Unyielding Hustle with Dana Ayers
In this episode of Keep Hustling, host Aaron Gordon sits down with Dana Ayers, a dynamic professional whose career spans from the White House to military service. Dana shares her journey, discussing her early life influences, her days as a White House...
In this episode of Keep Hustling, host Aaron Gordon sits down with Dana Ayers, a dynamic professional whose career spans from the White House to military service. Dana shares her journey, discussing her early life influences, her days as a White House intern during 9/11, and how those experiences shaped her drive for public service. She recounts her non-traditional path to joining the military in her 30s and the profound impact of serving in Afghanistan. Dana reflects on her experiences in high-pressure environments like FEMA during Hurricane Katrina and emphasizes the importance of resilience and seizing unexpected opportunities. The episode concludes with Dana's favorite motivational quote by Howard Thurman, encapsulating the essence of her journey: "Don't ask what the world needs, ask what makes you come alive and go do that."
Tune in for an inspiring conversation about hustle, leadership, and the power of embracing challenges.
Get To Know Dana Ayers
Dana Ayers has spent the last couple decades burrowing her way into all sorts of places she had no business being, including herding celebrities in green rooms, working as an armed communicator in Afghanistan, serving as a White House staffer, and conducting media interviews on national television after running all night and changing in a Gold's Gym bathroom. Her goal is to encourage readers to go after their dreams even if they don’t fit the traditional mold — and even if they’re a bit of a hot mess, like she often is.
Dana considers herself an "ambassador for the unlikelies" which she describes as those who refuse to talk themselves out of unlikely goals.
Ayers has appeared on Morning Shows in major national markets such as Good Morning America, WGN Chicago, and Great Day D.C., along with dozens of media interviews for print, radio, and podcasts including SiriusXM Radio and Women’s Running magazine.
She holds a master’s degree in Communication from Johns Hopkins University and is the author of the international bestseller Confessions of an Unlikely Runner, and a co-author of Chicken Soup for the Soul: Running for Good. She can typically be found putting coffee before important responsibilities and dreaming up new ridiculous goals to attempt, like starring in her own TV show where she simultaneously competes in a vocal competition while fixing up an old house.
3 Episode Key Takeaways
Embrace a Nonlinear Path: Dana Ayers' career journey demonstrates that success doesn't always follow a straight line. From an unexpected start at the White House to significant experiences in the military, her story shows the value of staying open to diverse opportunities.
Find Life’s Work Through Passion: Dana's experiences highlight that what truly drives success is enthusiasm and dedication. Her quote from Howard Thurman, "Ask what makes you come alive and go do that," reflects the essential need for passion in one's endeavors.
The Strength of Community and Support: Throughout her career, Dana emphasizes the importance of camaraderie, whether through familial support in her upbringing or the bonds formed in the military. These relationships provide the foundation for perseverance and achievement.
Show Overview:
01:12 Excited to explore Dana’s fascinating background map.
03:10 Hustles stem from unnoticed, supportive parental influence.
07:10 Bush administration shaped my adult life significantly.
11:30 Unexpected moments shape our hustle's impact.
13:12 Regretted not serving, eventually inspired by peer.
17:45 Camaraderie requires challenges; builds impactful relationships.
22:07 Fear of boredom drives diverse career pursuits.
23:40 Perseverance proves naysayers wrong; incredible story shared.