Photo credit: Lori Cardwell Photography

Dr. Ali Atkison is a highly acclaimed keynote speaker, trainer, and teaching professional who has educated and inspired audiences of all sizes for more than two decades. With more than 20 years in higher education, Dr. Ali is widely considered one of the foremost authorities on how the adult brain learns. Her unique background isn’t in neuroscience, but instead as a practitioner, educator and lecturer who has mastered the art of making communication and learning more effective. By delivering clear, tangible and, yes, actually fun, workshops and programs, Dr. Ali engages with organizations and teams who want to truly make learning stick for lasting results. 

Can you tell our readers a bit about your background and what inspired you to start your business teaching brain-based communication and training skills?

Absolutely. It started back in 1999 when I was accepted to graduate school at the University of Denver on an assistantship, which meant I would teach in exchange for free tuition (and a fairly paltry stipend, lol). But no one ever taught me how to be a good teacher. I was pretty much handed my book and shown it to my classroom. So, I did what I thought “good teaching” was—I lectured. And I did that for years, until one day I had an a-ha moment that I really didn’t think my students were learning (and I later confirmed this). So, I decided to start researching better teaching practices. This led me to years of research on how the brain learns, which I then started sharing with other teachers, and then corporate trainers as well.

It didn’t take me long to realize I could marry brain knowledge with my expertise in communication because the concepts I was applying to teach are readily applied to everyday communication as well. I realized that with my expertise and overlap in the two, I could teach anyone how to be a better communicator the same way I was teaching teachers how to be better teachers—by basing this knowledge on brain science.

So that’s what I do now: I teach improved communication and training skills that are grounded in how the adult brain learns.

Where is your business based?

I live in Indianapolis. But I travel all over the country and internationally to deliver keynotes and/or workshops for my clients. Nowadays, although I love the spirit and comradery that is somewhat unique to in-person keynotes and workshops, a lot of my work is done virtually—which is great because it allows me to connect with clients all over the world. In fact, speaking and training virtually offer some interesting challenges and opportunities not present during in-person offerings; for example, I get the chance to model the very type of virtual communication I’m usually speaking about.

How did you start your business? What were the first steps you took? 

I had already been offering keynotes and training on brain-based communication and training skills as a “side hustle” while I worked full-time as associate dean and a communications professor for the University of Denver.  

I had so many people tell me that I light up when I talk about helping people communicate and train better by applying brain-based techniques, I finally decided to pursue this passion full-time. Fortunately, I had three things going for me that really helped launch my company:

-       First, my former clients are also wonderful referral avenues for me, as they’ve gotten to see firsthand that my keynotes are super engaging and my workshops are fun—and effective.

-       Second, the solopreneur and small-business network in Indianapolis is incredibly supportive, so I’ve been fortunate to connect with countless people who have helped me with resources and knowledge for launching my business.

-       Third I’m a professor for Wondrium. I have two courses with them: The Brain-based Guide to Communicating Better and Written Communications: Being Heard and Understood. They are available online, of course, but Wondrium is also available on Roku now, which is neat because anyone can access the content right from their living room couch. I have had quite a few folks reach out to me for help with their employees or one of their teams after watching one of my courses.

These three things really helped make launching my new business a success.

What has been the most effective way of raising awareness about your business?  

I mentioned the supportive network in my last answer. In particular, I have received amazing support from the other women in my networks. Especially in my relatively new home space in Indianapolis, I have found the sense of community to be uplifting and inspiring. Hoosier Hospitality is real, y’all! I hope to have the opportunity to give back to the women who have lifted me up in my own endeavor. 

I build awareness about my business through people in my networks because I’m building solid relationships with my community. I’m a member of BNI, and we follow the approach of getting to know one another quite deeply so we build communities of people who know, like, and trust one another—thus, we’re more likely to think of each other when someone—for example, in my case—complains to them about a poorly run training program, or a customer service team who struggles with clarity in their communication to customers.

What have been your biggest challenges, and how have you overcome them? 

COVID has impacted professional speakers, like so many industries, because there have been fewer opportunities to speak at in-person events. I’ve used this time to focus on ensuring my virtual offerings are excellent, and I’ve focused on networking and continuing education.

How do you differentiate your business from the competition?

Yep, there are lots of folks out there who teach improved communication, which is such a testament to how important it is—now more than ever. I have great respect for all my colleagues, and I’m so honored to be part of a great community of communications professionals. What makes me unique is that the communication and training skills I teach are grounded in the specific intersection of my experience. I bring 20+ years of academic experience teaching communication at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and I also bring 15+ years of experience studying how the adult brain learns. So, my strategies are grounded in science but also backed by my own expertise as a communications professor.

What is your favorite or most useful business resource? 

There are almost too many to name. The backlog of books and articles that I want to read grows every day. I tend to prioritize subject-matter resources a little too much because I continue to be fascinated by the brain, so I’ll read anything or listen to any podcast on anything brain-related. I am always learning little nuggets that can help me in my work on teaching communication and training skills.

In terms of resources related to being a solopreneur, I’m a big fan of relationship-related resources, so I lean heavily on my networks for sounding boards. And I like to attend events—conferences, talks, webinars, etc.—where people who know cool things share those. The books I read tend to be subject-matter-related, but I’m a big fan of Inc. and ATD articles. My business development coach just turned me on to a great podcast for people who do a lot of public speaking like me called Speakernomics.

How do you balance work and play but still run a successful business?

I often joke that as a communications expert, I’m always working. It is half true because even when I’m interacting with friends, colleagues, or my partner, I think it’s important to model the kind of communication skills I teach others. It’s true for most solopreneurs that you are your brand, but it’s especially true for me. 

But aside from that, as any solopreneur knows, time management is critical. It’s easy to be at your computer non-stop. And my partner and I both work from home, so it’s also easy to tear myself away from my computer for something really “critical” like a discussion of what color towels to buy. But basically, we both agreed to run our days as if we were in an office. We start work early and try to stop by at dinner time. Of course, that doesn’t always happen, but we do pretty well.

I’m a big fan of scheduling time for the important things and shutting down my email when I’m doing those. For example, when it’s time to write or research, I turn everything else off. Otherwise, it’s so easy to get sucked down rabbit holes. 

The one exception to that is that I try to always make time for people when asked. I love when people ask me for my help and insight with communication or training issues, whether it’s a personal or professional communication challenge. I’m a lifelong learner at heart, and every time I have the opportunity to help someone else navigate an issue or problem they are having, it’s a learning opportunity for me just as much as for them.

What’s your favorite way to decompress? 

I love reading. I’ll read anything, but I’m especially into science fiction and science fantasy. I also equally love fitness and baked goods—I own a Peloton I named Cupcake because I ride her so I can eat them. J

 How can our readers connect with you?

Contact me anytime at ali@roi-communications.com or via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliatkison/. And if you would like to learn more about how I can help you or someone you know, visit my website: www.roi-communications.com