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Success isn’t always about going bigger—it’s about getting clearer.
In this episode, internationally recognized yoga instructor, author, and creative visionary Alanna Zabel shares her remarkable journey from leading retreats and teaching yoga to building a global lifestyle brand—only to walk away from it all when it no longer aligned with her values.
AZ I AM® founder will share how she transformed unexpected opportunities into impact-driven ventures, how she navigated public success with private purpose, and why she chose alignment over applause at every turning point.
Whether you’re building something new or rethinking your next step, this episode will remind you: staying true to who you are is the boldest move you can make.
Key Takeaways:
- What it really means to lead with authenticity—and why it matters more than ever
- Why success without fulfillment isn't success at all
- How to know when it’s time to pivot—and what happens when you do
- Lessons from building a purpose-driven business without losing yourself
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Highlights
The key moments in this episode are:
[00:00] Introduction to Beyond Barriers Podcast
[00:26] Personal Core Connection
[01:07] Alanna Zabel's Journey
[05:13] Current Projects and Future Goals
[08:01] Navigating Challenges and Staying Grounded
[11:42] Building Authentic Value
[23:09] Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
[27:39] Lightning Round and Final Thoughts -
Lightning Round
Q: What book has greatly influenced you?
A: Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda
Q: What is your favorite inspiring quote or saying?
A: "The woman who does not require validation is the most feared individual on the planet."
Q: What is one word or moniker you would use to describe yourself?
A: Authentic
Q: What is one change you've implemented that made your life better?
A: Not taking things personally and not letting what other people wanna throw at you affect you
Q: What power song would you want playing as you walk out onto a stage?
A: Roar by Katy Perry -
Quotes
I got to this place where I had all these business opportunities and wealth opportunities, and it didn't fulfill me because I'm really connected to my purpose.
Alanna Zabel
Be really clear about where you wanna go next, because if you keep doing something that you're not super passionate about, just because you're making money from it, you're actually gonna have farther to swim back to shore because you continued allowing yourself to drift out.
Alanna Zabel
Not caring about what other people think is a door every single person on a path of any kind of greatness or success will have to walk through.
Alanna Zabel
Everyone has something. Everyone has a story, and you would never know it.
Alanna Zabel
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About
AZ I AM® founder Alanna Zabel is an internationally recognized yoga instructor, studio founder, wellness expert, author, inventor, and entrepreneur, bringing over 25 years of experience helping others connect with their most authentic self. She holds degrees in Psychology and Health & Human Services, with a concentration in Child Development. Alanna is a trauma-informed yoga instructor, a sound healer, teacher trainer, the creator of Yoga Barre®, as well as a Pilates and fitness instructor. Committed to female empowerment, Alanna is a true visionary. In addition to originating the "day retreat" format, she was the first to create Goddess Detox Retreats in 1998, guiding groups of women on spiritual adventures and fasting retreats.
In 2000, she founded her own unique YogaDance company based on combining the essential movements of yoga with modern dance. Her first performance was choreographed for a private party at Michael Jackson's home and performed at Neverland. With a flare for style and design coupled with a stubborn commitment to sustainability, Alanna launched the premium AZ I AM® Active Wear collections, as well as single-handed created The World's Yoga Doll®, the world’s first moveable fashion doll. Beyond her accomplishments as an instructor, author, designer, and activist, Alanna is a creative force and a teacher with a passion for kids wellness.
In addition to three memoirs, Alanna has written fourteen children's books with yoga and wellness themes. Voted "Best Yoga Instructor in Los Angeles" in 2011 by LA Family Magazine and one of "Hollywood's Hottest Trainers" by Shape Magazine in 2014, Alanna is passionate about teaching yoga through her classes, life and writing. She is the author of As I Am: Where Spirituality Meets Reality and Meaningful Coincidence: Synchronistic Stories of the Soul. Her children's book titles include The Seven Doors, a children's version of Deepak Chopra's best selling The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success. Alanna stars in five fitness DVDs: Yoga Total Body Makeover and Pilates Yoga Fusion, as well as Beginner Level Yoga for Toning, Flexibility + Stress Relief, Cardio + Conditioning Yoga, and Beginner Level Yoga which became a nationally bestselling fitness DVD in 2016.