Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Ruth Allen Ollison.
Dr. Ollison, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I am a country girl in the big city. Raised by a single mother in rural northeast Texas, I decided to become a television journalist at the age of six. The decision, the support of my mom and God, lead me to the University of North Texas for my first degree in Communications and a pretty cool guy who I married. My time in newsrooms, reporting and managing lasted over 25 years. Then, I could not take it anymore. Seeking to change conditions, rather than just report on them, I was lead to seminary. I became a pastor… buying a crack house in inner-city Houston and planting a church in it. The seed for the business was actually a favor for my friend Margery Elsberg. She needed someone to substitute for her while she went on her annual skiing vacation and I volunteered. Little did I know that she was planning to retire. We worked together for a few years and then traded places. I bought company. She skis, bikes, swims and hangs out with her husband and grand kids.
Meanwhile, I get to fly off to amazing places and train people for professional presentations and media training (we also have a customer service course and executive coaching). Then I plop back into a very challenging area with wonderful people who need hope.
If you can’t find me some afternoons, it’s probably because I have run off with our first grandchild to have some fun at the Houston Zoo. We like to ride the little red train around Herman Park.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I am finding that the struggle is what leads to strength. Being bi-vocational is challenging and fulfilling and I am constantly trying to strike the right balance in my roles as a business owner, pastor, wife, mother, grandmother, friend.
It’s imperative that I give God, my family, customers, and parishioners my best. Besides that, I must take care of myself. Am I giving the right amount of time to all of these important areas? That is the challenge.
As I was pondering and researching for this interview, I saw that most of my photos are with family and ministry, not the business. This goes against current marketing strategies, yet our businesses are doing fine.
I am always hoping I’m doing the right thing at the right time for the right reason.
We focus on solving the next problem and serving our customers the best we can.
Easy? No.
Worth it? Yes.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Ollison Elsberg Associates – what should we know?
Ollison Elsberg Associates is a communications training company. Using adult learning techniques, and video, we help people with their communications skills. These skills are imperative for executives, leaders, and people who want to grow in any area of their lives.
We work with high-level government and corporate executives, small businesses and individuals.
We are known for successfully empowering people with personal and professional communications skills.
We are proud to have trained people from all over the world. Most of our work is through referrals.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Success is about interdependence. Everyone needs someone.
The most important characteristics for my success: pleasing God, practicing my Christian faith, loving people, keeping a positive attitude and plenty of forgiveness for others and myself.
Contact Info:
- Website: ollisonelsberg.com
- Phone: 832-721-3663
- Email: drruthollison@gmail.com
Image Credit:
Joe English
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
