LEAVE YOUR MARK: Freshly Brewed Career Advice with Aliza Licht

I've been getting so many questions about my social media strategy, so I finally made an episode about it! In the latest episode of Leave Your Mark, I share my personal rules and tips for authentic engagement. I delve into my personal strategies and unwritten rules for effective social media engagement and performance, especially on Instagram. Spoiler alert: I discuss why I avoid a content calendar, emphasize posting out of passion rather than obligation, and outline the importance of brand guardrails. I provide insights on identifying stakeholders, staying genuine, and using native platform tools to optimize performance. I also share practical tips on content creation, visual identity, and cross-platform strategies to enhance personal branding. The episode spills a lot of tea on how to creating meaningful and impactful social media content. 00:00 Introduction to Social Media Rules 01:17 The Importance of Authentic Posting 02:16 Understanding Brand Guardrails 02:54 Defining Your Social Media Goals 05:41 Content Pillars and Visual Identity 13:34 Effective Use of Social Media Tools 18:36 Collaborations and Posting Strategies 24:27 Final Thoughts and Platform Strategies

In this episode of Leave Your Mark, I welcome esteemed writer and professor Estelle Erasmus. Together, we delve into actionable tips for creating writing that stands out and resonates with readers. Estelle shares insights from her book, 'Writing That Gets Noticed: Find Your Voice, Become a Better Storyteller, Get Published,' and her extensive career in public relations and editorial roles, offering practical advice for pitching to editors and finding one’s unique voice. You’ll also learn about the importance of crafting compelling titles, starting stories in the middle, and using specific, evocative language to paint vivid pictures. Additionally, Estelle emphasizes continuous learning and maintaining a beginner’s mindset to excel in the writing field.

I've been waiting a month to discuss the Blake Lively It Ends With Us controversy on the podcast because I wanted to see how it would all unfold. First and foremost, the marketing strategy of It Ends With Us leaned heavily into a floral theme. For those who haven't read the book, Blake Lively's character, Lily Bloom, is a florist. However, the film is far from a rom-com; it tackles the severe issue of domestic violence. Simultaneously launching her new haircare brand, Blake Brown, alongside the film only added to the misalignment. Originally, the movie was slated for an earlier release, but delays pushed it to coincide with her brand launch. This scenario should have triggered a reevaluation and rescheduling of the launch dates despite the costs involved. But, the most shocking misstep was Blake's interview to promote the film. Last, the haircare brand has taken some PR hits, with customers giving it negative reviews on TikTok and many returning it to Target. Is this just typical retail woes or grassroots activism from angry fans? Dive into my analysis.

In this episode of Leave Your Mark, I sit down with my friend, Mindy Scheier, the founder of the Runway of Dreams Foundation. This episode begins on a personal note, discussing our shared experiences as mothers of sons with different forms of Muscular Dystrophy. Mindy discusses her journey from the fashion industry to creating adaptive clothing inspired by her son Oliver's desire to wear jeans. His issue? He can't close the buttons. This plea sent Mindy off on her journey, starting with the groundbreaking collaboration she secured with Tommy Hilfiger to launch an adaptive clothing line and the importance of making fashion inclusive for people with disabilities. Mindy also talks about her non-profit's initiatives, including adaptive runway shows and college programs, and her talent management company, Gamut, which advocates for the inclusion of people with disabilities in fashion and media and helps companies find authentic ways to engage with, create products for and represent people with disabilities. The episode highlights key moments, such as Mindy's collaborations with major brands, the creation of the Gamut Seal of Approval, and even the successful adaptation of her son Oliver's accommodations at Tulane University. This episode is incredibly inspiring as we end with Mindy's aspiration to make the world more inclusive, hopefully aiming for a future where the need for discussions about disability inclusion is obsolete.

Struggling with your professional introduction? In today's snack segment on Leave Your Mark, I share easy tips to nail your intro every time. I provide simple yet essential career advice on the importance of crafting a concise and impactful professional introduction, emphasizing the need for clarity, brevity, and prioritization of vital information when introducing oneself. The episode underlines that a well-crafted introduction is key to being memorable and effective in professional networking.

