How an Adventure Tour Guide Created Her Own Career Path: And You Can Too!

Episode 45 Guest Alica

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We're talking about the beauty of unexpected pivots, following your passions, even when it feels scary, and how your wildest detours can actually lead to exactly to where you are meant to be. And today's episode is truly extra, extra special because I'm joined by someone who's been a really big part of my life for the past 16 years.

. Elisa and I met way back in: 2009

And that's how we, it all began. We started talking, we ended up going to a party and the rest is history. And we've been through so much together over these last 16 years. We both Germans living in Hawaii, chasing our dreams, figuring out our careers, navigating love, navigating marriage, and now motherhood.

It's been a wild and beautiful ride, and I'm so thankful for Elisa's friendship, and I can't wait for you to hear the incredible insight, heart and humor she brings to today's conversation. So wrap your coffee or a cup of tea like me, get comfy and let's dive into one of the most heartfelt and inspiring journeys yet.

areer Clarity Unlocked. I am [: 00:02:00

So welcome to Career Clarity Unlocked. Thank you. Thank you for having me. I want to start in the beginning and for our audience here about the twists and turns of your professional journey. I know for you it hasn't been a straight line how it's for most people. Would you mind sharing what were some of your biggest moments that shaped where you are today?

Alica: Yes, absolutely. Um, you are right. It's definitely not a straight line and I don't think it ever will be, especially now that I actually realized I don't want a straight line. That's just not who I am. But of course, there was a time where I thought, that's just kind of what everybody does. I should have a straight line.

. And that's just not how it [: 00:03:00

So I was born and raised in Germany. But I also always worked with children, so it was actually a big deal when everyone in Hawaii heard that , the Resort, was coming to Hawaii, and so a lot of people were like, oh, this is perfect for you, you know, it's in the travel industry management field, but also there's a job with children.

How about you go for it? So that's how I started. I was part of the opening team, which was really nice. But then I heard about another job job and it's a tour guiding job. So back when I was still in Germany, I had a few areas that I thought I could see myself working in.

, okay, travel, who actually [: 00:04:00

So it was the most expensive interview I have ever been on since I had to, you know, pay for a flight, pay for a hotel. That so I get the job and... It's my dream. I'm sure we'll talk more about that specific job.

y guiding job. So when I was [: 00:05:00

It's actually very recent that I found out I cannot return. It's a, it's a long story and maybe not interesting for this podcast, but I'm pretty heartbroken. We just had different expectations. And it's just not going to work out. So anyway, when I was pregnant, I then started working or I applied to be a wedding officiant.

So, uh, and then the first few months of my, , daughter's existence, basically I started doing some weddings, which I really enjoy. And I just realized I completely forgot a big part, which is COVID. Obviously COVID, COVID affected everyone in some way. And I just saw it's been five years, like a few days ago, five years ago, COVID started.

I totally remember when you [: 00:06:00

Alica: Yes, because then I actually still went to Australia. I still had a tour in Australia. And then during that trip, um, Everything shut down and my tour got interrupted and canceled halfway through and then I had to fly back home from Australia. So and then I know we didn't see each other for a while because then COVID was already there.

Theresa: Yeah.

hard and it was, but for me, [: 00:07:00

I, I've always considered myself as somewhat healthy person, but definitely during COVID and getting a certification made me even healthier and made me really realize that I need to take care of myself, not just physically, but also mentally, emotionally. And so with the, uh, I learned a lot of tools of how to deal with stress and anxiety and just have mindset shifts.

And I don't know, I feel like the two biggest things that shaped me really was my job as a tour guide, because this was truly my passion. Absolutely loved it. I, yeah, it was just for me the best job. And then again, the coaching where. I feel like a lot of times when we become coaches, it's something that helps you first before you can help others.

Theresa: Yes,

Alica: 100%.

Theresa: Yes, I agree with that.

Alica: Ja, [: 00:08:00

ied because, like I said, it [: 00:09:00

Yeah,

Theresa: and I can see that in you so much. I mean, yes, as you said, you were always passionate about fitness and health, but you are such an incredibly healthy person now and how passionate you are about it. So I think it has just been such a positive shift for you. Yeah,

Alica: no, definitely. Um, and then so, Just to continue after that.

I felt like, okay, I do want to be my own boss. If I can't be a coach, what else can I do? Um, I got married and then had this idea of renting out wedding decor. So I kept all my wedding decor stuff for my wedding. I have actually, without really promoting anything, somewhat successfully been able to rent out wedding decor, and to be completely honest, I think I probably could be successful, but my heart is just not in it.

just not in it. I, what I'm [: 00:10:00

So I can't do it. And that is a big part of my personality. If I'm not fully feeling it, I just can't do

Theresa: it. Yeah, and that's what I love. Love about you is that you're I love you. so passion driven or you follow your heart so deeply and you do really what what lights you up and not just anything it has to really be aligned

Alica: and and i appreciate that but i i have moments where i'm like why am i like this why can't i just I'm not, I'm not anymore.

r me. So, but then I know if [: 00:11:00

Und wir haben einen Podcast genannt Hungry for More, der alles umfasst, was wir gerade über die Gesundheit- und Lebensstil-Podcasts gesprochen haben. Ich genieße es, das zu machen! Oh

Theresa: mein Gott, ich liebe das. Es ist so faszinierend, wie deine Leidenschaften dich in verschiedene Bereiche geführt haben. Und wir werden nächste Woche wirklich ein Teil deines Sparky Type Profiles nehmen, weil ich so aufgeregt bin, dass du nächste Woche zurückkommst für eine Coaching-Session, um dich in das nächste zu befassen.

gesprochen haben, ist, dass [: 00:12:00

you're training is so cool.

So many and you shared that you were working as a youth activities lead as well as Adventures Guide. And you've already touched on it, but would you be open to sharing more about how those roles allowed you to tap into your passions and your talents for nurturing, guiding, supporting others?

Yes. Um,

Alica: I mean, I think it's just the relationship with the guests, with the people having the connection. And that is really what I love the most with, you know, whatever job I have, whatever career and honestly, specifically guiding, it has brought someone out of me, like someone honestly that I feel like even my closest friends or family don't even get to see much.

Ciao! Ciao! [: 00:13:00

A lot of guests have always said like, Oh, she's so energetic and so passionate. And like, we work really hard. We work 14, 16 hour days, so like weeks at a time with not much time off. And I was totally able to do that because. I just enjoyed it so much. So I really just enjoyed being that anchor during those days that we spent together with the guests.

know, for some people it was [: 00:14:00

It's so special

Theresa: when you get to be at work and be fully yourself. Es ist etwas, was viele Menschen vermissen, aber ich höre von

,

Theresa: mit vielen verschiedenen Professionen arbeiten. Es ist sehr seltsam, dass du in einem Roll sein kannst, in dem du dich selbst zeigen kannst, dass du selbst noch mehr bist oder ein Teil von dir kommt raus, das nicht einmal die nächsten Menschen in deinem Leben oft sehen.

Das spricht wirklich Volumen darüber, wie viel der Workout mit allem alignt war, was du gesucht hast.

ca: Yes, I definitely agree. [: 00:15:00

Theresa: Yeah, and I know the last year has not been easy with the change of moving out of guiding and hopefully one day you can go back to it because it is something really, really special.

But I also know your baby is still there. Und das ist noch besonderer. Um eine Mutter zu werden, verändert sich so viel für uns. Und ich wollte wissen, wie es für dich war, eine Mutter zu werden. Wie hat es deine Perspektive auf dein Leben und deine Karriere verändert? Und auch, wie sieht Verfüllung oder Erfolg

Alica: aus?

I have to say it hasn't really changed. Um, and that's actually something that I'm also very proud of because I always told myself before I became a mom that I don't want to change who I am or I don't want to fully change my life. Obviously you need to, you know, make compromises or you need to adjust for a while and things change constantly with a baby.

have to say I saw it more as [: 00:16:00

That baby's our chore. But when you really think about it is a chore, right? Like, I mean, we have to do so much for our kids. But for me, it was really more, you know, now she's my priority, but she's just part of me. She just comes along. And just because I have someone new in my life, someone so important, that doesn't have to mean I have to change my career.

a way that I felt like I, I [: 00:17:00

And I'm not just talking about work. I'm talking about the everyday living. I'm talking about my hobbies. I'm talking about seeing my friends. I'm talking about staying healthy, staying in shape, self-care, you name it. I think you can . I love that and throughout the change of leaving Disney, you've really created

Theresa: a super

, you've created a multifaceted career that ties together so many beautiful aspects of who you are. And I'm wondering how your roles as a wedding officiant, podcaster and guide allow you to tap into your strengths in guiding and nurturing others.

Thank you very much.

be who they want to be. And [: 00:18:00

Und ich weiß, wenn man über den Leitungsaufgaben denkt, fragt man sich vielleicht, was für eine Veränderung man macht. Aber wenn man mit irgendwelchen Gästen spricht, sagen sie immer, dass es nicht wirklich um die Reise geht, es geht um euch, die die Veränderung machen. Und ja, ich denke, das ist einfach, es ist, weil ich das erlebt habe, in diesem Job spezifisch, ich will das in all meine zukünftigen Karrieren nehmen, weil It seems like I was successful with that and it just comes naturally.

orite way of using my voice. [: 00:19:00

Podcasting is kind of fun. I feel like I can truly share what my values are, what I think is my truth and people can take it or leave it, you know, um, but it's also a way to share my knowledge, share what I know about. Gesundheit oder Mindset. Alle Werkzeuge, alles, was ich mit meiner Zertifizierung gelernt habe.

Und vielleicht kommt das, wo das Vorlesen kommt. Und ich fühle mich immer so, als wäre das ein schwieriges Wort, weil ich mich niemals komfortabel fühle, jemandem zu sagen, was der richtige Weg ist. Aber mit Podcasting, du teilst einfach. Du teilst, was du weißt. Und wie gesagt, Menschen können es nehmen oder verlassen.

euch gefallen. I'm very sure [: 00:20:00

Theresa: podcast episodes and highly recommend everyone to subscribe to Hungry for More. It's an amazing podcast and you and Jessica are so passionate about everything that you talk about. And I'll- Yeah. I love sharing, um, love hearing in your answer of how you've had so many different pieces of your career, but there is that common thread that pulls through all of them that is about the connection with people and how you make the people feel that you work with them.

side of that traditional box?[: 00:21:00

Alica: Oh, yeah. I mean, for the longest time, I thought I would just have to have this one linear path and it's not like I would sit down in the evening and journal about it or think about like, oh, you know, what should I do? It's just, I feel like that's what we're taught. I think that's what society, maybe not so much anymore.

I think especially since COVID, there are so many more . People who, you know, travel and work while they're traveling or they open their own businesses or coaching or being more creative. So I do think it has changed a little bit in the last few years, but overall, I feel like that's just how it, how, how it's taught or how, yeah, you, you grow up thinking you, you know, even looking at our parents.

kind of a problem with that [: 00:22:00

I didn't really know what my alternative was, which at that time I was already with Adventures so for about six years, I actually did both. Which was a lot and my heart really was with , but It wasn't as like secure, safe of a job

I didn't know how many tours I would get per year. I didn't know how much I would make that year. I lost my, when, I lost my health insurance for the for a few years. So it just wasn't a safe route.

ight path and I thought, you [: 00:23:00

It felt like I wanted that, but at the same time, I absolutely did not want what you had. And it's so it's so crazy to think, because why do I want what she has, but then don't actually want her job or don't want what she's going through. Because you worked so many hours. There were times where I barely saw you.

ay to not have a linear path.[: 00:24:00

Like I'm totally fine, but it took me a while, especially the type of job I have. And that's why I keep referring to what I've done. Also, ich glaube, das ist eine sehr gute Frage, aber ich glaube auch, dass es eine sehr gute Frage ist, um zu wissen, was ich in der Vergangenheit getan habe, auch zu einem Job und nicht zu einer Karriere, weil ich das Gefühl habe, dass die Leute nicht denken, als Tourguide, als eine Karriere, oder du weißt, all die Dinge, die ich in der Vergangenheit getan habe, ich denke, viele Leute denken nicht, oh, das ist eine Karriere, das ist nicht, was du für ein Leben tun wirst, du weißt, das ist vielleicht ein Nebenjob, das ist vielleicht eine Phase, und das ist vielleicht etwas, mit dem ich immer noch ein wenig kämpfe, und deswegen, wie ich gesagt habe, nenne ich es nur als ein Job und nicht als eine Karriere.

