BEYOND BARRIERS

Have you ever taken a chance and switched jobs? In this episode, we learn how to prepare for the first ninety days on the new job and the ways to make the most out of networking opportunities. Founder of KD Leadership Strategies, Executive Coach & Consultant, Kameka Dempsey joins the show. Kameka partners with business leaders to deliver their business strategy through coaching, off-sites, team/individual development and assessments. She also currently serves as a Strategic Advisor, Facilitator and Executive Coach at BlackRock. Prior to starting her firm, she was Vice President Global Talent Management at BlackRock. Kameka says that mentorship has been critical in her career. Her mentors have given her critical feedback that assisted her in climbing the corporate ladder. The best advice, in particular, was that you could have it all, you can’t have it all at the same time. When joining a new role, Kameka says to spend the first ninety days doing a listening tour. Who should you be talking to in order to understand the organization? It takes between ninety and one-hundred days to do it well. A manager can help you lay the foundation. Women do not think about the importance of strategic networking. Anytime that Kameka has had a misstep - she was able to course-correct via someone in her network. There should be people you know in your organization that you can go to. Often, women are not getting good feedback, that’s why networking and mentorship is so critical.   Stay tuned while Kameka explains how to balance personal and professional goals, ways to leverage your network, and how women can stay ahead, given the future of work. Highlights: [02:00] About Kameka Dempsey [06:00] The importance of seeking mentorship    [09:50] What to do when joining a new organization [13:25] Find people to deepen relationships with [17:00] Struggling with imposter syndrome [20:20] Competing between personal and professional goals  [26:00] Leveraging and building your network [31:50] How women can stay ahead given the future of work Quotes: “What are the important legs on my three-legged stool?” -Kameka Dempsey “Make sure it’s the kind of environment that’s going to enable you to be successful.” -Kameka Dempsey “Find 2-3 people that you can help, help you.” -Kameka Dempsey “You may have to create an environment in which people give you feedback.” -Kameka Dempsey “I said yes to everything – I took sixteen flights; ten flights were simply for work.” -Kameka Dempsey “Always be learning.” -Kameka Dempsey About Kameka Dempsey: Kameka M. Dempsey, Founder of KD Leadership Strategies, is an Executive Coach, consultant and globally fluent facilitator. She partners with business leaders to deliver their business strategy through coaching, off-sites, team/individual development and assessments. She also currently serves as a Strategic Advisor, Facilitator and Executive Coach at BlackRock. Prior to starting her firm, she was Vice President Global Talent Management at BlackRock. At BlackRock, Kameka was responsible for a wide-range of Talent Management activities including the global design and delivery of BlackRock’s leadership & management development programs. She was specifically responsible for various aspects of the talent strategy, program design and facilitation, assessments, Executive Coaching and other firm-wide development initiatives. In addition, she has been part of the Women's Leadership Forum design, facilitation and implementation team since its post-pilot launch. She also led BlackRock’s emerging work on unconscious bias through the Driving Better Decisions program. Prior to her role at BlackRock, Kameka was with Goldman Sachs in the Office of Global Leadership & Diversity in a diverse talent strategy role covering six businesses. Kameka returned to the private sector from her appointment in the Senior Administration of Yale University, where she was also on the teaching staff of the Yale School of Management. Prior to her role at Yale, Kameka designed and delivered executive level educational programs at Duke Corporate Education for clients in various industries including financial services, technology, pharmaceuticals, beauty and government. Kameka began her career as a business consultant with Accenture, her focus being strategy consulting and business process design. Kameka is a 2012 Women’s Leadership Fellow of the Impact Center’s Women’s Leadership Institute. Kameka holds a Bachelor’s degree from Yale University and Masters of Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She is certified in the Hermann Brain Dominance Instrument, the Hogan Suite and various 360 instruments. She is a graduate of the Institute for Excellence in Coach Training Program, accredited by the International Coach Federation. She is a board member of the Phelps Association. She lives in New York City.   Links: Website: www.kdleadershipstrategies.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kd-leadership-strategies Twitter: https://twitter.com/kdlssays

