BEYOND BARRIERS

Do you have a career-related question that you're uncomfortable asking your peers, managers or mentors? Well that's exactly what we're here to help you with on the Habits & Hacks show – where we will address the questions you pose via email, or on our social media channels. Whether it's asking for a higher salary, or a much-deserved promotion, or addressing a business or personal challenge – often times, women find it hard to "just ask". Our fear of being perceived as inadequate prevents us from asking – but it causes us to pay a high price in every aspect of our lives—in lost income, slower career progress, LIMITED access to leadership roles and potential risk to well-being. So, learn to ask – and start by asking us. Highlights: [01:39] What Monica wishes she had asked earlier [03:10] The definition of success varies with organization [05:25] What Nikki wishes she had asked earlier [08:22] Stop and smell the roses [11:28] Share your questions Quotes: "Don't let the urgency of success take away the gift of learning, the gift of the experience and the journey itself." – Nikki Barua "The magic lies in the journey, not at the destination." – Nikki Barua "The one question you need to ask your manager before going in to interview for a promotion is, how do you define success?"- Monica Marquez About Nikki Barua: Nikki Barua is a digital innovator, serial entrepreneur, author & speaker. Learn more at 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 an ex-Googler, diversity expert and senior corporate leader. Learn more at 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

These are extraordinary times where our country is going through massive transformation. And that's never easy – you can't change if you avoid uncomfortable conversations like those that involve race, diversity, or policies. Because its only when we are willing to be curious, willing to listen, willing to learn, that we can together arrive at understanding and growth. Perhaps you're struggling with what to say or how to say it, or you said something with positive intent but came across as insensitive and offensive to the other person, only to then find yourself at a loss for words on how to address the situation and what to do next. In this episode, we'll discuss how to address sensitive topics, and how to apologize when you offend someone. Highlights: [01:53] How to address sensitive topics [03:44] Learning from the conversation [04:55] Take responsibility for your actions [08:17] Two-parts of a genuine apology [09:27] Stand and speak up for what's right Quotes: "Don't stay silent when you don't know what to say. Learn how to sincerely and correctly apologize when you get it wrong." – Monica Marquez "A genuine apology is taking responsibility for what you've done and committing to changing your behavior." – Nikki Barua "If you are unwilling to tolerate the pain of growth, you won't experience the benefit of the transformation." – Nikki Barua About Nikki Barua: Nikki Barua is a digital innovator, serial entrepreneur, author & speaker. Learn more at 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 an ex-Googler, diversity expert and senior corporate leader. Learn more at 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

Today's episode is a sensitive one. Our nation is in crisis – from the impact of the pandemic on people's lives and livelihood, to public protests, rising racial tension, and general unrest throughout the country. There's so much sensitivity right now. So many people are struggling with what to say or worried that they might inadvertently say it wrong to a friend or colleague. So, in this episode, we'll share recommendations and resources to guide you because while its uncomfortable and emotional, remaining silent, like Martin Luther King said, is betrayal. Highlights: [01:35] How to speak up in support [02:48] Unconscious biases [03:56] Recommended reading [05:09] Changing our behaviors [05:39] Recognize your own privilege [08:06] Shifting people's belief system [10:04] Take action to create a more inclusive world Quotes: "There are systemic biases that are either going to benefit you or they're going to harm you. You can't ignore them. We must educate ourselves about these biases." – Monica Marquez "Be open to challenge your own biases when you see them." – Monica Marquez "You can either be silent about it or you can speak up and shift the mindset and the belief system of the people that you are most able to influence." – Nikki Barua "Think about what you can do to create a more inclusive world, where people don't have to fear for their lives or struggle for equal rights." – Nikki Barua Link to Google Resource Document: https://bit.ly/2zMFnTX Recommended books: https://robindiangelo.com/publications/ https://www.epi.org/publication/the-color-of-law-a-forgotten-history-of-how-our-government-segregated-america http://www.ijeomaoluo.com/ About Nikki Barua: Nikki Barua is a digital innovator, serial entrepreneur, author & speaker. Learn more at 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 an ex-Googler, diversity expert and senior corporate leader. Learn more at 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

