BEYOND BARRIERS

Have you ever struggled with being the “only one” and remaining silent when you had a different opinion from the status quo because you believed it would limit your career? In this episode, Merary Simeon shares how she confronted her fears and limiting belief and that standing up for her values could negatively impact her career. But when she chose to do it anyway and speak up boldly, embracing her uniqueness, she discovered that it actually accelerated her success. Merary is a wife, mother, co-founder of Color Forward podcast, board member, ministry volunteer, and proven Human Resources Executive with more than 20 years of experience working for various Fortune 100 companies in North America and Latin America. Her leadership expertise includes diversity & inclusion, talent management, leadership consulting, culture change, executive coaching, and public speaking.   Highlights: [02:47] Merary’s journey [06:09] Finding a sponsor [09:29] How to gain access to influential leaders [12:55] Overcoming limiting beliefs [18:55] Identifying your superpower [23:54] Doing what is right [32:18] Being unapologetically authentic [41:03] Lessons learned during the pandemic   Quotes: “Sponsors are aware of your potential and capabilities. They are intentional about opening doors for you.” – Merary Simeon “The same way that you think about bringing a product to market is the same way you should think about bringing your brand to sponsors.” – Merary Simeon “The key to overcoming limiting beliefs is to acknowledge the fear that comes with it, but don’t let it be the driver of your ride.” – Merary Simeon “Leadership is being able to help other people find their superpower and weather their limiting beliefs.” – Merary Simeon “It’s important to assess what your values are and make sure that whatever you're doing does not compromise them.” – Merary Simeon   About Merary Simeon: Merary Simeon is a wife, mother, co-founder of Color Forward podcast, board member, ministry volunteer, and proven Human Resources Executive with more than 20 years of experience working for various Fortune 100 companies in North America and Latin America. Her leadership expertise includes Diversity & Inclusion, Talent Management, Leadership Consulting, Culture Change, Executive Coaching, and Public Speaking. Merary is currently pursuing her doctorate in strategic leadership at Regent University. Merary has a master’s degree in Human Resources from Fordham University and a bachelor’s degree from the College of Saint Elizabeth. She is a certified Hogan Assessment Coach. She also serves on the Women’s Food Service Forum board of the directors and the advisory board of Back on My Feet.  She is a native of Puerto Rico and currently resides in Plano, Texas, with her family. She credits her success to Jesus Christ. “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength,” Philippians 4:13. Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/merarysimeon/ Twitter: @merarysimeon

Do you have a career related question that you’re uncomfortable asking your peers, managers or mentors? We're here to address your questions. The fear of being perceived as inadequate prevents us from asking –but it causes us to pay a high price in every aspect of our lives—in lost income, slower career progress, LIMITED access to leadership roles and potential risk to well-being. So, learn to ask –and start by asking us.  Many of our listeners have asked what we wish we had known before taking a role in management. So, in this episode, we discuss the lessons we’ve learned when transitioning from an individual contributor to a manager.   Highlights: [01:21] Management theory versus practice [03:04] Transitioning from individual contributor to manager [06:03] How to delegate effectively [07:56] Right amount of oversight when delegating [11:56] Letting go of being liked [13:46] Be responsible for your team [17:31] How to have effective meetings   Quotes: “As a manager, you want to make sure that you're empowering your team and allowing them to bring their expertise, skills and competencies to the table, so that collectively, you can be effective in solving organizational challenges.” – Nikki Barua “Have a mindset of constant succession planning. If you want to move up, the only way you can do that is if someone is ready, capable and willing to take your spot.” – Nikki Barua “The key to delegation is to learn how to let go, while remaining accountable, and giving the other person the opportunity to figure out how to do it their way and develop the competency.” – Nikki Barua  “As a manager, you are responsible for your team and setting them up for success.” – Monica Marquez “Don't aspire to be liked. Focus on being trusted and respected and leading with the right decisions for the organization and for the people.” – 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  

