"I'm grateful for those hard challenges, because I probably wouldn't have been brave enough to have thought big without them. If my life had been good, and perfect, and wonderful, and there was nothing that I needed to alter, then I wouldn't have done any of the things that I am so happy to have had the chance to accomplish." - Ann Louden

If you're a listener of this podcast, there's a good chance you have big dreams for your life. Today's Finding Brave expert guest is a walking example of someone who is bringing her own BIG dreams to life, and thinking "when," not "if," they will happen.

Ann Louden is CEO and Founder of the Ann Louden Company, and consults for non-profits in higher education, the arts, social services, and healthcare.

With thirty years in higher education administration, Ann is recognized in the world of philanthropy as a seasoned fundraising expert, a strategic and innovative thinker, an engaging teacher, and a passionate representative for the causes she serves.

A new resident of New York City in the last year, Ann relocated from Texas to claim her second chapter of life. Even before her move, two CEO's in the fields of higher education and adoption retained her to help them "think big" as their full-time consultant.

Among Ann's proudest achievements is the creation of a national cancer advocacy program for which she built the brand and was the spokesperson for twelve years. The stories she shares reveal her extremely innovative approach to dreaming up a brand that has the power to raise visibility, funds, and support, and at the same time, offers a unique way to honor the courage of cancer survivors and their families.

As you'll hear, Ann's life hasn't been without its share of struggles on her journey, but these challenges are what she feels have brought her to the new exciting place where she finds herself today. Her story will be an inspiration to others by showing that dreams don't just "come" to us. We have to actually do the work and attend to all the details along the way to will -- and birth -- them into existence.

To learn more about today's guest, visit: http://www.annlouden.com/