BEYOND BARRIERS

If you are overwhelmed with fear and anxiety and don’t know what to do during a pandemic, you are not alone. We are all navigating through turbulence without a compass and there’s just a lot of risk and uncertainty. That’s why we are speaking with an expert who can guide us on what to do in this unprecedented situation. Meet Pam Isom–President/CEO of ICE Safety Solutions–an award-winning safety products and training company on a mission to mitigate illness, injury and loss of life. Pam is a Biologist & Researcher turned entrepreneur who is driven by her desire to save lives. As an expert in safety protocols, Pam provides tips on how to protect yourself and your loved ones, what steps you must take to manage your business and personal finances, and why it’s important to always be prepared.   Highlights: [02:00] Pamela’s journey [05:59] How to keep safe during Coronavirus pandemic [13:25] What can parents do to protect their children [15:04] COVID-19 versus common cold symptoms [20:16] How to protect the household when a family member has tested positive [23:17] Leading through crisis – advice for professionals from an economic perspective [28:28] Tips for business survival during crisis [32:03] COVID-19 Myths versus facts [38:21] What did the pandemic teach us as a society   Quotes: “For businesses, the first thing to do is determine your liquidity 30, 60 and 90 days. How much liquid cash do you have to survive for 30 days, for 60 days, and for 90 days?” – Pamela Isom “Corporations are dying to fill their supply chain because their supply chain has been obliterated. If there are corporations that you were talking to in the past, and they stopped talking to you, please call them right now.” – Pamela Isom “When you're making your business continuity plan for your family, for your parents and for your business, start identifying what you're too dependent on that maybe you need to slowly become less dependent on.” – Pamela Isom “What are you too dependent on that is decreasing your confidence in yourself?” – Pamela Isom   About Pamela Isom: Since she was a young girl Pam had one focus: “To be sure no one around her became ill, injured or would lose a life” While growing up in Oakland & San Jose, California she was a lifeguard, daughter, friend, sister, wife and mother, who always made sure no one around her would get hurt, she made sure children playing around her were safe or when she was traveling with friends on airplanes & hotels, she made sure everyone knew their emergency exits. Her life changing moment came as a teenager when she used her lifeguard CPR skills to recognize her father was suffering congestive heart failure and she leaped into action! Because of her love of life, it is no surprise Ms. Isom earned a degree in Biological Sciences from UC Davis and started her career as a Biologist in Preclinical Drug Development and Cardiovascular Pharmacology. After 9 years in research, she left her career with the birth of her daughter and started an American Heart Association CPR training company. Fast forward 20 years, ICE Safety Solutions is a nationally ranked safety company executing fun, innovative & transformational safety training, equipment and services focused on mitigating employee illness, injury and loss of life for corporations across the US. ICE Safety Solutions was recognized by Union Bank/MUFG, Toyota, Bright Horizons, Oracle, Comcast, Kaiser, Honda, Turner Construction, Golden State Warriors, Allstate and other Fortune 1000 companies as the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) Minority Business Enterprise of the Year, 2017, National Association of Women Owned Businesses (NAWBO) & WBENC Pacific as Woman Owned Business Enterprise 2018. Ms. Isom admits that the greatest success in working with Fortune 1000 corporations delivering their CPR, First Aid and Automated External Defibrillator training, High Rise Evacuation Drills, Emergency Response Team Simulations, Earthquake/Disaster/First Aid Kits new in 2018 their innovative Virtual Reality CPR training has been the lives saved and here today because of the training, products and services we innovated. These lives and testimonials from clients are honored on the ‘Wall of Life’ at ICE Safety Solutions headquarters in Fremont, CA.   Links: Website: https://www.getice.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamela-isom-mbe-wbe-17b1b02/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pamela.isom.3 Twitter: https://twitter.com/pam_icesafety

