
BEYOND BARRIERS
If you are an ambitious woman who wants to dominate your career, then the Beyond Barriers podcast is for you. Discover why traditional career strategies are outdated, what skills are growing in demand, and how to stand up and stand out in the workplace.
In each episode, we interview industry influencers, and business leaders from top corporations who share their perspective on opportunities and challenges in the digital age. From inspiring stories to cutting-edge strategies, you’ll learn how to develop the skillset, mindset and toolset to accelerate your career success.
Latest episodes

Nov 25, 2020 • 38min
Episode 110: How To Avoid The Job Search Black Hole
Have you ever experienced the “Resume Black Hole”? That dreaded abyss your resume falls victim to when you click “submit” after spending countless exhaustive hours searching and applying for numerous jobs online. And then, you sit and wait, and wait some more, only to get nothing but those automated “thank you” confirmation receipt emails. That’s it, nothing. Nothing but frustration and disappointment. Sound familiar? In this episode, you’ll meet Jena Viviano, and hear her perspective on how to avoid the “black hole” and land your dream job. Jena is a career coach and entrepreneur who knows what it’s like to go through multiple career changes. She’s worked on Wall Street as an investment banker, reported live from the floor of the New York Stock Exchange and scored a job at a growing career startup, The Muse, before launching her professional development business. Her sweet spot is helping ambitious female professionals articulate their personal branded career stories to land their dream jobs via her signature program Recruit the Employer. Jena has worked with over 800+ clients from around the world and has been featured on Business Insider, Monster, Glassdoor, Bustle, The Muse and Grit & Virtue. She’s created courses for LinkedIn, LinkedIn Learning, and her resume work is highlighted in the WSJ Bestseller, The New Rules of Work. Jena also speaks on various platforms about the intersection of work, branding and faith. Highlights: [02:58] Jena’s story [04:22] Making the decision to change careers [06:02] How to identify your strengths [07:30] Overcoming fears and limiting beliefs [08:47] What holds women back in corporate setting [11:16] Looking for your dream job [13:35] Gaining access to influential people [16:01] Job seeker key habits to develop [18:38] How to stand out as a job seeker [23:41] How to execute in your first 90 days at a new job [25:45] Leveraging your network and asking for help [27:21] Advice on staying ahead of the curve [28:52] Leveraging LinkedIn to build your brand [30:24] Choosing your thought leadership topics [35:46] Accelerating your success Quotes: “Work on your mindset on a daily basis to show up as your most authentic self.” – Jena Viviano “When you get friendly with rejection, your opportunities become limitless.” – Jena Viviano “Network early, network often, and don’t only network when you need something.” – Jena Viviano “The key to building resilience to rejection is to practice failing.” – Jena Viviano “Think of your career more as a marketer than a historian documenting your past.” – Jena Viviano “If you don’t believe you deserve to be in the room, you won’t be in the room.” – Jena Viviano About Jena Viviano: Jena is a career coach and entrepreneur who knows what it’s like to go through multiple career changes. She’s worked on Wall Street as an investment banker, reported live from the floor of the New York Stock Exchange and scored a job at a growing career startup, The Muse, before launching her professional development business full-time. Her sweet spot is helping ambitious female professionals articulate their personal branded career stories to land their dream jobs via her signature program Recruit the Employer. Jena has worked with 800+ clients from around the world, been featured on and written for Business Insider, Monster, Glassdoor, Bustle, The Muse and Grit & Virtue. She’s created courses for LinkedIn, LinkedIn Learning, and various professional organizations like YNG+ and NAPW. Her resume work is highlighted in the WSJ Bestseller, The New Rules of Work, and she’s spoken at various panels, podcasts, and universities about the intersection of work, branding and faith. Jena lives in the Nashville area with her husband Brent (ask how LinkedIn was a part of her engagement story!) and spends her days exploring new coffee shops, mulling over theological principles, launching her podcast called Your Career Story or sampling the best wine bars in town. In case you were wondering - she’s an Enneagram 3. Links: Website: https://jenaviviano.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenaviviano/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jena_viviano/

Nov 23, 2020 • 19min
Episode 109: Habits & Hacks: Daily Habits of Successful People
Did you know that 40% of your activities are driven by habits – good or bad? That means you are the product of what you do habitually. That’s why it can be a struggle to change even when you hope to exert willpower. Habits are a powerful force that makes change challenging. In this episode, we discuss the daily habits of successful people. Highly successful people don't rise to the top by behaving like everyone else. We’ll share how you can develop new habits that make success effortless. Highlights: [01:21] Common habits of high achievers [02:17] 5 most common habits of high achievers [05:48] Summary of 5 common habits [07:50] Nikki’s morning routine [10:33] How to develop new habits [12:45] How to replace bad habits with good habits Quotes: “High achievers have morning routines that ground them, fuel them and empower them.” – Nikki Barua “High achievers have a habit of focusing on the most important thing and eliminating distractions.” – Nikki Barua “Be relentless in focusing on self-development.” – Nikki Barua “It’s not just about forming good habits, it’s replacing bad habits with good habits.” – Nikki Barua “If you want a certain outcome, you must invest time and allocate time towards it.” – 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 an ex-Googler, diversity expert and senior corporate leader. 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

Nov 18, 2020 • 38min
Episode 108: Live a Life Of Purpose with The Global Good Fund's Carrie Rich
Can you imagine, at the age of 26, taking a $100 birthday gift challenge and turning it into $2 million in order to turn your idea for social change into reality, all in just two weeks? Sounds unbelievable doesn’t it? Where would you even begin? In this episode, you’ll meet Carrie Rich, the co-founder and CEO of The Global Good Fund, an organization that accelerates the leadership development of high potential young social entrepreneurs tackling the world’s greatest issues. Now, just 8 years after taking on her birthday challenge, Carrie has impacted the lives of more than 8.5 million people around the world. Carrie is also the managing director of the Global Impact Fund, a venture capital fund created in 2016 that invests in social impact companies led by people of color and women. In addition to leading The Global Good Fund, Carrie has served on the faculty at George Washington University, Georgetown University and at the Amani Institute in Kenya, Brazil and India. Among her many awards, she was named a 2016 EY Entrepreneur of the Year, Washington Business Journal 40 under 40, Entrepreneur.com Top 30 Start-ups to Watch and is the recipient of the POLITICO Women Who Rule Award, among many more. Highlights: [03:19] Carrie’s story [09:07] Overcoming fears and limiting beliefs [10:21] Decision-making techniques [13:17] It only takes one person believing in you to make a difference [16:43] Tips on effective execution [18:36] Carrie’s daily success habit [22:06] Gaining clarity to tell your story with passion [24:19] Challenges that hold underrepresented groups back [26:05] Getting the most out of a mentoring relationship [28:07] Mentors don’t have to look like you [31:13] The impact of COVID on mentoring relationships [33:53] Advice on accelerating success Quotes: “If you don't ask, the answer will definitely be a no.” – Carrie Rich “Financial planning will help you build the confidence to take risks.” – Carrie Rich “It only takes one person to believe in you and take a chance on you.” – Carrie Rich “One of the greatest gifts people can make is an introduction and sharing their network.” – Carrie Rich “The best way to accelerate your success is by investing in yourself.” – Carrie Rich About Carrie Rich: Carrie Rich is the co-founder and CEO of The Global Good Fund, an organization that accelerates the leadership development of high potential young social entrepreneurs tackling the world’s greatest issues. Ms. Rich co-founded The Global Good Fund in 2012 at the age of 26 after raising $2 million in seed capital in two weeks. Ms. Rich is the managing director of the Global Impact Fund, a venture capital fund created in 2016 that invests in social impact companies led by people of color and women. Ms. Rich co-authored Sustainability for Healthcare Management: A Leadership Imperative, featured in Handelsblatt's Top 5 Business Book in 2013. Ms. Rich is the recipient of the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award, POLITICO Women Who Rule Award, Washington Business Journal 40 under 40, Entrepreneur.com Top 30 Start-ups to Watch, Stevie Award for Women in