In today's episode, our host Nikki Barua ventures into the world of someone whose story reads like a masterclass in resilience, ambition, and the art of leadership.  Our remarkable guest, Kira Kimball,  Chief Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Officer at Marsh McLennan Agency, who has charted a path that's both inspiring and instructive. Kira’s journey proves that achieving one’s dreams is as much about the mindset we adopt as it is about the actions we take. Kira opens up about the essence of staying fluid in the face of life’s inevitable changes, transforming every setback into a stepping stone toward growth. As we navigate the complexities of leadership, Kira reminds us that at the heart of effective leadership is the courage to be true to oneself.  Key Takeaways Be open to possibilities and embrace unexpected opportunities. Reframe setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning. Identify your strengths and passions, and align them with your career. Practice self-care and build a supportive community. Advocate for yourself and build strategic relationships. Stay focused on the purpose and impact of DEI initiatives. If you’re looking for the spark to ignite your own journey, or if you’re in search of wisdom that comes from real-life experiences, you won’t want to miss this episode. Visit gobeyondbarriers.com where you will find show notes and links to all the resources in this episode, including the best way to get in touch with our guest.  

Step into the incredible story of Wendy Diamond, whose early entrepreneurial spirit set off a powerful movement in the world of women’s entrepreneurship. This episode brings you Nikki Barua guiding an engaging conversation with Wendy Diamond, the innovative CEO and Founder of the Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Organization. Get ready to dive into Wendy’s journey as she shares the key moments and decisions that transformed her into a source of motivation and change for entrepreneurs everywhere. Our special guest, celebrated for her creative and socially mindful approach to business, has truly made a difference. Come along as we explore the breadth of Wendy’s influence and the lasting impact of her efforts on women’s entrepreneurship across the globe. For full show notes, visit our website.

Buckle up because this is no ordinary episode—it's a milestone! You are about to dive into the 300th episode of the Beyond Barriers podcast with host Monica Marquez and special guest Jaci Czarnecki Thompson, Experience Architect at Beyond Barriers. Five seasons of riveting interviews, cutting-edge strategies, and stories of triumph that will propel you forward in your career. We don't just talk the talk; we walk it with the incredible individuals who have shattered barriers and soared to new heights. And guess what? You, our phenomenal listeners, have been the wind beneath our wings, inspiring us to push boundaries week after week. Our mission is bold: to close the gender gap at work and unleash economic opportunities for everyone. Brace yourself because today, we give you an unprecedented look behind the scenes. It's time to seize control of your destiny, break down barriers, and ride the wave of unstoppable momentum towards the career you've always dreamed of. Let's make history together! In this episode, you will be able to: Learn about career acceleration strategies for diverse professionals. Overcome career barriers for women and BIPOC with actionable insights. Gain clarity and courage in your career development for greater success. Increase impact and influence at work with effective strategies. Discover the benefits of our executive accelerator program for career growth. For full show notes, visit our website.

Get ready to immerse yourself in the art of building genuine virtual connections with Alyssa Merwin, the global Vice President of LinkedIn Sales Solutions.  Host Brooke Skinner Ricketts dives deep into Alyssa's extraordinary journey, from her humble small-town roots to leading LinkedIn's Sales Navigator business. With unwavering transparency, Alyssa unveils invaluable insights into overcoming challenges and embracing vulnerability as the driving forces behind substantial professional development.  In this episode, you'll discover how to: Triumph over career challenges and setbacks by implementing invaluable strategies. Understand the significance of seeking assistance and fostering collaboration for achieving professional milestones. Harness vulnerability as a catalyst for propelling your professional growth. Master the art of navigating virtual workspaces for heightened productivity and effectiveness. Stay tuned for a conversation that promises to reshape your leadership approach, redefine the way you ask for help, and revolutionize your ability to foster authentic connections in today's remote work landscape. For full show notes, visit our website.

Give your career that extra push and improve your performance with tips from our guest, Terri Fiedler, President of Retirement Services at Corebridge Financial. Terri, an accomplished professional in the financial services industry, shares her journey from a nutrition degree to her current role. Follow along as she enlightens us with her unexpected journey from nutrition to finances, proving that overcoming challenges is all part of the game. We'll also delve into the crucial role of collaboration, the advantage of diverse skill sets within teams, and why self-awareness is key. To all you go-getters out there, Terri's candid advice on seeking unfiltered feedback and cultivating professional relationships will resonate with you. In this episode, you will be able to: Elevate your performance by seeking valuable feedback. Expand your career horizons by building a powerful professional network. Master the art of goal-setting and turn failures into stepping stones. Join us, and let's discover together the power of resilience, the joy of lifelong learning, and the importance of fostering a supportive professional tribe around you. For full show notes including how to get in touch with our special guest, visit our website.

