2022 Fellow Focus: Alyson Stoner + Movement Genius
Social impact entrepreneur, mental health + wellness advocate, entertainer…2022 Fellow Alyson Stoner of Movement Genius shares more about their #RuthlessForGood journey.
What propelled you into the entrepreneurial space? And what do you enjoy most about being a founder?
I did not realize that my first career in entertainment was akin to entrepreneurship, yet it taught me to design a vision from scratch, coordinate a plan, fail forward amidst criticism and uncertainty, and take responsibility for execution.
Movement Genius was founded at the beginning of the pandemic when three factors intersected: 1) the need for mental health support increased, 2) I completed certifications in the mind-body space, and 3) the film industry was "on hold," providing entertainers time to pursue new ventures. For me, it was time to make a serious pivot in my career, and I wanted social impact to be at the center of my efforts.
What do you enjoy most about being a founder?
It is both a gift and pressure to constantly learn new things every day as a founder. I feel immense gratitude and responsibility for the opportunity to architect my path.
What is one piece of advice that has been the most impactful to your journey as an entrepreneur so far?
Get a strong and responsive legal team who can help you make decisions and sign paperwork with confidence.
Tell us about an experience you had as an entrepreneur or in starting your company that exemplified one of Camelback's core values: "Belief in Mission + Vision"; "Unafraid of Failure"; "Constant Learner"; "Humble + Hungry"; and "Give First."
Belief in Mission + Vision: At Movement Genius, we're tackling two areas of the mental health crisis: the need for more effective solutions, and the need for broader access to these solutions. However, our mission extends beyond just building an excellent and accessible product for the current market. Our long-term vision represents an invitation to shift the overall paradigm for healthcare, to challenge and reframe narratives around wellness, prevention, and diet & fitness culture. We recognize that our trajectory and impact largely rely on our ability to educate and advocate, even if what we're saying is counter to the mainstream. We have to maintain a vision for the future, even if others cannot yet see it or understand it.
As a social innovator, what legacy do you hope to leave behind for future generations?
I hope to leave a legacy of commitment to community wellness, to democratizing access to health and well-being, and to approaching complex crises with an intersectional, cross-disciplinary methodology.
What's your favorite book or podcast that you draw entrepreneurial inspiration from?
Y Combinator's Startup School has been a helpful entry point into a variety of topics.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
I once met a group of kids who went through a certain meditation program to improve their academic performance, only to discover that the mindfulness techniques also cultivated skills of telepathy and telekinesis (which they demonstrated for us like it was no big deal). I'd love to be half as evolved as them.
Anything else you want to share about yourself and/or your Camelback Fellowship journey?
The fellowship has been life-transforming, both personally and professionally. The sincerity and depth of community, the professional enrichment.. I’m beyond grateful, and I hope to continue reinvesting into the Camelback family as future alumni.
You can learn more about ➡ Alyson Stoner of Movement Genius.
To stay in the loop about the good trouble Camelback Fellows are getting into - sign up for our newsletter!
Get to know more of the 2022 Camelback Fellows👇🏽