Today we’d like to introduce you to Alita Watson

Hi Alita, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

My career has been anything but a straight line. From serving in the Army National Guard to working in healthcare, spending over 13 years in global aid, and eventually becoming an Embedded Coach for fast-growth startups, each chapter has been guided by a deep call to service.

The common thread in all of these experiences was the role I played as a bridge between the communities we served and the leaders aiming to make a meaningful impact. By creating a shared reality between the two, we accomplished amazing things.

While working with Smile Network International, USAID, and the American Refugee Committee, I developed infrastructure in 15 developing countries, providing life-altering surgeries, healthcare, and education to thousands of children.

Throughout this journey, I witnessed tremendous suffering alongside impossible resilience — experiences that shaped who I became as a coach, a community leader, and a mother, one who anchors in gratitude and trusts that everything is happening ‘for us,’ not ‘to us.’

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

Absolutely, there were struggles. I reached a point where I had to redefine what true service meant to me. I came to understand that I couldn’t be anyone’s savior; instead, my role was to embody love, freedom, and compassion while recognizing that everyone is their own best medicine. This realization transformed my life. By seeing others as whole and capable, I no longer felt drained or burned out. I began to prioritize my own well-being, caring for myself with the same devotion I once poured into others. In doing so, I discovered that authentic service begins with nurturing and empowering oneself.

We’ve been impressed with Alma Leadership , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

Our mission is to bring transformative, customized solutions to the unique challenges businesses face today, specializing in operational diagnostics, embedded coaching, and leadership development. Alma stands apart by addressing systemic issues in organizations, not with a one-size-fits-all model, but with deeply integrated, personalized solutions that embed seamlessly into company culture and operations.

What We Do:
At Alma, we specialize in bridging the gaps that traditional consulting and coaching often leave open. We offer an operational diagnostic led by a fractional Chief of Staff, who dives deep to understand the current state of your business and what it needs to truly thrive. Through this approach, we identify hidden obstacles and potential inefficiencies, like communication breakdowns and overlooked toxic behaviors that can block growth.

To address leadership and culture, we place an in-house coach who partners with HR, acting as a supportive, real-time resource for leaders to adapt new systems and up-level their approach while building trust and cohesion within teams. Additionally, our Alma Academy provides specialized training for those seeking to become impactful internal coaches, equipping them to integrate seamlessly and support organizations from within.

What Sets Us Apart:
What makes Alma unique is our community of world-class experts and facilitators, each carefully matched to meet the specific needs, industry, and culture of your organization. We are a network that operates as a cohesive unit to provide embedded support that goes beyond external advisory roles. Our deep understanding of the role that culture and alignment play in sustainable growth has allowed us to shape a new model for coaching and consulting that adapts to each client’s particular dynamics.

Our Approach:
For organizations overwhelmed by the sheer number of coaches and consultants available, Alma acts as a trusted partner and concierge, connecting you with the right people and providing continuity through every step. From conducting culture and systems diagnostics to placing coaches who guide new systems’ adoption and facilitate change management, we help ensure clarity and cohesion across departments.

Proud Moments and Achievements:
Alma Academy is one of our most proud initiatives, where we provide ICF-accredited training and certification for coaches interested in internal roles. Developed by our founder, Alita Watson, this program is based on her years of experience in pioneering embedded coaching during Sonder’s high-growth trajectory and eventual IPO. Through Alma Academy, we are not only enhancing coaches’ skill sets but also empowering businesses with leaders who can drive performance, resilience, and alignment.

Key Offerings and Services:
Operational Diagnostics to clarify challenges and find hidden inefficiencies.
Embedded Coaching for real-time support and communication across teams.
Alma Academy training and certification to prepare effective internal coaches.
Culture Diagnostics and strategic referrals to address pain points holistically.
Offsites, Workshops, and Team Facilitation to bring teams together in meaningful ways.

At Alma, we believe in meeting businesses where they are and tailoring our services to help leaders and teams not only adapt but thrive in an ever-evolving landscape.

Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?

One of my most cherished childhood memories is growing up in Sian Ka’an, a hidden gem in Mexico’s Yucatán. My dad had a passion for untouched, off-the-grid paradises, and he found just that when he bought two humble fishing shacks. Over the next 30 years, he transformed them into a sanctuary for friends and family to gather, creating memories that would last a lifetime in this sacred, unspoiled place. I immersed myself in the local community, became bilingual, and to this day, I feel more Latina at heart than anything else.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.Almaleadership.com
• Other: https://www.Alitawatson.com