Meet Aria Leighty

We were lucky to catch up with Aria Leighty recently and have shared our conversation below.

Aria, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

I know that if I am the only one in that room that doesn’t look like me- it was intentionally built that way. So many rooms and systems have been built to keep Brown, Black, and Queer folk out of them. Or if we are allowed in, there is an unspoken rule that we must conform, water ourselves down, soften our edges, quiet our voices before entering.

I use it as an opportunity to show up fully, authentically, confidently. To take up space boldly and take a seat at the table audaciously.

I am successful in those rooms because I do not always play by the rules. People take notice and want to know more.

All Women, BIPOC, and Queer Folk should do the same. Disrupt it from the inside. Make changes. Speak your truth. And prove why we deserve to be there.

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

Aria Leighty, the creative visionary behind Show the F*ck Up Media, is a seasoned visibility strategist and community consultant. Over nearly two decades, Aria has hosted and/or produced over a thousand networking events and built communities-turned-micro-economies responsible for millions of dollars in referrals among members. This dedication to intentional networking has earned her the title and nickname- “Networking Queen”.

Bringing together her extensive experience, networks, and opportunities, Aria transitioned into a media business model with Show the F*ck Up, offering visibility resources for WOC, Queer Folk and underrepresented voices without high paywalls.

Through in-person events, digital courses, an upcoming podcast, and their acclaimed free offering “The Plug,” Show the F*ck Up gets the girls, gays, and theys on more stages, in more rooms, and featured in more press.

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?

Reciprocal Community Building
Intentional Networking
Authenticity

Relationships are everything. Network as much as you can in an intentional way- Building AND Nurturing LONG TERM mutually beneficial relationships. Get yourself in the rooms and get visible.

Another piece that I cannot stress enough- START NOW! Start messy, raw, and with the resources you have now. Do not wait until you have another degree, take another course, or “master” another skill. Do it now. Everything i learned was through messy action. Figuring things out as I went, failing forward, seeing what resonated, experiencing life, Grow in front of your audience and with your community it builds loyalty.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

I am always looking for collaborators! Collaborations and partnerships are what keeps my business running.

I am looking for the disruptors, game-changers, innovators, challengers, visionaries. People that are pushing against the status quo in their industries and creating unique brands. I am obsessed with connecting with people that see new ways things can be done and are brave enough to blaze the trail. If that is you- YOU ARE MY PEOPLE!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://showthefuckup.media
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/arialeighty
• Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/aria-leighty/