BEYOND BARRIERS

Beyond Barriers
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Dec 14, 2022 • 45min

Episode 244: The Art of Prioritization and Asking Questions as a CEO with Maricella Herrera Avila, CEO of Ellevate Network

Maricella Herrera Avila grew up in Mexico working in male-dominated fields. While she didn’t immediately know that leadership was her path, she eventually found herself as CEO of Ellevate Network, the largest community for women at work focused on creating a culture of equity and inclusion in business.  In this episode, Maricella tells us about her path to becoming a CEO, starting with her previous career in banking. After she realized this field wasn’t for her, she set out on a path of curiosity and discovery that led her to where she is today. Learn how she turned a love for puzzles and how things fit together into her current role as CEO. Maricella had to switch her definition of success from what she learned from her upbringing. Instead, she focuses on learning along the way and both giving and taking when she’s networking. She’s always asking questions and listening to what people have to say. We learned a lot from Maricella’s journey and know you will too. Visit https://www.gobeyondbarriers.com where you will find show notes and links to all the resources in this episode, including the best way to get in touch with Maricella.   Highlights:  [02:31] Maricella’s path to CEO [07:41] Gaining clarity about her definition of success [13:45] Dealing with criticism and having a support system [17:56] Overcoming limiting beliefs [22:57] Prioritizing to get things done and taking ownership at work [28:04] Asking for help and networking [31:48] Embracing curiosity [33:17] Continuing to learn and staying ahead of the game [37:48] Lighting round questions   Quotes: “If you can help one or two or a few people, that to me becomes success.” – Maricella Herrera Avila “If we could get people to understand their role and take ownership of that, then the whole work and prioritization becomes a little easier.” – Maricella Herrera Avila “A lot of what I’ve been doing lately is just listening.” – Maricella Herrera Avila   Lightning Round Questions: What book has greatly influenced you?  “The Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry and “Thanks for the Feedback” by Douglas Stone and Sheila Heen What is your favorite inspiring quote or saying?  “Those who don’t know their history are bound to repeat it.” What is one word or moniker you would use to describe yourself?  Authentic What is one change you've implanted that made your life better?  Becoming a runner. What power song would you want playing as you walk out onto a stage?  “Just a Girl” by No Doubt   About Maricella Herrera Avila: Maricella Herrera Avila is the CEO of Ellevate Network, the largest community for women+ at work focused on creating a culture of equity and inclusion in business. She oversees overall business operations, growth and strategy, and works closely with Ellevate's Chapter Leaders, Business Partners, and Champions to further Ellevate's impact. As a strategy executive with 15 years of experience building and scaling teams, brands and businesses, Maricella has led the creation of impactful programming such as the annual Mobilize Women Summit, which reaches thousands of professionals across the globe and is supported by some of the world’s leading companies. Maricella is also the host of the Ellevate Podcast, Conversations with Women Changing the Face of Business. Through her 10-year career at Ellevate Network, she has managed the business through an acquisition, a re-brand, and a full operational/workforce transformation. Prior to Ellevate, Maricella held several positions in real estate banking at Banamex, Citi’s Mexican subsidiary, where she worked on providing credit funding for low income housing development projects in the north of Mexico. Maricella received a BA in Financial Management from ITESM in Mexico and an MBA from Columbia Business School.   Links: Website: https://www.ellevatenetwork.com/ LinkedIn URL: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maricellaherreraa/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/mherreraavila  Podcast: https://www.ellevatenetwork.com/podcasts/ 
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Dec 7, 2022 • 44min

Episode 243: How Sports Shaped Kraft Analytics Group’s CEO Jessica Gelman’s Career and Made Her a Leader

