BEYOND BARRIERS

Strong leadership is rooted in intellectual curiosity about how things work and what drives people. But how do you build relationships and find your voice when you are an introvert?   Our guest, Shifra Ansonoff, a brilliant leader and an introvert, reveals what helped her reach the top of her industry and build a powerful professional network. Shifra believes the key is caring about people and helping them achieve their goals, rather than focusing on what you can get from them. When you follow your curiosity, you will find your way to success whether it’s with relationships or results.  Shifra followed her passions even as a young mom of twins, and with the help of her supportive husband, has become a global leader in her industry. She loves helping people find their voices and seeing where curiosity takes her.  Today, Shifra is the Global Head of Research at Preqin, carrying the remit of obtaining valuable data and insights on alternative assets contributing to the industry’s most comprehensive private capital and hedge fund data sets. Previously, Shifra was with Qontigo, BlackRock Solutions and Bloomberg.  In addition to being a top executive, Shifra has been an active mentor at Rutgers Business School, for which she received a Mentorship Excellence Award in 2018 and was shortlisted by Waters Technology’s Women in Technology and Data Awards for Risk Professional of the Year. She is a proud life-long nonconformist who has a lot of stories to tell us about how to build great relationships and lead a team. 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 Shifra. Highlights:  [02:20] Shifra’s formation story [04:37] Figuring out the right path forward  [06:06] Shifra’s career journey  [09:56] Stepping into the unknown [12:02] Overcoming fears & limiting beliefs  [14:39] Speaking up and sharing your perspective  [18:48] Staying ahead of the curve  [21:10] Focusing on the right thing at the right time  [23:15] Self care on a daily basis  [24:42] The key to building great relationships [26:22] Advice for introverts  [28:43] Lightning round questions Quotes: “I believe mentorship sponsorship should be a two-way street, and when it isn’t or it becomes transactional, it’s no longer fun.” – Shifra Ansonoff “I’ve built such meaningful relationships through the years in business and across groups of friends by just letting people know that I’ve been thinking about them.” – Shifra Ansonoff Lightning Round Questions: What book has greatly influenced you?  “Give and Take” by Adam Grant What is your favorite inspiring quote or saying?  Learning to love myself and not being my own worst critic. What is one word or moniker you would use to describe yourself?  Nonconformist What is one change you've implanted that made your life better?  Learning cognitive strategies that put me in control of situations. What power song would you want playing as you walk out onto a stage?  "Invincible" by Pat Benatar   About Shifra Ansonoff: Shifra is the Global Head of Research at Preqin, carrying the remit of obtaining valuable data and insights on alternative assets via conversations with GPs and LPs, thus contributing to the industry’s most comprehensive private capital and hedge fund data sets. A 20+ year veteran of fintech, Shifra has acquired expertise in risk management, product and relationship management, and data governance.  Previously, Shifra led the global operations team for the analytics solutions division at Qontigo (previously Axioma). Prior to, Shifra was with BlackRock Solutions and Bloomberg. Shifra has been an active mentor at Rutgers Business School, for which she received a Mentorship Excellence Award in 2018 and was shortlisted by Waters Technology’s Women in Technology and Data Awards for a Risk Professional of the Year award. She holds a bachelor’s in Economics from Sarah Lawrence, and an MBA in Finance from Rutgers University. Links: Website: https://www.preqin.com/    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shifra-ansonoff-274ab46/

Twenty years ago, when I first came to America, I felt like a complete outsider. I didn't look like, sound like, or dress like people around me. I chased goals that I didn’t really care about because I thought that’s what was expected of me. But the harder I tried to fit in, the more I struggled personally and professionally. You see, I was defining success from other people’s perspective. Our guest today is US Congresswoman Sharice Davids, from Kansas’ Third Congressional District, who shares her inspiring story of overcoming obstacles and rising to the top by defining success on her own terms.  