Dr. Alise Cortez is a celebrated organizational psychologist, author, speaker, and purpose coach who has dedicated her life to helping individuals and organizations unlock their true potential. With her work spanning leadership development, speaking engagements, podcasts, and now the launch of the Gusto Now Academy, Alise continues to inspire people worldwide to embrace purpose, passion, and authenticity in their personal and professional lives. Humans of Fuzia is proud to feature her story as part of our mission to showcase voices that uplift, empower, and create real impact. With an audience of 5 million strong, we believe that sharing stories like Alise’s encourages both women and men to support each other in the journey of growth—true to our vision of He for She and She for She.
Q: Can you tell us about your current focus and the work you are most passionate about?
Alise: My main focus right now is Gusto Now, which is all about developing leaders and creating what I call “Cultures of Gusto.” It’s a human and organizational transformation practice. We’ve recently launched the Gusto Now Academy, an online platform with nine learning streams. Some are designed for managers, leaders, and executives, while others help individuals—whether youth, professionals in transition, or those looking to reconnect with their purpose—awaken to their higher potential. This work represents the very best of what I’ve been able to create in my life so far.
Q: You’ve worn many hats—author, speaker, podcaster. What drives you to keep building and creating?
Alise: I love delivering messages that touch hearts and souls. Speaking at conferences and keynotes is especially fulfilling because it allows me to connect deeply with audiences. I’ve also hosted a podcast for over 10 years and written five books, with plans to write at least five more in the next five years. All of this is driven by a desire to inspire people to live fuller, more meaningful lives.
Q: Many entrepreneurs struggle with getting clients in the beginning. How have you approached this challenge?
Alise: It’s definitely one of the hardest parts of entrepreneurship. For me, the most effective way has been speaking. When I deliver a message that resonates, people feel connected to me, and it often leads to opportunities faster than traditional advertising. Referrals have also been a major source—when you do good work, happy clients naturally connect you with others.
Q: What advice would you give to women in our community who are just starting their entrepreneurial journey?
Alise: My advice is: Don’t go it alone. Enroll the people in your life who already believe in you. Ask them to introduce you to others who may be interested in your work. It’s not a solo journey—you need a village. Having 5, 10, or 20 people who can help socialize what you’re doing can make all the difference in launching and sustaining a business.
Q: How do you define success for yourself?
Alise: Success, to me, is not just a bank account. It’s about living a big, full life across all aspects of well-being: health, relationships, spirituality, adventure, professional fulfillment, financial strength, and the ability to give back. If all of those elements are in place, that’s true success.
Q: What philosophy guides your work and life?
Alise: I believe deeply in the wonder, power, and nobility of work. Work should be more than just a four-letter word. It’s a powerful vehicle for realizing our potential, serving others, and making a meaningful difference in the world. I want to see more people—especially women—embrace entrepreneurship as a way to express what they care about most and lift others in the process.
“Work is one of the greatest avenues we have to express our purpose, serve others, and create a legacy we can be proud of.” – Alise Cortez
Connect with Alise Cortez
You can connect with Alise on LinkedIn.
Want to be featured?
If you’d like to be featured in the Humans of Fuzia series, email us at fuziatalent@fuzia.com.
