BEYOND BARRIERS

Robin Sharma once said, “Success is not a function of the size of your title but the richness of your contribution.” It's about impact, influence and inspiration. Our guests are a perfect example of the power of sincere and selfless contribution and how it fosters true fulfilment. Meet Dr. Ganesh Natarajan & Dr. Uma Ganesh, Co-Founders of 5F World, who share their career journeys and how their shared values of working for the good of the community and their country has inspired them to create impact and opportunity using their 5F framework – Fast, Focused, Flexible, Friendly and Fun. Dr. Ganesh Natarajan is the Executive Chairman of 5F World, a platform for Digital Start-ups, Skills and Social Ventures. He is also Chairman of Honeywell Automation India Limited and Lighthouse Communities Foundation and a Board member of the State Bank of India, Hinduja Global Solutions, Global Talent Track, Educate Girls and the Asian Venture Philanthropy Network. Ganesh is a Distinguished Alumnus of IIT Bombay and NITIE. Dr. Uma Ganesh is the co-founder of 5F World and founder of multiple companies including Global Talent Track focused on skills development for the digital era, Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Analytics, Kalzoom Advisors and Skills Alpha – the digital platform for talent development. In this episode, Uma & Ganesh share their vision, the foundational pillars of their partnership, why learning should be a collective collaboration, and how leaders should view talent differently for the future. 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 Dr. Ganesh Natarajan & Dr. Uma Ganesh. Highlights: [02:54] Uma’s story [07:50] Ganesh’s story [10:21] Uma & Ganesh’s shared vision [13:46] The foundational pillar of Ganesh & Uma’s partnership [16:14] The importance of taking risks [19:25] In service of something bigger [23:48] The formation of 5F World [27:35] The future is collective collaborative learning [31:07] How leaders should be looking at talent for the future [39:09] The habits of success [45:16] Who you surround yourself with matters [48:35} Ganesh & Uma’s message to the world Quotes: “it's not about making money for ourselves or for shareholders, it’s about doing good work for the community, the country, with people whom we love, and who we want to see succeed.” – Dr. Ganesh Natarajan “Life is a journey where you learn from failures, and you learn from successes.” – Dr. Uma Ganesh “For every negative event that takes you away from your path, I’ve always found that there are five helping hands there to support me.” – Dr. Uma Ganesh “Purpose, focus and a positive attitude will keep you going towards success.” – Dr. Uma Ganesh “If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always gotten.” – Dr. Ganesh Natarajan “Believe in yourself. Don’t stop, just do it.” – Dr. Uma Ganesh “Try to make sure that everything is done in the shortest possible time and with the maximum possible impact.” - Dr. Ganesh Natarajan About Dr. Ganesh Natarajan: Dr. Ganesh Natarajan is the Executive Chairman of 5F World, a platform for Digital Start-ups, Skills and Social Ventures in the country. He is also Chairman of Honeywell Automation India Limited and Lighthouse Communities Foundation and a Board member of the State Bank of India, Hinduja Global Solutions, Global Talent Track, Educate Girls and the Asian Venture Philanthropy Network. Ganesh is a Distinguished Alumnus of IIT Bombay and NITIE. He has been Chairman of NASSCOM and President of the HBS Club of India and led APTECH and then Zensar Technologies to global success from 1991 to 2016. Harvard Business School (HBS) has written and teaches two case studies on his work. About Dr. Uma Ganesh: Uma Ganesh has three decades of success in corporate and entrepreneurial ventures covering manufacturing, media, banking and IT sectors. Uma has had indepth exposure to functional areas such as marketing, product management, finance and operations through CXO/CEO positions with large organisations having their footprint in India and global markets. Her last corporate assignment was with HSBC as their Chief Corporate Development Officer for its Global Resourcing Business and previously she has been associated with Zee Education, Aptech, NIIT, Fibre Glass Pilkington and Crompton Greaves.  