BEYOND BARRIERS

Most of us having been working remotely for the past year and the boundaries between our work and home lives have become blurred. Women have been disproportionately affected by these blurred boundaries and burnout is on the rise. As organizations explore the right collaboration model (onsite vs. remote), it is very likely that the future workplace will be a hybrid environment. It’s not just about where you work, but also when you work. So, how do you ensure high performance without losing yourself to burnout? In this episode, you’ll learn the importance of setting boundaries so that you can achieve your goals while maintaining your health and well-being. You’ll also learn the 5 steps to establishing healthy boundaries and how to thrive in any environment. DISCOVER YOUR STRENGTHS & BARRIERS TO SUCCESS Take the free assessment and get your personalized report. Go to https://www.iambeyondbarriers.com/quiz Highlights: [00:47] The effects of remote work [03:12] What’s really causing burnout [04:38] How Monica learned to set boundaries [09:48] The steps to establishing boundaries [20:50] Use PTR – Preference, Tradition, Requirement   Quotes: “Being authentic and setting boundaries gives you more freedom.” – Monica Marquez “As an entrepreneur, if you do not set boundaries for yourself, they will not exist.” – Nikki Barua “Boundaries are the most important mechanism to living your life on your own terms.” – Nikki Barua “Boundaries can help you protect your energy, your focus, and even your values.” – 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  

Are you passionate about diversity, equity and inclusion? Do you courageously say something when you see something happening to you or others that just doesn’t feel right? Or do you feel yourself shying away from it because you don’t know what to do in those moments? How would you like to learn some game-changing strategies that you can implement to help disrupt unconscious and systemic bias? Our guest, Stacey Gordon, CEO and Chief Diversity Strategist of Rework Work, shares how her journey was led by her passion for diversity, equity and inclusion. After an experience in the corporate world, Stacey decided that she didn’t want to perpetuate the cycle of bad practices that she had witnessed and decided to strike out on her own and work on implementing DEI strategies at companies holistically. In her role as Executive Advisor and Diversity Strategist, she coaches and counsels executive leaders on DEI strategies for the business while offering a no-nonsense approach to education for the broader employee population. Taking a 360-degree of work, Stacey is the creator of the second most viewed course at LinkedIn learning and has surpassed the milestone of having reached more than 1 million unique learners. In this episode, Stacey shares her insights on identifying your passion and purpose, navigating systemic biases, and her framework for addressing microaggressions. Stacey is also a repeat best-selling author, recently releasing UNBIAS: Addressing Unconscious Bias at Work, which is a must-have resource for all employers, managers, and HR professionals seeking to create and sustain healthy, inclusive, and equitable workplace environments. 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 Stacey. Highlights: [02:49] Stacey’s journey [04:06] Identify your passion [06:21] Advice for women on stepping up for themselves [10:21] Don’t tell yourself no before you’ve given somebody the opportunity to say no [12:58] Building lasting relationships [16:58] Tips on achieving your goals [20:24] Adapting to the disruption of the last year [24:30] Navigating systemic biases [29:30] How to address microaggressions [33:52] How to connect with Stacey [35:27] Advice on accelerating your success   Quotes: “Don't tell yourself no before somebody else has. Give them the opportunity to say no, but don't discount yourself.” – Stacey Gordon “We should turn the advocacy inward and advocate for ourselves, just as we’d advocate for others and for our children.” – Stacey Gordon “Just start pursing your goals. A year from now, you will wish you had started today.”– Stacey Gordon   About Stacey Gordon: Leading at the intersection of diversity, inclusion, and workplace culture, as CEO and Chief Diversity Strategist of Rework Work, Stacey focuses on reworking how companies work; including how they inclusively recruit, hire and engage employees, effectively creating inclusion and belonging for all. In her role as Executive Advisor and Diversity Strategist, she coaches and counsels executive leaders on DEI strategies for the business while offering a no-nonsense approach to education for the broader employee population. Taking a 360-degree of work, Stacey is the creator of the second most viewed course at LinkedIn learning and has surpassed the milestone of having reached more than 1 million unique learners. Her unconscious bias course has been translated into at least four languages and has been