In this episode of Leave Your Mark, I sit down with my friend and former colleague, Gayle Perry, a renowned fashion personal stylist and interior designer known for her empowering and healing approach to style. Gayle shares her journey from a challenging childhood where she was bullied to how she turned pain into purpose and became a force in the fashion industry. With a deep belief in the power of clothing to instill confidence and transform lives, Gayle discusses her unique styling techniques, her experiences working with high-profile fashion brands, and how she helps clients of all body types and budgets feel their most confident. Gayle's story is one of resilience, creativity, and the healing power of style. Main Takeaways: Fashion as Empowerment: Gayle emphasizes that clothing is not just about appearances but can serve as armor, helping individuals feel confident and capable. Her personal experience of finding strength through fashion informs her approach to styling others. Turning Pain into Purpose: Gayle's childhood experiences, including being bullied and growing up in a divorced home, led her to discover the empowering potential of fashion. This has fueled her mission to help others feel confident and strong through what they wear. High-Low Styling Philosophy: Gayle advocates for a mix of high-end and affordable fashion pieces, demonstrating that style is accessible to everyone, regardless of budget. Her approach includes practical tips like the "Gayle tuck" and "Gayle tie" to enhance any outfit. Importance of Presentation: Gayle discusses how thoughtful dressing impacts not only personal confidence but also how others perceive and trust you. Even in a remote work environment, she stresses the importance of dressing well to boost productivity and self-esteem. Personal Connection and Mentorship: Gayle's work goes beyond mere styling; she often acts as a mentor and emotional support for her clients, helping them rediscover their self-worth and confidence through personalized fashion guidance. Whether you're looking to reignite your passion, redefine your style, or simply find the confidence to stand out, this episode will inspire you to take action.

Rebuild and Rebrand: Managing Unexpected Career Setbacks A CONVERSATION WITH AMY SHOENTHAL AND ALIZA LICHT This might be the most comprehensive career advice episode on Leave Your Mark!! Recently laid off? Didn't get that promotion you were working towards? Impacted by company restructuring? Hitting a career slump and in need of motivation? Award-winning marketers and leadership experts Aliza Licht (author of On Brand) and Amy Shoenthal (author of The Setback Cycle) hosted a live mentorship session, sharing actionable steps you can take to navigate inevitable career setbacks, using them to shape your narrative and propel you forward. We share guidance that will help you identify the best time for a pivot, show you how to confidently navigate any setbacks you're facing, and offer ways to strategically position yourself as you craft your path forward. Topics covered: MINDSET/OVERCOMING FEAR/ JUST GETTING STARTED JOB MARKET + LAYOFF NAVIGATION SETBACK NAVIGATION PERSONAL BRANDING SENIOR-LEVEL TRANSITION SOCIAL MEDIA BALANCING MOTHERHOOD and AGEISM FEELING STUCK IN A ROLE CONSULTING/SIDE HUSTLE GOAL SETTING STAYING MOTIVATED

In this new Leave Your Mark episode, I sit down with Vanessa James. Vanessa is the CEO and Founder of Vanessa James Media (VJMedia), a multi-media company where she celebrates her passions for voiceover, storytelling, travel, and on-camera hosting. You may not know her name, but you definitely know her voice. Known as "the voice you hear everywhere," Vanessa is a sought-after, seasoned multicultural voiceover actress who has lent her voice and talents to some of the world's most iconic brands. Her captivating voice can be heard nationwide on television, over 30 radio stations, and in the bustling yellow cabs of New York City on 103.5 KTU. Vanessa has voiced campaigns for Netflix, CW Network, PGA Tour, Amazon, IHeartMedia, and more. Vanessa's early years were marked by a significant speech impediment—a stutter that could have easily deterred her from pursuing a career that relies so heavily on clear and precise communication. Instead of letting this challenge define her, Vanessa transformed it into a powerful narrative of overcoming adversity. Her story is a potent reminder that our perceived weaknesses can be harnessed into our greatest strengths with determination and the right mindset. In this episode, you'll learn how Vanessa transformed challenges into triumphs, empowers women in media, and why she never stops learning how to perfect her craft. Vanessa's story is a powerful reminder that anything is possible with determination and hard work.

From the get-go, Tanya Taylor's upbringing set her apart. Growing up with parents who traveled the world with the Red Cross, Tanya was immersed in a rich tapestry of cultures and experiences. Her childhood home brimmed with diverse artifacts from around the globe, from Indonesian carved wooden temples to Thai silks. This exposure cultivated an insatiable curiosity and an appreciation for the world’s diversity, laying the groundwork for her fearless approach to fashion.   In this episode of Leave Your Mark, I sit down with Tanya to discuss her journey and the driving forces behind her brand. Though Tanya initially pursued a degree in finance at McGill University, her creative spirit led her to Parsons School of Design. Here, she found her tribe and realized her true calling. Her subsequent internship at Elizabeth and James under Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen allowed her to blend her business acumen with her design passion. This experience was instrumental in shaping her understanding of the industry and inspiring her to create her own brand.   Entering the fashion industry is no small feat, and Tanya’s journey was significantly shaped by the mentorship she received through the Vogue Fashion Fund. Collaborating with industry veterans like Anna Wintour, Jenna Lyons, and Diane von Furstenberg provided her with invaluable insights and guidance. Tanya’s journey and insights offer a beacon of inspiration to anyone looking to carve their own path in the fashion industry.   Tanya’s brand stands out not just for its vibrant prints and hand-painted elements but also for its emphasis on size inclusivity. Inspired by her mother's fluctuating confidence tied to available clothing options, Tanya set out to create a brand that offers comfort and empowerment to women of all sizes. Her approach to fashion is deeply rooted in making every woman feel confident and comfortable in her own skin.   In this episode, Tanya provides insights into her brand's success, leadership style, hiring practices, and how she cultivates creativity within her team. Whether you're an aspiring fashion designer or an established professional, this episode offers valuable lessons on following passion, embracing creativity, and building a successful brand.

