In Part 2 of Finding Your Why, PSIA-AASI National Team member Melodie Buell sits down again with George Thomas for a raw, heartfelt conversation about what it really takes to trust yourself, stay authentic, and reconnect with purpose—even when doubt creeps in.
From her first tearful ski lesson at age five to racing Division I in college, coaching junior athletes, and eventually finding her calling through adaptive instruction, Melodie shares how every turn on snow led her closer to understanding her “why.” Along the way, she talks about shifting from external validation—pins, titles, and team selections—to internal motivation grounded in impact, service, and inclusion.
This episode digs into the emotional side of professional growth in the ski and ride world—the part we don’t always talk about. Melodie opens up about facing imposter syndrome before national team tryouts, learning to sit with discomfort, and finding the courage to show up as her authentic self. Through vulnerability and grit, she reminds all instructors that living into your purpose isn’t about reaching a pinnacle—it’s about using every opportunity to connect, give back, and elevate the people and communities around you.
Whether you’re just starting your certification journey or decades into teaching, this conversation will hit home. It’s a reminder that your “why” can be the strongest tool in your quiver—and that believing in yourself might just be the most important skill of all.
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In Part 2 of Finding Your Why, PSIA-AASI National Team member Melodie Buell sits down again with George Thomas for a raw, heartfelt conversation about what it really takes to trust yourself, stay authentic, and reconnect with purpose—even when doubt creeps in.
From her first tearful ski lesson at age five to racing Division I in college, coaching junior athletes, and eventually finding her calling through adaptive instruction, Melodie shares how every turn on snow led her closer to understanding her “why.” Along the way, she talks about shifting from external validation—pins, titles, and team selections—to internal motivation grounded in impact, service, and inclusion.
This episode digs into the emotional side of professional growth in the ski and ride world—the part we don’t always talk about. Melodie opens up about facing imposter syndrome before national team tryouts, learning to sit with discomfort, and finding the courage to show up as her authentic self. Through vulnerability and grit, she reminds all instructors that living into your purpose isn’t about reaching a pinnacle—it’s about using every opportunity to connect, give back, and elevate the people and communities around you.
Whether you’re just starting your certification journey or decades into teaching, this conversation will hit home. It’s a reminder that your “why” can be the strongest tool in your quiver—and that believing in yourself might just be the most important skill of all.
Flip the Script and Reignite the Joy: Why Fall Instructor Training Matters – Part 3
First Chair: PSIA-AASI Podcast
11 minutes 13 seconds
1 month ago
Flip the Script and Reignite the Joy: Why Fall Instructor Training Matters – Part 3
In part three of our Return Instructor Training mini-series, host George Thomas chats with Lindsay Ward, PSIA-AASI Central Region Education and Certification Manager, about how to bring fresh energy and purpose to the start of every season. Lindsay draws on her journey from small-town instructor to trainer, ski school director, and regional leader to share a powerful perspective: return training isn’t a box to check—it’s a chance to reconnect, retool, and reignite your passion for teaching.
She breaks down how management can turn pre-season meetings into celebrations of community, creativity, and culture—and how instructors can transform routine refreshers into opportunities for growth. From the importance of safety and communication to sparking curiosity and lifelong learning, Lindsay reminds us that returning to snow is more than just repeating old steps—it’s rediscovering the joy that brought us here in the first place.
Whether you’re leading the training or lacing up your boots to attend, this episode will inspire you to flip the script and see preseason prep as the launchpad for your best winter yet.
First Chair: PSIA-AASI Podcast
In Part 2 of Finding Your Why, PSIA-AASI National Team member Melodie Buell sits down again with George Thomas for a raw, heartfelt conversation about what it really takes to trust yourself, stay authentic, and reconnect with purpose—even when doubt creeps in.
From her first tearful ski lesson at age five to racing Division I in college, coaching junior athletes, and eventually finding her calling through adaptive instruction, Melodie shares how every turn on snow led her closer to understanding her “why.” Along the way, she talks about shifting from external validation—pins, titles, and team selections—to internal motivation grounded in impact, service, and inclusion.
This episode digs into the emotional side of professional growth in the ski and ride world—the part we don’t always talk about. Melodie opens up about facing imposter syndrome before national team tryouts, learning to sit with discomfort, and finding the courage to show up as her authentic self. Through vulnerability and grit, she reminds all instructors that living into your purpose isn’t about reaching a pinnacle—it’s about using every opportunity to connect, give back, and elevate the people and communities around you.
Whether you’re just starting your certification journey or decades into teaching, this conversation will hit home. It’s a reminder that your “why” can be the strongest tool in your quiver—and that believing in yourself might just be the most important skill of all.
