BEYOND BARRIERS

How do you define success? Are you accepting someone else’s definition or are you deciding what success is for yourself? In this episode, 5 Times Best Selling Author, Christy Rutherford shares her journey to high levels of success, but also highlights what she gave up along the way. In the last few years of her career, she realized she was digging an early grave and courageously discloses her breaking point and how she left a 6-figure career for freedom. Christy shares insights on the common experiences high performing women experience and also the things they give up to achieve success.   Highlights: [02:53] Christy’s story [05:21] The decision to make a career change [08:23] Attempting to meet defined requirements for success [10:54] Patterns of women in showing up with confidence [14:55] Lessons learned in speaking up [17:35] Putting both feet on the ground [20:44] Making yourself a priority [24:40] Overcoming limiting beliefs [26:56] Having the right mindset [33:58] Heal Your Brokenness [35:35] Advice on getting unstuck [37:42] Christy’s success habit   Quotes: “People tend to think they need the money. But if your mind is not properly structured and healed, you're not going to get the money because it's so much strain. Seek the mindset first, the money will come after.” – Christy Rutherford “Ask yourself how you will show up and who do you want to be.” – Christy Rutherford “You have a chance to decide every single day whether you are going to be helpless or are you going to seek the opportunity.” – Christy Rutherford “You have to believe that you have your fate in your hands. You create it. – Christy Rutherford   About Christy Rutherford A globally recognized leader, Christy Rutherford assists women in leadership to get unstuck, make more money, have more peace and enjoy more fulfillment in their personal and professional lives.  She’s also a keynote speaker and author, publishing five #1 best-selling books on Amazon in eight months. A Harvard Business School Alumna, Christy is also a certified Executive Leadership Coach from Georgetown University and has been featured in Forbes three times. Christy is the 13th African American woman to achieve the rank of Commander (Lieutenant Colonel equivalent) in the U.S. Coast Guard’s 225+ year history where her demographic was .1%. Christy responded to the needs of the citizens in New Orleans two days after Hurricane Katrina and had a 3-year Congressional Fellowship with the House of Representatives. Christy’s academic portfolio also includes an MBA, and a pastry chef diploma. Among her many professional accomplishments, her national recognition includes Harvard Business School’s 2018 Launching New Ventures Pitch Contest Grand Master Champion, Cambridge Who’s Who Amongst Executives and Professionals, Career Communications STEM Technology All-Star and the Edward R. Williams Award for Excellence In Diversity.   Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christyrutherford/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/c.rutherford7 Twitter: https://twitter.com/visionfinder7 Website: https://www.christyrutherford.com/  

How many times have you purchased a product, only to realize that the whoever created it, didn’t build it with you in mind? How many times have you laughed out loud when seeing a clothing tag that says, “One size fits all”...when it’s clearly obvious it would barely fit a child, needless to say, a grown adult! Well, in this episode, Annie Jean-Baptiste, Google’s Head of Product Inclusion, shares how she helps teams make sure Google products are made for everyone. She spends her days making sure everyone matters. But, the most important message she shares is how YOUR voice, your unique experiences and what makes you different from others, is the secret to success. Stepping into your power, even if it doesn't look like the kind of cookie cutter example of what leadership looks like, is what will bring success and helps others expand their frame of reference. That authenticity fosters diversity...which fuels innovation.   Highlights: [01:01] Annie’s story [04:02] Imposter syndrome [04:30] Lean into what makes you authentic [06:53] Gaining clarity on your strengths [10:02] Strategies to highlight value proposition [12:40] Framework for inclusive product design [17:42] Setting and achieving your professional goals [18:39] Writing Building For Everyone [22:50] Key to developing your personal brand [27:15] Annie’s success habit [30:13] How can women accelerate in the digital age   Quotes: “The more that you try to fit into a mold that wasn't made for you, the more energy you have to expend.” – Annie Jean-Baptiste “If you can find something that you're passionate about, something that gives you purpose, and you can get paid for it, that is the trifecta.” – Annie Jean-Baptiste “Periodically assess if the things you're doing are moving you towards your goals.” – Annie Jean-Baptiste “Find mentors, advisors, sponsors and coaches that are going to push you into uncomfortable situations so you can grow.” – Annie Jean-Baptiste   About Annie Jean-Baptiste Annie Jean-Baptiste is the Head of Product Inclusion at Google. She leads Product Inclusion strategy across the company, including consultation, communications, scale and research and created the movement 3 years ago as a way to ensure underrepresented users felt seen throughout the product design process. Annie is passionate about making the web and Google’s products work for underserved communities while ensuring that Google is a place where everyone shines for their differences. She’s responsible for working with Google product teams and senior leaders on the creation and execution of their inclusive design strategy. She formerly created programs related to Diversity talent management and career development within several technical product areas within Google. She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania (go Quakers!) with degrees in International Relations & Political Science. She is an avid Boston sports fan & loves to bring her dog Hercules to work. She currently is based in San Francisco. Outside of Google, Annie is a former American Heart Association spokesperson and a One Young World ambassador, focused on healthy lifestyles in underserved communities. She is also a former Hack the Hood mentor. She currently serves as an intrapreneur in residence at the University Pennsylvania's Graduate School of Education and a member of the IEEE's Ethically Aligned Design committee. She’s been inducted into the Haitian Roundtable’s 1804 society as “One to Watch” and inducted as one of the 30 Black Stars for Face to Face Africa in 2019. She’s also been covered in Vogue, Essence Magazine, Business Insider, Teen Vogue, MSNBC, CNBC, ABC, Cheddar, Business Insider, the Huffington Post, the Root, the Council of Fashion Designers of America Annual Report, The Miami Times, Boston Globe and Fortune Magazine.  Her book, Building for Everyone, is available now. Follow her on social media: @its_me_ajb. Links: Website: https://www.anniejeanbaptiste.com/ Book: https://www.amazon.com/Building-Everyone-Practices-Googles-Inclusion/dp/1119646227 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-jean-baptiste-43511930/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/its_me_ajb/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Its_Me_AJB  

