We recently connected with Alison Crews and have shared our conversation below.

Alison, appreciate you joining us today. What do you think it takes to be successful?

Success has to first be defined before you can pursue it. Success can of course mean different things to different people. For me, I start with what success is not: It is not measured by money, job titles, certifications, academic degrees, zip codes, subscribers, likes, views, or other popular measures. I define success as understanding or knowing myself, my purpose, and then acting on it. I know that sounds simple, but most people get stuck on the first thing on that list which is “understanding or knowing yourself”. Some come to know and understand themselves through the lens of their faith, others through self-awareness, personal growth and exploration. I’m of the opinion that if you don’t know who you are (your identity), which includes your passions (what motivates you) and your purpose (how you help others), then you can ever fully achieve true success.

So, here’s my success criteria: Success takes faith, self-awareness, confidence, hard work (effort), discipline, resilience, humility, grace, an attitude of steadfast determination, and a spirit of joy. I like to put it this way: “Successful people never stop believing, never stop learning, never stop grinding, and never stop striving to become the best version of themselves, and best of all, they do it with joy!”

Alison, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Before becoming a successful Tech Leader or Published Author, my life story began with both loss and love. My Dad passed away about two weeks before I was born. His death caused my Mom (the widow) to become the anchor for my brother and me. It was her love, faith, and the security that our home provided that laid a solid foundation for my life. My childhood home was more than walls and a roof. It was proof that a safe, nurturing space could shape a person’s dreams. It sparked my love for writing and my lifelong fascination with “home”.

As an author, speaker, technology leader, and transformation expert, I explore the fascinating concept of “home” and its powerful influence on personal relationships, professional dynamics, and community growth. Leveraging insights from my recent book, “The Big Reveal – Keys to Building Your Dream Home and Your Dream Marriage”, I demonstrate how redefining our sense of home can empower us and reshape our relationships and communities.

The book is distinctive as it explores the journey to finding a dream house and compares it to the journey of establishing a fulfilling relationship. Key messages in the book include:

Self-Reflection: It is important to consider past experiences to better understand which direction to take in pursuing a dream house or relationship.

Counting Up the Cost: Understanding what success requires (cost), your capacity to achieve it (budget), and the purpose behind it is crucial.

Getting the Proper Permits: Obtaining proper authorizations to proceed, following codes (building or conduct), and conducting inspections are necessary to ensure a stable foundation capable of bearing the load.

Additional concepts such as contingencies, choosing wisely, and pride of ownership are discussed within the context of home building and relationship building. Although not a Christian book, each chapter concludes with universal truths using biblical insights. Each subject is paired with both “home edition” and “relationship edition” chapters.

As a published author, I am available as a Keynote Speaker or Workshop Facilitator for Real Estate professionals, home buyers, engaged couples, married couples, teens, and young adults. Suitable for professional or religious groups. “Reveal” means to “make known,” and I look forward to the opportunity to examine the impact of our sense of “home” and to harness its potential for positive transformation in the workplace and in our personal lives.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I’ve made several major pivots. First, earning a Computer Science degree began my tech career. Later, I returned for an MS in Counseling Psychology, which led to work in mental health and marriage & family advocacy. In my personal life, I have married, had a child, bought six properties, and recently published a book on marriage and real estate. My current pivot is stepping into public speaking, promoting my book and sharing my journey, which has been my most challenging shift to date.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

I wish I could say that most of my clients have come from my brilliant marketing strategy. For the most part, my clients, have come from word-of-mouth referrals in my faith community, my professional network (including LinkedIn), and my personal contacts. I have found that maintaining relationships and supporting others wherever possible have been highly beneficial. These valuable connections have produced access to knowledge and resources and have led to countless opportunities for me teach, speak, sell books and to further my mission and goals.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thebigrevealbook.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebigrevealbook
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-crews-5890b778/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thebigrevealbook