When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up? Did you grow up thinking that you wanted to become an astronaut and then go off in a completely different direction? Well, in this episode, Vanessa Liu shares with us her career journey that took her from dreams of being an astronaut to becoming a Harvard lawyer to becoming a senior executive in digital media and technology innovation. No matter what her role has been, Vanessa has always been at the forefront of innovation.  Vanessa is the VP of SAP.iO, a global organization responsible for building an ecosystem of startups around SAP. In her role, she is overseeing SAP.iO’s North American Foundries in New York and San Francisco, including programs devoted to women and diverse-led B2B enterprise tech companies.   Highlights: [02:13] Vanessa’s story [08:57] Overcoming fears [10:55] Vanessa’s superpower [13:25] Awareness of identity [17:07] What holds women back [22:10] Advocacy from mentors and sponsors [23:57] Approaching a potential mentor [26:26] Showcase your capabilities [30:38] Vanessa’s role at SAP.iO [33:58] Advice for founders [38:34] Challenges women face in raising capital [42:43] Post-pandemic world [46:18] Juggling competing priorities   Quotes: “If something feels right from an impact perspective, and you are in a state of flow, because you know that your contributions are making a difference, you can then enjoy the journey, which takes a lot of the fear away.” – Vanessa Liu “When building your network, make sure you give to the relationship so that it is just as fulfilling for the other person as it is for you.” – Vanessa Liu “Understanding what your superpower is and matching that with organizations that also value that is essential.” – Vanessa Liu "You need to be able to tell your story so that other people can understand it.” – Vanessa Liu “We all have the same asset, which is 24 hours a day. And it's about how do you spend it? And how can you spend it wisely.” – Vanessa Liu “Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. It means that you know yourself well and that you know where you need help.” - Vanessa Liu   About Vanessa Liu: Vanessa is the VP of SAP.iO, a global organization responsible for building an ecosystem of startups around SAP. In her role, she is overseeing SAP.iO’s North American Foundries in New York and San Francisco, including programs devoted to women and diverse-led B2B enterprise tech companies. Vanessa was most recently the Chief Operating Officer at Trigger Media Group, a $22MM digital media incubator. In her role, she co-founded, incubated and oversaw business operations and strategic initiatives of Trigger’s portfolio companies: InsideHook (the essential digital lifestyle guide for adventurous and discerning men) and Fevo (SaaS technology bringing friends and networks together for group experiences at live events). Vanessa currently serves as a board observer of Fevo and is an advisor or investor in start-ups including Bounce Exchange, Grata Data, GroundSignal, Knotel and Narrativ. She mentors female founders through Declare’s Lead Program. Previously, Vanessa was an Associate Partner at McKinsey & Company’s Media and Entertainment Practice, based in Amsterdam, London and New York. In this role, Vanessa was responsible for serving clients in a variety of media and high tech sectors including online advertising, magazine and newspaper publishing, television, video content production, and information services, particularly on issues of digital media strategy, emerging market strategy, growth and innovation. Vanessa graduated magna cum laude with an AB in psychology from Harvard University and cum laude with a JD from Harvard Law School. She was a Fulbright Scholar at Universiteit Utrecht in the Netherlands where she conducted independent research on the International War Crimes Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia and the International Court of Justice. She serves as Vice President, College Alumni Affairs, of the Harvard Alumni Association.   Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessawliu/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/vanessawliu  