Have you ever felt overwhelmed and struggled to balance competing priorities? You can’t focus on one thing if you’re constantly worried about something else. Well, you are not alone. Did you know that human attention span is now less than a goldfish! In this episode, we bust the myth of multitasking, how you lose focus when you switch, and why discipline gives you freedom from stress and anxiety. Tune in to learn how to establish daily rituals with powerful habits and hacks.   Highlights: [01:45] How to remove distractions [03:47] Favorite hack # 1 [04:51] Favorite hack # 2 [06:52] Nikki’s all-time favorite hack [09:47] Homework for the week   Quotes: “When you know that what you're focusing on right now is exactly the right thing to do at that point in time, you can avoid the distraction.” – Nikki Barua “Discipline is what creates freedom.” – Nikki Barua “Setting aside time in the morning for yourself to think about your day ahead gives you the power to decide how do you want to invest your time and your energy for that day.” – Nikki Barua “Don't pick up your phone the minute you wake up. Instead start your day with a ritual that is meaningful and nourishing to your mind, body and soul.”- Nikki Barua “Recognizing and rewarding yourself is a great way to not only acknowledge your accomplishments, but to celebrate progress.” – 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/  

Success often isn’t about what you know, but who you know. Although, that’s easier said than done, isn’t it? Everyone tells you to network, but no one tells you how to do it. If you’ve ever struggled with networking or reach out to an expert you could learn from or been afraid to connect with a leader who could help you, then this episode is for you. You’ll learn the secrets of building powerful and influential relationships –and exactly, how to grow your network. Our guest today is Pat Hedley, TedX Speaker, and Author of the book Meet 100 People. Pat is an investor, advisor and founder and CEO of The Path Ahead. Pat spent 30 years in the private equity world with global growth investor, General Atlantic. Now, in her role as an independent investor, Pat identifies high growth companies in which she invests and takes on advisory roles. Throughout her career, Pat has observed what it takes for business leaders to succeed and attributes even her own success to the power of relationships. In this episode, Pat provides motivation, inspiration and practical advice for building your network. She shares expert insights on creating meaningful relationships that will provide life-long value. She provides a framework to determine what you need, so you can reach out to those who can help you. And she gives tips and pointers on the right way to approach new people, how to connect with them, and what helps to build authentic relationships. Highlights: [02:25] Pat’s journey [06:22] One conversation can change your path [13:19] Overcoming fear [17:41] Turning rejection into successful outcomes [21:38] Common traits of successful leaders [26:35] “Meet 100 People” [33:53] Building your network [41:03] Challenge yourself to make things specific [43:30] Daily habits to building successful relationships [52:33] Growth mentality [54:03] Biggest trends impacting business [58:17] How to get future-ready Quotes: “I did not need to be an expert in everything or in fact, in anything, what I needed to do well, was needed find people who had that expertise.” – Pat Hedley “In a business setting when someone says, no, this doesn't work for me, it might only mean that the timing is not right, or that the timing is not right, in this way.” – Pat Hedley “One of the most important things that an entrepreneur or a senior executive thinks about, day to day, is to make sure that they have the right talent in place, that they retain that talent, that they continue to motivate that talent.” – Pat Hedley “Anything that you practice often and regularly, you can become better at.” – Pat Hedley “People are willing to help you if you approach them the right way. If you'e specific about what you need and what you would like, if you can ask the right questions and ask for the assistance that you need, you will get help.” – Pat Hedley “A no today does not mean a no tomorrow.” – Pat Hedley “Persistence should not be undervalued or underestimated ever. Persistence is what wins the game. Persistence is what wins marathons.” ‘ Pat Hedley “There is real talent in recognizing how to take this great idea that you've started with, and then scale it over time.” – Pat Hedley “Entrepreneurs who are good at networking and good at relationship building, really do have an edge.” – Pat Hedley “It's important to approach relationship building with a spirit of generosity, you're for sure going to learn in the process of meeting someone and talking to someone, but also approach it with the thought that you're going to give something to.” – Pat Hedley “On networking, the first and most important thing is to look within yourself and to figure out what you need and what you want.” – Pat Hedley “Talk to people who are very different from you, because sometimes those people can inspire you in ways you cannot predict.” – Pat Hedley “You need to know where you're going in order to figure out how to get there.” – Pat Hedley “Treat every relationship as if you're going to see the person again.” – Pat Hedley “It's incumbent upon each one of us to share what's important to us, or to be specific about what we might need.” – Pat Hedley “I think that the future is in customization, applying data and technology to making things efficient and easy for us.” - Pat Hedley About Pat Hedley: Pat is an investor, advisor and the author of Meet 100 People. As the founder and CEO of The Path Ahead, Pat