How do you gain clarity? In this episode, Nikki Barua and Monica Marquez explain how they found their passions and identified their unique skills. Change is constant; the only species that survive are the ones that adapt to the change. The challenge in innovation is about anticipating change and adapting quickly. Nikki built her reputation as an innovation expert and has guided people and organizations in adapting to change quickly. That’s why she is known as the Darwin of the Digital Age. Early in her career, Nikki would attempt to fit into a box and define herself narrowly. However, she learned that your unique skill is something that comes effortlessly. Nikki discovered that her unique skill is her ability to see the big picture, connect-the-dots, and recognize patterns. Nikki says that to grow your impact, you must find the most significant platform where you can reach the most people, solve their problems and deliver massive value. Monica always had a knack for finding creative solutions to problems. She didn’t see the lack of resources or tools as a limitation. Instead she had a gift in being resourceful and creative to solve the most challenging problems. She discovered that her unique skill was creativity and resourcefulness and it was something people valued greatly.   Monica wants to help other underdogs figure out the way and find opportunities. She takes her creativity and resourcefulness to pave the way for other underdogs. That’s why she is known as the McGyver of the Marginalized. Highlights: [01:00] How Nikki gained clarity [04:50] How Nikki discovered what she wanted to be known for [07:30] How Monica gained clarity [12:10] How Monica discovered what she wanted to be known for Quotes: “I was always equal parts creative and analytical.” – Nikki Barua “Every business is trying to adapt a change; you need to understand what change is likely to happen.” – Nikki Barua “Change is happening so fast; if you don’t get ahead of that change, then you are going to be left behind.” – Nikki Barua “It’s all about survival of the fastest and I help people adapt to change quickly. That’s why I am the Darwin of the Digital Age!” – Nikki Barua “I learned that my creativity and resourcefulness was a skill I could use to be successful.” – Monica Marquez “Identify the largest platform, share the message, and create opportunities for others to become aware.” – Monica Marquez   Links: Take the Quiz: https://www.iambeyondbarriers.com/quiz/

In this episode, senior corporate leader and diversity expert, Monica Marquez joins the show. Throughout her career, Monica has pioneered industry-leading programs to help the disadvantaged gain breakthrough access to opportunities. Monica decided that anytime an opportunity presented itself, she would take it, even if she struggled with self-doubt and fear. That led her to transitioning from academia to corporate and eventually to her entrepreneurial journey. You must focus on learning and growing and not let fear hold you back from taking on new opportunities. Gender challenges are global. The biggest challenge we see for women is a lack of representation at the senior levels. There is a drop-off in mid-career where women do not get to a certain level of promotion. Some women choose to take a career break, which will take them on a more scenic route to the top. There is a lack of support systems in the junior level. Women tend not to raise their hand and take more glamorous roles in an organization. They shy away from a more visible role. However, visibility will help women catapult in their careers. Stay tuned to hear Monica reveal the top three things that helped her succeed, the future of work, and the importance of community. Highlights: [01:00] About Monica Marquez [03:35] Transitioning from academia to corporate [07:30] Entering the technology world [11:15] Challenges that affect women in the workplace [15:45] What Monica is most proud of in her career [19:30] The top three things that helped Monica succeed [22:45] The future of work [27:20] Final advice from Monica Quotes: “Don't let an opportunity pass you by just because you don't know everything yet.” – Monica Marquez “Each organization has its own unique culture. Immerse yourself in that culture, understand that culture, but most importantly, identify how success is defined in that particular culture.” – Monica Marquez “Sometimes people have this habit of coming in and then wanting to figure it out themselves or being afraid to ask. I learned really quickly to get over the fear of asking questions.” – Monica Marquez “If an opportunity presents itself, take it, then figure out what are the resources, what are the things that you need to do.” – Monica Marquez “If you don't have enough diverse individuals and people coming from looking at problems and solutions from a different perspective, you are not be as