Over the last decade, Uma has turned an entrepreneur founding Global Talent Track focussed on skills development for the digital era, Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Analytics, Kalzoom Advisors and Skills Alpha – the digital platform for talent development. One of the noteworthy initiatives is 5F World Pvt Ltd cofounded with Dr Ganesh Natarajan which is focussed on consulting for digital transformation and investment in digital startups. Uma’s academic credentials include MBA from the Faculty of Management Studies, University of Delhi and Phd from IIT Bombay. She has played leadership roles in several industry forums namely CII, NHRD Network, Bombay Management Association, Indian Women’s Network (IWN) to name a few. She has co-authored a book – a Tata McGraw Hill publication ‘Knowledge Force’ with Dr Ganesh Natarajan and has a regular column in the Financial Express focussed around Digital technologies. Links: Websites: https://ganeshnatarajan.in/ http://5fworld.com/ Recent Books: RISING TO THE CHINA CHALLENGE: WINNING THROUGH STRATEGIC PATIENCE AND ECONOMIC GROWTH Accelerating Digital Success: Reimagining Organisations for a Post-COVID-19 World LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ganeshnatarajan/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/uma-ganesh-77369217/

Regardless of how big our dreams may be, we cannot get there without a compelling vision, specific goals, adaptable roadmap, and daily focus. Most people start out with big dreams but settle for broken ones. Isn’t that the sad truth? That’s why commitment matters. It helps you turn your dreams into your destiny. And when you are able to execute consistently, that’s when you unlock high performance and accelerate success. In this episode, Monica shares why commitment matters, how goal achievement is linked to the habits we develop and the systems and tools we use, and how to create a clear and compelling vision both personally and professionally. DISCOVER YOUR STRENGTHS & BARRIERS TO SUCCESS Take the free assessment and get your personalized report. Go to https://www.iambeyondbarriers.com/quiz Highlights: [01:53] Why commitment matters [04:29] Goal achievement is about systems and tools [06:19] Creating a clear compelling long-term vision [07:58] How to start gaining clarity on your vision [10:17] What is your theme for the year? Quotes: “There is no magic pill for achieving your goals. It’s adopting the tools, systems and habits in order to execute.” – Monica Marquez “Our dreams and aspirations for the future determine where we're going to invest our time and energy every single day.” – 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

In 2005, Steve Jobs shared a personal story during his commencement address at Stanford. The story was about connecting dots. The central idea behind it was that everything happens for a reason but you won’t know the exact reason looking forward…you can only connect the dots looking back. You have to trust in something — your gut, destiny, karma, whatever it may be, and move forward with confidence that the dots will somehow connect in the future. So, follow your dreams and do what you love and it will all connect in the end. Our guest today, Kelly Laferriere, Chief Business Officer at A-Rod Corp, shares her career journey and how following her heart and trusting her gut has led to her success. And, how it is only now that she is able to look back and connect the dots of each experience she’s lived and appreciate how they all have contributed to where she is today. In her current role at the A-Rod Corp, Kelly focuses on strategic operations, investments, media and entertainment, and marketing. Kelly also serves as the Advisor to Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore, owners of NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves and WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx. She is a business and brand builder with experience in large companies and startups. Kelly has worked in media, sports, and entertainment for more than two decades, first at ESPN, on the Programming and Acquisitions senior management team, and then at Six Flags, where she led the business and operations of east coast parks. In addition to her current role, Kelly is also President of Slam Corp, a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) that is an equal partnership of Alex Rodriguez and Himanshu Gulati, the founder and Chairman of Antara Capital. In this episode, Kelly shares the importance of following your personal mission, vision and values, advice on shifting your mindset away from limiting beliefs, and why authenticity is the key to building and maintaining relationships. 