WIZE Woman of Impact - Alice Emerson

Meet Alice Emerson

Zscaler Regional Sales Director

1. What's the one experience that helped you grow the most?

Becoming a mom (Ella, 4 yrs, Carter, 2 yrs, Brooke, 5 mos) helped me grow both professionally and, of course, personally. Aside from the obvious need to improve my multitasking abilities (absolutely required with three young children), I learned the importance of setting boundaries, being purposeful with my time, having a renewed dedication to learning, and operating with higher resilience under pressure. Along with all of the changes that come with motherhood, I felt more empowered to embrace new challenges/change in my professional career. I left a successful 7.5 years with ADP to join Zscaler only 6 months after having our first child and, after having our second child, was promoted into ZS leadership. Being a working mom isn't easy and has also come with its own failures, but the growth that came as a result is invaluable.

2. If you could go back in time, what would you tell your younger self?

Control the controllables in life, but don't be afraid to take a different path if you don't see fulfillment in something that you can't control. I remember the feeling of stress and chaos that I felt early in my career when pressure mounted and I wish I could have applied that sooner. I ended up making significant changes to my personal and professional life along the way and, while uncomfortable in the moment, had outcomes that drove me forward.

3. What has been most impactful during your career journey?

Having incredible mentors. Surrounding myself with really smart people in my career that can provide a different perspective, alternative ideas to how to solve problems, connect me with other really smart people, push me out of my comfort zone and truly care about my success has been incredibly impactful (and appreciated!). I also enjoy the opportunity to be a mentor to others and will learn so much from those relationships too.

4. How does wellbeing fit into your notion of success?

First off, I believe that you do need to put your own oxygen mask on before attempting to help others. While I've continuously prioritized my mental health, I did fall victim to deprioritizing my physical health upon becoming a mother. However, after having my third child, I changed my approach and hired a personal trainer that specializes in athletes and moms. The healthy habit of working out purposefully twice a week have also compounded other positive habits (healthier eating, more engaged playing with the kids, drinking more water & less red wine). I believe that I can only be my best self and maximize success if I prioritize wellbeing.

5. If you could pick one person who has been influential in your life, who would it be? Why?

My husband, David. He's an incredible father to our children, he supports (and pushes) my personal and professional growth, and is my partner in life. He's taught me (and continues to teach me) the value in taking calculated risks, keeping an open mind, problem solving, and being action-oriented. Professionally, he also provided me with the opportunity to learn secondhand from his journey in entrepreneurship. Early in our relationship, he left his corporate advertising job to create his own business and, although that business didn't take off, he took the opportunity to learn from the failure and applied those lessons to ultimately create a successful business (which he recently sold).

6. What is a quote you live by?

"The temptation to quit will be greatest just before you're about to succeed"

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.