Live with Purpose.
Lead with Heart.
Love Who You Are.
Connect with Alexian
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Welcome Leaders & Future Leaders
Leadership is not one-size-fits all. As leaders, and future leaders, we don’t have all the answers, and we don’t always get it right. Leadership includes expanding horizons, being empathetic, authentic, carrying great responsibility, and being worthy of people’s trust. To be specific, leadership today requires HEART!
Impactful leaders put their people before profit, inspire their teams to be the best version of themselves and practice self-love every step of the way.
Global leadership can be hard, but it doesn’t have to be, especially when leading from the heart! I am an international executive who has spent her career leading teams, building teams, and inspiring teams all with the understanding that we are stronger together, everyone has a story, we are all going through something, and equally important, we are not alone in this life. I believe that leadership today can be better, and I am committed to being a part of that change.
Live with Purpose.
Alexian's Bio
Key Roles and Affiliations:
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Chief Operating Officer, BowerGroupAsia
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International Speaker
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Executive in Residence, Saïd Business School, University of Oxford
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Former Staff, National Security Council,
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Former Staff, The White House
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Former Chief of Staff, BrooksBowerAsia
A global leader, dynamic speaker, and trusted advisor known for her ability to connect across cultures and generations through the power of story.
With a career that spans government, international business, and strategic consulting, Ali has served in numerous leadership roles, including at the White House under Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.
Today, as Chief Operating Officer at BowerGroupAsia, she oversees operational strategy across 26 markets throughout the Asia-Pacific region and Africa.
Ali’s work is deeply rooted in leadership, empowerment, and mental well-being. Whether she’s mentoring the next generation of changemakers or addressing global audiences, she invites others to embrace the HEART within them, through her signature HEART Framework, and to lead lives that are purpose-driven, resilient, and aligned with their truth.
Lead with Heart.
Never ever, never ever, never, never ever did I think that my story would include working for two US Presidents for nearly a decade, that I would become an executive for an international government affairs and public policy firm, or that I would leave the US first the first time with the president of the United States. Why? Because my small-town lens was very limited and I only believed that I could be what I could see.
Add to that, my journey since birth, has not been an easy one. I have known fear at the deepest level. I struggled with imposture syndrome (before I ever knew it was even a real thing). I carried shame for things that I didn’t need to, I believed I had to work harder and longer than others to prove my value. I let others have power over my life that they didn’t deserve.
I know what it’s like to feel disconnected from your voice. To shrink your ideas. To silence your needs. To feel alone. To believe that being strong means never asking for help.
Now, I help individuals, organizations, and corporations reframe and rewrite their story. I speak to inspire, and even mentor others to reclaim their confidence, rebuild the definition of what leadership really means, and reconnect with what really matters (including themselves).
I believe that we can do anything, have anything, be anything – when we believe! And I believe in YOU!
The Why of My Work
Love Who You Are.
With my very limited lens, it took me a very long time to understand just how big the world is, or just how many opportunities exist within it. It took me a long time to find my voice and longer to understand my value. I had a hard time saying no and prioritized almost everyone and everything above myself…. Until one day, at the height of my executive career, it all came crashing down.
In my forties, I began having strokes and was in and out of the hospital. Ironically, the person who believes so strongly in leading from the heart, was diagnosed with a hole in her heart. After a lot tests, many doctors, and the constant stress of will this happen again, the way I look at life changed. I no longer approach things with a ‘I will do it when…’ attitude. I understand that tomorrow is not guaranteed to anyone and that nobody lays on their death bed and says, ‘I really wish I had worked harder.’ I had to practice self-care first by realizing that it wasn’t selfish, then by putting boundaries in place and being willing to walk always from things or people who were no longer in my best interest.
And, like many other moments in my life, I came to realize that I was not alone. Now, it is my mission to inspire students, junior leaders, and more seasoned leaders (like myself) to create the roadmap to ensure they are living with purpose, leading with heart, and able to love the life they lead.
How We Can Work Together
There are so many ways we can work together to create meaningful, lasting impact. Whether through virtual or onsite workshops, retreats, or speaking engagements, each experience is designed to spark reflection, growth, and connection, helping leaders step into their purpose and lead with heart.
Workshops
Small-group spaces for real conversation and genuine growth. These experiences are intentionally designed for leaders and teams who want to feel more connected, to themselves, to one another, and to the purpose that drives their work.