featured by LinkedIn, Microsoft, and Virgin America (now Alaska Airlines). Stacey is a highly rated coach practitioner who has facilitated coaching of senior DEI leaders at several Diversity & Inclusion forums. She was recognized by Pepperdine University as a Top 40 Over 40 Leader, was a finalist for Los Angeles Business Journal’s Women’s Award and was recognized by Forbes as a Top 3 Business Leader Who Spoke Out About Diversity & Inclusion. Previously employed as an Adjunct Professor teaching Diversity in Organizations at Phillips Graduate University, she now teaches at Pepperdine University in the Business School where she earned her MBA. Formerly the Director of Education for the largest SHRM affiliate in the country, Stacey earned her both her Inclusive Workplace Culture credential and her SHRM Senior Certified Professional certification from the Society for Resource Management (SHRM). She is the author of a best-selling interview guide titled The Successful Interview: 99 Questions to Ask and UNBIAS: Addressing Unconscious Bias at Work. As a leadership consultant and DEI strategist, Stacey has provided subject matter expertise to SHRM, Fast Company, Skillsoft, Forbes, NPR Radio, BBC Radio, Essence Magazine, and Monster.com, to name a few. She was also a career segment guest contributor to Fox Business and is a frequently requested keynote speaker.   Links: Website: https://reworkwork.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/staceygordon/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/reworkwork Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diversitydiva/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reworkwork  

Do you struggle to ask for what you want? Whether it be asking for a promotion, a raise, or a business opportunity, many of us struggle with the fear of rejection or even with phrasing the ask in the right way. In this episode, Nikki and Monica share experiences where they’ve struggled to ask for what they wanted and the results they obtained when they overcome their fears and learned to ask.  Nikki also shares the 5 keys to getting up the courage to ask and getting the results you desire.   DISCOVER YOUR STRENGTHS & BARRIERS TO SUCCESS Take the free assessment and get your personalized report. Go to https://www.iambeyondbarriers.com/quiz Highlights: [01:17] Monica’s story of asking for what she wants [04:30] Don’t miss out on opportunities [06:39] Gaining the courage to ask [10:51] Being clear on your ask [12:32] The best way to ask [18:08] Always be gracious [18:36] Recap of 5 keys to asking for what you want   Quotes: Get absolutely clear about what you want and why you want it. Then ask for it.” – Nikki Barua “Choose the right time, the right method, and the right language of the ask. Be respectful and gracious even when things don’t go your way.” – 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  

Change and advancement rarely happen on their own. Connection and community are what really move the needle. Leaders who understand this principle have the power to create positive ripple effects throughout their communities and organizations. Meet Stephanie Kinser, EVP, Enterprise Solutions at Salesforce, who is known for her leadership approach which puts culture and people at the center of a sustainable growth strategy. She is a champion for equality creating a world-class sense of belonging for all. Stephanie connects her passion for STEM and developing future talent at Salesforce by serving as executive sponsor of the Women in Solutions Excellence (WISE) organization. This diverse and vibrant organization is giving back to schools and creating a path for future Solution Engineers in the workforce. In this episode, Stephanie shares how growing up in a military family that moved around frequently taught her how to adapt to change, and exposed her to the power of relationships, opportunities, and diversity. Stephanie encourages women to pursue their vision and overcome obstacles in their path. She shares insights on having the confidence to ask for what you deserve, and strategies for overcoming doubts. Stephanie also challenges us to question if our fears are real or imaginary, and if we are limiting ourselves or if we are in a limited situation. 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 Stephanie.   