Aber gleichzeitig ist es für mich wichtiger, dass ich glücklich bin. Also, wer weiß, ob du es als Job oder Karriere nennst. Es ist wichtig, dass ich glücklich bin. Und eine weitere Sache, wie zum Beispiel für den Hinweis, ist, sich selbst zu hören. Wie gesagt, ich wusste, dass ich nicht glücklich war. Aber ich habe es irgendwie abgeschafft.

päter gemacht. Also, es gab [: 00:25:00

Do you not sleep well? Are you irritable? Like so many things. Do you have gut problems? Do you have bathroom problems? Like there is so many signs and we often just think, oh, I ate something wrong or I shouldn't have eaten that or it's just the food we put into our bodies, which often it is, but not only.

y and your body is trying to [: 00:26:00

Is it job related? Or is it actually health related and I need to go see a doctor and something else is going on? Is it your environment? It's honestly your body is constantly talking to yourself and you have the choice to make a change and even things like you constantly lashing out to your partner.

ing else is going on, but it [: 00:27:00

And you don't even want to see your kids, then that's a sign that you need a change. So yeah, I think that's my advice. Just listen to yourself, listen to your body. And uh, yeah, I, maybe you can learn from me. I don't typically live with regret, but I do regret not leaving sooner because I could have had that happiness sooner.

Wow.

Theresa: Thank you for sharing that Alisa. And there is so much that came up for me while you were sharing that. Yeah. Thank you for sharing so openly about the time when I was still in my old role in corporate. And I actually didn't know that there was a part of you who was wondering what I had. Um, and I think there was really two parts of it.

a nice company car, they get [: 00:28:00

Und ja, sie waren immer, es war immer das gleiche Zyklus, richtig? Es war immer so, dass die Promotion vor mir klingelte, und dann war ich aufgeregt, gepromotet zu werden. Es war toll für einen Monat, und dann ging es wieder zurück zu der Arbeit, die ich nicht mochte. Und es wurde nie besser mit einer Promotion, aber ich dachte immer, es würde.

Aber du hast beide Seiten gesehen, es sah toll aus, aber als du wirklich wusstest, war ich nicht glücklich, als ich von der Arbeit nach Hause kam. Ich meine, ich erinnere mich, als ich zu deinem Ort kam, I didn't enjoy my life outside of work. And that is something. And when you said that about listening to your body, it's something that I didn't grow up knowing how to do.

So [: 00:29:00

I mean, also for you it took two years, right, to make that big change, um, but you're someone who can listen to your body and act on that.

Alica: Yeah, now I can, but back then I, I didn't, you just don't know about that. Like unless you're really into health, you just don't really understand it. You have a symptom and you go to the doctor.

what time, but I constantly [: 00:30:00

I went to see doctors, nobody could find, still to this day I don't know exactly what was wrong, so there is just a chance I wasn't happy, you know, that was, yeah, just not happy and stressed and, and I think we need to realize that more and more that how much stress can affect your body and your health.

100 percent agree on

Theresa: that, yes. Und ja, es ist wirklich wahr, dass wir nicht genug realisieren, wie viel Einfluss es auf uns hat. Und auch die Gesellschaft sagt uns, dass es normal ist, genau wie du es gesagt hast, richtig? Es ist normal, bis du ausbrichst, um zu arbeiten. Wenn etwas falsch ist, gehst du zum Arzt, sie geben dir vielleicht einen Schmerzkiller.

iel, deine Geschichte ist so [: 00:31:00

I leave. It took you two years, but over those two years, it probably added up more and more where you got to a point where like, no, I need to make a change now. Yeah,

Alica: I mean, I actually remember exactly what happened. I know eventually I would have left anyway, because like you said, it just added up, but I remember one of my co-guiding friends.

