In this episode of Her Agency, Brandi sits down with Alicia Harris, Group Strategy Director at Translation, to talk about owning your agency, the importance of feedback, and building meaningful mentorship relationships.  Alicia has helped brands like BMW, PepsiCo, and The North Face develop marketing strategies that don’t just look good—they drive real engagement and results. She also gets candid about navigating the industry as a Black woman, the importance of owning your agency, and why strategy is more than just a slide deck—it’s a process that connects storytelling to execution. Beyond her career in strategy, Alicia is also the creator and executive producer of The Invisible Thread, a project that highlights the unseen forces shaping our lives and work. She also gives back by mentoring and serving on the advisory board for AdColor, ensuring that the next generation of strategists and creatives thrive. Tune in to hear real-world insights on strategy, feedback, mentorship, and what it truly takes to make an impact in advertising. KEY POINTS - The importance of strategy for effective creative work  - Alicia's career journey and the role of Group Strategy Director  - The value of having the desire to improve craft constantly  - The importance of mentorship and community - Alicia's approach to building strong relationships - The "through line" strategy from concept to final execution - Supporting the next-generation organization involvement  - The pivotal role of having mentors and seeking opportunities - What’s next for Alicia?  QUOTABLES  "Don't worry about being nice, worry about being respected." – Alicia Harris  "You reap what you sow in terms of leadership. If you don't give back, if you don't pour into others, how do you expect others to give back and really pour into you, or even to be able to attract that type of energy be what you want?" – Alicia Harris  "Don't get so trapped up in other people's brands that you forget your own." – Alicia Harris GUEST RESOURCES  Alicia Harris  IG | @aliciamharris Linkedin | @aliciaalexis  Get In Touch with Brandi Rand! IG | https://www.instagram.com/brandi_rand/  LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandirand/  HER Agency, The Collective Are you a Black woman thriving in advertising or ready to start? Join HER Agency, The Collective—a community designed for you to build, connect, and own your agency with women who share your journey. Let’s have real conversations, elevate our brands, and make space where we belong. Join The Collective Today! Follow Us on IG:  instagram.com/heragencypod/  Her Agency is produced by EPYC Media Network