Highlights: [02:42] Stephanie’s story [05:45] The decision to go in to technology [07:44] Connecting your personal and professional life [09:34] Pivotal moment in Stephanie’s career [11:42] How to ask for what you deserve [14:22] Overcoming doubt and limiting beliefs [17:22] Maintaining your objectivity about your fears [19:23] Finding mentors and sponsors [21:50] The makings of a good leader [24:44] Handling a setback and looking forward [27:41] Strategies for overcoming and learning from failure [30:37] Seeing the opportunity for the future [32:15] Advice to leaders as they look at the future of talent development [33:20] What keeps Stephanie grounded [38:13] Stephanie’s message to future women leaders   Quotes: “Getting comfortable with being uncomfortable is powerful and leads to growth.” – Stephanie Kinser   “Ask yourself, periodically, if you are limiting yourself or are you in a limited situation.” – Stephanie Kinser  “Are you putting the fear and doubt into a scenario or is it really there?” – Stephanie Kinser   “The next opportunity will come. Are you waiting for it or are you helping to make it happen?” – Stephanie Kinser    About Stephanie Kinser: As Executive Vice-President of Solutions at Salesforce, Stephanie Kinser​ brings a wealth of digital transformation and connected experiences expertise from a distinguished career focused on all stakeholders in this dynamic work-from-anywhere world. Stephanie is known for her leadership approach which puts culture and people at the center of a sustainable growth strategy. She is a champion for equality creating a world-class sense of belonging for all. Stephanie joined Salesforce in 2003 when the company had less than 500 employees and revenues of $51M. Since that time, Salesforce has grown to $25B in revenue and 49,000 employees dedicated to customer success. The evolution of the Enterprise team has provided focus on Salesforce’s largest customers, the trailblazers adopting cloud computing at scale. This has led to an enviable rank of #1 in customer renewal rate, as well as the repeated distinction as one of Forbes Magazine’s most innovative companies, and Fortune Magazine’s most admired companies. Prior to joining Salesforce, Stephanie was a Solutions Engineering leader at Ondisplay Software. As employee #23, she played an instrumental role in the company’s successful 1999 IPO and subsequent $1.4B acquisition by Vignette Software. Stephanie’s continued leadership contributed to the successful integration of the selling organizations of these two companies. Stephanie began her career at Ceridian (an IBM Company), implementing Payroll and HR solutions. She gained technical expertise in data centers, data privacy, complex payroll and tax regulations, outsourcing, and security before transitioning to Solution Engineering. Her background also includes Solution Engineering roles for Dun & Bradstreet Software. Stephanie connects her passion for STEM and developing our future talent at Salesforce by serving as executive sponsor of the Women in Solutions Excellence (WISE) organization. This diverse and vibrant organization is giving back to schools and creating a path for future Solution Engineers in the workforce. Stephanie earned a degree in Management Information Systems at the University of Oklahoma and in 2016 was recognized as a Distinguished Alumni. She was recently featured as a keynote speaker at events hosted by Texas A&M and The University of Oklahoma. ​Stephanie and her husband Patrick have two teenaged children and live in Plano, TX. She loves travel, gardening, music, and movies. She is a proud board member of the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas.   Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniekinser/

This past year has brought with it many challenges. The pandemic has changed the landscape of how we work and many are suffering from burnout due to the side effects such as blurred boundaries between our work and personal lives. In this episode, Nikki shares her experience with burnout in her career. Nikki and Monica also share the signs of burnout and what you can do to build resilience so that you can prevent burnout before it happens. DISCOVER YOUR STRENGTHS & BARRIERS TO SUCCESS Take the free assessment and get your personalized report. Go to https://www.iambeyondbarriers.com/quiz   Highlights: [01:29] The stresses of today [05:28] What is burnout and what causes it [07:48] Nikki’s experience with burnout [08:33] Building your resiliency   Quotes: “Resilience is a muscle that you have to develop.” – Monica Marquez “Stop associating productivity with hours.” – Nikki Barua “Set realistic goals and set boundaries for yourself and others to prevent burnout.” – Monica Marquez “Surround yourself with like-minded people who are going to help and support you.” – 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  

Are leaders born or made? That is the one of the most often-asked questions about leadership. The answer is that it’s “mostly made”. Researchers indicate that leadership is about one-third born and two-thirds made. So, in short, leaders can indeed be developed. In this episode, you’ll meet Darja Gutnick, Co-Founder and CEO of Bunch, who believes all of us have an inner leader and the best results happen when we dance with leading, allowing ideas to flow freely, unencumbered by roles and titles. Darja shares how leadership is a mindset that can be learned and not some hidden talent that we need to discover. It’s hard work, attitudes, and behavior that we show every day. It’s showing up every day for our team. Featured in Forbes, Darja is a rebel academic-turned-entrepreneur with a knack for making psychology tangible. Her motto is grow, inspire, and stay humble. As CEO at Bunch, she’s working to redefine leadership for millennial managers - partly because she is one, and is on her own leadership journey too. 