The Moment She Found Her Purpose in Serving Others w/ Alyssa Gawlinski

You didn’t plan to become the person others lean on. It usually starts with a moment that changes everything.In this episode, I sit down with Alyssa Gawlinski to talk about how personal loss and experiences with cancer shaped the path she’s on today. What started as unexpected moments led her into deep involvement with organizations like Fighting Pretty, Girls on the Run, and the Boys and Girls Club, supporting women and young girls through moments that require connection, support, and guidance.They also get into the parts people don’t always talk about. The loneliness that can come with grief, what it feels like to walk alongside cancer without fully understanding it, and how relationships can either fall away or show up in ways you never expected. This conversation is a real look at how connection, community, and shared experience can change the way you move through life.It’s not about deciding to be a “serving” person. It’s about what life puts in front of you and how you choose to show up because of it.This episode will challenge you to look at your own experiences and ask what they’re shaping you into.So if you’ve ever wondered how the hardest moments in your life can lead you to something more meaningful, this is the conversation to listen to.Chapters:00:40 Why Alyssa got into nonprofit work02:00 How Fighting Pretty came into her life04:00 Getting involved with Girls on the Run06:40 The impact of showing up for kids08:40 The reality of connection and community11:40 Why being of service matters14:40 The role of support during hard seasons18:40 Navigating cancer, grief, and connection22:40 How relationships shift in hard seasons26:40 Turning pain into purpose30:40 Life changes and finding direction34:40 Processing grief and personal growth39:40 Why therapy changed everything41:40 Core values that guide Alyssa’s life44:40 What impact looks like long term48:40 How to start making a difference50:40 Where to connect with AlyssaConnect with Alyssa:Instagram: @alyssag28Instagram: @buildwithalyssaLinkedIn: @alyssa-gawlinskiUpcoming Events:Chicago Retreat - July 14-16, 2026 - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/iid9wbr2ycNapa Retreat - October 5-8, 2026 - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/cetj223rsrGrowth & Connect Events - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/hb2a0mwbqwLet’s Stay Connected: → Follow Lauren on Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurennajar → Learn more or work with me: www.laurennajar.com → Follow Business Over Cocktails on IG: www.instagram.com/businessovercocktails → Attend Growth & Connect retreats & events: www.instagram.com/growthandconnect🎧 Subscribe & Review: Love the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who needs a business boost and a good chat over a cocktail.