Alyssa Malpede

Everything You Do Makes a Statement: Leading with Intention, Transparency, and Trust

What was the best piece of advice you received early in your career—and how has it shaped the way you show up today?

One of my favorite professors in college once told us, “Everything you do makes a statement.” That advice has stayed with me and continues to shape both my personal and professional decisions. It’s a reminder that how you show up, communicate, and carry yourself matters—and that intention and accountability apply to everything you do.

What’s a challenge you’ve had to actively work through, and what did it teach you about growth?

Public speaking was a major fear of mine when I was younger. Over time, I intentionally put myself in situations where I needed to speak on behalf of myself, my team, and my company. By consistently stepping into those moments, I learned that confidence is built through exposure—and the more you face the fear, the more it begins to fade.

If you had 100% financial freedom, how would it change the way you approach your work?

It wouldn’t change why I work—but it would change how I work. I would still show up with the same drive, curiosity, and commitment to helping others grow. Purpose doesn’t disappear with financial security; if anything, it becomes clearer.

What would change is the freedom to be more intentional—taking bigger risks, investing more deeply in people, and focusing on long-term impact rather than short-term outcomes.

What core values guide the way you lead and build relationships in your career?

The values that guide the way I lead, create, and do business are openness, honesty, and transparency. I believe how you show up matters just as much as what you deliver. Being clear about who you are, what you stand for, and how you operate builds credibility—and credibility is the foundation of trust.

People don’t just buy a service or a solution; they buy into the person behind it. When someone feels seen, heard, and respected, trust follows naturally. I’ve learned that relationships thrive when expectations are clear, conversations are honest, and integrity is never compromised—even when it’s uncomfortable or inconvenient.

I also believe strongly in empowering choice. I want people to know they always have options, and I never lead with pressure or fear. If someone chooses to work with me, I want it to be because they genuinely trust me—because they believe I’ll advocate for them, tell them the truth, and act in their best interest.

At the end of the day, trust isn’t built through perfection; it’s built through consistency. Leading with transparency allows people to feel confident in the relationship, and that confidence is what creates lasting partnerships, meaningful impact, and sustainable success.

What has leadership taught you about influence, impact, and the responsibility that comes with it?

The most important lesson I’ve learned about leadership is the power of awareness and influence. True leadership starts with being cognizant—reading the room, understanding the people in it, and earning the trust that makes others want to follow you. Not just to follow you, but to grow alongside you—personally and professionally.

I’m inspired when I look at women in business who have used their leadership to positively influence others to chase their dreams. Their stories are a reminder that success often comes down to effort, access to the right resources, and the courage to keep going. Leadership requires conquering our own fears, taking risks, and having the resilience to keep putting one foot in front of the other—even when the path feels uncertain.

What daily ritual helps you stay grounded, focused, and aligned?

Movement is the ritual that keeps me grounded and feeling like myself. Working out—especially running and OrangeTheory Fitness—is essential to my mental health and focus. I’ve run 12 half marathons, and running gives me time to reset, think clearly, and reconnect with my own resilience.

OrangeTheory adds structure, accountability, and community, which helps me stay consistent. When I take care of my body, I show up with more clarity, patience, and energy. This habit keeps me mentally strong, balanced, and aligned—both personally and professionally.

Alyssa Malpede serves as Branch Director and Vice President at Robert Half, a nationally recognized recruiting and executive placement firm responsible for connecting more than two million highly skilled professionals with contract and permanent opportunities across the United States. The firm specializes in placing top talent across key sectors, including finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative support. Each candidate presented to hiring companies undergoes a rigorous three-stage interview and assessment process, ensuring they are thoroughly vetted—saving department leaders valuable time while consistently delivering highly qualified talent.

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