Meet Alicia J Moore

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alicia J Moore. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Alicia J, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

One day I presented a proposal to my all-male colleagues on the Executive team. I pitched starting a patent capture program, with a full budget, ROI, and roll-out date to start 6 months later. The CEO asked why we were delaying the start date. I looked down at my 8 1/2 month pregnant belly, and said “Um, I’m leaving tomorrow for maternity leave?”.

As a woman, and a lawyer no less, and a non-techie working in high tech in Silicon Valley, I have often been in meetings (and as my career progressed, roles) where I’ve been the only one who “looks like me”. On the surface, I don’t have much in common with the old guys running the old-line tech firms (Fairchild, Intel, AMD), or the ever younger ‘tech bros’ running cutting edge start-ups today. But when you dig a little deeper, you find the common ground, and that’s where the magic happens.

Here are a few tips that helped me navigate through and up the corporate ladder:

1) Develop an expansive view of what ‘looks like me” means. Beyond gender, race, age, religion, socio-economic background, ideological viewpoints, or however you want to slice it, we each of us have our own unique insecurities and differences that can feel isolating at times. But we also bring unique valuable experience and skills. Focus on the commonalities we share, and be confident in the value you bring. Try to understand where others are coming from and what they need. Get to know the people on your ‘team’ OUTSIDE the room to increase your effectiveness INSIDE the room.

2) Remember that there are at least two sides to every story. What you think about others isn’t necessarily the whole truth. Don’t assume ill intent on their part, or be judgmental of people who don’t immediately ‘get you’. They have different life experiences and background than you do! You wouldn’t automatically expect someone from a non-English speaking country to speak your language; don’t assume that your colleagues speak yours. Try not to take offense if they don’t immediately understand; rather become a beacon to foster goodwill, good cheer and mutual understanding. Presume that they will be your friends, or at least friendly colleagues, then make it so.

3) Be helpful to others, and, when you need it, reach out for help in a positive way. You may be surprised by the support you may already have; and empowered by the help that you can give. I succeeded because I understood what my colleagues needed, and helped them succeed. I developed a reputation as being a great team member, and everybody wanted me in the room.

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

As a senior executive in Silicon Valley, I’ve helped hundreds of organizations, teams, and people successfully set and achieve personal and professional goals in the corporate world. I believe that when people take ownership of their lives they can do anything they can imagine!

Having observed the challenges people face when navigating transitions in later in life, I’m now on a mission to inspire college students to step into their independence and reach their dreams. With 8 university degrees and certificates, and as the mother of two college students, the youngest of which just graduated, I know what it takes to crush it in college. I also know how important it is to make the most of the money, time and effort invested in getting that degree. My clients build foundational skills that help them not just survive, but thrive, not just in college, but in life.

My award-winning #1 best-selling book, “Crushing it in College: Your 7-Step Guide to an Awesome Adventure”, is designed to help college students set themselves up for success right from the start.
I offer keynote and other speaking engagements on a variety of topics; as well as programs, workshops, curated coaching, and consulting to people, groups and organizations.

Go to www.aliciajmoore.com to explore and learn more about how I can help you achieve your goals!

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

1) Set Your North Star! Know what you want to achieve in the long run; define your ultimate destination. There are many paths up the mountain, but you need to have a North Star to know where you’re heading. If you’re clear where you’re going, you have a much better chance of getting there more quickly. It can help you make decisions. It can help you stay on course, and identify and overcome obstacles on your way.

2) Communication Skills are invaluable! Learn to listen well, understand your audience, and speak (and write) clearly in a way that can be heard. Stephen Covey said it well: “Seek first to understand, then to be understood”.

3) Embrace the joy in learning new things! Change is not optional, but growth is. Grow your knowledge, experiences, skill sets, hobbies…Keep learning to keep up and keep current. You don’t have to become a master of everything you try, so try new things. Make it fun!

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

What I offer is help once people have been accepted into college. To get them prepared to transition to independence, tools to manage studying, balancing work and play, building social networks in the real world, and set themselves up for success in college.

I would love to collaborate with anyone that is helping students get into college: choosing their college, writing their applications, essays, taking AP tests, SAT or ACT test prep, finding scholarships or financial aid, or other services before college acceptance.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.aliciajmoore.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crushingitincollege
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliciajmoore