BEYOND BARRIERS

What do you do when you plan for the future of work, but the future shows up overnight? What if this COVID-19 pandemic was the colossal catalyst for the transformation and disruption of work, culture and talent development in organizations that many HR execs have long advocated for but have never been able to advance? In this episode, Enrique Rubio shares his perspectives on Hacking HR and looking at the strategies and technologies that will help you enable those changes while elevating humanity in workplace. Enrique Rubio is an HR, Tech and Future of Work expert and keynote speaker and founder of Hacking HR, a global learning community at the intersection of future of work, technology, business and organizations, with thousands of members of all over the world. He came to the United States from Venezuela as a Fulbright Scholar. Prior to coming to the US, Enrique was the CEO at Management Consultants, a firmed specialized in Human Resources in Venezuela. Enrique has over twenty years of experience and is an Electronic Engineer with an Executive Master’s in Public Administration from Maxwell School.   Highlights: [02:35] Enrique’s journey [07:02] From Engineering to HR [11:01] Transforming Human Resources [22:20] Work-Life integration while working from home [30:43] Gaining access and proximity to influential leaders [34:43] What the workplace look like post pandemic [39:06] Advice for success during this time   Quotes: “To meet this new world of work, we really have to put people first, in the center of all the things that we do.” - Enrique Rubio “Successful business leaders of the future have to do two things that are very difficult. One is to see the invisible. And the other is to believe the unbelievable.” – Enrique Rubio “Sometimes you have to believe things that contradict your own assumptions. Because it is in those things, where the next innovation is lying.” – Enrique Rubio “Social distancing does not mean that you have to be isolated from the world.” – Enrique Rubio “Post-pandemic, the most important thing of all is that we become way more human than we have ever been before.” – Enrique Rubio “If we learn how to embrace that uncertainty and chaos, we will be better prepared to deal with future crisis and able to embrace future opportunities.” – Enrique Rubio   About Enrique Rubio: Enrique is an HR, Tech and Future of Work expert and keynote speaker and founder of Hacking HR, a global learning community at the intersection of future of work, technology, business and organizations, with thousands of members of all over the world. He came to the United States from Venezuela as a Fulbright Scholar. Prior to coming to the US, Enrique was the CEO at Management Consultants, a firmed specialized in Human Resources in Venezuela. Before Management Consultants, Enrique worked in the telecommunications sector as a Senior Project Engineer for Telefonica. He is also the cofounder of Cotopaxi, a recruitment platform focused on Latin America and the Caribbean. Enrique is a guest author in several blogs about innovation, management and human resources. Most recently Enrique worked as an advisor to the Chief Human Resources Officer at the Inter-American Development Bank. Enrique has over twenty years of experience and is an Electronic Engineer with an Executive Master’s in Public Administration from Maxwell School.   Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rubioenrique/ Website: https://hackinghr.io/  

Do you struggle to differentiate yourself professionally? According to a recent CareerBuilder survey, 70% of employers use social media profiles to screen candidates during the hiring process. Does your digital presence set you apart from your peers? In this episode, you'll learn exactly how to define what you want to be known for and stand out with powerful habits and hacks so that you will be able to position yourself correctly in the marketplace.   Highlights: [01:08] Crowded employment marketplace [04:10] Growth of the gig economy [05:42] Employee vs. Freelancer [07:00] Selection criteria for hiring [11:36] How to differentiate yourself [13:18] Highlighting your superpower [17:23] Homework for the week   Quotes: “Your reputation isn't just built on what you say it is. It's how people perceive you. That’s why differentiating yourself is so important.” – Nikki Barua “If you stand out as the expert with the solution to most pressing problems, you start attracting opportunities instead of chasing them.” – Monica Marquez “Get really specific about who benefits from what you bring to the table, and then help them understand the transformation that you create.” – Nikki Barua   About Nikki and Monica: Nikki Barua is a digital innovator, serial entrepreneur, author & speaker. Monica Marquez is an ex-Googler, diversity expert and senior corporate leader.   Contact Nikki and Monica: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iambeyondbarriers/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyondbarriersco/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iambeyondbarriers/  

