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Aliza Knox has been dubbed “a kick-ass woman slaying the world of tech,” having held leadership positions at some of the most globally dynamic tech companies. Awarded 2020 APAC IT Woman of The Year, she was an integral part of establishing Google APAC, before becoming Head of APAC for Twitter and Cloudflare.
Prior to forging a career in tech, Aliza spent decades as a global finance and consulting executive and is now a Board Director as well as a Senior Advisor for Boston Consulting Group. She is a regular columnist for Forbes, where she shares her wisdom (and humour) to help professionals who dream of “doing it all.”
On 1st April 2022 Aliza’s debut book, Don’t Quit Your Day Job, launched in bookstores Australia wide. Published by Wiley, the book outlines the six essential ‘mindshifts’ you need to rise and thrive in your career whilst finding the right balance to also enjoy your life outside of work, a hot topic when many people are contemplating a job change right now.
Aliza says, “Whether you call it the ‘Great Resignation’ or the ‘Great Reshuffle’, it’s clear that the pandemic has impacted our careers and working lives enormously- and in many cases for the better. People have come to the realisation that they want to reprioritize what they are doing in their personal and professional life; and are seeking ways to create more fulfillment in both areas.”
“One of my biggest motivators for writing the book was to use the learnings I’ve gathered over 40 years of persevering at my career to help people at critical crossroads in their own careers, or to provide the boost or direction they need to make them thrive. To me, that makes everything I stand for feel worthwhile.”
Don’t Quit Your Day Job is unique in its category, as it features a plethora of practical tips and relatable real-life stories from the lives of the dozens of people of all ages and genders that Aliza has mentored over the years, including Suzi Nicoletti, former Head of Twitter ANZ, now head of Yotpo APAC. The book has also been endorsed by the likes of David Thodey, Chair of Xero and Tyro, and Brad Banducci, CEO of Woolworths Group.
Brad says, “When I started my career at BCG 30 years ago, Aliza taught me some of the principles that got me to where I am today. In Don’t Quit your Day Job, you’ll learn them too. Her advice is priceless.”
Some of Aliza’s essential mindshifts for rising and thriving at work are:
Go for both: your work and your life are on the same team. A great example of this is my friend Cindy Carpenter, whom I talk about in chapter 1. She co-founded the successful consulting firm Cast. Outside of work, she was growing increasingly troubled by the plight of refugees in Australia, so she became involved with the non-for-profit Bread & Butter Text
Description automatically generatedProject providing refugees with training and employment pathways. Although Cindy did not throw herself into this cause for attention or for business success, the visibility and praise she received has generated new clients for Cast, including a large corporation interested in investing in social enterprise.
Stamina is a muscle. Build yours! Stamina = perseverance + enthusiasm. Don’t expect your career to be an easy road, or a straightforward journey. Everyone experiences challenges and setbacks from time to time, and having stamina is essential to seeing the bigger picture and rising above the low points. In the book I share real-life examples and practical strategies for dealing with career stumbling blocks, including difficult bosses, unfair dismissals, and feeling like you’re stuck in a job that no longer challenges you or holds your interest.
Connection trumps tech savvy… even in tech. Another term for the strong, trusting relationships that are so important in a career is ‘social capital.’ In chapter 3 I share the story of Rahul and why I offered him a job while we were walking through a revolving door together in Beijing (hint: we formed a bond whilst travelling together). His career is proof that success depends not just on hard work, but also on our ability to build and maintain genuine relationships throughout our career lives.
Aliza says, “My six essential mind shifts when put into practice, will set you up for long-term success and longevity in your career. Although the modern workforce may be changing rapidly, these strategies for rising and thriving are proven, and will stand the test of time. They will also provide you with a road map to excel in your career and love the life you’ve designed at the same time.”
Aliza will donate all her profits from the book to Vital Voices, a non-profit organisation that works to elevate women’s leadership around the world to push for progress.