Thank you for listening in. We are truly grateful for your comments, feedback and advocacy. Thanks to you we are a highly rated show and our global community is growing rapidly. If you haven’t subscribed yet, tell us what we can do to earn your support. If you have already, please rate us (we love 5 stars). And, if you’ve already done both, tell a friend about this show. Where do you invest your time, energy, and money? In this episode, we’ll discuss the best investment you can make in your lifetime. And no, we are not giving advice on how to manage your finances or hot tips on the stock market. This is a different kind of investment. It has a guaranteed return. It grows exponentially over time. And it’s the one investment no one can take away from you.   Highlights: [01:30] The best investment you can make [05:00] Make it a habit [07:00] When to upgrade yourself [10:59] You are worthy of the investment [12:45] Take control of your career development [15:00] Best way to aspire to success   Quotes: “The best investment you can ever make in your life, whether it's time, money or energy, is in bettering ourselves. It has guaranteed results.” – Nikki Barua “Ask yourself what is the next level of learned competency for professional development that you need and how you do you get it.” – Nikki Barua “Be intentional in seeking out learning for professional development.” – Nikki Barua “You are worthy of the time, care, and attention to focus on yourself.” – Nikki Barua “There is a misconception that your company is responsible for your career development.” – Monica Marquez “The ultimate job security isn’t being good at your job today, it’s being highly capable and qualified to do your job tomorrow.” – Nikki Barua “The easiest way to be successful is to find the people who you want to be like and look at what they do, not what they have.” 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  

