We were lucky to catch up with Alicia Thompson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Alicia thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

After 30+ years navigating the corporate world, I saw firsthand how talented, more-than capable leaders—especially those from underrepresented backgrounds—often second-guess themselves, shrink in rooms where they should be shining, and carry the weight of performance without the tools and support to lead effectively.

I started Signature Leadership to change that.

My mission is to help leaders get clear on who they are, what they stand for, and how they want to lead—not based on outdated expectations or someone else’s playbook, but on their own terms, based on their personal values and with their own voice.

I work with senior and emerging leaders to build confidence, presence, and the kind of leadership that inspires trust—not just performance. Because when leaders lead from a place of self-trust and authenticity, they don’t just survive change—they drive it. And they bring others with them.

At the end of the day, it’s about helping people stop performing leadership—and start owning it.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Over the course of more than 30 years in corporate communications and agency life, I’ve had the privilege of working across industries—from Fortune 500 companies to fast-moving brands—leading high-performing teams and navigating the complexities that come with senior leadership. I’ve worked in-house and on the agency side, and held leadership roles at places like Randstad, The Coca-Cola Company, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Edelman, and Porter Novelli. Along the way, I earned my accreditation in public relations and picked up a few awards—but what’s always mattered most to me is the people. The teams I built, the voices I helped amplify, and the leaders I helped grow.

That’s what led me to launch Signature Leadership, LLC.

Coaching felt like a natural next step. I’ve spent a career helping organizations shape their external narratives—now I help individuals own their internal ones. I believe every leader has a story worth telling, and often, what’s holding them back isn’t capability—it’s mindset. It’s the pressure to perform, the fear of being seen (or unseen), the exhaustion of trying to lead through chaos while pretending everything’s fine.

As a coach, my job is to help clients get honest—with themselves first. I support them in uncovering what’s true, letting go of what no longer serves them, and stepping into leadership that feels authentic, intentional, and powerful. My approach is client-centered and deeply personal—because no two leaders are the same, and there’s no one-size-fits-all path to growth.

I work with senior and emerging leaders through one-on-one coaching, small groups, and leadership development programs. My focus? Helping them lead with clarity, confidence, and presence—especially when the stakes are high and the path isn’t clear. Because when leaders show up grounded in who they are, they don’t just get results—they create ripple effects that change teams, cultures, and careers.

I am most proud of the impact I have on my clients as evidenced by testimonials like this: “Working with Alicia has been game-changing. In a fast-moving, high-growth environment, she helped me show up with clarity, provide strategic counsel, and define a career vision that felt grounded in who I am now. Our work together shaped how I evaluate high-impact opportunities like board service, speaking engagements, and where to focus my energy for long-term growth. She gave me the tools and support I needed to navigate new situations with confidence and ease.”

My goal: helping my clients create “leadership as unique as their signature.”

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Most of my clients come through word of mouth and referrals—and honestly, that means everything to me. There’s nothing more powerful than someone saying, “You need to work with her” because they’ve seen the results firsthand. A friend and former colleague of mine always says, “If you’re not working your net, your nets not working,” and I’ve really taken that to heart.

After more than 30 years in the PR world, I’ve built a strong, trusted network—and I don’t take that for granted. I make it a point to nurture those relationships and stay connected, not just to grow my business, but because I truly believe in the power of community. I also have no hesitation asking current or former clients to refer others who might need the kind of coaching support I offer. When you’ve built trust and delivered real value, people want to share that. And I’m always honored when they do.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I’ve been laid off three times in my career—The Coca-Cola Company in 2003, Edible Arrangements in 2019, and most recently, Randstad in 2024. Each one caught me off guard. Each one stung. And each time, I had to make a choice: shrink or shift.

The first time, I was younger and took it personally. I questioned my value, even though the decision had nothing to do with my performance. The second time, I had more experience—and more clarity. I realized that even when the work ends, your value doesn’t. By the time the third layoff came, I wasn’t surprised. Disappointed, sure. But I knew how to navigate it. I had the tools, the mindset, and most importantly, the self-trust to pivot with purpose.

What those moments taught me is that career disruptions aren’t endings—they’re openings. Each one pushed me to reflect, to realign, and ultimately to redefine what success looked like on my own terms. That’s a big part of why I launched Signature Leadership, LLC. I wanted to create space for other leaders—especially those navigating uncertainty—to find clarity, confidence, and a path forward that feels authentic and sustainable.

Being laid off never gets easier—but it has made me more resilient. It taught me to bet on myself. And that’s a lesson I carry into every coaching conversation I have.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.signatureleadershipllc.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliciarthompson/