Embracing Motherhood, Sales, and Success: A Conversation with Dr. Alisha Griffith
This interview almost didn’t happen but I’m so glad it did! Despite having a late start, Dr. Alisha Griffith, AKA Dr. Ali, an accomplished audiologist, speech-language pathologist, TED speaker, executive business coach, and multi-bestselling author… doesn’t need much time to get her empowering message across. It ended up being an amazing conversation. She spoke about her journey to becoming a proud “autism mom”, her mompreneurship journey, mindset, sales, and more.
Embracing Autism: A Mother’s Journey to Acceptance
Dr. Ali’s story is both inspiring and relatable. As a speech-language pathologist, she worked with children with autism, but it hit close to home when her son, Zachary, was diagnosed with autism at the age of two. Despite her professional background, the diagnosis brought about a mix of emotions, including shame, guilt, and grief. She realized that being a clinician and being a mother are two very different roles. This personal experience allowed her to empathize deeply with other parents going through similar situations.
Key Takeaways:
- Personal vs. Professional: Even professionals in a field can struggle when it hits close to home, underscoring the importance of empathy and support.
- Acceptance and Growth: Acceptance is a process that can lead to personal and professional growth.
- Leveraging Experience: Personal experiences can enhance professional practice, making one a more effective and compassionate practitioner.
From Speech Pathologist to Businesswoman: Transforming a Career into Entrepreneurship
Dr. Ali knew how to help children with autism but felt lost when it came to running a business. To bridge this gap, she joined Steve Harvey’s School of Business Acceleration. The program introduced her to the world of online business, digital marketing, branding, and public relations. She quickly realized that having an LLC and a product wasn’t nearly the gist of it; there was a lot more to running a successful business.
Key Takeaways:
- Continuous Learning: Transitioning into business requires learning new skills, often from scratch.
- Business Foundations: Understanding marketing, branding, and public relations is crucial for business success.
- Practical Application: Applying learned skills practically is essential for growth and success in business.
The Power of Individual Coaching
Recognizing that as a working “autism mom” she didn’t have time to waste on general business courses, Dr. Ali dexided to invest in a personal business coach. The personalized guidance helped her apply what she learned specifically to her situation. The focused support and advice enabled her to fine-tune her approach and see significant results. Dr. Ali recommneds that busy momthers embarking on mompreneurship invest in a perosonal coach as soon as possbile as we’re already limited with time.
Key Takeaways:
- Personalized Guidance: Individual coaching provides tailored advice that can significantly impact personal and professional growth.
- Focused Support: Having a coach helps in translating general knowledge into practical steps specific to one’s business.
- Investment in Growth: Investing in coaching can expedite the learning process and lead to substantial returns.
Writing and Sharing Her Story
Dr. Ali’s journey with her son inspired her to write a book about autism, framing it as an Au-mazing Gift, which is the name of her book. Her writing resonated with many parents, providing them with hope and practical strategies. Encouraged by her business coach, she shared her personal story to help others navigate similar challenges. This led to the creation of coaching programs based on her experiences and expertise.
Key Takeaways:
- Sharing Personal Stories: Personal stories can be powerful tools for connection and education.
- Writing as a Tool: Writing a book can amplify one’s message and reach a broader audience.
- Creating Programs: Personal experiences can be transformed into structured programs to help others.
Balancing Multiple Roles
Dr. Ali wears many hats, from being a mother and a professional to running a nonprofit organization. Her approach emphasizes simplicity and efficiency. She believes in setting clear objectives and being present in each role, even if it means spending only a short amount of time on each task.
Key Takeaways:
- Simplicity and Efficiency: Keeping tasks simple and focused helps manage multiple roles effectively.
- Setting Clear Objectives: Clear goals and intentions can enhance productivity and satisfaction.
- Being Present: Quality time and presence are more impactful than the quantity of time spent.
The Importance of Energy and Mindset
Dr. Ali stresses the importance of energy and mindset in business and personal life. She encourages a positive mindset and energy to attract success. Her framework, “Take a SIP”- Shift your energy, Ignite your inner fire, Make power moves, emphasizes personal energy work as a foundation for achieving goals.
Key Takeaways:
- Positive Mindset: A positive mindset is crucial for attracting success and opportunities.
- Energy Work: Personal energy work can significantly impact professional outcomes.
- Framework for Success: Having a structured approach like “Take a SIP” can guide personal and professional growth.
Finding and Working with a Business Coach
Dr. Ali advises doing thorough research before choosing a business coach. It’s essential to watch potential coaches, attend their classes, and speak to their previous clients. She emphasizes finding someone whose approach aligns with one’s needs and ensuring they can provide a return on investment.
Key Takeaways:
- Research and Observation: Thorough research and observation help in selecting the right coach.
- Alignment of Needs: Ensure the coach’s approach aligns with your specific needs and goals.
- Return on Investment: A good coach should provide a clear path to achieving a return on investment.
Realistic Expectations and Patience
Success in business takes time. Dr. Ali explains that it often takes one to three years, or even longer, to see consistent results. She highlights the importance of setting realistic expectations and being patient. Personal and spiritual growth often precedes visible business success.
Key Takeaways:
- Time and Patience: Building a successful business requires time and patience.
- Realistic Expectations: Setting realistic expectations helps in maintaining motivation and focus.
- Holistic Growth: Personal and spiritual growth are integral to achieving business success.
Embracing the Journey
Dr. Ali’s journey from being an audiologist and a speech-language pathologist to a successful business coach and author is truly inspiring. Her story highlights the importance of continuous learning, personal growth, and the power of sharing one’s experiences. For mothers, professionals, and anyone looking to navigate the complexities of business and personal life, her insights provide valuable guidance.
Final Key Takeaways:
- Continuous Learning and Adaptation: Embrace learning and be adaptable in your journey.
- Personal and Professional Growth: Balance personal experiences with professional growth to achieve success.
- Sharing and Supporting: Share your story and support others on their journey.
I hope Dr. Ali’s incredible journey and insights inspire and guide you on your path to success, mama!
You can access several FREE resources and guides on Dr. Ali’s website– https://draligriffith.com/.
Connect with Dr. Ali-
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/draligriffith/
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/draligriffith/
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