Hidden Gems: Meet Alison Webster of Shift Above the Line

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alison Webster

Hi Alison, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Born in Southern California as a first-generation Mexican American and the eldest of four, I grew up very aware of the sacrifices my parents made in their pursuit of a better life. I followed what I thought was the path to success—the American dream—not just for myself but to set an example for my younger siblings. I earned a master’s degree from the University of Southern California, worked for well-known companies, bought a home, and got married. But despite these outward achievements, I still felt a sense of discontentment.

After nearly a decade of wrestling with these feelings, I started to question the stories I had been telling myself about what success really meant. This sparked a journey of self-discovery, where I explored profound spirituality and had conversations with women leaders who inspired me. Becoming certified in yoga, practicing mindfulness, and exploring my inner self allowed me to meet my doubts with curiosity, openness, and love. This personal growth strengthened my relationships—both at work and at home—and helped me reconnect with myself in a more meaningful way.

The real turning point came in 2023 when I attended a retreat and spent several days doing inner work. During that time, everything clicked, and it triggered an existential crisis. I realized I could no longer continue living the way I had been. As head of marketing for a global staffing firm, I made the decision to resign and embark on a journey to find a career that felt more meaningful and impactful.

Together with my husband, who was also on his own path of change, we founded Shift Above the Line. Through this program, we share the tools and insights that helped us find inner peace and lead with intention. We’re passionate about helping others embrace their own journeys of growth and transformation.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Like many first-generation Americans, I carried the weight of my parents’ sacrifices, feeling a deep responsibility to make their hard work worthwhile. Early in my career, I struggled with imposter syndrome, constantly feeling like I wasn’t enough despite my outward achievements. This overwork eventually led to what we now recognize as burnout.

Unlearning years of fear, defensiveness, and self-limiting stories wasn’t easy, but it was essential for my personal growth. Mark Twain’s quote, “I’ve been through some terrible things in my life, some of which actually happened,” deeply resonated with me. It wasn’t until the 2023 retreat that I began to release these limiting narratives. Embracing vulnerability, discomfort, and change required deep self-reflection, mindfulness practices, and conversations with inspiring leaders—especially women of color—who had walked similar paths.

Now, as co-founder of Shift Above the Line, I’ve come to see challenges as valuable lessons. By learning to step out of my own way and embrace the discomfort that comes with pursuing a greater mission—guiding leaders to bring consciousness into the workplace—I continue to grow and evolve.

We’ve been impressed with Shift Above the Line, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At Shift Above the Line, we help leaders move from a threat-based mindset, which often leads to drama, conflict, anxiety, and stress, to a trust-based consciousness that fosters sustained success and happiness in both work and life. Our conscious leadership coaching focuses on enhancing self-awareness, reducing stress, and aligning leadership skills with personal values.

Our coaching programs address common leadership challenges by offering:

Self-Awareness Development: We help leaders understand their strengths, weaknesses, and behavioral patterns through reflection, assessments, and feedback.

Stress Management: We offer mindfulness techniques and strategies to identify sources of stress and develop effective coping mechanisms.

Enhanced Communication: Leaders learn active listening, empathetic communication, and assertiveness to foster better relationships and reduce conflict.

Leadership Transitions: We support leaders as they navigate new roles, manage increased responsibilities, and build confidence in their abilities.

Team Development: Coaching helps leaders foster collaboration, resolve conflicts, and build cohesive teams.

Values Alignment: We guide individuals to align their personal values with organizational values, promoting authenticity and integrity.

Improved Decision-Making: We provide tools to enhance decision-making by considering different perspectives and building confidence in informed choices.

Work-Life Balance: We help leaders set boundaries and prioritize well-being, developing strategies to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: We work with leaders to challenge self-limiting beliefs, build self-confidence, and recognize their strengths and achievements.

Enhancing Emotional Intelligence: We help leaders develop emotional intelligence by bringing awareness to their emotions and the wisdom those feelings carry. This enables them to better understand and manage their emotions, while improving interpersonal relationships and team dynamics.

Shift Above the Line offers one-on-one coaching, workshops, and will introducing small group retreats in 2025. Our services are flexible, available both in-person and virtually, designed to boost communication, teamwork, and well-being to foster a productive culture.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
If you’re interested in learning more about Shift Above the Line or continuing the conversation, you can follow us on LinkedIn or connect with me, Alison Webster. You can also find us on all social media platforms @shiftabovetheline. To explore how we can support your leadership journey, feel free to visit www.shiftabovetheline.com and book an intro call. We’d love to connect and see how conscious leadership can make a difference in your life and work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.shiftabovetheline.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shiftabovetheline?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553284204385
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShiftAbovetheLine
• Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-webster-09b5673b/