There is Power in Who You Are!
“I saw the wonderful work that Alissa does, and I knew that was who I wanted to take my pictures.”
It was such a privilege to photograph Lori Waldon, President and General Manager of KOAT TV, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She shared the joy and the lessons of her non-linear journey.
“Some of the best teachers I’ve had on my journey were the obstacles I encountered. The worst bosses I’ve had actually taught me so much. When I worked for them, I vowed. ‘I’ll never do what they do. I won’t treat people badly.’ And often during those tough times, those bad bosses indirectly showed me what I was made of.
You know the saying, “You may have plans for life, but life has plans for you”? It’s true. My journey has not been linear, and it’s not always been the path I was expecting. In my early twenties, my career path went completely off track. But I ended up taking another path, and it was so much better than I could have ever imagined.
Growing up, my mom gave me great advice. When I was in the second grade, she said, ”Speak Up. Don’t be afraid.” So many times, I’ve been “an-only”. As in the only one who looks like me. In my neighborhood. My classrooms. In editorial meetings. In board meetings. And even sitting at the head of the table. Growing up, I wanted to try to fit in. But as I rose in my career, I learned to use my voice.
Use your voice. Speak up! There’s power in who you are.
Some days, when I am tired of wearing armor, I remind myself that armor makes you strong. I wouldn't trade a single moment of this journey for anything in the world. It brought me to this position.
I love broadcasting and impactful journalism. I love leading people, managing people, and building teams. I was inspired by a saying: When climbing a mountain, a good boss says ‘Go!’ A great boss says, ‘Let’s go!’ They get their whole team to the mountaintop together. That is how I like to lead. And while I’m very competitive, I also believe there’s a right way to win. I am proud of the awards we’ve won because it was a team effort.
“I was thinking about getting new headshots. I really hate having my picture taken. But I saw some of Alissa’s work. And I knew, ‘THIS is the woman I want to do my headshots. I just have to figure out how to get to her – from Albuquerque!
Alissa is incredible and she works magic. I’ll never forget when we were done and Alissa told me to step around the camera and look at the photos she took. I got tears in my eyes. She captured who I am! I knew she was the best photographer for me!”