LEAVE YOUR MARK: Freshly Brewed Career Advice with Aliza Licht

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.

In this episode of Leave Your Mark, I sit down with Aliza Freud, founder and CEO of SheSpeaks, to discuss the evolution of influencer marketing and the nuances of understanding women's consumer behavior. We explore Aliza's experiences from her time at American Express, the concept of the female reality gap, and the importance of authentic influencer collaborations. The conversation highlights how She Speaks uses data and qualitative research to help brands target their audience effectively, as well as the ongoing challenges and successes in the influencer industry, particularly for women. We also explore how the industry has shifted towards content that is native to social platforms and the continuing battle for pay equity among female influencers. This insightful discussion provides actionable career advice and underscores the importance of diversification, authenticity, and understanding consumer benefits over product features.

In this episode of 'Leave Your Mark,' I sit down with my friend, Amy Shoenthal, a seasoned journalist, marketing consultant, and author of The Setback Cycle: How Defining Moments Can Move Us Forward, a USA Today bestseller. We all know what failure feels like, but what if we are sleepwalking into a setback? What does that feel like? How do we proactively protect ourselves against it, or is it a defining movement that will ultimately move us forward? Amy and I discuss the pervasive nature of setbacks, especially in the context of societal and professional challenges. Amy shares insights from her book, which includes stories of leaders who have overcome significant obstacles to create impactful ventures. We explore the concept of setbacks through a four-phase framework: Establish, Embrace, Explore, and Emerge. The conversation also delves into the importance of resilience, combating self-doubt with an 'inner hype person,' and the role of continuous learning and personal branding in navigating and rebounding from setbacks.

Sex & the City meets Six Feet Under was how Alix Strauss' novel, The Joy of Funerals, was described by the LA Times 20 years ago. Inspired by a 1988 piece for the Lives section of the New York Times Magazine, this trend, culture, and lifestyle journalist and award-winning and four-time published author discussed her obsession with funerals. As an only child, Alix's personal experiences and unique perspective on life are deeply intertwined with her work. She felt the greatest connections to others at family funerals, the only occasions when she would see most of her relatives. The Joy of Funerals is a collection of humorous short stories that will both captivate and disturb you. But this trend journalist and author was way ahead of her time. In this episode of Leave Your Mark, I sit down with Alix to discuss her decision to give her groundbreaking and controversial book a second chance by rereleasing it for its 20th anniversary at a time when grief and a loneliness epidemic are even more prevalent in today's society. Alix shares her personal experiences, and the profound narratives explored in her work, shedding light on the human desire for connection amidst life's extremes. The discussion also touches upon the broader implications of social media, pandemic influences, and the changing landscape of storytelling. Host's note: This episode was recorded prior to October 7th.

In this episode of Leave Your Mark, I sit down with Kim Shapira, celebrity dietitian, nutritional therapist, and author of "This is What You're Really Hungry For: Six Simple Rules to Transform Your Relationship with Food to Become Your Healthiest Self." Kim breaks down the fundamentals of transforming one's relationship with food, and we relate all of this to work. Whether it's stress eating or feeling like you "deserve it" after a hard day, our relationship with food and our careers are intertwined. Drawing on her 25+ years of experience, Kim breaks down her 'Kim Shapira Method,' which includes six simple rules to help people eat healthier and manage their weight. She delves into the influence of emotional triggers and the importance of sleeping well, staying hydrated, and getting enough physical activity. Kim also shares personal anecdotes from her journey and insights on the controversial diet drug Ozempic. The episode provides actionable advice for anyone looking to change their eating habits and overall well-being.

In this episode of Leave Your Mark, I sit down with my friend Karen Robinovitz, a multi-faceted entrepreneur and visionary. Karen shares her diverse career journey, from a journalist contributing to major publications and authoring a book to pioneering the digital influencer management industry with Digital Brand Architects (DBA) and co-founding Sloomoo Institute, an interactive experience focused on joy and play through slime. Karen discusses her unique ability to foresee trends, from the rise of digital media to the influencer movement and the therapeutic role of tactile play in her personal grief recovery. The episode also explores Karen's contribution to addressing mental health, inclusion, and neurodiversity through Sloomoo. While discussing her career, Karen and I discussed the rise of antisemitism and the importance of speaking up against hatred. It's worth noting that this episode was filmed before October 7th. Karen's story is a testament to the power of resilience, healing through passion projects, and the impact of reinventing oneself and one's career.