Sharice was raised by a single mom who spent more than 20 years serving in the US Army. A proud graduate of Leavenworth High School, Sharice was the first person in her family to attend college. She worked her way from Johnson County Community College to Cornell Law School, juggling multiple jobs to put herself through school. Sharice went on to work in economic and community development on Native American reservations, helping tribes to create programs and initiatives for growth. This work inspired her to apply for the prestigious White House Fellowship program, where she served under President Barack Obama and continued to create economic opportunity for others. Sharice ran for Congress to give Kansans a voice, and to make sure everyone has the same opportunities to achieve their goals that she did. In 2018, Sharice was elected to represent Kansas’ Third District, becoming one of the first two Native American women ever to serve in Congress.  In 2020, she was re-elected to her second term. She has spent her time in office working tirelessly to tackle the issues most important to Kansas families, including strengthening small businesses, lowering the cost of healthcare and prescription drugs, and making sure the government is working for the people — not special interests. In this episode, Rep. Davids shares her perspective on why it's important to first embrace who you are for others to embrace and accept you as you are. She also shares why service matters, how to build a thriving community, and what strategies helped her achieve her goals. Visit 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 Rep. Davids.    Highlights:  [03:57] What shaped Representative Davids’ life[09:22] Gaining clarity on your career path[12:50] How Representative Davids got into politics[15:31] First time running for office[24:18] Facing the possibility of failure[26:52] Campaigns are entrepreneurial[29:22] Owning her seat at the table[35:23] Advice to other on pursuing a career in politics[41:36] How to engage with Representative Davids[43:07] The meaningful work of LPAC Quotes: “When dealing with rejection on the campaign trail, I had to remind myself that  this is not about me, this is about the future of our country, our democracy.” - Rep. Sharice Davids “The biggest opportunities for growth come from moments when you are experiencing something that is hard and challenging.” - Rep. Sharice Davids "Running a campaign is a very entrepreneurial process." - Rep. Sharice Davids  "One thing that changed my life was realizing that I get to decide what success means to me." - Rep. Sharice Davids About Sharice Davids: Sharice Davids is currently serving Kansas’ Third Congressional District in Congress. Sharice was raised by a single mom who spent more than 20 years serving in the US Army. A proud graduate of Leavenworth High School, Sharice was the first person in her family to attend college. She worked her way from Johnson County Community College to Cornell Law School, juggling multiple jobs to put herself through school. Sharice went on to work in economic and community development on Native American reservations, helping tribes to create programs and initiatives for growth. This work inspired her to apply for the prestigious White House Fellowship program, where she served under President Barack Obama and continued to create economic opportunity for others. Sharice ran for Congress to give Kansans a voice who represents our values and interests, and to make sure everyone has the same opportunities to achieve their goals that she did. In 2018, Sharice was elected to represent Kansas’ Third District, becoming one of the first two Native American women ever to serve in Congress. In 2020, she was re-elected to her second term. She has spent her time in office working tirelessly to tackle the issues most important to Kansas families, including strengthening our small businesses, lowering the cost of healthcare and prescription drugs, and making sure the government is working for the people — not special interests. Sharice was raised by a single mom, who spent more than 20 years in the Army followed by a career in civil service at the US Post Office. Sharice graduated from Leavenworth High School. She attended Haskell Indian Nations University and the University of Kansas before graduating from Johnson County Community College and later the University of Missouri-Kansas City. She went on to earn a law degree from Cornell Law School. Sharice calls herself a “former” first generation college student, since her mom earned a degree in history from UMKC in 2016. Sharice is a member of the Ho-Chunk Nation, a Native American tribe in Wisconsin. Sharice is highly trained in martial arts and has competed as both an amateur and professional in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Sharice was one of 16 selected to participate in the prestigious White House Fellowship program (2016-2017). Sharice has lived and worked on Native American reservations, working with tribes to create economic development opportunities, programs, and initiatives. Sharice regularly speaks at conferences as a nationally recognized expert on economic and community development in Native communities. Sharice, along with her brother, created Starty Pants – a video podcast that highlights entrepreneurs in the Greater Kansas City area with a focus on women, people of color and LGBTQ founders. Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharicedavids/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShariceDavids

Do you have trouble knowing when to say no or being authentic in your everyday life at work? Many of us spend a significant amount of time devoted to our jobs, and if we aren’t honest about ourselves and our situations, we add stress to our already full lives. A rewarding work-life involves authenticity, tapping into our passions, and finding the right support. Theresa Ludvigson is the Senior Vice President of People at Qualified, the #1 pipeline generation platform for Salesforce, where Theresa previously held multiple management positions. A natural people person, Theresa, is keenly aware of what makes a great manager and loves helping and coaching others. In this episode, she enthusiastically shares stories from her past experiences. She discusses the challenges of learning new skills when switching jobs and the importance of staying true to who you are. You’ll love her honesty, optimism, and electrifying energy.   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 Theresa. Highlights:  [02:22] Theresa’s career path[04:46] Overcoming fears and limiting beliefs[10:09] How to ask others for support[13:20] Tapping into your passion[15:59] Staying ahead of the curve[18:15] Knowing your limits and saying no[21:02] Leading by example[22:36] How to integrate work with life[25:25] Finding mentors & building relationships[28:20] Finding clarity and direction in the workplace[31:22] Creating and promoting your personal brand[33:16] Lightning round questions[37:46] Where to find Theresa online Quotes: “Simply asking ‘Hey, how can I support you?’ opens up the door and allows an individual to share how you can best help them.” – Theresa Ludvigson “Leading with transparency and authenticity is key.” – Theresa Ludvigson Lightning Round Questions: What book has greatly influenced you?  Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery What is your favorite inspiring quote or saying?  “Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher.” - Oprah Winfrey What is one word or moniker you would use to describe yourself? So Glam What is one change you've implanted that made your life better?  Caffeine to fuel my energy. What power song would you want playing as you walk out onto a stage?  “Hollaback Girl” by Gwen Stefani About Theresa Ludvigson: Theresa Ludvigson is the Senior Vice President of People at Qualified, the #1 pipeline generation platform for Salesforce. She joined the company in January of 2022 and leads Qualified's overall people experience strategy, which includes talent acquisition, leadership development, diversity and inclusion, compensation and benefits, HR operations and technology, and employee relations. Under her leadership, she’s created a team of employee-focused culture champions that touch every point of the employee lifecycle, and help Qualified employees feel empowered to do their best work while inspiring each other to learn and grow. Prior to Qualified, Theresa led global new hire onboarding, employee loyalty programs, and the alumni network as Vice President, Global Onboarding and Loyalty Programs at Salesforce. She also held positions in Talent Development, Employee Engagement, Sales Effectiveness, Customer Marketing, and Sales while at Salesforce.  Theresa holds degrees in Journalism and Ethnic Studies from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo and lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her two sons. Links: Website: https://www.qualified.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tludvigson/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/tludvigs 

Everyone faces fears. But, what some people do better than others is pushing through that fear to get to the other side of it. In our work and personal lives, we make a lot of decisions on a daily basis, and some of those decisions impact other people. How do we stay on track and focus on accomplishing our goals when we face these challenges? Our guest, Dr. Kerry Murphy Healey is the inaugural president of the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream in Washington, DC. In this episode, she candidly shares stories with us about her two failed runs for office which led to her winning the position of Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts—a much higher position than she originally sought out. Dr. Healey had to overcome a lot about fears of being on stage and on television, but overcoming those fears led to new opportunities. Dr. Healey is full of actionable advice and pearls of wisdom about how to succeed at work and in life. 