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 Darja.   Highlights: [02:19] Darja’s story [04:07] The decision to become an entrepreneur [09:01] Weighing the risks and rewards of a big decision [13:47] Helping people find their inner leader [21:51] Gaining access to the right people [26:45] Darja’s daily success habits [30:40] Bunch team rituals [33:58] We are all a work in progress [38:04] Advice to women on accelerating success   Quotes: “In the end, being transparent, vulnerable, and straightforward wins the game. So if you can find the strength to do that, it’s always the better choice.” – Darja Gutnick  “Leadership is a mindset. You can learn it. It’s not something you’re born with. It’s not some hidden talent that we need to discover. It’s hard work, attitudes, and behavior that you show every day. It’s showing up every day for your team.” - Darja Gutnick “The more we encourage each other to step up and lead, the more we benefit from each other.” - Darja Gutnick  “Be kind to yourself and thankful for everything you bring to the table.” – Darja Gutnick   About Darja Gutnick: Darja is a rebel academic-turned-entrepreneur with a knack for making psychology tangible. Her motto is grow, inspire, and stay humble. As CEO at Bunch, she’s working to redefine leadership for millennial managers - partly because she is one, and is on her own leadership journey too. Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darjagutnick/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/darjagutnick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darjagutnick/

Continuous learning is the most valuable currency for career success. Careers no longer follow a simple path from learning to earning to retirement. Lifelong learning is an indispensable skill for every individual and organization. Meet Eileen Schloss, a multidimensional, strategic and transformational human capital expert, who reveals exactly what it takes to get to the C-suite and why continuous learning is the key to success. Eileen recommends managing your life to make sure that you're constantly learning and adapting to change. In this episode, Eileen shares the pivotal moments in her career and how learning and preparation helped her achieve extraordinary success. She provides guidance on positioning for your dream opportunity and how believing in herself and speaking up in her interview with Steve Jobs landed her an executive role at Apple. Eileen also demystifies succession planning and executive compensation; and provides step-by-step guidance on getting board positions. Eileen has worked with CEOs and Boards as a global Chief Human Resources Officer and senior HR leader for companies ranging from major global brands to Pre-IPO businesses needing to scale. She is a Public & Private Board Member, Senior Advisor & Human Capital Expert at Alteryx, Advent and CCC. 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 Eileen.   Highlights: [02:41] Eileen’s career journey [04:05] Pivotal moments for career advancement [05:52] Be a continuous learner [08:36] Eileen’s success habits [10:44] Relationships are the key to success [11:38] Eileen’s job interview with Steve Jobs [18:09] How to approach your dream opportunity [19:57] Preparing your presentation in your own voice [22:55] Aligning yourself with succession planning [27:40] Advice on getting to the C-suite [33:58] Demystifying the drivers behind compensation [42:09] Advice to women on negotiating compensation packages [47:23] What to know in positioning yourself for a board role [52:56] Eileen’s advice on accelerating your success   Quotes: “Relationships are a key element of any successful venture.” – Eileen Schloss  “It is important to manage your life around making sure that you're constantly learning.” – Eileen Schloss  “Great leaders are authentic and aren’t afraid to speak up and say what's on their minds.” - Eileen Schloss     About Eileen Schloss: Bold, insightful executive who shapes business and human capital strategy to increase enterprise value for Fortune 500 companies and pre-IPO businesses. Real-world expertise managing acquisitions, divestitures, and change initiatives while steering executive/board compensation decisions for Medidata Solutions, Rovi Corporation, and Apple Computer—crossing industries (health care, technology, media, CPG), business models, and continents (Asia, Europe, North America). In-depth understanding of HR governance and oversight attained through 20+ years as a senior leader and strategist. Keen business acumen strengthened and supported by an astute, thoughtful approach to assessing executive talent and proposing viable, sustainable compensation strategies. Compensation expert and advisor with nearly two decades working directly with board Comp Committees. Joined Alteryx, Inc. public board May 2017, concurrently serving on the Compensation and Nominating/Governance committees. Joined CCC IS, private board August 2020, Chair of the Compensation Committee NACD Board Governance Fellow certification, 2018 - present Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eileen-schloss-executive/  

