BEYOND BARRIERS

Does this sound familiar? It’s 6am and the alarm goes off. You hit the snooze button and try to catch a few more minutes of sleep. Then the alarm goes off again and you hit snooze one more time. On the third try, you finally get out of bed, grab your phone and check your email. You see several messages from your colleagues about something urgent that needs your attention. You’d hoped to workout this morning but instead you’re responding to emails and putting out fires at work. You feel the anxiety bubbling up already and you haven’t even brushed your teeth yet! In today's episode, we'll share with you the morning routine of successful people and how you can stop the frenzy and start the day with magic. Highlights: [01:34] Why your morning routine matters [03:46] How to design the right environment and routine [06:16] The 5-step routine [19:22] Making time for your routine   Quotes: “The most successful people have a very defined and intentional start to their day.” – Nikki Barua “It's important for you to set boundaries and design the right environment and create the right routines for yourself.” – Nikki Barua “Meditation is simply a way for you to become mindful and focus on the present moment.” – Nikki Barua “Simply having the attitude of gratitude puts you in the right mindset to take on your day.” – Nikki Barua “Inspiration builds that momentum to keep going every day towards your vision and goals.” – Nikki Barua “Write down your commitment for the day to clarify what is the most important thing for you to accomplish that day to move you towards achieving your goals.” – Nikki Barua “The 5-step process of Meditation, Activation, Gratitude, Inspiration, Commitment spells MAGIC.” – 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  

Have you struggled with advancing your career and don’t know what steps to take? Do you feel stuck and don’t know who to turn to for help? In this episode, you’ll meet 4 extraordinary women who share their stories of transformation and how their peer community helped them go beyond barriers. Each of them overcame fears and limiting beliefs, gained confidence and conviction in their purpose, and are on a mission to create impact in the world.   Highlights: [01:06] About Bella Mokua [01:21] About Dominique Piñon [01:38] About Jenean Glover [01:54] About Jessica Medrano [02:07] Impact of the pandemic [05:44] Bella: Commitment to your true north [07:56] Dominique: Putting yourself first guilt-free [10:44] Jenean: Learning to adapt and pivot [15:44] Jessica: Always believing in yourself [20:50] Jessica: Don’t wait for perfection [23:19] Dominique: Create your own narrative [27:11] Bella: Feel the fear and do it anyway [30:35] Jenean: Mentorship, sponsorship and championship [34:43] What’s holding back women in the workplace [45:10] Habits and hacks to accelerate success   Quotes: “Own your experiences and believe that you are good enough to be successful.” – Bella Mokua “The power of community is out there, you just have to look for it. And sometimes you have to be proactive in building it.” – Monica Marquez “The Beyond Barriers program normalized failing and normalized success and normalized the concept that if we're failing it’s because we're pushing our boundaries.” – Dominique Piñon “The Beyond Barriers program taught me the art of the pivot. To embrace the pivot, not fear change and make the appropriate move at the appropriate time.” – Jenean Glover “The Beyond Barriers program helped me identify my strengths and lead with them. Now I can focus on the work at hand, motivate others and help create change.” – Jessica Medrano “Conditions are never going to be perfect in every area, but you still need to move forward and work with the conditions that you do have.” – Jessica Medrano “What I wish I had known sooner was feeling the fear and doing it anyway.” – Bella Mokua “Don’t talk yourself out of opportunities. Let them tell you no.” – Bella Mokua “You don't have to be good at everything to be enough. You're enough as you are. Remind yourself of that daily.” – Bella Mokua “Create your own narrative and actualize yourself. No one's going to actualize things for you.” - Dominique Piñon “It is equally as powerful when we have allies that share our stories in addition to crafting our own narrative.” - Jenean Glover “Nothing can grow if you don't nourish your own soil.” - Bella Mokua “After making your list of what you need to be better, make sure you look around and be grateful for what you have now.” – Jessica Medrano   About Podcast Guests: Bella Mokua Jenean Glover Jessica Medrano Dominique Piñon   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 it comes to your finances, are you someone who is diligent, saves wisely, and knows where every penny you’ve earned goes? Or are you more carefree and you plan to get serious about saving for that “rainy day” when you are in a better place and earning more money? Well, what happens if that “rainy day” arrives unexpectedly and you’re caught without a savings umbrella? In this episode, Stephanie Groschup, co-founder and managing partner of women-owned firm, GM Wealth Group debunks common myths and mistakes we make when it comes to our personal finances. She also shares the success habits and mindset necessary for building wealth, not just living on your income.   Highlights: [02:39] About Stephanie [04:06] Moving to Wall Street [05:16] From Wall Street Executive to Entrepreneur [08:54] Learning to run a business [12:51] Investment patterns across genders [14:55] Guiding principles of wealth creation [17:59] Advice for those just starting out [19:51] Financial reactions to the pandemic [24:03] Benefits of a financial advisor [27:58] Women and the money mindset [29:39] Income versus assets [31:18] Stephanie’s proudest accomplishment [32:04] Most important lesson learned [33:10] Success habits for wealth creation   Quotes: “Consider yourself important and pay yourself first before you pay anything else.” – Stephanie Groschup Everyone needs to have an emergency fund. Try to have at least six months of salary and savings at all times.” – Stephanie Groschup “Block out the noise and distractions coming at you and focus on your goals.” – Stephanie Groschup “Sit down by yourself every morning and think about what you need to accomplish today. And make sure you focus on your budget.” – Stephanie Groschup “Always contribute to your retirement plan, even if it is only 1%”. - Stephanie Groschup   About Stephanie Groschup Stephanie is co-founder and managing partner of women-owned firm, GM Wealth Group, and is responsible for guiding the firm’s investment strategy, research and strategic development. With nearly two decades of experience in the financial industry, she is dedicated to helping her clients achieve their financial goals. Stephanie has overcome career barriers by being the only female in her class to graduate from the Merrill Lynch training program. Having worked in male dominated fields, she knows first-hand how challenging it can be for women to thrive professionally and financially. That’s why Stephanie is passionate about helping women achieve financial freedom. She believes that listening to the client is of utmost importance so she can apply customized strategies to meet specific needs with a thoughtful, yet proven approach.  Specializing in investment strategy, portfolio construction, risk management, and corporate and private retirement plans, Stephanie leverages her extensive experience and professional qualifications to implement highly customized portfolios for her clients. She thrives in helping her clients build wealth and fulfill their dreams. Stephanie, a native Texan, received her B.A. from the University of Texas at Austin. Stephanie holds FINRA Series 7 and 66 securities licenses, as well as life, health and long-term care insurance licenses. She is also a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) ® . Stephanie’s interests include architecture, wine and travel. An avid tennis player, Stephanie employs strategies to give her clients the advantages of putting the ball in their court.   Links: Website: https://www.gmwealthllc.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-groschup/  