Jessica Gelman learned a lot about structuring her time and connecting people when she was a point guard for her basketball team at Harvard. Now, she’s a busy CEO, leader and mom who’s great at organizing her time and others. In this conversation about leading, sports and relationships, Jessica shares her success secrets and staying connected.  Jessica has always been involved in sports and feels like it has shaped who she is. Being first at something doesn’t bother her at all, in fact, she thrives on being different. As a mom, she finds prioritizing her time to be one of her biggest challenges. She loves to help people, but tells us about how she has come to terms with balancing helping others with spending time with her family. She feels mentors and sponsors come in all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds. Join us in this interesting conversation about leadership in today’s world that you don’t want to miss. Visit https://www.gobeyondbarriers.com where you will find show notes and links to all the resources in this episode, including the best way to get in touch with Jessica.   Highlights:  [02:41] Jessica’s background [10:32] Secrets to her success & what she loves about sports [11:15] Helping others and prioritizing time [15:08] The barriers women face at work [21:54] Overcoming limiting beliefs [25:44] Daily habits of success [28:57] Being a leader [32:44] The role mentors has played in her career [37:33] Lighting round questions Quotes: “I have found that data is an equalizer and leveled the playing field for me in the business world.” – Jessica Gelman “The concept of coaching is really important.” – Jessica Gelman “I think my role is to clear out obstacles and enable people to do their jobs better.” – Jessica Gelman “There are a lot of different ways to define mentors or supporters or sponsors.”  – Jessica Gelman   Lightning Round Questions: What book has greatly influenced you?  “Atlas Shrugged” by Ayn Rand What is your favorite inspiring quote or saying?  “Having confidence in myself is the difference between happiness and constant questioning.” What is one word or moniker you would use to describe yourself?  Connector What is one change you've implanted that made your life better?  Listening fully. What power song would you want playing as you walk out onto a stage?  “All Fired Up” by Pat Benatar   About Jessica Gelman: Jessica Gelman is an experienced CEO, industry leader, and entrepreneur with a data-driven, customer-centric approach to innovation.  She is the CEO of Kraft Analytics Group (KAGR), a technology and services company that helps sports & entertainment organizations get analytics right – increasing value and impact along the way. KAGR’s data management platform, analytics and strategic services is driving industry redefinition through data and technology. KAGR’s clients include all major US professional leagues, colleges, industry movers and in 2021, partnered with J.P. Morgan Private Bank.    Prior to KAGR’s creation in 2016, Jessica joined the Kraft Family in 2002 working for the sports properties (New England Patriot, Gillette Stadium and New England Revolution) where she led business operations, marketing, & strategy for Kraft Sports & Entertainment.  Jessica co-founded and continues to co-chair the highly regarded MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference, the first and largest analytically focused sports conference. Previous speakers have included President Barack Obama, Adam Silver, Steve Ballmer, Nate Silver, and many other sports and analytics luminaries.  Jessica has received recognition for her leadership and innovation, including the 2014 Sports Business Journal “Forty under 40” which honors the most promising young executives in sports business under the age of 40 and in 2012 Sports Business Journal’s “Game Changers,” which honors women who are leading and innovating in sports business.  Jessica earned an MBA from Harvard Business School and a BA, cum laude from Harvard College. While at Harvard, she was selected as Harvard Female Athlete of the Year and in 2018 was honored as an Ivy League Legend of Basketball.  She is an elected board member of the Harvard Varsity Club. Additionally, she is a board member for Peace Players International and Shooting Touch.  Gelman and her wife have two sons and reside in the greater Boston area. Links: LinkedIn URL: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-gelman/
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Nov 30, 2022 • 32min

Episode 242: The Importance of Life Plans and Goal Setting with Gemini Builds It!’s Courtney Wright

