BEYOND BARRIERS

We're living in the age of influence where our personal brands precede us. How often do you audit your personal brand to find out what people say about you when you aren't in the room? What do others perceive of you when they see your digital footprint? Whether you want a personal brand or not, you have one. In this episode, we will share why it's important to build your personal brand and the 3 step to building your brand so you don't miss the opportunity to make your reputation work for you. Highlights: [01:16] Why it's important to build your personal brand [01:50] Your digital presence [05:37] 1 st step to building your brand – audit yourself [08:37] 2 nd step – do an external audit [09:28] 3 rd step – identify patterns Quotes: "We leave a trail everywhere we go based on how we show up." – Nikki Barua "If you're not aware of your personal brand and are not actively building it, you're unknowingly creating a major barrier to your success." – Nikki Barua "We're living in the age of influence where our reputation precedes us." – Nikki Barua "Look at what your digital and physical footprint and what it says about you." – Nikki Barua 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

We've all heard the proverb "If you want to go fast, go alone; but if you want to go far, go together." Success is rarely achieved alone. Athletes don't become Olympians without mentors and coaches to guide them. Are you are someone who has no mentors, has no idea where to find one, or are afraid to ask for mentorship? In this episode, we discuss why mentorship matters, what holds people back from seeking mentorship, and the 3 keys to finding the right mentor for you. Highlights: [01:00] Why mentorship matters [06:18] What holds people back from getting mentors [08:33] Three keys to finding a mentor [10:03] Mentorship at all stages of life [13:05] Mentorship through content [16:19] Homework for the week Quotes: "Mentors shorten the learning curve by imparting their wisdom and their experience." – Nikki Barua "One of the greatest values of mentors is the ability to see ahead what others cannot see and to help them navigate a course to their destination." – John C. Maxwell "Be very specific about your areas of growth and mentoring needs." – Nikki Barua "A mentoring relationship is a privilege, treat it with the respect it deserves." – Nikki Barua "Don't think of mentorship in terms of a specific individual that is ahead of you. Think of mentoring in the context of a mentoring circle." – Nikki Barua "When you are focused on yourself and doing great work, people will come to you and be excited to help you."- 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

Did you know that 20% of women never negotiate? More astounding is the research shows that women who opt out of negotiating their salary will lose approximately $7,000 in her first year. And over the course of a 45 year career, will lose between $650,000 and 1 million dollars. In this episode, we break the myths on negotiating, share why it's important to always negotiate, and share tips and strategies on negotiating so that you can get what you deserve. Highlights: [01:10] Always negotiate [02:23] Statistics on negotiating [04:15] Impact of not negotiating [05:35] Nikki shares negotiation tips [06:07] Myths about negotiation [14:42] Share your questions Quotes: "Don't think of negotiating in terms of salary. Think of it in terms of anything that you value and that could be PTO, education, eligibility for promotion." – Nikki Barua "Myth # 1 about negotiation is that it is about conflict, it isn't. You need to reframe negotiation to be about discovery and alignment." – Nikki Barua "Negotiation is about establishing a long term win-win outcome." – Nikki Barua "Negotiation is not about money, it is about value exchange." – Nikki Barua 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

Do you share your successes with others? Are others aware of the impact you have created? Career progression is directly influenced by how you are perceived by those who can make or influence decisions. To get ahead and advance in your career, you must take ownership of your successes. In this episode, we share how you can demonstrate your impact, put yourself in a better position to be hired, promoted and compensated well, and stop being the best kept secret! Highlights: [00:41] Hiring statistics [01:52] Why achievements of women executives are less visible [04:08] The struggle with promoting yourself [08:44] Make your greatest hits list Quotes: "There are things known, and there are things that are unknown, and in between are the doors of perception." – Monica Marquez "When you finish a project, you must share your results with a little self-promotion to gain the necessary visibility to advance." – Monica Marquez "Every accomplishment builds upon the previous one and amplifies your value to the world." – Monica Marquez "Your reputation allows other people to know how you can help them." – Nikki Barua 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

We've been conditioned to associate productivity and time efficiency with success. You often hear the saying "time is money". But what if it isn't about time at all? In this episode, we'll discuss the obsession with time and why you should be managing your energy instead of your time. Nikki also breaks the myth around multitasking and shares 10 tips to help you break through the tyranny of time. Highlights: [01:01] Why we obsess about time [01:53] Manage your energy instead of your time [03:20] We all have 24 hours in a day [04:49] Focus on what you want to create [05:53] 10 tips to break through the tyranny of time [10:52] Multi-tasking does not equal productivity Quotes: "Being busy and filling every minute of your day does not equate to creating impact." – Nikki Barua "Time doesn't matter. It matters only when we're trying to do something that isn't joyful." – Nikki Barua "One of the biggest myths is that multitasking increases productivity. Its saps your energy and your focus and actually slows you down." – Nikki Barua "Once you choose your top priorities for the day, be sure you know the reasons why those matter." – Nikki Barua 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

