Teri Donelson is Glambitious!

Teri Donelson is Glambitious!

You’ve had an extensive career as a keynote speaker and business strategist. Can you share the pivotal moment that led you to become "Your Purpose Pusher" and establish Purpose Chasing Academy™?

Absolutely! The pivotal moment came during covid actually, that’s when I realized that success isn't just about achieving personal milestones as a speaker and mentor/coach —it's about empowering others to chase their own dreams with relentless determination. My journey creating and building Xtreme Hip Hop to the corporation it is today gave me the platform, but it was my passion for helping others unlock their full potential that truly ignited Purpose Chasing Academy™. I saw so many talented, driven individuals struggling to connect their actions with their true purpose, and I knew I had to create a space where they could not only discover their purpose but clarify their vision and then chase it unapologetically. "Your Purpose Pusher" became my mantra, my identity because I’m here to push others beyond their limits, beyond their fears, to where their passion lives—and that’s where real transformation begins.


Your work with Xtreme Hip Hop combines fitness with fun on a global scale. How does this venture align with your mission to empower women and promote health, and what unique insights does it offer to your audience?

Xtreme Hip Hop is more than just a fitness program to me—it's a movement that embodies the energy, resilience, and joy that I believe every woman should feel in her journey to wellness. I know this all too well, I was diagnosed as morbidly obese in 2012 and I wanted to go to the gym but I was ashamed to exercise in public.  I did fitness tapes in my home instead.  Xtreme caters to women of all sizes and fitness levels and this environment empowers women to keep going on a journey that can feel lonely and hard.

By merging fitness with fun, we're not just promoting physical health; we're cultivating a space where women can rediscover their power, boost their confidence, and connect with a community that supports their growth. This venture aligns perfectly with my mission because it’s about making health accessible and enjoyable, breaking down barriers that often keep women from prioritizing their well-being. The unique insight here is that when you approach health from a place of joy and community, the transformation isn't just physical—it’s emotional, mental, and spiritual.  


Your transformational principles have resonated with many. What is one core principle that you believe is essential for women to achieve their personal and professional goals, and how do you incorporate it into your coaching?

The core principle that I believe is essential is Clarity of Vision. Without a clear vision, it’s easy to get lost in the noise of everyday life and the expectations of others. Clarity of vision allows you to stay focused on your true goals, to navigate challenges with purpose, and to make decisions that align with your authentic self. In my coaching, I emphasize the importance of defining your vision in every aspect of life—personal, professional, health and beyond. We work together to strip away the distractions, get to the heart of what you truly want, and create a roadmap that leads you there. When you have clarity, you must have a strategic plan with SMART goals because every step you take is a step closer to your dreams.


Balancing a high-profile career with being a devoted mother is no small feat. How do you manage this balance, and what advice do you have for others striving to harmonize professional success with family life?

Balance is a dance, not a destination, and I've learned to embrace that flow. For me, I don’t use the word balance because it's unrealistic that every aspect of your life will be balanced, something will take more attention than something else, the key is to have harmony.  You do this by being intentional, setting clear priorities and boundaries, being fully present in whatever role I’m in—whether it's speaking on stage, coaching clients, or spending time with my family. I’ve also built a strong support system and learned to delegate, knowing that I can have it all but I don't have to do it all to be successful. My advice for others is to give yourself grace and be flexible, learn to pivot when your plans don’t go smoothly. Your definition of harmony may change day to day, and that’s okay. What matters is that you’re intentional with your time and that you honor both your professional ambitions and your personal life. It’s not about perfection; it’s about dance.


You’ve received several prestigious awards and have been featured on major media platforms. How have these recognitions influenced your work, and what new goals or projects are you currently pursuing to continue making an impact?

These recognitions are both humbling and motivating. They serve as a testament to the impact my work has had on others, and they inspire me to continue pushing boundaries and setting new standards. However, I view these accolades not as an endpoint but as a launching pad for even greater impact.  I’m also exploring new ways to integrate my health and wellness initiatives with my coaching programs, creating a holistic approach to personal and professional development. 

Currently, I’m focused on expanding Purpose Chasing Academy™ to reach more women globally, providing them with the tools and strategies to not just dream but to execute on those dreams, because as I always say, your purpose without vision and strategic action steps is just a dream.  Most recently, in an effort to reach more women, I wrote Xtreme Vision, it's a memoir meets workbook.  It was written for those at a crossroad, those who need a starting point, this book is a roadmap to create their own Xtreme Vision.  My goal is to empower even more women to live their purpose fully and boldly, breaking barriers and setting new trails ablaze.