Alicia Lyttle
Founder, Coach, International Speaker, and Trainer
Alicia Lyttle, Founder, Coach, International Speaker, and Trainer.
With over twenty years’ experience, entrepreneur and international speaker, Alicia Lyttle, is coaching future marketing talent in Jamaica and around the world. Having worked at organisations including The White House, The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), and in the City of New Orleans Mayor’s Office. Alicia has crafted a successful marketing career, and is giving back to Jamaica, while she continues to grow her brands, including her digital marketing agency, Pow Social.
You were born in America to a Jamaican father, who was born in Kingston and grew up in May Pen, and a Guyanese mother. Tell us about your love of Jamaica and your early years visiting the island.
Growing up, we had an amazing experience with Jamaica because we would visit the island every summer. We would stay at resorts, but we would also visit my grandfather who lived on a farm, where he had cows, goats, chickens, and plenty of fresh food. Our grandfather was also a business owner, so I learned a lot about entrepreneurship from him.
I love the fact that you are training future Jamaican marketers to realise their potential and to leverage the internet to build their brands. Tell us how these sessions came about?
I launched my business in Jamaica in 2010. My sister and I were invited to speak at Jamaica’s first ever internet marketing conference. We realised that the people of Jamaica really needed what we were teaching, how to start an online business, and how to be your own boss. So, we came back, hosted more events, and invited people to come and learn from us.
You’ve said that “It’s your responsibility to take yourself to the next level”, which I agree with. How do you measure success?
First, I make sure that I’m thinking big, and I never share my big goals with small minds. That’s what I teach people all the time. And in measuring success, I look at the goal that I’ve set and how I’ve reached the goal, then I take that goal and that achievement, and I set another goal that’s even higher than the last one. One of the most important things I’ve found on the journey to success, is celebrating when you do reach your goals.
What are your thoughts on collaborations?
Collaborations are the easiest way to achieve the goals that you desire. One of my goals is to teach one hundred thousand Jamaicans how to create and launch their own online business and be financially free as an entrepreneur. To achieve my goal, I’ve been collaborating with other business partners, including Heart Trust, and The NCB Foundation.
You’ve lived between America and Jamaica and have travelled the world to places such as Singapore, China, Australia, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and South Africa. What have you learned from each of these countries that has guided your career?
I have deep respect for different countries and cultures. I have the opportunity of being able to teach people anywhere in the world. Travelling enables me to have a different level of understanding of people.
Every year, thousands of Jamaicans leave the island seeking better opportunities. How can Jamaica retain its creative talent so that the island can benefit from The Orange (creative) Economy, worth trillions to the world and is the fourth largest growing economy?
We need to get the word out into the communities. All of us need to tell the Jamaican people about the many opportunities out there. Working in the global creative economy is open to all through the internet.
As you grow your brands, what do you hope for the future talent of Jamaica?
My hope for the youth of Jamaica is that they embrace new technology and learn how to monetize it. Instead of spending their time scrolling through TikTok, they should look at how they can start a business and utilize it. Also, to embrace online learning to keep updated on what’s happening in the world.
Are there any new projects you would like to share?
There’s always a new project in my life. I’m working on a new course right now and I’m getting ready to go speak at another event.
Interview by: Sherry Collins