Grounded in The Heart Architecture, these workshops invite participants to explore what it means to lead from a place of authenticity and self-worth. Through reflection, dialogue, and shared experience, leaders rediscover that they are already enough, and that the most powerful leadership begins within.
Speaking & Events
I speak with organizations, schools, and communities about what it means to live with purpose and lead with heart, even when the path isn’t easy. My talks offer a blend of real-world leadership insight and heartfelt storytelling, reminding audiences that leadership isn’t about titles or perfection , it’s about presence, compassion, and courage.
From keynote stages to intimate gatherings, I bring honesty, warmth, and practical tools that help people reconnect with who they are and why they lead.
Popular Keynotes
Inspiring insight. Honest connection. Action that lasts.
Each keynote is rooted in The Heart Architecture model, an approach that helps leaders build a foundation of self-awareness, resilience, and empathy. Participants walk away with a renewed sense of purpose and practical steps to lead more authentically.
The Heart Architecture: Building from Within
This signature talk introduces the core elements of The Heart Architecture — a model for understanding how identity, purpose, and compassion shape the way we lead. Audiences learn how to align who they are with how they lead, and how to build cultures grounded in empathy and trust.
You Are Already Enough
A deeply personal keynote that reminds us that leadership doesn’t begin when we have all the answers, it begins when we recognize our worth. Through story and reflection, this talk invites leaders to release comparison and perfection and to lead from a place of authenticity and self-acceptance.
Live with Purpose. Lead with Heart. Love Who You Are.
An inspiring message on how purpose and compassion can transform the way we live and lead. Audiences are guided to reconnect with their “why,” make decisions from their values, and create impact that feels both meaningful and sustainable.
The Heart of Leadership
This session explores the emotional intelligence and relational depth behind great leadership. It offers a human-centered approach to influence and impact, showing that when we lead with heart, we inspire others to do the same.
Let’s create an experience together that helps your audience reconnect with what truly matters, to live with purpose, lead with heart, and remember they are already enough.
Lessons in Leadership & Loving Yourself (LILLY)
Each week I share weekly Letters to LILLY on LinkedIn. These letters are what I wish someone had shared with me as a young woman starting and navigating a career, and what my seasoned self still needs today. They are gentle reminders that we are not alone, and that our experience, no matter how different, hold common truths.
You are stronger than you know. Keep going. It’s a lesson, not a life sentence.
In addition to my Letters to LILLY, I highlight guest writers.
Email HERE to be a guest writer of your own Letter to LILLY.
My Approach
Empowerment
I provide support & guidance to help you overcome your past and embrace your potential. I know that you have many gifts the world needs, even if you may need to be reminded!
Inspiration
Through authentic leadership and storytelling, I inspire others to believe in themselves, unlock a world of possibilities, and begin turning their dreams into reality.
Transformation
I am dedicated to facilitating personal growth and transformation for people, helping them realize their worth and capabilities.
Impact
My work is centered on creating a positive impact and driving change for people around the world.
The HEART Architecture Horizon • Empathy • Authenticity •Responsibility • Trust
Leadership with HEART is my signature model for leading with vision and humanity. It invites leaders to expand their impact by pairing strategic foresight with personal integrity, creating environments where people and ideas flourish.
At its core, HEART is about more than soft skills. It is a disciplined way of thinking and acting that shapes how we see the future, engage with others, and stay grounded in what matters most.
Horizon
See beyond the moment.
Great leaders look past today’s tasks to imagine tomorrow’s possibilities. Horizon calls you to set goals, scan for opportunity, and inspire others to join a shared vision, while remaining flexible in how you get there.
Empathy
Lead through understanding.
Empathy builds trust and fuels collaboration. It means listening deeply, noticing unspoken needs, and responding with clarity and care so that every voice feels valued and every person feels seen.
Authenticity
Lead as yourself, not as a title.
Authenticity aligns words with actions. It is the courage to bring your full story and values into every decision, creating a culture where others feel free to do the same.
Responsibility
Own the influence you carry.
Responsibility is accountability in action. It requires making ethical choices, following through on commitments, and encouraging shared ownership so that teams succeed together.
Trust
The foundation of lasting impact.
Trust is earned every day through transparency, consistency, and reliability. It empowers people to innovate, take risks, and move boldly toward common goals.
