Embracing and Celebrating Your Culture in Business

Episode Description: In The Beacon Way Episode 26, host Jennifer Christensen interviews Lexi Trainor of Yaaruin Consulting about integrating personal values into business, authentic self-awareness, and celebrating the uniqueness of culture in our businesses. Key Points From This Episode:• Lexi Trainor is the CEO of Yaaruin Consulting, a business whose name derives from the traditional Yup'ik women's story knife used to pass down traditional knowledge.• Lexi has worked diligently to hone in on her self-awareness and offer value to others through her business.• As an Alaska Native woman, she experienced difficulties growing up due to negative stereotypes and a lack of exposure to higher education opportunities.• She draws inspiration from Gloria O’Neil, the CEO of Cook Inlet Tribal Council, as well as her own culture’s emphasis on connection and community.• Jennifer Christensen values differences between people and celebrates how unique perspectives can enhance one another.• Jennifer Christensen posed the question of how to celebrate and embrace differences and also uplift women as a community.• Lexi Trainer shared her experiences of feeling like women's appreciation is countercultural, but hopeful that it is changing.• She described that when putting together her business values, empathy and understanding everyone's life story was a priority.• Lexi believes that recognizing the struggles of others, even if they are not shared publicly, is the best way to support one another in the community.• Specifically, she suggests ways such as providing specific help or opportunities for one-on-one or group communication and listening/learning each other’s stories. Ada's story about “ability without visibility not being worth anything” was used as an example.• Lexi Trainer is a storyteller and strategic communications expert who specializes in Alaskan Native cultural consulting.• Her services include helping people strategize their branding, social media management and photography.• She encourages others to be vulnerable and form strong connections with one another through sharing experiences.• Lexi’s passion lies in providing outreach and education campaigns for people in rural Alaska.• Jennifer Christensen recommends Lexi’s services, noting her openness and ability to make a difference.  Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Lexi Qass’uq Trainer yaaruinconsulting.com [email protected] Jennifer Christensen on LinkedIn Jennifer Christensen on Twitter Beacon Media + Marketing Beacon Media + Marketing @beaconmm CIRI Foundation