BEYOND BARRIERS

As a dentist, Dr. Jessica Metcalfe had to intentionally manage and minimize her perfectionism. Through this work, she started on a journey of understanding her inner voice. Today, she talks about what she’s learned along the way from dentist to coach.  According to Dr. Metcalfe, there is power in our inner voices. She tells us about two theories behind how our inner self speaks to us and how the imposter syndrome plays a part in the way we view ourselves. In this podcast, Dr. Metcalfe teaches us to reframe our inner voice and stop using the word “just” to downplay our accomplishments.  Helping high achieving women find and listen to their inner voices is Dr. Metcalfe’s passion. Through this experience, she’s able to share with us how to reframe our doubts and failures and set up a community of support around us. Sit back and listen to all the gems Dr. Metcalfe shares with us in this episode.  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 Dr. Metcalfe.   Highlights:  [02:17] How Dr. Metcalfe started focusing on depression[07:03] Listening to your inner voice[11:23] Questioning her move from dentist to coach[14:48] Managing your inner voice[18:17] Starting to navigate you inner work[21:44] Dealing with your inner voice during doubts or failures[27:51] Building a new community of support[32:21] Working through perfectionism[37:13] Lightning round questions   Quotes: “I had to change how I viewed myself first before I was able to step in and be able to help others.” – Dr. Jessica Metcalfe “When someone is starting to navigate their inner voice and they start to notice it, building that self awareness is your first step.” – Dr. Jessica Metcalfe “Your brain requires tangible information to start to remind you that you are in fact capable.” – Dr. Jessica Metcalfe   Lightning Round Questions: What book has greatly influenced you?  “The Giver” by Lois Lowry What is your favorite inspiring quote or saying?  “Be the person that when your feet touch the floor in the morning, the devil says, ‘Shit, they’re up.’” (Dwayne Johnson) What is one word or moniker you would use to describe yourself?  Fierce What is one change you've implanted that made your life better?  Prioritizing sleep What power song would you want playing as you walk out onto a stage?  “King” by Florence and the Machine   About Dr. Jessica Metcalfe: Dr. Jessica Metcalfe is an author, international speaker, self-intelligence coach and former dental oncologist. She has recently finished her first book called, Speak Kindly, You're Listening. Her mission: to unlock and empower the inner voices of high-achieving women by navigating through imposter syndrome, perfectionism, burnout and that dark mental chatter. Dr. Jessica’s experience working with cancer patients, being an education director, certified life coach, and her own mental health journey has allowed her to show hundreds of women that they can conquer their negative inner voice personally and professionally. She has given keynote speeches and presentations to University of Toronto, Boston University, Key Media, Women in Wealth Management, and Princess Margaret Cancer Centre among other international organizations and companies. Links: Website: www.drjessicametcalfe.com LinkedIn URL: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jessica-metcalfe-873b671b5/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessica.metcalfe.56829/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjessicametcalfe/  

Jennifer Brown’s path in life unexpectedly changed early on. She thought she would find her fulfillment as an opera singer, but fate had other plans. After experiencing issues with her singing voice, she now helps everyone around her find their own unique voices in work and life. This podcast is jam-packed with insights about thriving in today’s workplace. As an expert in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), Jennifer shares with us how she finds motivation and creates communities of inclusion. She thinks it’s important that you let your voice be heard and find out what you’re a leader in. Jennifer gives us great tips on developing your own personal brand and standing up in your power. She talks to us about how she connects talent with companies and gives back to her community through education. She doesn’t really believe in gurus because she feels there is wisdom in all of us. Join us as we learn so much more from Jennifer. Visit 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 Jennifer. Highlights: [02:53] How the performing arts paved Jennifer’s path [09:14] Becoming an expert in the DEI space [15:03] Motivating self and others [19:29] Working with a diverse team [23:05] Developing your own brand and owning your power [35:00] Creating a community of inclusion [43:12] Letting all voices be heard [46:54] Lightning round questions Quotes: “As adults, we have to be able to connect concepts to our learned experience.” – Jennifer Brown “Be willing to be shaped by the moment.” – Jennifer Brown “A lot of us write our own books to figure out our own story.” – Jennifer Brown Lightning Round Questions: What book has greatly influenced you? - “Flawless Consulting” by Peter Block What is your favorite inspiring quote or saying? - Say yes, and go figure out how. What is one word or moniker you would use to describe yourself? - Light and illuminating What is one change you've implanted that made your life better? - Digging deep to build my team. What power song would you want playing as you walk out onto a stage? - “Golden” by Jill Scott About Jennifer Brown: Jennifer Brown (she/her) is an award-winning entrepreneur, speaker, author, and diversity and inclusion expert who is deeply passionate about building more inclusive workplaces where more of us can feel welcomed, valued, respected, and heard. As the Founder and CEO of Jennifer Brown Consulting (JBC), a certified woman- and LGBT-owned firm, Jennifer and her team design and execute inclusion strategies that have been implemented by some of the biggest companies and nonprofits in the world.  She is also the bestselling author of two books, Inclusion: Diversity, The New Workplace and The Will to Change (2017) and How To Be An Inclusive Leader: Your Role in Creating Cultures of Belonging Where Everyone Can Thrive (2019), a shortlist winner of the O.W.L. Award, and winner of the 2019 Nautilus Book Awards' Business & Leadership category. She also recently co-authored a groundbreaking book on diversity, equity and inclusion in society with thought leader and fellow bestselling author, Rohit Bhargava. The book, Beyond Diversity: 12 Non-Obvious Ways To Build A More Inclusive World, is a 2022 Axiom Award Gold Medal Winner in the Women/BIPOC Category, a Wall Street Journal bestseller, a 2022 Nautilus Silver Award Winner in the Multicultural and Indigenous Category, a 2022 Hermes Creative Awards Platinum Winner, a 2022 Foreword Indies Awards Finalist in the Multicultural Category, and one of Inc Magazine’s 22 Books to Read (or Reread) in 2022. Jennifer’s podcast, The Will to Change, is downloaded by nearly 15,000 listeners per month, and she is a sought-after keynote speaker and expert for leading research institutions and business schools. She lives in New York City with her partner of over 20 years, Michelle. You can learn more at www.jenniferbrownspeaks.com. Links: Website: https://jenniferbrownspeaks.com LinkedIn URL: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferbrownconsulting Twitter: https://twitter.com/jenniferbrown Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenniferbrownspeaks/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferbrownspeaks

Meet Catherine Wragg, Chief People Officer at TriNet who shares how self-awareness and smart risk taking helped her achieve career success.  Coming from a traditional environment, Catherine had to grow into the risk-taker she is today. Throughout her career, she took on challenges, betting on herself and her ability to learn. Whether it was switching to new industries or taking on risky projects, Catherine stepped into the unknown with curiosity and optimism. That’s what helped her rise to the C-suite after starting her career in the payroll department. Catherine leads with a deep desire to make a bigger impact. She expertly navigated the challenges posed by the pandemic and created an environment where Trinet employees would thrive, adapting the culture and workplace to accommodate the new normal. Catherine lives her life with hope and belief in a better tomorrow. 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 Catherine.   Highlights:  [02:21] Catherine’s formation story [07:04] Working for The Armani Group [11:49] What led to Catherine’s success [15:50] Making important decisions for her career [20:03] Being a leader in HR during COVID [26:21] A new world of work after COVID [29:41] Balancing work and home life [33:18] Lightning round questions Quotes: “You have to take time for yourself and then digest all that you're seeing, feeling and hearing to be able to provide perspective or create an environment that allows folks to be their best selves.” – Catherine Wragg “It's really about trying to get as organized as you can about what's to come.” – Catherine Wragg “COVID was a unique impact to the organization that's actually transformed the way we work entirely.” – Catherine Wragg   Lightning Round Questions: What book has greatly influenced you?  “The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times” by Douglas Carlton Abrams and Jane Goodall and “The Year of Magical Thinking” by Joan Didion What is your favorite inspiring quote or saying?  “Lasting change is a series of compromises, and compromise is all right as long as your values don’t change.” by Jane Goodall What is one word or moniker you would use to describe yourself?  Empathetic leader What is one change you've implanted that made your life better?  Realizing I can’t do it all on my own, and it’s okay to ask for help. What power song would you want playing as you walk out onto a stage?  “Competent” by Demi Lavato   About Catherine Wragg: Catherine Wragg joined TriNet in 2017 and currently serves as the Chief People Officer at TriNet, overseeing learning and development, People (HR) operations and compliance, talent acquisition, compensation and analytics, and internal People (HR) support to the business. Previously, Catherine served as the senior vice president of Business Development at Giorgio Armani Corporation, where she collaborated with the CEO on various business strategies, including the management of the e-commerce channel for North America. Earlier at Giorgio Armani, she was the senior vice president of Human Resources at A|X Armani Exchange. Catherine led the integration of A|X into Giorgio Armani following its acquisition by Giorgio Armani Group. Prior to that, she was the senior vice president of Human Resources and Administration at Tower Group International, Ltd., where she was responsible for establishing and growing an internal HR function to support a rapid growth property and casualty insurance company. Catherine partnered with her colleagues on two successful initial public offerings and integrated various acquisitions. She supported 18 offices throughout the U.S. and Bermuda. Catherine studied English at Northern Arizona University. She is a former board member of the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation. Links: LinkedIn URL: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-wragg-84a2012/

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/ 

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/

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/

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/

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).

“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

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