Stephanie Atkinson-Alston‘s professional experience goes above and beyond: she gained it through her training settings in various fields, such as the military, private, and education sectors, and now she’s a coach – not just any coach though, she’s considered ‘The coach of coaches’. “My passion for coaching is in helping others to achieve their goals,” she says.
Who is Dr Stephanie Atkinson-Alston?
I am an unapologetic black and God-fearing woman, an author, a partner, a sister, an aunt, a niece, and a friend. As Dr. Stephanie Atkinson-Alston, I bring over 20 years of experience to coaching that was developed through my service in the military, private, and public education training settings. My passion for coaching is in helping others to achieve their goals through developing robust resources via courageous conversations, meaningful discovery of self, and identifying their purpose. As well as, building communities that make a difference in individuals, cities, and global environments through grassroot progressions that lead to positive impactful actions and change.
You’re passionate about helping others achieve their goals. At what point in your life did you realize this was your purpose? And why?
Yes, I am extremely passionate about helping others achieve their goals. When I was a tween, I realized the significance of helping others through identifying a need. Although I was only about 3 years older than my students, I volunteered to teach the 1st through 3rd grade Sunday school class at my church because they did not have a teacher. I realized then that everyone has a skill or talent that can be developed to assist others. Later, I was able to apply some of those fundamental skills to teaching junior and senior high school intercity kids. My lesson plans contained interactive and engaging inquiries that required the student to provide explanations of their answers. Over time, I came to understand this was critical thinking. I believe that everyone has a skill or talent that can help others.
In response to why, I say why not?
You were named in 2021, top 25 Powerful women to follow by WomELLE magazine. How did that make you feel?
When I receive the communication announcing that I had been selected by WomELLE Magazine as the Top 25 Powerful Women to follow, I was ecstatic and proud. Afterwards, I learned that hundreds of women had been nominated, however I was selected, this made me feel extremely honored and humbled.
What is the most vivid memory from your childhood?
My most vivid memory from my childhood was my interactions with my parents: learning how to cook from my mother and practicing my softball pitching with my dad. My childhood also reminds me of a rainbow. The colors of my childhood rainbow were my neighbors, blue-collar workers, and multi-racial families with a variety of cultures and traditions. The “the pot of gold” under the rainbow was the genuineness to caring for each other.
You have worked in the military. Tell us about that experience and what lessons did you pick up from there?
After 20 years of service in the US Navy and Naval Reserves, I retired. The experiences that I gained became lessons for life. During my service, I was afforded the opportunity to travel nearly around the world, observe and engage in a variety of cultural events and activities. On several occasions I was privileged to live on the economy in Singapore and Korea. While living out on the economy, I participated in the countries’ daily activities of life: shopping, taking public transportation and partaking in culinary delights.
From these life lessons I gained a personal appreciation of diversity and inclusion. As a leader in the military, I was able to place the tools of applying diversity of thoughts and experiences to creatively solve problems and to successfully complete missions. Furthermore, these skills allow me to effectively coach in a variety of industries.
You possess a wide array of skills and knowledge. What skill or skills are you most passionate about?
The skill that I am most passionate about is listening. I breakdown the skill of listening by what is said, who is speaking, in what environment or setting is the statement(s) being made. The breaking down of these elements provides clarity about what is actually being said and aids in not taking things personally.
There’s a particular mindset a woman with varied education like yours and achievements has to have? What is it that makes you unstoppable in all areas of your life?
Yes, I do possess multiple academic degrees and certificates, I believe a mindset of positivity and an attitude of gratitude are imperative for success. Having this mindset along with knowing that there is a process in everything, believing and following the process and asking for help when it is needed.
Over the years, I have come to rest in a self-assurance that “Moving forward each day means that the step you take today maybe half of the steps that you took yesterday. Nevertheless, it is a step forward.”
You have served in top positions in most of the areas of your career from military to academia. What kind of leadership style do you often use? Why?
I apply situational leadership. This is an effective leadership style that uses two behaviors: 1) directive and 2) supportive. These behaviors lead the personnel to accomplish various goals, objectives, and initiatives. Specifically, I assess the details of the task with the personnel’s competency and motivation to complete the task, then appropriately I provide either directing, coaching, supporting, or delegating.
What in your opinion curtails women from taking up positions of power?
In my opinion, women are hesitant about taking up positions of power due to the lack of self-confidence and self-advocacy. As well as the anticipation of not succeeding as a somewhat self-defeating prophecy.
As someone who has served as STEM director, what in your view is the reason why very few girls and women take up STEM subjects? What can be done about it?
In my view, as someone who has served as a STEM director for a community college, few girls or women take up STEM subjects. Women faculty members in STEM disciplines were disproportionately represented. My institution’s faculty mix can be seen at various levels of academia. If our girls and women do not see people who look like them is discouraging.
To increase their awareness and participation, our girls, and women we could offer career days, after school and summer programs, field trips and internships to STEM industries.
You definitely have had a stellar career. What has been the most challenging point? And how did you get yourself out of it?
I would agree that I have had career opportunities that could be defined as stellar. The most challenging point in my career was as a result of a company downsizing, I was terminated from my job. At my wits end, I pondered about what I was going to do. During this time, I was studying to obtain my Bachelor of Science degree with an emphasis in health care management. I recall one of my professors telling the class that everyone should at least once be terminated from their job. At the time, I thought how unimaginable this was, however the professor shared that this would be a test of how you would react. The professor further explained that a person could take one of two options, have a pity party, or hit the pavement and forge to prepare and seek future employment. I chose the latter and completed my degree and obtained a new position with one of the nation’s leading insurance companies.
Your book ‘What they won’t teach you in grad school’ was and is still best seller. What inspired you to write this book?
As the consequence of many years of experiences and observations in the workplace, especially in academia, I wrote What They Won’t Teach You In Grad School. My goal was to provide awareness and potential solutions as how staff could maneuver similar situations. I was inspired to help others advance their careers, provide tips and strategies along with personal reflections that perhaps would lead them to coaching.
‘Trippin on the sofa during the damndemic’ is your new addition and a must read. What inspired you to write it and what should the readers expect from it?
Trippin’ on the Sofa During the Damndemic is a unique diary chronicling some of the events and many of the emotions we all faced during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020. It also touches on many of the other turbulent events of 2020 and how they affected us. A dialogue between two friends via a series of Zoom meetings. It doesn’t dwell on the negativity of the year. Instead, it offers up how resourceful people are by showing the overcoming of numerous obstacles. It reminds us that if we have at least one friend, we are never alone. The power of communicating and support between friends shows that any roadblock is only temporary when approached with a positive attitude and encouragement of others.
You have accomplished quite a lot. Is there something you feel you haven’t done, and if given a chance, you’d jump right in and do it?
At the moment, nothing comes to mind. This is a great question that requires me to ponder on prior to responding. Really gives me something to think about.
Any future plans for Dr. Stephanie Atkinson-Alston?
In the near future, I anticipate spring-boarding and diversifying my coaching practice to include a personal and professional development program.
How do you make time for yourself? And when you do, what do you do with your ‘me’ time?
To show up as my best self and to be present, I have to make time for myself. Thus, I schedule me time where I might not do anything for minutes, take a nap for an hour, walk on the beach, and listen to music (classical, hip-hop, gospel, and jazz).
What in your opinion is the recipe to being a ‘Stellar woman’?
I believe that the recipe to being a “Stellar woman” is:
1/3 cup of a strong and firm foundation,
a place of experiences to build upon,
1/3 cup of a personal conviction to embrace a practice of true integrity to do the right thing even when no one is looking,
and 1/3 cup of continuous effort to improve your call to your vocation.