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 Kelly. Highlights: [03:07] Kelly’s journey [05:51] Shifting your mindset around limiting beliefs [08:11] Following your mission, vision and values [10:03] Articulating your unique value proposition [12:19] Showing your value authentically [14:31] Taking risks & seizing opportunity [16:05] Kelly’s success habits [17:25] Focusing on the right things at the right time [20:00] Building connection and relationships [25:26] Mentors don’t have to look like you [28:54] The importance of self-care Quotes: “Sharing your story not only benefits you but others as well.” – Kelly Laferriere “When making difficult decisions, you need to check across your head, your heart and your gut.” – Kelly Laferriere “It is important to remember that building professional relationships is about creating win-win situations.” - Kelly Laferriere “Identify leaders that empower you, respect and support you, and provide an environment where you have opportunity.” - Kelly Laferriere About Kelly Laferriere: As Chief Business Officer at A-Rod Corp, Kelly Laferriere focuses on strategic operations, investments, media and entertainment, and marketing. In addition, Kelly serves as the Advisor to Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore, owners of NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves and WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx. She is a business and brand builder with experience in large companies and startups. Kelly has worked in media, sports, and entertainment for more than two decades, first at ESPN, on the Programming and Acquisitions senior management team, and then at Six Flags, where she led the business and operations of east coast parks. In addition to serving as Chief Business Officer at A-Rod Corp, Kelly is President of Slam Corp, a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) that is an equal partnership of Alex Rodriguez and Himanshu Gulati, the founder and Chairman of Antara Capital. ‍ Kelly is a graduate of Georgetown University and a member of the Georgetown Angel Investor Network. Links: Website: https://www.arodcorp.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellylaferriere/ Johnson O’Connor: Aptitude testing: https://www.jocrf.org Via Survey: Character strengths: https://www.viacharacter.org/survey/account/register Book: 15 Commitments to Conscious Leadership: https://amzn.to/3daM5TX

Dr. Wayne Dyer, the “Father of Motivation” once said, “In all misfortune there is fortune. With everything that has happened to you, you can either feel sorry for yourself or treat what has happened as a gift. Everything is either an opportunity to grow or an obstacle to keep you from growing. You get to choose.” Our guest, Dr. Emily Drabant Conley, shares how she chose to leverage her struggles growing up in the Midwest as a gay teenager in a conversative town to become the leader she is today. And, how her lived experiences led her to embrace her authentic self in life and in work. Dr. Emily Drabant Conley is the CEO of Federation Bio. Previously, Dr. Conley spent over a decade at 23andMe, where she helped scale the company from 30 employees into the world’s leading platform for genetic-driven drug discovery. As Vice President of Business Development at 23andMe, she architected visionary partnerships across pharma and biotech. ​Dr. Conley currently serves on the boards of Federation Bio, TMRW, Medrio and formerly served on the boards of Lesbians Who Tech and the UCSF Alliance Health Project. In this episode, Dr. Conley shares how to move forward through fear, why it’s important to believe in yourself as a leader and why you should always hire people smarter than you. 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 Dr. Conley. Highlights: [03:01] Dr. Conley’s career journey [07:40] You can be anything you want to be [10:29] Moving forward through fear [12:59] Making the decision to leave academia [16:02] Get comfortable with learning on the job [18:53] Hire people smarter than you [22:52] Cultivating instrumental relationships [26:21] Learning from failure [29:44] How genetic testing created dialogue around DEI [32:55] How to get in touch with Dr. Conley [33:15] Final words of wisdom from Dr. Conley Quotes: “Leaders who hire people smarter than them will have a thriving group who can achieve great things.” – Dr. Emily Drabant Conley “You can learn from others just by watching them, how they run meetings, how they communicate.” – Dr. Emily Drabant Conley “Doing the work on yourself personally is essential to being a good leader.” - Dr. Emily Drabant Conley About Dr. Emily Drabant Conley: Dr. Emily Drabant Conley is Chief Executive Officer of Federation Bio. Previously, Dr. Conley spent over a decade at 23andMe, where she helped scale the company from 30 employees into the world’s leading platform for genetic-driven drug discovery. As Vice President of Business Development at 23andMe, she architected visionary partnerships across pharma and biotech. ​Dr. Conley currently serves on the boards of Federation Bio, TMRW and Medrio and formerly served on the boards of Lesbians Who Tech and the UCSF Alliance Health Project. In 2019, Dr. Conley was named one of Business Insider’s 30 Leaders Under 40 who are transforming U.S. healthcare and in 2020 she was honored by Google Ventures as one of the 25 women shaping the future of technology. Dr. Conley spent 10 years in academia conducting genetics research. She was a research fellow at the National Institutes of Health and is co-author on more than 35 academic publications. She received her Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Stanford University School of Medicine, where she held fellowships from the National Science Foundation and Department of Defense. She graduated summa cum laude from Vanderbilt University with a B.A. Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-drabant-conley/ Website: https://www.federation.bio/

Do you have clarity on what makes you valuable in the marketplace? Do your competencies align with what is in demand? According to a report from McKinsey & Company, by 2030, more than 800 million people will lose their jobs to automation. Could some of your tasks be easily automated? What percentage of your role might be automated in the future? In this day and age, it is important to understand what is growing in demand so that you can learn the skills and competencies needed for the future. In this episode, you’ll learn how to keep track of market demand so you can position yourself in line with it. Highlights: [01:08] The effects of automation on the workforce [03:58] The shelf life of skills is getting shorter [04:34] Focus on solving business problems [06:55] Learning to run two races at the same time [07:32] Hacks to identify future demand [14:26] Homework for the week Quotes: “Digital transformation is unlocking organizations and making them faster, more efficient, more innovative, and ultimately creating more value for their customers.” – Nikki Barua “You have to know exactly what is in demand so that you can develop the right skills.” – Nikki Barua “Focus on solving a business problem and doing it in the fastest, most elegant, most effective way.” – Nikki Barua “You have to run two races at the same time: be great at what you’re doing today, while mastering the skills to be great at what you’ll be doing tomorrow.” – Nikki Barua “Your future is truly in your hands and you must start making changes today.” – Nikki Barua About Nikki Barua: Nikki Barua is a digital innovator, serial entrepreneur, author & speaker. Website: https://www.nikkibarua.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thenikkibarua/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenikkibarua/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thenikkibarua/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/NikkiBarua About Monica Marquez: Monica Marquez is a senior corporate leader, ex-Googler, and diversity expert. Website: https://themonicamarquez.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMonicaMarquez/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themonicamarquez/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themonicamarquez/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/themmarquez

Work. Is it something you dread or something you love to do? It’s an important question to ask yourself because it’s what we spend the majority of our adult lives doing. We all want careers that are personally fulfilling and financially secure, but sometimes those two things don’t align and that’s when you might need to make a change to avoid unnecessary disatifaction and dread. Our guest, Neena Newberry, President of Newberry Executives Solutions, had a successful career as a Deloitte Consulting executive, but felt drawn to pursue her purpose and do something on her own. Neena took some time to reflect on where she’d been and where she wanted to go, which led her to creating her own company, Newberry Executive Solutions, where she focuses on developing strong leaders through executive coaching, leadership training, apps and tools. Neena Newberry is an award-winning executive coach, speaker, and author. A former Deloitte Consulting executive with over 25 years of business and leadership development experience, Neena helps clients get results they couldn’t before – for their companies and their careers. Over 75% of her clients get promoted. In this episode, Neena shares how to gain clarity on your career path, tips on making decisions with confidence when faced with uncertainty, and how to codify your unique value proposition and promote your value without bragging. 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 Neena. Highlights: [02:55] Neena’s journey [08:16] Gaining clarity on your career path [14:38] Assessing risk [18:47] Overcoming fears and limiting beliefs [22:07] Sponsors don’t always have to look like you [25:00] Tips on effective execution [29:11] Facing uncertainty and making decisions with confidence [37:11] Biggest challenges that Neena has coached women through [40:55] Codifying your unique value proposition [44:10] How to get in touch with Neena [45:33] Final words of advice on accelerating success Quotes: “When an opportunity is connected to your passion and purpose, it is an amazing feeling and if you can tap into that, it will help you overcome your fears.” – Neena Newberry “Small steps lead to big