Discover how integrity, meaningful relationships, and investing in others form the foundation of authentic leadership and lasting influence for women in business.
Her Story
About Alisha
Alisha Parnin is a seasoned sales and service leader with more than two decades of experience spanning customer service, operations management, sales leadership, and brand management. She currently serves as Brand Sales/Service Manager for Harris Pontoon Boats, a division of Brunswick Corporation, where she oversees sales and service initiatives while supporting dealer networks and driving customer satisfaction. Since joining Brunswick in 2018, she has built a reputation for developing strong relationships, coaching high-performing teams, and delivering exceptional customer experiences within the marine industry.
Before entering the recreational boating industry, Alisha built a strong foundation in healthcare, insurance, operations, and industrial sales. She held leadership positions with organizations including Aetna, BeniComp Insurance Company, Grainger, and Precision Products Group, gaining extensive experience in customer service, operations, process improvement, account management, and team development. Although she did not come from a traditional marine background, she embraced the opportunity to learn every aspect of the business—from products and service operations to dealer support and sales—demonstrating the adaptability and commitment that have defined her career.
A graduate of Trine University with a Bachelor of Arts in Business, Alisha believes successful leadership is built on integrity, teamwork, accountability, continuous improvement, and leading by example. She is passionate about mentoring others, fostering collaboration, and creating positive experiences for customers and colleagues alike. As an active participant in Brunswick's Women on Water employee resource group and the Influential Women's Network, she is committed to supporting the advancement of women in the marine industry while helping cultivate an inclusive and high-performing workplace.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Alisha
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a strong work ethic, integrity, accountability, and a commitment to continuous improvement. I believe in understanding the "why" behind every decision, leading by example, treating others with respect, supporting those around me, and striving to leave every situation better than I found it.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to lead with integrity, never stop learning, and invest in people. Building strong relationships, sharing knowledge, and supporting others have been key to my own growth, and I believe that success is most meaningful when you help others succeed along the way.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Believe in yourself and do not be afraid to take a seat at the table. Lead with integrity, work hard, continue learning, and never underestimate the value of building strong relationships. Success is not just about what you achieve personally, but also about how you support and inspire others along the way. Be confident in your abilities, embrace challenges as opportunities to grow, and remember that your voice, perspective, and contributions matter. Most importantly, stay true to your values and never let anyone define your potential."
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest opportunities in the marine industry is embracing change. Advancements in technology, evolving customer expectations, and a changing workforce are creating new ways to innovate, improve the customer experience, and strengthen businesses. I also see the industry's growing focus on diversity and inclusion as an important opportunity to attract more women into leadership and create a stronger, more dynamic workforce. I believe that every challenge is an opportunity to learn, adapt, collaborate, and drive meaningful progress.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both my work and personal life are integrity, teamwork, accountability, commitment, continuous improvement, trust, transparency, and service. I believe in leading by example, treating others with respect, supporting those around me, and building relationships grounded in honesty, collaboration, and mutual trust.
Her Content Hub
Articles by Alisha
Leading with Purpose, Integrity, and Impact
How Integrity, Relationships, and Service Create Lasting Leadership Impact
Influence Starts with Integrity
The foundation of leadership is integrity. Long before someone follows your vision, they must trust your character.
Throughout my career, I have learned that people may forget what you said, but they will always remember how you treated them. Leading with honesty, transparency, and accountability creates a culture where people feel valued and respected. When leaders consistently do the right thing, even when it is difficult, they build credibility that lasts.
Influential women understand that leadership is not about having all the answers. It is about being authentic, admitting when we do not know something, and committing to continuous growth.
The Power of Building Relationships
No one succeeds alone.
One of the most valuable lessons I have learned is that strong relationships are often the difference between good organizations and great ones. Whether working with customers, dealer partners, teammates, or industry peers, meaningful relationships drive collaboration, innovation, and success.
Building relationships requires listening more than speaking, understanding before seeking to be understood, and focusing on creating mutual value. Trust is earned over time through consistent actions, open communication, and genuine care for others.
Some of the most influential women I have met are not those seeking recognition. They are the ones quietly supporting others, mentoring colleagues, and creating opportunities for people who may not yet see their own potential.
The Importance of Investing in Others
A true measure of leadership is not what we accomplish ourselves, but what we help others accomplish.
As leaders, we have an obligation to share our knowledge, support emerging talent, and encourage people to stretch beyond their comfort zones. Mentorship has the power to change careers, build confidence, and create future leaders.
For women entering the workforce or pursuing leadership opportunities, having someone who believes in them can make all the difference. That is why it is so important for experienced professionals to invest in the next generation.
When we lift others up, we strengthen our teams, our organizations, and our industries.
Women Belong at Every Table
While progress has been made, there is still work to do to ensure women have a voice in leadership conversations and decision-making processes.
My advice to young women is simple: believe in yourself and do not be afraid to take a seat at the table.
Your perspective matters. Your experiences matter. Your voice matters.
Do not wait until you feel perfectly qualified before pursuing an opportunity. Growth often happens when we challenge ourselves and step into unfamiliar situations. Have confidence in your abilities, continue learning, and be willing to take calculated risks.
Most importantly, stay true to who you are. Authentic leadership creates lasting influence.
The Values That Guide My Leadership
The values that guide me in both my work and personal life are integrity, teamwork, accountability, commitment, continuous improvement, trust, transparency, and service.
I believe in leading by example, treating others with respect, supporting those around me, and building relationships grounded in honesty, collaboration, and mutual trust.
These values have shaped my leadership journey and continue to influence how I serve my team, support our dealers, and contribute to the marine industry.
Looking Ahead
The future of leadership will belong to those who can connect people, foster collaboration, and inspire positive change. Influential women are helping shape that future every day.
My hope is that more women will continue to pursue leadership roles, advocate for one another, and embrace the opportunity to make a difference. Leadership is not about position or title. It is about the impact we have on others and the legacy we leave behind.
As I reflect on my own journey, one piece of advice continues to guide me:
“Lead with integrity, never stop learning, and invest in people. Building strong relationships, sharing knowledge, and supporting others have been key to my success and growth as a leader.”
When we lead with purpose and help others succeed, our influence extends far beyond our individual accomplishments. That is the kind of leadership that truly matters.
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