19. From Celebrity Chef to Storytelling Guru: Aleya Harris on Owning Your Stage

When Aleya Harris speaks, you can’t help but listen. From her days as a private chef for celebrities to becoming a strategic storytelling consultant, Aleya has transformed countless lives and businesses with the power of authentic narratives. In this episode, she shares how personal stories—even the most painful ones—can be the secret weapon to captivate, inspire, and sell. We dive deep into her bestselling book Spark the Stage, her journey through self-doubt, and her mission to help people own their stage. If you’ve ever felt like your story wasn’t worth telling, this conversation will change your mind—and maybe your life.Our conversation takes an unexpected turn when Aleya coaches me through discovering my own "Carl's Jr. moment" – a pivotal experience that shapes who we become. She demonstrates in real time how to transform challenging memories into powerful speaking opportunities.We dive deep into:Why most corporate presentations fail (and how to fix them)Why storytelling is the ultimate personal branding toolHow to structure your story to make it unforgettableHow vulnerability becomes your competitive advantage (and where to draw the line)Loved this episode? Ready to build with more clarity and calm?Come join the FREE Headquarters Community— a space for women entrepreneurs to grow their businesses and feel supported doing it.We’re hosting the Founder Series this month: a lineup of live calls to help you reset, realign, and rise. All free.➡️ Join Headquarters hereWant more behind-the-scenes insight?I share quick weekly emails from the messy, magical middle of entrepreneurship — including mindset shifts, business lessons, and what I’m learning in real time.Join the newsletterConnect with Sam:Instagram: ⁠⁠@growwith_sam⁠⁠Website:⁠⁠ www.samanthafackler.comYouTube:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @confessions-samantha-facklerBook a call with SamAleya Harris is a transformative force in the world of strategic storytelling and professional speaking. As the founder and CEO of The Evolution Collective Inc. and lead trainer of Spark the Stage™, Aleya combines her experience as a marketing executive and Google Vendor Partner with her passion for helping others find their authentic voice.Book: Spark the Stage: Master the Art of Professional Speaking and Authentic Storytelling to Captivate, Inspire, and Transform Your Audience.Website: alayaharris.com  Instagram: @aleyaharrisLinkedIn: Aleya HarrisMentioned in this episode:Learn more about Focus Pocus: http://samanthafackler.com/focus