EP 64 | Helping Others Without Losing Yourself with Alison Anthony
Written by Tracy Spears on September 30, 2025
Our biggest shifts sometimes elevate entire communities. My guest on this episode of Shift Out Loud has built an award-winning career around uplifting those who need it most. I’m joined by Alison Anthony, the President and CEO of the Tulsa Area United Way. Among her many recognitions, she’s been inducted into the Tulsa Hall of Fame and the Oklahoma State University Diversity Hall of Fame, and is the 2025 recipient of the Leadership Oklahoma Distinguished Graduate award.
Our conversation digs into Alison’s enduring passion for justice and inclusion, and the importance of meeting your own needs while helping others. Tune in as we explore her decision to play bigger in a way that aligned with her deeper values, her journey to grow as a leader while dealing with personal challenges, and the incredible bar fight story that reveals her hidden superhero side!
Ready to play bigger? Listen now to discover:
- How to set healthy boundaries and detach lovingly when helping others hurts you
- The enormous impact of older women in our families and communities
- How Alison is shifting into a new chapter of reflection and self-expression
Guest bio:
Alison Anthony serves as the President and CEO of the Tulsa Area United Way. A number of non-profit organizations are proud to name her as a member of their Boards of Directors, including the Tulsa Community Foundation and the Tulsa Regional Chamber of Commerce. To all her roles, Alison brings a passion for inclusion, justice, innovation, and a belief that we can join our talents together to make our community a place where we can all flourish and thrive.
Timestamps:
01:57 Intro
03:58 Meet Alison Anthony
07:16 Growing up & over-helping
10:57 Fly fishing story
14:07 Ear biting story
18:55 Shift to corporate
22:37 So shall it be or better
28:52 Shift to United Way
30:42 Al-Anon & codependency
35:22 Setting boundaries
40:22 The ‘Shift Happens’ 60s
43:44 Next shift
47:59 Sharing a stage
49:08 Conclusion
Links:
Alison Anthony
tauw.org/team_member/alison-anthony
