On this episode, we have the privilege of speaking with Alisha Rickman, a passionate entrepreneur and co-founder of the Arizona Circus Center in Phoenix. With over a decade of experience in the event and circus industry, Alisha’s journey takes us through the intricate world of advanced circus disciplines, the physical and mental challenges of injury recovery, and the balancing act of running a successful business.
Alisha emphasizes the importance of being present and celebrating successes, and she shares invaluable insights on how technology can often lead us to over-optimize, missing the joy in the moment. We'll also delve into her personal stories of overcoming financial stress, ACL reconstruction, managing team dynamics, and the ongoing quest to find the perfect business space.
Join us as we explore Alisha’s inspirational path, her strategic approaches to handling feedback and communication, and the significance of creating an inclusive, safe space for her circus community. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, an athlete, or simply looking to be inspired, Alisha’s story is one you won’t want to miss.
Enjoy the episode!
YouTube: youtu.be/09A8XJZnSUw
Show Notes: TheSocialChameleon.Show/Alisha-Rickman
You can listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Castbox, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Audible, or your favorite podcast platform.
🔑 Key Themes
Physical and Mental Circus Training Discipline
The Importance of Being Present
Managing a Circus Business
Using and Overcoming Technology
Balancing Fundamental and Advanced Skills
Recovery and Determination Post-ACL Surgery
Real-world Skills vs. Traditional Education
🎓 Lessons Learned
Discipline and Physical Fundamentals
Building a strong foundation is crucial for safety and longevity in circus arts, preventing unnecessary wear and tear.
Balancing Present and Future
Appreciate the moment and celebrate achievements without constantly looking for the next goal to maintain mental wellness.
Tech vs. Body Awareness
Emphasize listening to your body's needs over relying on technology for tracking and over-optimization, ensuring a holistic approach.
Inclusive and Safe Spaces
Create an environment that welcomes all fitness levels, offering varied levels of circus disciplines for joy and decompression.
Effective Staff Communication
Regular check-ins and clear, honest feedback help manage expectations and resolve conflicts among staff and students.
Financial Risks and Rewards
Business ventures, especially construction projects, come with significant financial stress but are necessary for growth and meeting demand.
Recovery and Patience
ACL surgery recovery varies greatly; a patient's commitment and lifestyle influence the timeline and success of their rehabilitation.
Seeking Work-Life Balance
Managing boundaries and hiring help can prevent burnout and lead to better personal and professional fulfillment.
Feedback and Growth
Providing constructive feedback without pandering is essential; direct communication and addressing issues head-on help align values.
Entrepreneurial Challenges
The fear of asking for help and needing to control every aspect can be mitigated by finding balance and trusting the team.
Alisha Rickman
Arizona Circus Center Co-Founder, Circus Arts Performer
With over a decade of experience in the event and circus industry, Alisha transformed her passions into what is now known as the Arizona Circus Center in September of 2022.
Arizona Circus Center
Recreational and professional aerial, acrobatic, and ground-based classes
The Arizona Circus Center is a place for circus artists of all levels to come together and develop their skills in various circus disciplines. They offer a wide range of recreational and professional aerial, acrobatic, and ground-based classes in an environment that encourages the growth of both athleticism and artistry. The community-oriented center provides a safe and fun place for people of all ages and skill levels to express themselves and hone their craft.
Alisha is not just a storyteller and influencer; she's a catalyst for engagement, inspiration, and unity. Her journey in business and personal development has seen her orchestrate special events, craft brand identities, and design strategic marketing plans on both national and international stages.
Her entrepreneurial spirit has been a guiding force throughout her life. A noticeable gap in high-level circus training in Phoenix sparked her transformation from passionate advocate to small business owner. With over a decade of experience in the event and circus industry, Alisha co-founded what is now known as The Arizona Circus Center in September 2022.
The Arizona Circus Center is more than just a training facility; it's a vibrant hub of creativity and growth. Alisha's dedication to excellence is evident in every aspect of the center. In just a few short years, she's introduced a range of initiatives, including youth camps, performance tracks, student showcases, and open stages. The center’s full-scale circus productions highlight its dynamic and energetic atmosphere.
Alisha's connection to the circus arts goes beyond her professional achievements. As a skilled Hand-to-Hand artist, she continues to train, perform, and share her expertise in tumbling, handstands, and hand-to-hand with her students. Her personal involvement in the circus community is a testament to her passion and serves as a powerful source of inspiration for those she coaches.
Alisha's story is a shining example of the transformative power of following one's passion and staying dedicated to one’s purpose. Stay tuned as we dive deeper into her journey, her challenges, and her remarkable contributions to the world of circus arts.
SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE
Here’s a detailed rundown from the episode:
Books by Brené Brown
- Alisha mentions finding comfort and support during mental challenges by reading books by Brené Brown. This was particularly true during the challenges she faced in the first two years of owning a business.
What was the most important/impactful and or favorite Brené Brown book for you? "Daring Greatly has been my favorite so far! It has really guided me to being the leader I would like to be one day." Alisha
Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead by Brené Brown
From thought leader Brené Brown, a transformative new vision for the way we lead, love, work, parent, and educate that teaches us the power of vulnerability.
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; . . . who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly.”—Theodore Roosevelt
Every day we experience the uncertainty, risks, and emotional exposure that define what it means to be vulnerable or to dare greatly. Based on twelve years of pioneering research, Brené Brown PhD, MSW, dispels the cultural myth that vulnerability is weakness and argues that it is, in truth, our most accurate measure of courage.
Brown explains how vulnerability is both the core of difficult emotions like fear, grief, and disappointment, and the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, empathy, innovation, and creativity. She writes: “When we shut ourselves off from vulnerability, we distance ourselves from the experiences that bring purpose and meaning to our lives.”
Daring Greatly is not about winning or losing. It’s about courage. In a world where “never enough” dominates and feeling afraid has become second nature, vulnerability is subversive. Uncomfortable. It’s even a little dangerous at times. And, without question, putting ourselves out there means there’s a far greater risk of getting criticized or feeling hurt. But when we step back and examine our lives, we will find that nothing is as uncomfortable, dangerous, and hurtful as standing on the outside of our lives looking in and wondering what it would be like if we had the courage to step into the arena—whether it’s a new relationship, an important meeting, the creative process, or a difficult family conversation. Daring Greatly is a practice and a powerful new vision for letting ourselves be seen. Via Amazon
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