Professional Development

Breaking Barriers: From Street Smarts to Corporate Success

Dr. Alford mentored a young female who had faced adversity in a tough neighborhood. Despite her street smarts and resilience, she struggled to find a path toward a successful career. Dr. Alford recognized the potential in this determined individual and helped her channel her experiences and skills into a corporate setting. Through coaching sessions that spanned high school and college, they worked on building a strong personal ethical brand, honing effective communication, and developing leadership qualities. With Dr. Alford’s guidance, the young woman overcame the odds, secured a role in a prominent company, and climbed the corporate ladder, proving that one’s background does not define their destiny.

Unleashing Hidden Leadership Potential

Dr. Alford coached a talented but underappreciated employee in a multinational corporation. Hindered by self-doubt and a lack of visibility, the individual struggled to ascend the corporate ladder. Dr. Alford worked with them to identify their core strengths, refine their brand, and cultivate essential leadership skills. He encouraged them to seek challenging projects and network strategically within the organization. Bolstered by newfound confidence and Dr. Alford’s unwavering support, the employee secured promotion to leadership, finally achieving the recognition and success they deserved.

Reinventing Success: From Stagnant Career to Entrepreneurial Triumph

Dr. Alford guided a mid-career professional who felt stuck in a monotonous job, yearning for more fulfillment and purpose. The individual harbored a passion for sustainable fashion but feared leaping into entrepreneurship. Dr. Alford helped them recognize their potential, assess their skills, and develop a strategic plan to launch a successful eco-conscious fashion brand. With Dr. Alford’s coaching, they overcame fears, embraced risk, and built a thriving business that aligned with their values and goals, ultimately transforming their life and career.

Laid Off After 35 Years. No problem.

At 35 years into her career, an employee found herself unprepared for retirement and faced the emotional challenge of losing her job. Dr. Alford stepped in to provide guidance and support. They worked together to overcome her emotional struggles and focus on the opportunities ahead. By rebranding her experience and identifying her most transferable skills, Dr. Alford helped her see the potential for a new career path. They also focused on enhancing her interview skills, as she hadn’t interviewed for a job in 25 years. With Dr. Alford’s help, she successfully transitioned into a new role, turning her setback into a fresh start.

Lexi Chose Legacy Over Pressure

Dr. Alford worked with a recent high school graduate who was conflicted between college and pursuing a trade to support her immigrant parents. Her father, a respected carpenter in their home country, inspired her. Despite societal pressure to attend college, Dr. Alford encouraged her to forge her path. Together, they explored the potential of a trade career in interior design, aligning with her passion and offering financial stability. Finding solace in Dr. Alford’s support, the young woman embraced this unconventional approach. She chose the trade and now thrives in her profession, providing for her family while defying societal expectations and crafting her unique journey.

Tametha Leads in High Tech.

Dr. Alford encountered Tametha during a company-sponsored event for high performers. Though she attended, Tametha lacked confidence, remained aloof, and seldom engaged in Q&A sessions. After leaving the company for a startup, which unfortunately filed for bankruptcy soon after, Tametha found herself at a crossroads. Dr. Alford contacted her on LinkedIn and offered assistance in rebranding and reimagining her career.

Initially hesitant, Tametha participated in four sessions with Dr. Alford. He guided rebranding and challenged her mindset regarding her professional experiences and opportunities in tech. Within three weeks, Tametha thanked Dr. Alford as she accepted a role at one of the world’s leading tech companies.

Keisha Leads in Pharma

Keisha, a long-time coaching client of Dr. Alford, has a strong background in corporate communications. During a check-in, she expressed dissatisfaction with her industry and work-life balance. Dr. Alford reminded Keisha that she had advised tech executives for over 15 years and questioned why she didn’t see herself as a female in tech. Through sessions that included mock interviews, Keisha gained confidence in her technical leadership potential. She pursued a promotion during her next performance review, which her organization welcomed, having recognized her value in this area. Keisha has since empowered other women on her team.

Dr. Reyna Leads in Education

Dr. Reyna, an expert in academia, sought Dr. Alford’s guidance to address her local school district challenges. Despite multiple teaching and counseling certifications, Reyna’s vision centered on technology consulting in secondary and higher education. Dr. Alford encouraged her to clarify her “why.” Together, they strategized for Reyna to pursue a doctoral degree in Management and Organizational Leadership instead of Education. This choice expanded her consulting experience beyond the education sector. Now, Dr. Reyna operates a successful practice collaborating with school districts on technology and industry partnerships and continues her coaching with Dr. Alford.

Charlotte Leads in Big Tech

Charlotte sought Dr. Alford’s guidance while facing challenges as an individual contributor in a major tech company. She aspired to lead a team, but her role level limited her options. Dr. Alford encouraged Charlotte to make a bold decision and become a “boomerang” by joining another organization, excelling in her role, and eventually returning to her original company. By reapplying later, the constraints on level increases were no longer applicable. Charlotte successfully followed this strategy, gaining not only a leadership position but also leveraging life-changing compensation. She is now a well-respected leader within the tech industry.

Kim leads in the Public Sector

Kim was an active community leader with a strong background, including progress toward a doctoral degree. Despite her accomplishments, she held a Project Manager position at a local college. After contacting Dr. Alford for guidance, they refined her story, focusing on “who she was” rather than “what she does.” Kim admitted that she had downplayed her achievements to make non-minority women more comfortable collaborating with her. Through three months of intensive coaching sessions, Kim shifted her mindset and became a leader within a U.S. government organization. Additionally, the organization supported her in completing her Ph.D. She is now Dr. Kim.