LEAVE YOUR MARK: Freshly Brewed Career Advice with Aliza Licht

Do you have to brag to build your personal brand? The answer is no. In this episode, I address the common confusion between personal branding and bragging, emphasizing the importance of creatively shaping your narrative to show off your skills without boasting. I share a personal anecdote highlighting this issue and provide practical advice for showing your professional worth, especially on LinkedIn. Topics covered include the significance of storytelling in conveying skills, creating diverse content on social media, and avoiding the overuse of self-promotion. I also discuss the importance of embracing video content and teaching others through your posts. 

Imagine what your life would be like if your mother was the CEO of a global company. She could provide advice to propel your career and help you overcome the many stumbling blocks that keep people from fulfilling their full potential at work. In this episode of Leave Your Mark, I sit down with the inspiring Karyn Schoenbart, the co-founder and managing director of Duo Partners, a New York-based investment and consulting firm. Karyn shares incredible insights into how you can master your career growth, learn to be a leader, and build a robust network. The episode delves into Karen's illustrious professional journey, from leading the MPD Group, joining illustrious boards, and co-authoring the book Mom, B.A., Essential Business Advice from One Generation to the Next, a practical guide to everything from effective first impressions and workplace politics to relationship development, skill-building, and achieving balance between work and family. The book is based on the real-life business lessons Karyn amassed during her career.Our conversation highlights critical career lessons and debunking myths, such as the stigma around making lateral career moves. Karen shares practical advice on overcoming imposter syndrome, negotiation strategies, and achieving work-life balance through strategic calendar management. You won't believe how she manages her calendar! She's also a master connector and shares how she builds significant relationships and mutual support through 'Conversations and Cocktails', a vibrant private community for C-level women. This episode provides a blend of inspiring personal anecdotes and actionable steps you can take right now.

In this fascinating episode of Leave Your Mark, I speak to Human Design expert and author of Human Design Made Simple, Emma Dunwoody, who shares transformative insights on this unique system of self-knowledge. Emma delves into the origins and scientific validity of Human Design, a system combining elements of astrology, the chakra system, Kabbalah, and I Ching to offer a comprehensive blueprint for understanding personality, strengths, weaknesses, and communication styles. Discover the five Human Design types - Manifestors, Generators, Manifesting Generators, Projectors, and Reflectors - and learn how to navigate your unique strategy and authority to minimize resistance and increase life flow. Emma also discusses the impact of Human Design on parenting, business, mental health, and the importance of self-acceptance. Tune in to explore Emma's personal journey, the healing power of aligning with one's true self, and how to achieve success and abundance by being authentic. Don't miss out on Emma's vision of a future where children grow up true to their design and how you can work with her through her authentic success club and personal coaching.00:00 Welcome to Leave Your Mark00:30 Introducing Emma Dunwoody and Human Design02:25 Emma's Journey to Human Design05:57 Skepticism and Science in Human Design11:42 Understanding Human Design Types17:32 Writing the Book: Human Design Made Simple19:42 The Specificity of Human Design20:28 Personal Transformation Through Human Design24:11 Impact on Relationships27:30 Understanding Shadow Selves30:20 Human Design and Mental Health34:15 Finding Flow State36:01 Creating Abundance by Bending Time38:41 Working with Emma39:26 Emma's Legacy and Conclusion

In this episode of Leave Your Mark, I sit down with Gwen Whiting, the innovative founder behind the eco-friendly brand The Laundress, later acquired by Unilever. Gwen recounts her unique journey from her crafty upbringing to becoming a pioneer in the premium laundry sector. She shares the highs of building a celebrated brand and the sobering challenges faced post-acquisition. The discussion is a cautionary tale about the realities and risks of selling a business to a large corporation, highlighting the lack of personal care and attention that often accompanies such transitions. Listeners will learn about the importance of instinct in branding, fostering genuine supplier relationships, and the often-overlooked realities of selling a business. Now, with the launch of The Fill, Gwen is once again reinventing the cleaning industry with sustainable solutions and a private members community. Aspiring entrepreneurs will find invaluable insights into maintaining passion, managing growth responsibly, and the significance of staying true to one’s vision despite corporate challenges.

In this episode of Leave Your Mark, I sit down with Emily Tisch Sussman, the creator and host of the award-winning podcast 'She Pivots', a Tony-nominated producer, the Co-owner of Gotham FC, and a political strategist. We discuss Emily's viral article 'My Children Killed My Career,' which explores how having children shifted her career trajectory. Emily candidly shares her struggles of balancing a demanding career in political strategy while raising three young children, her journey of self-discovery, reclaiming her professional identity, and the importance of building personal brand equity. She also touches on her experiences entering the sports industry and the significance of meaningful connections.00:00 Welcome to Leave Your Mark: Meet Emily Tisch Sussman00:57 Emily's Viral Article: My Children Killed My Career02:51 Balancing Career and Motherhood: The Struggles05:38 The Turning Point: Finding a New Path08:41 Reinventing Success: Building Equity in Your Name11:38 Navigating New Spaces: Authenticity and Adaptability12:40 Law School Challenges: Overcoming Self-Doubt15:39 Embracing the Unknown: The Drive for New Challenges17:29 Burnout and Intensity17:43 Gotham FC and White House Challenge19:09 Parenting Perspectives21:26 Sports and Family Legacy25:24 Networking and Meaningful Connections28:58 Personal Boundaries and Success Metrics31:22 Skincare and Final Thoughts

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 Rules01:17 The Importance of Authentic Posting02:16 Understanding Brand Guardrails02:54 Defining Your Social Media Goals05:41 Content Pillars and Visual Identity13:34 Effective Use of Social Media Tools18:36 Collaborations and Posting Strategies24:27 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.