Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanessa Autrey.

Hi Vanessa, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

For as long as I can recall, I’ve had the heart to do good. I can remember riding with my mom to downtown Tampa back in the 90s. I was probably 7 at the time. We’d set up in her old burgundy Dodge caravan – you know, the one with the woodgrain stripe down the side.

We’d park underneath one of the underpasses and serve bologna sandwiches and tomato soup. We didn’t have much, but my mom gave  what she could. She taught me to use the resources you’re given to do what you can for those in need. That lesson still resonates with me today.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

A smooth road? Hardly. But as with all things, the worth is in the journey and experience you gain along the way. My co-founder and I certainly didn’t have all the answers or how-to’s, but we were confident about one thing: our relentless commitment to serving our community.

When you rise each day with that kind of resolve, struggles seem to become the background noise of your journey.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?

I’m most passionate about writing and philanthropy – and both allow me to give back and do good.

I’ve had a successful career in Corporate Development over the years. From finance and technology to real estate and M&A – I’ve worked hard, made good money, and enjoyed the journey of my professional growth.

My more recent endeavor is as a self-help author. My first book was recently published: The Art of Balancing Burnout. It’s a powerful, straight-from-the-heart take on societal burnout, where I encourage readers to reflect, recalibrate and redirect toward a happier, healthier, more fulfilled life.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?

Almost everything is figure-out-able.