Ever wonder if your LinkedIn posts are hurting or helping you professionally? Do you ever consider how people in your network feel consuming them? Are you someone that people want to mute? In this episode of 'Leave Your Mark,' I focus on effective personal branding on LinkedIn, sharing practical tips on how to post valuable and engaging content without coming off as self-centered or insincere. The episode explores common pitfalls like oversharing, bragging, and creating disingenuous posts. It also provides actionable advice on crafting posts that foster a positive personal brand. 00:00 Introduction: Are You Being Muted on Social Media? 00:36 The Importance of LinkedIn for Professionals 01:18 Shaping Your Narrative: Dos and Don'ts 02:15 Avoiding the Bragging Trap 03:18 Creating Value-Driven Posts 05:03 Engagement Strategies and Pitfalls 09:05 Balancing Vulnerability and Professionalism 11:48 Authenticity vs. Disingenuous Content 13:37 Final Thoughts on Personal Branding

In this episode of 'Leave Your Mark,' I sit down with Erica Diamond, a certified life and career coach, yoga and meditation teacher, and founder of the women's empowerment brand EricaDiamond.com. We discuss prioritizing self-care, recognizing burnout, and practical tips for time management. Erica shares her personal journey from a young entrepreneur facing burnout to a wellness advocate, providing actionable advice on managing stress, setting boundaries, and incorporating self-care into daily routines. You'll also learn about the importance of delegation, the power of walking and breathing exercises, and the concept of 'smart care.'

Jennifer Lopez has a lot going on right now, and her personal brand isn't telling a pretty story. You might assume her celebrity woes are due to overexposure, but I have a different take. You see celebrities, they're not like us. They don't like to pay attention to the chatter, and lord knows they don't like reading the comments. But when you find yourself performing in an almost empty stadium in Italy, it's time to take a long, hard look at yourself and do a brand audit. Can JLo reset and evolve, or is she over? Analyzing perceptions from social media, I delve into criticisms of JLo's public image, including her perceived lack of relatability and fan engagement. Drawing from my experience as a former fashion publicist who has worked with JLo, I make some recommendations for JLo's necessary rebrand if she wants to stay relevant in today's social media-driven world.

In this episode of Leave Your Mark, I welcome my longtime friend and former industry colleague, Larissa Thompson. We discuss Larissa's path from graphic design to the fashion industry and eventually co-founding Onda Beauty in 2016. She aimed to create a beauty and spa destination dedicated to a curated collection of clean, conscious, and safe beauty products. Larissa shares her journey of identifying a gap in the market, manifesting her vision, and building a community in a trusted space to discover, learn, and experience clean beauty products. The episode also delves into her many challenges, including the sale and eventual repurchase of Onda Beauty from bankruptcy. With anecdotes about friends helping during tough times and the importance of authenticity, Larissa gives a deep insight into her personal and professional growth through these experiences. The episode is filled with career advice, entrepreneurial spirit, and the importance of following one's intuition.

There are millions of people doing commentary on last night's presidential debate. You don't come to the Leave Your Mark podcast for political commentary. Instead, I have broken down the three most important takeaways from the debate, based on my book, On Brand: Shape Your Narrative. Share Your Vision. Shift Their Perspective., ones that can significantly impact your career.

In my first solo episode of the Leave Your Mark podcast, I dive into the common myths of personal branding. Does it make you cringe or does it make you credible? There are many misconceptions surrounding strategy, and I address common misconceptions about personal branding, such as the idea that it is primarily about self-promotion or that it requires complete transparency. I also deliver tactical and specific actionable advice on how to build a personal brand that accurately reflects your professional identity and values, underscoring the value of taking up space confidently. This episode serves as a teaser of much more advice in my book, ON BRAND, and how to manage your personal brand effectively, both online and offline.