When you hear the terms, “Privilege or White Privilege”, what comes to mind for you? Do you immediately think of white people and attach the stigma of racism with it? If you answered yes, or your answer leaned towards yes...then YOU my friend, need to pause and disrupt your thinking. Because, the irony is that you, yourself, just exhibited negative unconscious biased behaviors. But, don’t beat yourself up, we ALL do this to some extent. It’s human nature. The key is to make the choice to CHANGE. In this episode, Aubrey Blanche, Global Head of Equitable Design & Impact at Culture Amp discusses and shares how we should all be using our individual privileges to help other marginalized groups. Especially in this current “awakened environment” of racial and economic inequities.   Highlights: [02:54] Aubrey’s story [08:36] Taking chances [11:55] Solidifying identity as a Latina women [14:22] First experience in the tech industry [16:00] Addressing microaggressions [21:08] Making difficult decisions quickly [24:48] Supporting each other during the pandemic [28:21] Working remotely and being seen [32:25] Overcoming limiting beliefs [35:19] Aubrey’s favorite success habit   Quotes: “When you have something, work hard, because you've taken a seat from someone who may also deserve it, but didn't get it. And that's out of respect for those folks.” – Aubrey Blanche “I try to connect back to my journey to find compassion, but also remember that most people are fundamentally good and have been very poorly taught.” – Aubrey Blanche “Be compassionate to everyone, we are all doing the best we can and we don't always know what else is going on in the background.” – Aubrey Blanche “How do we constantly think of who's going to be the worst impacted and then think about what we can do to help.” – Aubrey Blanche “This is the greatest remote work experiment in human history.” - Aubrey Blanche “This is a time where no one really knows what the rules are. Decide what the rules are, tell people what the rules are, and then dare them to challenge you that you're wrong.” - Aubrey Blanche “Define the terms of the engagement for yourself. Because the fact is, the ones that are defined are going to keep you down because they're supposed to.” - Aubrey Blanche “What you say about yourself is what you believe in, it will become true because that's where your energy is going.” - Aubrey Blanche “You're brilliant, you're worthy, and the world needs what you're going to create.” - Aubrey Blanche   About Aubrey Blanche: Aubrey Blanche is The Mathpath (Math Nerd + Empath), Global Head of Equitable Design & Impact at Culture Amp, and a startup investor and advisor. Through all her work, she seeks to question, reimagine, and redesign the systems and practices that surround us to ensure that all people can access equitable opportunities and build a better world. Her work is undergirded by her training in social scientific methods and grounded in the fundamental dignity and value of every person. Her professional expertise covers a broad range of equitable enterprise operations, from talent lifecycle programs and accessible product development to event design and communications & media. She is the inventor of the balanced teams approach to building proportional representation and a culture of belonging in the workplace, as well as the Balanced Teams Diversity Assessment in the Atlassian Team Playbook. She works to open source these methods for all practitioners and business leaders, and releases thought leadership and tools to create positive change at here at aubreyblanche.com. She is an advisor to a variety of groups seeking to build a more just world, including Aleria Research and Joonko. Her work has been featured in Wired, the Wall Street Journal, the Australian Financial Review, USA Today, Re/Code, First Round Review, and more. She also has previous academic affiliations with Stanford and Northwestern, and an appointment at the Equity by Design Lab at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. Despite the accolades listed here, she asks that you engage with her work to judge her competence: traditional proxies of merit and/or competence help reinforce the systems that keep incredible people from the opportunities they deserve. Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adblanche/ Twitter: @adblanche Website: https://aubreyblanche.com/ Medium: https://medium.com/@adblanche  

If I were to go online and review your professional profile, right now, would I be able to understand who you are beyond your “JOB”. Would I know your brand, your values and your story? Well, in this episode, you will meet Yai Vargas – who is the founder of The Latinista, a national network for Latinas and women of color invested in professional development and career mobility. She’s also been called THE LinkedIn Ninja and hosts workshops to help individuals harness the power of the platform. Yai is also a career & diversity strategist where she helps organizations develop engaging programming focused on career and leadership development. With a background in multicultural marketing and communications, Yai is a natural-born community builder and an expert networker.   Highlights: [02:17] Yai’s journey [03:56] Having the courage to switch lanes [06:12] Honing your skills and competencies [09:03] Tap into your network for help [12:58] Showing up with confidence [16:43] Learn from failure and setbacks [18:36] Staying ahead of the curve [21:28] Managing competing personal and professional priorities [24:57] #1 recommendation for LinkedIn profile [27:56] Building your network [30:03] Getting over the fear of reaching out [31:30] Most important formula to building your community [33:53] Who Yai admires [36:13] Yai’s advice on accelerating your success   Quotes: “Ask yourself what you can offer someone, whether it is a connection for a better job opportunity, a PowerPoint, or helping them with speaking in public.” – Yai Vargas “Before asking someone for something, I would always offer first. Reciprocity makes this whole world go round.” – Yai Vargas “Mistakes have taught me how to present a better product and service.” – Yai Vargas “Someone else can help you be productive and it's going to cost you way less than you sitting in front of a computer for six hours trying to figure out a template.” – Yai Vargas “The misconception with LinkedIn lies in others thinking it is only useful when looking for a job and they do not need it because they have job security. Until they don’t.” – Yai Vargas “Develop a personal Board of Directors, 5 or 6 close colleagues or friends that have a unique interest in something that you're not great in. Rely on them whenever you have a big decision to make that you don't want to make on your own.” - Yai Vargas   About Yai Vargas: Yai Vargas is founder of The Latinista, a national network for Latinas and women of color invested in professional development and career mobility. Today The Latinista offers a series of skill-building, activity driven, hands-on sessions, specifically designed to help identify and sharpen career and business skills required to achieve professional goals. The Latinista has chapters in New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles and Miami. Yai is also a career & diversity strategist where she helps organizations develop engaging programming focused on career and leadership development. With a background in multicultural marketing and communications, Yai is a natural-born community builder and is known as the networking and LinkedIn Ninja. Yai has lead the Financial Women’s Association Emerging Leaders network of New York, has worked to develop money investing workshops for women with Ellevest, featured in MakersMoney, spoken on Yahoo Finance, featured in Forbes for her work in Latina Equal Pay Day and works in partnership with orgs like: Luminary , WE NYC and The Financial Gym. Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yaivargas/ Website: www.yaivargas.com  

