BEYOND BARRIERS

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/  

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