identifies high growth companies in which she invests and takes on either formal or informal advisory roles. Since 2016, Pat has invested in over a dozen innovative private companies, more than half led by women. Prior to her current role, Pat spent 30 years with global growth investor, General Atlantic, most recently as managing director. While at General Atlantic, Pat was an investor focused on software and services and led the firm’s global marketing and human capital efforts. She began her career as a consultant with Bain & Company. Pat is a graduate of Dartmouth College with a degree in computer science and holds an MBA from the Harvard Business School. Inspired by the experiences of thousands of people she has interacted with over her own thirty-year career, Pat wrote Meet 100 People to encourage us all to proactively and consistently meet people in person. Her goal is not only to inspire but to provide practical steps to expanding your network. Pat speaks regularly at colleges, to alumni groups and to corporations. She gave a TedX Talk at Dartmouth College in 2018. Links: Website: www.meet100people.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pathedley/ Twitter: @meet100people.com

When it comes to professional networking, we all know that LinkedIn is the place to be. But do you feel lost when it comes to presenting yourself or your business? Are you missing out on opportunities because you just don’t know what to post or how to network online? On today’s episode, Jennifer Corcoran shares how professionals and entrepreneurs can stand out and become super connectors on LinkedIn. Jennifer is an award-winning social media influencer and the founder of My Super Connector – a LinkedIn Training & Consultancy firm. As someone who has worked through shyness and introversion, Jennifer knows first-hand that confidence and networking skills can be learned and honed. Jennifer uses her experience to help others overcome confidence gaps and achieve sustained visibility and success online.  In this episode, Jennifer gives expert tips on the best way to network on LinkedIn. She proves that you don’t need to be the loudest person in the room to get noticed. She shares do’s and don’ts so you can stand out professionally. You’ll learn how to set up your professional profile, highlight your unique competency, and get noticed by your target audience. Highlights: [02:11] Jennifer’s LinkedIn superpower [03:45] More to LinkedIn than the home feed [12:29] LinkedIn premium versus free version [17:29] Designing your profile page [21:02] LinkedIn headline is your introduction [23:59] Highlighting your competencies [26:46] LinkedIn posts vs. articles [29:22] Engaging with your community [30:38] Thriving in the digital age Quotes: “Too many people compare themselves to others, they get a bit of imposter syndrome. I think when you just start to be you and you are authentic, then it is actually easy.” – Jennifer Corcoran “Focus on increasing your LinkedIn recommendations. Think of it like TripAdvisor, when you want to book a hotel, you look up reviews.” – Jennifer Corcoran “Applying for a job? Review the job description and use some of the keywords in your profile.” – Jennifer Corcoran “When people are on the LinkedIn app on their phone, they're going to judge you on the cover banner, your headshot and the headline, and they're going to decide if they're bothered to read on about you. And I think if you don't grab them within those few seconds and make an impact, they're not going to read on.” – Jennifer Corcoran “When you are consistent, people will start to trust you, you will get the know, like, and trust factor.” – Jennifer Corcoran “Adopt the 80/20 rule, 80% of the time, when you are posting, it's all about inspiring, educating, motivating, giving value. And then the 20% is about you.” – Jennifer Corcoran About Jennifer Corcoran: As an award-winning social media influencer, Jennifer Corcoran knows a thing or two about leaving her comfort zone behind. She uses her experience to help others achieve sustained visibility and success. Too many of us feel lost when it comes to selling ourselves or our businesses online. Jennifer's mission is to help entrepreneurs, individuals and businesses stand out on LinkedIn. Her business, My Super Connector, proves that you don’t need to be the loudest person in the room to get noticed. While working in The City as an Executive PA, Jennifer used social media to elevate her reputation. This helped her win regional, national and global awards. A back injury cut her City career short but led Jennifer to find her true calling –as a LinkedIn trainer and networking adviser. Jennifer is more than a skilled social media scheduler or self-pronounced “Expert”. Her talent and hard work is evident in her list of qualifications and awards. As a Pitman-accredited LinkedIn trainer, she has qualified in LinkedIn and Social media for business. Her expertise is evident in her list of prestigious awards such as Social Media Influencer of the Year in the Venus Awards. She has also been spotlighted in national campaigns such as F-Entrepreneur. Jennifer’s clients include