In this week's episode of OWN IT, we’re talking to Alana Ficalora from Aligned for Impact. Alana is a dancer away from work and does a lot of community and volunteer work in Los Angeles. She actually comes from a deep tradition of building community. She founded HER - Helping Each Other Rise, a community group of like-minded women dedicated to helping women in advertising and entertainment.
Her firm, Aligned for Impact, helps companies drive social change through employee and customer engagement and sharing stories of positive impact with the world. She also co-hosts a podcast of her own called Missed Opportunities for Good where she and fellow host Steph Belsky look at brands and their social impact.
Alana and I talked a lot about community and how ours is making a change in the industry. Such a great time with Alana. You’re going to enjoy this episode!
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Building a strong community is crucial, especially for women in business. These communities offer a network for support, advice, and even emotional cheering, which is vital when facing challenges or starting something new. Authentic connections within these groups can lead to unexpected opportunities and foster an environment where everyone feels supported and empowered to succeed.
A significant barrier for women in pursuing ownership or entrepreneurial ventures is the fear of failure. However, it's important to reframe "failure" not as an end but as a learning experience or a challenge that can lead to new paths and growth. Recognizing that not every attempt will lead to the exact desired outcome, but it always leads to something, can empower individuals to take necessary risks.
The traditional structures and ways of working in the advertising industry may not always be conducive to women's success or work-life balance. There's a strong need for women to build new systems, create companies, and develop working environments that prioritize psychological safety, compassion, and flexibility. This not only benefits women but also retains diverse talent in the industry, preventing valuable contributions from being lost.
Advertising has a powerful ability to shape perceptions and influence culture. Beyond selling products, the industry can leverage its voice and vision to drive positive social change, promote sustainable practices, and foster a more inclusive future. By focusing on storytelling that highlights important causes and communities, advertising can contribute to a world where business is a force for good.