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 Kerry. Highlights:  [02:26] Kerry’s journey [07:46] How Kerry overcame her fears and limiting beliefs [10:31] How to reframe failure and what failure teaches you  [14:27] Making decisions without creating division [17:25] Going where your skills are needed [22:52] Identifying mentors and sponsors  [25:02] Building strategic relationships, building communities, and asking for help [28:33] Showing people what you have to offer  [30:05] Leveraging self-promotion   [32:27] Kerry’s goals for the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream [34:26] Lightning Round Questions [39:01] How to get in touch with Kerry Quotes: “Forcing myself repeatedly to do things that were uncomfortable and that scared me, is what helped me learn to take off all the edges and just do whatever I needed to do.” – Dr. Kerry Healey “When you decide, you allow for a conversation, because it’s very hard to have that conversation unless someone has a point of view.” – Dr. Kerry Healey “You can’t really join a community and say ‘What is this community going to do for me?’ You have to put something into that community first.” – Dr. Kerry Healey   Lightning Round Questions: What book has greatly influenced you?  The Gulag Archipelago by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn What is your favorite inspiring quote or saying?  “I never lose, I only win or learn.” – Nelson Mandela What is one word or moniker you would use to describe yourself?  Optimistic What is one change you've implanted that made your life better?  Sleeping and learning to make time for sleep. What power song would you want playing as you walk out onto a stage?  “Take Me to the River” by The Talking Heads About Kerry Healey: Dr. Kerry Murphy Healey is the inaugural president of the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream in Washington, DC. Kerry Healey’s career spans higher education, elected office, and foreign and domestic policy. In July 2019, she capped six years as the first woman president of Babson College, the 100-year-old business school consistently ranked as the country’s leading institution in entrepreneurship education. During her tenure at Babson, Healey championed women entrepreneurs, created greater affordability and access for students, and oversaw a dramatic $200 million renewal of the Wellesley campus. Previously, Healey served as Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor, where she led bipartisan efforts to improve services for the homeless, tackle the opioid crisis, and increase protections for victims of child abuse, drunk driving accidents, and sexual and domestic violence. She was also integral in crafting the state’s pioneering health care reform legislation. Dr. Healey has been a fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government’s Institute of Politics and Center for Public Leadership, and is on the International Council of the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs. She holds an AB in government from Harvard College and a PhD in political science and law from Trinity College, Dublin. She is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, Trilateral Commission and a trustee of the American University of Afghanistan. Links: Website: https://www.mcaad.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kerrymurphyhealey/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerry-healey-1626701b4/ 

A good leader sets the tone for an organization. Without good leadership, employees won’t know the right direction to take or what they can improve upon. While men and women may generally have different needs and motivations, the qualities that make a good leader are the same for both. What is also important and needed for all leaders to succeed is to continuously seek out next level mentors with fresh perspective so they don’t get caught up in their own echo chamber and get left behind. Dr. Annalisa Jenkins, M.B.B.S., F.R.C.P. is a biopharma thought leader and a board member for several growing companies. She shares with us her experiences, from the British military to the boardroom, and what it’s been like to work in this age of life science innovation and digital advances. Coming from a generation where male mentors were common, Dr. Jenkins speaks about working as a woman in her industry and how she’s learned to be a “tough but fair” leader under their direction. Her broad array of experiences in health sciences shows us how to bring vision to our workplace as leaders. 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 Annalisa. Highlights:  [02:27] Annalisa’s global background [05:09] Annalisa’s career goals [08:08] What five things make a successful leader [13:35] Is there a difference between male and female leaders? [16:08] Other important qualities of a leader in the workplace [19:52] Identifying potential leadership mentors [29:21] Coping with division created by making decisions [35:19] The importance of feedback and not taking it personally  [42:38] Working in the age of life science innovation and digital age  [46:56] Identifying the waves that affect your industry [50:51] What book has greatly influenced Annalisa? [51:47] Annalisa’s favorite quote [52:50] Annalisa’s moniker to describe herself [53:19] One habit that makes a big difference in Annalisa’s life [55:00] Annalisa’s power song [56:41] How to connect with Annalisa Quotes: “Great leaders have a clarity of vision.” –  Dr. Annalisa Jenkins “People that can bring teams together and get them to collaborate are always going to be successful.” –  Dr. Annalisa Jenkins “Great leadership comes from those who are willing to lean in and take decisions.” – Dr. Annalisa Jenkins Lightning Round Questions: What book has greatly influenced you?  