Alicia S.

About Alicia S.

SENIOR LEADERSHIP AND OPERATIONS EXECUTIVEAlicia Sokol is an accomplished senior executive and business entrepreneur with 25+ years experience in leadership development, business strategy, financial forecasting and strategy, business and people operations, and culture development in diverse environments including agency, association, non-profit, and local small business settings. She leverages deep experience in strategic planning, financial planning, creating thoughtful operations systems and processes, building strong teams, and learning and development of key talent to drive impactful initiatives and optimize performance capabilities. She champions a growth mindset, thriving in challenging environments with innovative ideas, enthusiasm, and unconventional solutions. Alicia has spent the last 8+ years as a small business owner in NW DC. She sold her wildly successful fitness studio in 2023, and now provides operations support to other business owners. Before she opened her studio, she spent more than 15 years working in corporate communications and public relations in health/wellness. She holds an undergraduate degree in finance and a master\'s degree in public health with a concentration in health promotion and disease prevention.PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS* Leadership Development* Strategic Planning * Business Operations - Design + Execution * Financial Forecasting* Culture Development + Employee Engagement* Relationship Management + Client Success NOTEWORTHY* Built and led team at top performing, profitable barre3 studio * Keynote Speaker, barre3® National Owner’s Summit Conference* Franchise Advisory Committee Member, barre3® (peer-nominated)* Guest speaker at various business schools, including Stanford Graduate School of Business, Georgetown University McDonough School of Business, and George Washington University* Member, Entrepreneur Organization (EO DC Chapter)* Board Member, Entrepreneur Organization (EO DC Chapter)- Learning Chair (2021-22), Membership Chair (2024-25), Accelerator Co-Chair (2025-26)

Experience

1. Chief Operations Alchemist

   The Operations Alchemist

   Apr 2024 — Present · Washington, DC, US

   The Operations Alchemist helps businesses do what they do.better. We understand how daunting it can be to navigate the complexities of business operations. From documenting and streamlining processes, to setting up effective meeting rhythms, to creating structure to deliver results, and leading an intentional team culture, our proven systems bring clarity and order. We have guided multiple organizations toward more systematic, efficient operations, leading to remarkable growth and satisfaction.We begin by identifying goals and obstacles in your operations. Together, we create customized systems for growth. You bring an open mind; we bring empathy and accountability. Our services include one-on-one leadership coaching, operations auditing, new system builds, fractional COO services, and exit planning.

Education

• DePaul University

  Bachelor of Science - BS, Finance, General

• Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine

  MPH, Public Health

  2002 — 2005

• Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine

  Master of Public Health - MPH, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention

• DePaul University

  BS, Finance

  1991 — 1995

Skills

• Social Networking
• Social Media Marketing
• Integrated Marketing
• New Media
• Strategic Communications
• Copy Editing
• Public Affairs
• Public Policy
• Press Releases
• Corporate Communications
• Public Speaking
• Policy Analysis
• Speech Writing
• Blogging
• Grant Writing
• Editing
• Nonprofits
• Healthcare
• Fundraising
• Marketing Strategy
• Writing
• International Relations
• Public Relations
• Internal Communications
• Non-Profits
• Media Relations
• Community Outreach
• Community Development
• Message Development
• Strategic Planning
• Newsletters
• Social Media
• Publications
• Reputation Management
• Copywriting
• Journalism
• Politics
• Event Planning
• Event Management
• Crisis Communications