Andrew Stallings Of Athelo Group On How Authenticity and Vulnerability Pay Off and Help You Win Personally and Professionally
An Interview With Maria Angelova
Sometimes people try to take advantage of authenticity and vulnerability. Other times, especially in business, being vulnerable might make us feel afraid. We want to exude confidence, but we’re not always sure we feel confident. It’s about finding the right balance. Additionally, you may be in situations where no one else around you is being authentic or vulnerable. You have to remain true to yourself despite the lack of collaboration. In the end, the positive impacts of authenticity and vulnerability outweigh the negatives.
Being vulnerable and authentic are some of today’s popular buzzwords. It may seem counterintuitive to be vulnerable, as many of us have been taught to project an air of confidence, be a boss, and act like we know everything. In Brene Brown’s words, “vulnerability takes courage.” So is vulnerability a strength or a weakness? Can someone be authentic without being vulnerable? How can being authentic and vulnerable help someone grow both personally and professionally? In this interview series, we are talking to business leaders, mental health professionals and business and life coaches who can share stories and examples of “How Authenticity and Vulnerability Pay Off and Help You Win Personally and Professionally.” As a part of this series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Andrew Stallings.
With over 15 years in the sports and entertainment arena, Andrew Stallings has gone all-in on the rising tide of athletes and sports properties. Stalling’s bevy of knowledge on the brand, property, media, and marketing sides of sports led him to found Athelo Group in 2018. Athelo Group prides itself on authentically connecting athletes with brands and building a community within the sports industry. Through his work, Stallings incites a unique and innovative dialogue on how to bring sports evolution to a new audience of consumers.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we start, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your childhood backstory? Anything you want to share about growing up?
I was raised in the blue-collar town of Newport News, Virginia. To most, my family appeared successful: my mom was a nurse and my father was a banker. But on the inside, I struggled watching my mother battle MS and addiction. My life was filled with a lot of uncertainty, and in order to survive, I had to become independent early on. Leaning on community and using my voice became my number one tool to maneuver through it. I realized strategic and humble communication is so overlooked when it comes to creating connection and diffusing conflict. I couldn’t have known at the time, but these foundational skills, while developed out of trauma, are ultimately some of the most powerful and useful tools I rely on to this day.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
“Community over currency” is a saying we live by at Athelo Group. I’ve found that, in life, developing open communication within a community is key. Creating a community– whether it’s people who can help you, people who you can learn from, or people who can keep you in check– makes for a great support network. At Athelo Group, we’ve built a diverse community of athletes and industry figures who serve just that.
Is there a particular book, podcast, or film that made a significant impact on you? Can you share a story or explain why it resonated with you so much?
Shortly after my mom died, a friend gave me The Buddhist Boot Camp. I was around 25 at the time and felt extremely lost. Reading Timber Hawkeye’s book was a calming reminder to remove materialism and noise from my life. It emphasized minimalism and taught me how to use my thoughts and surroundings to ground myself. I always return to that book– it’s a simple, straightforward, and compelling read.
Let’s now shift to the main part of our discussion. Let’s begin with a definition of terms so that each of us and our readers are on the same page. What exactly does being authentic mean?
Being authentic means defining your sense of self and leading with that purpose, truth, and meaning in all aspects of your life. It’s standing your ground, no matter the circumstances, and communicating in a way that is straightforward, with thought and meaning. It separates the gray area from the black and white.
What does being vulnerable mean? Can you explain?
To me, listening is being vulnerable. Sometimes we’re too eager to get angry or shut down because we’re not actually hearing what people are saying. When we open up ourselves to the possibilities of someone else’s opinions or expertise, that is being vulnerable. Accepting that we’re not always right, and living comfortably with that notion — being susceptible to its uncertainty — that makes us vulnerable.
What are the positive aspects of being authentic and vulnerable? Can you give a story or example to explain what you mean?