Courtney Wright didn’t expect to be a leader, but she has distinguished herself with both grit and grace. With supportive parents who told her she could do anything she set her mind to, it never occurred to her that being a woman could hold her back. And it didn’t. She founded CDW Merchants, the leading provider of 3D visual retail displays and e-commerce gift packaging for the nation’s top retailers, including Kate Spade, Sperry’s and Club Monaco. In 2016, Courtney packaged CDW for the last time and sold it to a billion-dollar global  company.  Listen as she shares what she’s learned about what it takes to be a great CEO: landing the biggest deals, hiring the best people, and staying grounded in vision. She recently launched her inspired podcast, Lady Boss by Courtney Wright.  Courtney is a big believer in using life plans and written goals to get where you want in life. Routines define her days, including her typical 430am rise to gain an edge with a few more productive hours. She focuses on customer-centered values and the top 20 relationships in her life, and she listens and gives generously. She’s a calculated risk-taker who is both thorough and thoughtful about the moves she makes. I learned so much from Courtney today about making plans and following through, and we hope you do too. Visit https://www.gobeyondbarriers.com/ where you will find show notes and links to all the resources in this episode, including the best way to get in touch with Courtney.   Highlights:  [02:33] Courtney’s journey [04:10] How she narrowed in on her goals [06:47] Forming a life plan [08:17] Becoming a leader [09:22] Overcoming imposter syndrome [11:31] Building a personal brand [16:33] Taking risks [19:02] Staying grounded [21:17] Building relationships [23:30] Being the only female leader [26:42] Being bold as a female leader [28:29] Lightning round questions Quotes: “Your subconscious brain is 60,000 times more powerful than your conscious brain.” – Courtney Wright “The biggest investment I ever made in my business was peer to peer learning.” – Courtney Wright “The time away from your task list is when you move your career and plans forward.” – Courtney Wright “I take away as much stress in my life as I can because that’s not what I operate the best.” – Courtney Wright   Lightning Round Questions: What book has greatly influenced you?  I’m a skimmer, so any build-to-sell book. What is your favorite inspiring quote or saying?  “If you do the work and grind every day and do the time, everything happens.” What is one word or moniker you would use to describe yourself?  Grind/hustle What is one change you've implanted that made your life better?  I try to delegate everything but genius. What power song would you want playing as you walk out onto a stage?  Anything by Prince.   About Courtney Wright: Courtney Wright has the equation for success … stay curious, listen to feedback, fail a lot and make time for friends and family.  Coco’s (all her friends call her Coco) tenacity begins at 4:30AM when she begins to connect the dots. She’s always laser focused on her master plan. The five-decade old business bombshell is New England born, but calls Illinois home after attending Lake Forest College.   She founded CDW Merchants, the leading provider of 3D visual retail displays and e-commerce gift packaging for the nation’s top retailers, including Kate Spade, Sperry’s and Club Monaco. In 2016, Courtney packaged CDW for the last time and sold it to a global billion-dollar company.  Free time isn’t her thing … quickly she jumped on an opportunity to buy a company she worked with closely, a vendor to CDW.  The downtime didn’t last long, in 2016 she bought Gemini Builds It (F/K/A Gemini Moulding). Since the deal closed, she saved 60 jobs, bought a business to close the gap on outsourcing and offered 401K and continuing education to the staff. Gemini is housed in a 50,000 square-foot manufacturing center in Elgin, but Courtney has her mind set to double the growth of the business in a year and bring the sales team to Chicago ... she's one woman making manufacturing cool in Chicago.  Wright wants women to know they can have their cake and eat it too. She has been married to her life and business partner, Larry, for the past 21 years. They live in Winnetka and have two sons. She prides herself on never missing either of her boys sporting events and stopping to smell the sweet scent of success.  Links: Website: https://www.geminibuildsit.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneywright1/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stories/ladyboss.podcast/2969347327464033922/ & https://www.instagram.com/courtneywright.co/
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Nov 18, 2022 • 37min

Episode 241: Optimistic Insights from Entrepreneur and Founder of GrowthQ, Esther Ayorinde-Iyamu

To get ahead and make an impact, you must know your value and have clarity on your ‘why’. Esther Ayorinde-Iyamu, Founder of talent matching platform GrowthQ shares the key factors that have driven her entrepreneurial success, including her experience as a dancer for the LA Clippers, San Francisco 49ers, and New York Jets. She attributes her success to concentrating on good things coming to her and a focus on people, innovation, and creativity. Esther formed her first startup at age 19 from her college dorm. Her network was key to her success, and she describes the importance of depositing more into relationships than you withdraw. Esther has a clear definition of the differences between coaches, sponsors, and mentors that you will find helpful as you search for each one to help you succeed.  Visit https://www.gobeyondbarriers.com/ where you will find show notes and links to all the resources in this episode, including the best way to get in touch with Esther.   Highlights:  [01:43] Esther’s background[04:55] How Esther started her company and being an entrepreneur[09:25] What Esther learned dancing for the NBA[14:11] An entrepreneur at 19 years old[18:31] Building self confidence and overcoming fears[20:30] The difference between coaches, sponsors, and mentors[25:47] Giving back to your network and knowing your why[28:30] Acknowledging our privileges [31:40] Bringing value to any situation[33:14] Lightning round questions   Quotes: “An intrapreneur is someone who is an entrepreneur but within an organization.” – Esther Ayorinde-Iyamu “You have to deposit five times the amount you withdraw from your network.” – Esther Ayorinde-Iyamu “Whoever you are, you bring value and you need to figure out what that is.” – Esther Ayorinde-Iyamu   Lightning Round Questions: What book has greatly influenced you?  “You Are Badass at Making Money: Master the Mindset of Money” by Jen Sincero   What is your favorite inspiring quote or saying?  “God doesn’t call the qualified, he qualifies the called.”   What is one word or moniker you would use to describe yourself?  Creator   What is one change you've implanted that made your life better?  Morning affirmations What power song would you want playing as you walk out onto a stage?  “I’m Okay” a song by my younger sister   About Esther Ayorinde-Iyamu: Esther Ayorinde-Iyamu is Founder of GrowthQ, a matching platform for mentorship, diverse interviewers-aaS, and tech sales talent. Esther also recently joined as General Partner for VC firm, 1Flourish. Esther is a 16 year Silicon Valley tech veteran, a 7 year NFL and NBA Dancer, and investor known for her wellness advocacy, her connected tech industry network, and her Go-To-Market expertise. Esther was recognized as Diversity Women Magazine’s Power 100 executives and The Network Journal’s 40 Under 40 list. She was the first Black Dance Captain in franchise history of the New York Jets and started her first startup at 19 years old in her dorm room at Santa Clara University. As a Go-To-Market thought leader, Esther has been a featured guest lecturer at Stanford University, UC Berkeley, Santa Rosa Community College as well as a guest speaker at companies like  Facebook, Gong, Snowflake, Cisco, Clozd, and Braze. Her new company, GrowthQ is dedicated to helping close the wage and wellness gaps for underrepresented tech talent by succeeding in a career in tech sales. Links: Website: www.growthq.co  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/esther-ayorinde/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/EstherAAyorinde Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/esthera.ayorinde Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamestherayorinde/
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Nov 10, 2022 • 18min

