We recently connected with Ally Dalsimer and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Ally, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

In 2019, my 30-year career as an environmental policy professional came to a screeching halt when my position as the Defense Department’s Natural Resources Program Manager was eliminated during the first Trump Administration. I took some time off, then hung out my own shingle as writer and editor. After some initial success, the pandemic hit and my business floundered. For a time, I considered following up on one or more of the several job offers I’d received over the last year, but returning to the environmental field felt too much like doubling back.

One night, my son and I were watching “Knock Down the House” on Netflix. About halfway through, he turned to me and said, “you should run for Congress!” At first I laughed, but he was serious and, over the next few months, I considered it. Although I had a great deal of management experience and an advanced policy degree, I’d never run for public office before. The prospect was daunting in the extreme.

Running for office is an all-consuming, life-changing process. But, in the end, I threw my hat in the ring and ran. My decision was driven primarily by a desire to make a tangible and positive change in people’s lives – something the incumbent said he did but, when I studied his actual record, realized he wasn’t doing. It’s a sad fact that most people listen to the sound bites and don’t dig deep. I decided to try and change that.

So, I risked it – dove into the deep end and announced my candidacy for Congress. In doing so, I exposed myself to personal and professional attacks, as well as possible failure and humiliation.

Ally, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am an award-winning author, motivational speaker, life coach, and certified facilitator. During my 30-year environmental career, I received numerous awards for my contributions to conserving our nation’s natural heritage, and authored or co-authored more than 50 articles, reports, book chapters, and brochures. I hold degrees in English and Psychology from the University of Richmond and a Master’s in Public Policy from Georgetown University.

I was raised by parents who cared deeply for civil rights, women’s rights, all human rights, and they instilled those values in me. In 2022, I ran for Congress in hopes of sharing my passion for public service with others. This experience, combined with losing my husband and mother, dealing with multiple house floods and other life obstacles, and becoming an empty nester, led me to write a book called “It’s Okay Not to Be Fabulous Every Day: A Journey to Self-Discovery.”

My life experiences deeply informed the book’s content, which explores themes of self-discovery, personal growth, societal challenges, and the complexities of the human experience. The book has been well-received, earning multiple awards, and led me to pursue a new career path as motivational speaker.

As a speaker, my goal is to help people dealing with changes and challenges see how worthy they truly are, helping them embrace their inner fabulosity, and giving them the confidence to live their best lives and maximize their personal potential. I believe everyone deserves to feel seen, heard, and empowered so they can boldly embrace their perfect imperfections and step confidently into the next chapter of their lives.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

My advice is that communication and appreciation are the key to success.

Clearly and consistently setting expectations is the first step. After that, it’s important to check in on a regular basis to make sure your team understands what’s expected and has the resources they need. Everyone must feel comfortable approaching you with questions, concerns, whatever, so letting your team know that you are here to ensure they succeed is key. When problems arise, instead of berating or belittling, ask what happened and how that team member or the team as a whole (if it’s a staff-wide issue) suggests the problem be resolved. Working collaboratively makes everyone a part of the team’s outcomes.

Simultaneously, it’s incredibly important to consistently recognize all small achievements, whether with a simple shout out, a certificate, or some other accolade matters less than the acknowledgement that accolade provides. For the big achievements, a larger appreciation is appropriate – maybe taking the team to lunch or providing a gift card or bonus if it’s an individual achievement.

In the end, people want to feel valued; they want their contributions to matter. When managers communicate effectively and encouragingly, treating others with dignity and recognition, the team will do better and feel better doing it.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Hands down, the most rewarding aspect of my latest career has been receiving feedback from people who’ve read my book or heard me speak, and learning that my words have helped them, even if in a small way. To know that I’ve helped even one person is an incredible gift that humbles and gratifies me at a very meaningful level.

Contact Info:

• Website: allydalsimer. com
• Instagram: ally.dalsimer
• Facebook: AllyDalsimer1
• Linkedin: Ally Dalsimer
• Twitter: AllyDalsimer
• Youtube: @AllyDalsimer1
• Other: https://AllyDalsimer.us