As we enter a new year and start naming the goals we want to achieve, there’s one that often gets overlooked—giving. For me, giving isn’t an afterthought or a “nice if there’s time” activity. It’s actually one of the first lenses I use when setting goals. When I’m planning the year ahead, I don’t just ask: What do I want to accomplish? What do I want to build or grow? I also ask: What do I want to give? [...]
As we approach the close of 2025, now is the perfect moment to pause, breathe, and reflect with intention. Before we sprint into new goals or declare bold resolutions, meaningful growth begins by honoring where we’ve been. In a world that keeps accelerating, reflection becomes a radical act of leadership. It helps us see the full picture—our progress, our patterns, our power, and yes, even our pain—so we can step into the next season with clarity. Start by celebrating what [...]
How to Reinvent Yourself and Lead with Confidence in Uncertain Times Have you ever noticed that the biggest shifts in your life didn’t begin with a plan—they began with a question? Not just any question, but a brave one. The kind of question that makes you pause, breathe deeply, and admit that your comfort zone is looking a little too cozy these days. I often tell my audiences: if the questions you’re asking yourself are too small, then the moves [...]
In this episode of The Lifestrong Project, AyeCee chops it up with Alana M. Hill — engineer, author, and global change leadership boss. Alana keeps it real about turning pain into purpose and change into power. From moving around as a kid to leading in corporate spaces, she breaks down how emotional intelligence, passion, and purpose can help you lead through life’s toughest seasons. If you’re ready to level up, pivot, or find your own “why,” this one’s for you. [...]
You’ve heard me say it before—change needs a catalyst. But sometimes, even the best catalysts get tired. When our workplaces, teams, or even personal lives are in constant motion—new systems, new leaders, new expectations—it can start to feel like the finish line keeps moving. That exhaustion you feel? That’s called change fatigue. Change fatigue shows up when individuals and teams become weary of continual transformation. It’s not that people are resistant to change—it’s that they’re exhausted by it. Imagine trying [...]
By Alana M. Hill, PMP, CSP We all know that feeling—after a long road trip, your GPS proudly declares, “You’ve arrived. Your destination is on the left.” Those words are music to any traveler’s ears, especially after navigating countless miles, detours, and delays. In many ways, that’s exactly what life and leadership feel like. We spend years pursuing goals, promotions, and personal milestones—each one a waypoint on the journey to “arriving.” But before we ever hear that comforting voice of [...]
Sometimes leadership lessons come from boardrooms and strategy sessions—but the most powerful ones? They’re born in the hard seasons. Last week, I joined Dzikamai Gangaidzo on The Shameless (T4L) Podcast for an open, honest conversation about what it really means to lead through life’s intersections—those unexpected detours that challenge who we are and how we show up. We talked about the difference between toxic resilience (just “pushing through”) and true resilience—the kind that allows you to bend without breaking. I [...]
This week, I have the privilege of speaking at the Foundation for Women’s Leadership and Empowerment's Women's Leadership Conference in Las Vegas. The energy in the room is electric—leaders from every sector, gathered to not only celebrate our progress but also to lean into the work that’s still ahead of us. And let me tell you, the timing couldn’t be more perfect. For the first time in history, women now lead 11% of Fortune 500 companies. Eleven percent may not [...]
Don’t Let the Weeds Take Over the Garden As leaders, professionals, and purpose-driven people, it’s all too easy to focus on our flaws. “I’m too disorganized.” “I don’t speak up enough.” “I’m not creative like them.” These thoughts are more than passing comments—they’re weeds. And just like a garden, your mind needs regular tending. When you water those negative thoughts with repetition and inaction, they take root. Before you know it, your confidence is choked out by self-doubt. That’s why [...]
It’s back-to-school Sunday at church, and this outfit tells a story (a testimony). First, please excuse my eclectic color choices The pants are baby blue and white for Aldine High School…Awldine..woo woo woo! My dad was a single father and worked to make ends meet. I worked after school, and I wasn’t exposed to much career readiness. The t-shirt speaks for itself, repping my Alma mater Texas A&M University …whoop! A school I entered because of an equity-based academic scholarship. [...]
