

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 Discover why traditional career strategies are outdated, what skills are growing in demand, and how to stand up and stand out in the workplace.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

Jun 19, 2020 • 37min
Episode 55: Be A Force For Good With Common Impact CEO Danielle Holly
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

Jun 17, 2020 • 54min
Episode 54: Raising Your Hand and Finding Your Place with Jenna Arnold
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/

Jun 15, 2020 • 13min
Episode 53: Habits & Hacks: Ask Us Anything
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

Jun 12, 2020 • 45min
Episode 52: Overcoming All Odds With Scribe Media CEO JT McCormick (Part 2)
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

Jun 10, 2020 • 40min
Episode 51: Overcoming All Odds With Scribe Media CEO JT McCormick (Part 1)
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

Jun 8, 2020 • 11min
Episode 50: Habits & Hacks: How To Apologize When You Offend Someone
These are extraordinary times where our country is going through massive transformation. And that’s never easy – you can’t change if you avoid uncomfortable conversations like those that involve race, diversity, or policies. Because its only when we are willing to be curious, willing to listen, willing to learn, that we can together arrive at understanding and growth. Perhaps you’re struggling with what to say or how to say it, or you said something with positive intent but came across as insensitive and offensive to the other person, only to then find yourself at a loss for words on how to address the situation and what to do next. In this episode, we’ll discuss how to address sensitive topics, and how to apologize when you offend someone. Highlights: [01:53] How to address sensitive topics [03:44] Learning from the conversation [04:55] Take responsibility for your actions [08:17] Two-parts of a genuine apology [09:27] Stand and speak up for what’s right Quotes: “Don't stay silent when you don't know what to say. Learn how to sincerely and correctly apologize when you get it wrong.” – Monica Marquez “A genuine apology is taking responsibility for what you've done and committing to changing your behavior.” – Nikki Barua “If you are unwilling to tolerate the pain of growth, you won’t experience the benefit of the transformation.” – 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

Jun 1, 2020 • 12min
Episode 49: Habits & Hacks: Creating A More Inclusive World
Today’s episode is a sensitive one. Our nation is in crisis – from the impact of the pandemic on people’s lives and livelihood, to public protests, rising racial tension, and general unrest throughout the country. There’s so much sensitivity right now. So many people are struggling with what to say or worried that they might inadvertently say it wrong to a friend or colleague. So, in this episode, we’ll share recommendations and resources to guide you because while its uncomfortable and emotional, remaining silent, like Martin Luther King said, is betrayal. Highlights: [01:35] How to speak up in support [02:48] Unconscious biases [03:56] Recommended reading [05:09] Changing our behaviors [05:39] Recognize your own privilege [08:06] Shifting people’s belief system [10:04] Take action to create a more inclusive world Quotes: “There are systemic biases that are either going to benefit you or they're going to harm you. You can't ignore them. We must educate ourselves about these biases.” – Monica Marquez “Be open to challenge your own biases when you see them.” – Monica Marquez “You can either be silent about it or you can speak up and shift the mindset and the belief system of the people that you are most able to influence.” – Nikki Barua “Think about what you can do to create a more inclusive world, where people don't have to fear for their lives or struggle for equal rights.” – Nikki Barua Link to Google Resource Document: https://bit.ly/2zMFnTX Recommended books: https://robindiangelo.com/publications/ https://www.epi.org/publication/the-color-of-law-a-forgotten-history-of-how-our-government-segregated-america http://www.ijeomaoluo.com/ 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

May 29, 2020 • 35min
Episode 48: Differentiate Your Hiring Profile with YouTube’s Ricardo Horna
Have you ever wondered what company recruiters look for on your resume or your LinkedIn profile? Or, how much time recruiters actually spend looking for candidates on LinkedIn? In this episode, Ricardo Horna shares his insights and perspectives as a recruiter at Google’s YouTube and how he landed his job there after a recruiter reached out to him via LinkedIn. Ricardo’s own journey, as a Latinx Googler, is inspirational and heartwarming. He sheds light on his passion to help others and how he helps them succeed in their job search. Born in Lima, Perú, Ricardo spent his childhood between South America and Florida. After graduating from The Florida State University with a degree in Communications, he joined Teach For America where he taught elementary and middle school Spanish in Baltimore for three years, then earning a Masters in Communication Management from The University of Southern California. Aside from his core role, Ricardo hosts YouTube Orientation for NewTubers, is heavily involved in the Hispanic/Latinx and LGBTQ Employee Resource Groups at Google, and is passionate about Diversity & Inclusion, Intersectionality, Physical/Mental health, Education, and Entertainment. Highlights: [02:23] Ricardo’s role at Google [03:21] Ricardo’s journey [10:31] Overcoming limiting beliefs [12:30] What differentiates a LinkedIn profile [14:28] Managing competing priorities [17:35] Fostering your community [19:23] Connecting with influential leaders [22:42] Learning from failures and setbacks [27:15] Interview tips Quotes: “Don’t be afraid to forge your own path, but do so strategically and with intention.” – Ricardo Horna “Ask yourself how you take key learnings from past experiences which are out of your control and develop the ability to get through those obstacles.” – Ricardo Horna “Tailor your background and your experiences to what is being asked of you in your desired role.” – Ricardo Horna “Before applying for a role, you have to know who you are, what you value and what you bring to the table.” – Ricardo Horna “At the heart of community is mutual growth, you're helping others as much as they're helping you.” – Ricardo Horna “The beautiful thing about a failure or a setback is that they are both in the past. Use the learnings from those experiences to improve and iterate.” – Ricardo Horna “Remove SHOULD from your vocabulary. Instead say, this is what happened. This is what the result was. And here's how I'm going to move forward.” – Ricardo Horna About Ricardo Horna: Ricardo was born in Lima, Perú and spent his childhood between South America and Florida. After graduating from The Florida State University with a degree in Communications, he joined Teach For America where he taught elementary and middle school Spanish in Baltimore for three years. He joined TFA staff both in the Operations and Recruiting space for three years, and simultaneously received his Masters in Communication Management from The University of Southern California. He also worked as an on-air entertainment host and reporter during his time as a grad student. Ricardo joined the Google Staffing team almost 4 years ago, and currently works in the YouTube Staffing organization as a Talent Engagement Program Manager. Aside from his core role, Ricardo hosts YouTube Orientation for NewTubers, is heavily involved in the Hispanic/Latinx and LGBTQ Employee Resource Groups at Google, and is passionate about Diversity & Inclusion, Intersectionality, Physical/Mental health, Education, and Entertainment. Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricardo-horna/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ricardo.horna/

May 27, 2020 • 39min
Episode 47: Secrets To Getting A Seat At The Table With Minda Harts
Have you ever experienced a situation where you got invited to a party and with anxious excitement you dress to impress only to walk in and find everyone wearing their favorite superhero costume? Leaving you wondering...wait….how did I NOT get THAT Memo!? Well, in this episode, we get to know Minda Harts, author of the best-selling book, The Memo, where she shares actionable advice on challenges, from microaggressions to building your network of supporters. Minda is an Assistant Professor at NYU Wagner. She has been featured on MSNBC's Morning Joe, FastCompany, The Guardian, and Time Magazine. She also hosts a weekly podcast called Secure The Seat. In this episode, Minda shares how she found the courage to write this book and share vulnerable authentic stories of what it’s like to advance your career in light of the inequality and outright discrimination many women of color experience in the workplace. Highlights: [02:11] Minda’s journey to writing The Memo [05:28] Getting comfortable with self-promotion [09:23] Building relationships with leadership [13:02] Secure the seat [15:17] Overcoming limiting beliefs [19:59] Dealing with microaggressions [24:20] Building your community [25:21] Identifying your inner circle [27:44] Minda’s Book, “The Memo” [30:45] Asking for help [35:06] The importance of vulnerability Quotes: “Part of securing the seat is owning the space that you that you want to create.” – Minda Harts “Learn how to have courageous conversations with your colleagues, this will allow them to be courageous listeners.” – Minda Harts “Lean into your courage and push aside your caution because we will never know if we don't ask.” – Minda Harts “When someone in senior leadership asks you how you are doing, don’t respond with fine, let them know the great things you are working on.” – Minda Harts “In order to change the way the workplace works for women of color, it's going to require us to talk about some things that we hadn't talked about out loud.” – Minda Harts About Minda Harts: Minda Harts is the CEO of The Memo LLC, a career development platform for women of color. She is the best-selling author of The Memo: What Women of Color Need To Know To Secure A Seat At The Table. Minda is an Assistant Professor at NYU Wagner. She has been featured on MSNBC's Morning Joe, FastCompany, The Guardian, and Time Magazine. Minda frequently speaks at companies like Microsoft, Levi's, Google, and Bloomberg on topics such as Leadership, Managing Diverse Teams and Self-Advocacy. She also hosts a weekly podcast called Secure The Seat. Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mindaharts/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MindaHarts Facebook: @mindaharts Websites: http://mindaharts.com/ & https://www.myweeklymemo.com/

May 25, 2020 • 12min
Episode 46: Habits & Hacks: Honoring Love & Loss On Memorial Day
Memorial Day, the last Monday in May, is a holiday that originated in the years following the Civil War. It was originally known as Decoration Day. In the late 1860s, Americans began holding tributes to fallen soldiers by decorating the graves of the lost soldiers with flowers. In this episode, Nikki and Monica discuss Memorial Day and acknowledging our brave brothers and sisters who have sacrificed their lives for our nation and our freedoms. They also discuss the need to come together to support others coping with grief on Memorial Day. Memorial Day weekend can bring up a number of emotions for people who've lost someone. Monica is personally dealing with grief and will forever associate Memorial Day with the passing of her mother, Delma Marquez, exactly a year ago today. As a tribute to her mother, Monica shares with you a cover rendition of Bette Midler’s “Wind Beneath My Wings”, her mother’s favorite song. Highlights: [00:44] Memorial Day [01:16] Remembering those who are dealing with grief and loss [02:56] Leaning on others when coping with loss [06:22] Reaching out to comfort others [06:57] Monica’s tribute to her mother, Delma Marquez Quotes: “It's not the posters on the wall that speaks to your humanity or your care for people within your organizations. It's how you treat them at the time of their challenges.”– Nikki Barua “It’s vital for companies to have a culture of support and know that we are human. And we have other responsibilities and that sometimes those trump work.” – 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