In the realm of media and entrepreneurship, Angel Livas stands as a beacon of inspiration. As the Founder and CEO of the ALIVE Podcast Network, she has dedicated herself to amplifying Black voices and empowering them through a revolutionary application available on iOS and Android. Let’s delve into her journey, motivations, and the remarkable milestones she has achieved.
Angel’s passion for journalism ignited over two decades ago during a high-school assembly featuring a local news anchor. Witnessing the magnetic pull the anchor had on her peers, Angel decided then and there that the world would know her name. Her journey began at Howard University, where she studied Broadcast Journalism and embarked on internships at renowned media outlets such as WHUR-96.3FM and WHUT in Washington, DC.
Angel’s career trajectory includes a moment of adversity that ultimately led to self-discovery. The day she was let go from her “dream job” became a turning point. A conversation with her department boss years earlier resonated, reminding her not to get entangled in a place for longer than intended. A divine message reassured her, setting her on a path of purpose and peace, unknown yet promising. Navigating the business world as a young Black woman presented unique challenges. In a poignant recollection, Angel recounted an encounter at a HUD event where she was the lone Black woman among attendees. A dismissive remark about her education prompted a proud enumeration of her multiple educational accomplishments, silencing skepticism and demanding respect.
Angel Livas has amassed a series of achievements that speak to her resilience and impact. From receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Biden administration to successfully launching the first version of the ALIVE Podcast Network on iOS and Android app stores, her journey has been marked by groundbreaking moments. Notably, she graced the stage for a TEDx Talk in South Lake Tahoe, solidifying her status as a thought leader and influencer.
Balancing Act: The QUIET Method and Work-Life Harmony:
Maintaining a work-life balance is no easy feat, especially for overachieving parents like Angel Livas. In her TEDx Talk in 2021, she unveiled the QUIET method as a guiding principle. Quality over quantity encourages prioritizing meaningful moments over sheer quantity. Understanding advocates for self-compassion and empathetic listening, fostering a supportive environment. Intentional stresses planning and respecting personal commitments with the same diligence as business meetings. Expressing emotions openly and being Transparent about challenges form the core of the QUIET method, creating a healthy work-life harmony.
Angel recognizes the significance of mentors and advisors in personal growth and success. Embracing the idea that it takes a village to groom individuals for success, she expresses profound gratitude to her mentors, whether acknowledged or unknown. Their collective wisdom and guidance have played a pivotal role in shaping her professional path. Early in her entrepreneurial journey, Angel identified a gap in women’s collaboration within the business realm. Realizing that many women operated as solo entrepreneurs, she founded the nonprofit “Woman Behind The Business.” This initiative fosters collaboration, resource-sharing, and the establishment of a sisterhood to ensure sustainability and success, particularly in challenging times.
Diversity and inclusion are not just buzzwords for Angel but the fundamental pillars on which the ALIVE Podcast Network stands. Witnessing disparities between creators who look like her and their counterparts, she created a platform where Black voices can thrive, monetize their content, and retain ownership. The innovative approach of sharing subscription dollars with hosts selected by new subscribers is a game-changer, amplifying Black voices in a central location.
Advice for Young Women in Business:
Angel Livas offers invaluable advice to aspiring young women starting their careers: Start from where you are. Don’t wait for everything to fall into place or for universal support. Recognize the vision and gift within yourself, and take the first step. Your time is now, and the journey unfolds when you embrace the present.
For those seeking resources to advance in their careers, Angel recommends “The Compound Effect” by Darren Hardy and “Your One Word” by Evan Carmichael. These books provide valuable insights into building success and finding one’s purpose.
As a final call to action, Angel invites readers to support women-owned and minority-owned businesses, highlighting the ALIVE Podcast app as an excellent example. By downloading the app, individuals contribute to a platform dedicated to amplifying Black voices, fostering diversity, and promoting inclusivity in the podcasting world.
In the tapestry of Angel Livas’s journey, resilience, determination, and a fervent dedication to amplifying marginalized voices stand as defining threads. Her role as the Founder and CEO of the ALIVE Podcast Network not only showcases her entrepreneurial prowess but also exemplifies a commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in the media realm. Angel’s story is a beacon of inspiration, illustrating that success is not just about personal achievement but also about uplifting others. As she continues to shape the future of podcasting, her legacy serves as a profound inspiration for those aspiring to make a meaningful impact in the dynamic world of business and beyond.