Who Says Elephants Can't Dance? By Louis V. Gerstner, Jr. What is your favorite inspiring quote or saying?  “Live the life you love and love the life you live.” What is one word or moniker you would use to describe yourself?  Gracious What is one change you've implanted that made your life better?  Carving out two hours every morning to go to the gym. To think, reflect, prepare myself. It creates mindfulness. What power song would you want playing as you walk out onto a stage?    “Paradise” by Coldplay, the song and video. About Dr. Annalisa Jenkins: Annalisa Jenkins, M.B.B.S., F.R.C.P. is a biopharma thought leader with over 25 years of industry experience. Dr. Jenkins has extensive recent experience in building and financing biotech companies pursuing cures for the most challenging rare diseases to address important medical issues globally. She has consistently built and led teams advancing programs from scientific research through clinical development, regulatory approval, and into healthcare systems around the world. In addition, she is an advocate for diversity and inclusion, particularly for women in science. Dr. Jenkins served as president and CEO of Dimension Therapeutics a leading gene therapy company that she took public on the NASDAQ and subsequently sold to Ultragenyx. Prior senior leadership roles have included the head of global research and development at Merck Serono Pharmaceuticals from 2013 to 2014, where she also served as executive vice president global development and medical from 2011 to 2013 and several leadership roles at Bristol Myers-Squibb (BMS) from 1997 to 2011, most recently serving as senior vice president and head of global medical affairs. Earlier in her career, Dr. Jenkins was a medical officer in the British Royal Navy during the Gulf Conflict, achieving the rank of surgeon lieutenant commander. Dr. Jenkins graduated with a degree in medicine from St. Bartholomew’s Hospital in the University of London and subsequently trained in cardiovascular medicine in the U.K. National Health Service.  Dr. Jenkins is a board member of several growing companies, including Oncimmune, AVROBIO, COMPASS Pathways, AOBiome, AgeX, Phaim Pharma, Conduit Connect, Affimed, Genomics England, Blue Advent Ltd, Cocoon Biotech Inc. (Non-Executive Chair), and Kuur Therapeutics (Non-Executive Chair). She also is a medical trustee for the British Heart Foundation and a committee member of the Science Board to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, which advises FDA leadership on complex scientific and technical issues, board member at Faster Cures a center of The Milken Institute and Chair of The Court of The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.  Additional appointments reflect Dr. Jenkins’ commitment to advancing the opportunities of women in science and the need for new models of health care in resource poor settings. She serves on the boards of Women in Bio, an organization promoting careers, leadership, and entrepreneurship for women in the life sciences, and the Center for Talent Innovation (U.K.), dedicated to driving ground-breaking research that leverages talent across gender, generation, geography, and culture. She also is an executive committee member of Springboard Enterprises, and is on the Advisory Panel of the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association, which elected Dr. Jenkins as Woman of the Year in 2014. She co-founded and serves on the board of directors of YouBelong, a UK based charity developing and delivering new models of care to people currently living with mental health diseases and incarcerated in institutions in sub Saharan Africa.  Links: Websites: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annalisajenkins/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenkinsannalisa

Executive presence - is it a skill or a trait people are born with? It’s a term that’s often perceived as something magical, or mystical that many people struggle to understand. What is it, why is it important, and how can I get it? In this episode, Monica shares the research on executive presence, what exactly is executive presence, and why it’s important to accelerating your success. DISCOVER YOUR STRENGTHS & BARRIERS TO SUCCESS Take the free assessment and get your personalized report. Go to https://www.iambeyondbarriers.com/quiz Highlights: [01:28] Executive presence – skill or trait? [02:53] Why is executive presence important? [03:36] What does the research show [06:26] What is executive presence? [11:58] Executive presence starts from the inside Quotes: “Executive presence is a skill. It's not a trait. That means it's something that you can cultivate, it's something that you can develop.” – Monica Marquez “According to Sylvia Ann Hewlett’s research, executive presence accounted for 26% of what it takes to get promoted to leadership positions.” – Monica Marquez “The secret to great executive presence lies in finding the sweet spot between being that compassionate, authentic leader, but still making tough decisions, and being able to decide and help people move forward and making those hard choices and owning it with confidence and integrity.” – 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

