We were lucky to catch up with Risa August recently and have shared our conversation below.

Risa, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

My mission is to draw attention to Pituitary tumors through story and inspirational speaking. However, my goals are many and my quest is multidimensional.
This journey began in 2018 when I was training to become a Gestalt practitioner and was later diagnosed with a tumor at the base of my brain and a life-altering disease. My life would never be the same. I would never be the same.
Suddenly, I was being told what I should and shouldn’t do and what would no longer be possible. What I realized was that no one had the right to dictate how I moved forward in my life and from that point forward, I chose to live life on my terms.
As my journey progressed and I went on to become certified in the modality of Gestalt, it became apparent to me that many of us live according to the parameters given to us by others and we fall into roles that don’t suit us; empowerment is lost and our light becomes dim. Often, our constraints are self-imposed and based on negative beliefs that are not our own.
Through coaching, speaking, and writing, I guide others toward shifting perspective and navigating their own limiting beliefs.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Based in Colorado, I am an award-winning author, speaker, Gestalt practitioner, and patient advocate for those with rare pituitary diseases. Over the past five years, I have been sharing my personal journey, most notably through my award-winning memoir The Road Unpaved: Border to Border with a Brain Tumor and a Bike. My experiences are also shared through various other publications such as my widely translated essay, “Marshmallow Clouds.” In addition, you will see me on stages and hear me on over 100 podcasts and radio stations around the world.

In addition to a B.A. in Geography, I am also a certified Gestalt Practitioner and have a certificate in Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy. My on-going battle with a pituitary tumor and rare disease has not only shaped my professional endeavors but also my personal evolution, as I continuously practice shifting perspectives and challenging my own limiting beliefs in order to fully embrace life.

I’m a girl with Sparkles in my hair and a closet full of colorful high-tops. Once an Ironman athlete, I remain passionate about my bike and barbells. My adventurous spirit shines through whether it’s in taking Bollywood and hip-hop dance, aerial silks, boxing, indoor skydiving, improv, or axe throwing. I find connection through leading creativity workshops where I guide others in discovering their own voice and sharing their stories.

Through my speaking engagements at conferences for pharmaceutical leaders, medical professionals, and patients alike, I provide inspiration and vital information, aiming to create change in our medical systems and assist clients like me through the navigational challenges of a new diagnosis. My life and work serve as powerful testaments to the strength found in vulnerability and the profound impact of personal resilience.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Following diagnosis, I was told I shouldn’t workout anymore, that I will eventually be immensely impacted by my disease and unable to do many of the things I love to do. One of those things is my love of fitness and an active lifestyle. At one point, I realized that I may never run again, but I could still ride my bike. That’s when I decided to ride 1,845 miles from Canada to Mexico down the Pacific Coast. This experience went on to become my multi-award winning memoir “The Road Unpaved: Border to Border with a Brain Tumor and a Bike”. I then went on to be a voice for others facing their own challenging circumstances, and for those who are trying to find their voice and advocate for themselves.
My adventures haven’t stopped there, I trekked over the Salkantay pass in Peru, rode my bike solo across northern Spain, and have embraced a full life. I am now writing the screenplay for my memoir as well as its follow up manuscript. I am unleashed and unstoppable.

Have you ever had to pivot?

In 2012, I began my own wedding and event coordinating company. Over a 7 year span, I became extremely successful and highly sought after, but I quickly burned out. My heart was no longer in it, and it became more dreadful than joyful.
As I began exploring what direction I might take next, I was handed a diagnosis that offered me an opportunity to self-reflect and open myself up to possibilities. I found my passion in teaching and healing and that’s when I dove into Gestalt coaching, inspirational speaking, and patient advocacy. I realized that my life can be what I make it and I began filling it with what fills my heart. I also began guiding Voice and Story workshops and started my little side hustle of hair sparkling…simply because it begins me joy. I have learned that when the joy fades, it’s time to move on to other things that fill me up.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.risaaugust.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/risaunleashed/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/risaunleashed
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/risa-august-9b130524a
• Other: https://linktr.ee/risaaugust
  https://substack.com/@risaunleashed

Image Credits

Personal Photo by Shawnalee Studios