Connecting with Aliza Licht

How have relationships influenced your professional development and leadership style?

Aside from the cardinal rule of making it mutually beneficial, the foundation of building a strong relationship is to deliver on your promise. If you offer to do something, not only do it but do it in a timely fashion. I cross those things off my to-do list so the person I am supporting never has to remind me to make that intro or do what I said I would. I also take pride in seeing opportunities for others and randomly reaching out when I find one. The surprise and delight of bringing someone an opportunity go a very long way. In addition, if I am pitching something on behalf of someone else, I also close the loop to let them know the ask has been made.

Do you have any tips for maintaining and building strong relationships?

It's about showing respect to each other and recognizing that supporting someone else in their endeavors comes back in spades. Communication is challenging in the noisy world we live in today, so I take this all a step further by tracking introductions made for me in a spreadsheet. I want to ensure that I remember who to thank for something that comes to fruition because of someone else. 

How have you intentionally built inclusiveness into your circles?

I use my platform and especially the LEAVE YOUR MARK podcast to help amplify diverse voices and important DEI initiatives that friends in my network are making. Some of these episodes include:

• Christina Blacken on Uncovering the Unwritten Rules of Work and Using the Power of a Story to Transform Behavior and Build Inclusive Culture
• From $10,000 to $2 million, Tiffany James is Teaching Women of Color the Joys of Sisterhood and Stocks at Modern BLK Girl
• Chrissy Rutherford on Why Fashion's Diversity Education is Not Over, Mental Health Transparency in the Workplace and How Opportunities That Are Meant to Be Yours Will Be

What community or communities are you proud to be a part of?

I'm a proud member of the Jewish community. With antisemitism rampant and on the rise, every Jewish person must speak out. It's not comfortable, and it's hard for some people to do. As the granddaughter of four Holocaust survivors, I am passionate about raising awareness for it.

 For example, I had Carly Pildis, Director of Community Engagement for the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), on my podcast. The ADL fights all forms of antisemitism and bias using innovation and partnerships. They drive impact, counter extremism, and battle bigotry to protect democracy and ensure an inclusive society. 

Who's a Connector that's made a difference in your life? 

My mentor and former boss Patti Cohen, who I spent 17 years working with, has made the most significant difference in my life. There's not one thing she wouldn't do for me, and I for her. It's not only about making introductions but also about genuinely seeing someone's potential and helping them reach it. I'm forever grateful to her. 

Susan McPherson is a serial connector, seasoned communicator and founder and CEO of McPherson Strategies, a communications consultancy focused on the intersection of brands and social impact. She is the author of The Lost Art of Connecting: The Gather, Ask, Do Method for Building Meaningful Relationships.

Follow Susan on LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram and order her new book, The Lost Art of Connecting, also available on Kindle and Audiobook.