At a time when many people are feeling the most intense isolation because of the pandemic, there is one thing that we're all looking for - connection and a sense of belonging. We all have an intrinsic need for a sense of belonging and connection and as the majority of our time is spent at work, it is key that we identity ways to foster an environment where we can bring our authentic selves to work and be the best version of ourselves. In this episode, we're going to discuss community at work, why it's important, how it affects performance, and how you can make communities at work even more powerful. DISCOVER YOUR STRENGTH & BARRIERS TO SUCCESS Take the free assessment and get your personalized report. Go to https://www.iambeyondbarriers.com/quiz Highlights: [01:06] Why community at work is important [02:08] Diversity, inclusion, and belonging [04:30] How the sense of belonging affects performance [06:03] Employee Resource Groups [08:58] How ERG leaders can empower the community [10:48] Leveraging your Employee Resource Group Quotes: "When you are able to be your authentic self at work, it allows you to focus on your work and be more productive." – Monica Marquez "The best thing an ERG community leader can do is stay plugged in to the community." – Monica Marquez "Diversity is being invited to the party. Inclusion is being asked to dance." – Verna Myers 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

Have you ever felt overwhelmed, but struggled with the feeling that no one can do the tasks better than you can? Or felt it's going take too long to explain it to someone and will be faster if you just do it yourself? In this episode, we discuss why it's important to learn to delegate effectively so that you can get past your fear of letting go and focus on the right things. Nikki also shares the steps to effective delegation so can achieve bigger and better results. DISCOVER YOUR STRENGTHS & BARRIERS TO SUCCESS: Take the free assessment and get your personalized report. Go to https://www.iambeyondbarriers.com/quiz Highlights: [01:03] What is delegation & why people hesitate to do it [02:17] Why it is important to practice delegation [03:19] Determining what to delegate [06:40] Who to consider for tasks when delegating [09:45] Be clear on the outcomes [14:02] Set expectations on checkpoints [17:43] Delegation is not just for the workplace Quotes: "It becomes easier to practice delegation when you understand why it is important." – Monica Marquez "Ensure that the right people are in the right roles and are focusing on the right thing." – Nikki Barua 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

Did you know that many of the skills of today will be obsolete in 18 months? In the next 3 to 4 years, 50% of employees worldwide are going to need to be reskilled. Companies are doing their best to keep up, but it's not enough, which is why it is more important than ever for individuals to develop the muscle of consistent learning. In this episode, we share why it's important to develop the superpower of learning, the different styles of learning, and Nikki also shares her learning strategies that help her keep up with the speed of change and disruption. DISCOVER YOUR STRENGTHS & BARRIERS TO SUCCESS Take the free assessment and get your personalized report. Go to https://www.iambeyondbarriers.com/quiz Highlights: [00:37] Why learning is a superpower [03:12] What the research shows on how we learn [04:18] The styles of learning [06:59] Nikki's strategy for continuous learning Quotes: "With how fast we are evolving, the ability to continuously learn new things is a must-have superpower." – Nikki Barua "How much time every week are you investing in learning." – Nikki Barua 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

When we think of celebration, we think of holidays, birthdays, and big milestones like graduations and anniversaries that typically happen just once year. But do you ever take the time to think about and celebrate your small wins? In this episode, we share why it's important to celebrate your progress on the way to achieving your big goals and share your small wins with the world. You'll also learn a fun and easy way to motivate and inspire you on your journey to attaining your goals. DISCOVER YOUR STRENGTHS & BARRIERS TO SUCCESS Take the free assessment and get your personalized report. Go to https://www.iambeyondbarriers.com/quiz Highlights: [00:34] Celebrating the small wins [07:53] Create your rewards catalog [12:28] Share your wins Quotes: "Take a moment each week to reflect on what it is you deserve to celebrate." – Nikki Barua "Don't minimize your achievements. When someone congratulates you for a job well done, just say thank you." – 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/

Most of us having been working remotely for the past year and the boundaries between our work and home lives have become blurred. Women have been disproportionately affected by these blurred boundaries and burnout is on the rise. As organizations explore the right collaboration model (onsite vs. remote), it is very likely that the future workplace will be a hybrid environment. It's not just about where you work, but also when you work. So, how do you ensure high performance without losing yourself to burnout? In this episode, you'll learn the importance of setting boundaries so that you can achieve your goals while maintaining your health and well-being. You'll also learn the 5 steps to establishing healthy boundaries and how to thrive in any environment. DISCOVER YOUR STRENGTHS & BARRIERS TO SUCCESS Take the free assessment and get your personalized report. Go to https://www.iambeyondbarriers.com/quiz Highlights: [00:47] The effects of remote work [03:12] What's really causing burnout [04:38] How Monica learned to set boundaries [09:48] The steps to establishing boundaries [20:50] Use PTR – Preference, Tradition, Requirement Quotes: "Being authentic and setting boundaries gives you more freedom." – Monica Marquez "As an entrepreneur, if you do not set boundaries for yourself, they will not exist." – Nikki Barua "Boundaries are the most important mechanism to living your life on your own terms." – Nikki Barua "Boundaries can help you protect your energy, your focus, and even your values." – Nikki Barua 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