Memorial Day, the last Monday in May, is a holiday that originated in the years following the Civil War. It was originally known as Decoration Day. In the late 1860s, Americans began holding tributes to fallen soldiers by decorating the graves of the lost soldiers with flowers. In this episode, Nikki and Monica discuss Memorial Day and acknowledging our brave brothers and sisters who have sacrificed their lives for our nation and our freedoms. They also discuss the need to come together to support others coping with grief on Memorial Day. Memorial Day weekend can bring up a number of emotions for people who've lost someone. Monica is personally dealing with grief and will forever associate Memorial Day with the passing of her mother, Delma Marquez, exactly a year ago today. As a tribute to her mother, Monica shares with you a cover rendition of Bette Midler's "Wind Beneath My Wings", her mother's favorite song. Highlights: [00:44] Memorial Day [01:16] Remembering those who are dealing with grief and loss [02:56] Leaning on others when coping with loss [06:22] Reaching out to comfort others [06:57] Monica's tribute to her mother, Delma Marquez Quotes: "It's not the posters on the wall that speaks to your humanity or your care for people within your organizations. It's how you treat them at the time of their challenges."– Nikki Barua "It's vital for companies to have a culture of support and know that we are human. And we have other responsibilities and that sometimes those trump work." – Monica Marquez About Nikki Barua: Nikki Barua is a digital innovator, serial entrepreneur, author & speaker. Learn more at 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 an ex-Googler, diversity expert and senior corporate leader. Learn more at https://themonicamarquez.com/. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMonicaMarquez/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themonicamarquez/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themonicamarquez/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/themmarquez

Have you ever really wanted to do something but feel like you're too old, or too young or not good enough to do it? Self-limiting beliefs crush our motivation, and hold us back from achieving the level of success we deserve. In this episode, learn how to get rid of that annoying little voice that limits you and your success and how to overcome your self-limiting beliefs, once and for all. Highlights: [01:16] Belief systems [03:56] Confirmation bias [06:15] Common limiting beliefs for women [12:22] Strategies for hacking self-limiting beliefs [17:36] Homework for the week Quotes: "When you have self limiting beliefs, you tend to look for evidence that supports those negative beliefs."– Nikki Barua "Condition your mind to focus on positive evidence about an empowering belief." – Nikki Barua "You are never starting over 100 %. You are taking experierence, perspective and skills from the past with you to the next phase of your journey." – Nikki Barua About Nikki Barua: Nikki Barua is a digital innovator, serial entrepreneur, author & speaker. Learn more at 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 an ex-Googler, diversity expert and senior corporate leader. Learn more at https://themonicamarquez.com/. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMonicaMarquez/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themonicamarquez/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themonicamarquez/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/themmarquez