London South Bank University, London Chamber of Commerce, Exeter College, the FSB and Enterprise Nation. Her work has been featured in many publications and websites including The Guardian, BrightTALK, Grow Exeter and LBC. Learn more about Jennifer and her work at MySuperConnector.co.uk. Links: Website: https://mysuperconnector.co.uk/ Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifercorcoran1/ LinkedIn Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13618082/ LinkedIn Company Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/my-super-connector Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mysuperconnector/ Twitter:  https://twitter.com/superconnector Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mysuperconnector/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/superconnector/ Free Access to ‘How to Master Your Visibility on LinkedIn’ and BrandMe! 2020 Visibility Summit (valid until March 23rd ):  https://visibility-summit-2020.heysummit.com/tickets/?coupon=VIPAccess

Do you define your vision and goals but struggle to stay on track? If you can relate to missed deadlines and dreams, don’t worry you are not alone. A shocking 92 percent of people do not achieve their goals! In this episode, you'll learn the 5 essential elements of commitment so that you can set AND achieve your goals. You’ll learn how to focus on the right thing at the right time. You’ll understand the secret to staying motivated as you pursue your goals. And you’ll learn how to develop the right roadmap that helps you keep track of your results, adapt as needed, and celebrate your progress. Master these habits and hacks and turn your dreams into your destiny!   Highlights: [01:13] No secret to success [01:55] 1st Essential Element of Commitment [02:57] 2nd Essential Element of Commitment [04:58] 3rd Essential Element of Commitment [06:38] 4th Essential Element of Commitment [07:58] 5th Essential Element of Commitment [11:07] Nikki’s favorite habit or hack [16:49] Homework for the week   Quotes: “Success is about staying motivated and focusing on the right thing at the right time.” – Nikki Barua “Break down a really big dream into measurable tangible goals so you know what to focus on.” – Nikki Barua “Having clarity on a week to week level to say what is that one thing that I must get done is really important to move you forward.” – Nikki Barua “It's who we are becoming in the journey and what we're learning in the journey that defines the experience and fulfillment we have.” – Nikki Barua “Focus allows you to excel at what you're doing, give your best to it, and gives you greater fulfillment because you're not just chasing, you're enjoying the process.” – Nikki Barua “It’s important to reflect back on our accomplishments as we tend to forget how many things we’ve actually done, because we're so busy doing them.” – 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/

What if your dreams are way bigger than your reality? Who would you ask for help? How would you find the courage and confidence to take action? Anu Bhardwaj, serial entrepreneur and investor, shares her journey of struggling financially, being nobody and knowing no one, to building a global movement championing economic empowerment for women worldwide. Anu is the founder of Women INVESTING in Women DIGITAL, the world’s largest digital media platform focused on Women & Investing with over 1,000,000+ followers across 120 countries. She is also founder of the State of Women Radio Network that shares stories of role models, thought leaders and changemakers with a mission to make an impact on the state of women everywhere. In this episode, Anu takes us through her journey and how she discovered her why and defined her path. She is candid about the obstacles she faced, why she is unapologetically authentic, and how her tenacity and optimism have helped her overcome barriers. She lives her life outside the box and in pursuit of a really big mission. She shares why it’s so important for women to have equal opportunity and access to education, and positions of power and influence. Highlights: [02:22] Anu’s background [04:31] Story of Women Investing in Women Digital [06:11] Women Investing in Women Digital Mission [09:56] Focus on “can do” versus “can’t do” [13:32] Creating impact in the world [14:56] Understanding gender equality and parity around the globe [18:10] Millennials and Gen Z – what business leaders need to know [20:54] Making it all happen [29:51] Gaining access and earning trust [34:24] Building relationships [39:52] The future for women of color [43:58] Embracing success in the digital age [45:05] What is your Why Quotes: “If you're going to get something done, you need confidence.” – Anu Bhardwaj “I think it's very important for you to have role models and leaders within your organization that really speak to millennials and Gen Z.” - Anu Bhardwaj “It's not what don't I have, it's what do I have that you have to really focus on and, and just run with it.” – Anu Bhardwaj “There's this common sisterhood where we can support one another and invest in one another.” – Anu Bhardwaj “Focus on your strengths, what