If there were a fire, which way would you run? Would your first instinct be to run towards it or away from it? Well, in this episode you will get to know Anilu Vazquez-Ubarri, who credits her success as a leader to always setting fears aside and running towards the fire. Anilu shares her journey from Puerto Rico to Princeton to Wall Street, choosing faith over fear when challenging opportunities presented themselves.  She shares her story so other young Latinx can follow in her footsteps and rise up from the ashes like a phoenix.   Highlights: [02:35] Anilu’s story [05:07] When opportunity presents itself [08:05] Overcoming limiting beliefs [11:12] Gaining access to influential leaders [13:51] Learned success habit [17:11] How do you find your truth tellers [21:24] Ask for clarity in the moment feedback is given [27:11] Having difficult conversations virtually [31:19] Learning to adapt quickly [36:16] What to focus on when negotiating [42:08] The key to accelerating success   Quotes:   “Don’t expect every opportunity to look perfect in the moment you get it, you can make it your own.” – Anilu Vazquez-Ubarri “Share your story, even when you're not completely clear on what you want to do, tell someone else because they might be able to help you with it.” – Anilu Vazquez-Ubarri “It's important to get mentors that think differently from you. If you're a woman of color, waiting to be mentored by someone that looks exactly like you, you might be on short options.” – Anilu Vazquez-Ubarri “When someone gives you feedback, make it comfortable for them to give you feedback again.” – Anilu Vazquez-Ubarri “When you start a new job or a new responsibility, the tendency is to want to go in and just do. More time needs to be spent on setting the priorities and the strategy of upfront.” – Anilu Vazquez-Ubarri “It is more important to understand why people are saying no to you than why they are supportive.” – Anilu Vazquez-Ubarri   About Anilu Vazquez-Ubarri: Anilu Vazquez-Ubarri is a Partner and the Chief Human Resources Officer at TPG, based in San Francisco. Prior to joining TPG in August 2018, Anilu was with Goldman Sachs for more than 11 years, where she most recently was the firm’s Global Head of Talent and Chief Diversity Officer. Prior to Goldman Sachs, Anilu was an associate at Shearman & Sterling LLP in the Executive Compensation & Employee Benefits group from 2002 to 2007. Anilu received an AB in History and Latin American Studies, cum laude, from Princeton University and a JD from Fordham University School of Law. Anilu currently serves on the Board of LatinoJustice PRLDEF, the Fordham University School of Law Alumni Board, and has recently joined as a board member for Teach for America Bay Area regional board based in San Francisco.   Links: Website: www.tpg.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anilu-vazquez-ubarri-2aa67031/  

Do you have a career related question that you’re uncomfortable asking your peers, managers or mentors? We're here to address your questions. Our fear of being perceived as inadequate prevents us from asking –but it causes us to pay a high price in every aspect of our lives—in lost income, slower career progress, LIMITED access to leadership roles and potential risk to well-being. So, learn to ask –and start by asking us. In this episode, we are going to address a question we get from many of our listeners. “How do I negotiate?”   Highlights: [01:10] Always negotiate [02:23] Statistics on negotiating [04:15] Impact of not negotiating [05:35] Nikki shares negotiation tips [06:07] Myths about negotiation [14:42] Share your questions   Quotes: “Don’t think of negotiating in terms of salary. Think of it in terms of anything that you value and that could be PTO, education, eligibility for promotion.” – Nikki Barua “Myth # 1 about negotiation is that it is about conflict, it isn’t. You need to reframe negotiation to be about discovery and alignment.” – Nikki Barua “Negotiation is about establishing a long term win-win outcome.” – Nikki Barua “Negotiation is not about money, it is about value exchange.” – 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  

If you want to make a difference and not just make a living, then learn how businesses can be a force for good, and partner with nonprofits to create impact together. Meet Danielle Holly, CEO of Common Impact, an organization that designs programs with corporations to empower their people in addressing social challenges. Danielle has helped numerous corporations navigate the new era in corporate social responsibility and skills-based volunteering, including global powerhouses like JP Morgan Chase, Charles Schwab, Marriott International, and Fidelity Investments. Danielle envisions a world where every person is able to bring their values and personal mission to their day jobs, integrate healthy and sustainable personal lives and, as a result, have the drive and energy to make our communities more equitable and vibrant. In this episode, Danielle shares her perspective on the transformation that can happen when people from different perspectives, disciplines and backgrounds come together to create lasting change. She also reveals how she is personally adapting to a world that is evolving rapidly, and requires new skills and bold perspectives.   