Conversations with the Inspiring Alice Thacker

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alice Thacker.

Alice, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I grew up in a tiny town in NE Georgia that few have heard of, much less can pronounce. Give it a go: Sautee, Nacoochee. If you giggled somewhere in the middle, then you said it right. After graduating from the University of Georgia, I began working at the Atlanta Ballet. During my time at the ballet, I was an integral part of the development team as a Major Gifts Officer and was given an enormous opportunity to spread my wings and build great relationships. Fundraising is a rewarding experience and allowed me to engage with Atlanta’s amazing philanthropic community and arts leadership. Working with individuals who understand the power the arts play in the community along with helping to bring amazing dance to Atlanta set me on a path to do work that I felt gave back to the community. I left the ballet to be Director of Development for the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre Foundation (now ArtsBridge Foundation) and later moved to Nashville, TN where I led a fundraising team for Nashville Ballet before moving into my current position at You42, Inc. As COO of You42, I see my world of performing arts colliding with technology. You42 is building a distribution platform to better support content creators and the discoverability of their content, and through You42 Productions, we are creating content with a purpose and working towards changing the narrative in entertainment.

Has it been a smooth road?
There are always unexpected bends and bumps in the road along the way, but I welcome them. Challenges are such a wonderful way to learn and to grow. They teach you much more about yourself and your own capabilities. A career on a smooth road is rarely interesting. I went into a completely different field and it opened my eyes to a whole new world of possibilities. Conversely, I was able to bring a fresh perspective to the industry. My experience in non-profit taught is how to wear many hats and to work with very little resources. This is exactly what working with a start-up is all about. If I could tell my younger self anything, it would be to hop lanes and to expose yourself to new and interesting work. You will be well rounded and be able to see a problem from many different sides, making you invaluable to your team. There has been no better time than now to be a woman in business. We have an amazing opportunity to be a leader at the table, or even to build our own tables!! What we do now can change the future of how women are viewed in the workforce and at home. If I could give any advice to younger women, I tell them that if they don’t see a path that fits them either learn how to use a machete and make one or ask for help. There are so many women in the workforce looking to uplift others. Reach out to them, get engage, become part of the conversation.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
My career path has started to look more like a jungle gym than a ladder. I really enjoy and excel in relationship cultivation and management. I truly like building a team and working with external stakeholders who share a common interest in what we are doing. I am most grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given to jump in the deep in and navigate the waters. In my current role as COO, I work closely with my team to make sure that they have the tools and support they need to get their jobs done. Further, I provide leadership and insightful strategy to help the President and CEO navigate the sometimes turbulent waters of the start-up world.

It would be great to hear about any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve used and would recommend to others.
Podcasts are definitely my thing lately so I can listen to them on the go:

To stay informed in MY world: “TechCrunch Startups”

To stay informed on The world: “The Daily”

To stay inspired: “How I Built This”

For Fun: “Armchair Expert”

When I need a kick in the ——: “The Garyvee Audio Experience.”

Contact Info:

• Website: you42.com
• Email: info@you42.com
• Instagram: @you42official
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/You42Official/
• Twitter: @you42official

Image Credit:
Nikhoma Johnson

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