is it that you have that no one else has. Because ultimately, that's your differentiator.” – Anu Bhardwaj “My Why is ultimately paving the way for girls who did not have the opportunity and I think it's our duty and our obligation to help.” – Anu Bhardwaj About Anu Bhardwaj: Anu is the founder of SHEQ+, Krypto 4 Kids, Qrpto Queens, & Women INVESTING in Women DIGITAL, the world’s largest digital media platform focused on Women & Investing. Launching in December2014, WIIW Digital includes over 1,000,000+ followers across 120 countries; the “Women INVESTING in Women and Girls” Radio show on Voice America Kids now featured on the State of Women Radio Network, and the WIIW Global Summit & Women in Private Equity Roundtable Series, which took place in New York City, Stockholm, Johannesburg, San Diego, Scottsdale, Muscat, Singapore, Phoenix, Vienna, & Ankara. Prior to founding WIIW DIGITAL, Bhardwaj spearheaded the 2010-2013 U.S. Department of Commerce Private Equity/Venture Capital Certified Trade Missions to the Nordics and Middle East, representing over $175 billion USD private-equity and venture-capital interests in collaboration with the International Trade Administration, the U.S. Embassies in Sweden, Denmark. Links: Website: http://www.thestateofwomen.com/ LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/anu-bhardwaj-1726b41b Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WomenInvesting/ Twitter: @womeninvesting

Do you find yourself stuck in a situation that is no longer right for you but you’re afraid to make changes? Audrey Bellis, founder of Worthy Women, shares with us why it’s important to focus on what’s good for you, how to step up from a place of service, and why you can’t raise your net worth until you raise your self-worth. In this episode, Audrey shares her personal journey of shedding other people’s expectations and following her own path. She provides practical tips on how to overcome fears, embrace your authentic self, and become a worthy woman. Highlights: [02:01] Broken to worthy woman [02:45] Story of Worth Women [09:13] Sales is a numbers game [12:56] Getting past rejection [19:05] Overcoming your fears [20:08] Focus on what matters [24:48] Lean on your community [27:13] Authenticity fuels success Quotes: “People struggle to switch lanes because they are so invested in how it needs to be.” – Audrey Bellis “Everything you do comes from a place of self-worth. And if you do not feel worthy of asking for the multimillion-dollar sale, you're not going to get it.” – Audrey Bellis “As a leader, if you don't feel empowered in who you are and have clarity in what you stand for, you won’t be able to lead others. Leadership is a top-down experience.” – Audrey Bellis “Everything is a numbers game. Integrity is the key.” – Audrey Bellis “You need to do what's right for you but also give yourself permission that it isn't set in stone and it can change. And that’s okay.” – Audrey Bellis “Nobody owes you anything. You create your own opportunities.” – Audrey Bellis “The key to accelerating in a digital world is to stop trying to be like everybody else. Show up as you.” – Audrey Bellis “The way that we accelerate is being clear and honest with ourselves. It’s our willingness to be vulnerable and have boundaries.” – Audrey Bellis “You can’t raise your net worth until you raise your self-worth.” – Audrey Bellis About Audrey Bellis: As the Founder of StartUp DTLA, Audrey gets to help bring tech and creative companies into Downtown LA during what has been called the ‘downtown renaissance.’ Connecting these companies with office space, resources, and funding has been one of her greatest joys while having the opportunity to help build a city. While Audrey loves serving the tech community, the #WorthyWomen tribe holds a special place in her heart. Through this platform, she has had the opportunity to not only serve the public, but also been able to work with enterprise leaders and top female executives. Worthy Women is the story of how she found her deepest self-worth and helped women find theirs. You can find Audrey urban exploring across Los Angeles, often with a book under her arm. She is a lover of a well-aged single malt, strong coffee, and her dog Tapatio.  Links: Website: http://www.audreybellis.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/audreybellis/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/audreyrbellis Twitter: https://twitter.com/audreybellis YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCely90sEUuYthFrawhBLn0A Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/audreybellis/

