THE BIG QUESTIONS
WHAT IS YOUR PROFESSIONAL TITLE?
Founder and CEO, The Spectrum Circle and CEO, Alston Marketing Group
WHAT DO YOU DO ON A DAY-TO-DAY BASIS?
I run the day to day operations of The Spectrum Circle a women’s empowerment educational platform. We produce a myriad of experiences throughout the year for women to learn, share, grow and inform each other of their authentic journeys.
WHAT DID YOU WANT TO DO WHEN YOU WERE A CHILD AND WHAT CHANGED?
For most of my formative years I wanted to be a nun. They were kind and gave their entire lives to God. In my mind, it was the bravest act of kindness to give your life to God. I also didn’t understand what that meant but it sounded like a great idea up and until I turned 14.
WHAT ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS DO YOU HAVE?
I have a BBA in Business with a concentration in Finance from Howard University. I have two Executive Education certificates from Harvard Business School and am headed back this summer to do another program on Authentic Leadership.
WHAT’S THE BEST CAREER ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN?
Take risks and ask for stretch assignments.
WHO IS YOUR ROLE MODEL AND WHY?
Oprah is my role model. She has a multiple brand business where she can have generational impact on the world. She uses her platform to enable people to change. She is a transformational leader. We are lucky to live at this time to see her blossom and grow as a leader.
WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT YOUR CURRENT WORKING ENVIRONMENT?
I am in a shared space environment and learning from other entrepreneurs is wonderful. Gaining advice or having an ear to share with about the challenges and successes of building a business is amazing. I love coming to work and the joy of growing a business.
WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE ABOUT YOUR DAILY WORK ROUTINE IF YOU COULD?
I would have more time to work out and time to fuel my creativity. I have learned I need to be in balance in order to be my most productive.
DOES DIVERSITY MATTER TO YOU?
Yes, it is a part of my mission to build inclusive environments. I hate when women tell me they feel “invisible” in spaces. We have to change that narrative.
HOW GOOD IS YOUR WORK LIFE BALANCE?
Better but needs improvement. I have not had a vacation in 3 years and I truly need a good week to lay on the beach.
WHAT QUALITIES DOES BEING IN YOUR ROLE NECESSITATE?
Reading, talking to women and learning as much as possible to create unique experiences. I spend a lot of my time talking to women. I am continuous learner and love helping people overcome their own biases.
WHERE AND IN WHAT ROLES ARE WOMEN IN THE LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE AT YOUR COMPANY?
Women are on the Board of Directors and serve in leadership capacity in the day to day operations of the business.
DO YOU FEEL YOU CAN BE THE SAME PERSON AT WORK AND IN PRIVATE?
Yes, I am my authentic self at all times. I made a promise to be my authentic self in all spaces and places. I want relationships built on intentionality. That choice is a major factor in the growth of The Spectrum Circle and helped fuel its growth.
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF PROFESSIONALLY IN FIVE YEARS’ TIME?
Doing more public speaking engagements and having time to vacation/enjoy life more. I need a vacation and to travel to see the world.