In a world often dominated by superficiality and façades, authenticity can be a rare gem. This month, I'm excited to shine a spotlight on a business that not only values authenticity but thrives on it. Welcome to Lionheart Ventures, a trailblazing company led by the indomitable Alisa Rabin Bell. Alisa Rabin Bell, the founder of Lionheart Ventures, is turning authenticity into reality. Her journey is a testament to the power of being unapologetically yourself in all areas of life.

The Genesis of Lionheart Ventures

As the visionary founder of Lionheart Ventures, Alisa embarked on her entrepreneurial journey with a clear mission: to create a space where authenticity isn't just encouraged but celebrated. Her venture is a testament to the power of being unapologetically yourself in all areas of life.

Alisa's Passionate Beginnings

"After a career in nonprofits and foundations, I took a detour into tech sales. While it was a fun and lucrative opportunity, I felt drawn back to serving in the philanthropic space again. However, now I want to help corporations support their communities and the organizations that they choose by providing them with processes, procedures, technology, and general assistance in increasing their contributions," Alisa explains with a spark of determination in her eyes.

Her journey, however, wasn't a straight path. After spending over 20 years in philanthropy, Alisa moved into tech sales focusing on the philanthropic space. "These seemingly disparate roles actually shaped my views on social responsibility and how important it is for companies to give back to their communities and support their employees," she says with a reflective tone.

In 2023, after facing several tech layoffs and dealing with major health issues the previous year, Alisa decided to step away from that world. She rebuilt her health and launched a Fractional Social Impact consulting business, leveraging her extensive experience in both the nonprofit sector and corporate America. Her goal is to serve private, mid-sized companies better support organizations that align with their values, build their brands, increase recruitment and retention, and bolster employee morale.

Authenticity at the Core

Alisa's work is deeply influenced by her personal values. "I am a Conservative and a Jewish Christian (Messianic Jew). This impacts my views towards many things, including how I have decided to approach my consulting work. I choose to work with companies and individuals who share my values and beliefs," she explains with a sense of conviction.

Her faith, family, and passion for community shape her approach to social impact. During her career in various nonprofits and foundations, she often felt the need to hide her true self. "As I’ve gotten older, I realize that I no longer want to hide my faith or values. It’s difficult being different in our country, especially when many others feel a certain way or believe certain things that society deems ‘correct’ or ‘true.’ I am getting bolder and standing up for what I believe and not hiding my values. This is making me both appealing to some and a target for others," she says with a mix of defiance and pride.

The Lionheart Philosophy

Lionheart Ventures isn’t just a name; it’s a philosophy. "The name Lionheart represents courage and authenticity. It’s about being brave enough to stand up for what you believe in, even when it's not popular," Alisa explains. This philosophy permeates every aspect of her business, from the clients she chooses to work with to the projects she takes on.

A Day in the Life

A typical day for Alisa involves a mix of strategic planning, client consultations, and community engagement. "I start my day with exercise, a cup of tea, Bible study, and some quiet time for reflection and planning. This helps me stay grounded and focused," she says, offering a glimpse into her daily routine.

She believes in a hands-on approach, often visiting client sites and getting involved in their social impact initiatives. "It's important to see the impact firsthand. It’s not just about numbers and reports; it's about real people and communities," she emphasizes.

Leading Corporate Social Responsibility

Alisa helps align a company's mission with corporate social responsibility (CSR) by integrating it into the core mission, developing a strategic plan, ensuring business growth, and continuously improving efforts. She emphasizes creating shared value, measuring impact and ROI, and communicating efforts and results transparently to build trust and strengthen reputation.

One example of doing this would be to involve a manufacturing company focused on workforce development through education and training programs. This initiative could address social issues and build a skilled workforce, supporting the business and the local economy. "It would be a win-win situation. The company would benefit from a more skilled workforce, and the community would gain better job opportunities," Alisa recalls with satisfaction.

Challenges and Overcoming Them

One significant challenge Alisa faces is that business owners and C-level executives don’t necessarily know they need her help. "My focus is on meeting with these corporate leaders and asking questions related to their current and future social responsibility needs to drive them forward in a way that positively impacts both their bottom line and supports their community," she explains.

Another challenge is the liberal connotation associated with the term "social impact." Alisa chooses to serve companies with conservative and faith-based values. "Getting them to have a conversation with me is a struggle considering today’s cancel culture. Many business owners and leaders tend to avoid anything that could potentially cause them to lose customers or become front-page news," she shares candidly.

Authenticity in Action

Alisa’s dedication to authenticity is evident in her approach to business. "I believe in being transparent and honest with my clients. It's about building trust and fostering long-term relationships," she says. This approach has not only earned her the respect of her clients but has also set Lionheart Ventures apart in the industry.

Her clients appreciate her no-nonsense attitude and her commitment to making a real difference. "Alisa doesn't sugarcoat things. She tells it like it is, and that's refreshing in a world where so many people are afraid to speak their minds," one client remarked.

The Power of Faith and Family

Faith and family play a central role in Alisa’s life and business. "My faith guides my decisions and gives me the strength to persevere through challenges. My family is my rock. They support me in everything I do," she says with a warm smile.

Her husband, daughter, and mother are her biggest supporters, always ready to lend a helping hand should she need it. Anything that Alisa does, she knows that her family will be in her corner. 

Looking to the Future

Alisa’s aspirations for the future are both professional and personal. She aims to have a solid client list with a strong pipeline of companies wanting to use her services. She also desires to speak publicly to provide thought leadership around social impact within the conservative community. Personally, she hopes to travel more, spend time with her family, and achieve financial security.

"I want to continue growing Lionheart Ventures and helping more companies realize the importance of social responsibility. But I also want to enjoy life and make memories with my family," she says, balancing her ambitious professional goals with a deep appreciation for personal fulfillment.

Final Thoughts

Alisa Rabin Bell's journey with Lionheart Ventures is a powerful reminder of the importance of being unapologetically yourself. Her dedication to authenticity, combined with her vast experience and unwavering values, makes Lionheart Ventures a beacon of genuine social impact in the corporate world.

As we navigate a society often caught up in trends and appearances, Alisa's story encourages us to look deeper and stay true to who we are. Her courage, resilience, and commitment to making a difference remind us that authenticity is not just a trait but a way of life.

Lionheart Ventures is a testament to the impact one can make when one leads with one's heart, remains steadfast in one's values, and strives to create positive change. In celebrating Alisa and her inspiring journey, we are reminded that success is not measured by profit alone. Still, by the authenticity and integrity we bring to our work and lives.