By Emily White
The award-winning marketer, bestselling author, and “Leave Your Mark” podcast host has an extremely busy schedule. Here’s how she unwinds in the Hamptons.
9 a.m. Run to Sagaponack General Store
10:45 a.m. SoulCycle at The Barn
1:30 p.m. Hit Round Swamp Farm
2:30 p.m. T.J. Maxx moment
5 p.m. Happy hour at home!
6:30 p.m. Dinner in Sag Harbor
8:30 p.m. Sunset drives
Aliza, how did you get your start in marketing and brand building?
I wish I could say I had a plan, but I started as a pre-med student and made a last-minute pivot. I landed an internship in magazine editorial, which led me into fashion PR in the late 1990s. Working at Donna Karan and later under LVMH was a masterclass in brand building. I learned how brands create awareness, stay relevant, and evolve without losing their identity. In 2009, I launched DKNY PR Girl on Twitter, an anonymous voice that gave people a behind-the-scenes look at the fashion world. It became one of the first branded social media personalities and opened the door to everything I’ve done since. That led to my first book, Leave Your Mark—which I describe as The Devil Wears Prada meets career advice—and then On Brand, which distills everything I’ve learned about personal branding from luxury fashion to digital storytelling.
What is your No. 1 tip for someone looking to grow their personal brand?
Know who you are, and make sure how you show up reflects that. Start by defining your North Star goal. What do you want to be known for? Then set brand guardrails so everything you say and do supports that goal. Your brand should reflect your values, expertise, and unique perspective. And here’s the gut check: Does how you think you’re perceived match how others actually see you? Your online presence should be aligned with the real-life you. The magic of a strong personal brand is when your name gets mentioned in rooms you’re not in and you’re recommended for opportunities other people haven’t even heard of yet. It sets you apart, opens doors, and secures your professional longevity. What you do today might not be what you do tomorrow, but your reputation stays with you.
You’re the host of the “Leave Your Mark” podcast. Tell us about it!
I launched the “Leave Your Mark” podcast in 2019 as an extension of my book by the same name. The cover features a coffee cup with a red lipstick stain, so the tagline is “Freshly Brewed Career Advice.” Every Wednesday, I host honest, tactical conversations with dynamic guests—real people doing incredible things and sharing practical tips anyone can use, no matter the industry. I also started doing solo episodes to dive deeper into topics I care about and offer more direct advice. I’m proud that the show is now part of the Money News Network, the No. 1 business podcast network.
Why is the Hamptons a good place for someone to market a brand?
The Hamptons is a marketer’s dream in the summer. You’ve got a concentrated, influential audience that’s relaxed, present, and open to discovering new things. It’s the perfect place to create meaningful, memorable brand moments. Whether it’s a pop-up, a wellness event, or a collaboration with a local favorite, the setting allows brands to show up in a way that feels organic and elevated. And let’s be honest, when the experience is also beautiful and shareable, it only amplifies the impact.
Are you working on any new projects?
Yes! I’m almost done with my first novel, which has been such a fun and creative shift. I can’t share too much yet, but it’s set in the fashion world and has been a total passion project. At the same time, my Jewish activism has become an always-on part of my life. I report and commentate on breaking news all day, every day. As the granddaughter of four Holocaust survivors and the mom of two proudly Jewish kids, I feel a deep responsibility to speak up and keep my community on Instagram informed. It’s never been more important to stand against Jew-hatred. Silence is not an option.
What are some of your go-to summer spots in the Hamptons?
The Hamptons is my happy place. I usually start my mornings at the new and fabulous Sagaponack General Store for coffee followed by SoulCycle at The Barn. I always do a quick spin through T.J. Maxx. Round Swamp’s fresh berries are a must. I love dinner in Sag Harbor, but happy hour at home with a great barbecue is just as good. And later in the summer, a scoop from John’s Ice Cream in Montauk is the perfect way to end the day.