Highlights: [02:16] Danielle’s story [05:30] Moving between diverse career paths [06:55] Danielle’s superpower [09:37] The unique model of Common Impact [11:22] One of Danielle’s favorite projects [13:57] Advice on attracting and retaining talent [16:09] What the ideal partnership looks like [17:53] Traits of a socially conscious leader [19:22] Skills emerging leaders need to develop [24:02] Impact of pandemic on nonprofits [26:21] Advice to corporate leaders during pandemic [28:03] Hope for the world post-pandemic [31:37] What keeps Danielle grounded [34:01] Danielle’s daily habit   Quotes: “Millennials want to have social impact as part of their day job and they make career decisions based on what companies are doing for the community and society.” – Danielle Holly “Employees see corporate social responsibility programs as an investment in employees. It's an incredible retention tool.” – Danielle Holly “It’s in moments of crisis where the opportunities exist to break down old stereotypes and old partnerships and have a real conversation around what do we want to do together.” – Danielle Holly “Nothing fosters creativity and innovation more than a nonprofit environment where you're working with minimal resources.” – Danielle Holly “Socially conscious leaders activate and enable others, they lead when they need to lead. But for the most part, they're hidden and their impact and contribution doesn't have to have their signature on it.” – Danielle Holly   About Danielle Holly: Danielle Holly is dedicated to creating previously unseen pathways for individuals to meaningfully contribute to making their communities thrive. Holly is currently the CEO of Common Impact, an organization that brings companies and social change organizations together to create meaningful change through skilled volunteerism. Recently recognized in Buzzfeed for one of the "30 Big Ideas that Can Change the World", Danielle has led the social sector movement to channel individual talents and superpowers as a force for good. For the past 13 years, she has helped Fortune 100 companies shape their community engagement and investment programs, supported nonprofits in effectively leveraging service for strategic ends and built the industry-leading tools that enable companies and nonprofits to work together effectively. In addition, she hosts the Pro Bono Perspectives podcast --a popular podcast heading into its second season which highlights the careers of cross-sector leaders. She is a contributing writer for Nonprofit Quarterly and has been featured in the Stanford Social Innovation Review. She is a member of the NationSwell Council, Chief and serves on the Board of Directors for Women in Innovation and Fan4Kids.   Links: Website: https://commonimpact.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-holly-%F0%9F%8F%B3%EF%B8%8F%E2%80%8D%F0%9F%8C%88-1a43741/ Twitter: @dholly8

Did you know that white women are one of the most influential demographics in America? They are the largest voting bloc, with purchasing power that exceeds any other demographic, and when they unify to demand change, they are a force to be reckoned with. Yet, so many sit idly on the sidelines, opting out of raising their hands to do, learn, and engage in ways that could make a difference. Why? Well, in this episode, Jenna Arnold, the national organizer for the historic 2017 Women’s March, and author of, Raising Our Hands, shares the research and insights she gathered over the past few years criss-crossing the US in conversations with white women about their identity and role in the country. Jenna peels back the history that’s been kept out of textbooks and the cultural norms that are holding them back, so white women can finally start really listening to marginalized voices and doing their part to promote progress. Raising Our Hands is Jenna’s call to action for white women to stop avoiding the hard conversations, start accepting responsibility and find a place on the new frontlines.   Highlights: [03:12] Jenna’s journey [04:38] Writing “Raising Our Hands” [12:29] What drives self-limiting beliefs [22:38] Imposter syndrome [29:26] Jenna’s biggest fear [30:57] Where might our country be heading [34:52] Why some struggle with acknowledging their privilege [48:02] We have a duty to ourselves and to others   Quotes: “Women are holding the keys to the Aston Martin, but they're asking whether or not they can drive.” – Jenna Arnold “Women have the power, the capacity, and now, more so than ever, their voices are heard.” – Jenna Arnold “Intentional invisibility is a symptom of women who are doing the work of laboring 4 to 10 times harder than their male counterparts. ” – Jenna Arnold “The lesson I’ve learned on my journey is that you need to go now, speak now, tell them the idea right now, launch that idea right now.” – Jenna Arnold “Our species depends on the power