People are feeling overwhelmed with work and family responsibilities, while facing health risks and economic uncertainty. As our world goes through transformative change, organizations are faced with new challenges in creating safe spaces for connection. Employee Resource Groups play a vital role in fostering a sense of belonging, and building an inclusive and innovative culture. In today’s episode, we’ll discuss why ERG communities matters when you’re faced with challenges and how you can get the support you need.   Highlights: [01:58] ERGs – what are they and why they exist [04:18] The impact of ERGs on your career [07:39] Getting the support you need [09:41] What if your company doesn’t have an ERG [12:19] What you can be doing to support others [14:05] The role of an ERG leader [15:56] How to align ERGs to business vision [18:26] Recommendations for new ERG leaders   Quotes: “ERG leaders have the ability to create safe spaces for their communities and help them thrive.” – Monica Marquez “By raising your hand to advance the impact of ERG’s, you will demonstrate your leadership and be the light that can guide other people.” – Nikki Barua “As a new ERG leader, you need to listen, learn and find out what your community needs, what support do they need to bring their whole selves to work everyday.” – 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 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  

We're asking for your help. Please subscribe and rate the show (we love 5 stars)! Have you ever been in a situation where you NEEDED help but didn’t feel comfortable asking for it? Well, you are not alone. This is an area that a lot of women struggle with. Even though we may be comfortable asking for help on personal matters, we often don’t like to ask for help when it comes to our career goals.  In today’s episode, we’ll share how to get comfortable ASKING and GETTING the help you deserve.   Highlights: [01:04] Nikki’s perspective on asking for help [03:53] Asking for help in the corporate environment [05:34] Our fears in asking for help [06:31] Unburden yourself and gain leverage [08:18] People want to help [09:52] How to ask for help [12:52] Three steps to asking for help   Quotes: “There is a special place in hell for women who don't help other women." – Madeleine Albright “When you don't ask for help, you're taking the slower path to success.” – Nikki Barua "Instead of fighting your battle alone, make it everyone’s war to win.” – Nikki Barua “If you're uncomfortable asking for help, ask for advice instead.” – Nikki Barua “If you're burning the candle at both ends, and you're not asking for help, at some point you're going to run out of candles.” – Monica Marquez   About Nikki Barua: Nikki Barua is a digital innovator, serial entrepreneur, author & speaker. Learn more at https://www.nikkibarua.com/. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thenikkibarua/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenikkibarua/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thenikkibarua/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/NikkiBarua   About Monica Marquez: Monica Marquez is an ex-Googler, diversity expert and senior corporate leader. Learn more at https://themonicamarquez.com/. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMonicaMarquez/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themonicamarquez/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themonicamarquez/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/themmarquez  

Ok, it’s the first week of July and we have 6 more months until the end of the year! Despite all of the chaos we’ve experienced in the first half of the year, let’s make today our new beginning! Over the next few weeks, we are going to address many of the common questions we get regarding, “How to jumpstart, reset, re-energize momentum and get past barriers to career success”. In today’s episode, we’ll share practical tips for you to implement -so you can take action and gain momentum in the second half of 2020.   Highlights: [01:20] Overcoming obstacles & recovering from setbacks [04:17] How to bounce back quickly [06:38] The new year mindset shift [11:20] Focus on the present [14:00] 5-Day Job Search and Interview Prep Challenge   Quotes: “Pessism does not contribute to your ability to be creative and resourceful in coming up with the best solutions. ” – Nikki Barua “By taking the smallest of steps, one step after the next, momentum builds up and that's how you ultimately achieve your goals.” – Nikki Barua “Focus on the present, because the past is gone, and the future has not arrived yet. Focusing on the past and worrying about the future depletes your energy and distracts your focus.” – Nikki Barua Link to 5-Day Challenge: https://www.beyondbarriersacademy.com/5-day-challenge   About Nikki Barua: Nikki Barua is a digital innovator, serial entrepreneur, author & speaker. Learn more at https://www.nikkibarua.com/. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thenikkibarua/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenikkibarua/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thenikkibarua/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/NikkiBarua   About Monica Marquez: Monica Marquez is an ex-Googler, diversity expert and senior corporate leader. Learn more at https://themonicamarquez.com/. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMonicaMarquez/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themonicamarquez/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themonicamarquez/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/themmarquez  