Have you ever been derailed because of something you didn't anticipate?  Artificial intelligence has grown 30,000 times since 2012 and its capacity is doubling every 105 days. Automation is changing the nature of business and creating new opportunities and challenges in the workplace. While we can’t predict the future, we must be prepared for it. As disruption accelerates and the workplace evolves, your ability to learn quickly becomes your core skill. If you anticipate challenges, learn new skills, and pivot faster, you will eventually overcome every obstacle and get ahead of disruption. Conviction empowers you to achieve your goals, no matter what happens because you have the skillset, mindset and toolset to get ahead of change. Learn how to anticipate change and prepare yourself with powerful habits and hacks. Highlights: [00:16] Growth of artificial intelligence [00:26] How do you prepare for rapid change [03:20] Favorite hack #1 to anticipate change [07:18] Correlation of disruption and innovation [08:50] Favorite hack #2 to anticipate change [09:38] Just-in-time learning [10:59] Homework for the week Quotes: “We’re living in a time of so much change and such rapid change, that it's not enough to just be fit. You also have to be fast.” – Nikki Barua “The faster you let go of previous beliefs and open yourself up with curiosity and humility, and be willing to learn, that's what's going to help you adapt faster.” – Nikki Barua “You miss out on opportunities when you’re worried about what could go wrong.” – Nikki Barua “Technology is creating the solutions for the things that people feel technology is disrupting.” – Monica Marquez “You have to know where the demand is and align your skills and your competencies to where that demand is. Then you can be the one that is benefiting from these opportunities as opposed to being displaced.” – Nikki Barua “There are opportunities for everyone to combine the power of technology with the beauty of the human mind.” – 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: Email: hello@beyondbarriers.co Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iambeyondbarriers/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyondbarriersco/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iambeyondbarriers/

Can you imagine a world where your voice is not heard, and products and services are not designed for you? Alfia Ilicheva, Co-founder of WIN, shares why gender inclusion matters even more in the digital age, and how WIN is creating impact globally. WIN is a non-profit organization on a mission to close the gender gap in innovation. Alfia also shares her personal journey of transformation from an immigrant with no fluency in English to becoming an influential leader of a global movement, while holding a fulltime corporate job, and being a mom to three children. Alfia discloses exactly how she integrates work, life and community service, and how you too can manage competing priorities, achieve your goals and live your best life. Visit www.iambeyondbarriers.com where you will find shownotes and links to all the resources referenced in this episode, including the best way to get in touch with Alfia. Highlights: [00:41] About Alfia Ilicheva [04:32] Alfia on life changing immigration story [07:22] Alfia on innovation [08:35] Alfia on her superpower [10:34] Alfia on duality of intuition and data driven analysis [13:00] Alfia on proudest accomplishment [16:17] Alfia on fear and commitment [18:32] Alfia on founding WIN [23:59] Alfia on womens’ impact on innovation [30:45] Alfia on leadership [35:24] Alfia on approach to hiring [38:05] Advice on one key skill to develop [40:38] Advice on relationship building [46:51] Alfia’s habit or hack [53:27] Advice on juggling career and being a mom Quotes: “I think if you really want to build change in the world, if you want to bring people along and create something beautiful, then your heart has to be there” – Alfia Ilicheva “When you believe that you're not fully formed, that you can always become better, then with that mindset the sky's the limit.” – Alfia Ilicheva “The beautiful side of the American dream is the core belief that we can shape our own dreams.” – Alfia Ilicheva “Seeing both the beauty and the imperfections helps me grow.” – Alfia Ilicheva  “Part of a superpower is actually realizing that you have one.” – Alfia Ilicheva “Instead of saying don't be afraid, don't feel anxiety it’s using those things to create momentum.” – Alfia Ilicheva “We must create an equitable future where women are making decisions on how we innovate the world.” – Alfia Ilicheva “Leadership, it's not about telling people what my vision is, and then making them do it. But it' about bringing them along and co-creating with them at the same time.” – Alfia Ilicheva “A specific skill that is really important for women is collaboration skills.” – Alfia Ilicheva “Oftentimes, in disagreements and debates, are sparks that could change the way you might approach something.” – Alfia Ilicheva “Being a super woman does not mean that you are invincible and can do it all. It's actually recognizing what you can't do and not saying no, but saying yes to yourself, and finding that balance.” – Alfia Ilicheva About Alfia Ilicheva: Alfia is the Co-Founder of WIN: Women in Innovation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with an international mandate and a mission to close the gender gap in innovation. Under her leadership, WIN transformed from a local New York-based initiative into an industry-leading and globally-recognized organization. Ilicheva was the architect behind the original governance structure, operating model and the strategic roadmap and