Have you ever struggled to find the right job only to get passed over because you didn’t interview well or know how to position yourself? Or, have you stayed in the wrong job because you were afraid to take a leap of faith and pursue your dream? Sarah Johnston, founder of Briefcase Coach, shares her own journey of struggle being in roles that were not a good fit. And, how even after she landed jobs that aligned to her interests, her self-doubt and limiting beliefs got in the way of her achieving more. Until, she finally just pushed past her fears and became The Briefcase Coach helping countless clients land roles at top companies like Google, Deloitte, Medtronic, and more. Sarah Johnston is a former corporate recruiter and industry "insider" who got tired of seeing talented high achievers get passed over for opportunities because they did not know how to position themselves effectively. She has been featured in Inc, BBC, and Business Insider. Sarah was named a LinkedIn Top Voice in 2019 and a "top to follow" by JobScan in 2019 and 2020.   Highlights: [02:07] Sarah’s story [04:25] Discovering your superpower [05:55] Overcoming limiting beliefs [09:12] The Briefcase Coach [09:59] How the Briefcase Coach helps people pass hurdles [12:12] Common traits of successful high performers [14:35] Common traits that hold people back [21:58] Essentials for success on LinkedIn [23:30] LinkedIn Top Voice of 2019 [26:35] Trends that will shape the future of work [29:05] Favorite success habit [30:30] Advice on juggling priorities [32:09] Key to accelerating success in the digital age   Quotes: “Just being a hard worker, doesn't mean you'll get the opportunities you want. Sometimes, it means you have to create that opportunity.” - Sarah Johnston “My special sauce is that I can help people see the best version of themselves, better articulate their value and tell their career stories.” – Sarah Johnston “Not moving forward was worse than failure.” – Sarah Johnston “I just started taking small actionable steps towards this goal of running my business. And every time I took a step forward, it was kind of relieving.” – Sarah Johnston “Sixty to seventy percent of executive jobs are landed through networking.” – Sarah Johnston “Networking doesn't necessarily mean you're asking for a job.” – Sarah Johnston “Ask for advice. And then often the job will come.” – Sarah Johnston “It's about talking to the right person at the right time about the right opportunity.” – Sarah Johnston “Research indicates that for most job seekers, they need to have an average of 42 decision maker conversations.” – Sarah Johnston “When you allow the reader to see the value that you bring, it positions you as a thought leader.” – Sarah Johnston “Having a service mindset has been really key to my success.” – Sarah Johnston   About Sarah Johnston: Sarah Johnston is a former corporate recruiter and industry "insider" who got tired of seeing talented high-achievers get passed over for opportunities because they did not have the right marketing documents or know how to position themselves in interviews. She has had the privilege of helping job seekers land jobs at top startups and employers like Alphabet, Amazon, Medtronic and Deloitte. She's been featured in Inc, BBC, Business Insider and more and was named a LinkedIn Top Voice in the career space in 2019 and a "top to follow" by JobScan in 2019 and 2020. Links: Website: www.briefcasecoach.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahdjohnston/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SarahDJohnston  

Are you looking for a mentor and having a hard time finding one? Dora Maria Abreu shares with us her mentorship journey in male dominated industries where she often found herself to be the “only one”. Dora is a Regional Program Manager for Engineering Excellence at Amazon. She has worked in the Technology, Education, Telecommunications, Aerospace and Financial sectors. She is also an Executive Director of the John Maxwell Team where she contributes her expertise as a Leadership Expert, Motivational Speaker, and Mentor. In this episode, Dora talks about how to build your community of mentors. Dora encourages us to bond with role models outside the comforts of your environment by simply thinking outside of the box and letting go of the notion that “you need mentors that look like you”. Dora also shares how she integrates work and life to create opportunities that allow her to shine and be her best.   Highlights: [02:14] Dora’s story [04:06] Switching lanes and accelerating success [06:02] Overcoming limiting beliefs [08:18] Showing up with confidence [11:40] Staying ahead of the curve in the digital age [14:41] Juggling competing professional and personal priorities [18:05] Building your community [24:50] Getting over the fear of networking [28:48] Who would you love to learn from [31:58] Dora’s superpower [34:20] The key to accelerating success   Quotes: “Don't have just one mentor. Get a variety of mentors, so you can get different perspectives.” – Dora Maria Abreu “Take a moment and celebrate the wins.” – Dora Maria Abreu “Your vibe attracts your tribe.” – Dora Maria Abreu “Having a variety of people that you mentor keeps you in sync with what's happening today.” – Dora Maria Abreu “I frame a lot of what I do by thinking about how to make things happen so that I can help others.” – Dora Maria Abreu “Go into networking events with