Episode 240: Beyond Barriers Founders’ Story

McKinsey estimates that there is 3 trillion dollars of economic opportunity that we are missing out on because women aren’t fully empowered at work. And yet, the data clearly shows that when women lead, share performance and profits go up 50%. Results are more powerful when everyone is empowered. This is the insight that brought the four founders of Beyond Barriers together. We came from diverse leadership backgrounds with a common goal: to close the gender gap at work and expand economic opportunity for everyone. Listen to co-founders and friends Nikki Barua, Laura Ricketts, Brooke Skinner Ricketts, and Monica Marquez discuss their journey to build the world’s only career fitness platform and help women go further, faster.  Visit https://www.gobeyondbarriers.com where you will find show notes and links to all the resources in this episode. Highlights: [00:41] Founders’ introduction [01:00] Closing the gender gap mission [03:26] Monica's path to forming Beyond Barriers [05:17] Nikki’s journey to following her dreams [07:31] The birth of Beyond Barriers [09:39] The gender gap is not just a diversity issue [10:58] How Beyond Barriers helps companies [12:16] The power of the collective [14:48] How Laura entered the Beyond Barriers organization [16:19] Each team members’ power song Quotes: “What if we could truly democratize access for millions of women around the world?” – Nikki Barua “The gender gap actually reduces GDP worldwide.” – Nikki Barua “There's more power when everyone is fully empowered.” – Brooke Skinner Ricketts “There's no way that any enterprise can fully reach its full potential or any society can reach its full potential without individuals reaching their full potential.” – Laura Ricketts About Nikki Barua: Nikki Barua is a digital innovator, serial entrepreneur, author & speaker. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thenikkibarua/ Website: https://www.nikkibarua.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thenikkibarua/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenikkibarua/ About Monica Marquez: Monica Marquez is a senior corporate leader, ex-Googler, and diversity expert. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themonicamarquez/ Website: https://themonicamarquez.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMonicaMarquez/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themonicamarquez/ About Brooke Skinner Ricketts: Brooke Skinner Ricketts is a c-suite executive, growth strategist and board director LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brookericketts/ About Laura Ricketts Laura Ricketts is an entrepreneur, investor, political activist and community advocate LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-ricketts-734953230/
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Oct 26, 2022 • 42min

Episode 239: Taking Risks and Failing Forward with Ingrid Kiefer, Canyon Partners, LLC

