Meet Alexis Madison

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Alexis Madison a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Alexis, so excited to have you with us today and we are really interested in hearing your thoughts about how folks can develop their empathy? In our experience, most folks want to be empathic towards others, but in a world where we are often only surrounded by people who are very similar to us, it can sometimes be a challenge to develop empathy for others who might not be as similar to us. Any thoughts or advice?

Everyone says this, but I genuinely believe I have the best mother in the world.

From an early age, she taught me the importance of seeing “the other side of the story.” As a kid, I didn’t really grasp what that meant. And to be honest, I was defiant. I hated being told what to do. I wanted to be angry when I was angry. I wanted to take up space—fully and without apology. I wanted to believe that my feelings were the only ones that mattered when it came to making decisions. Like most kids, I wanted things my way. I used to say I couldn’t wait to grow up just so I could do everything on my own terms.

But my mother taught me through action, not lectures. I watched her extend grace in situations that would frustrate anyone—myself included. No matter who she was dealing with, no matter how rude or reactive the other person might have been, she remained calm, clear, and respectful.

I spent most of my childhood in New Jersey, though I was born in New York. And if there’s one thing this area teaches you, it’s that you’ll encounter every kind of person. There were plenty of moments where people truly tested my mother’s patience. But she never matched their energy. When I asked her why, she’d explain that when people are being difficult, they’re rarely reacting to you—they’re reacting from their own pain, their own story. For her, empathy meant choosing to meet frustration with kindness. In her own quiet way, she cared for people—even when they didn’t recognize it.

Those moments left a mark. They taught me that empathy isn’t just a feeling—it’s a powerful way of being. It’s one of the things that keeps us connected, keeps us human. And even when my mom and I are apart, I feel closest to her through that shared value. It’s one of my favorite things I inherited from her.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Hi, I’m Alexis Madison (she/her/hers)—a seasoned advertising strategist, avid traveler, and vintage furniture enthusiast. I spent part of my childhood in New Jersey (which I’m grateful for), but at my core, I’m a New Yorker. Born in Queens and now based in Brooklyn, I’m proud to be a third-generation city girl. The city, its people, its rhythm, and its rich history—my history—are woven into the very pavement I walk on. Being born here and returning after college has felt like coming full circle. Healing, even.

Growing up in New Jersey and during my college years, I constantly craved an environment that celebrates individuality—where you’re encouraged to carve your own path while being surrounded by cultures from every corner of the globe.
That longing is also what keeps me traveling. I think New York taught me how to coexist—with people, cultures, perspectives. There’s magic in walking a few city blocks and feeling like you’ve been transported to another part of the world. I can experience Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, and East Africa without ever leaving my neighborhood. But when local immersion isn’t enough, I board a plane. I consider myself a lifelong student, and travel has been my greatest teacher. Whether I’m in Japan or Morocco, nothing brings me more joy than stepping into a new place and witnessing life unfold in real time.

Professionally, I’ve been in the advertising world for over a decade. Truthfully, I didn’t expect to stay this long—my degree is actually in IT. I started college with a simple goal: to learn as much as possible. No set major, no clear career path, just a love of discovery. And while I considered grad school, the traditional route never quite fit. Instead, I kept returning to one core truth: I love watching people come together around what they love. Whether it’s a fandom, a shared cause, or a personal passion, I’m drawn to those moments of connection and exchange. As a proud OG Tumblr girl, I’ve always understood the power of online communities. That passion led me to building them for brands—and it’s what’s kept me in the game all these years.

If you’d like to connect professionally, find me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexismadison/

For a peek into my life (and travels, vintage finds, and more), follow me on IG: @alexisssmadison

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Keeping an open mind is essential in all areas of life, but especially in a field like advertising, where everything is rooted in storytelling. Narratives can be told a thousand different ways—and having the humility to know your first idea might not be the best one is key. Over the years, I’ve nurtured my open-mindedness by staying naturally curious. I’m always asking questions, always digging deeper to understand the “why” behind what I’m seeing. This mindset helps me not only think more expansively but also collaborate with a diverse range of thinkers and creators.

To me, communication is about more than just finding the right words—it’s about creating connection. I’ve spent years sharpening both my written and verbal communication skills, not to become a perfect speaker, but to better relate to all kinds of people. Just as important as expressing myself is actively listening. Listening in a way that makes others feel truly heard is a game-changer, whether you’re leading a team or having a conversation with a stranger. I’ve grown this skill by putting myself out there: attending events solo, traveling often, and striking up conversations with people from all walks of life. The more you listen to others’ stories, the better you become at telling your own.

One of the most important skills I’ve learned—especially as a Black woman—is to make myself my top priority. I treat myself like my favorite client, my most loyal friend. At the end of the day, I’m the one person I spend every moment of life with, so it’s critical that I pour into myself first. I practice all five love languages on myself. I take myself on dates. I sit in silence. I check in with my needs and protect my peace. Choosing to prioritize myself has completely shifted the way I move through the world. Even in my hardest seasons, I’ve been able to offer myself grace and love. It’s a practice, and I’m proud to say I’m getting better at it every day.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel overwhelmed, the first thing I do is pause. I’ve learned that pushing through chaos without reflection usually leads to burnout or missteps. Instead, I try to get still—whether that means sitting in silence, going for a walk, or simply stepping away from the task at hand. I check in with myself to understand what’s triggering the feeling and break things down into manageable pieces. I’ve also built rituals around self-soothing: deep breaths, playlists that calm me, or journaling to release the mental clutter. And I’m lucky enough to have a close group of friends I can call when I need grounding. Just hearing their voices or being reminded that I’m not alone helps me reset. I see overwhelm as a signal, not a weakness—and honoring it with care, connection, and intention always brings me back to center.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexisssmadison/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexismadison/