Shoutout LA: Meet Alexandra Stone | Podcast Host & Life Coach
Read the full Shoutout LA article here.
We had the good fortune of connecting with Alexandra Stone and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Alexandra, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Risk-taking is essential for personal growth, empowerment, and adding depth to our life’s journey. When we take risks, we challenge our fears and open ourselves to new possibilities, whether through a change in mindset or environment. While risk can be intimidating due to the fear of failure, it also presents a unique opportunity to learn, grow, and redefine our path.
I often think of life as a video game and ask myself, “What if life was a game? What would I do?” In video games, we are quick to take risks—whether driven by curiosity or the thrill of the unknown—because the consequences feel less daunting. In real life, however, we often play it safe, avoiding risks and sticking to the familiar. This aversion to risk can lead to a life filled with “What ifs?” and regret over missed opportunities.
Risk-taking has been a fundamental part of my journey, both personally and professionally. My path to success has been anything but traditional, shaped by unexpected turns and rich “side quests” that have led to incredible growth. After graduating from college, I felt lost while many of my peers had clear career paths, like becoming cinematographers or lawyers. I remember feeling devastated when I was turned down for a teller position at Chase Bank. At that moment, my mom asked me a simple but profound question: “You like games, right? What if life was a game? What would you do?”
That question shifted my mindset completely. I stopped fixating on specific outcomes and started exploring opportunities that seemed interesting, regardless of how unconventional they were. I took a job as a social media temp for $15 an hour, only to find out my coworker was making $18 an hour for the same work. It was frustrating, but I kept pushing forward, taking every opportunity as a learning experience.
Eventually, my willingness to take risks paid off. I received a call from a recruiter for a marketing manager position at a data center— all I remember was thinking “What the heck is a data center?”. Despite my limited experience, I took the leap, and it was here that I began to hone my marketing skills and build valuable connections. It was at a tech networking event, while trying to earn some commissions, that I met the CEO of an AI and blockchain company. This encounter led to my role as the Chief Marketing Officer at the company, a position that came with no guaranteed salary, only an equity package.
Taking on this role was a huge risk. I was still working my day job at the data center while dedicating countless hours to the startup. I found myself creating investor pitch decks, developing marketing strategies, and meeting with seasoned executives. I was in way over my head, yet my ideas were making an impact. This experience taught me that I’m capable of much more than I ever imagined and that my contributions were valued.
The pandemic brought its own set of challenges. A series of traumatic events, including a near-death experience with a stalker and the loss of my grandfather, forced me to reassess my priorities. I took another risk by stepping away from the startup and taking a stable marketing job at a software company to focus on healing. During this time, I also took a solo trip to Peru for a private ayahuasca ceremony with a Shaman. It was a transformative experience that allowed me to confront my limitations and find some much-needed clarity.
Fast forward to today, I was laid off from my job but had the option to stay with at the company in a demoted role. Instead of choosing the safety of a steady job, I asked myself, “What if life was a game?” Despite the fear and anxiety, I decided to take a risk and fully commit to my dream of being a public speaker and coach, using my podcast, “Life is the Game,” as a platform to share my journey and philosophy.
Now, I’m two months into building my personal brand and coaching business. The growth has been steady, and the work is challenging, but it feels incredibly rewarding to be creating something that is truly my own. If I had chosen the safe route, I might have had security, but I would have missed out on the opportunity to build a life that aligns with my true passions and dreams.
Risk-taking allows us to discover our potential and live life on our own terms. The beauty of taking risks is that they come in all shapes and sizes, and we can choose challenges that align with where we are in our journey. For me, taking risks has been the key to unlocking new opportunities, overcoming fears, and embracing a life filled with meaning and purpose.
I challenge anyone contemplating a risk—big or small—to ask themselves, “What would I do if my life were a game?” This will reveal their true desires!
Ready? Let’s play!
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business and brand are built on a unique philosophy: “Life is the Game.” This concept transforms life into an adventurous journey, where we see ourselves as the main characters navigating a world full of challenges, risks, and side quests. My podcast, “Life is the Game,” and my coaching practice both center around this idea—encouraging people to take risks, embrace failures, and explore new possibilities as they would in a game.
What sets me apart is my gamified approach to personal growth and empowerment. I guide my clients and audience through a process of self-discovery, helping them build their “avatars” and develop skills that align with their true selves. This method not only makes the journey of self-improvement more engaging and fun, but it also helps people step out of their comfort zones and face their fears head-on, much like a gamer facing a formidable level or boss fight.
Getting to where I am today was far from easy. My journey has been filled with significant challenges—professionally and personally. My life changed after being stalked and attacked by my neighbor then falling chronically ill. Going through these traumatic experiences made me realize that our lives can be taken away in an instant, so why am I spending so much of my precious time and energy building someone else’s business when I could be creating my own?
During this timeI had to take a step back and reassess my priorities. This period of reflection led me to Peru, where I participated in a life-changing ayahuasca ceremony. This experience was transformative, teaching me to let go of past traumas and focus on the freedom and opportunities ahead.
The most difficult challenge I faced was the decision to leave the safety and comfort of a corporate job to build my own business from the ground up. I was terrified of the uncertainty, but I asked myself the guiding question: “What if life was a game? What would I do?” This mindset shift gave me the courage to take the leap and fully commit to my dream of becoming a public speaker, coach, and podcaster.
Through this journey, I’ve learned several valuable lessons:
Embrace Risks and Failures: Much like in video games, taking risks and facing failures are crucial parts of growth. Every setback I’ve encountered has taught me resilience and brought me closer to my true path.
Pursue Life’s Side Quests: The most memorable experiences in life come from stepping outside our comfort zones and exploring the unknown. Whether it’s traveling alone to Peru for a spiritual retreat or starting a new business venture, these “side quests” are where real growth happens.
Build Your Avatar: In life, just like in games, we have the power to create and evolve our character. We choose our skills, set our goals, and decide how we want to navigate the world. This philosophy empowers my clients to take control of their destiny and become the main characters in their own stories.
I want the world to know that “Life is the Game” is more than just personal development—it’s about rewriting the narrative of our lives. I aim to inspire others to view life through a playful, adventurous lens, to take bold risks, and to embrace the journey, no matter how challenging it may seem. Every day is an opportunity to level up, explore new possibilities, and have fun along the way.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This is a tough one, but here’s the list:
#1 Korean BBQ is a must! –I always take new visitors over to K-town and enjoy Soju and KBBQ at Quarters.
#2 Shopping at Melrose Ave. – I love the urban punk rock vibes of Melrose Ave. and visiting all the shops like Wasteland, American Vintage, or Vitaly.
#3 Point Dume Malibu – This is hands down my favorite beach, but you have to work to get down to it. It’s a sliver of a raw beach. You have to park at the Point Dume Natural Reserve trailhead and then take the steps down to get there. It’s a very low-key beach where you can explore tidal wave, watch seals, and bring your dog. Just beware of high-tide!
#4 Venice Beach – Venice is a unique place that’s very “LA.” From the Friday drum circle to the dancing roller skaters, colorful shops, and equally colorful people, I’d spend a day here and rent a bike, skates, or e-scooter and ride from Venice Beach to the Santa Monica Pier
#5 Saffy’s Restaurant in East Hollywood – I would take my guests out for a nice dinner and amazing culinary experience at Saffy’s. Everything from the cocktails to the decors is on point. And each morsel of food is an explosion of flavor in your mouth with this modern twist on Middle Eastern cuisine. Make sure to make reservations ahead of time because they’re always packed. I would also recommend their sister restaurants, Bestia and Bavel!
#6 The Getty Center & Getty Villa— whether you’re into art museums or you just want to spend the day walking around and taking pictures somewhere gorgeous, you need to check out the Getty. I discovered this way later than iIshould’ve and am already eagerly awaiting the next picnic at the Getty Center.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mom, Angelica Stone, 10000% (I know that sounds corny). My mom has been my rock throughout my life, constantly challenging and motivating me to be the best possible version of myself. She has been a mirror and guide in my darkest times, reminding me of my power and capability – and obviously, “Life is the Game” would never exist if it wasn’t for her.
With my mom being a therapist and healer, I have learned that everyone has the potential and power to grow – all they need is a little help.
Thanks, Mom, you rock!
Website: https://linktr.ee/lifeisthegame
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexandranicolestone
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-nicole-stone-448580157/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561643968357
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK1qq2u0xNymaEFVN2eZeIg
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