good intentions and assume positive intentions of others as well. That’s the key to positive outcomes.” – Dora Maria Abreu   About Dora Maria Abreu: Dora Maria Abreu is a Program Manager based in NY on the Engineering Excellence Team. In her previous roles she has been an avid technology and education professional. She has progressive work experience in IT Support and as a Software Engineer / Developer, IT Support, Trainer, Educator but also in career, professional and personal development skills. She has worked in the Technology, Education, Telecommunications, Aerospace and Financial sectors. Dora has received a Bachelors of Science in Computer Information Systems and Applied Math and a Master’s of Science in Management Information Systems as well from Stony Brook University and then a Master’s of Education in Technological Information Systems from Columbia University. Outside of work, you can find her on some adventure with her family and friends, listening to audiobooks/podcasts, reading books, helping youth of all ages and community at large through mentoring, coaching and providing a variety of programs and workshops on internship preparation, leadership / professional development such as public speaking as well technical classes for those within and outside the STEM field. By being part of the John C. Maxwell Team / Toastmasters she has been able to build on these skills and reach a wider audience. She enjoys music, dance, movies, sports, photography and poetry.   Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dmabreu/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dmabreu/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/dmabreu  

Do you have clarity on what makes you valuable? Are your skills and competencies aligned with what’s in demand in the marketplace? In this episode, you'll learn exactly how to keep track of market demand so you can position yourself in line with it. According to a recent report from McKinsey & Company, by 2030, more than 800 million people will lose their jobs to automation. Could some of your tasks be easily automated? What percentage of your role might be automated in the future? That’s why it’s so important to understand what’s growing in demand, so you can keep learning the skills and developing the competencies you will need in the future.   Highlights: [01:08] The effects of automation on the workforce [03:58] The shelf life of skills is getting shorter [04:34] Focus on solving business problems [06:55] Learning to run two races at the same time [07:32] Hacks to identify future demand [14:26] Homework for the week   Quotes: “Digital transformation is unlocking organizations and making them faster, more efficient, more innovative, and ultimately creating more value for their customers.” – Nikki Barua “You have to know exactly what is in demand so that can you can develop the right skills.” – Nikki Barua “Focus on solving a business problem and doing it in the fastest, most elegant, most effective way.” – Nikki Barua “You have to run two races at the same time: be great at what you're doing today, while mastering the skills to be great at what you’ll be doing tomorrow.” – Nikki Barua “Your future is truly in your hands and you must start making changes today.” – Nikki Barua   About Nikki and Monica: Nikki Barua is a digital innovator, serial entrepreneur, author & speaker. Monica Marquez is an ex-Googler, diversity expert and senior corporate leader.   Contact Nikki and Monica: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iambeyondbarriers/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyondbarriersco/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iambeyondbarriers/  

Have you ever missed out on a career opportunity within your organization because you didn’t know about it? Or not apply for a job because you doubted your qualifications? This episode dives into the power of your network, taking courageous leaps, and how to manage failure and step into your resiliency. Meet Sharleen Gutierrez, who is a leading expert in diversity, equity and inclusion. Sharleen is a Senior Leader at Google, leading a team focused on fairness and equity in Google’s talent processes. In this episode, Sharleen shares her story on how taking courageous leaps, even when she felt she wasn’t ready, paved the way to uncover her superpower. And, how her network of peers and mentors helped open doors to opportunities that accelerated her success.   Highlights: [02:25] Sharleen’s story [05:08] Career start at Goldman Sachs [08:17] How I landed in Diversity & Inclusion [11:17] The power of your community [16:00] How to think about networking [18:48] Discovering your superpower [22:05] Advice for career minded parents [26:58] Learning from failures and setbacks   Quotes: “Shift your mindset to a place where you hold a higher value on the opportunity versus on how qualified you are for the job.” – Sharleen Gutierrez “Understand your networking style and consider how it works for you.” – Sharleen Gutierrez “Think of networking in three buckets, who will provide information about opportunities, who will provide advice and who will support as sponsors.” – Sharleen Gutierrez “Non-negotiables are very important for you to know and to serve as