global growth plan. She now serves on the Board of Directors. Ilicheva was previously Managing Director at R/GA Ventures, an award-winning venture investment division of R/GA, where she led the strategy practice and connected corporate businesses and private-equity backed portfolio companies with startups and emerging technology resources. Prior to her role at R/GA Ventures, Ilicheva was Group Director at R/GA’s Business Transformation team, where she advised C-suite executives of Fortune 500 businesses on strategic growth opportunities, with a specific focus on catalyzing new revenue streams, launching sustainable products and services, and building internal innovation capabilities. Prior to R/GA, Ilicheva was an Engagement Manager at Fahrenheit 212, an innovation and design consultancy, where she led high-impact innovation engagements for Anheuser-Busch, Charles Schwab, Citigroup, Discover, Nestle, Pfizer, and Uber. Prior to Fahrenheit 212, Ilicheva was the President of Five Boroughs Foundation of Photography, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization focused on providing photography mentorship programming in underserved schools. She was previously an analyst at the Royal Bank of Scotland, where she implemented capital issuances across technology, retail, natural resources, and CPG industries. Ilicheva is an Ariane de Rothschild Fellow, a Presidential Leadership Scholar and a Founding Member of Columbia Business School’s Women’s Circle. Additionally, Ilicheva serves as a member of Columbia Business School’s Hermes Society Leadership Council. Ilicheva is a frequent speaker and moderator at innovation industry conferences (Fast Company Innovation Festival, SxSW, 500 Startups Unity + Inclusion Summit, Grace Hopper) and academic institutions (Columbia Business School, Harvard Business School, and MBA Innovation Summit). Ilicheva graduated from Georgetown University with honors in international business diplomacy and received an MBA from Columbia Business School. She was the first undergraduate editor-in-chief of the Georgetown Journal of International Affairs, a university-wide publication. Ilicheva resides in Weston, CT with her husband and their three children. Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alfia-ilicheva-3b01275/ Instagram: @womenininnovation Website: https://womenininnovation.co/

Are you looking for a new challenge and digging through the abyss of job postings and company profiles that you don’t quite understand? Why not consider looking internally within your own organization and build upon the foundation you already have? Mia Phillips shares with us her 30-year career journey from a summer job at a car wash to becoming a senior executive leader for the world’s largest automaker, Toyota. Mia is candid about her own experiences and how she learned to take risks, overcome limiting beliefs, fail fast, and keep adapting. Visit www.iambeyondbarriers.com where you will find shownotes and links to all the resources referenced in this episode, including the best way to get in touch with Mia. Highlights: [00:58] About Mia Phillips [07:35] Mia on being adaptable [09:37] Mia on taking risks [18:00] Mia on limiting beliefs [27:12] Mia on convictions and beliefs [32:26] Mia on showing up confident at work [37:12] Mia on failing fast [46:26] Mia on success habits [48:55] Mia on balancing personal and professional demands [55:13] Mia on her role model [66:45] Mia on preparing for the future Quotes: “Be adaptable. Don’t take things at face value. Look at the possibilities beyond what is presented.” – Mia Phillips “What I did to overcome my fears is rely on the things that got me there.” – Mia Phillips “I had to step back at look at my breadth of experience as someone outside the company would in order to see the value that I bring to the table.” – Mia Phillips “There is a fine line between confidence and cockiness.” – Mia Phillips “Your confidence can stem from things you’re already doing and leverage those things in more situations.” – Mia Phillips “Spending a half hour in the morning to think about all things that need to get done that day and prioritizing them has driven my success for the past 30 years.” – Mia Phillips “Start by finding and developing relationships with people around you, in your circle, who you feel comfortable having those conversations with.” – Mia Phillips “Embrace the change. Learn as much as you can. Curate information in your field AND adjacent fields. Always have the learner mindset.” – Mia Phillips About Mia Phillips: Throughout her career, Mia has gained diverse experiences within Toyota taking on exciting challenges with new responsibilities. Mia spent her early years working in field operations collaborating with Toyota dealerships. She gained consumer invaluable insights that helped her succeed in future roles. From sales operations to marketing and advertising, Mia has helped Toyota authentically connect with its consumers, especially to its multicultural population. Her work has won numerous awards and she is now responsible for advertising and media strategies for Lexus. Links: Email: mia.phillips@lexus.com