Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Ally Powell-Hicks.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Dr. Ally. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
There are so many different parts of this story I can tell. I feel your readers want to know more about the parts I had control over. We don’t control who we are born to or the innate abilities the universe bestows. We control our ideas, how we organize them, and how we apply them to the issues with our chosen audience. In true millennial fashion, I don’t do just one thing. I founded a consulting firm, The Doux Consulting Group, throw workshops and events, coach clients, and am a frequent guest expert on television shows, podcasts, and radio. One of the first stones on my path was completing my Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Health. Getting this degree gave me the rare opportunity to experience other humans in a way very few of us are able to. I began to see how similar we all were. How we had similar strivings and desires but maintained the belief that we were all very alone and uncommon. In an attempt to educate as many people as possible about mental health and our fundamental connectedness I began speaking in media starting on the Mo’ Kelly show on KFI Am 640. Since I’ve been seen on NBC, OWN, Dash radio, and several other media outlets. Throughout my experience in the world of mental health I also got to see human behavior is shaped and shifted through appearance and experience.
For example, I worked with two very similar groups of patients in very different environments. These were both groups that were in fully locked facilities. Both groups had what we call high acuity and many from these groups had been hospitalized for many many years. One key difference was the facility. The colors on the wall, the type of flooring, the temperature in the rooms, the food served, the pleasantness of the staff. I learned that each of these factors shaped the perception of my clients and all impacted the way they behaved and even in some cases their outcomes. This gave me some hands-on knowledge that I adapted into my understanding of how to develop brands as experiences. You don’t just look at a Coke ad you experience it. Every aspect of that ad shapes your perception and I began using my understanding of human behavior, behavior change, and neuroscience to help companies develop authentic meaningful brands. Who knows where I’ll end up in the next few years but hopefully making someone’s life more creative, full of knowledge, and more beautiful.
Has it been a smooth road?
Honestly, I’m having a hard time with this one. I don’t focus on struggles for very long. I solve them, attempt to internalize the lesson, then I tend to forget the negative experience. One lesson I’ve held very close to is there is really no such thing as starting over. You are never in the same spot as you were before so you are always coming from a better position with more information, connections, and experience. This comes from the fact that my current consulting business is by no means my first foray into entrepreneurship. I have had other businesses some with partners and some without that didn’t work out for one reason or another. Rather than holding onto feelings of failure or rejection I simply took lessons from each experience, failed fast, and applied the good parts to a new business.
There are no smooth roads. There are always rough spots. It’s not about avoiding all potholes but learning what to do when you hit one.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I do a few different things, I simply must keep my career eclectic and dynamic at all times! I founded a brand consulting firm, The Doux Consulting Group. It is dedicated to making the world more beautiful one client at a time. In attempting to do this, I brand clients and it’s all about creating a meaningful narrative that aligns with the client’s personal or corporate ethos. As a Brand Architect and Mental Health Expert, I integrate my knowledge of human behavior, neuroscience, aesthetics, and branding to structure the perception base for a company or help individual clients tap into who they actually are. In practical terms, I help clients shape the perception base for their brands, things like websites, social media pages, events, books, and book covers, basically anything a client may see. I make it beautiful daahling!
I also have a strong love in mental health and do my best to bring evidence-based information to people who need it via media. Hence, my work in radio, podcasts, television, and an assortment of blogs. I’ve been seen on Access Live on NBC, Family or Fiance on OWN, on KFI AM 640’s the Mo’ Kelly Show and a podcast on Dash. I do everything I can to make sure people have the tools they need to live their best lives.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
In an ever-flattening increasingly global world, almost any city can be a good city, particularly in the consulting space. I would tell someone starting in consulting to develop their client facing touchpoints (social media, website…etc.) so clients from around the globe have access to their services. In my opinion, new consulting firms no longer need a brick and mortar location. Invest a great carry on bag, a great compact computer, and be ready to hit the road. Consulting is about travel but some clients are comfortable meeting primarily via video chat, but not all. So, be flexible.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.allycinhicks.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @allycinhicks
- Twitter: @allycinhicks
Image Credit:
Photo was taken by Giovanni Ferdinand (Dr. Ally setting up for NBC Jesus Christ Super Star, on location, event in Los Angels, CA)
Photo taken by Ashlyn Ayers (On set at NBC’s Access Live)
Photo taken by unknown (on set at NBC’s Access Live)
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