BEYOND BARRIERS

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).

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

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.

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

“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

Even at the highest levels in companies large and small, many otherwise strong and bold women struggle in meetings. Many say their voices are drowned out; others say they are ignored or overlooked, and others can’t find a way into the conversation at all. And, in this new era of virtual meetings, the problem has become harder to manage.  In this episode, Monica shares women’s stories and experiences in meetings, what the research by Harvard Business Review shows, and how to assert your power in meetings. Highlights: [00:34] Women’s experience in meetings [02:25] What the research shows [04:25] How to assert your power in meetings [08:00] Using muscular language [12:38] Practice and prepare in advance Quotes: “It’s less about what we say and more of how we say it.” – Monica Marquez  “You can learn to take your power back. You must practice, test, and learn.” – Monica Marquez About Nikki Barua: Nikki Barua is a digital innovator, serial entrepreneur, author & speaker. Learn more at nikkibarua.com. Follow Nikki on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter About Monica Marquez: Monica Marquez is a senior corporate leader, ex-Googler, and diversity expert. Learn more at themonicamarquez.com. Follow Monica on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter

Many barriers stand in the way of a Latina pursuing a career in STEM... from societal and familial norms to high school counselors telling Latinas, and other women for that matter, "maybe you'd be better suited majoring in something else." This experience has been the case for decades. Even if one pushes past discrimination, there are still challenges with a lack of resources, support, and the isolation of being "the only" in the room.  The numbers say it all: Only 2 percent of Latinas held science and engineering positions, as reported by the National Science Foundation. And that number hasn't changed much in the last seven years. But for Latinas in academia, STEM, and beyond – embracing technology and the power of community are key to accelerating success.  In this episode, Isaura Gaeta, Vice President of Security Research, Intel Product Assurance & Security Engineering at Intel Corporation, leads by example in her respective field and shares her story to encourage and empower the next generation of Latinas in STEM. Highlights: [03:51] Isaura’s journey [07:53] Overcoming limiting beliefs [09:51] Building relationships [15:28] First experience in corporate [18:50] Gaining access to influential leaders [22:47] Raising your hand for opportunities [24:33] Building your personal brand [27:09] Tips for achieving your goals [29:39] Staying ahead of the curve [32:24] Opportunities for the Latino community [36:41] Accelerating success in the digital age Quotes: “Engineering is about helping people. It's about making our lives better.” – Isaura S. Gaeta  “Always give more than you get back.” - Isaura S. Gaeta “Remind yourself that you have information that is valuable to share and if you don’t share it, then you may not make the progress that is needed.” –  Isaura S. Gaeta “Quell that little voice that is telling you that you're not good enough or you're not supposed to be here. Stand up and say - Yes, I am supposed to be here.” - Isaura S. Gaeta  “Be confident about sharing and asking for what you want.” - Isaura S. Gaeta About Isaura S. Gaeta: Isaura leads an engineering team focused on hardware security research including penetration testing, physical attack mechanisms, and outreach to academia. Previously she was GM of systems engineering in the Platform Engineering Group and was responsible for optimizing engineering execution capacity, quality management systems, and operational excellence for a global engineering organization of 18k people. A 30-year veteran of Intel, Gaeta spent the first two decades of her Intel career developing various semiconductor processing technologies. Her work during that period led to two patents and five Intel Achievement Awards, the company’s highest recognition.  Gaeta holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering from Stanford University. She founded Intel’s Network of Executive Women for the Latin America region and was the chair of Intel’s Hispanic Leadership Council. Outside of Intel, she serves on the board of the Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley where she chairs the Nominating and Governance committee. The Hispanic IT Executive Council has recognized her six times in the top 100 Hispanic professionals in the IT industry.  Links: LinkedIn: isaura-s-gaeta-1a50262 Twitter: IsauraGaeta

At this year’s L'Attitude 2022 conference, Latino Donor Collaborative revealed their latest report showing that U.S. Latinos are a key driving force in our nation's economic recovery. Despite being the largest minority in the U.S. and making significant contributions to the growth of our economy, Latinos are still among the most underrepresented in leadership positions. Esther Aguilera, CEO of Latino Corporate Directors Association, recently told AL DÍA News Media, "Business leaders—both non-Latino and Latino—play a critical role in driving an accurate story of the Latino community and its huge impact on the American economy. We need business leaders everywhere to lean in, learn more, and speak up about the dynamism and success of the Latino community. Otherwise, these misconceptions and contradictory views of our community will continue to slow progress for everyone." In this episode, Monica Marquez shares insights from LDC's 2022 U.S. Latinos GDP Report™, recent community successes, and how the next-generation Latino cohort can help drive our country's economic growth.   Highlights:  [02:23] Insights from LDC's 2022 U.S. Latinos GDP Report™ [04:48] Future of Latinos in the workforce [07:37] Adding value through cultural perspective inside your organization  [08:13] U.S. Latino GDP impact on the economy [08:41] Elevating and recruiting next-generation talent  [09:09] Latino educational achievements  [10:20] Statistics on Latino real consumption [11:16] Breaking misconceptions in the Latino community [12:29] Google’s rise in market share through product inclusion and innovation [16:15] Future vision for Latinos and embracing diversity   Quotes: “Latino Donor Collaborative’s latest report on the economic growth of the U.S. Latino cohort confirms the sheer dominance that U.S. Latinos will have on the country's economy as a whole.”  - Monica Marquez "From a business perspective and whatever your industry, if you aren't paying attention to the US Latino cohort, you will get left behind."  - Monica Marquez “Latinos are gaining more and more wealth and consuming more at a faster pace than any other cohort in the U.S. It just makes business sense to pay attention now.”  - Monica Marquez “We are excited to see a world where Latino voices and perspectives matter in defining products in defining services and policies – a world where Latinos no longer are hoping for equal pay, career opportunity, or a seat at the table.”  - 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

