Leadership doesn’t begin with fitting in.
It begins with owning who you are.

Recently, I had the pleasure of joining Leslie Mathis on the Multifamily Streamlined podcast for an episode titled:

“Own It or Stay Small – International Keynote Speaker and Inclusion Superwoman, Alycia Anderson.”

Leslie and I had a powerful conversation about identity, leadership, disability inclusion, and the journey that led me from the multifamily industry to the global speaking stage.

Because before I became a keynote speaker, my professional roots were built in the multifamily world.

My Multifamily Roots

Many people know me today as a keynote speaker and founder of The Alycia Anderson Company, but my career path didn’t begin on a stage.

I spent years working in the multifamily technology industry, eventually serving as Vice President of Sales for a multifamily SaaS company. Those experiences shaped my leadership style and gave me a deep appreciation for the people and professionals who make this industry thrive.

Talking with Leslie felt like coming home in many ways. We both share a deep understanding of the multifamily community and the incredible resilience and leadership within it.

During our conversation, we talked about the “breadcrumbs” that led me to the stage—the moments in my life and career that slowly revealed my purpose: helping organizations understand the power of inclusion and the leadership potential within lived experience.

The Story Behind The Alycia Anderson Company

On the podcast, I also shared the origin story behind The Alycia Anderson Company.

I founded my company to help leaders and organizations create workplaces where people don’t just fit in—they belong.

Through keynotes, training, and leadership development, my work focuses on:

• Disability inclusion and accessibility
• Leadership and career empowerment
• Belonging in the workplace
• Turning lived experience into leadership strength

At the core of everything I teach is a simple truth:
The very thing the world once told you to hide may be your greatest leadership advantage.

Growing Up “Watched”

As a lifelong wheelchair user, I grew up navigating spaces that were not always designed for people like me.

One phrase I shared on the podcast is that I often felt “watched.”

Not necessarily in a negative way—but in a way that constantly reminded me I was different in environments that weren’t built with disability in mind.

Those experiences shaped my resilience, my voice, and ultimately my purpose. Over time, I realized that embracing my identity was not something to minimize—it was something to lead with.

That realization became the foundation of my leadership framework:

OWN IT: Embrace, Elevate, Empower

This philosophy encourages people to embrace who they are, elevate their voice and leadership, and empower others to do the same.

The Power of a Fierce Ally

Another meaningful part of the conversation was sharing the role my twin sister has played in my life.

She has been my lifelong ally, champion, and partner in navigating a world that often underestimated what disability could achieve.

Our relationship taught me early on that allyship changes everything. When people stand beside you, believe in your potential, and advocate alongside you, it creates space for growth, courage, and possibility.

Today, I often speak about the importance of building that same culture of allyship in workplaces and communities.

Why Disability Bridges the Inclusion Conversation

Something I always emphasize in my work—and that we discussed in the episode—is that disability is one of the most universal diversity conversations.

Disability can touch anyone, at any stage of life.

When organizations begin thinking about accessibility and disability inclusion, they often discover that the solutions they create benefit everyone.

That’s why I believe disability is often the bridge that helps organizations understand inclusion more deeply.

Reflecting on EmpowHER Austin

Leslie and I also talked about EmpowHER Austin, a conference focused on empowering women in the multifamily industry.

I had the opportunity to deliver my keynote “OWN IT: Embrace, Elevate & Empower” to an incredible audience of multifamily professionals.

Standing on that stage was a full-circle moment for me. Years ago, I was building my career within this industry. Returning now as a keynote speaker—sharing my story and leadership framework—was incredibly meaningful.

The energy in the room was powerful. Women supporting women, leaders stepping into their voices, and a community committed to growing together.

Those are the spaces where real leadership transformation happens.

Small Brave Moments Change Everything

One of the biggest themes Leslie and I talked about is that change rarely comes from one big dramatic moment.

Instead, it happens through small brave moments.

Moments like:

• Speaking up when something isn’t accessible
• Advocating for yourself or someone else
• Challenging assumptions
• Choosing authenticity over comfort

Those moments add up. And over time, they create extraordinary change.

Listen to the Episode

If you’d like to hear the full conversation, you can listen here:

🎧 Listen on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2LQrmPpgtuH4WaRcBcOct6

Keep Pushing Forward

Conversations like this remind me how powerful it is when we share our stories openly.

When we embrace who we are and use our lived experiences to lead, we create workplaces, communities, and industries where people can truly belong.

Because when we own who we are, we don’t just grow—we help others rise too.