successful. Diversity of thought helps organizations level up quicker and faster.” – Monica Marquez About Monica Marquez: Monica Marquez is a consciousness creator on a mission to champion equity for all in life, work and community. Throughout her career, Monica has pioneered industry-leading programs to help the disadvantaged gain breakthrough access to opportunities. She has led diversity and inclusion initiatives at some of the world’s best companies such as Goldman Sachs, Bank of America, Ernst & Young, and Google. As a young Latina growing up in a small West Texas town, Monica was the first in her family to go to graduate school and achieve significant professional success. Her experiences taught her that drive and determination alone are not enough – access to opportunities is essential for success. She became a relentless advocate for equity and is committed to rewriting the narrative for marginalized communities. As a former radio show host, Monica knows how to connect with people across all walks of life. She is an opera singer who can fill any void with melody. And as an aerial acrobat, she is determined to always find a way. Links: Website: www.themonicamarquez.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/themonicamarquez Facebook: www.facebook.com/themonicamarquez Instagram: @themonicamarquez Twitter: @themmarquez

Have you ever wondered how to turn your obstacles into opportunities? In this episode, we talk about breaking through your barriers and owning your power. Serial entrepreneur, bestselling author, influencer, and international keynote speaker, Nikki Barua joins the show. Nikki came to America as an immigrant from India. She worked hard, learned the best strategies, and the right habits. She climbed to the top of the corporate ladder, quit her job, and started her own business. After facing numerous rejections and failures, she overcame the barriers and built up a multi-million dollar business. Her journey taught her that obstacles give us the opportunity to level-up and get stronger and bolder. How do you get the courage to make big moves? Nikki says we must have clarity about what we want and why we want it. That's what helps us take consistent action and then success becomes inevitable. Do not lose focus – it takes a lot of discipline and the right kind of mindset. Look at your failures as feedback. Keep trying new things until you figure out what works. Entrepreneurship isn’t about building a business; it’s a journey about self-awareness. You discover what you are truly made of and what’s holding you back. Ultimately, you learn how to become the best version of yourself. The three big lessons Nikki learned in her entrepreneurial journey: 1. Focus. It all comes down to focusing on the right thing. 2. Leverage. It’s hard to gain momentum without leverage. 3. Execution. It's about taking massive and consistent action. Stay tuned to hear Nikki speak about her habits for success, the most significant technology trends, and the top business skills that are growing in demand. Plus, Nikki reveals three things that have helped her succeed and what she’s looking forward to in her career.   Highlights: [01:00] About Nikki Barua [03:05] How to find courage in ourselves [04:30] Leaping into entrepreneurship [07:55] What it’s like starting your own business [11:50] Habits are truly a superpower [18:30] The most significant trends in technology [22:20] Business skills that will be in demand [25:30] The top three things that helped Nikki succeed [27:10] What Nikki is most looking forward to in her career [30:20] Final advice from Nikki   Quotes: “Our obstacles are the opportunity. Every time we face an obstacle, it's an opportunity for us to level up and get even stronger, even bolder, and even more of the best versions of ourselves.” – Nikki Barua “The first step to courage is clarity. Part of what's holding us back is we're not really clear about what we want and why we want it.” – Nikki Barua “I would regret never following my dream, much more than experiencing short term pain or loss.” – Nikki Barua “Habits are truly a superpower. If you look at any successful person, they are all a product of great habits.” – Nikki Barua “I'm actively choosing to make an investment of my time as opposed to expanding my time.” – Nikki Barua “Whatever you're great at today, there isn't going to be a market for that tomorrow. You have to figure out how do you get ahead of the curve and disrupt yourself instead of being disrupted.” – Nikki Barua   About Nikki Barua: Nikki Barua is a serial entrepreneur, international keynote speaker and bestselling author who is passionate about making the world more inclusive and innovative.  Nikki leads Beyond Barriers, a global leadership platform that empowers women professionals with digital-age skills to accelerate success.  Nikki has won numerous awards, including Entrepreneur of the Year by ACE, named as an EY North America Entrepreneurial Winning Woman, recognized as LA Woman of Influence by The Business Journals and Women of Entrepreneurship by LA Lakers and Comerica Bank. Her inspiring story of turning barriers into breakthroughs has been featured in national media including Fortune and Forbes.   Links: Website: https://www.nikkibarua.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thenikkibarua Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thenikkibarua Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenikkibarua Twitter: https://twitter.com/NikkiBarua  

