Embracing Your Authentic Path to Success with Speaker and Author Aleya Harris
Oct 31, 2024
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Transformation is never linear. Aleya Harris' journey from being a chef to becoming an award-winning speaker, storytelling consultant, and author exemplifies this truth.
From Chef to Marketer to Speaker
Aleya’s career began in the culinary world as a chef. She then transitioned into marketing, eventually becoming the head of marketing for North America at her parent company. As fate would have it, just two weeks after attending a StoryBrand certification training (fully funded by her employer), Aleya was laid off.
Faced with uncertainty, she chose to leverage her skills and embark on an entrepreneurial journey. Initially, Aleya focused on the wedding and hospitality industry, but the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic forced her to pivot. Thus, Flourish Marketing was born.
Despite the ups and downs, Aleya's adaptability and willingness to explore her natural talents led to her success as a speaker and consultant. By incorporating strategic storytelling into her work, she not only found financial success but also deep personal fulfillment.
The Power of Speaking
Aleya’s natural gift for storytelling was apparent from a young age, as she recounts being the loud whisperer in class who couldn't stop talking. Over time, this gift became the cornerstone of her success. Her journey into public speaking started serendipitously when an opportunity opened up at a conference called CaterSource. Despite initial setbacks, she seized the chance and has since spoken on that stage multiple times.
Aleya’s experience highlights how public speaking can be both a lead magnet and a service in itself. As she puts it, “The cool thing about speaking is that you can use it as a lead magnet, and even if you're being paid to do it, you can still make more money after it if you do it right.”
Resilience Through Adversity
Aleya's story isn’t just about professional accomplishments; it’s also about overcoming personal challenges. She became a mother during this journey, grappling with severe postpartum depression and anxiety. For over 10 months, she struggled, unable to see beyond the challenges of each day. Yet, despite the mental illness, Aleya continued to push forward.
Her vulnerability in sharing this chapter of her life makes her story even more inspiring. Success, as Aleya points out, is never a straight line. It’s about having the resilience to keep moving forward, even when faced with tremendous difficulties.
Crafting a Speaking Framework
Aleya uses her "Radically Authentic Framework” to help others master the art of storytelling on stage. Her approach consists of three phases: Get Real, Get Clear, and Get Connected.
Get Real: Aleya encourages deep self-reflection, urging speakers to get in touch with their authentic selves. This includes taming the ego and creating a regular practice—whether through meditation, journaling, or another form of self-care—that allows speakers to tap into their highest selves.
Get Clear: Aleya emphasizes the importance of using storytelling frameworks to structure a speech. Instead of over-preparing, she encourages using story elements that resonate with the audience on an emotional, intellectual, and visceral level.
Get Connected: The final phase focuses on performance. Aleya reminds speakers to treat the stage as a 3D experience. Movement, body language, and spatial awareness all play crucial roles in engaging an audience. By incorporating these elements, speakers can create an unforgettable experience that transcends a mere transfer of information.
The Importance of Letting Go of Ego
For Aleya, one of the biggest mistakes speakers make is allowing their egos to take center stage. Despite being the person in the spotlight, Aleya argues that the experience is never about the speaker—it's about facilitating a group experience. As a speaker, you are not the hero; you're the guide helping your audience embark on their own journey.
Aleya’s new book, Spark the Stage, released on September 19. In it, she teaches you how to unlock your speaking potential and transform your voice. Her 6-week on-demand course helps you learn how to become a professional speaker.
Aleya Harris’ story is one of embracing change, leaning into your strengths, and staying true to yourself. Whether you’re a speaker, entrepreneur, or someone simply looking to navigate life’s twists and turns, her journey offers valuable insights on resilience, authenticity, and the importance of continually evolving.
About Aleya Harris
Aleya Harris is the spark for your spark™. A trailblazer in purpose-driven story crafting, she is a marketing executive and ex-Google Vendor Partner who brings her dynamic experience to her role as the CEO of The Evolution Collective Inc. Aleya is an international award-winning speaker, the founder and lead trainer of Spark the Stage ™, and the host of the award-winning Flourishing Entrepreneur Podcast. She is also the bestselling author of Spark the Stage: Master the Art of Professional Speaking and Authentic Storytelling to Captivate, Inspire, and Transform Your Audience. Her unique approach as a Strategic Storytelling Consultant has revolutionized the way businesses communicate, transforming workplace cultures and market positioning. With her dynamic energy and proven methodologies, Aleya guides clients to unlock their potential, articulate their radically authentic stories, and achieve unparalleled success.
Episode Minutes:
- Minute 2:00 — Aleya’s Career Journey
- Minute 8:00 — Developing a Public Speaking Career
- Minute 22:00 — Overcoming Personal and Financial Challenges
Episode Links:
- Visit aleyaharris.com
- Get your copy of Spark the Stage
- Check out Aleya’s 6-week online course
- Connect with Aleya on LinkedIn
- Learn more about The Strengths Journal
- Visit danawilliamsco.com
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