BEYOND BARRIERS

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/

We've all been hearing, reading and in some cases witnessing the talent tidal wave of employee departures during this "Great Resignation". Most assume that employees are leaving for money or better benefits. However, based on the latest research and our own anecdotal data from our Beyond Barriers Accelerator cohorts, what talent is really seeking is a sense of purpose and belonging. In this episode, Monica shares the real reason people are leaving and what organizations can do to stop the attrition. Highlights: [00:34] The real reason people leave companies [03:57] How organizations can stop the attrition [10:43] It’s not all about the money, it’s about purpose   Quotes: “According to a report by Working Mother Media, only 15% of women had clarity on where they wanted to be five years in their careers.” – Monica Marquez “If your organization doesn’t have leaders who create a sense of belonging, a sense of purpose, and make those that report to them feel valued, those employees will leave.” – 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

Do you ever feel isolated at work, despite being surrounded by people? If so, then it might not surprise you to know that according to a Gallup poll, only 36% of U.S employees are engaged in their work and workplace. Our guest, Dr. Deidre Anderson, Founder & President of Trailblazers, Inc., shares her story of climbing the corporate ladder while realizing that there was a big problem with workplace communities. Dr. D shares how the key to transformation comes from creating an environment that fosters ABC – authenticity, boldness and contribution. And how her mission became to help individuals and organizations develop vibrant workplace communities. Dr. D is also the founder and executive director of Women Empowered, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping women become the best leaders that they can be. Each year, she compels women to become strong leaders through a training program and retreat that will help them to identify their goals and the strategies necessary to accomplish them. In this episode, Dr. D shares how she cultivated her superpower, techniques to overcoming limiting beliefs, and why reflection is so important. 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. D. Highlights: [02:41] Dr. Deidre’s journey [06:55] Cultivating your superpower [09:23] Creating cohesiveness in teams [13:59] Techniques to overcome limiting beliefs [19:51] Feedback is information [26:11] Giving feedback [28:50] Why reflection is important [33:40] Challenging yourself & expanding your circle [37:33] Gaining access to influential leaders Quotes: “When you create an environment where everybody takes responsibility for fostering authenticity, boldness and contribution, that's the key to transformation.” – Dr. Deidre Anderson “Feedback is information. Nothing less nothing more.” - Dr. Deidre Anderson “Reflection is what brings clarity and fosters growth.” - Dr. Deidre Anderson “If there's nobody in your circle who's going to challenge the way that you think or stretch you outside of your comfort zone, it's easy to get stuck and believe that you're right on everything.” - Dr. Deidre Anderson About Dr. Deidre Anderson: Dr. Deidre Anderson is a well sought-after corporate trainer, charismatic speaker, successful business owner, award- winning leadership coach, and licensed minister with a heart to see others succeed. Dr. D, as she is affectionately known, has traveled the world, inspiring people from all walks of life to break through barriers to achieve more than they ever dreamed possible. Whether in the corporate arena, the women’s domain or in ministry, Dr. D believes in helping individuals and working groups to discover their true potential while motivating and inspiring them to reach higher. Her desire is to ignite the passion in every person and group so that no goal will be unattainable. Dr. D is the President and Chief Leadership architect of Trailblazers, Incorporated, a Philadelphia-based consulting firm specializing in organizational development and leadership. Trailblazers provides public and onsite training that is catered to fit each client’s specific needs and unique organizational culture.  Dr. D and Trailblazers’ culturally diverse team of specialists help to propel organizations and individuals into attaining their goals by providing executive coaching, using a hands-on, practical approach. Her goal is that her clients do not simply walk away motivated, but that they will leave equipped with the tools that will help them to go the distance. Dr. D is the founder and executive director of Women Empowered, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping women become the best leaders that they can be. Each year, she compels women to become strong leaders through a training program and retreat that will help them to identify their goals and the strategies necessary to accomplish them. Dr. D’s client list includes such diverse organizations as Verizon Wireless, Boeing, Shop Rite, Jersey City Public Schools, City of Philadelphia, George Washington University Medical Faculty Associates, Notre Dame, National Institutes of Health and the Internal Revenue Service. She earned a Doctorate in Strategic Leadership from Regent University, a Master of Arts in Education from LaSalle University and a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Temple University, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. She is the author of five books: The Beauty of Breakthrough, Launching ME, Inc., The Launching Pad, IMPACT Leadership Challenge and Arresting the Time Thieves. Her extensive travels have taken her throughout the United States and around the globe to countries such as Israel, Kenya, Spain, France, England, Italy, Greece, Canada and Mexico. Dr. D has the insight to guide and the passion to inspire individuals and organizations to set their goals higher than ever before while giving them the coaching that they need in order to reach them. She possesses a gift for seeing full potential in her clients and inspiring them to overcome obstacles so that they may achieve their goals. Links: Website: https://drdtribe.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdtribe/

