Laila Ali’s ‘Career Champ’ Strategy for Conquering Do-Overs & Setbacks
In the name of keeping it real, 2020 BlogHer Creator Summit moderator Julie Chang revealed the yoga pants under her bright pink dress while chatting with “Career Champ” Laila Ali. The challenges of this year have impacted nearly every part of our lives—WFH wardrobe included—but more importantly, our mental health in the workplace and beyond.
Despite those setbacks, Ali told Chang she believes “everything happens as it’s supposed to.” Instead, she’s continuing to focus on the silver lining. “I really focus more on that than the negative side,” she added. Ali also noted the importance of this outlook as a business owner, especially while navigating unexpected events like, um, a global pandemic.
“You want to be smart, you want to make sure you’re making moves, you’re planning for the future and you’re trying to change your business with the times, but not in a flurry, stressful, wired way because that never helps anything. I just say ‘it’s all good’, ‘everything will pan out’ and ‘everything will happen as it’s supposed to.’”
Of course, some things are easier said than done, but for those struggling to get back on their feet, Ali recommends starting with a simple strategy. Whether you’re a mom, a content creator, or entrepreneur, the best way to start (or restart) is with a pad and paper, listing all ideas—even the ones you may be nervous about. In other words, now is the time to make short- and long-term plans that you can start acting on now.
Above all, Ali urged everyone to stay positive and continue forward movement at any point of transition. “Just because you might have lost your job, don’t get stuck in that place. Don’t get stuck in a negative mindset that things can’t get better. Just get online. A lot of people are still hiring, so you just have to keep a positive attitude.”
Through her lifestyle brand, Laila Ali Lifestyle, Ali is incredibly passionate about living out her advice and simply encouraging people to be the best versions of themselves. Given her many business ventures, she counts herself as her most valuable investment and recommends others do the same. To that same point, remember that developing a mindset free of outside opinions doesn’t happen overnight.
“I will always bet on me because I know that I’m going to do the work that it takes—I’m gonna stay committed, I have the passion, I have the authenticity; all of that is there, so I’m not gonna wait for other people to believe in my dream or my goal.”
As a mother, Ali is teaching these same lessons to her children in addition to the work of the Black Lives Matter movement. “I don’t go into my life thinking ‘Life is going to be so much harder for me because I’m Black.’ or ‘Life is going to be so much harder for me because I’m a Black woman.’ and I don’t want to raise my kids that way.”
Today, she’s working toward the balance of educating her kids on racism, while also not making them feel negative or held back in any way. “It’s about that balance of letting them know there are some crazy people out there that got things mixed up and they may think this about you, but we know that’s not true. So it’s the way that I position it…Don’t be a victim, be victorious.”
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About Laila ali
A recognizable and trusted figure whose name and likeness packs a powerful punch, Laila has been an endorser for major brands such as Subway, Kohl’s and T.J. Maxx. Carefully building a successful branding and licensing empire, (a former owner and operator of a successful nail salon in southern California) Laila rolled out a signature line of hair styling tools with Hot Tools, a brand subsidiary of hair care powerhouse, Helen of Troy. She is also a major supporter of charitable organizations such as Feeding America and Peace 4 Kids.She is also quite proud of the work she has done on behalf of the American Dental Association to create oral health awareness for children.
Always eager to encourage others to live an active lifestyle, Laila Ali was the 2012 “Mombassador” for the Aquaphor New York City Triathlon, a competition she actually participated in and completed impressively in a little more than 3 hours. Also because of her passion for an active lifestyle and wanting to share this with all her followers, she started her own lifestyle blog “Laila Ali Lifestyle,” where she regularly posts workouts tips, recipes, DIY ideas, marriage and family tips, and so much more!
Laila Ali is a sought after inspirational speaker and author of her life’s story in a dynamic book for young women entitled “Reach!” Laila studied business management at Santa Monica College. She and her husband, former NFL star Curtis Conway, live in Los Angeles, with their two children, son Curtis Jr., and daughter Sydney.
About julie chang
Julie Chang is an Emmy nominated TV journalist who has covered some of the biggest entertainment stories including 8 Oscars! Julie is also passionate about the environment. She is working with Sealegacy’s latest venture @OnlyOne to spark awareness and conservation action. Julie is also a brain tumor survivor. Doctors once told her that it would be “very difficult” to have kids. Her body proved otherwise. She is now a wife and mom of two kids. The harrowing ordeal left a lasting impression on Julie on just how valuable time is…so, she created 940! A platform/TV series that sheds light on how to make time matter for people who matter. How to connect on a deep level as a family and beyond. Julie resides in Marina Del Rey where she can often be seen on the beach that saved her life.
About Jordan D’Addio
Jordan D’Addio is a Community Contributor for SHE Media. In May 2020, she graduated from Hamilton College with a degree in neuroscience and minors in government and creative writing. Jordan is currently seeking a full-time job opportunity, and in her free time, she enjoys running and playing board games with her family. Follow her on Twitter @jordan_daddio.