LEAVE YOUR MARK: Freshly Brewed Career Advice with Aliza Licht Aliza Licht

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.