Having immigrated to the United States at a young age, Ileana Musa learned a lot about a strong work ethic and positive outlook. She grew up a dancer and loved the arts – and thought this is what she’d pursue as a career until her father stepped in and told her she should focus on finance and minor in dance. Fast forward to today, Ileana is the Co-Head of International Wealth Management and the Head of International Banking & Lending for one of the largest financial institutions in the world. She’s created a path for herself and shares with us the steps to forming win-win relationships that help us succeed too. Ileana is resourceful and always made do with what she’s had. She’s found the opportunities in life and believes you can change your own path at any time. She tells stories of how she’s connected with people and why sharing your own personal story and vision is vital for this connection. Ileana gives us insights on how to meet setbacks head-on and identify quick wins in order to keep forward momentum. Listen to this podcast if you’re struggling and want to find a new way of thinking or build relationships with the right people who can help you reach your goals.  Highlights:  [03:30] Ileana’s story [05:16] Decision to pursue a career in financial services  [07:40] Ileana’s daily success habits [10:10] Building your personal brand [17:42] Gaining access to influential leaders [23:30] Overcoming fears and limiting beliefs [29:43] Executing on your new opportunity [37:14] Advice on staying ahead of the curve   Quotes: “What’s the quality of your work when no one is watching?” – Ileana Musa “The more you share what drives you, the more connectivity you have with people around you.” – Ileana Musa “I will never throw in the towel because of a setback.” – Ileana Musa   About Ileana Musa: Ileana Musa is the Co-Head of International Wealth Management and the Head of International Banking & Lending. In this role she leads the segment and strategy that focuses on Morgan Stanley’s International Client Advisors and international clients to ensure they have access to strategic investment, cash management and lending solutions, services and thought leadership to address both sides of a client’s balance sheet. Ileana is a member of Morgan Stanley's Wealth Management Management Committee, Wealth Management Operating Committee, Latin America Management Committee, US Banks Management Committee, and the Bank Leadership Committee. Ileana co-chairs the enterprise Latino Employee Network.  Prior to joining Morgan Stanley she was the Global Client Segment and Strategy executive for Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. In this capacity, Ileana focused on international financial advisors to ensure the delivery of a consistent, goals-based wealth management experience for international high-net-worth and ultra-high-net worth clients. Prior to this role, Ileana was head of International Credit & Banking within Bank of America’s Global Wealth & Investment Management (GWIM) Banking group. In this role, she led the teams that supported and delivered integrated liquidity, cash management and lending solutions and services to financial advisors and high-net-worth clients in Latin America, Asia and Europe.  Ileana held several leadership roles in the domestic, international and affluent banking platforms at Bank of America and JPMorgan Chase, where she lent her talent in growing the cross-border wealth management business.  Ileana received her BBA degree, with a concentration in finance, from the University of Miami and an M.B.A. degree in finance from Florida International University. Ileana is fluent in Spanish, is FINRA registered and is Six-Sigma Greenbelt certified.  Ileana was recently named to the Girl Scouts National Board (GSUSA) and sits on the Corporate Advisory Boards of the Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA), Florida International University Honors College and the Cuban Heritage Collection at the University of Miami.  Ileana was named to the ‘Top 100 Most Influential Latinas’ List in 2020 by Latino Leaders. Last year she was recognized to the 2019 MAKERS class of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management as well as being recognized by Latino Justice with the 2019 Latina Trailblazer Award honoring her professional and personal achievements in opening doors and new opportunities for other professionals. Additionally, Ileana was named to ALPFA’s 2019 Most Powerful Latinas in corporate America list for a third year in a row as previously featured in Fortune magazine. In 2016 Ileana was awarded the 2015 Top 10 Corporate Executives of the Year by Latina Style magazine.  Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ileanamusa3 

Latina women represent only about 1.6% of C-Suite executives in Fortune 500 companies. While this inequity is rooted in factors like the lack of career mentors, it’s also about navigating cultural norms. As a first-generation corporate Latina, Monica Marquez discusses the unique opportunity for seasoned leaders - who navigated and broke through barriers - to transfer the unspoken rules of success and raise the next generation of Latinos/x. She also shares the pearls of wisdom from the most senior-level Latina women in the community, her own experiences, and the research behind what it takes to get ahead in the C-Suite. Highlights: [00:19] Statistics about Latinos in the workplace [03:34] Unequal experience in the workplace [04:32] Percentage of Latina women in the C-Suite [05:44] The number one barrier for success for Latinas [06:49] Lack of access to networks [09:08] Dead-end promotions [11:57] Having clarity on where you want to go in your career [12:42] The gender wage gap [14:46] Breaking the cultural curse of “just working hard” [17:53] Getting out of our own way [20:27] Having courageous conversations Quotes: “We have to understand and have clarity on where we want to go in our careers.”  - Monica Marquez “If you don’t ask, you don’t get.”  - Monica Marquez “We have to break the cultural curse of keeping our heads down, working really hard, and being more reserved with self-promotion.”  - Monica Marquez “Acculturate to what success looks like in your organization.”  - 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