He. So basically what the arrangement was was for the most part only able to work for Adventures in the summer because I had to still be available for, my main job or my main career but then, so it was springtime and one of my co-guiding friends had said, Hey, I just got this trip.

his trip. It was my favorite [: 00:32:00

I want to do this trip. That second, I walked over to my manager and said, I'm

Theresa: leaving. Wow. And that was it. That's incredibly brave. And I admire you so much for being able to do that.

Alica: Yeah, I guess something like that had to happen for me to make that very spontaneous decision, yeah.

Theresa: And I see that as a lot of people where things are slowly building up of this isn't aligned, this is not what I want to keep doing.

t them add up, the harder it [: 00:33:00

Alica: Yeah. Yeah. And I think another thing I want to say is that everything will be okay. It just will. Yeah. It really will. You will figure it out. Opportunities will come up if you're open-minded. It's not like I had more support than others. I was still younger. I didn't even, did I have even a boyfriend back then?

I don't even think so. I wasn't married. I didn't have a backup. Things will fall into place if you let it. Yes. As

Theresa: long

Alica: as you stay

Theresa: open-minded,

Alica: things can work out. Und ich sage nicht, dass du das tun solltest, wenn du keine Ersparungen hast oder so. Natürlich bist du witzig darüber, aber ich denke, dass es

Theresa: Möglichkeiten gibt.

in der Bank. Das würde dich [: 00:34:00

Was wir oft vergessen, ist, die negativen Auswirkungen einer missalignierten Karriere auf uns einzufaktorieren. Wir sehen nur, wenn ich aufhöre und eine Veränderung mache, gibt es Ungewissheit. Ich weiß nicht, wie viel Geld ich machen werde. Aber wir vergessen, dass, wenn wir bleiben, wir auch bezahlen. Wir bezahlen dafür unsere Gesundheit, unsere Freude.

Um das in die Entscheidung zu faktorisieren, ob wir bleiben wollen oder eine Veränderung machen wollen. Vielen Dank für's Zuschauen.

Alica: I think what was hard for me was, one, I had to drive pretty much on the other, to the other side of the island, which I know people on the mainland think that's not far, but for people who live in Hawaii, that was pretty far.

Yes, it was a huge

Theresa: commute. And then I had

an I would never see friends [: 00:35:00

Often it's not the job itself. It's the environment or it's the people or in my case, for example, it's just, I didn't have a social life and that's what I missed. I just didn't have the social life because I was working pretty much the opposite schedule of all the people in my life. Ja,

Theresa: ich erinnere mich.

Ja, und es ist eine sehr lange Reise für die Menschen, die hier leben. Ich kann das einmal im Jahr fahren. I could not make it every day.

Alica: Yeah, I actually remember for us to see each other, I would meet you during your lunch break and I would come with my dog so we could walk together. Yes. And that's what we did.

nd then Sundays, I typically [: 00:36:00

Theresa: It's really hard, yeah. Working shifts is really hard. It's hard on your health and your body, on your social life. It really impacts everything. And talking about health and lifestyle, um, I want to talk more about your podcast.

I know it is something you are very passionate about and I love that so much. Um, your podcast Hungry for More dives into all things health and wellness. Um, maybe start with sharing what inspired you and Jessica to create that platform and how does it connect with you? It's your love and passion for health and wellness and advising and supporting others.

ut yet I just always into my [: 00:37:00

I'm plant based for the most part. And so I just thought it was like the perfect combination. And for someone who knows me, uh, they know that I am just a person too. live life at its fullest. And I'm being careful about how to formulate this because I think some terms are so overused. You know, like live your best life.

You just always see that on social media. But to me, I truly live by that, like live your best life. And that's Untertitel der Amara.org-Community wirklich, was der Podcast darum geht, ist es, nicht für weniger zu verabschieden. Das Leben ist zu kurz, also verabschiede dich nicht für weniger. Das ist eigentlich in unserer Intro.

in und Dinge tun konnte, die [: 00:38:00

For example, like you just never know what's going to happen. So I want people to understand that like, it is now that you're living, you get to write your own story, happiness doesn't come to you, you have to create your own happiness. And you have to find happiness within yourself first. And you need to do all the things that you can.

