BEYOND BARRIERS

Tune in to this week’s episode as host Brooke Skinner Ricketts sits down with her friend and colleague, Marita Hudson Thomas, Chief Communications Officer at Cars.com Inc., d/b/a Cars Commerce. Marita is responsible for the internal and external communications strategy and events across Cars Commerce. Since her promotion, she has transformed their communications practices by delivering meaningful campaigns, press initiatives, and events that drive measurable results and business impact. Marita dives deep into her path to leadership, emphasizing the importance of purpose-driven work and the value of patience in professional growth.  You’ll be inspired by Marita’s dedication to community involvement and mentoring, and how these commitments have been pivotal in her career. Learn from Marita’s experiences on maintaining confidence, navigating through challenges, giving oneself grace, and the power of preparation.  This episode is packed with valuable lessons for anyone aspiring to lead with integrity and impact. Visit our website 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 special guest.  

Tune in to an uplifting conversation with Marcy Moneypenny, Principal and Managing Director at Avison Young, as she shares her remarkable journey from a single mother to a prominent leader in the male-dominated commercial real estate industry. Host Nikki Barua delves into Marcy's early struggles, her rise in the commercial real estate sector, and the core values that have driven her success. She discusses the importance of turning pain into purpose, the power of self-belief, and the crucial role of mentors and sponsors in her career.  Marcy’s story is a powerful reminder that even the most challenging obstacles can be converted into stepping stones toward a fulfilling and impactful career. This episode is packed with insights and strategies for anyone looking to break barriers and achieve their full potential. Visit our website 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 special guest.    

Join us for a compelling episode as host Brook Skinner Ricketts delves into Erin Gallagher’s transformative journey from a marketing maven to a champion of women's empowerment and leadership. In this inspiring discussion, Erin reveals the critical moments at the age of 40 that catapulted her from behind-the-scenes roles to a leading voice in advocacy, establishing influential platforms such as Ella and The Hype Women Movement. These initiatives not only disrupt the status quo by providing women with critical resources but also strive to create generational wealth and propel women into powerful and influential roles. Explore the profound impact of diversity in the workplace, the significance of trusting your intuition, and strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome. Erin highlights the necessity of setting clear boundaries, embracing the power of vulnerable storytelling, and redefining traditional work-life paradigms to cultivate leadership and ensure enduring success. This episode offers a deep exploration of how facing personal challenges can ignite breakthroughs, empowering listeners to expand their influence and secure financial autonomy. Visit our website 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 special guest.  

In today’s episode, the focus is on uncovering the human-centric revolution happening within the private equity sector, challenging the norm of focusing solely on financial transactions.  Hosted by Nikki Barua, the episode features Caroline Kung, a visionary leader and the founder of SagePath Capital. Caroline shares her journey from a first-generation immigrant with humble beginnings to becoming a transformative figure in private equity, executing three billion dollars in transactions while creating value at portfolio companies. Her commitment extends beyond traditional investment strategies, aiming to nurture genuine connections and advocate for diverse, purpose-driven entrepreneurs.  The episode explores Caroline's strategic initiatives for fostering business growth and the inception of the Beacon Program, which sets new standards by equipping diverse business owners with essential financial knowledge, expanding their potential for growth and impact in their communities. Visit our website 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.  

In this episode, you'll dive into the power of recognizing and leveraging your unique mix of skills and experiences with host Brooke Skinner Ricketts and guest Heidi Anderson Hupe, CEO of The Nora Collective. Heidi reveals her philosophy on the importance of 'leaning in' during moments of uncertainty and doubt in your career. She shares the pivotal moments that led her to embrace her true self, underscoring the transformative impact of authenticity on her career trajectory. Together, you'll explore how embracing career pivots and delving into diverse facets of your industry can open up new pathways for growth and fulfillment. Tune in for an engaging narrative on self-discovery, leadership, and the art of maintaining your core identity amidst the dynamics of career evolution. Visit our website 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 special guest.  