Have you ever felt like you had the perfect life plan and then suddenly life went sideways, and you were forced to just stop and hit the reset button? In this episode, you’ll learn what to do when life throws you a curveball, and how to navigate through setbacks and obstacles. Nikki and Monica share their own experiences of life challenges they’ve faced and how they overcame them by looking forward instead of in the rearview mirror. Nikki also shares her 5-step framework to turn barriers into breakthroughs. Give yourself the gift of a 5-day journey from Barriers to Breakthroughs and jumpstart your transformation TODAY! Sign up with your email and get FREE access to this online course, bestselling book, and companion journal.    Visit: https://www.iambeyondbarriers.com/gift   Highlights: [01:29] Nikki’s story of facing barriers [05:28] Monica overcoming life’s challenges [07:48] Stop looking in the rearview mirror [08:33] Focus on gratitude [11:00] Turn barriers into breakthroughs   Quotes: “If you keep wishing for what it used to be, you can’t step into what it could be.” – Nikki Barua “Focus on what you see through the windshield, instead of what you see in the rearview mirror.” – Nikki Barua “Every day can be a do over, every week, every year could be a do over. Look at setbacks as a stepping stone to reinvent yourself.” – Nikki Barua “You can go from dreaming to doing as soon as you make that decision.” – 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 sometimes wish you could quit your job and break out on your own? But then you stop yourself because you don’t have the experience or the funds to launch your own business. Meet Mandy Gilbert, who shares how she left an unfulfilling job, secured a personal credit line of $8,000 and started her company, Creative Niche, the very next day. Mandy is an entrepreneur who has built two multi-million dollar enterprises from the ground up. She is also a philanthropist, keynote speaker, investor, and bestselling author of Just Go With It: How to Navigate the Ups and Downs of Entrepreneurship. In this episode, Mandy discusses how to invest in yourself as a leader, protect your confidence, and make your company a place where great people want to work. Mandy also reveals the lessons she has learned along the way, including the feedback that catalyzed her growth and helped her become a better leader.  Mandy shows that entrepreneurship is an adventure worth taking and that the freedom and fulfillment we seek is still possible, even if the path is rarely a straight line to the perfect 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 Mandy.   Highlights: [02:07] Mandy’s story [03:03] Discovering your path [05:56] Making the decision to start a business [09:48] Where to start – the first 6 weeks of Creative Niche [14:20] The next chapter of Creative Niche [17:06] Why tenacity is important in getting long-term results [21:08] Motivation for writing “Just Go With It” [22:16] The hardest but best lesson learned [29:19] The leader Mandy is today [34:34] Advice on accelerating success [40:47] How to get in touch with Mandy   Quotes: “Entrepreneurs should embrace the journey because it's not a destination, you've got to keep going constantly, no matter how long you've been at it, you're always working on something.” – Mandy Gilbert  “What you see in the media isn't always true. Something meaningful and long lasting doesn't happen overnight. Nobody’s success is happening overnight.” – Mandy Gilbert  “One of the hardest, but best lessons I’ve learned was understanding my shortcomings and why they were showing up the way they were.” – Mandy Gilbert  “If you want to become a leader, there are a lot of great things that you can do right now, you don't have to wait until you have a specific title.” – Mandy Gilbert    About Mandy Gilbert: Mandy Gilbert is a speaker, investor, author, founder, and chief executive of Creative Niche, a company that provides creative staffing and workforce management solutions to multinational corporations as well as major advertising, digital and public relations agencies. Mandy has been recognized as the United Nations Global Accelerator and completed the Entrepreneurial Masters Program at MIT. She is also a Director for The Remix Project, an organization that works on leveling the playing field for young people from disadvantaged communities in Toronto and Chicago and sits on the board of her Young Presidents Organization (YPO) chapter in Toronto. She spends her time between Toronto and New York, and is the proud mom of two busy boys, Isaac and Sam.   Links: Website: https://mandy-gilbert.com/ Mandy’s book: https://mandy-gilbert.com/book/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandygilbert/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/verynichey Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/verynichey/  