Can you believe that we are in the month of July!? What a year 2020 has turned out to be (and we are only halfway through it...we still have 6 more months to go)! Did you kick off this year with big dreams and aspirations, only to be faced with unexpected obstacles? In today’s episode, we’ll share practical tips for you to implement - so you can take action and gain momentum in the second half of 2020.   Highlights: [01:09] Nikki’s first half of 2020 [03:28] The 5 step framework to momentum [06:16] Breaking down a big problem into smaller chunks [07:17] Develop the skills to weather any storm [08:16] 5-Day Challenge   Quotes: “There will always be obstacles. The 5 step Beyond Barriers framework gives you the methodology to develop the strategies and skills to overcome those obstacles. ” – Nikki Barua “If you want change, you have to make the decision and take massive action.” – Monica Marquez “Break a big problem into smaller bite-sized chunks. This will make you feel more in control, give you a greater degree of certainty, and help you take action.” – Nikki Barua “Results will come when you make the commitment and invest in yourself.” – Nikki Barua   About Nikki Barua: Nikki Barua is a digital innovator, serial entrepreneur, author & speaker. Learn more at https://www.nikkibarua.com/. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thenikkibarua/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenikkibarua/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thenikkibarua/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/NikkiBarua   About Monica Marquez: Monica Marquez is an ex-Googler, diversity expert and senior corporate leader. Learn more at https://themonicamarquez.com/. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMonicaMarquez/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themonicamarquez/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themonicamarquez/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/themmarquez

Do you have clarity about who you are outside of your profession? Do you know your core values, what you stand for, and what lights you up? When you are really driven, you can get caught up in a never ending cycle of achievement and lose sight of what truly matters –your connection with your own self, and your connection with others. In this episode, our guest, certified life coach and relationship expert, Irene Abbou shares why meaningful connections are key to a fulfilling life. Irene is the creator of the Happiness Within Reach program which coaches ambitious women to open their hearts to self-love while forming deep and meaningful relationships with others. Irene has helped hundreds of women get reacquainted with their personal and professional desires and supports them to take action despite their fears.   Highlights: [02:37] Irene’s story [04:30] Career path discovery [05:55] Happiness Within Reach [10:31] Advice on having achievement and fulfillment [12:43] Patterns of successful women [14:30] Attachment styles [16:20] Learn about yourself [18:30] Advice for those struggling with isolation [21:50] Taking time for yourself [27:56] Strategies to grow your confidence [30:22] Dealing with childhood trauma [32:29] Relationship patterns [34:37] The world post-pandemic   Quotes: “Failure is what leads us to success.” – Irene Abbou “It only takes 40 seconds of human interaction to change the day of both people.” – Irene Abbou “The importance of time for self-care, self-love and self-reflection cannot be understated”. – Irene Abbou “Knowing yourself and identifying what you love will allow for massive transformation.” – Irene Abbou   About Irene Abbou: Irene is the creator of the Happiness Within Reach program which coaches ambitious women to open their hearts to self-love while forming deep and meaningful relationships with others. She is an ICF, ACC Certified life and business coach who holds certifications from the University of Pennsylvania on Positive Psychology and is trained in the Gottman Method for Couples Therapy. This integrates forty years of scientific research, based on the Sound Relationship House Theory. Irene has helped hundreds of women get reacquainted with their hearts most affirming personal and professional desires and supports them to take action despite their fears. Her mission is to remind women of their indisputable worthiness and capability of creating the extraordinary soul on fire life that is their birthright.   Links: Website: https://www.happinesswithinreach.com Free Worksheet: https://happiness-within-reach.ck.page/4d6bb63bdf Subscribe to Happiness Within Reach: https://happiness-within-reach.ck.page/85334fd8a1 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/irene-abbou-0baaa631/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/happinesswithinreach/