In this episode of Leave Your Mark, I sit down with Shelmina Babai Abji, Founder and CEO, ShowYourWorth.ai, a distinguished speaker, bestselling author, and former high-ranking executive at IBM. Shelmina discusses her journey from humble beginnings in Tanzania to becoming a key female figure in the tech industry and her mission to advance gender equality in leadership roles. She shares insights from her book, 'Show Your Worth: 8 Intentional Practices for Women to Emerge as Leaders at Work,' offering strategies for women to maximize their leadership potential and create unique value in their careers. She highlights the importance of overcoming fear, building a personal brand, and demonstrating value for advancement. Shelmina's story is a testament to resilience, empowerment, and the critical role of intentionality in achieving professional success.

In this episode of Leave Your Mark, I welcome Madison Ciccone, a former Hollywood executive assistant turned top SoulCycle instructor and confidence coach. We discuss Madison's career transformation, from her early days in Hollywood to finding her true calling in fitness and coaching with SoulCycle. Madison shares insights into the fast-paced Hollywood lifestyle and her transition into fitness, emphasizing the importance of aligning success with purpose and fun. She also talks about creating her brand, Wicked Fearless, aimed at motivating women through virtual coaching sessions initiated during the COVID-19 lockdowns. Today, it embodies her mission to help women identify their purpose, harness bravery, and take bold action in their lives. Madison's approach is unique and intertwined with her journey and struggles, making her teachings all the more powerful and relatable.  At the heart of Madison's story is the theme of fearlessness — not the absence of fear, but the courage to confront and dance with it. She highlights the importance of spirituality, self-reflection, and letting go of past baggage to uncover one's true message. By embracing the highs and lows of her journey, Madison advocates for authenticity, resilience, and the continual pursuit of self-discovery. Our conversation covers a range of topics, including the power of vulnerability, the role of spirituality in achieving success, and strategies for overcoming the comparison trap and building confidence. As Madison emphasizes, leaving a mark on the world isn't just about achieving personal success; it's about amplifying the greatness already within others and making every interaction a chance to impact someone's life positively. Her story is a powerful reminder that finding and following one's joy and purpose can lead to unimaginable fulfillment and inspire others to do the same.

As the first woman to serve as Secretary to former Governor Cuomo, the highest unelected position in state government, Melissa DeRosa knows how to thrive under pressure. In her riveting memoir, "What's Left Unsaid: My Life at the Center of Power, Politics & Crisis," she candidly shares her journey through politics, government, and becoming an author.  From the frontlines of the COVID crisis to the real events behind Governor Andrew Cuomo's meteoric rise and unfathomable fall, Melissa, one of the most powerful women in New York State government, has been on the frontlines every step of the way. She opens up about personal sacrifices, navigating crises, and the support and controversy surrounding Governor Cuomo. Reflecting on her sudden thrust into the public eye, Melissa touches on the complex dynamics of personal branding, calling into question the narratives we construct around public figures and advocating for a more nuanced understanding beyond superficial judgments. In this episode of Leave Your Mark, Melissa shares her career journey from her early days in fashion PR to her rapid rise in New York State's political arena, with an unprecedented view into the behind-the-scenes crisis management of the COVID-19 pandemic.  On this show and in her book, she shares the personal challenges she faced with raw honesty and vulnerability—a failing marriage, infertility, death threats, misogyny—all while navigating unprecedented professional landmines along the way.

In beauty, few names resonate as vibrantly as Marisa Meltzer. Renowned for her thought-provoking journalism and bestselling books, Meltzer has become a beacon of insightful commentary on the personal and professional narratives that shape our cultural landscape. Her latest book, Glossy: The Inside Story of Emily Weiss's Glossier, not only cements her status as a leading voice but also offers an unparalleled glimpse into the potent mix of ambition, innovation, and struggle that defines the beauty industry today. In this episode of Leave Your Mark, Marisa discusses her career, the beauty industry, and the making of Glossy, the bombshell exposé that reveals—for the first time—exactly what happened at Glossier, one of America's hottest and most consequential startups, and dives deep into Emily Weiss, the enigmatic, visionary woman responsible for it all. We explore social media's pivotal role in its success and Marisa's take on the 'girl boss' era. She also touches upon the standards of beauty and body image in the current era, the intricate process of her reporting, and her next book project on Jane Birkin. The episode dives deep into the intersection of personal branding, industry dynamics, and the evolution of beauty standards.