an anchor, as you're determining your priorities.” – Sharleen Gutierrez “Know what your priorities are, commit to them, and then let go when things are not exactly the way you want them.” – Sharleen Gutierrez “Be mindful and approach life from a place of gratitude.” – Sharleen Gutierrez “Staying in the wrong role does not benefit anyone, it actually does a disservice to everyone involved.” – Sharleen Gutierrez “When thinking of success, keep human connection and interaction top of mind because it is people who create, develop, sell, implement. Whatever your business is, people are behind it.” - Sharleen Gutierrez “In this digital age, we have to remember the human aspects of our culture. And authenticity is a key component of that.” – Sharleen Gutierrez “Each one of us has to take responsibility for our own actions because how we show up is what cultivates company culture.” – Sharleen Gutierrez   About Sharleen Gutierrez: Sharleen is a global thought leader on diversity and inclusion, talent management and culture change. She drives meaningful change towards greater fairness, equity and workplace inclusion in gender, race, LGBTQ+, ability and their intersections. She started her career at Goldman Sachs, where she spent 14 years in a variety of roles across the Human Capital Management Division. While at GS, one of her highly recognized achievements was pioneering the award-winning effort focused on women of color (before intersectionality was even a topic of conversation). Sharleen brings a global perspective on diversity, having lived and worked in Japan, and led D&I engagement initiatives in both South America and Europe. Today, she leads a team focused on fairness and equity in Google's talent processes. Her team designs systemic interventions and accountability measures that decrease gaps and increase parity. Sharleen was one of Diversity Woman Magazine’s top 50 change agents. In her spare time, she can be found exploring the world with her husband and three children. Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharleen-gutierrez-7961741 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sharleen.gutierrez.3  

What if your biggest opportunity was also your biggest challenge? Would you go for it? Carina Edwards, CEO of Quil, shares why it’s so important to be guided by your true north, and how to make sound decisions about your life and career. Carina is an inspiring leader who embodies grace under fire. As CEO of Quil, a digital health company, Carina is leading her organization to revolutionize healthcare by empowering patients and their care providers to have ownership of their healthcare journeys. In this episode, Carina shares how she discovered her purpose, and what drives her to make a positive difference in people’s lives every day. Carina also provides guidance on navigating effectively through an unexpected crisis, and what it takes to lead with courage and conviction.   Highlights: [02:21] Carina’s story [04:36] The evolution of leadership [08:24] Switching lanes and leveling up effectively [11:09] Transitioning to leadership and what it takes to be successful [14:11] What I wish I had known earlier in my career [15:56] Taking the leap with confidence [18:56] The mission of Quil Health [21:27] Leading through crisis - COVID pandemic [25:10] Post-pandemic – the birth of new innovations [28:40] How to navigate through difficult times [30:03] Daily habit to keep yourself grounded [31:58] Gravitas in remote collaboration [34:30] Advice to get future-ready   Quotes: “If you don't deliver value, and you don't deliver results, you can't drive top line growth.” – Carina Edwards “Always finish what you start and deliver results. Then be curious about the next thing that can truly deliver value and enhance your career.” – Carina Edwards “Before you can lead through crisis, you have to first ground yourself in being the most authentic version of yourself.” – Carina Edwards “Don't let the crisis pivot you from your true north.” – Carina Edwards “New innovation needs to be grounded in delivering value.” – Carina Edwards “If you don't get close to your customers and understand how they're going to be impacted, then you don't know how you're going to be able to help them.” – Carina Edwards “Always bring your authentic self to both your personal life and your professional life.” – Carina Edwards   About Carina Edwards: Carina Edwards is the CEO of Quil, the joint venture between Comcast NBCUniversal and Independence Blue Cross aimed at empowering patients and their support teams to answer “What Happens Next?” on their healthcare journeys. Quil’s digital health companion empowers users with step-by-step, personalized directions, prescribed by their doctor, from the first point of intervention through recovery delivering information where and when they need it, on their smartphone, computer, and TV. Prior to joining Quil, Carina served in executive positions at Imprivata, Nuance, Zynx Health, and Philips Healthcare. In 2016, she was appointed to the board of directors of CHIME (The College of Healthcare Information Management Executives). In 2019, she was named by Becker’s Healthcare as “Female Health IT Leaders to Know.” Carina received her MBA from Boston College and her BS in MIS & Decision Sciences from George Mason University.   Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carina-edwards-aa0731/ Twitter: @cedwardski Twitter: @quilhealth Website: https://quilhealth.com/  

Welcome to the Beyond Barriers Habits & Hacks Show! Have you ever wondered what is that one thing that you can be great at? It’s what you become known for – and what differentiates you. Well that's exactly what we're going to help you with on today's show, where you'll learn how to gain clarity on your skills and competencies with powerful habits and hacks. When you have clarity on what makes you outstanding in your career, you can align what you do to exactly that competency. That way you can continue to hone it over time and become great at it.  Don’t waste time focusing on your weaknesses. Delegate or outsource those things. When you try to work on your weaknesses, you become mediocre at best. Double down on the strengths, you are naturally talented at or love doing versus trying to get better at something that is not a natural gift and You’ll become great at those things. That’s how you accelerate your success!   Highlights: [01:01] The difference between skills and competencies [02:48] Transferrable skills and competencies [03:27] Articulate your competencies, not just your skills [07:19] How to gain clarity on competencies and unique skills [09:22] Homework for the week   Quotes: “Tell a story of your competencies that translates well into your new situation, whether it’s a promotion or new role.” – Nikki Barua “Your career trajectory follows your competency development. As long as you're leveling up in competencies, you will keep rising up.” – Nikki Barua “Don't focus on the weaknesses, focus on the competencies that come naturally to you, because you will become excellent at those.” – Monica Marquez “When you work on your weaknesses, you become mediocre. But when you double down on your strengths, you become great.” – Nikki Barua   About Nikki and Monica: Nikki Barua is a digital innovator, serial entrepreneur, author & speaker. Monica Marquez is an ex-Googler, diversity expert and senior corporate leader.   Contact Nikki and Monica: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iambeyondbarriers/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyondbarriersco/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iambeyondbarriers/  

We’ve all experienced what it’s like to be led by leaders that are great, and some that are not so great. Do you want to master leadership skills and be the kind of leader you’d love to follow? Our guest, Executive Leadership Coach, Robin Elledge provides perspective on the importance of self-development and learning to lead yourself, before leading others. Robin leads Janus Coaching & Consulting, a firm that provides Executive Coaching and HR consulting services. Robin has held high-profile C-level roles at public corporations as well as fast growing entrepreneurial firms. Her varied experiences have given her a unique perspective on leadership, growth, and success. In this episode, Robin discusses what it takes to build high performing teams, and how to navigate through uncertain times. Robin also reveals the keys to success – emotional intelligence, insatiable curiosity, deep love of learning, willingness to take risks, and adapting to change.   Highlights: [02:27] Robin’s journey [03:43] Transitioning careers [06:25] What it takes to drive rapid growth as a leader [09:38] More than one way to be a successful leader [15:26] Leading in a larger organization [17:14] Switching lanes during a recession [20:58] Building your dream team [24:36] Preparing for the future of work [27:51] The ability to navigate paradox [33:25] Being good enough versus being perfect [35:20] Focusing on the right thing at the right time [37:26] Robin’s dream mentor [41:10] Advice on asking for mentorship or sponsorship [47:51] Put your own oxygen mask on first   Quotes: “No matter how smart or how visionary an entrepreneur may be, to drive rapid growth you need a really strong team.” – Robin Elledge “Leaders today have to be orchestra masters.” – Robin Elledge “Perfection isn't a goal. It's all about a process of moving in the direction that you're headed in.” – Robin Elledge “Prioritizing and being able to pick and choose the things that really differentiate you from a brand perspective is super important.” – Robin Elledge “Don't rush hiring, it's one of the most important things you'll ever do. You have to get the right people on the bus with you.” – Robin Elledge “In today’s world, the ability to learn on the fly, is the number one skill.” – Robin Elledge “Continuous learning needs to be built as a cultural attribute for organizations.” – Robin Elledge “One of the key leadership skill sets is navigating paradox.” – Robin Elledge “All leadership development starts with self-development.” – Robin Elledge   About Robin Elledge: Robin has spent the past 30 years honing her skills as a respected business leader and results-oriented change agent. She is currently an Executive/Leadership coach and HR/OD consultant through her company, Janus Coaching + Consulting. She is also currently an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Southern California (USC) in their Masters, Human Resources program. Robin’s previous business experience includes roles as Chief Administrative Officer at an entrepreneurial firm that grew 400% during her tenure, SVP, HR at a publicly traded retailer which was a Fortune Best Places to Work organization, and Chief People Officer at a large publicly traded hospitality company during a period of complete financial restructuring, reorganization, and acquisition. During her many roles she’s developed specific expertise in Organization and Leadership Development, employee engagement, and ensuring alignment between a company’s people and business strategies. Robin has an MBA from USC and earned an SPHR and a coaching certification (ICF). She has spoken at numerous meetings and conferences and published blogs/articles and two books on team building. Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinelledge/ Website: https://www.januscoach.com/  

Do you secretly wish for things but don’t how to get them? Meet our guest, Lisa Ong, who shares the power of dreaming big and wishing out loud. Lisa Ong is widely known as a “talent gardener” and “inclusion connector”. Lisa is an executive coach, diversity strategist, and President & Founder of Wishing Out Loud LLC. Lisa was formerly Diversity and Inclusion leader at PwC where she focused on minority retention and advancement, as well as growing inclusive leaders at all levels. In this episode, Lisa talks about how to discover your strengths, build your community of mentors and peers, and create opportunities to not only shine but, also to thrive in your career.   Highlights: [01:55] Lisa’s story [07:23] Switching lanes in your career [13:07] Showing up with confidence as a woman of color [18:05] Learning from failures and setbacks [23:56] Managing competing personal and profession priorities [28:54] The value of network and community   Quotes: “Knowing my top five strengths helped me determine whether I see myself in this current role in the future” – Lisa Ong “When I started to lean on the advice from my sponsors and really lean into it, I was actually able to accelerate my career.” – Lisa Ong “If you're thinking about what wild success would look like a year from now, you're more likely to achieve it. If you think the sky is falling, guess what, it probably will fall.” – Lisa Ong “When you ask for advice, you're appealing to your sense of gratitude for their wisdom and experience. And in the end, you will end up getting their help anyway.” – Lisa Ong “Turn off that negative voice in your head. And turn it up and say you're smart enough to figure this out.” – Lisa Ong “Confidence is how you show up.” – Lisa Ong  “If you're not having failures and setbacks, you're not learning and growing.” – Lisa Ong “A no is a no, not now. Not a no, not ever. But if you don't even ask, you're never going to get a yes.” – Lisa Ong   About Lisa Ong: Lisa Ong is an executive coach, speaker, diversity strategist and consultant. Lisa specializes in diversity and inclusion, leadership development, coaching and facilitation. Prior to founding Wishing Out Loud LLC, Lisa was a national diversity director in Diversity and Inclusion at PwC. She designed strategies to retain, develop and advance diverse talent. She focused on minority retention and advancement efforts as well as growing inclusive leaders at all levels. A widely known “talent gardener” and “Inclusion connector,” Lisa helps individuals to achieve goals with an emphasis on leadership skills leading to meaningful relationships. She shares her coaching approach with her clients to discover their strengths, dream big and keep strategically “wishing out loud” to create opportunities to shine and be their best. Lisa is a seasoned executive in business with a background in audits as well as senior human capital roles. Lisa earned her Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Science in Management degree from the University of Texas at Dallas. She is a Texas Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Professional Certified Coach (PCC) by The International Coach Federation. She is certified in the Leadership Circle 360 tool. She also had her SPHR through 2015.  Lisa speaks on topics ranging from unconscious bias, bridging cultural differences, authentic leadership, building meaningful relationships, communicating with impact through storytelling and networking. Lisa serves on the board of the AICPA Council and the Texas Society of CPAs. She was past Chair of the Dallas chapter 2017-2018. She is an active Lifetime Member of Ascend, and served as an Executive Advisor to the North Texas Chapter from 2014-2019. She was named to The Dallas 500 in 2020 Directory by D CEO Magazine as “one of the most powerful business leaders in DFW” and awarded the 2019 CPA of the Year Award by the Dallas CPA Society. Dallas Business Journal also recognized her with a 2017 Minority Business Leaders Award for her leadership in business and the community. Wishing Out Loud LLC, 5760 Legacy Dr Ste B3-520, Plano, TX 75024  www.wishingoutloud.com Instagram: @wishingoutloud   Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/onglisam/ Website: http://wishingoutloud.com/ Instagram: @wishingoutloud Twitter: @Lisa_M_Ong