Business, Asian Social Innovation CEO of the Year, and Social Enterprise Alliance 50 under 40. Ms. Rich has served on the boards of Rezon8Capital, Women in Business, Ibasho, One Planet International School and the Atlas Health Foundation. Ms. Rich served on the faculty at Georgetown University, George Washington University and at the Amani Institute in Kenya, Brazil and India. Ms. Rich advises start-ups in the health, technology and retail industries, assisting with raising capital, business strategy, and market outreach to achieve audience engagement amongst millennials, women and those who care about sustainability and social impact. Links: RSVP for Fund The Good 2020 on December 9th at 5:30 pm EST – A virtual event featuring Arlan Hamilton: https://globalgoodfund.org/fundthegood/virtual-event/?mc_cid=61e178eae5&mc_eid=cbdff9db7e#RSVP The Global Good Fund – to donate or for sponsorship: https://one.bidpal.net/fundthegood/ticketing LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-rich-10b8445/

Oct 28, 2020 • 37min
Episode 107: Pivot Towards Success with SAP’s Judith Williams
Have you ever chosen a path that you want to follow and set out with a determined commitment only to realize somewhere along the way that your just not enjoying it? What do you do? Do you keep going or do you make the tough decision to change directions even if there are sunk costs? In this episode, Judith Williams, Head of People Sustainability and Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer at SAP, shares her perspective and important life lesson she learned on the economic principle of “sunk costs” and how it can also be an important career strategy. Judith shares her story of deciding to make a career pivot, leaving her well-established career as an academic professor to becoming a change agent in the world of diversity, equity and inclusion. Judith has been at the forefront of the culture change movement in technology and entertainment –with a deep focus on analytics and strategies to identify and disrupt bias in social systems and corporate culture. Prior to joining SAP, she ran an organization which consults with start-ups, venture capitalists, and accelerators on embedding diversity and inclusion into the foundations of their organizational cultures. In addition, Judith also served as the Global Head of Diversity for Dropbox and was also a Diversity Programs Manager at Google where she directed the unconscious bias work stream, and built strategies for recruiting, retention, and advancement of the company’s technical employees. Highlights: [02:57] Judith’s story [05:52] Understanding sunk costs [07:43] Making the decision to pivot [12:02] Gaining clarity on your strengths and competencies [17:35] Overcoming your fears and limiting beliefs [19:48] Judith’s success habits [23:40] Building a strong network [27:46] The impact of COVID on underrepresented groups [29:57] Opportunities for women of color [32:09] Staying ahead of the curve [34:19] Accelerating your success Quotes: “Do the tasks you enjoy the least earlier in the day, and afterward, the tasks you do enjoy doing become a reward.” - Judith Williams “Practice reframing something, not in terms of whether or not you can do it, but are you willing to do the work it takes.” – Judith Williams “When you first join an organization, it is more important to listen than to talk to understand the lay of the land.” - Judith Williams “Look for opportunities to show your value, but also look for opportunities to highlight the value of others.” – Judith Williams “Make sure that your work is visible. And as you grow in seniority, your job shifts to include making the work of your team visible.” – Judith Williams “Talk about your work like you're your own best friend.” – Judith Williams About Judith Williams: Head of People Sustainability and SVP, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, SAP SE Judith has been at the forefront of the culture change movement in technology and entertainment – with a deep focus on analytics and strategies to identify and disrupt bias in social systems and corporate culture. She joined SAP in September 2018 as Head of People Sustainability and Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer leading both diversity and inclusion and business health programs at SAP. Previously, she ran an organization which consults with start-ups, venture capitalists, and accelerators on embedding diversity and inclusion into the foundations of their organizational cultures. Judith has also been instrumental in the development of the ReFrame Project, a partnership between the Sundance Institute and Women and Film. The project addresses systemic barriers in the Hollywood ecosystem, and encourages gender parity at every level in