What would happen if you let go of control and embrace life no matter what comes your way? Serendipitous moments have the power to shape your destiny.  Meet Anouck Gotlib, CEO of Belgian Boys, who shares how a fortuitous seating arrangement on a plane ride from Belgium to New York led to meeting her husband, building a multi-million dollar company, and becoming the proud mama of two adorable boys. Anouck was born in Belgium, studied Fashion Design and then worked at fashion houses in NYC. After meeting Greg, she stepped away from fashion and stepped into entrepreneurship full time.  Today, Anouck leads a passionate team dedicated to creating joy for customers and spreading sweetness in people's lives. Her leadership has fueled the exponential growth of the company, brought in high profile investors, and gained recognition as one of the fastest growing companies on the Inc 5000 list. Anouck is on a mission to turn up the happy - one sweet moment at a time. Belgian Boys is in the business of fun, offering a delicious assortment of breakfast, sweet treats, and desserts available in 5000 stores and online. Anouck believes that the key to joy is to embrace the journey and trust the timing of your life knowing that the universe has your back.  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 Anouck. Highlights: [02:31] The creation of Belgian Boys [04:06] How Anouck met her husband & their life together [05:58] Where Belgian Boys is today [07:35] Anouck’s superpower [11:35] Overcoming fear and self-doubt  [16:07] Belgian Boys is a family affair [18:09] Anouck’s success habits [21:13] Balancing work and family [24:58] How becoming a mom changed Anouck’s perspective  [27:50] Alignment of values with your investors [35:54] The importance of giving [38:36] Where to get Belgian Boys delicious treats [39:11] Lightning round questions Quotes: “Asking for help is not a weakness. It’s all about knowing who to ask for help.” – Anouck Gotlib “Mindfulness changed my life. It is something I embrace. It is something I bring into my every day.” – Anouck Gotlib “You’re the center of your kid’s universe. And it doesn’t need to be complicated, just take the time to read a book with them.” – Anouck Gotlib  Lightning Round Questions: What book has greatly influenced you? The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek What is your favorite inspiring quote or saying? “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”   What is one word or moniker you would use to describe yourself? Happiness Spreader What is one change you've implanted that made your life better? Mindfulness. Bringing that into my life has changed who I am. What power song would you want playing as you walk out onto a stage?  “Dancing in the Moonlight” by King Harvest About Anouck Gotlib: Anouck Gotlib, CEO of Belgian Boys, is on a mission to turn up the happy - one sweet moment at a time. Launched in 2015, Belgian Boys is in the business of fun, offering a delicious assortment of breakfast, sweet treats, and desserts available in 5000 stores and online. She leads a passionate team dedicated to growing more than just a revenue-driven business - creating joy for customers and spreading sweetness in people's lives. Anouck was born in Antwerp, Belgium and studied Fashion Design before working at fashion houses including Zac Posen and Natan. A fortuitous seating arrangement on a plane ride from Belgium to New York put Anouck in touch with Belgian Boys founder (and her eventual husband) Greg. Anouck spent long nights and weekends working to launch the brand before stepping away from fashion and into entrepreneurship full time. Anouck and Greg live in Brooklyn, NY with their two sons who start each day with Belgian Boys mini pancakes. Links: Websites: https://www.anouckgotlib.com/ https://www.belgianboys.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anouck-gotlib/  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/belgianboys/  Twitter:  https://twitter.com/belgianboys  https://twitter.com/AnouckGotlib Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Belgianboys/