Much has been researched and written about the lack of women in the tech sector, whether it’s representation at major tech companies, as start-up founders, or as investors. What can be done to make the tech world a more inclusive space for women? In this episode, we feature Kate Brodock, CEO at Women 2.0 and Founding Partner of W Fund. Kate has played an active leadership role in the women in tech ecosystem for over a decade. She led a global organization focused on women in technology and entrepreneurship as its President for several years. She is passionate about applying her experience to advising and mentoring startups whether as an EIR at LaunchNY, or a mentor for Techstars. As CEO of Women 2.0, Kate is focused on bringing diversity and inclusion in the tech and startup spaces.  Women 2.0 provides resources for founders and professionals to grow their companies and careers, as well as provide products for workplaces and the startup ecosystem to create inclusive environments that support the advancement of women and other underrepresented groups. And now with the launch of the W Fund, Kate is on a mission to fuel the startup ecosystem and deploy funds to women and diverse-led tech startups. Kate highlights some of the challenges women face, the perceptions that need to be changed and the work that’s being done to help to promote women in tech. Kate shares her perspective on the gender gap and how to build a more diverse, equitable and inclusive world.   Highlights: [02:50] Kate’s journey [07:58] Kate’s vision for Women 2.0 [11:52] Challenges that women face in the workplace [13:11] Why is mobilization important for women [15:18] The importance of the W Fund [18:29] Facing your fears and overcoming limiting beliefs [25:15] Nurturing and building your community [33:48] The fundraising process [42:46] Kate’s success habit   Quotes: “Mobilization is important because it is the difference between going so low against all of these hurdles and actually having a peer network.” – Kate Brodock “List out your negative thoughts about yourself and then talk yourself out of each one of them.” – Kate Brodock “Think of asking for advice and help as a learning opportunity and a growth opportunity.” – Kate Brodock “Before asking for help, frame the specific problem or question and then identify those whose support you need.” – Kate Brodock “Put structures in place to fight the apply, apply, apply instinct. The best results will come when strategic planning happens first.”- Kate Brodock About Kate Brodock Kate is CEO of Women 2.0 and Founding Partner of W Fund . She’s lived in the tech startup world for over 15 years, and has played an active leadership role in the women in tech ecosystem for over a decade, having led a global organization focused on women in technology and entrepreneurship as its President for several years. She’s also an EIR at LaunchNY , and a long-time mentor for Techstars. She enjoys putting her 15-year experience in the tech industry to work advising and mentoring startups. She was recently CMO of untapt , an AI-driven tech talent marketplace based in NYC and has held the role of Adjunct Professor in PR and Marketing at Syracuse University. Kate has spoken at and been featured in numerous places, including SXSWi, Collision Conference, Fast Company’s Innovation Uncensored, IBT, MSNBC, TechCrunch and Al Jazeera America and writes for Forbes. She has a BA from the University of Rochester, an MBA from Goizueta Business School at Emory University and an MA in International Relations from the Fletcher School at Tufts University. When she’s not doing all *that*, she’s a very non-professional (but adventurous!) athlete, an equally as non-professional musician, can be found outdoors in any weather — skiing, biking, hiking, sailing — loves a good meal with bubbly, craft beer and good friends, hilariousness and life. She tries hard to read when she can, non-fiction only. Her husband is a startup-web-developer-turned-beer-guy and they now live on a hops farm in Upstate, NY. She can be found on Twitter at @ just_kate.   Links: Website: http://women2.com W2.0 Team: https://women2.com/team LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/katebrodock Twitter: https://twitter.com/Just_Kate  

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. In this episode, we’ll discuss a topic many of us are feeling – burnout. We’ll share how you can detect burnout and what you can do to regain your balance, and feel healthy and hopeful again.   Highlights: [01:17] What is burnout [06:36] Stress vs burnout [07:41] Job-related burnout [08:36] Work-life balance during a pandemic [11:06] The susceptibility of burnout for perfectionists [14:30] Pay attention to the signs of burnout [15:20] The impact of the pandemic on mental health [16:41] Steps to take to avoid burnout   Quotes: “Burnout is when you feel empty, mentally exhausted, like you've just got absolutely nothing left to give, that's when you've lost your motivation.” – Nikki Barua “Perfectionist often times feel the need to be in control of everything. This leaves them highly susceptible to burnout.” – Monica Marquez “When sabotage seems like your best escape route. That's an urgent cry and a sign that you need self-care.” – Nikki Barua “Incorporate play into your daily schedule. Being in a playful state has the ability to heal chronic stress and burnout.” – Nikki Barua “When you feel grateful for family, health or safety, you're going to shift your focus from what you don't have to what you're blessed to 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  

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