Terra Schaad is the Founder of Hunkapi Programs Inc in Scottsdale, which provides a variety of horse powered activities for children and adults including Therapeutic riding lessons, Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Garden Therapy. In addition to running a business that changes lives, Terra is the kind of person who inspires everyone she meets. Learn more about Terra…
Hometown: Bloomington, Illinois
First job: My first job was de-tasseling corn. It was a right of passage for farm kids in Illinois. It was horrible and hot but I was determined to make money for school clothes. It was also my first taste of waking up at the crack of dawn, sweating and being covered in dirt and bugs. Despite it all, our group was really tight and we managed to laugh and have fun in the process.
Favorite AZ restaurant: My favorite restaurant is Andreoli Italian Grocer. I lived in Italy for two years and I think it is the most authentic food in the valley. The parmesan sprinkles on top to the savory food is the rhythmic, melody of the Italian language that wafts through every inch of the restaurant. It’s instant transport back to every small Italian village I was in. It’s home. That said, my most frequented restaurant is Whole Foods. I’m committed to my body and fueling it to support my mind, body and soul. Equally important to me is sourcing local and supporting local and organic ingredients. I’m serious about taking care of mama earth and the humane treatment, feeding, and slaughter of animals served for meat. There are not many restaurants in this valley, unfortunately, who mindfully source their food. The only way I know to further that mindfulness is to practice, support, and eat at grocery stores and restaurants that are connected to their food sources.
Person who has impacted your life the most: Dr. Barbara Kerr, my graduate advisor at ASU. She told me point blank thatI could do anythingI wanted and that she would support me.I was always told to be cautious and because of thatI lived in this contracted, fearful way. She dared me to do more, learn more, be more and ultimately, asked me to change from the inside out. She gave me permission to take my passion and turn it into my livelihood and my purpose.
Your biggest accomplishment in your eyes: Creating a community of people committed to community and love. No degree, Ironman, or business accomplishment would’ve been possible without the people around me. I am beginning to acknowledge that I have a knack, purpose and drive to create a place and space where people want to be; a commitment to humanity that people feel and want to be a part of. That may be measured by the size and reach of my program, Hunkapi, buildings being built, or revenue, but in my hearts reasoning is because I’m clear in my purpose to help people fear less and love more.
The biggest obstacle you have overcome: The internal mental racket of not feeling competent enough and not working hard enough. It has affected everything I do, in particular my ability to be vulnerable and ask for help. I now practice having a list of things for people to help me with so I don’t say “no, it’s ok, but thank you.”
I think as a woman leader you have to be doubly aware of your self limiting beliefs so you know when you are responding in fear. We are women so we need to lead in our divine feminine and not like fearful woman disguised as “masculine” power leaders. We can be both, tough and intuitive. When I’m in fear, I can come out guns blazing and work my butt off until I collapse in exhaustion. I’m learning to balance my midwestern, hard working values with fluidity, grace and intuition. I’m a work in progress for sure.
Someone who inspires you: Oprah. Her success is indisputable and her ability to connect people to their purpose and soul is igniting.
Favorite quote:
If you have one hour of air
And many hours to go,
You must breathe slowly.
If you have one arm’s length
and many things to care for,
You must give freely.
If you have one chance to know God
And many doubts, you must
Set your heart on fire.
We are blessed.
Each day is a chance.
We have two arms.
Fear wastes air.
– Mark Nepo
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: Go. Go with all your heart and ask for help.
What makes someone fabulous: Honesty, vulnerability, and a wicked sense of their own personal style.
Learn more about Terra Schaad’s business Hunkapi Programs Inc at hunkapi.org.