film, TV and media. Prior to that as Global Head of Diversity for Dropbox, Judith was responsible for all diversity and inclusion programs, as well as corporate social responsibility. Her efforts increased the pipeline of women and underrepresented minorities at Dropbox, creating a more inclusive corporate culture and forming deeper ties into the communities where the company operates. In addition, Judith was the Diversity Programs Manager at Google where she directed the unconscious bias work stream, and built strategies for recruiting, retention, and advancement of the company’s technical employees. She was instrumental in implementing Google’s widely praised unconscious bias training program which was the first to call out hidden prejudices as a major contributor to the systemic lack of diversity in the tech industry. Judith lives in San Francisco, CA. Links: LinkedIn: judith-michelle-williams-55751a

Oct 26, 2020 • 13min
Episode 106: Habits & Hacks: The Power of Identity
Happy Halloween everyone! We hope you are celebrating this holiday dressed up as your favorite character and spreading the festive spirit. Much like Halloween gives you the opportunity to step into a different character and assume its persona and behavior, you can also do the same in everyday life by assuming the right identity for any situation. In this episode, we discuss the power of identity and how it can be an effective tool to overcome obstacles, achieve your goals, and not let your fears and limiting beliefs get in the way of your success. Highlights: [01:22] Why assume a different identity [03:59] Monica’s power identity [04:33] Our physical state impacts our mental state [06:26] How to take on a power identity Quotes: “Assuming an identity isn't about not being yourself, it's about stepping into a character that brings out the best parts of yourself.” – Nikki Barua “Observe how you're showing up in certain situations and whether that identity is disempowering or empowering.” – 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 an ex-Googler, diversity expert and senior corporate leader. 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

Oct 23, 2020 • 50min
Episode 105: Overcoming Stress With Jenny Evans
Given the challenges we are all facing living in this current environment of dealing with COVID, working from home or working on the frontlines, managing home schooling, racial and social tensions, and all of the political rhetoric, it’s no wonder that we all are feeling some level of stress, anxiety and overwhelm! The question is: what are you doing about it all? Are you practicing self-care? In this episode, I chat with Jenny Evans, speaker, author, and on-air expert on physiology and chemistry, as it relates to resiliency, confidence and performance. Jenny shares her perspective on how you can learn to recover from stress more quickly and raise your threshold for it by utilizing realistic and manageable tactics. Jenny Evans is the founder and CEO of PowerHouse Performance and author of the award-winning book The Resiliency rEvolution: Your Stress Solution for Life –60 Seconds at a Time. Working with thousands of C-suite executives, leaders and employees worldwide, Jenny helps audiences tap into their personal power and confidence, as well as learn how to increase their capacity for stress and to recover from it more quickly and effectively. Text “STRESSPROOF” to 44222 to receive the 365 Days of Journaling Questions in addition to other free resources. Highlights: [02:49] Jenny’s journey [05:59] Gaining clarity [09:37] The effects of cortisol on our behavior [14:05] The importance of good sleep [17:38] Clear your mind before making decisions [19:53] Building trust in yourself [25:19] Change isn’t always easy [29:34] Tips for reducing stress [31:27] Overcoming the stories we tell ourselves [35:04] Rewriting your story [40:32] The importance of your community [44:03] Advice on accelerating success Quotes: “A clear sense of purpose is essential for resiliency.” – Jenny Evans “Figure out what is your ONE best next step and take action today.” – Jenny Evans “Let go of stories that aren’t working for you and author new stories that are a reflection of the truth .” – Jenny Evans “The top three forms of recovery available to the human body are sleep, exercise, and nutrition.” – Jenny Evans About Jenny Evans: Jenny Evans is obsessed with human performance and has created a career and life designed around maximizing her own potential, and helping others do the same. With a blend of confidence, creativity, stubbornness and some naïveté (which is sometimes key), she has gone headlong into following her passion and purpose...and figured out how to make a living while doing it. Jenny is a keynote speaker, author