In this episode of Root to Rising, host Christine Hummel sits down with AJ, a corporate controller in the automotive industry, to unpack a powerful story of resilience, identity, and growth.
AJ shares her journey of becoming a mother at 15, navigating life without a traditional education path, and rising through a male-dominated industry—all while learning how to balance ambition, self-worth, and personal well-being.
This conversation is a raw and honest look at what it means to grow through adversity, redefine success, and ultimately choose yourself.
1. You don’t need a perfect plan to succeed
AJ’s journey shows that saying “yes” and figuring things out along the way can be more powerful than waiting for the perfect opportunity.
2. Authenticity creates opportunity
Her first job came from simply being honest and real—proof that connection matters more than credentials.
3. Hard work matters—but so does balance
While hustle helped her succeed, she emphasizes the importance of not sacrificing your health or identity.
4. Representation builds confidence
Seeing strong women in leadership helped AJ believe she could achieve more.
5. Your path is your own
College, career, and life decisions don’t look the same for everyone—and that’s okay.
6. Give yourself grace
Mistakes, setbacks, and uncertainty are part of growth—not signs of failure.
“I didn’t know what I was doing—but I said yes and figured it out.”
“You don’t have to prove your worth to everyone else—just yourself.”
“There has to be more to life than working yourself into the ground.”
“Learn your kids. Don’t live your life through them.”
AJ is a corporate controller in the automotive industry who built her career from the ground up. Without a traditional education path, she worked her way through the ranks while raising kids, becoming a strong voice for resilience, authenticity, and self-growth.
