In this episode, we sit down with Alison Seibert, the visionary founder of The James Collective, a successful PR and integrated marketing agency. Over nearly a decade, Alison has transformed her business from a modest NYC apartment operation into a bicoastal, seven-figure enterprise representing some of the most recognized names in CPG and hospitality, including Food52, Unilever, and emerging brands like Jacobsen Salt Company. Join us as Alison shares her insights on authentic leadership, the importance of work-life integration, and the power of building meaningful relationships in business. The Journey to Success: Alison shares her background and the inspiration behind starting The James Collective. The evolution of her agency and the milestones achieved along the way. Work-Life Integration vs. Balance: Why Alison believes traditional work-life balance is a myth and her approach to integrating work and personal life. Authentic Leadership: The significance of leading a team authentically and how vulnerability fosters a supportive work environment. The Power of Relationships: How valuing relationships can organically drive business success. Tips on nurturing professional connections. The Unsexy Side of Business: Discussing the crucial but often overlooked role of operations in building a sustainable business. The Art of Saying No: How setting boundaries can attract the right opportunities and clients. Overcoming Hurdles: Alison reflects on the biggest challenges she’s faced in her career and how she overcame them. Self-Confidence and Leadership: The role of self-confidence in her journey, particularly as a female leader in a traditionally male-dominated space. Life Outside Work: A glimpse into Alison's personal life and interests beyond her professional endeavors. The James Collective Website: thejamescollective.com Follow Alison on Instagram: @thejamescollective How do you define work-life integration in your own life? What strategies do you use to build authentic relationships in your career? Reflect on a time when saying no led to a positive outcome in your professional life. Alison’s journey is a testament to the power of authenticity, resilience, and the importance of building strong relationships. Tune in to gain inspiration and actionable insights that can help you navigate your own career path! Connect with Us: Website: www.leadershipisfemale.com Instagram: instagram.com/leadershipisfemale Host Emily’s Instagram: instagram.com/leadershipisfemale Key Topics Discussed:Resources Mentioned:Questions for Reflection:Closing Thoughts:Subscribe and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring more inspiring stories to you. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leadershipisfemale/support