As the new COO of EBW 2020, Tina Allton has a fantastic cause to live up to. Fortunately, this powerhouse of a woman has the drive, determination, enthusiasm and faith to get the job done.

Stout Magazine caught up with Allton after her opening remarks at the EWB Global Summit taking place November 6 & 7 in Austin, TX.

TINA ALLTON COO, EBW

Stout Magazine: In your opinion, what holds most people back from achieving their full potential?

Allton: Too many times, we let society decide what we should or should not be. We sit with the fear, the insecurities, and don’t challenge them.

 
Stout Magazine: In thinking about what fuels you, what things do you think were most helpful on your success journey?

Allton: When I was 8 years old, my father told me I was stupid, and questioned why I was even born. My grandmother – whom I adored – found me, and told me that I was here by design, that I was not a mistake. Her advice to me was to not let anyone tell me who I was, or what I could or couldn’t be. So I set out to see if Grandma was right. Soon after, I discovered The Adventures of TinTin. I didn’t realize it at the time that it was a comic. I was fascinated with TinTin – he was a risk taker who went through trials but always found solutions. I wanted to be like him, completely unafraid to go for it.

Stout Magazine: How has a disappointment or failure helped you?

Allton: Most people fear failure, but to me, it’s never the end. The only time it’s the end is if you say it is, or if you allow someone else to define you.

 
Stout Magazine: What is one thing you wish everyone knew?

Allton: Each and every one of us has been fearfully and wonderfully made by God and chosen. Every single thing about us matters.
 
Stout Magazine: What is your personal power word or motto?

Allton: The question isn’t who is going to let me, it’s who is going to stop me.