Future Leaders: Sean Oblizalo Of Vows and Peaks On How Ambitious Young Adults Are Redefining Success
An Interview With Eden Gold
Redefining Success Beyond Financial Milestones. Young adults today are realizing that success isn’t just about hitting financial goals or climbing a corporate ladder. It’s about creating a life that feels meaningful and aligned with personal values. I’ve personally made this shift after years of tying my worth to income and bookings and no longer setting goals based around money or temporary things.
In a world rapidly changing through technology, societal norms, and global challenges, a new generation of leaders is emerging. Ambitious young adults are not just aiming for traditional markers of success; they are redefining what it means to be successful. Beyond the corporate ladder and financial milestones, they prioritize impact, sustainability, and personal fulfillment. They are entrepreneurs, activists, scientists, and artists who are shaping the future with innovative ideas and actions. As part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Sean Oblizalo.
Sean Oblizalo is a talented elopement photographer based in Colorado, known for his intimate and breathtaking captures of couples in the heart of nature. With a deep passion for adventure and storytelling, Sean specializes in documenting elopements that focus on authentic connections and the beauty of the natural world. His approach is all about creating a relaxed, meaningful experience for couples, where the focus is not only on the stunning landscapes but also on the true essence of the day. Drawing inspiration from the stunning Colorado mountains and a philosophy of mindfulness, Sean brings a unique blend of artistry, emotion, and professionalism to every shoot, making each couple’s experience unforgettable.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series. Before we dive into our discussion about Future Leaders, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share with us the backstory about what brought you to your specific career path?
I started out as a landscape photographer, working with adventure brands to capture epic mountain scenes. Nature was my first love — the silence, the scale, the raw beauty of wild places. But over time, I realized what moved me most wasn’t just the landscapes — it was the people choosing to celebrate their love in them. That’s when I shifted into elopements. Now, I get to help couples plan unforgettable days in the places that set my soul on fire from the very beginning.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career?
One of the most memorable and unexpected moments in my career happened during an elopement shoot in the Colorado mountains. I was working with a couple who had decided to elope in a remote location, far from the traditional wedding venues. We had to hike for a few hours to reach the spot, and as we arrived, the weather took a sudden turn — clouds rolled in, the wind picked up, and a storm seemed imminent. Most couples would’ve been disappointed or anxious, but this couple embraced the moment with such joy and trust.
Instead of rushing to find shelter, they stood there, smiling, hands in the air, fully present in the moment. As the storm started to roll in, we took a few more shots in the rain, capturing their raw emotion and the dramatic landscape around them. It turned out to be one of my favorite sessions — not because of the perfect conditions or beautiful lighting, but because of the way they fully immersed themselves in the experience without worrying about what wasn’t going according to plan. It was a reminder that sometimes the most memorable moments happen when we let go of expectations and embrace the unexpected.
You are a successful individual. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
1. Self-awareness
One of the most pivotal traits in my journey has been self-awareness. I realized early on that I had tied so much of my identity to outcomes — bookings, income, and external validation. Over time, I became more conscious of those thought patterns and how they were impacting my mental and emotional well-being. That awareness allowed me to step back, realign, and build a healthier, more intentional relationship with success.
2. Acceptance
Another key trait is acceptance — not just of others, but of the fact that we all move through life with different beliefs, backgrounds, and values. In this work, I’ve had the privilege of connecting with people from all walks of life. Even when we don’t fully align on certain things, I’ve learned to set aside my own lens of the world and meet each person with empathy and respect. That openness creates trust, and it allows me to show up in an honest, wholehearted way for every couple I work with.
3. Intention
Everything I do is rooted in intention — whether it’s guiding a couple through their elopement experience or dreaming up a future retreat focused on mindfulness and creative renewal. I’m not here to just produce content or chase metrics. I want my work to feel meaningful, both for me and for the people I serve. Leading with intention helps me stay grounded, creative, and connected to what really matters.
Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview about how ambitious young adults are redefining success. How would you define success?
Over the last few years, I’ve really reshaped the lens I view success through. I used to chase the usual metrics — the bigger jobs, the packed calendar, the next financial milestone — because that’s what the world around me said success looked like. But somewhere along the way, that hustle stopped feeling aligned.
I started pulling away from the Western mindset of constant striving and achievement, and began leaning into something softer: fulfillment, presence, and gratitude. I realized that being paid to do something I truly love is already an incredible privilege — and that my worth isn’t tied to how many goals I hit or how impressive my numbers look on paper.
Now, success feels more like waking up excited for the day ahead. It’s the quiet moments on trail with my couples. It’s creating space for them to be fully themselves. It’s having the freedom to slow down, live intentionally, and stay connected to the deeper “why” behind what I do. And honestly? That shift has changed everything.
How do you incorporate social responsibility and sustainability into your definition of success?
One of the key ways I incorporate sustainability is by applying the “Leave No Trace” principles, especially when it comes to photographing elopements in nature. I make sure to educate couples on how to be respectful of the environment and minimize their impact on the places we’re capturing.
In my work, I aim to create experiences that aren’t just beautiful, but also mindful of the world around us. This includes promoting responsible travel, supporting local businesses, and ensuring that my practices don’t contribute to unnecessary waste. Whether it’s choosing eco-friendly products or making conscious choices about travel, I’ve come to realize that true success means leaving the world — and the communities I work with — better than I found them.
By blending mindful business practices with a commitment to sustainability, I feel like I’m shaping a definition of success that’s aligned with my personal values and the kind of impact I want to have.