By weaving these elements into daily practice, leaders create organizations and communities where purpose expands, relationships deepen, and sustainable results follow.
Inspiring Others
“Ali joined a group of my seniors at Como Park Senior High School in Saint Paul Public Schools last week and shared her journey in the most genuine way. Anyone that works in an urban high school knows that kids tune out if they don’t think the personal talking to them is being authentic. And let me tell you, every single one of them listened to every word of Ali’s story. EVERY. SINGLE. ONE. I have continued to hear from student who have a different energy around their life after high school and actually starting somewhere. They all mentioned how grateful they were that Ali would share her story and reminded them that they can indeed choose something different. That even though they may have experienced darkness and heartache, they can find a way to choose a light."
- Rebecca Mendoza
President, Minnesota School Counselors Association
“Alexian spoke at our first Alumni Event post Covid. The crowd was mesmerized by her presentation as they related so closely to the content. Afterwards people came up to me and said it was life changing. No better compliment than that.”
- Norwalk Community College Center for Career Development
“On behalf of the Asia School of Business (ASB), I really want to thank you for your support of our students and the school. Your engagement has been amongst the best with regards to our corporate partners. You have been a one-woman gang as far as generating enthusiasm at ASB.”
-Dr. Sean Ferguson,
Asia School of Business in collaboration with MIT Sloan.
“I want to let you know how grateful we are to have had Alexian speak to our Fellows! It was such a vibrant, raw, and inspiring conversation that the Fellows left in awe of the advice they received, and I know they'll be hungry for more events that are at this level of quality and value-add. Please extend our thanks to Alexian for spending her valuable time with us.”
-Public Policy New Voices Program Administrator
“I wanted to share with you how impactful our conversation was to me. I really kept thinking how I could break the cycle and support the women around me! I was not shocked but grateful as my colleagues shared feedback on how I could improve and be a support to them because I was not doing my best. I’m really grateful for that. After listening to your story, you inspired me to be thoughtful on my words and think about forgiveness and comradery and for that I am so thankful."
-Leadership Participant, Malaysia
My New Book... Coming to Shelves Soon!
Part Memoir. Part Leadership Guide. All Heart.
What does it take to rise from a small town with limited exposure to global possibility and become a C-suite executive, international strategist, and travel with world leaders?
Courage. Curiosity. A whole lot of persistence.
And the brave decision to believe that maybe… you were always meant for more.
This book is for the one who doubts her own potential. The one who didn’t grow up with access, networks, or blueprints. The one who dreams quietly and sometimes wonders if she’s dreaming too big.
Inside, you’ll find:
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Honest reflections from my personal and professional path
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Life and leadership lessons shaped by my global experience
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Stories that prove you don’t have to start with everything to become something
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A reminder that where you begin doesn’t define where you can go
Through shared stories, we become more powerful. Through shared wisdom, we become better equipped. And through shared courage, we remember: you are already worthy of the journey.
Fun Facts About Me
My early mornings are sacred, spent in the quiet with my dogs, a hot cup of coffee (or two), my gratitude journal, and simply enjoying the overall stillness of the early morning before the world begins.
I love to travel! Every time I can visit another town, state, or country my lens expands, and I learn something new about history, people, and cultures.
I carry quotes that I love in my purse for days when need a pick-me-up.
I believe in leadership with heart, soft strength, kindness, the value of conversation, and in creating the kind of space that builds community.
My Favorite Book:
Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes
Three Places I’ve Traveled that I Love:
Phuket, Thailand; Vienna Austria; and New York City
A Quote I Come Back to Often:
“Never be a prisoner of your past, it was just a lesson, not a life sentence.”
You Belong Here
Whether you are discovering your path, stepping into new leadership, or designing your next chapter,
this is where your next level begins.
Let's Connect!
You do not have to have every detail figured out to begin.
Whether you are exploring speakers for your next event, workshops or simply curious about your next steps, I would love to hear from you.
Together we can design the right path, one that reflects your purpose, strengthens your leadership, and creates lasting impact.
Ways to Start the Conversation:
Book Me for a Workshop or Speaking
Follow Me on LinkedIn for Letters to LILLY
Something Else? Submit this Form.
This is your invitation to take the next step with confidence. I cannot wait to connect and explore what we can build together.