HER CLIMB with Valary Alston

The Climb

In this empowering episode of The Climb Podcast, host Felicia Smith engages in a candid and insightful conversation with the remarkable Valary Alston, a woman of color who has shattered glass ceilings throughout her extraordinary career.

The episode kicks off with Felicia introducing The Climb Podcast, a platform dedicated to amplifying the voices of extraordinary women of color and redefining the rules for women in leadership roles. Felicia sets the stage for an empowering journey as she welcomes Valary Alston, a seasoned professional with a background in the United States Marine Corps and a successful career in the defense and intelligence sector.

Valary Alston shares her origin story, revealing how a dare led her to join the Marine Corps, where she found her calling and embarked on a 20-year career. Transitioning from the military to the federal government, Valary's journey was marked by pivotal moments of self-discovery and resilience. She reflects on the challenges and sacrifices she faced as a woman of color in male-dominated spaces, emphasizing the importance of staying true to oneself and standing firm in one's values.

The conversation delves into the theme of breaking glass ceilings, with Valary recounting pivotal moments where she recognized her impact and influence in creating opportunities for women and men of color in leadership positions. Valary's commitment to championing diversity and inclusion is evident as she shares her experiences of advocating for underrepresented voices and empowering others to reach their full potential.

Throughout the episode, Valary imparts valuable advice to young women starting their careers, emphasizing the importance of confidence, authenticity, and resilience in navigating professional challenges. She encourages aspiring leaders to aspire to be better than their role models and to never compromise their values or beliefs in pursuit of success.

As the episode concludes, Felicia and Valary reflect on the power of representation, self-assurance, and the significance of owning one's narrative in the face of adversity. The episode serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of women of color in leadership roles, inspiring listeners to embrace their unique strengths and strive for excellence in their professional journeys.

Listeners are encouraged to connect with Valary Alston on LinkedIn or via email at [e-mail] to continue the conversation and gain further insights into her remarkable career and leadership journey. The episode closes with a reminder to subscribe, rate, and review The Climb Podcast for more empowering stories and practical insights for women of color leaders.

Join Felicia Smith and Valary Alston on this empowering journey of breaking glass ceilings, redefining leadership norms, and thriving in the face of challenges. Keep climbing, keep thriving, and stay tuned for the next episode of The Climb Podcast.