Field-Tested in the Woods & the Workplace
Mountain athlete, veteran, Harvard & USC-educated, Dr. Alexandra Swanson is known for helping ambitious professionals think clearly, make smarter decisions, and bring more intention to how they work and live.
Growing up in rural California, Alexandra was shaped by parents who sacrificed stability to pursue meaningful work. Her father left a finance career to become a teacher, while her mother became an entrepreneur who built catering businesses to make ends meet.
During seasons of financial hardship, they remained scrappy, inventive, and optimistic. Wild adventures in the woods and deserts of the High Sierras taught her the value of creativity, grit, and exploration.
She went on to serve as an Air Force officer, earning two Meritorious Service Medals after commissioning from the U.S. Air Force Academy.
But over time, she realized “success” on society’s terms felt all wrong.
Though none of her friends or colleagues understood, she left behind a secure career path to spend six months in New Zealand just her backpack as home. The journey tested her fortitude, and challenged her way of thinking.
It marked a turning point…
South Island, New Zealand, 2019
…where she committed her life work to building people, communities, and positive impact.
She continues to work with leaders across industries, supporting team effectiveness & professional development for groups ranging from 100 to 1,000 members, all while advancing the outdoor recreation narrative through storytelling and applied strategy. (portfolio here).
Her doctoral research examined how private-sector outdoor companies and public-sector organizations can strengthen local economies and long-term industry sustainability by expanding participation in outdoor recreation for urban BIPOC and lower-income communities.
Alexandra has continued to build a life shaped by exploration, challenge, and grit. Her achievements include completing the 1,800-mile Te Araroa Trail, a year living in the Arctic Circle, summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro, earning her Divemaster certification, and completing Avalanche Level 1 training. She has traveled to 38 countries and continues to pursue ambitious goals, including a 2030 summit goal of Denali.
In 2025, she founded Move The Journey, a platform designed to help individuals and teams build work and lives that actually align. Through lived experience and practical insight, Dr. Alexandra Swanson helps people gain clarity, set strong priorities, make better decisions, and work more effectively so they can pursue meaningful careers and a bigger, more purposeful life.
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