Alysson Bourque’s Stories, Lessons & Insights

Alysson Bourque shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Alysson, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about your customers?
One of the most surprising things I’ve learned about the authors I work with is just how willing they are to be vulnerable and put themselves out there — often more than they realize. Even those who start out hesitant or unsure often end up sharing deeply personal stories, emotions, and truths. It’s not that they’re fearless; it’s that when they’re given a safe, supportive space, their courage rises to meet the page. Watching them lean into that vulnerability, sometimes for the first time in writing or public appearances, is both humbling and inspiring. It reminds me that the desire to be seen and to tell our truth runs deeper than fear.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Alysson Foti Bourque is an award-winning children’s book author, educator, attorney, and the founder and CEO of Expound Publicity, a PR and marketing agency dedicated to helping authors amplify their voices and grow their platforms.
After earning her degree in Elementary Education from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and her Juris Doctor from Southern University Law Center, Alysson spent several years practicing law before following her true passion for writing. She is best known as the creator of The Alycat Series, a beloved collection of picture books that inspire children to face challenges with creativity, courage, and kindness.
Through her work at Expound Publicity, Alysson combines her experience as an author and entrepreneur to empower other writers with the tools, strategy, and support they need to successfully market their books and build lasting author brands.

What makes Expound Publicity unique:
It comes down to intentional innovation. We stay grounded in our core mission—to amplify authors and creatives—but we always listen to what the market and our clients are telling us. If a new service or tool aligns with our clients’ needs and solves a real problem, we explore it carefully and start small before scaling.
That balance of listening, testing, and refining helps us stay profitable without becoming stagnant.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I believed that my voice only mattered if it was perfect. I felt that I had to say the right thing, in the right way, at the right time in the classroom or even on the playground. I feared being wrong, being too much, or not enough. I saw my limitations more clearly than my potential. But over time, I’ve learned that my voice has value simply because it’s mine. I no longer believe I have to be fearless to speak up. I just have to be honest. And I no longer see limits as roadblocks, but as invitations to grow. The fear is still there sometimes, but it no longer holds my will. Never trust your fears, they don’t know your strength.

When did you last change your mind about something important?
Which was the point that triggered the growth of the company?
As the company grew, we took the opportunity to refine our team structure by bringing in new talent that aligned with our evolving vision and let go of practices that no longer supported the direction we were headed. It was a necessary step to allow Expound Publicity to operate more efficiently, collaborate more effectively, and stay true to our mission as we scale. From there, referrals skyrocketed, and we began scaling intentionally.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
The biggest misconception in the PR industry is that only the A-listers get media hits. A good PR firm will prioritize consistency, creativity, client-centered strategy, customized campaigns around clients’ voices, visions, and goals to stay ahead of the trends and garner exposure for clients.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Yes, absolutely! Excellence isn’t about applause — it’s about integrity. I give my best because it’s who I am, not for who’s watching. I want the best for my clients. When my clients shine, it’s not because I gave them a spotlight, it’s because they built their own stage.

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