Life is not about being perfect. You’re going to make mistakes, especially if you take risks. Our guest Ingrid Kiefer shares insights into her success at work. She believes in taking risks early in your career where the potential failures will not be as impactful as further down the line. Ingrid has created her own opportunities and found success in being authentic and accountable. Ingrid shares stories of how taking ownership creates the right outcomes for the business and for your career. Grounded by her family, Ingrid tells us how important our personal lives are to success at work. She also talks about how there is power in saying no, not only for our personal boundaries but for the person who needs to know if they can count on you. Join us as we learn from Ingrid how to take risks, fail forward, and be ourselves at work. Visit https://www.iambeyondbarriers.com where you will find show notes and links to all the resources in this episode, including the best way to get in touch with Ingrid.   Highlights:  [02:02] How Ingrid got into finance[08:00] The process of choosing what's right for her[09:47] Finding confidence in her career[11:23] Authenticity at work[16:52] Career advice to other women[20:27] Tolerating bad behavior[22:42] Making tough decisions[26:35] How to deal with failure[29:40] Staying grounded[34:33] Building solid relationships[36:21] Power of saying no[37:28] Favorite book[38:29] Favorite quote[38:52] Moniker[39:52] Habit that changed Ingrid’s life[40:00] Power song   Quotes: “None of the large decisions are made without accomplishing a bunch of little tasks.” – Ingrid Kiefer “You’re not going to have a 100% success rate in your job.” – Ingrid Kiefer “Fail early, fail small. Fail later, fail big.” – Ingrid Kiefer “Make small promises and keep them.” – Ingrid Kiefer   Lightning Round Questions: What book has greatly influenced you?  “Inside Story” by Martin Amix What is your favorite inspiring quote or saying?  There’s more harm done in indecision than the wrong decision. What is one word or moniker you would use to describe yourself?  Authentic. (What you see is what you get.) What is one change you've implanted that made your life better?  Setting aside time to handle the business of being a family. What power song would you want playing as you walk out onto a stage?  “Welcome to the Jungle” by Guns N’ Roses About Ingrid Kiefer: Ms. Kiefer is Head of the Business Development and Client Relations group. Ms. Kiefer oversees all marketing and investor services globally for Canyon, as well as spearheading corporate communications for the firm. Prior to joining Canyon in 2009, Ms. Kiefer was Director of Marketing at Satellite Asset Management, where she was focused on global business development for the firm’s pension and consultant clients. Prior to Satellite, she worked at Drake Management and BlackRock. She started her career at Fischer Francis Trees and Watts as a product specialist in fixed income. Ms. Kiefer graduated from Yale University (B.A., English).
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Oct 24, 2022 • 21min

Episode 238: Establishing Feedback Loops to Fast Track

Let’s face it, hearing about how we are doing once a year at a performance review isn’t enough. In order to be our best, we need more frequent feedback. The bad thing about feedback is many of us are afraid of it and avoid it. This isn’t good because constructive feedback statistically leads to more pay and being offered higher positions. In this podcast, Monica Marquez gives us some pointers on how to deal with getting feedback, and she suggests who we should be asking to give it. Finally, she coaches us on how to ask for feedback. Listen in if you’re missing this critical element for achieving more success. Visit https://www.iambeyondbarriers.com where you will find show notes and links to all the resources in this episode. Highlights: [00:21] Performance reviews and feedback [03:09] Seeking feedback and seeing it as a gift [07:50] How feedback leads to promotions and more compensation [09:35] How to leverage your community to receive feedback [10:17] Getting right with yourself and define the feedback you want [16:05] Choosing the right people to get feedback from [17:03] Determining your approach when asking for feedback Quotes: “How much are you really going to grow if you’re only getting feedback once or twice a year?”  - Monica Marquez “If you’re continuously building this muscle of always asking for feedback, you're able to pivot and shift and grow at a much faster rate.”  - Monica Marquez “We have to shift our mindset of thinking about feedback as a gift.”  - Monica Marquez   About Nikki Barua: Nikki Barua is a digital innovator, serial entrepreneur, author & speaker. Website: https://www.nikkibarua.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thenikkibarua/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenikkibarua/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thenikkibarua/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/NikkiBarua About Monica Marquez: Monica Marquez is a senior corporate leader, ex-Googler, and diversity expert. Website: https://themonicamarquez.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMonicaMarquez/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themonicamarquez/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themonicamarquez/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/themmarquez
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Oct 19, 2022 • 1h 6min

Episode 237: Latina GRIT on Wall Street with Bank of America’s Patricia Pacheco De Baez

