Hidden Gems: Meet Alisa Govan of Professional Help Desk

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alisa Govan.

Hi Alisa, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Hi, I’m Alisa Govan. It’s great to meet you! I’m a Business and Career Coach with a passion for helping professional women develop their leadership skills, build high-performing teams, and navigate the complexities of corporate life. I like to say, “know your position, play your position”—because every leader has a unique role to play in their organization’s success. Knowing your strengths and weaknesses is essential for building the career, business, and life you truly want.

A little about me—I’m originally from Alexandria, VA, but I grew up in Harrisburg, NC. I’m the oldest of three, and when I’m not spending time with my son and four granddaughters, you’ll likely find me cuddling my Australian Labradoodle, Max.

I didn’t start my career with a clear roadmap. In fact, I made a lot of the classic early-career mistakes, largely because I lacked proper mentorship. I started my professional journey with a diploma in accounting from Kings College. My first job was in international wire operations at NC National Bank in Charlotte, earning minimum wage. I was grateful for the opportunity, but I quickly realized I had a job, not a career. Without the skills to negotiate my salary or advocate for my value, I struggled financially. I worked there for nine years, climbing the corporate ladder and building a strong network, but my pay never quite caught up to the skills I had developed.

That realization pushed me to go back to school and complete my Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration at Montreat College. With that degree in hand, I was ready to make a career move, and I joined Bank of America, where I spent the next 21 years building my skills, leading teams, and growing my network. My career took me all over the world, and I loved the experience of working with international teams. I also completed my MBA and earned my Six Sigma Black Belt Certification, which deepened my understanding of operational excellence.

Along the way, I discovered a passion for teaching and mentorship, becoming an adjunct professor in project management, group dynamics, and communications for over seven years. I then took a leadership role at Wells Fargo in bankruptcy operations, where I honed my ability to build and develop high-performing teams. This work inspired me to become an ICF Certified Life Coach in 2022.

That same passion for leadership and professional development led me to launch my company, Professional Help Desk, where I offer career coaching, leadership training, and executive consulting. I work with professionals who want to build fulfilling careers and impactful businesses. I help them with everything from resume building and interview prep to work-life balance and personal branding.

In late 2023, I began working with Furman College to develop their Women’s Leadership Initiative program, which has been an incredibly rewarding experience. I believe our next generation of leaders has the power to shape the future, and I’m honored to be a part of their journey.

Today, I’m focused on using my 20+ years of corporate experience to guide others as they build the careers and businesses of their dreams. I love what I do, and I consider it a privilege to pass on the lessons I’ve learned to the next wave of leaders.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but it has become more fulfilling over the past decade. Early in my career, there weren’t many formal networks or resources for women of color to support each other’s growth in corporate environments. That began to change with the rise of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and the formation of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs).

I took full advantage of these spaces, using them to build connections, develop my leadership skills, and find my voice within large organizations. They provided me with the mentorship, support, and sense of belonging that I needed to push past barriers and thrive in my career.

Now, more than ever, it’s critical that we create these kinds of communities and safe spaces for young professionals, so they have the guidance and resources to build impactful, long-lasting careers.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Professional Help Desk is a business consulting and career coaching firm I founded to help professional women elevate their careers, build high-performing teams, and lead with confidence.

Our services are designed to support both career-driven executives and entrepreneurs who want to operate at their highest potential.

We offer a range of services, including:

Career and Leadership Coaching: 1:1 coaching sessions focused on career development, leadership skills, executive presence, and personal branding.

Professional Development Programs: Group coaching and mentorship through Leadership Circle, where members receive ongoing support, training, and networking opportunities.

Executive Virtual Assistant Services: Through our Professional Help Desk offering, we provide executive support to small business owners and entrepreneurs who want to streamline operations and scale their businesses without the overwhelm.

Workshops and Keynote Speaking: I also partner with organizations to deliver in-person workshops, keynote talks, and leadership training for teams looking to cultivate the next generation of leaders.

What sets Professional Help Desk apart is my 20+ years of corporate leadership experience, which allows me to offer unique insights into both the executive mindset and the entrepreneurial journey. I’ve been in the trenches, and I understand the challenges my clients face because I’ve walked that path myself.

Ultimately, my mission is to help women lead with purpose, achieve their professional goals, and create fulfilling, balanced careers.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is the power of asking for help and building strategic relationships.

You have to show up professionally, but you also have to make yourself visible. Share your goals, talk about your expertise, and network consistently—even in non-professional settings. You never know who might be in the room or how a single conversation could change the trajectory of your career.

For example, one of my most impactful roles—leading global expansion—came about because I took the time to regularly connect with a senior executive. I met with them once a month, shared my aspirations, and stayed on their radar.

The truth is, people need to know who you are, what you do, and what you’re capable of if they’re going to think of you when opportunities arise. Visibility matters.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://professionalhelpdeskllc.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/phdclt
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/professionalhelpdeskllc
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/professionalhelpdesk