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 tool
How to structure your story to make it unforgettable
How vulnerability becomes your competitive advantage (and where to draw the line)
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Key Takeaways
Introduction and Book Promotion (00:03 - 05:06)
Leia Harris introduced as a strategic storytelling consultant
Leia's book 'Spark the Stage' became a bestseller
The book focuses on overcoming self-doubt and authentic storytelling
Leia also offers a course called 'Spark the Stage'
The importance of reviews for podcasts and books emphasized
Chef Experience and Personal Growth (05:06 - 11:41)
Leia's background as a private chef for celebrities
The realization that she couldn't build her own empire while working for others
Discovery of the ability to transmit love through food
Understanding of using work as a tool to love people into their highest versions
️ Storytelling Skills and Structure (11:41 - 21:39)
Leia's natural gift for talking and storytelling
Importance of story structure in effective communication
Everyone has a story worth sharing
Personal stories are powerful tools for business transformation
Storytelling as a way to stand out and connect authentically
Authenticity in Public Speaking (21:39 - 30:25)
Importance of showing multiple sides of oneself through various stories
Differentiation comes from personal stories no one else can tell
Application of storytelling in sales and business contexts
Example of Samantha's bullying experience and its impact on her career focus
Finding and Structuring Personal Stories (30:25 - 40:51)
Process of identifying key moments in personal history
Example of a recovering addict's transformative moment in a Carl's Jr. bathroom
Samantha's realization of her 'Carl's Jr. moment' from middle school
Importance of seemingly cliché moments in powerful storytelling
Crafting a Keynote Speech (40:51 - 50:44)
Structuring a keynote using personal story and transformation steps
Example of turning Samantha's experience into a compelling speech opening
Importance of relating personal stories to the audience's needs
Value of using personal crises to help others through shared lessons
About your host: Samantha Fackler is an Executive Leadership Coach and Marketing Advisor who transforms how women entrepreneurs grow a freedom-based business. After scaling 100+ companies over 12+ years with both Fortune 500 companies (think Apple, PayPal, LinkedIn) and early-stage founders, she brings a rare blend of corporate strategy and holistic leadership to help you scale intentionally. Her approach? Building aligned, profitable businesses without the burnout narrative. Because success shouldn't cost you your wellbeing.
Watch: HOW TO SCALE Masterclass Replay (FREE for a limited time)
Free Guide: Common Mistakes Entrepreneurs Make in Marketing (& How to Fix Them)
Join Sam's Mastermind Group for Women Entrepreneurs: Apply here
Connect with Sam:
Instagram: @growwith_sam
TikTok: @sidenotepod
Website: www.growwithsam.com
YouTube: @sidenotepod
Have a transformation story worth sharing? Top-tier women entrepreneurs can apply to be a guest at sidenotepod.com.
Aleya 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.
Website: alayaharris.com
Instagram: @aleyaharris
LinkedIn: Aleya Harris