Ready to supercharge your career and foster a deeper sense of belonging at work? Dive in to a captivating conversation with our host Monica Marquez and Karyn Twaronite, EY Global Diversity, Equity & Inclusiveness Officer. Boasting a remarkable 30-year tenure at EY, Karyn unveils her extraordinary journey, offering insights into championing diversity and inclusion while embracing new experiences. From reshaping feedback perspectives to the pivotal role of 'belonging' in today's workplace, we cover it all. Gain insights into navigating career pivots and accelerating your journey through sponsorship and mentorship. Buckle up for a career boost and a tighter-knit professional community! Thank you for tuning in! Visit our website for full show notes, including how to connect with Karyn.     

Tune in to today’s episode as we explore the keys to fostering career sustainability, creating cultures that defy burnout, and nurturing work-life harmony. Along with your host, Brooke Skinner Ricketts, we’re privileged to chat with legal powerhouse, Hilary Preston, Vice Chair of Vinson & Elkins. Discover the importance of embracing a long-term perspective in your career, setting reasonable limits, and recognizing the power of occasional deceleration. Hilary’s story is a source of inspiration for anyone seeking to carve their own path, proving that success isn't just about the climb; it's about finding sustainable practices that allow you to thrive both professionally and personally. In this Episode you will learn how to: Master the art of women's career sustainability and thrive in the workplace. Amplify your influence by voicing your opinions confidently and effectively. Uncover the secrets to finding joy and fulfillment in your day-to-day work life. Build powerful relationships to boost your personal brand and professional network. Learn actionable strategies for creating an inclusive and supportive work culture. For full show notes, visit our website.

Ever felt the weight of imposter syndrome, that persistent notion that you may not be up to the task of pursuing your ambitious goals? Dive into the captivating story of Shannon Duffy, the Chief Marketing Officer at Asana, with your host, Brooke Skinner Ricketts. In this episode, Shannon generously unveils the twists and turns of her career, highlighting a transformative moment that propelled her toward authentic leadership. Join us as she delves into the significance of embracing one's true self within the dynamic realms of leadership. In this episode, you will be able to: Embrace Authenticity: Discover the power of genuine leadership and marketing to build trust and connection. Overcome Imposter Syndrome: Learn how to silence self-doubt and step confidently into your leadership and marketing roles. Achieve Work-Life Balance: Find the keys to balancing professional success with personal well-being for a fulfilling life. Foster Meaningful Relationships: Explore the impact of collaboration and mentorship in creating lasting and impactful connections. For full show notes, visit our website.

Welcome to today's insightful conversation with Tamara Zaichkowsky, Chief Digital Officer at Acrisure. Tamara is a self-proclaimed curious soul, fueled by the pursuit of knowledge and self empowerment. She has successfully integrated creativity and efficiency into her professional path by using knowledge as her currency for decision-making.  In this episode, discover valuable tips on managing stress to drive personal growth and achievement, while embracing the art of being fully present every day. Whether you're a seasoned professional or aspiring to become one, this episode is packed with insightful advice. In this episode, you will be able to: Develop personal growth and leadership insights for success. Master the art of managing stress and finding balance in life. Unleash the power of knowledge to transform your life. Create manageable stress to fuel personal growth and achievement. Embrace living in the present and taking action for fulfillment. For full show notes and how to connect to our special guest, visit our website.

Welcome to today's empowering episode featuring Jackie Morales, the accomplished Chief Operating Officer at Security Benefit. Join our insightful host, Brooke Skinner Ricketts, as she guides us through Jackie's remarkable career journey. Jackie's story highlights the significance of authenticity, calculated risk-taking, and the pursuit of clear career goals. Notably, Jackie defied norms by achieving the role of vice president at the age of 28, all without a formal education. Jackie's narrative serves as a powerful beacon of inspiration, urging listeners to fearlessly pursue their goals. She emphasizes the creation of a supportive and recognition-driven environment for those around us. Through Jackie's unique perspective, this episode celebrates the diverse paths individuals take in their professional journeys. In this engaging episode, you'll discover how to: Unlock career growth and sponsorship opportunities by leveraging your strengths. Recognize the importance of acknowledging contributions and taking credit for achievements. Embrace authenticity in the workplace to foster genuine connections and trust. Cultivate personal and professional growth through continuous learning and development. Make a meaningful impact and give back to your community and organization. Tune in to gain valuable insights that will propel you further and faster in your career journey. For full show notes go to our website.