her husband John are proud parents of two daughters, Harper and Margeaux.
How Did You Start Using Your Talents?
“I’ve always been interested in being where the action is, and in being social. In high school I got involved with debate, drama and music. I had a ton of fun being in plays, musicals, and working on set design. I started college as a theater major. Halfway through freshman year, I realized that I’d probably want to make a little bit of money someday. So, I took a step back and re-examined my life to see what I was passionate about. I changed majors and studied broadcast journalism. It was a perfect fit for me. I’m a naturally inquisitive person. I’m outgoing and like to hear people’s stories and I was also very interested in current events.”
The Most Impactful Turning Point?
Working as a broadcast journalist, loving the work, Katie began experiencing burnout. At age 25, her hair was falling out and her health was affected. “I realized even though I loved what I was doing, I couldn’t sacrifice my health. There had to be another, better way. After a lot of soul-searching, and a vacation to California, I decided to move 3,000 miles away from home to see what else was out there for me.”
The Most Powerful Lessons Learned?
“The path to success, happiness and fulfillment does not follow a straight line, it might take you on some interesting dog legs. It’s OK to take some side trips along the way to finding who you are. When opportunity presents itself, go with It. Be smart about it, but don’t be afraid because you never know where you’re going to wind up.”
Steps to Success from Katie Allen
1. Find your purpose, your WHY, your Zone of Genius, through self-examination and soul searching.
2. If you don’t know what your WHY is, ask the people around you: “When you think of me, what word comes to your mind that describes me? What do you see as my strongest talent?”
3. When you figure that out and put it together, go find that opportunity that is right for you, to match your career with your passion and purpose.
4. Don’t be afraid to take calculated risks to find you Zone of Genius.
On Her Bookshelf
Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead, by Sheryl Sandberg
Outliers: The Story of Success, by Malcolm Gladwell
Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action, by Simon Sinek
Connecting With Katie Allen
Website: viaONEHOPE.com
Twitter: @viaONEHOPE
Facebook: @viaONEHOPEcommunity
LinkedIn: katie-allen-832b181a
Free Gift
10% discount on starter kits available at viaONEHOPE.com