of you being part of the frontlines of this power shift that's happening.” - Jenna Arnold “You're always a student on anything related to race, gender, class, ability.” - Jenna Arnold “We need to take advantage of the exact moment we are in, where we are so connected and move forward and work on behalf of not only ourselves, but on behalf of everyone.” - Jenna Arnold “Your vote in November could be the decision of life or death for people you’ll never know.” - Jenna Arnold “Our grandmothers fought so hard for us to have the right to vote and the right to work or stay at home. What she didn't do is lower the bar of what that had to look like.” – Jenna Arnold   About Jenna Arnold: Jenna Arnold is listed as one of Oprah’s “100 awakened leaders who are using their voices and talent to elevate humanity” because she doesn’t have much patience for the status quo. She has been called a “disruptor” in every industry in which she has dabbled from elementary school classrooms to halls of the United Nations, MTV, and the White House. For her recent work as one of the organizers of the Women’s March, Jenna was recognized with a Glamour Women of the Year award. The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Forbes, and Fast Company, to name a few, have recognized Jenna’s work as “shaking up long standing assumptions” and being one of “the biggest ideas in social change” for the work of ORGANIZE, a non-profit she co-founded focused on ending the waitlist for organ transplants in America, for which she was also named one of Inc. magazine’s “35 Under 35” list.   Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennaarnold/  

Do you have a career-related question that you’re uncomfortable asking your peers, managers or mentors? Well that's exactly what we're here to help you with on the Habits & Hacks show – where we will address the questions you pose via email, or on our social media channels. Whether it’s asking for a higher salary, or a much-deserved promotion, or addressing a business or personal challenge – often times, women find it hard to “just ask”. Our fear of being perceived as inadequate prevents us from asking – but it causes us to pay a high price in every aspect of our lives—in lost income, slower career progress, LIMITED access to leadership roles and potential risk to well-being. So, learn to ask – and start by asking us.   Highlights: [01:39] What Monica wishes she had asked earlier [03:10] The definition of success varies with organization [05:25] What Nikki wishes she had asked earlier [08:22] Stop and smell the roses [11:28] Share your questions   Quotes: “Don’t let the urgency of success take away the gift of learning, the gift of the experience and the journey itself.” – Nikki Barua “The magic lies in the journey, not at the destination.” – Nikki Barua “The one question you need to ask your manager before going in to interview for a promotion is, how do you define success?”- 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  

Have you ever hoped for your dreams to come true or wished that you were luckier in life? Well, if you want to succeed, then you must eliminate the words “hope,” “luck,” and “wish” from your vocabulary. That’s the message from JT McCormick whose inspiring story will convince you to follow his sage advice. In part two of this episode special, JT shares his leadership principles, his core values and his belief that no obstacle is too difficult to conquer, and that the game can be won by anyone from anywhere. Against all odds, JT overcame racism, poverty and abuse to achieve the American Dream, becoming a very successful businessman leading multimillion-dollar companies.   Highlights: [04:39] JT’s leadership style [09:24] About Scribe Media [11:06] The role of a leader [18:22] Sharing your story matters [23:46] Recognize your worth [27:47] Why believing in your message matters [34:02] Formula for success [41:48] Don’t let social media define your success   Quotes: “If one person owns culture, nobody owns culture. Culture is the responsibility of the entire organization.” – JT McCormick “No one works for me. People work with me. I'm no more important than anyone else in our tribe.” – JT McCormick “My role in leadership is to serve, support, and be the foundation for the organization.” – JT McCormick “My formula is mindset, choices and hard work equals success.” - JT McCormick “Negativity has never done anything for anyone, but positivity has moved mountains.” – JT McCormick “If a company or institution, environment, individual spouse, partner, is not honoring your self-worth, you first, aren't honoring your self-worth because you're allowing that person to not honor your self-worth.” - JT McCormick “Everyone has a story and everyone should share that story.” – JT McCormick “Don't let social