Bank of America’s Patricia Pacheco De Baez has grit. She learned it from her fierce Latina mother, who taught her to work hard and strive for excellence – something Patricia has carried with her throughout her career journey. Patricia started as a temp in the financial industry, always grateful for every opportunity she was given – whether big or small. All she needed was a “foot in the door.” Once there, she began to stand out and advocate for herself early in her career. At the age of 25, she did her research, gathered up the courage to ask for pay equity, and got it. It’s easy to see how she’s moved up the career ladder. Patricia currently holds the title of Managing Director for NYC Private Bank, Market Leader & Diverse Segment Champion at Bank of America. Listen as Patricia walks us through her professional journey and how she learned not to give up on her dream. She’s a big proponent of mentors and sponsors and practices being open and honest with them, so they get the most out of their time together. Patricia is a risk taker and isn’t afraid to make big moves, and she shares with us why she thinks working hard and striving for excellence are the keys to success.  Visit https://www.iambeyondbarriers.com where you will find show notes and links to all the resources in this episode, including the best way to get in touch with Patricia. Highlights:  [02:46] Patricia’s background and key lessons she’s learned[10:37] Patricia’s diverse career path[15:41] What Patricia looks for in a position[22:04] How to be direct about your ask[25:17] Advocating for yourself[32:33] Being honest with your mentors[40:12] Finding confidence to make bold moves[43:26] Patricia’s move into management[52:28] The importance of working hard[55:00] Striving for excellence[58:54] Lightning round questions Quotes: “Education is the instrument for us to break the cycle of poverty and accomplish our dreams.” – Patricia Pacheco De Baez  “Every time I’m very comfortable in a role, I ask myself, ‘What else can I do?’” – Patricia Pacheco De Baez  “If you don’t advocate for yourself, who will?” – Patricia Pacheco De Baez  “Every one of us has something to bring to the table that differentiates us and makes us unique.” – Patricia Pacheco De Baez    Lightning Round Questions: What book has greatly influenced you?  “Extreme Ownership” by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin and Maya Angelou’s poem, “Still I Rise”.  What is your favorite inspiring quote or saying?  “In the moment of turbulence and darkness, just remember… it’s not just about You.” What is one word or moniker you would use to describe yourself?  Grit What is one change you've implanted that made your life better?  Meditation What power song would you want playing as you walk out onto a stage?  “This Girl is on Fire” by Alicia Keys   About Patricia Pacheco De Baez:   Patricia Pacheco is a Market Leader & Diverse Segment Lead in NYC Private Bank. In this role she drives business development strategies focusing on the wealth management needs of high net worth families in the areas of investment management, estate planning, banking and credit.   Prior to this role, she was responsible for Latin America and European large corporate subsidiaries in Global Corporate Investment Bank. In this role, she drove more than 316% growth in revenues since 2014 when she joined the firm. Some of her clients included Bimbo, Cemex, Diageo, EssilorLuxottica, Gerdau and Unilever. Pacheco was also a member of Bank of America’s Global Corporate Banking Subsidiaries Management Committee.   Prior to joining Bank of America, Pacheco worked at J.P. Morgan Treasury Services for seven years where she was responsible for coverage of financial institutions (FIs), public sector and non-bank FIs operating in Mexico City. Previously she led the strategy and execution of cash management product sales for Latin America and served as the relationship manager for Latin America FIs subsidiaries and branches in the United States. Before working at J.P. Morgan, Pacheco spent six years at American Express Bank as a relationship manager covering FIs in the United States and Canada.   Pacheco has been actively involved in leading many Hispanic and employee network initiatives throughout the course of her career. She currently serves as co- chair of Bank of America’s Hispanic Latino Executive Council and emeritus chair of the firm’s Hispanic Network Executive Advisory Board (HOLA NY). Pacheco also serves as a member of the YMCA USA National Board & ALPFA NY Senior Leadership Council. Pacheco has received numerous awards for her business experience and volunteerism including Bank of America’s “Outstanding Employee Network Leader Award” (2015), as well as Bank of America’s “Global Diversity & Inclusion Team Award” (2017) and “Global Diversity & Inclusion Individual Award” (2018) – two of the firm’s most prestigious employee honors. She also was the recipient of the “Young Hispanic Corporate Achiever Award” (2016) from the Hispanic Association of Corporate Responsibility and was recognized as a “Women’s of ALPFA (Association of Latino Professionals for America) Rising Star” (2018-2019). Pacheco holds an M.B.A. from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Manhattanville College with dual majors in international business and Latin America studies.
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Oct 17, 2022 • 21min