results.” – Neena Newberry “Make sure you’ve got people in your inner circle who will push back and challenge you and bring other perspectives to the table.” - Neena Newberry About Neena Newberry: Neena Newberry is an award-winning executive coach, speaker, and author. A former Deloitte Consulting executive with over 25 years of business and leadership development experience, Neena helps clients get results they couldn’t before – for their Fortune 500 companies and their careers. Over 75% of her clients get promoted. She launched Newberry Executive Solutions to pursue her passion for helping women be successful. She left a 14-year career in management consulting and a role on Deloitte’s U.S. HR Executive Committee, not knowing the economy would tank three months later. Neena also builds leadership skills through her breakthrough app, New Lens® (Gold Stevie Award for Best New Product) and her book, Show Up. Step Up. Step Out. — written up by Southwest Airlines President Emeritus Colleen Barrett. She has been featured in major media and received awards from the Dallas Business Journal, Stevie Awards for Women in Business, and Global Excellence Awards. Links: Website: https://www.newberrysolutions.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neenanewberry/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/newberrycoach Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewberryExecutiveSolutions/

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 take your power back in meetings. Highlights: [00:34] Women’s experience in meetings [02:25] What the research shows [04:25] How to take your power back [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. 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

How did you discover your career path? Did you know what you wanted to do from childhood or did you discover it later in life? Perhaps you are still seeking the perfect career for you. Meet our guest, Erica Simpson, Senior Vice President in Business Development & Investor Relations at Shenkman Capital Management Inc, who shares her career journey and how identifying her passions and skills early on helped her navigate a successful career in sales. From having the highest sales of Girl Scout Cookies in the 3 rd grade to SVP at Shenkman Capital, Erica shares how identifying themes, seeking input from others, and taking opportunities to move the ball forward helped her advance and find a career she loves. Erica Simpson is a senior member of Shenkman’s institutional business development team, focused on plan sponsors and consultants in the United States and has 17 years of industry experience. Prior to joining Shenkman, she ran the business development efforts at IMC Asset Management. Prior to IMC, she was with Credit Suisse Asset Management, where she was responsible for alternative and traditional investment solutions for East Coast institutions. She began her career as an auditor for Pricewaterhouse Coopers. Erica graduated summa cum laude with a BBA. in accounting from the University of Massachusetts- Amherst and is a Certified Public Accountant in the State of New York. In this episode, Erica shares the key to building influential relationships, tips on executing effectively, and why it is important to seek out mentors. 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 Erica. Highlights: [02:57] Erica’s story [06:27] Building relationships [08:07] The key to success [10:38] Tips on effective execution [13:49] Delegation and leveraging resources [18:07] Overcoming limiting beliefs [26:45] Seek out mentors [31:50] Erica’s advice on what it takes to be successful [35:48] Communicating expectations effectively Quotes: “Identify the people who want to help you succeed and ask them for help.” – Erica Simpson “There are so many role and career options, seek out the one that makes you happy.” - Erica Simpson “Effective communication is critical in helping people feel empowered to operate successfully as part of the your personal or professional microcosm.” - Erica Simpson About Erica Simpson: Erica Simpson is a senior member of Shenkman’s institutional business development team, focused on plan sponsors and consultants in the United States and has 17 years of industry experience. Prior to joining Shenkman, she ran the business development efforts at IMC Asset Management. Prior to IMC, she was with Credit Suisse Asset Management, where she was responsible for alternative and traditional investment solutions for East Coast institutions. She began her career as an auditor for Pricewaterhouse Coopers. Ms. Simpson graduated summa cum laude with a BBA. in accounting from the University of Massachusetts- Amherst and is a Certified Public Accountant in the State of New York. Links: Website: https://www.shenkmancapital.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-simpson-a12531b/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/shenkman-capital-management/