Welcome to a journey of leadership, personal growth, and impactful change. Brooke Skinner Ricketts hosts an inspiring conversation with Melissa Healy, who shares her journey from creative director to SVP at Leo Burnett, focusing on Employee Belonging and Participation. Melissa opens up about her evolution from early creative ambitions, through the trials of motherhood, to advocating for her disabled daughter. She illustrates how her unique, nonlinear path led to a fulfilling role that focuses on enhancing workplace culture and fostering employee engagement. The conversation explores the profound importance of community building, cultural enrichment, and the pivotal role of personal values in driving business success and societal impact.  Melissa’s narrative is a testament to the power of authenticity, strategic relationships, and value-driven leadership. Visit our website 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 special guest.  

On this episode of the Beyond Barriers Podcast, our host Brooke Skinner Ricketts welcomes Corey Jones, a visionary who has journeyed from engineering to the forefront of executive leadership as Co-Founder and CEO of PrismWork.  Today we dive into a much needed conversation about re-thinking how we interact with each other at the workplace. Corey’s story is not just about career transition but about revolutionizing leadership in an era where change is the only constant. With a focus on the pandemic’s impact on the workplace, Corey discusses the critical aspects of leadership that cater to the holistic needs of employees.  Listen as we explore the transformative power of empathy and inclusivity in crafting a successful organizational culture. Visit our website 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 special guest.  

Get ready for an exhilarating dive into the world of vocal empowerment in today's episode! Join host Monica Marquez and her dynamic guests, Jessica Doyle Mekkes and Rebecca Simon, as they unravel the secrets to owning and celebrating your unique voice in the professional realm. Jessica and Rebecca, who both champion authenticity at East Carolina University, are here to revolutionize the way you think about vocal identity amidst the pressures of conformity. They offer powerful strategies for mastering the art of public speaking and making your voice heard. Rebecca Simon, a former Broadway star turned esteemed professor, shares her riveting journey from the dazzling lights of the stage to the inspiring halls of academia. She uses her rich experience in voice and dialect coaching to help individuals conquer self-doubt and confidently claim their voice. Alongside her, Jessica has spent the last 15 years studying the science of the  human voice. An internationally published writer and sought after clinician, she focuses on empowering women to unleash their vocal strength and impact the world around them. Tune in to this episode and be inspired to transform how you use your voice, ensuring it not only resonates but also genuinely reflects your heritage and enriches your professional interactions. Don't miss out on this empowering journey to vocal mastery! Visit our website 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 special guests.  

Brace yourself for an electrifying episode that vividly shows how our daily thoughts profoundly influence who we are. Join our host, Brooke Skinner Ricketts, as she engages with Yasmeen Duncan, Chief People Officer at the world-renowned Magnolia Bakery. Yasmeen's life story is a compelling testament to the transformative power of self-belief and goal-setting, nurtured from a young age by her insightful mother. As she takes us through her exhilarating path as a woman of color in leadership roles across diverse industries, her experiences will captivate and inspire you. Yasmeen's commitment to her values and her journey toward self-realization are profound, offering vital lessons in resilience and authenticity.  Tune in as we dive deep into a conversation that promises to uplift, motivate, and empower you to embrace your unique journey towards success and fulfillment. Visit our website 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 special guest.

In today's episode, join our host Monica Marquez and our esteemed guest, Heather Black, Founder and CEO of Supermums, as we delve into a visionary approach to reshaping careers in the tech industry. Heather shares her compelling story of how a pivotal career shift, driven by personal transformations, led to the creation of Supermums. This forward-thinking organization is committed to empowering women, particularly those re-entering the workforce post-maternity, by opening doors to new opportunities within the tech sector, with a special focus on Salesforce roles. In our conversation, Heather emphasizes the critical role of recognizing transferable skills, aligning with personal values, and the game-changing effects of career coaching. She also unpacks the concept of the "ambitious women mindset," which merges goals, energy, and boundaries to cultivate success and achieve work-life balance.  Join us as we dive deep into these empowering strategies that are not just career-changing but life-transforming. Visit our website 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 special guest.