BEYOND BARRIERS

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.

Welcome to today's episode where we dive into the realms of leadership, resilience, and the transformative power of diversity, equity, and inclusion.  Our host, Brooke Skinner Ricketts, embarks on a journey that unravels the essence of authentic leadership and the secret to sustaining energy and resilience at the pinnacle of professional success with our remarkable guest, Cynthia Soledad, a leader at Egon Zehnder’s Global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Practice. Imagine navigating from the vibrant world of marketing to the impactful domain of DE &I, all while mastering the art of self-awareness and transitioning from a doer to a pivotal enabler. Cynthia opens up about her personal and professional evolution, sharing stories that illuminate the path to developing an authentic personal brand and the courage it takes to face and grow from professional setbacks.  So, are you ready to unlock the secrets that have propelled Cynthia Soledad to the forefront of leadership and advisory? Tune in to this episode for an enriching experience that might just redefine your approach to leadership, resilience, and the power of diversity and inclusion. Don't miss out on these invaluable lessons from the top. 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.  

Today we explore the remarkable story of Lisa Curtis, who went from Peace Corps volunteer to trailblazing Founder & CEO of Kuli Kuli Foods, a leading brand pioneering the sustainable superfood, moringa. Discover the journey of how a quest for better nutrition in West Africa revealed the hidden gem of moringa, igniting the foundation of a superfood empire. From humble village origins to earning a spot on Forbes 30 Under 30, Lisa's rise is a tribute to resilience and the strength of community. In her narrative, Lisa shares insights on conquering self-doubt, the critical role of fostering connections, achieving harmony between work and life, and the enduring impact of perseverance. The resources mentioned in this episode are: Visit Kuli Kuli Foods website to purchase their products. Use the code BEYONDBARRIERS at checkout for a 20% discount on your purchase. Look for Kuli Kuli Foods products on Amazon or in 11,000 stores nationwide, including Whole Foods, Sprouts, and Walmart. 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, 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.