Did you know that, according to the 2020 State of Latino Entrepreneur Report, the number of Latino owned businesses has grown 34% over the last 10 years compared to just 1% for all other small businesses? In this episode, Monica shares her story of leaving corporate for entrepreneurship and celebrates winning ALPFA’s Latina Entrepreneur Award. Nikki and Monica also discuss why diversity in entrepreneurship matters, the struggle of scaling your business, and share advice on how diverse founders can gain access to capital. DISCOVER YOUR STRENGTHS & BARRIERS TO SUCCESS   Take the free assessment and get your personalized report. Go to https://www.iambeyondbarriers.com/quiz Highlights: [00:39] ALPFA Latina Entrepreneur Award Winner Monica Marquez [02:55] Switching from corporate to entrepreneurship [05:22] Why diversity matters in entrepreneurship [07:44] Scaling your company [12:10] Advice to diverse founders on accessing capital Quotes: “The definition of urgency for an entrepreneur is 100 times fold than what it is when working in a big corporation.” – Monica Marquez “The advantage that diverse entrepreneurs have is the insight into what pain point their community is dealing with. And can help solve because of their unique perspective.” – Monica Marquez “There is so much insight and direct, firsthand lived experience that diverse founders can bring to the table that represents a massive and perpetually growing market opportunity.” – 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  

Do you ever feel that you are not good enough at work? Well, you are not alone. All over the world, billions of people go to work every day feeling anxious, defensive, isolated, braced for attack, overwhelmed, uncertain that they’re worthy. The good news is that there are actions you can take to disrupt those patterns so that you can build the future you deserve. Meet Susan Winchester, Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer for Applied Materials, whose passion is teaching and inspiring executives, leaders and professionals how to succeed by discovering greater self-acceptance, fulfillment and joy at work and in life. Susan shares her career journey and how learning to identify and address her limiting beliefs allowed her to step onto a conscious healing career path. Susan has more than 30 years of experience in HR providing executive leadership most recently as Head of HR for Rockwell Automation and prior to that in multiple leadership roles for the Kellogg Company. She continually looks to meet today’s global business challenges with creative HR strategies that engage people, support a dynamic, inclusive corporate culture, and enable company exceptional performance. Susan is also the author of the book, Healing at Work: A Guide to Using Career Conflicts to Overcome Your Past and Build the Future You Deserve, with Martha I. Finney. In this episode, Susan shares why it is important to identify our limiting beliefs, the 3-step process to managing conflicts at work, and why self-acceptance is the key to creating a more joyful world for ourselves. 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 Susan. Highlights: [02:49] Susan’s journey [05:23] Overcoming limiting beliefs [11::06] Three step process to managing a bumper car moment [15:04] Understanding our triggers and disrupting patterns [24:20] Teaching self-acceptance [28:03] Recognizing dysfunction [33:29] Susan’s message to our listeners Quotes: “There is an opportunity to become aware of your limiting beliefs and disrupt past patterns and discharge that emotional energy in moments when you are triggered.” – Susan Winchester “You have a choice every day on whether your inner critic or inner coach will be in charge of your day.” - – Susan Winchester About Susan Winchester: Susan Schmitt Winchester is the Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer for Applied Materials, a Fortune 200 Silicon Valley company, and its more than 24,000 global employees. She has more than 30 years of experience in HR providing executive leadership most recently as Head of HR for Rockwell Automation and prior to that in multiple leadership roles for the Kellogg Company. She continually looks to meet today’s global business challenges with creative HR strategies that engage people, support a dynamic, inclusive corporate culture, and enable company exceptional performance. Her passion is teaching and inspiring executives, leaders and professionals how to succeed by discovering greater self-acceptance, fulfillment and joy at work and in life. Susan is also the author of the book, Healing at Work: A Guide to Using Career Conflicts to Overcome Your Past and Build the Future You Deserve, with Martha I. Finney. Additionally, Susan is a fellow of the National Academy of Human Resources—the highest professional honor for leaders in HR. She serves as a Board member for the HR Policy Association and on the Executive Committee of the Peer Roundtable for CHROs. She is Vice Chair, Leadership Advisory Board to the Dean of Engineering, College of Engineering at the University of Michigan. And Susan is a member of the Forbes HR Council. Links: Website: https://www.susanjschmitt.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanschmittwinchester/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healingatwork/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HealingAtWork

Do you struggle with indecision and hesitate to take risks? Do you become paralyzed when trying to decide whether to apply or take on a new job? Being indecisive is exhausting. It’s just no fun. But, even worse, it robs you of opportunity! No need to worry. Making decisions might be difficult sometimes. But like any skill, you can get better at it with practice. In this episode, Monica shares why it is important to practice decision-making, how to take risks and minimize uncertainty, and the 5 steps to making decisions with confidence. DISCOVER YOUR STRENGTHS & BARRIERS TO SUCCESS Take the free assessment and get your personalized report. Go to https://www.iambeyondbarriers.com/quiz Highlights: [00:55] Why it is important to focus on being decisive [01:56] The upsides and downsides of indecision [06:10] How to take risks and minimize uncertainty [08:29] The 5 steps to making decisions with confidence Quotes: “When you refuse to take any action, you're making a decision by default and choosing to do nothing.” – Monica Marquez “Fear is described as false evidence appearing real.” – Monica Marquez “Weighing the pros and cons of a decision is important. But do not spend too much time as it can lead to analysis paralysis.” – Monica Marquez “When weighing a decision, ask yourself, will this matter in 10 years?” – Monica Marquez “Life is inherently risky. There is only one big risk you should avoid at all costs, and that is the risk of doing nothing.” – Denis Waitley 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