“Alison Young spoke at our church’s annual women’s retreat, held at a resort nestled in the woods of northern Wisconsin. We were captivated by her down-to-earth honesty and vulnerability, and her ability to verbalize so many issues that simmer unspoken under the surfaces of our lives. Before she left, Alison agreed to lead some of the women on a hiking adventure through the woods, giving us a taste of her love for walking and her spiritual connection to the outdoors. She is a talented and personable speaker and a very impressive woman. We highly recommend her!“
Bethel Lutheran Church Hudson, Wisconsin
MEET ALISON YOUNG
The solo, female, middle-aged, titanium-reinforced, neurological-movement-disorder-manager, cancer-thriver and long-distance-backpacker, Blissful Hiker.
With over 12,000 miles logged as a backpacker on six continents and a background as a world class professional musician and nationally syndicated radio host, Alison Young offers a unique perspective with engaging programs that connect us with the natural world and ultimately help us grapple with life’s challenges.
Alison Young is an expert at reinvention as well as tapping into creativity for success.
She brings together her myriad experiences, breathtaking imagery, found sound and poetic, metaphor-rich language to challenge, inspire and guide individuals, businesses and teams to find their personal path to excel and succeed in their chosen endeavors.
A recitalist of great poise and technical security, dazzling precision and virtuosic flair.
Alison Young received a Master of Music degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music where she graduated summa cum laude. She also holds degrees from the University of Southern California and attended high school at the arts-intensive Interlochen Arts Academy.
Highlights of a 20-year professional music career include playing Principal with the Boston, Atlanta and Houston Symphonies, recording two solo albums, touring Argentina and teaching classes in China.
In her late thirties, Alison developed dystonia, a baffling neurological condition that inhibited the ability to move her hands at the highly skilled level required of a professional musician.
It was a devastating loss, but using the natural world as a place to heal, she discovered a new way to express herself and for 15 years, was a classical music presenter for American Public Media as well as the host for many of the professional orchestras she used to be a part of.
Life may be short, but it's also wide.
A quick-study, Alison excelled in broadcasting, soon leaving Houston Public Media for American Public Media where she hosted live concerts of the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, Minnesota Orchestra, Saint Olaf Christmas and Cantus plus the nationally syndicated SymphonyCast.
When that successful career came to an abrupt end, she returned to the place she always sought out when lost in spirit – the trail.
Upon return, she and her husband Richard built a professional home studio and she began working as a voice artist and podcaster. Her long-distance backpacking continues as well as her much sought after speaking engagements.
As a “cancer thriver” surviving a bilateral mastectomy, Alison bravely hikes ultralight – both in body and spirit – celebrating each day as a gift, and learning to celebrate curiosity over certainty.
MEET ALISON YOUNG
The solo, female, middle-aged, titanium-reinforced, neurological-movement-disorder-manager, cancer-thriver and long-distance-backpacker, Blissful Hiker.
With over 12,000 miles logged as a backpacker on six continents and a background as a world class professional musician and nationally syndicated radio host, Alison Young offers a unique perspective with engaging programs that connect us with the natural world and ultimately help us grapple with life’s challenges.
Alison Young is an expert at reinvention as well as tapping into creativity for success.
She brings together her myriad experiences, breathtaking imagery, found sound and poetic, metaphor-rich language to challenge, inspire and guide individuals, businesses and teams to find their personal path to excel and succeed in their chosen endeavors.
A recitalist of great poise and technical security, dazzling precision and virtuosic flair.
Alison Young received a Master of Music degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music where she graduated summa cum laude. She also holds degrees from the University of Southern California and attended high school at the arts-intensive Interlochen Arts Academy.
Highlights of a 20-year professional music career include playing Principal with the Boston, Atlanta and Houston Symphonies, recording two solo albums, touring Argentina and teaching classes in China.
In her late thirties, Alison developed dystonia, a baffling neurological condition that inhibited the ability to move her hands at the highly skilled level required of a professional musician.
It was a devastating loss, but using the natural world as a place to heal, she discovered a new way to express herself and for 15 years, was a classical music presenter for American Public Media as well as the host for many of the professional orchestras she used to be a part of.
Life may be short, but it's also wide.
A quick-study, Alison excelled in broadcasting, soon leaving Houston Public Media for American Public Media where she hosted live concerts of the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, Minnesota Orchestra, Saint Olaf Christmas and Cantus plus the nationally syndicated SymphonyCast.
When that successful career came to an abrupt end, she returned to the place she always sought out when lost in spirit – the trail.
Upon return, she and her husband Richard built a professional home studio and she began working as a voice artist and podcaster. Her long-distance backpacking continues as well as her much sought after speaking engagements.
As a “cancer thriver” surviving a bilateral mastectomy, Alison bravely hikes ultralight – both in body and spirit – celebrating each day as a gift, and learning to celebrate curiosity over certainty.
“Sometimes I wonder how so much talent and drive can be contained in one person. Alison is a fabulous classical music host with both a warm voice and a great personality. She shines at live events, and is an impassioned speaker. I’ve watched with awe as she’s taken her love of hiking to new heights (and lengths!), documenting both the ups and downs of long distance trekking for her followers with both raw honesty and unlimited enthusiasm. She’s an inspiration to me in so many ways, and I feel lucky to know her.”
Marianne Combs | Award-winning reporter, minnesota public radio
TOP five REASONS TO
Work with Alison Young
1.
Custom-Tailored Content
Alison Young brings creative insights and innovative approaches to change and reinvention that are custom tailored to the specific needs of each team and organization. Her unique perspective ignites novel approaches to tough problems as well as innovative problem-solving that positively impacts the overall effectiveness of teams and organizations.
2.
Engaging and Dynamic Speaker
Alison is not only renowned for her expertise in reinvention, change management and leadership, but also for her fun, engaging personality and presentation style. Her ability to deliver solid, impactful content while ensuring an enjoyable and stimulating experience sets her apart as a captivating keynote speaker.
3.
Exceptional Facilitator
A facilitator with the touch of a symphonic conductor, Alison Young stands out for her ability to foster reinvention and positive change in individuals and teams. She engages groups through discussions and activities that deepen their understanding of reinvention, resulting in valuable insights into the creative process as well as acquiring the tools needed for success.
4.
Unique Perspective
Alison Young is uniquely positioned as a workshop facilitator to foster a culture of creative change and reinvention. Her dynamic programs enlighten participants on how their unique skills contribute to a thriving, innovative group dynamic.
5.
Highly-Acclaimed Expertise
An expert at reinvention, Alison Young brings a depth of knowledge and expertise that can enrich any team or organization striving to begin their own steps towards successful and effective reinvention.
“I have seen several programs by hikers and considered At the Speed of Andante to be not only the best, but in a class by itself in terms of its intellectual as well as aesthetic quality. It is a nostalgic reminder that in the past nature played a more important role in shaping people’s feelings and values than it does today.”
WILLIAM WOOLEY | AUTHOR & RIPON COLLEGE PROFESSOR EMERITUS OF HISTORY