What does it mean to have clarity? Clarity is discovering your purpose and finding your path. Clarity is the key to success and a source of courage and confidence. The five essential elements of clarity are: 1. Clarity on what you are passionate about and enjoy doing. What inspires and elevates you? When you can sustain momentum, that’s how you become successful in your career. Gain clarity on your passion by discovering what that special something is that makes you want to jump out of your bed. It should be something you would do even if you weren’t getting paid for it. Identify your top ten heroes and think about what makes them heroic. 2. Clarity on your unique skills, strengths, and competencies. There is usually one thing that we can be the best at. Identify the one thing that you enjoy and are highly skilled at. This can be the result of experience. Ask your colleagues for feedback in order to identify your most valued skill. Another thing you can do is look at your past successes. 3. Clarity on which of those competencies are highly valued in the market. The market is constantly shifting. A skill that is in demand today may not be in demand tomorrow. Have a pulse on where your industry is headed – you have to know where the demand is shifting. 4. Clarity on what you want to be known for in the world. Identify the niche you want to dominate that is aligned with your passions and purpose. What do you want to build your reputation and personal brand around? Define a specific market segment that you want to focus on. 5. Clarity on how to accelerate what I want to be known for. Keep taking on new challenges and experiences. Determine how to get the most leverage and evaluate the best options to achieve your goals. Are you taking the right route to get where you need to go? Highlights: [00:50] Understanding what drives clarity [01:55] I have clarity on what I’m passionate about and enjoy doing [06:30] I have clarity on my unique skills, strengths, and competencies [10:30] I have clarity on which of those competencies are highly valued in the market [15:05] I have clarity on what I want to be known for in the world [16:50] I have clarity on how to accelerate what I want to be known for Quotes: “Don’t confuse your passions with your hobbies.” – Nikki Barua “You have to be great at what you’re doing today while learning how to be great at what you’ll have to do tomorrow.” – Nikki Barua “Assess what you’re doing and how that maps to what you want to be known for.” – Nikki Barua “What do you need to do to help you get there faster?” – Nikki Barua Links: Website: https://www.iambeyondbarriers.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyondbarriersco Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iambeyondbarriers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iambeyondbarriers/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/iBeyondBarriers  

Whether you are just getting started or hungry to get ahead, simply working hard is no longer enough to advance your career. You must keep learning new skills and adapt to a rapidly changing business landscape. 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.  This podcast is co-hosted by Nikki Barua - Digital Innovator, Serial Entrepreneur, Author & Speaker. And Monica Marquez - ex-Googler, Diversity Expert and Senior Corporate Leader. As thought leaders in innovation and inclusion, we bring unique insights on career success and what it takes to turn your barriers into breakthroughs. In each episode, we interview C-level executives, industry influencers, and business leaders from top corporations. Listen to our guests share their perspectives on opportunities and challenges in the age of artificial intelligence, autonomy and authenticity. From inspiring stories to cutting-edge strategies, you’ll learn how to develop the skillset, mindset and toolset to get future-ready fast and accelerate your success. Share comments and topic suggestions on https://www.iambeyondbarriers.com and we’ll be sure to address them in future episodes. We’d love to hear from you!   Links: Website: https://www.iambeyondbarriers.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyondbarriersco Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iambeyondbarriers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iambeyondbarriers/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/iBeyondBarriers