In the age of uncertainty, you must make it a priority to invest in your own development. That’s the only real security that exists when disruptive change can eliminate jobs or derail businesses unexpectedly. When assessing where you can invest time, energy, and the rest of your resources, spend it on the one thing that no one can take from you — yourself. In this episode, Monica shares why it’s important to invest in yourself, why some women are not investing in themselves, and advice on creating the budget and habit for learning. Highlights: [00:39] Why invest in yourself [01:53] What the research shows [04:46] Why women are not investing in themselves [07:04] Create a budget for education [14:56] Make learning a habit Quotes: “Investing in yourself in terms of becoming a lifelong learner is now one of the most critical things that you can do in this current age of uncertainty.” – Monica Marquez “The best leaders are constantly learning.” – Monica Marquez “Invest in yourself with time and energy, not just dollars.” - Monica Marquez  “Learning in this day and age is a superpower and enables you to grow and learn and put yourself in uncomfortable situations.” – 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

One of my biggest pet peeves is when a person minimizes someone’s success to “sheer luck” or to being in the “right place at the right time”. Yes, some luck may be involved, but what’s really at the root of their success is preparation. Being prepared to take on an opportunity, even if it’s a stretch. Being ready to learn on the fly and confident you can figure it out. Being curious and hungry to continuously improve and do what it takes to get things done. Luck and success happen when preparation meets opportunity. Our guest, Shelley Rosensweig, a Partner in the Investment Management and Private Equity Practice Groups at Haynes and Boone in New York, shares her career journey and how being prepared to take advantage of opportunities to learn helped her advance in her career and become a partner at an earlier age. In her current role, Shelley structures, designs and organizes US and non-US private investment funds and assists clients with seed capital arrangements, the operation of managed account platforms and the organization and design of joint ventures, SPVs and other co-investment structures. Shelley also advises clients with respect to SEC, FINRA and CFTC regulatory and compliance matters, family office related matters, trading issues and employment matters. She further advises clients with respect to distribution and capital raising matters and other strategic initiatives.  In this episode, Shelley shares why you should always take advantage of opportunities to learn, the importance of learning business development skills, and shares advice on accelerating success in your career. 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 Shelley. Highlights: [03:02] Shelley’s journey & the lessons she’s learned [05:23] Taking advantage of opportunities to learn [15:26] Gaining clarity on your career path [24:12] The importance of business development skills [35:49] Mentors don’t have to look like you [42:12] Shelley’s advice on accelerating your success Quotes: “When starting a new role or career, take full advantage of learning everything that you can right from the start.” – Shelley Rosensweig “When you are trying to develop your brand or your business, lead with the things that you want to leave people with, because that's what they're going to remember.” - Shelley Rosensweig “Look for mentors whose expertise you value and that will help you regardless of their gender.” - Shelley Rosensweig “Do something that you are completely fearful of, take the risk. There is no such thing as the ultimate failure. You will learn from it and it will make you better.” - Shelley Rosensweig   About Shelley Rosensweig: Shelley Rosensweig is a Partner in the Investment Management and Private Equity Practice Groups in the New York office of Haynes and Boone. She structures, designs and organizes US and non-US private investment funds and assists clients with seed capital arrangements, the operation of managed account platforms and the organization and design of joint ventures, SPVs and other co-investment structures. Shelley also advises clients with respect to SEC, FINRA and CFTC regulatory and compliance matters, family office related matters, trading issues and employment matters. She further advises clients with respect to distribution and capital raising matters and other strategic initiatives. Links: Website: https://www.haynesboone.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelley-rosensweig-05859ab/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Shelchab Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelchab/