We had the good fortune of connecting with Rita Hudgens and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rita, how do you think about risk?
One of my favorite quotes on risk is from Motivational Speaker Nick Vujicic, “Risk is not just a part of life. It is life. The place between your comfort zone and your dream is where life takes place. It’s the high-anxiety zone but it’s also where you discover who you are.”

Whatever comes to mind when you think of the word risk is attributed to your belief system. The stories you tell yourself based on your life experiences become your belief system; this shapes your perspective.

Those who perpetually avoid risk fall under the category of what Psychologists call Learned Helplessness. People with learned helplessness aren’t creating and controlling their environment, they are being controlled by what is happening to them.

That’s the problem; here’s the solution.
The Solution: Own Your Risk
Owning your risk empowers and enables you to keep your sense of independence. It is a powerful habit that will build confidence when faced with uncertainty.
Two-Step Strategy to Make Risk your Friend:
• Gain Clarity Through Logic on Risk
• Choose Perceived Control

Most of the resistance to risk comes from the fear of the unknown. Therefore, finding clarity proves to be very helpful in breaking down this wall.
Get clarity by asking yourself:
• How could this decision possibly make a positive impact on my life?
• What needs to happen for me to feel safer?
• How can I factor in my purpose in this unknown?
Trust your Plan
What preparations have you made? All successful leaders have a game plan. It’s also important that you have confidence in the plan you have in place. Trust the work you have done; your plan and your preparation.
Getting strategic clarity will help you see the bigger picture and give you a clearer direction so you can create a plan to assess risk with confidence.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I was born to do what I do: empowering others to win the battle in their minds. Impacting the lives of others is what gives me energy and motivates me every single day. The name of my company is Transform U and that says it all. I work with people to help them transform their lives by starting with their mindset.

I came into the business world late; in the 4th quarter with 2 minutes left in the game. My first career was that of a stay at home wife and mother. I homeschooled my 4 children and it wasn’t until after a divorce that I had to find out what I was going to do when I grew up. As it turns out, I am doing what I did with my kids except with a larger audience; impacting lives.

My business journey has not been easy; many times I’ve wanted to throw in the towel and find something else to do. It’s not the coaching or training that has been frustrating; the most frustrating aspect has been learning how to market and make my business profitable.

I invested in great business and marketing coaches to help me overcome my lack of expertise in this area. I also joined the National Speakers Association where I continue to learn from the world’s leading speakers and have a community of like-minded people to network with. I was honored this year to become President of the Arizona Chapter of the National Speakers Association.

What sets me apart from others is not just one thing but many things. I’m really good at getting to the root issue to help people get the results they want; albeit to grow their businesses, find a greater sense of peace, to take command of their thoughts, reduce stress and anxiety or improve their relationships.

As an individual, I am a life-long learner; I never stop reading and researching anything and everything in my field. I love learning things that will give my clients a competative advantage in life.

As a coach, I’m a great listener and always show up with a curious mindset to help my clients find their own solutions.

As a speaker/trainer, I have the gift of teaching; it comes naturally to me.

I am also a gamer; I hate to lose more than I love to win. That is what drives me to help my clients get the results they want. At the end of the day, all things equal – they have me. That’s what sets me apart.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting me in the Valley of the Sun, we would always start our day working out. Although I belong to a few gyms, my home gym is Independence Gym in Scottsdale, Arizona.

From there we could go for a short hike to the amphitheater at Papago Park or a long hike up Camelback Mountain. If we’re lucky, we would see a rattlesnake or coyote. If we’re really lucky, we wouldn’t get bit.

Lunch would be either Postinos in Old Town Scottsdale or authentic Mexican food at the historic TeePee Patio in the Arcadia District.

My favorite restaurant for dinner is The Henry on Camelback Road.

The rest of the week we could take a short drive to visit the majestic Red Rocks of Sedona. Again, a beautiful place to hike. We would most definitely visit the world famous Chapel of the Holy Cross and “rough it” a few nights at the L’Auberge de Sedona.

Not a bad week.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I always start by thanking God for the gifts and purpose He has given to me to help make an impact in this world.

From a business standoint, one of my mentors is a woman named Naomi Rhode. Naomi is in a catagory of her own. She is an extremely successful business woman and Hall of Fame Speaker. She has overcome so many physical adversities yet keeps her faith, courage, and resilience.

From a personal standpoint, my family; my four kids and my husband have always been my biggest fans and support system.

Website: https://www.transformuniversity.net/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/transform.university/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rita-hudgens/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TransFormUniv

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/transformucoach

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.