Authenticity and vulnerability allows for open and direct communication. This type of communication plays a key role in how our agency operates and how we build our athlete community. At Athelo Group, we share our ideas and perspectives without fear, and we don’t shy away from open communication and feedback. We also listen to the issues our athletes face and address them authentically. When we’re authentic and vulnerable as a company, it inspires others to be authentic and vulnerable, too.
Are there negative aspects to authenticity and vulnerability? Can you give a story or example to explain what you mean?
Sometimes people try to take advantage of authenticity and vulnerability. Other times, especially in business, being vulnerable might make us feel afraid. We want to exude confidence, but we’re not always sure we feel confident. It’s about finding the right balance. Additionally, you may be in situations where no one else around you is being authentic or vulnerable. You have to remain true to yourself despite the lack of collaboration. In the end, the positive impacts of authenticity and vulnerability outweigh the negatives.
From your experience or perspective, what are some of the common barriers that hold someone back from being authentic and vulnerable?
Sometimes we place barriers on ourselves. Whenever I do interviews or podcasts, I often contemplate what I should say vs. what I really want to say. But I’ve found that even in those difficult moments where I’m compelled to choose the former, it’s worth it to go with the latter. Whenever I speak vulnerably and authentically, I’m able to connect with others in a more meaningful way.
Another barrier is the nature of business. When evaluating future projects and partnerships, there’s a lot of unknown. You want to feel confident in your decisions, but sometimes you’re uncertain. Everyone’s a little afraid of uncertainty. But if I acted in accordance with this fear, I would never be able to push my business forward. It’s adjacent to “fake it-til-you-make it,” but there’s always that underlying authentic belief that you will make it. You just don’t know how yet.
Here is the central question of our discussion. What are five ways that being authentic and vulnerable pay off, and help you win, both personally and professionally?
Curating a culture of authenticity and vulnerability at Athelo Group helps us win everyday. It improves our company culture by facilitating open communication. We collaborate best when we’re being authentic and vulnerable. In addition, it helps my agency grow its community. It also helps me build a network of trusted educational resources and to inspire others as a thought leader, providing opportunities to make a greater impact.
You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be?
At Athelo Group, we’re always looking to inspire good and forge connections. We’re currently working on a project rooted in community-based initiatives that will further knowledge, connection, and opportunities for athletes. Through this initiative we can uncover the issues facing our greater community and make a direct impact. Whether it’s combating gender inequality in sports, sourcing brand development opportunities, or giving a voice to overlooked athletes, we want to help.
Is there a person in the world whom you would love to have lunch with, and why? Maybe we can tag them and see what happens!
I’ve always been inspired by Volatire’s writing and thought. I’m a big fan of innovative thinkers who push for freedom of expression. Do you think you guys could resurrect him for me? I’m free at noon!
How can our readers follow you online?
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/astallings88/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AStallings88
Athelo Group Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athelogroup/?hl=en
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: https://athelogroup.com/connect/
Thank you so much for sharing these important insights. We wish you continued success and good health!
About The Interviewer: Maria Angelova, MBA is a disruptor, author, motivational speaker, body-mind expert, Pilates teacher and founder and CEO of Rebellious Intl. As a disruptor, Maria is on a mission to change the face of the wellness industry by shifting the self-care mindset for consumers and providers alike. As a mind-body coach, Maria’s superpower is alignment which helps clients create a strong body and a calm mind so they can live a life of freedom, happiness and fulfillment. Prior to founding Rebellious Intl, Maria was a Finance Director and a professional with 17+ years of progressive corporate experience in the Telecommunications, Finance, and Insurance industries. Born in Bulgaria, Maria moved to the United States in 1992. She graduated summa cum laude from both Georgia State University (MBA, Finance) and the University of Georgia (BBA, Finance). Maria’s favorite job is being a mom. Maria enjoys learning, coaching, creating authentic connections, working out, Latin dancing, traveling, and spending time with her tribe. To contact Maria, email her at angelova@rebellious-intl.com. To schedule a free consultation, click here.
