7. The Need for Space with Allison Sagraves

In this deeply inspiring episode, Laura speaks with Allison Sagraves, data and AI strategist, educator, and lifelong learner whose unconventional journey led her from corporate burnout to a cabin in the woods and to an entirely new way of living.What began as a quiet yearning for space became a full transformation: from feeling claustrophobic in her career to creating a wild sanctuary rooted in nature, community, and creative purpose. Allison shares how buying a tiny cabin led her into beekeeping, rewilding her land, and reconnecting with the rhythms of the natural world, all while continuing to teach and consult at the highest levels of data and AI leadership.This conversation beautifully bridges the practical and the spiritual, the technological and the natural. It’s a story of listening deeply, following intuition, and allowing life to unfold in its own time, an act of applied serendipity in every sense.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:How Allison’s yearning for space sparked a life-changing journeyThe healing connection between grief, land, and freedomFrom corporate claustrophobia to cabin life: what happens when you listen to intuitionHow one small cabin turned into a compound of creativity, connection, and careThe surprising intersections between AI, data science, and citizen scienceWhat nature can teach us about systems, resilience, and balanceThe future of community: family, tribe, and shared spaces of belongingHealing through simplicity, rest, and reconnectionAllison’s reflections on risk, resilience, and reclaiming her own narrativeBioAllison Sagraves is a data strategist, AI advisor, and educator who helps organizations around the world design intelligent data systems with integrity and insight. She serves on the faculty at Carnegie Mellon University in the Chief Data and AI Officer Program and is the founder of Applied Serendipity, where she blends technology, strategy, and soulful leadership.Resources & LinksConnect with LauraFacebook https://www.facebook.com/surrenderingtothesignsWebsite www.surrenderingtothesigns.comDownload your free copy of Seven Keys to Surrendering to the Signs Home | Laura Gates | Surrendering to the Signs | Spiritual PodcastConnect with Alison on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonsagraves/ or Instagram https://www.instagram.com/appliedserenity Or visit her website https://www.allisonsagraves.com/ The 48 Laws of Power by Robert GreenePete Oudolf and native plant designMusic FeaturedThe music in each episode of Surrendering to the Signs has been carefully curated to enhance the episode, below is a list of all tracks featured.List of MusicSaggie, Steven Beddall & Jenny Penkin - Easy to LoveBen Winwood - IntimacyLouis Island - Forest Fire - InstrumentalMichael Drake - Milk Honey Lior Soltz - Glistening Ripples LullabyElad Perez - Only ThisSouthern Call - Cactus FlowerPodcast co-produced, edited, and sound designed by Daniel De Souza https://www.danieldesouza.com