media define success for you. Only you can define what success is.” – JT McCormick “I have five pillars that I live by: God, health, family, business and investing. If it doesn't fall within those five pillars, I don't do it.” – JT McCormick “Do yourself one of the greatest favors and accept that, especially if you’re wanting to be an entrepreneur, move up the corporate ladder, or be an influencer in any way, that you're never going to make everyone happy.” – JT McCormick   About JT McCormick: JT McCormick now serves as the President and CEO of Scribe Media, a publishing company that helps you write, publish and market your book. The company has worked with more than 1,600 authors and Entrepreneur Magazine recently ranked Scribe as having the #1 Top Company Culture in America.  Previously, JT served as the President of Headspring Software, which he helped grow to a multi-million dollar, 100-plus person company that was repeatedly ranked as one of the best places to work in all of Texas. JT is also the author of I Got There: How a Mixed-Race Kid Overcame Racism, Poverty, and Abuse to Achieve the American Dream. His book tells the story of how he worked his way out of poverty, starting with his career cleaning toilets and eventually becoming the President of multiple companies. In addition to his role at Scribe Media, JT has mentored at-risk youth in the juvenile justice system, as well as youth in low economic communities. JT’s work has been featured on CNBC, Entrepreneur, Forbes, Inc, and many others. He lives in Austin, Texas, with his wife, Megan, and their four children Ava, Jaxon, Elle and Jace.   Links: Website: https://jtmccormick.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtmccormick/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jtscribe  

Have you ever hoped for your dreams to come true or wished that you were luckier in life?  Well, if you want to succeed, then you must eliminate the words “hope,” “luck,” and “wish” from your vocabulary. That’s the message from JT McCormick whose inspiring story will convince you to follow his sage advice. JT was born the mixed-race son of a drug-dealing pimp father and a struggling single mother. He was raised in the slums of Dayton, Ohio. He suffered incredible abuse and racism, and had multiple stints in the juvenile justice system. He barely graduated high school and has no college degree. No one expected him to succeed. Against all odds, JT overcame racism, poverty and abuse to achieve the American Dream becoming a very successful businessman leading multimillion-dollar companies.   Highlights: [03:02] JT’s story [08:14] Overcoming the odds [16:35] Being grateful [20:04] Refuse to use the word fail [23:59] Don’t let shame get in your way [32:24] Belief forces execution   Quotes: “We all make mistakes in life and in business. The goal is to learn, grow and not repeat those mistakes.” – JT McCormick “Refuse to use the word fail. You only fail if you stop trying.” – JT McCormick “Don't focus on your weaknesses, focus on your strengths. If you double-down on your strengths, you can be impeccable. ” – JT McCormick “Ask yourself who do you want to be going forward from here?” – JT McCormick “Remove the words hope, wish and luck from your vocabulary. Replace those with “believe”. If you truly believe in something, then you know in your mind, you've got to execute.” - JT McCormick “You can't expect someone to love or believe in you if you don't love and believe in yourself.” – JT McCormick   About JT McCormick: JT McCormick now serves as the President and CEO of Scribe Media, a publishing company that helps you write, publish and market your book. The company has worked with more than 1,600 authors and Entrepreneur Magazine recently ranked Scribe as having the #1 Top Company Culture in America.  Previously, JT served as the President of Headspring Software, which he helped grow to a multi-million dollar, 100-plus person company that was repeatedly ranked as one of the best places to work in all of Texas.  JT is also the author of I Got There: How a Mixed-Race Kid Overcame Racism, Poverty, and Abuse to Achieve the American Dream. His book tells the story of how he worked his way out of poverty, starting with his career cleaning toilets and eventually becoming the President of multiple companies.  In addition to his role at Scribe Media, JT has mentored at-risk youth in the juvenile justice system, as well as youth in low economic communities. JT’s work has been featured on CNBC, Entrepreneur, Forbes, Inc, and many others. He lives in Austin, Texas, with his wife, Megan, and their four children Ava, Jaxon, Elle and Jace.   Links: Website: https://jtmccormick.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtmccormick/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jtscribe