and on-air expert on resiliency, stress, confidence and human performance. She is founder and CEO of PowerHouse Performance and author of the award-winning book The Resiliency rEvolution: Your Stress Solution for Life – 60 Seconds at a Time. Working with thousands of C-suite executives, leaders and employees worldwide, Jenny helps audiences tap into their personal power and confidence, as well as learn how to increase their capacity for stress and to recover from it more quickly and effectively. Clients improve their performance and productivity, all while enhancing their health. Jenny has spoken on the TEDx stage, is the resiliency subject matter expert for Optum and The Big Know’s digital courses, writes as a blogger for The Huffington Post and was an NBC Health & Fitness expert for over four years. She has been quoted on National Public Radio, in Health Magazine and Women’s Health, while being showcased on FastCompany.com, Inc.com, Entrepreneur.com, Shape.com and Elle.com. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with an emphasis on Psychology from the University of Minnesota, has been an American Council on Exercise Certified Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor for over 20 years, and is a certified Exercise Nutritionist. In her spare time she is an aerial arts performer...because you never know when you’re going to need a backup plan. Jenny’s corporate client list includes Yale School of Management, Ameriprise Financial, U.S. Bank, AT&T, Estée Lauder Companies, Comcast, Nationwide, Procter & Gamble, Target, and many other Fortune 500 companies. Links: Website: https://jennyevans.com/ Book: https://jennyevans.com/products/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/powerhouseperform LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennyevans/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenny_c_evans/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JennyEvansPH/

Oct 21, 2020 • 43min
Episode 104: Overcoming Doubts and Doubters with Hint CEO Kara Goldin
Do you have a dream that you are not pursuing because of fear and self-doubt? Have you let other people’s opinions drown out your own? What if...you could move forward with certainty towards your dream and ignore the naysayers? That’s exactly what we’ll discuss in this conversation with Kara Goldin, founder and CEO of Hint, and author of the bestselling book Undaunted. Kara will inspire you to move past your fears and defy the doubters. As Kara says, it doesn’t matter whether you feel confident; it matters what you actually do. Kara has received numerous accolades as the Founder and CEO of Hint, best known for its award-winning Hint® water, the leading unsweetened flavored water. She was named EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2017 Northern California, one of InStyle’s 2019 Badass 50, Fast Company’s Most Creative People in Business, WWD Beauty Inc.’s Feel Good Force and Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Entrepreneurs. The Huffington Post listed her as one of six disruptors in business, alongside Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg. Previously, Kara was VP of Shopping and Ecommerce at America Online where she helped lead the growth of its shopping and ecommerce business to over a $1 billion in revenue. Highlights: [03:32] Kara’s story [09:20] Overcoming doubts [15:10] Following your North Star [22:08] Where there is a will there is a way [29:42] Advice on overcoming fears [33:53] Lessons learned on managing at scale [37:33] Building your presence and why it matters [40:15] About “Undaunted” Quotes: “It's not just about having a great product, it's about building a great team.”– Kara Goldin “Becoming comfortable with letting others know that you do not know something helps build confidence.” - Kara Goldin “Sharing with people that you don't understand something might actually get you further.” – Kara Goldin “You gain more confidence when you don’t try to be the smartest person in the room.” - Kara Goldin “If you put belief in self-limiting thoughts, you will not be able to do make progress.” - Kara Goldin “Creative ideas can come from anywhere, everyone has a voice and has valuable input.” – Kara Goldin “Sharing authentically who you are, the things you care about, and the things that you're curious about is leading.” – Kara Goldin “You are not alone in terms of having fears and having doubts. Take action and be okay with knowing that a lot of people fail.” – Kara Goldin About Kara Goldin: Kara Goldin is the Founder and CEO of Hint, Inc., best known for its award-winning Hint® water, the leading unsweetened flavored water. She has received numerous accolades, including being named EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2017 