Story & Lesson Highlights with Alicia Hill of Memphis

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Alicia Hill. Check out our conversation below.

Alicia , we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What is a normal day like for you right now?
Right now, I am teaching mass communication courses, at Lane College in Jackson Tennessee. On Mondays I’m preparing for my classes which are on Tuesdays and Thursdays and on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday I am doing consultations with small business owners, focusing on marketing to build their brand awareness and to increase their revenue. Right now each day for me is very structured, very intentional and very time sensitive.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am an accomplished CEO, leadership strategist, and brand expert with over 17 years of experience in marketing, sales, strategic planning, and professional development. As the founder of A Career Girl Brand Management (ACG), I help countless individuals and organizations craft powerful brands and elevate their leadership presence. I am the visionary behind “The Differentiator” digital leadership program, which has developed leaders across the country.

In addition to my business endeavors, I serve as the Chairman of the Board for Developing Noblemen Academy, mentoring young boys, and an advisory role with the National Black MBA Association Memphis Chapter. I am also an active member of Junior League and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest memory of truly feeling powerful came in 2017, when I volunteered to deliver a TED Talk on customer experience for FedEx Services. It was an exhilarating moment, because customer experience and leadership are two areas I have always been deeply passionate about.

What made it so powerful, however, wasn’t just the topic—it was the courage it took to step onto that stage. I was scared. I didn’t know how it would turn out or if I would rise to the occasion. I had studied countless TED Talks, admiring the impact of those speakers, and I knew the opportunity could be transformational. But inside, I wrestled with nerves and self-doubt.

When the day came, I pushed past the fear, walked onto that stage, and delivered my message to a global audience. In that moment, I learned that power doesn’t mean the absence of fear—it means moving forward despite it. That experience not only solidified my passion for customer experience and leadership but also taught me the importance of leaning into opportunities that scare us. Because often, they’re the very moments that shape our growth and define our voice.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering has taught me lessons that success never could. The greatest of these is patience—learning to stay present, even when faced with the weight of past decisions and their consequences. In those moments, suffering became my teacher, showing me how to fail, and more importantly, how to fail fast.

Through hardship, I discovered the courage to do things afraid, to step forward when doubt whispered that I couldn’t. Failure and suffering have a way of revealing strength you didn’t know you had. They force you to pause, reflect, and strategize before making the next big decision.

I’ve also come to see that constant success—the mountaintop moments—can sometimes blind us to gratitude. It’s in the valleys, the difficult seasons, that appreciation deepens and perspective sharpens. One of my guiding scriptures, Galatians 6:9, reminds me: “Do not grow weary in well doing, for in due season you shall reap a harvest if you faint not.”

This verse has carried me through times when giving up felt easier than pressing forward. In those moments of struggle, it’s tempting to believe the suffering isn’t worth it. But when I remember that a harvest awaits on the other side, I find the strength to keep going. And by choosing perseverance over surrender, I never have to live with the question: What if I had not given up?

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
The version of me that the world sees is not a performance—it’s the real me. I can say that with sincerity because every day, I commit to practicing the best version of myself. Whether I’m in front of a crowd, in a meeting, or behind closed doors, my goal is to show up as my authentic self.

For me, authenticity isn’t optional; it’s essential. I spend every day with myself, and that means I need to trust myself, love myself, and be honest with myself. The only way to truly honor that commitment is to live in alignment—who I am in public must reflect who I am in private.

Authenticity is freedom. It allows me to be comfortable in my own skin and confident in my own voice. And by practicing that daily, I not only strengthen my relationship with myself but also invite others to embrace the power of being unapologetically who they are.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
When I think about legacy, I know some people misunderstand me. I often hear, “You do too much,”—as if my commitment to serving others is excessive. Some even joke that I must be earning extra jewels in my crown. But for me, this isn’t about overdoing anything; it’s about living out my faith as a disciple of Christ.

To me, doing God’s will means reflecting His love in how I treat people—with respect, compassion, and empathy. That’s not “too much”—that’s the way I believe we are called to live. It’s how I want to be treated by my Heavenly Father, and it’s how I strive to treat others every single day.

The quality of how I serve matters deeply to me. Legacy, for me, won’t be measured in titles or achievements alone, but in the impact of how I loved, uplifted, and cared for others. That is the life I want to be remembered for—a life that mirrors the love of Christ.

Contact Info:

  • Website: https://www.acareergirl.com
  • Instagram: acgbrandmgmt
  • Linkedin: Alicia Hill
  • Facebook: A Career Girl
  • Youtube: easytalkpodcast901

Image Credits
Antoine Lever Photography

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