Do you have a dream that you’ve been putting off until you’ve figured out all of the details? What would happen if you threw caution to the wind and just took that first step forward? Meet Ellen Bennett, founder and CEO of Hedley & Bennett, who shares why it’s important to just get started and figure out the details along the way. In her new book “Dream First, Details Later”, Ellen shares her journey and personal playbook for starting before you stop yourself. Ellen’s hustle and willingness to leap into the unknown, time and time again, has helped her build a multi-million-dollar company, making aprons and kitchen gear worn by many of the world’s best chefs and home cooks everywhere. In this episode, Ellen shares how she self-funded her business, and how getting comfortable with the uncomfortable allows her to navigate through change and keep leveling up. She even pivoted her business from making aprons to making masks at the beginning of the pandemic, helping to save jobs and donate over a half a million masks to those in need. So, if you’ve ever imagined doing something and immediately thought, “that’s impossible,” or “I wouldn’t even know where to start,” or “I’m not qualified to do that”, Ellen will teach you how to push aside your inner critic and launch into action. Visit https://www.iambeyondbarriers.com where you will find shownotes and links to all the resources in this episode, including the best way to get in touch with Ellen.   Highlights: [02:39] Ellen’s story [03:43] “Dream First, Details Later” [06:06] Navigating challenges and setbacks [07:48] Finding success in doubt [10:00] Taking the first step forward [12:23] Get comfortable with the uncomfortable [15:50] Attracting cutting-edge talent [19:15] Behind the scenes of success [20:10] Start with building your community [23:29] Staying focused on what’s right for you [26:15] Adapting when your playbook goes out of the window [30:30] How Ellen stays ahead of the curve [32:15] Hold on to the scrappiness [34:34] What keeps Ellen grounded [38:50] Where to get Ellen’s book, “Dream First, Details Later”   Quotes: “The best advice I could ever give to anyone is just start, you just need to begin and figure out the details along the way.” – Ellen Bennett  “Seize the opportunity and have enough confidence in yourself that you've done enough things in life to get you this far.” – Ellen Bennett “Never feel like you are just one person and you can't have an impact in the world, your opinion and your actions matter.” – Ellen Bennett “No matter how much building you do in life, sometimes things happen and you just have to be willing to rise to the occasion, adjust and let go of what you did before.” – Ellen Bennett   About Ellen Bennett: Growing up, Ellen Bennett, the founder and CEO of Hedley & Bennett, the leading Los Angeles based culinary workwear brand, found herself spending summers in her native Mexico learning to cook with her abuelita. Soon after graduating high school, Ellen found herself back in Mexico City attending culinary school where she would rekindle the joys of her summer cooking adventures while learning the skills needed to tackle the hustle of the professional kitchen. Back in L.A. she put her training to work cooking in two Michelin Star restaurants, Providence and Baco Mercat. It was during this time working on the line that she experienced a “uniform” that was not aligned with the creativity and confidence found in the kitchen. This led to the vision for Hedley & Bennett; make the best aprons in the world by marrying the needs of professional chefs with the design trends for today's discerning consumers. Today, Hedley & Bennett make more than aprons, but culinary workwear and gear that outfits over 6,000 restaurants, hotels, coffee shops, resorts and hundreds of thousands of home cooks all over the world. This evolution has also led to creative, out-of-the-box collaborations with brands such as Vans, Madewell, Parachute Home, Rifle Paper Co., Product (RED) and more. Most recently, she pivoted the resources of her company during the global COVID-19 pandemic to make masks to meet the needs of both professionals and consumers while donating over 200k masks to front line workers. Ellen and the Hedley & Bennett story has been featured in the New York Times, Fast Company, Inc., Bon Appetit, Martha Stewart, the Today Show and more. Ellen lives in Echo Park with her husband Casey, their pet pig Oliver, and six chickens.   Links: Website: https://www.hedleyandbennett.com/ Link to Ellen’s Book: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/607064/dream-first-details-later-by-ellen-marie-bennett/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmariebennett/ Company Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hedleyandbennett/