Alita Watson - Founder, Alma Leadership

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Work Background

Alma, Transforming Work CultureFounder & CEO

Jan. 2021GlobalAt Alma, our mission is to enhance culture, performance, and operational excellence through embedded coaching and fractional role placement. We specialize in bridging critical gaps during times of rapid growth, organizational change, and reductions in force. We provide a comprehensive range of services, including embedded coach training, placement, and consulting, alongside the expertise of an esteemed Chief of Staff. Our approach is designed to support organizations in navigating complex challenges and achieving sustainable growth while maintaining a healthy, high-performing culture. Whether you’re scaling quickly or restructuring, we offer tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of your leaders, teams, and entire organization. Through strategic coaching and fractional leadership placements, we help build resilient teams, foster effective communication, and ensure a smooth alignment between business objectives and people development. At Alma, we are dedicated to partnering with visionary leaders who care about their people, their business, and the lasting impact they wish to create.

Sonder Inc.Head of Coaching & Culture

Aug. 2017 - Apr. 2023San Francisco Bay AreaAs Head of Coaching & Culture at Sonder, I pioneered a function that helped scale the organization from 150 to 2,500 employees, playing a key role during an IPO, a pandemic, and business model transformations. I adapted to the evolving market, balancing the needs of our clientele and people, and positioned myself as a trusted advisor at all levels—from front-line employees to the C-suite. Key contributions include: Built Culture Infrastructure: Designed innovative leadership programs that empowered leaders to thrive in constant change, addressing challenges like power dynamics, toxic leadership, and confidentiality while driving culture and performance. Strategic Advisor: Worked closely with the CEO and Executive Coach to define internal coaching functions, establishing a transparent, unified approach that fostered effective communication and trust across all levels. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partnered with HRBPs to create HIPO identification systems and coaching tools, leading to a best-in-class coaching program with 80%+ satisfaction. Measured Impact: Utilized cultural engagement surveys to drive continuous improvements in employee experience, engagement, and performance, supporting the company through growth and transformation. Led Change Initiatives: Led DEII, wellbeing, and employee engagement initiatives to enhance organizational effectiveness and talent retention during periods of change. Strengthened Teams: Facilitated team-building workshops that emphasized relational intelligence and psychological safety, ensuring teams stayed aligned and connected, especially in hybrid environments. Coaching at Scale: Delivered various coaching experiences, from 360 assessments to rapid spot coaching, accessible to employees at all levels, fostering leadership development. Celebrated Culture: Contributed to company-wide events and offsites that celebrated Sonder’s people and culture, reinforcing our values and commitment to employees.

Neuberg, Gore & AssociatesSenior Associate & Embedded Coach

Jul. 2017San Francisco Bay AreaI joined NGA as a seasoned executive coach with a proven track-record for transforming start-up businesses into thriving organizations. I bring my expertise in designing leadership programs and building high-performing teams through mentorship and group facilitation. NGA is a boutique executive coaching firm that helps startup CEOs and their leadership teams build the mindsets and leadership skills to scale their companies to 500 people. Past and current clients include: Harry's (CGPs), Earnest (FinTech), Spredfast (SaaS), Casper (consumer), Apteligent (mobile/ dev tools), Maker Studios (MCNs), VSCO (photography), Orbital Insight (satellite imagery), Frank & Oak (clothing), and Glossier (fashion). Our team member's collective coaching experience includes coaching leaders within 100s dozens of startups, the Fortune 500, the US Military, NASA, and even Burning Man. We are passionate about working with the next generation of leaders.

Personal Consultant Business Development Advisor & Coach

Aug. 2012 - Aug. 2017Minneapolis, Minnesota, United StatesBefore stepping into my current role, I spent years working alongside founders, guiding six startups from early-stage growth to established, reputable brands. Each venture brought unique challenges—scaling at speed, navigating uncertainty, and building cultures that could withstand adversity. In these moments, I became a trusted advisor to CEOs and their teams, fostering alignment, resilience, and a leadership approach rooted in humility and optimism. Beyond leadership coaching, I was deeply involved in shaping the operational and cultural backbone of these companies. As an HR Business Partner, I developed onboarding and training programs that didn’t just attract talent but ensured they stayed. I used data-driven insights to refine talent strategies, improve retention, and enhance operational efficiency. My work also extended beyond internal operations—I played a key role in strengthening marketing strategies, improving customer retention, and leading investor relations that secured critical funding. By designing and implementing scalable systems, I helped businesses shift from reactive problem-solving to sustainable growth. This experience laid the foundation for the work I do today—helping organizations and leaders evolve, adapt, and thrive at every stage of their journey.

Smile Network InternationalHead of Global Relations

Oct. 2007 - Jul. 2013Minneapolis, MNPlayed an integral role in building infrastructure in 12 countries worldwide to provide life-changing surgeries to children with debilitating facial deformities. Conducted extensive research on global health epidemics, identifying facilities, contacts, and sources of support to orchestrate campaigns on a global scale. Successfully mediated in-country political conflicts to garner support from health departments, government officials, and facility directors. Spearheaded impactful PR and fundraising campaigns, while overseeing medical teams and engaging with donors. Implemented corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives and established strategic partnerships with major corporations. Through collaborative efforts with national and regional governments, health professionals, NGOs, and diverse donor support, successfully established sustainable conservation and community-based programs in Mexico, Ecuador, Peru, India, and various African countries.

Brilliant Future InternationalFounder

Oct. 2003 - Aug. 2015Tamale GhanaAfter volunteering and teaching reproductive health in the northern region of Ghana, I founded Brilliant Future International—a nonprofit organization with a mission to empower underprivileged young women through education. With a focus on sustainable solutions, I established a strong network of in-country partners and implemented strategies to support 54 students, aged 10-12, in completing their education. It brings me great pride to see many of these students graduate, pursue college degrees, and continue to make a positive impact in their communities. Join me in shaping a brighter future for these remarkable individuals who embody the promise of change.