Episode 236: Going Beyond Optical Diversity

Diversity has been a topic of discussion in the workplace for some time. But, do we really understand what hiring a diverse workforce means? In this podcast, Monica Marquez explains the concept of optical diversity and why we need to move beyond it. Instead, we need to focus on cognitive diversity, which focuses on a mix of ethnicity, education, socioeconomic background, and more. Join Monica in this important discussion about how cognitive diversity can lead to more profits and the value diversity brings to Gen Z.   Highlights: [00:34] Global Diversity Awareness Day [02:11] Going beyond optical diversity [03:42] Establishing a culture of cognitive diversity [08:05] Research behind the business case for diversity [10:10] Three trends investors look at for human capital disclosures [12:12] Diversity stats [14:57] Gender diversity leads to more profit [16:11] What leaders understand about diversity [17:57] The growth mindset [19:49] People are your biggest investment   Quotes: “Cognitive diversity is getting a mix of ethnicity with education, industries, upbringing, socio-economic backgrounds, geographic backgrounds, etc.”  - Monica Marquez “You can eliminate the idea of groupthink by building teams that have true diversity of thought.”  - Monica Marquez “48% of Gen Z are considered racial or ethnic minorities.”  - Monica Marquez   About Nikki Barua: Nikki Barua is a digital innovator, serial entrepreneur, author & speaker.   Website: https://www.nikkibarua.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thenikkibarua/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenikkibarua/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thenikkibarua/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/NikkiBarua About Monica Marquez: Monica Marquez is a senior corporate leader, ex-Googler, and diversity expert.   Website: https://themonicamarquez.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMonicaMarquez/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themonicamarquez/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themonicamarquez/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/themmarquez
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Oct 12, 2022 • 38min

Episode 235: Mentoring People Who Aren’t Like You, Amazon’s Dora Maria Abreu

“Having a variety of people you mentor keeps you in sync with what’s happening today.” – Dora Maria Abreu, Global Partner Training Lead at AWS & ERG Leader, Amazon.  Bold leaders like Dora know the importance of mentoring people who aren’t like you to gain new perspectives. In this episode, she encourages us to seek relationships outside our comfort zone by thinking outside the box and letting go of the belief that “you need people who look like you.” Tune into Monica Marquez and Dora Maria Abreu discussing her mentorship journey in male-dominated industries where she often found herself as the “only” – and how diversity in mentoring can help leaders stay ahead. Visit www.iambeyondbarriers.com where you will find show notes and links to all the resources referenced in this episode, including the best way to get in touch with Dora.  Highlights: [02:14] Dora’s story [04:06] Switching lanes and accelerating success [06:02] Overcoming limiting beliefs [08:18] Showing up with confidence [11:40] Staying ahead of the curve in the digital age [14:41] Juggling competing professional and personal priorities [18:05] Building your community [24:50] Getting over the fear of networking [28:48] Who would you love to learn from [31:58] Dora’s superpower [34:20] The key to accelerating success Quotes: “Don’t have just one mentor. Get a variety of mentors, so you can get different perspectives.” – Dora Maria Abreu “Take a moment and celebrate the wins.” – Dora Maria Abreu “Having a variety of people that you mentor keeps you in sync with what’s happening today.” – Dora Maria Abreu “I frame a lot of what I do by thinking about how to make things happen so that I can help others.” – Dora Maria Abreu “Go into networking events with good intentions and assume positive intentions of others as well. That’s the key to positive outcomes.” – Dora Maria Abreu About Dora Maria Abreu: Dora is a Global Partner Training Lead at AWS & ERG Leader for Amazon. In her previous roles she has been an avid technology and education professional. Dora has progressive work experience in IT Support and as a Software Engineer / Developer, IT Support, Trainer, Educator but also in career, professional and personal development skills. She has worked in the Technology, Education, Telecommunications, Aerospace and Financial sectors. Dora has received a Bachelors of Science in Computer Information Systems and Applied Math and a Master’s of Science in Management Information Systems as well from Stony Brook University and then a Master’s of Education in Technological Information Systems from Columbia University. Outside of work, you can find her on some adventure with her family and friends, listening to audiobooks/podcasts, reading books, helping youth of all ages and community at large through mentoring, coaching and providing a variety of programs and workshops on internship preparation, leadership / professional development such as public speaking as well technical classes for those within and outside the STEM field. By being part of the John C. Maxwell Team / Toastmasters she has been able to build on these skills and reach a wider audience. She enjoys music, dance, movies, sports, photography and poetry. Links: LinkedIn: dmabreu Instagram: dmabreu Twitter: dmabreu

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