Today I get to introduce you to a literal rockstar.

Amber Swenor is the lead singer of the heavy metal band Morningstar.

AND…

She’s also a heart-centered business strategist that helps curious people like us build an authentic and aligned brand.

I met Amber on Sir Richard Branson’s private island for a Maverick event, and we immediately hit it off.

Funny enough, we are both Wisconsin entrepreneurs!

When I learned about how Amber has truly built a life around her curiosity (Heavy Metal + Soul Alignment + Pageantry + Branding…) I knew I had to bring her on.

There’s SO much to look forward to, but here are 3 things to pay attention to:

1. How Amber met her husband at a gas station from a newspaper ad… and how that eventually led her to starting a heavy metal band that shares empowering lyrics
2. What Amber learned from competing in the beauty pageant world about being unapologetically you
3. How YOU can step further into being unapologetically yourself and build a business that’s radically aligned to your soul expression

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Amber Swenor

In this episode of Beyond Curious, host Brandon Fong welcomes Amber Swenor, a unique guest who brings a blend of heavy metal rock star energy and heart-centered business strategy. Amber is the first heavy metal lead singer to appear on the show, making this episode especially intriguing. The conversation explores Amber's journey from competing in beauty pageants to leading a heavy metal band, and how these experiences have shaped her approach to life and business. Amber is also the founder of Soul Seed Strategy and the author of Unleashed: A Been-There, Rocked-That Guide to Radical Authenticity in Life and Business. This episode promises to dive deep into themes of authenticity, personal transformation, and aligning one's business with their true self.

Show Notes:

00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Amber Swenor

Brandon introduces the episode and the guest, Amber Swenor, highlighting her unique background as a heavy metal lead singer and business strategist. He shares the story of how they met at a Maverick event on Necker Island and teases the fascinating topics they will cover in this episode.

05:16 - Amber's Unusual Path to Meeting Her Husband and Starting a Band

Amber shares the unconventional story of how she met her husband, Brandon, through a newspaper ad for a band audition. She recounts their first meeting at a gas station in rural Wisconsin and how this led to forming a band together. Brandon adds a humorous touch by noting how their story could have been either the start of a band or a crime thriller.

08:55 - The Challenges of Being a New Band: A Float Gig Gone Wrong

Amber recounts a challenging early performance with her band, where a generator malfunctioned during a float gig, leading to oil spraying all over her husband. Despite the chaos, she continued singing, which showcased her resilience and determination to keep going despite setbacks.

11:37 - Overcoming Trolls and Embracing Authenticity

Amber discusses her early experiences with negative feedback when her band first posted music online, particularly on MySpace. She reflects on how the criticism affected her and how she learned to grow from it, emphasizing the importance of embracing one’s true self despite external judgment.

14:39 - The Rad Badass List: A Tool for Building Resilience

Amber introduces the concept of the "Rad Badass List" from her book, a tool she uses to help herself and others build resilience. This list involves reflecting on past challenges, acknowledging personal growth, and continuing to push forward with new challenges, fostering a mindset of continuous improvement.

19:27 - The Impact of Competing in Beauty Pageants

Amber talks about her experience in beauty pageants, starting from her childhood admiration for the confident women she saw on TV to her own participation. She shares how competing helped her develop the confidence to be unapologetically herself, even when the songs she chose for performances weren’t “pageant appropriate.”

24:33 - A Defining Moment: Singing Pat Benatar’s "Heartbreaker" in Her Final Pageant

In a bold move during her last pageant, Amber decided to perform a rock song, Pat Benatar’s "Heartbreaker," despite it being unconventional for a pageant. Although she didn’t win, the experience was a pivotal moment for her in embracing her authenticity and learning the value of being true to oneself.

30:18 - The Catalyst for Starting Her Own Business: A Trip to Africa

Amber shares how a trip to Africa in 2015 became a turning point in her life, leading her to leave a successful career in advertising to start her own business. The time away allowed her to clarify her vision and purpose, ultimately driving her to take the leap into entrepreneurship despite the risks.

34:46 - Rebranding to Soul Seed: Finding Alignment in Business

Amber explains the journey of rebranding her business to Soul Seed Strategy. She talks about how aligning her business with her core values and purpose was essential to her growth and the satisfaction she now finds in her work. This shift allowed her to fully integrate her passions into her business model.

42:14 - The Importance of Core Values in Business and Life

Amber and Brandon delve into the significance of identifying and living by core values. Amber shares exercises she uses to help others uncover their core values and discusses the role of these values in creating a fulfilling and aligned life.

47:57 - Setting Boundaries: Protecting Your Energy and Integrity

Amber discusses the importance of setting boundaries in both personal and professional life. She highlights how boundaries are closely tied to core values and are essential for maintaining alignment and authenticity.

53:32 - The Song "Circus" and Its Message on Authenticity and Mental Health

Amber talks about the song "Circus" by her band Morningstar, which explores themes of authenticity, mental health, and the societal pressures that create a "circus" in our lives. The lyrics encourage listeners to look within for liberation and to be mindful of the narratives they create for themselves.

Links & Resources:

• Amber Swenor’s Website
• Amber Swenor’s Linkedin Profile
• Morningstar Band - "The Circus"
• Unleashed: A Been-There, Rocked-That Guide to Radical Authenticity in Life and Business by Amber Swenor
• Maverick1000