Daily Inspiration: Meet Alexa Colyer

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexa Colyer.

Hi Alexa, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
When the COVID-19 pandemic really took hold in the United States in March of 2020, my team at my corporate job quickly started to work from home. Suddenly, I found myself having an extra 2+ hours to my day because I was saving so much time by not commuting to the office.

I had always wanted to start a podcast but had no idea what topic I’d base it off of. I love the podcasting world and at the time had been listening to a lot of business-oriented podcasts such as “Tim Ferriss” and “How I Built This.” I realized there are so many podcasts out there that interview high-level leaders who have 20, 30, 40+ years of experience, but I wasn’t aware of any podcast that spoke with early career professionals and small business owners – people who are just starting their career or a new venture.

With this idea in mind, my husband and I bought a Yeti microphone (the purchase was easily justified since he could use it for his video game streaming, too), and I reached out to some of my close friends to be the first guests on my podcast. That’s how Virtual Coffee was born!

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I love this question because I ask most of my guests the same thing. Since Virtual Coffee is a side hobby for me, one of my biggest struggles I face is balancing my love for the podcast with my corporate job, household errands, our dogs, life in general, etc. Sometimes I wish I could put more time and energy into the podcast because I know I could make it so much bigger than it is, but I also have to remember to balance everything going on in my life in a way that’s best for me. Sometimes the podcast has to take a backseat, and that’s okay. Sometimes it takes the front seat, and that’s great, too.

Another struggle I face is marketing the podcast. I have learned SO MUCH about social media marketing, and I still have a ton to learn. I’ve grown a lot of respect for people who upkeep their social media accounts for business. It is so difficult to create content on a timely schedule, post it at the right time, and spread the word about it. Marketing the podcast is definitely something I’m always trying to improve on.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a Designer of Experiences. In everything I do, whether that be at work, the podcast, etc., I strive to create a valuable, impactful experience for the end-user. I work in the healthcare industry, so the experiences I create at work are geared towards healthcare professionals and patients. It’s imperative to have empathy for the end-user and understand their challenges so that you and others can help improve their experiences. Every single aspect of life includes someone experiencing something, and we have the power to make those experiences the best they can be.

I’m also extremely passionate about supporting women in STEM. I majored in Computer Science and Mathematics in college, so I love keeping that side of my brain active by mentoring STEM students and teaching younger kids about the many opportunities within technological fields. Through research and my own experiences, I’ve learned that if a women/girl is going to be deterred away from STEM, that will most likely happen at a very young age. By mentoring students in elementary school and beyond and showing them the possibilities that are out there for them, I believe we can make a significant, positive impact on their futures and lives.

What I’m most proud of is the life I’ve begun to create with my husband, Nathan, and two dogs, Oliver and Hobbes. Hobbies, work, friends, family is all very important to me, but without my husband and the laughs we share, I’m not sure any of it would be worth it. From the beautiful foundation of my life at home, I’m able to pursue my other passions and priorities with a positive outlook and determination.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
I wish I knew that (shocker!) you are the only one in true control of your life. Want to start a podcast? Do it! Want to learn how to code? Do it! I understand that actually doing the thing can be way easier said than done, but ultimately you are in control. You can guide your path in the direction you want, and it is so important to build your life in a way that will make you the happiest and most fulfilled. Comparing yourself to other people’s versions of happiness and success is a waste of time – you get to define what happiness and success means to you.

Pricing:

• $5 digital, hand-drawn sketches

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://linktr.ee/virtualcoffeepodcast
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/virtualcoffeepodcast/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/virtualcoffeepodcast
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/show/62OzuNi5ove5bCfRgE8etH?si=jJ1YgbRDQvKPiictR13LrA