Have you ever found yourself staring at the ceiling, feeling numb and disconnected? Do you sometimes struggle to be honest with yourself because you're afraid to face your fears and deal with change? Our guest, Jasmin Manke, shares her story of how she went from asking herself, "What's wrong with me?" to asking herself the simple question, "What would I LIKE my life to be?" By granting herself permission to visualize what the future could hold for her, she embarked on a journey of transformation that unlocked her potential and gave her a platform to transform the lives of people globally. Jasmin Manke is the founder of The Confident Boss Academy. She is an expert in helping women build 6-Figure Online Coaching Businesses, creating the impact and results for their clients, while enjoying the freedom in their lives that they crave. In this episode, Jasmin reveals powerful strategies for overcoming self-doubt, getting unstuck and achieving your ambitions. She shares her own journey of walking away from an unfulfilling corporate career to living her entrepreneurial dream. At 25, Jasmin is a self-made millionaire who inspires people all around the world and has earned thousands of followers with her authenticity and bold confidence. Highlights: [02:26] Jasmin's story [04:43] Finding your truth [06:51] Clarity and discovering your true north star [08:59] Giving yourself permission to dream [12:22] Overcoming the fears of starting a business [15:48] Make a decision with confidence [22:45] Formula for success [27:40] Overcoming limiting beliefs [32:43] The most common struggle [34:27] Success habits Quotes: "Having the courage to say I am not okay with this situation is where change really begins." – Jasmin Manke "What you choose to focus on is what will expand and grow." – Jasmin Manke "What if you shift your fear and questioning of what is going on right now in the world to what if this is the opportunity to rewrite my story?" – Jasmin Manke "Ask yourself this question: are you running a business or are you living your purpose?" – Jasmin Manke "You are always at the right time in your life's journey."– Jasmin Manke "Success is a science, not an 'if this is meant to be, it will be'. It's a matter of do I want to make this happen and what should I do to make this happen." – Jasmin Manke "Life is too short to not show up every single day living your purpose." – Jasmin Manke "Focus on what you have available to you and how you can maximize that success." – Jasmin Manke "We need to view struggles as stepping-stones to success, rather than as tumble stones." – Jasmin Manke "Ask yourself what belief you hold that is in the way of you moving forward towards success." – Jasmin Manke "Be grateful for what you have and be appreciative of what's yet to come." – Jasmin Manke About Jasmin Manke: Jasmin Manke is an International Speaker, Certified Professional Coach, Energy Leadership Master Practioner and the founder of "The Confidence Boss Academy". She is an expert in helping women build 6-Figure Online Coaching Businesses, whilst creating the impact and results for their clients and the freedom in their lives that they crave. Links: Website: Jasminmanke.com 3 steps to 6 figures Webinar: JasminManke.com/6figures LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasmin-manke-63a8b1a5/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mankej Free Female Entrepreneurs Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ownyourpowerwomen Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasminmankecoaching/

Have you ever felt torn between doing your best at work and giving your best at home? As a working mother, do you carry a constant sense of guilt or overwhelm? About 72 percent of American women with children are in the workforce(fulltime & partime). Is this trend good or bad? Are kids with working moms different from kids whose moms do not work? In this episode, we will share research with you that proves that you don't need to fix anything and that it's time to celebrate who you are, just as you are. Highlights: [00:40] Benefits of working moms [03:16] Nikki's mother – a woman focused on contribution [11:37] Monica's mother – a woman with enduring grace [17:13] 10 takeaways for working moms [24:36] Homework for the week Quotes: "So much of who you become is a result of modeling after the greatest inspiration in your own life, and for me, that was my mom."– Nikki Barua "I get my optimism from the mindset that everything works out. I'm a product of my mom and her optimism and her grace." – Monica Marquez "One of the most important life lessons I got from my mother was never giving up, no matter how hard it gets, no matter what it entails." – Nikki Barua "For every working mom out there, it's important to remember that, it's not so much in the hours that you give, but in who you are and how you show up." – Nikki Barua "My mother taught me to always live in a state of gratitude." – Nikki Barua About Nikki and Monica: Nikki Barua is a digital innovator, serial entrepreneur, author & speaker. Monica Marquez is an ex-Googler, diversity expert and senior corporate leader. Contact Nikki and Monica: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iambeyondbarriers/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyondbarriersco/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iambeyondbarriers/

Have you ever experienced temporary paralysis when you are faced with a difficult decision and you don't know what to do? How do you handle those situations? What's your "go to" state - fight, flight or freeze? In this episode, we share our own lessons learned as we navigate through crisis and adversity. You'll learn from our experience and understand how to assess your risks and make decisions with confidence and certainty using powerful habits and hacks. Highlights: [01:12] Launching a new business during a pandemic [07:42] How past experiences prepared us for this crisis [09:03] Adapting and pivoting your business model [10:45] How crisis can unlock innovation [14:59] Switching lanes in your career [20:39] Remaining calm in a crisis [26:28] Learning to create boundaries [30:36] What Monica wishes she had known at the start of her career [32:59] What Nikki wishes she had known at the start of her career [43:09] Nikki's favorite word [44:18] Monica's favorite word [45:13] Assess risk & make decisions with confidence [47:57] Homework for the week Quotes: "Do you wait and watch, and then respond? Or do you get proactive, rethink everything, and reimagine a whole new future?" – Nikki Barua "Adopt the mindset of disrupting yourself before you get disrupted." – Nikki Barua "Don't wait for a pandemic to disrupt your plans. Anticipate change and be prepared for disruption." "Thinking back on my corporate career, I wish I'd asked why more often and challenged the status quo sooner." – Monica Marquez "Every time I have achieved a big dream, I realize how much more is possible. That's how I've learned to dream big." – Nikki Barua "Getting comfortable with being uncomfortable helps you dream bigger." – Monica Marquez "You can't be outstanding, if your standards aren't high enough." – Nikki Barua "Crisis can unlock innovation, but don't let a crisis be the only reason you innovate." – Nikki Barua "There's nothing better than that feeling of being ahead of the curve. It builds tremendous confidence." – Monica Marquez "Don't be afraid to let go of your past, no matter how attached you may be. There's something more beautiful, more exciting, more meaningful that's waiting for you." – Nikki Barua "Recognize the power of your dreams. The size of your dreams defines your destiny." – Nikki Barua "Don't let what you think is possible, get in the way of what is achievable." – Nikki Barua "No matter what you do, go above and beyond. Aspire to more, because you are limitless. Whoever you are, you can go beyond what you think is possible." – Nikki Barua About Nikki and Monica: Nikki Barua is a digital innovator, serial entrepreneur, author & speaker. Monica Marquez is an ex-Googler, diversity expert and senior corporate leader. Contact Nikki and Monica: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iambeyondbarriers/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyondbarriersco/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iambeyondbarriers/

Do you struggle to differentiate yourself professionally? According to a recent CareerBuilder survey, 70% of employers use social media profiles to screen candidates during the hiring process. Does your digital presence set you apart from your peers? In this episode, you'll learn exactly how to define what you want to be known for and stand out with powerful habits and hacks so that you will be able to position yourself correctly in the marketplace. Highlights: [01:08] Crowded employment marketplace [04:10] Growth of the gig economy [05:42] Employee vs. Freelancer [07:00] Selection criteria for hiring [11:36] How to differentiate yourself [13:18] Highlighting your superpower [17:23] Homework for the week Quotes: "Your reputation isn't just built on what you say it is. It's how people perceive you. That's why differentiating yourself is so important." – Nikki Barua "If you stand out as the expert with the solution to most pressing problems, you start attracting opportunities instead of chasing them." – Monica Marquez "Get really specific about who benefits from what you bring to the table, and then help them understand the transformation that you create." – Nikki Barua About Nikki and Monica: Nikki Barua is a digital innovator, serial entrepreneur, author & speaker. Monica Marquez is an ex-Googler, diversity expert and senior corporate leader. Contact Nikki and Monica: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iambeyondbarriers/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyondbarriersco/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iambeyondbarriers/

Do you have clarity on what makes you valuable? Are your skills and competencies aligned with what's in demand in the marketplace? In this episode, you'll learn exactly how to keep track of market demand so you can position yourself in line with it. According to a recent 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? That's why it's so important to understand what's growing in demand, so you can keep learning the skills and developing the competencies you will need in the future. 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 can 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 and Monica: Nikki Barua is a digital innovator, serial entrepreneur, author & speaker. Monica Marquez is an ex-Googler, diversity expert and senior corporate leader. Contact Nikki and Monica: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iambeyondbarriers/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyondbarriersco/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iambeyondbarriers/