Can you describe a moment or decision that significantly redirected your path toward leadership?
About three years ago, I hit a major inflection point. My bookings weren’t where they had been in previous years, and that slowdown shook me. I found myself spiraling, creating all these internal narratives — stories that I wasn’t good enough, that I was falling behind, that I had somehow failed. I had unknowingly tied so much of my self-worth to how much money I was making and how lofty my goals were year after year.
It wasn’t just about the numbers — it was about what those numbers meant to me. Somewhere along the way, I had absorbed this belief that more bookings, more money, more momentum equaled more value as a person. And when that momentum slowed, it felt like my identity did too.
That season forced me to take a hard look at what success really meant to me. I realized I was chasing someone else’s version of it — rooted in hustle, productivity, and external validation. So I started rewriting the narrative. I stepped away from that performative pressure and started focusing on fulfillment, intention, and emotional sustainability. I asked myself better questions: Am I happy? Am I showing up authentically? Am I proud of the work I’m creating and the person I’m becoming?
Now, I’m building a version of success that’s rooted in peace, not pressure. And that shift has created a much healthier relationship with both my business and myself.
What role do mentorship and community play in shaping your approach to leadership and success?
Community has always reminded me that I’m not alone in the ups and downs of this industry, especially in one that often glorifies hustle and constant growth. I’ve found that staying true to my values is key, and mentorship — both giving and receiving — helps me maintain that clarity. I try to follow three basic rules when looking at others’ work: no complaining, no comparing, and no criticizing. This mindset not only helps me stay grounded, but it also allows me to appreciate and learn from others without getting caught up in comparing myself to others.
I see leadership as an opportunity to co-create a healthier, more sustainable way of doing business — where we lift each other up and focus on what truly matters.
In what ways do you think your generation’s view of success differs from previous generations?
I hope my generation can start to redefine success in a big way. For a long time, success was measured by stability — climbing the corporate ladder, owning a home, hitting financial milestones. But some have realized that those traditional markers don’t equal happiness or fulfillment.
I think my generation can be more focused on alignment — on building a life that feels good on the inside, not just one that looks good from the outside. I’m more interested in freedom from concepts, purpose, and mental well-being than in blindly following the traditional blueprint. Success, to me, looks like waking up excited about my work, having time for the people and things I love, and feeling grounded in who I am — not just what I accomplish.
So yeah, it’s a shift — from hustle and status to intention and fulfillment. And I think it’s one of the healthiest pivots you can make.
Based on your experience and research, can you please share “5 Ways Ambitious Young Adults Are Redefining Success?”
1. Redefining Success Beyond Financial Milestones
Young adults today are realizing that success isn’t just about hitting financial goals or climbing a corporate ladder. It’s about creating a life that feels meaningful and aligned with personal values. I’ve personally made this shift after years of tying my worth to income and bookings and no longer setting goals based around money or temporary things.
2. Focusing on Mental Health and Well-Being
Rather than just hustling nonstop, ambitious young adults are making their mental health a priority. This has been especially important for me as I’ve realized that burnout doesn’t lead to success — it leads to exhaustion and a sense of lack. I’m working on creating a more balanced rhythm for myself and my business through modalities like yoga and meditation.
3. Valuing Community Over Competition
Rather than focusing on competition, many young adults are embracing the value of community. I personally see other businesses not as rivals but as collaborators, believing that there’s a perfect photographer for every couple and a perfect couple for every photographer. Building and supporting a community of like-minded individuals has become one of the most rewarding aspects of my work.
4. Prioritizing Sustainability and Social Responsibility
For many, success now includes a commitment to the planet and social causes. I’ve been incorporating sustainability into my work by following the “Leave No Trace” principles during elopement shoots in nature. Educating my couples about the importance of minimizing their environmental impact and supporting and working with other vendors in the industry.
5. Embracing Flexibility and Freedom Over Conventional Career Paths
Rather than following traditional career routes, young adults are embracing more flexible, entrepreneurial paths that allow them to balance work and life on their own terms. I made this shift when I graduated from school with two degrees but decided to pursue photography instead because it was my passion. It wasn’t a traditional path, but it’s been deeply fulfilling. For me, success isn’t about material objects — it’s about being able to be my own boss and follow my passions.
How do you navigate the challenges of innovation and change while staying true to your values and vision for success?
When it comes to innovation and change, I always come back to alignment. Staying true to my values means asking: Does this support the life I want to live? Does it align with how I define success — creatively, emotionally, and energetically?
Whether it’s launching something new like a photography retreat or shifting my business direction, I focus on how I show up in the world with intention, and creating beautiful photos. That’s what keeps me grounded and back in my roots.
You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
Eventually, I want to create a yearly photography retreat — something deeper than a typical photography workshop. A space where photographers can reconnect with themselves through yoga, meditation, nature, and mindful habits.
It’s about more than growing a business — it’s about redefining success in a way that feels sustainable and soul-aligned. After experiencing burnout and tying my worth to constant achievement, I want to help others step away from hustle culture and into a rhythm rooted in presence, creativity, and purpose.
This retreat would be a reset — for both your work and your well-being.
How can our readers further follow you online?
https://vowsandpeaks.com/colorado-elopement-package/
https://vowsandpeaks.com/best-place-to-elope-colorado/
https://www.instagram.com/vows_and_peaks/
Thank you for the time you spent sharing these fantastic insights. We wish you only continued success in your great work!
Future Leaders: Sean Oblizalo Of Vows and Peaks On How Ambitious Young Adults Are Redefining… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.