The Legacy Builders: Meet Alana Walker Carpenter
Welcome to The Legacy Builders — a special feature series I’ve created as Co-Editor of BE Magazine’s Work section. I launched this series to spotlight women who are doing more than showing up for a job — they’re leading with conviction, building with purpose, and using their work to leave something that lasts.
You’ll hear directly from women influencing boardrooms, raising families, launching ideas, leading classrooms, and shaping culture — each sharing how faith and purpose show up in the work they do. Through these candid Q&As, you’ll find insight and encouragement to bring your beliefs to the front lines of whatever you’re building — from your business to your daily life.
This series is a reminder that Monday isn’t something to survive — it’s a space to show up with vision, faith, and fire. Whether your work already flows from what you believe — or you’re still finding your way there — you’re in the right place.
Read on, be inspired & let’s get to work!
Amanda
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Meet Alana Walker Carpenter
As Founder & CEO of Intriciti and the Canadian Centre for the Integration of Faith & Business, Alana has redefined what it means to lead, what success looks like, and the gift that love, compassion, and empathy can bring inside and outside the boardroom. With relationships as her trademark, Alana makes generous space for all to belong whether one has a little faith, a lot of faith, or no faith at all. Outside of the boardroom, Alana can be found cheering her teenage son Carter alongside her husband Kevin, on at the baseball diamond and volleyball court.
What first sparked your passion for the work you’re doing today — and how did your values or faith influence your decision to start or lead?
When I first engaged with the faith and business movement in 2000, men were meeting in boardrooms talking about faith, but there was nothing for women. That was the starting point – the injustice that there was nothing for women. The acceleration happened with our differing style and values. This has defined who we are and to who we have remained.
How does your faith show up in your work or business?
Our slogan for our organization is the integration of faith and business. We live integrated lives. That’s what I’m trying to inspire other business leaders to do. In the small and the big ways - in a way that creates a sense of belonging. Whether somebody has a little faith, a lot of faith, or no faith at all, I always want them to feel like they have a seat at the table, whether the seat is directly across from me at Starbucks or at the boardroom table. Really, in essence, it’s about meeting people where they are at. It shows up in the way I hold relationships. In fact, on my social media account, it says relationships are our trademark. I think faith shows up in authentic leadership. I don’t try and be anything more or less than I am. It really is just about having relationships and connections that are natural, organic and authentic.
What is one of the biggest risks you’ve taken? And how did Faith guide you through that?
I think the biggest risk I ever took was leaving my corporate career and creating Intriciti. I didn’t come from a family of faith, so, it wasn’t like I had a sugar daddy that was going to fund my call, my passion. I think if I am really honest, there was a bit of identity in my corporate career and transitioning to something that might not be perceived as sexy or diminishing to my career was a risk.
It was a risk financially too. I made that decision to start Intriciti when I was single, so it was on my shoulders to ensure our organization was going to flourish. When you are taking those leaps of faith, you are fully dependent on the Spirit to guide and direct your steps and to comfort you in the uncertainty. I think if we are really honest as leaders, leadership can be incredibly lonely. Sometimes when you are just sitting there with your tears, disappointment, and dismay it’s good to know that you are not alone.
What would you say to a woman who feels pulled toward something more — but isn’t sure where to start?
I think a lot of people don’t move forward because of fear, expectations, time, and maybe even economic uncertainty. We create our own no’s. The most important thing is the nudge of the Spirit. When I was being called into ministry, I did everything to resist that call. I think sometimes we are waiting for all the ducks to be lined up, because that’s the way we are wired. We are very systematic. It doesn’t matter whether the ducks are all lined up. What matters is that God is calling you. For somebody that might be feeling a little bit resistant, I think they need to go back to asking themselves this simple question, “Is God calling you?” Then you can muffle all the no’s.
What are you believing for next in life, leadership or in your business?
I believe, we are just at the tipping point with Intriciti. There are countless ways for us to collaborate and partner, and that’s what gets me up in the morning and keeps me up night. I feel like we are just getting started. I see our influence expanding and our impact increasing. The invitations and opportunities that I have today are endless.
Personally, I’m really looking forward to sharing in my son’s leadership journey and making sure that I spend time nurturing that journey with him as he continues to build his leadership. For me, that’s equally, if not more important to the work at Intriciti. I want to see him rise as a leader. I want to see the entire next generation rise to be leaders and own it for themselves. Then they can maximize their impact and influence.
Connect with Alana Walker Carpenter: on IG @intriciti or LinkedIN @alana-walker-carpenter
#TGIM
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📩 Know a woman who's leading with conviction and building something that lasts?
We’re on the lookout for Legacy Builders — the women living their purpose in the boardrooms and communities across the nation. Nominate someone (or yourself) to be featured in an upcoming spotlight. Email Amanda at: Editorials@Bemagazine.ca
🚀 Want more bold insights at the intersection of faith, purpose, and leadership?
Explore other stories in the Work section and follow Amanda @buildwithbizu or @amandastassen for more strategic insights to help you lead with clarity, grow with intention, and build what matters.