The Art of Seeing Clearly with Dr. Alison R Tendler

From restaurant floors to healthcare systems, graphic design studios to instructional design labs — Alix Grotewold has never stopped evolving. Alix joins Dr. Alison Tendler to reflect on her unconventional, ever-adaptive career journey and the inner drive that keeps her pushing forward. A fierce competitor—sometimes even with herself — Alix shares what it means to keep reinventing, how she navigates between creativity and analysis, and the personal challenges that shaped her perspective. With honesty and humor, she opens up about the pursuit of purpose, the parallels between healthcare and hospitality, and the lessons learned when visions don’t go as planned. Whether you’re in the midst of a pivot, chasing a new challenge, or simply figuring out how to use both sides of your brain more intentionally, this episode will leave you inspired to do the work — even when the finish line isn’t visible yet.

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Angela Drake’s journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and relentless giving. From a career in beauty to leading Two Men and a Truck, she’s built a life around empowering others—whether through mentorship, community service, or helping people recognize their worth. But her path wasn’t always easy, and a chance opportunity became the golden ticket she almost didn’t take.

In this episode, Angela opens up about the power of stepping up, the lessons learned through loss, and why true strength comes from knowing when to set down the armor. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on growth, giving back, and finding purpose in every season of life.

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Andrea Vetos shares her journey from accounting graduate to leading operations for 23 car wash locations across four states. She discusses fostering workplace culture, breaking barriers for women in leadership, and embracing discomfort as a path to growth. Andrea offers actionable advice on mentorship, conflict resolution, and her golden rule for decision-making: “If it’s not a heck yes, it’s a no.” Andrea shares her insights on leadership, work-life balance, and empowering others to thrive.

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Angelica Mercado-Ford shares her journey from her early childhood in Jalisco, Mexico, to her life as an educator, artist, and advocate in Sioux Falls. Raised in Nebraska as the eldest of six in an immigrant family, Angelica navigated a world where few people looked like her, which inspired her to be the representation she never had. She discusses her shift from political science to using art as a tool for advocacy, her passion for justice, and the challenges of balancing her identity between two cultures. Through her art, Angelica humanizes the immigrant experience, telling stories of those who don’t have a platform and striving to connect people through shared struggles. As a fellow of the Billie Sutton Leadership Institute, she continues to amplify underrepresented voices, paving a path for change through the arts.

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Steffanie Liston-Holtrop shares her journey from growing up on a farm in Alcester, South Dakota, to becoming an entrepreneur and publisher in Sioux Falls. Steff reflects on the work ethic she developed in her youth, her initial dreams of working in New York City, and how she ultimately fell in love with building her business in a community she values. She delves into her passion for helping clients through digital and print media, learning to pivot and grow, and the challenges of balancing motherhood, business ownership, and personal well-being. Steff emphasizes the importance of surrounding herself with a supportive team, actively pursuing personal and professional development, and continuously adapting to new trends and client needs. Throughout the conversation, she offers insights for solopreneurs, encouraging them to embrace their passion and explore new opportunities as they arise.

You can find ‘The 6 Types of Working Genius: A Better Way to Understand Your Gifts, Your Frustrations, and Your Team’ here: https://a.co/d/gusep1i

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Theresa Rose shares how clarity, enthusiasm, and divine timing converge to illuminate the path to success. Her journey began with childhood lessons from her entrepreneurial mother, a Mary Kay director, instilling in her a deep appreciation for business from a young age. Despite facing challenges like bullying in middle school, Theresa’s resilience and early affinity for business metrics shaped her into a strategic thinker and problem solver. Today, Theresa embodies the belief that clarity and enthusiasm are pivotal in achieving meaningful results. With a knack for seeing puzzles where others see chaos, she shares her tips for the art of strategic marketing and personal clarity, emphasizing the importance of consistency and cohesive storytelling. Theresa shares her insights on mindfulness, manifestation, and the transformative power of joyful movement, inspiring others to find clarity even in the most challenging moments.

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Melissa Hiatt shares her life and career journey, where she discovered a passion for emotional health and organizational systems. Initially pursuing a career in singing, Melissa’s path shifted when she met her husband Tim, and found a new calling in supporting individuals and organizations through emotional challenges. Drawing on her background in student services and systems thinking, she emphasizes understanding organizational systems rather than trying to fix individuals alone, advocating for psychological safety and non-violent communication. Melissa underscores the value of making decisions that consider the impact on the entire system while balancing personal needs. She shares practical tools for navigating difficult conversations with courage and empathy, reflecting on her own journey of self-awareness and therapy. By embracing both strengths and vulnerabilities, Melissa encourages listeners to foster environments where emotional health and clarity thrive, ultimately building stronger, more empathetic communities and workplaces.

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Pat Gale shares his journey from Dubuque, Iowa, to a prominent role in the Sioux Falls Community Foundation. Influenced by his father’s career in journalism and music, Pat’s path took him to the University of South Dakota, where he earned a degree in mass communications and met his wife. His career began at Citibank and flourished at the Community Foundation, where he emphasizes empathy, hard work, and inclusivity. Pat discusses his nearly two-decade tenure at the Foundation, highlighting its growth and the challenges of fostering philanthropy in a rapidly expanding community. He shares insights on effective communication, leadership, and the importance of intentionality in life, drawing inspiration from various influences, including Mother Teresa and podcasts like “Freakonomics.” Listen as Pat as he reflects on his commitment to community, leadership, and the enduring values of kindness and authenticity.

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Jael Thorpe is an entrepreneur who’s navigated challenges from her upbringing in South Dakota to founding several successful ventures. From childhood entrepreneurship to career shifts, Jael’s story reflects the grit and adaptability crucial to entrepreneurship. At the heart of Jael’s success is her knack for building cohesive, ego-free teams. Through ventures like Gameday Social, she’s shown a willingness to take risks, even when faced with setbacks. As a mother of three, Jael seamlessly integrates her work and family life, finding fulfillment in both. Jael shares how she manages the art of navigating uncertainty and finding balance in work and life.

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Bill Linsenmeyer grew up in Monroe, MI, amidst a bustling household of eight siblings. From his formative years at a boarding and college prep school in Indiana to becoming captain of his unit, Bill shares his passion for setting goals and the transformative power of visualization. He shares insight into his most valuable lessons and how he overcame obstacles. Bill’s career path is dynamic – from working with large corporations to navigating the tumultuous waters of entrepreneurship. His experiences as a political officer in countries like Jordan and Sri Lanka equipped him with unique perspectives on governance and diplomacy. Bill shares his profound fulfillment in fatherhood, adopting two girls and raising them alongside his biological children. As he reflects on the joys of parenting and the rewards of entrepreneurship, Bill shares insights on leadership, positivity, and the importance of following through on commitments.

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