At some point in our lives, we have all engaged in creative activities simply for casual enjoyment or as a hobby. From painting to writing to cooking or singing, there are many ways that creativity plays a part in our daily lives. But creative expression is far more than a hobby or a vocation. Throughout history, creativity has played a role in many aspects of human life. From technological advancements to mental health and well being, creative expression can unlock the roadblocks and barriers and fuel innovation and success. Meet our podcast guest and my good friend, Sheila Darcey, who is the founder of SketchPoetic - a creative expression practice for emotional healing and transformation. Sheila’s purpose is to elevate art as a tool for healing and be a catalyst to transform lives. Sheila is an innovator who has been instrumental in shaping the culture and diversity of companies, and is a strong advocate for women's leadership and empowerment across organizations. In this episode, Sheila shares what led her to become a health and wellness advocate, why daily self-care is so important, and how creative expression can help you remove roadblocks and unlock your transformation.  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 Sheila. Highlights:  [03:17] The key mental health trend that emerged since 2020 and the pandemic [05:23] Addressing stigmas around mental health [07:25] What it means to be mentally in your body [09:23] What business leaders should embrace about health & wellness  [12:45] How busy professionals can practice self-care [16:45] Metaverse, crypto, and NFT - what’s the connection? [20:00] How to step into the metaverse and Web3 [23:12] Trusting our intuition [28:06] Sheila’s inspiration for her book, SKETCH BY SKETCH [31:10] Sheila’s process for writing [35:18] Living in a world of overconsumption [38:55] Key takeaways from SKETCH BY SKETCH [42:20] Lightning round questions [49:03] How our feelings of safety are triggered [53:22] Sheila’s power song Quotes: “What we value is what we pay attention to.” – Sheila Darcey   “The moment fear invades any situation or subject matter, it is going to be polarizing.” – Sheila Darcey   “There’s an inner peace and calmness that regulates your body when you’re doing the things you want to do.” – Sheila Darcey Lightning Round Questions:   What book has greatly influenced you?   The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho   What is your favorite inspiring quote or saying?   And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.   What is one word or moniker you would use to describe yourself? SketchPoetic   What is one change you've implanted that made your life better?   Paying attention to my breath   What power song would you want playing as you walk out onto a stage?   Run the World (Girls) by Beyoncé   About Sheila Darcey:   Sheila Darcey is an innovator with 20 years of experience in transforming businesses across a variety of industries. She guides expert teams in crafting the strategies and building the digital products that help brands innovate. Sheila has been instrumental in shaping the culture of and diversity of companies. She is a strong advocate for women's leadership and empowerment across organizations.In addition to her corporate career, she recently returned to her artist's roots and founded SketchPoetic, a creative expression practice. Her purpose is to serve as a catalyst for people's transformation and elevate art as a tool for healing.“The beauty of SketchPoetic is in the process of creation itself. I want people to connect with the process as much as the outcome - to create without planning, without analyzing, without fear, and without expectations… because it’s liberating. It’s about being in a safe place to quiet the mind and spark the child-like curiosity we sometimes lose in our busy lives.” Links: Website: https://www.sketchpoetic.com/ Book: https://www.amazon.com/Sketch-Creative-Emotional-Transformation-SketchPoetic/dp/1250773873/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheiladarcey/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sketchpoetic/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/sheiladarcey

Adam Bryant, author of the bestselling book, Corner Office, asked over 700 CEOs, “What qualities do you see most often in those who succeed?”. The number one answer: Curiosity. Most of the ingenious inventions and extraordinary ideas throughout history all have something in common. From Thomas Edison’s light bulb, Alexander Graham Bell’s telephone to self-driving cars, they are all a result of curiosity. Meet our guest and Forbes 50 over 50 winner, Fran Dunaway, who is the co-founder of TomboyX, a gender neutral underwear and apparel brand.  TomboyX started as a passion project in collaboration with her wife and co-founder Naomi Gonzalez to create the perfect button-up shirt, but then pivoted to focus on underwear based on the overwhelming demand for their first boxer brief for women.  Under Fran’s leadership, TomboyX doubled in YoY growth and was recognized on Inc. Magazine’s 5000 fastest growing companies for 4 consecutive years. In this episode, Fran shares how she followed her curiosity to entrepreneurial success; what techniques have helped her navigate risk and uncertainty; and why it’s important for brands to be a force for positive change and inspire conversation about gender, confidence, acceptance, and inclusion.  