Women Inspiring Women: An Interview with Ale Marroquin

Ale Marroquin is from Mexico and is the Founder and Director of her own company: Ale Marroquín Consultores, Executive Presence and Personal Branding Specialist. ?

She has been growing and developing people for over three decades and has one of the most extensive and diverse backgrounds among executive presence and leadership consultants in Mexico. Ale participated as a guest coach for a reality TV program inspiring people to become healthy for Televisa, and was a guest on TDN’s morning show Ponte Fit. She is now a member of the International Women's Forum, Mexican Chapter.

Ale published her first book in November of 2018 and now has a podcast “Presencia Ejecutiva by Ale Marroquín” ?

1. What is your personal story? How have you gotten to where you are today??

I left my home town in Torreón when I graduated from Marketing in 1993 to work in the financial services industry in Mexico City. It was challenging to get a job as a recent graduate but I made my way through successfully, having different leadership roles, especially in the commercial and sales departments. I got married and had two children (now 20 and 21) and never stopped working - although I did slow down in leadership roles to be able to have more time raising my kids. 12 years ago, I decided to quit the financial world and become an entrepreneur. I started my own business where I offer training and consultations on executive presence, communications skills, presentations, leadership and personal branding.?

It has been challenging as a lot of coaches, speakers and leadership consultants became very popular in the last few years, but I can say that I am proud of my business and the unique value proposition I offer as my experience in the corporate world, allows me to offer a more profound and deep understanding to the challenges that professionals encounter. I mostly specialize in corporate professionals but have had the opportunity to work with other industries as the sports TV anchors in Televisa and TUDN.?

2. What do you enjoy most about your job??

I love and am passionate about the transformation process that a professional can go through with the necessary tools that can be used to change behaviours, for the self-discovery process they encounter with my guide to find out that we are 100% responsible and capable of finding solutions to achieve personal and professional goals.

I also enjoy watching people being more present and aware to influence others, transcend and leave a legacy for a better future, community and a better world for new generations.

3. What goals are you pursuing right now? ?

I am now representing a very powerful leadership program that is based in Green Bay, whose main objective is to guide leaders with high potential and purpose to change their mindset and influence teams through adversity. It is more a process than a program and the self-discovery of what people at the top ladder of companies can do to achieve better results to impact all stakeholders.??

I am also seeking to become an independent board member to be of service to small and medium businesses, specifically in the human development and succession plans for leaders.

4. Why should we promote equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace??

I have seen in my past 30 years how challenging it has been for women to be able to break the glass ceiling, to have opportunities in top management and to break with past beliefs that some roles are for men only. I also believe that all people should have opportunities to learn, develop and achieve their goals, no matter their background if only given the opportunity. I firmly believe that companies would gain better perspectives and results if they have more diverse groups.

If we are able to change the culture in which women have been pushed aside due to labels and expectations and promote more women in leadership roles and boards, and with better salaries, it could also impact the economic growth of companies and our countries.?

5. What benefits/opportunities do you think hiring a Latina might bring to an organisation??

Strength, courage, strength and the ability to organize and achieve results. Different perspectives balance the strong need to not only look for economic results but also consider the human aspect. If we can organize a home and make sure things run smoothly in it, find the best resources and network, we definitely can organize an organization in a similar fashion.?

Latinas have an energy that motivates us to achieve goals, which is a driving force, an inspiration and definitely a factor of leading by example for others.

6. Have you ever experienced imposter syndrome? If yes, how did you deal with it???

Yes, I have experienced it many times. Seeking for excellence and perfectionism and also expecting recognition and not receiving it, has made me doubt myself. But I have worked a lot on my self-development, practicing self-compassion and reflecting on the great things I have built in my 30-year career that have allowed me to learn from my mistakes, know that I can always improve, and jump back to move forward.

7. What are your favourite mental health resources and why??

I practice meditation and use the Heartfulness app. I read books and listen to podcasts constantly. Brene Brown, Adam Grant, Simon Sinek, and Nicholas Janni, are some of my favourites. I also do research and ask other people for the best recommendations of new things to read that can inspire my work. Lastly, I have a personal guide/coach that helps me out where some processes cannot be done alone easily.

8. How do you think society has changed and will continue to change under the leadership of women??

It is a great example for future generations. I have a daughter, and setting an example so that she feels inspired and eager to know that if she is hardworking, if she prepares, she can still have a beautiful family like we have and that will not be an obstacle to her success.

In addition, my son will support women by his side, understanding that it is not a competition, but a path that can be done with them without excluding them. Roles can be shared in the family and may no longer be the sole responsibility of women.

Two incomes are needed to be able to have economic stability, education and leisure, so we need more women in leadership to set examples and open the way for future generations of women.

9. Is there a particular female leader that inspired you when you were growing up??

I don′t think there was only one. I have always looked up to my mother, she had 5 children, had a good marriage, and was always working. She is almost 80 and is still working.?

All of the women who have worked their way into leadership roles, having a family, and being autonomous and independent have always been a magnet and inspiration for me. Silvia Dávila from Danone; Sylvia Sánchez Alcantara, independent publicist; Claudia Aguilar, lawyer. There are so many women who inspire me on a daily basis, especially when they collaborate with other women to support their journey.

10. Describe yourself with one book / movie /tv show quote??

Start with Why by Simon Sinek. If you don’t know your purpose, and why you do it, you’ll just spend time circling around without a goal to achieve.

11. Anything additional that you would like the LinkedIn community to know?

I believe it is on us. We are 100% responsible for making things happen. It doesn’t depend on the economy, other people, or circumstances. It is hard, but it is not impossible to pursue what you want if you set your mind to it.