Northern California, one of InStyle’s 2019 Badass 50, Fast Company’s Most Creative People in Business, WWD Beauty Inc.’s Feel Good Force and Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Entrepreneurs. The Huffington Post listed her as one of six disruptors in business, alongside Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg. Previously, Kara was VP of Shopping and Ecommerce at America Online where she helped lead the growth of its shopping and ecommerce business to over a $1 billion in revenue. She is an active speaker and writer and, in 2017, she launched Unstoppable with Kara Goldin, a podcast where she interviews founders, entrepreneurs and disruptors across various industries. Kara’s first book, Undaunted, published by Harper Leadership, will be released in October 2020. Kara lives in the Bay Area with her family. Please follow Kara on her website at www.karagoldin.com and on all social channels @KaraGoldin For more information, images, interviews, please contact press@drinkhint.com Links: Website: https://karagoldin.com/undaunted LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karagoldin/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karagoldin/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KaraGoldin/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/karagoldin/

Oct 19, 2020 • 17min
Episode 103: Habits & Hacks: Time Management Secrets
How do you fill your time? Do you invest it or spend it? Are you always stretched for time or do you feel flow every day? In today’s episode, we’ll share a different perspective about time and why it’s not about time at all. Highlights: [01:01] Why we obsess about time [01:53] Manage your energy instead of your time [03:20] We all have 24 hours in a day [04:49] Focus on what you want to create [05:53] 10 tips to break through the tyranny of time [10:52] Multi-tasking does not equal productivity Quotes: “Being busy and filling every minute of your day does not equate to creating impact.” – Nikki Barua “Time doesn't matter. It matters only when we're trying to do something that isn't joyful.” – Nikki Barua “One of the biggest myths is that multitasking increases productivity. Its saps your energy and your focus and actually slows you down.” – Nikki Barua “Once you choose your top priorities for the day, be sure you know the reasons why those matter.” – 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 an ex-Googler, diversity expert and senior corporate leader. 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

Oct 16, 2020 • 32min
Episode 102: Pursuing Your Dreams With Investor Petra Griffith
Do you have a goal or lifelong dream that you’ve never shared with anyone because you are afraid of being judged? Do you worry about not knowing enough or not having the right skills or perhaps questioning whether it’s the right time? In this episode, we’re speaking with Petra Griffith, Tech Executive and Investor, who says if you want to pursue your dream, you have to start by vocalizing it. Petra Griffith launched Wedbush Ventures to foster the next generation of technology companies solving big market problems. Having built many firsts -the first online printing software, first fitness wearable, first native ads -and even having ushered a bank into the age of technology, Petra truly understands the mindset necessary to achieve product market fit. Her leadership roles at organizations such as Netflix, Yahoo!, and 24 Hour Fitness makes Petra a coveted ally to entrepreneurs ready to scale innovation. Highlights: [02:29] Petra’s journey [09:29] Switching lanes and following your dreams [13:18] Position yourself for opportunity [15:00] What Petra is doing today – Wedbush Ventures [20:51] Advice on seeking venture capital [24:36] Common traits of successful leaders [26:39] Daily success habit [27:52] What Petra wishes she had known earlier in her career Quotes: “If you’re honest with yourself about what you want to do and you think about what you're good at, what kind of environment you want to be in, that’s when you’ll find the right match and it's magic.” – Petra Griffith “It's critical to take the time to figure out what your superpower is and what is the right environment for you to be successful.” – Petra Griffith “The most effective leaders are those who are laser focused on what matters and focus on those things so they can make an impact.” – Petra Griffith “Be able to verbalize your goals because people can't help you unless you tell them where you want to go.” - Petra Griffith About Petra Griffith: Petra Griffith launched Wedbush Ventures to foster the next generation of technology companies solving big market problems. Having built many firsts - the first online printing software, first fitness wearable, first native ads - and ushered a bank into the age of technology, Petra understands the strategic and creative mindset necessary to narrow in on a product’s core features for successful market fit. Her past leadership to product, strategy, marketing, and operations teams at established and startup organizations like Netflix, Yahoo!, and 24 Hour Fitness makes Petra a coveted product strategy ally to entrepreneurs ready to scale innovation. Links: Website: https://www.wedbushventures.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petragriffith/

Oct 14, 2020 • 42min
Episode 101: Crafting the Perfect Resume with Virginia Franco
Most people don't bother to update their resume until there's a pressing need for it, and when they do...they have no idea where to begin. Sound familiar? If you're finding yourself in need of “dusting off the ol’ resume”, no need to fear...help is on the way. Meet our guest, Virginia Franco, a multi-certified Executive Resume and LinkedIn Writer, Coach and Storyteller, whose documents have helped clients around the globe tell their stories and land interviews in record time. In this episode, Virginia shares her expertise and insights on the “Do’s and Don’ts” in your next job search. Virginia founded Virginia Franco Resumes after recognizing her years of corporate communications, journalism and healthcare social work offered her a unique understanding of how people read, communicate and share information. She is one of less than 70 writers nationwide to hold the prestigious National Certified Resume Writer certification from the National Résumé Writers' Association, and holds several additional industry certifications. In January 2020 she launched Job Search Secret Weapon with 3 industry peers, offering job search support via DIY guides, kits, scripts and templates, for those who don’t have the means to work with professionals one-on-one. Highlights: [02:37] Virginia’s journey [04:57] Overcoming fears and limiting beliefs [06:23] Building your personal brand [11:46] Deciding which role is best for you [13:16] Resume and job search advice [20:51] Honing in on your transferrable skills [27:23] Apply even when you don’t meet 100% of requirements [30:35] The importance of your digital profile [32:39] Maintaining your presence on LinkedIn [37:08] Staying ahead of the curve Quotes: “Make a list of your proudest accomplishments and within there you will find your greatest strengths.” – Virginia Franco “It's important to understand what you excel at, what other people believe you are good at, and what you like to do and how that aligns with market demand.” – Virginia Franco “Instead of simple a laundry list of responsibilities, your resume should demonstrate how those responsibilities led to results.” – Virginia Franco About Virginia Franco: Virginia Franco is first and foremost a writer and storyteller. She founded Virginia Franco Resumes after recognizing her years of corporate communications, journalism and healthcare social work offered her a unique understanding of how people read, communicate and share information. You name it she’s written it – from articles for websites, local newspapers and magazines to newsletters, executive talking points and annual reports. Today Virginia writes documents that help clients land interviews. Her customized career documents help people struggling to tell their story in a way that appeals to today’s skim, online and small screen readers. In addition to writing their documents, she offers guidance to those testing the job search waters or making a career change on navigating the world of online job search and social media networking. She shares her insights with job seekers via a variety of publications and podcasts. Virginia is one of less than 70 writers nationwide to hold the prestigious NCRW certification from the National Résumé Writers' Association, and holds two additional certifications as a Resume Writer and an Employment Interview Coach from the PARW-CC. In January 2020 she launched Job Search Secret Weapon with 3 industry peers, offering job search support via DIY guides, kits, scripts and templates, for those who don’t have the means to work with professionals one-on-one. She makes sure to squeeze in time for a bit of of yoga and walking (while listening to podcasts!). Virginia lives with her husband, their 4 children and 2 dogs in Charlotte, NC Links: Website: https://virginiafrancoresumes.com/ and https://www.jobsearchsecretweapon.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/virginiafrancoresumewriter/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/vafrancoresumes Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vafrancoresumes/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VirginiaFrancoResume/