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 Fran.   Highlights:  [03:01] Taking the leap into entrepreneurship [05:51] Discovering your strengths [07:53] Open yourself up to Rainbow Unicorn Moments [10:51] Asking for help [12:55] Don’t take rejection personally [14:51] Fran’s approach to risk-taking [18:12] Overcoming setbacks [21:02] Staying ahead of the curve [22:32] A Day in the life of Fran [24:22] Lightning round questions [29:08] What’s next for Fran   Quotes: “When something goes right or the day is saved, remember that it is because of all of the things that you do that open yourself up to those magical moments.” – Fran Dunaway   “Be careful with the stories that you're telling yourself about why a rejection occurred. You may not have full insight into the why.” – Fran Dunaway   “Find those people in your network and be specific in your ask for where you are and what you need right now to help you.” - Fran Dunaway   Lightning Round Questions:   What book has greatly influenced you?   Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg   What is your favorite inspiring quote or saying?   Can't Never Could.   What is one word or moniker you would use to describe yourself?   Fun-loving   What is one change you've implanted that made your life better?   Trusting my gut would be the big thing along the way and following it and knowing that it's right and believing in myself in that way.   What power song would you want playing as you walk out onto a stage? “Good as Hell” by Lizzo About Fran Dunaway: One of the inaugural Forbes 50 over 50, Fran Dunaway is a media executive-turned-fashion entrepreneur and co-founder of TomboyX, a Seattle-based gender neutral underwear and apparel brand launched in 2013. The brand started as a passion project in collaboration with her wife and co-founder Naomi Gonzalez to create the perfect button-up shirt, pivoting to focus on underwear based on the overwhelming demand for their first boxer brief for women. Fran and TomboyX are driven by a belief that brands can be a force for positive change, and their messaging promotes a human agenda to inspire conversation about gender, confidence, acceptance, and inclusion. As CEO, Fran has led TomboyX to doubled YoY growth and industry recognition that has included four consecutive years on Inc. Magazine’s 5000 fastest growing companies and being named Small Business of the Year for King County and Fastest Growing Minority-Owned Company by the Puget Sound Business Journal. Prior to founding TomboyX, Fran spent over 15 years in media production including Director-level roles with political consulting firms. Her work included managing multi-million dollar budgets and large teams in production of TV/radio ads and animations for congressional candidates and social causes. She has also produced TV episodes for PBS and independent films, with festival showings at Sundance and DigiDance.Fran is active in social causes and served as Executive Director of Equal Rights Washington, a nonprofit focused on LGBTQ rights successfully advocated for passage of anti-discrimination legislation (Washington House Bill 2661) in 2006. She also served on the Steering Committee and Board of Governors of the Human Rights Campaign’s Seattle chapter. Links: Website: https://tomboyx.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frandunaway/ Instagram:  https://instagram.com/fnawesomeadventure https://www.instagram.com/tomboyx/ Twitter:  https://twitter.com/fdunaway https://twitter.com/tomboyx

What are you passionate about and enjoy doing? Is it aligned to your work? At first glance, the question, "What are you passionate about and enjoy doing?", presents itself as an innocent question. But, as you begin to answer that question, it can become more difficult to connect the dots between those passions and skill sets you love, to the actual work you do on a day-to-day basis.  How do you gain this clarity and get more aligned in your career? Where do you even begin? In this episode, Monica shares how to define your passions, discover what you love to learn about, and how to align your passions with your profession.   𝗗𝗜𝗦𝗖𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗚𝗧𝗛𝗦 & 𝗕𝗔𝗥𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗧𝗢 𝗦𝗨𝗖𝗖𝗘𝗦𝗦Take the free assessment and get your personalized report. Go to https://www.iambeyondbarriers.com/quiz   Highlights: [01:50] Defining your passions  [03:19] Discovering what you love to learn about [06:47] Aligning your passion to your work   Quotes: “You have to gift yourself the time for introspection so that you can go in the direction that you're wanting to go and accelerate your success.” – Monica Marquez “You become excellent at what you spend your time and focus on.”  – 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