LEAVE YOUR MARK: Freshly Brewed Career Advice with Aliza Licht

What happens when your personal brand doesn’t match the moment?In this episode, I break down Meghan Markle’s recent TIME100 interview analyzing where her messaging went wrong, how she lost control of the narrative, and the branding lessons every leader, entrepreneur, and creator needs to know. From flower sprinkles to unboxing confessions, I uncover how small missteps can turn into big brand consequences — and what it takes to pivot with purpose. If you care about building a resilient, authentic brand, you don’t want to miss this episode.

Parents Please Don't Let Your College Kid Blow Their Summer Internship:Let's face it—most students aren't prepared for what real-world work demands. School doesn't teach soft skills like communication, professionalism, or how to read a room. That's where this episode steps in. It's a no-fluff guide to help young professionals show up, stand out, and succeed as summer interns. I cover the crucial skills and attitudes needed to succeed in a professional environment, including the importance of presence, professionalism, and people skills. I stress the importance of punctuality, effective email communication, and leveraging social capital. You'll also learn about the significance of building relationships, appropriate social media usage, and the value of asking thoughtful questions. As I emphasize throughout the episode, internships are auditions for future roles, and how you show up can set the tone for your entire career. This is the definitive guide to help your college student not only survive their internship—but thrive.00:00 Introduction to Leave Your Mark00:29 Special Episode for Parents and College Students01:53 The Reality of Internships03:20 Building Your Personal Brand04:32 Effective Communication Skills07:23 The Importance of Soft Skills09:04 Networking and Building Relationships11:33 Social Media Etiquette for Interns14:03 Collaboration Over Competition15:15 Asking Questions and Seeking Feedback16:44 Concluding Advice and Final Thoughts

Is this you? I sure hope not. In this snack segment of Leave Your Mark, I explore the recent workplace trends of micro-pettiness and performative workaholism. Learn about the humorous yet harmful ways employees resist toxic bosses and how the pressure to appear constantly busy is taking a toll on mental health. I offer actionable advice for both managers and employees on how to address these issues, from rebuilding psychological safety and modeling healthy boundaries to setting personal boundaries and advocating for yourself. 00:00 Introduction to Modern Workplace Trends00:26 Understanding Micro Pettiness01:43 The Rise of Performative Workaholism02:59 Strategies for Managers to Combat Toxic Work Culture04:34 Tips for Employees to Maintain Healthy Work Habits05:50 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In today's rapidly evolving landscape, the choice is clear: either harness the power of artificial intelligence to propel you and your business forward or watch as competitors leave you in their digital dust. In this episode of Leave Your Mark, I sit down with my friend Mark Beckman, CEO of DMA United, bestselling author, podcast host, and NYU professor, to discuss the AI revolution, which is already here, transforming industries and reshaping our world at breakneck speed. Mark's new book 'Some Future Day: How AI is Going to Change Everything,' is a cutting-edge guide that not only shows how AI is transforming our careers, lives, businesses, and more, but also provides easy, actionable steps to make AI work for us. We have an insightful conversation about the transformative power of AI in various industries, especially in creative fields like fashion and advertising. We discuss his concept of the 'Age of Imagination' and how AI can democratize creativity, allowing individuals to compete with industry giants. We also discuss the broader implications of AI on job markets, privacy, and our personal lives. From ethical concerns and regulatory measures to practical ways listeners can utilize AI to enhance their careers and personal lives, this episode is packed with valuable insights.01:41 AI's Impact on Work and Personal Life03:04 AI in Creative Industries08:30 AI and Job Market Transformation10:02 Privacy and Security Concerns with AI27:24 AI's Role in Personal and Family Life35:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Have you ever wondered how great communicators drive real change? In this episode of Leave Your Mark, I have the pleasure of interviewing Sally Susman, a powerhouse in the world of communications and leadership whose career journey has taken her through C-level roles at Estee Lauder, American Express, and now as Executive Vice President and Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Pfizer. We dive deep into her extensive experience and bestselling book 'Breaking Through: Communicating to Open Minds, Move Hearts, and Change the World.' Sally shares invaluable insights into effective communication, leadership, and nurturing a strong organizational culture. We discuss her crisis communications strategies in navigating through the pandemic, the significance of intentionality and kindness, tackling misinformation, transitioning between industries, and practical ways to tackle these issues while staying true to one's purpose. This episode is an inspiring conversation for those at any career stage, with actionable advice from a renowned leader on personal and professional growth.