Bring you joy that light you up. This is totally up to you. And if you are a person who gets tired at night and just wants to sit on the couch and you're thinking about, Oh, you know, it would be so nice to, I don't know, go out again, dance again, do a hobby, but I'm just too tired. I understand that. But that's still up to you.

ould feel more fulfilled and [: 00:39:00

So from for us how I just said to. truly be happy and truly live your best life. We can only do that if we're healthy. So I think that's the perfect combination for a podcast. It's like have that mindset, have that motivation, have those tools you need in order to live in the present, to be mindful, to do the things you love, but at the same time, you know, have that health aspect and There are just so many things people don't know or even I didn't know.

We have amazing guest speakers like all the toxins in the world right now and like all the things that might make you sick. And because of those things that make you sick, you are not living your best life. So there's just so many things I want to dive deeper into. And that's where the podcast just comes in again to motivate, inspire people, lifestyle hacks, so on and so forth.

I love [: 00:40:00

Theresa: much. And there is no doubt how passionate you are about it. When you talk about it, it just lights up a room. And it's, I love, I love, love, love the message to remind people that you really don't know what's going to happen tomorrow. Especially now, we live in very uncertain times. We really don't know what's going to happen tomorrow.

But what we can do is to make this happen. I love that you're in my life and keep reminding me of that. And, um, and I want to ask for everyone who's listening in and is inspired by your journey. What's the first step that you would recommend that they take if they want to build a career or a life that's as unique and fulfilling as yours, where they can live their best life?

: Follow your heart and it's [: 00:41:00

If you truly do what you love doing, you will succeed. dann wird das deinen Erfolg bringen, egal ob in einer Karriere oder in der Leben. Und ich meine, noch einmal, das geht zurück zu meinem Podcast oder meiner Zertifizierung zu, ist wie, warte nicht, mach es heute und beginne, selbst klein, wenn du musst, beginne klein mit kleinen Dingen.

I love that so much. [: 00:42:00

Theresa: the perfect place to start. to wrap up this episode is to follow your heart and take small inspired action, take small steps, but listen to your heart and always say listen to your gut of it knows it's guiding you and we sometimes just need to pause and actually listen to it.

Lisa, wo können unsere Zuhörer sich mit Ihnen verbinden und mehr über Sie, Ihre Arbeit und besonders Ihren Podcast lernen?

Alica: Ja, Sie können mich auf Instagram finden, was ich wiederum nicht viel da drüben mache, aber ich poste meistens politische Dinge oder mein Baby. Es war früher eher ein sehr motivierendes Profil, aber ja, ich mache nicht viel, aber ich liebe es immer noch.

y changing, right? So, and I [: 00:43:00

name. And, uh, email is the same alisa.panzer at gmail.com. Even if since I am still doing it, if you want to get married in Hawaii, I do have wedding decor for you. You can email me here. Yeah, the stuff I have actually is really beautiful and affordable and, you know, way more sustainable, way better for earth and your wallet.

e. So either on social media [: 00:44:00

Theresa: Perfect. And we'll make sure that all of these are linked in the show notes. So all you need to do is scroll down to the show notes and click on the link and you will find Alisa and the Hungry for More podcast. Thank you so much for being here today. This was an incredible conversation, Alisa, and I'm so grateful that you joined me for this today.

Alica: Yeah, it was super fun. My baby cooperated. She's still sleeping, so we were able to get it all in. So thank you. Thank you.

sa's journey inspired you to [: 00:45:00

And remember, it's never too late to rewrite your story, and the best time to start is right now. And here's a little bonus. Treat. Elisa will be back next week for a special episode where I'll be coaching her life. On this podcast,

we'll be diving into a career clarity coaching session to help her find what's next for her professionally. So now that you know her amazing story, you absolutely cannot miss next week's episode. It's going to be inspiring, real and full of those aha moments that you don't want to miss. And if today's conversation sparked something inside of you and you are ready to get serious about creating a career that lights you up, I'd love to help you book a free consultation call with my team.

tuning in everyone, and I'll [: 00:46:00