There are certain people who progress at a feverish pace. My friend Dave Kerpen is a serial entrepreneur, New York Times bestselling author, visionary, and man of many, many traits. You could also say he’s a hustler that never stops learning. Fun fact: Dave was one of the only “Twitter friends” that I met in real life early on as my former social media personality, DKNY PR GIRL. I trusted him with my secret, and he was the one that convinced me I should come out from behind the curtain. A friendship began that expanded to include his wife Carrie Kerpen, also a stellar Leave Your Mark guest! I was honored to have Dave write the forward to Leave Your Mark’s paperback edition. This episode is long overdue, but its timing assures that you will get the most out of his long, illustrious career and knowledge! We dive into his signature orange as a unique personal branding trait, how to overcome emotional barriers like fear and control, and so much more. Dave shares his favorite efficiency tools and introduces Apprentice, a platform connecting college students with entrepreneurial opportunities, and his approach to delegation. We also explore his new venture into public service. This episode is brimming with actionable advice on career growth, personal branding, and balancing work and personal life.

In this episode of Leave Your Mark, I sit down with marketing executive Dina Fierro. With over 15 years of experience in driving digital marketing for luxury brands like Christian Louboutin, NARS, and Shiseido Americas. Dina’s career is all about taking bold steps and navigating through unexplored territories, particularly in digital innovation. She has a knack for seeing what’s next and is fearless in making those leaps. That’s something many are too cautious to embrace, especially in today's corporate America, where playing it safe often feels like the more reinforced path.In this episode, Dina shares her career journey and insights on embracing curiosity and risk. One of the things Dina is particularly adept at is building influence within an organization before pitching innovative ideas. She values relationships and understands the importance of having those connections when leading significant change. By spending time with colleagues and stakeholders, she shapes her pitches, making them more aligned with the broader business goals and grounded in real data and consumer insights.The discussion delves into the importance of personal branding, the evolution of consumer engagement through emerging technologies, and the shift towards more immersive and personalized marketing strategies. Tune in to learn from Dina's fearless and forward-thinking career path.

In this episode of Leave Your Mark, I interview Keyaira Boone, an accomplished writer, columnist, and co-author recognized for her work across multiple prominent media outlets. Keyaira shares her journey from aspiring full-time journalist to thriving freelance writer, offering invaluable insights into the evolving landscape of journalism. She discusses the stigmas and challenges associated with freelance work, practical tips on managing time and finances, and how to navigate the complex dynamics between freelancers and editors. Keyaira also emphasizes the importance of personal branding, staying connected with true friends for mental well-being, and understanding media literacy. This episode provides actionable advice for anyone considering a freelancing career and highlights the resilience and strategic thinking required to succeed in the media industry.

In this episode, I delve into the workplace trend of ‘task masking,’ where employees appear busy without being productive, particularly among Gen Z. With the return to office mandates, this phenomenon has become more noticeable. Is this solely a Gen Z issue or a symptom of outdated workplace expectations? But hold that thought- what about the rise of workplace surveillance technologies and their potential impact on employee trust? I explore how companies can create more meaningful, engaging work environments to counteract these trends.

In this episode of Leave Your Mark, I chat with Melody Wilding, an award-winning executive coach and author of Managing Up: How to Get What You Need from the People in Charge and Trust Yourself: Stop Overthinking and Channel Your Emotions for Success at Work. Melody dives into her journey of coaching highly sensitive professionals and shares actionable advice on navigating relationships with higher-ups, managing workplace emotions, and strategically advancing your career. We discuss the nuances of 'managing up' for both introverts and extroverts and highlight the importance of proactive career management. Melody also introduces the concept of 'sensitive strivers,' explaining how to turn sensitivity into a workplace strength.