BEYOND BARRIERS

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.  

Unleash your potential by breaking away from cultural and societal norms alongside our incredible guest, Valeria Aloe. As an accomplished author and fervent advocate for personal development, Valeria brings a wealth of global corporate experience spanning seven countries. Her transformative journey, transitioning from burnout to a purposeful life, provides invaluable insights into challenging societal pressures while courageously embracing our authenticity.  Dive into this inspiring episode to discover the strength in letting go, embrace the power of silence, and reframe narratives that might be holding you back.  In this episode, you will be able to: Embrace personal growth by unlearning cultural and societal beliefs. Overcome self-limiting beliefs and unlock your full potential. Discover the power of self-love for a more fulfilling life. Gain insights into women's empowerment and self-reflection. For full show notes visit our website. About Valeria Aloe Valeria Aloe is the Founder of the Rising Together Movement, a sought-after public speaker, and the award-winning author of Uncolonized Latinas: Transforming Our Mindsets and Rising Together. Valeria's remarkable dedication has earned her an array of prestigious awards, including "Top 100 Latina in the US in 2023," "Top 50 Women in Business in New Jersey in 2020," and "5th Most Influential Hispanic in New Jersey in 2021." Her literary work is equally impressive, with her book claiming the top spot in the non-fiction category at the New York Book Festival, among 16 national and international accolades. Her second book will be published in the Fall of 2024. Valeria holds degrees in Business Administration and Finance from Universidad Catolica Argentina, an MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth, and a Master in Spiritual Sciences. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Spiritual Sciences.

Looking to step into the new year with an empowered and driven approach to your career transition?  Join us as Jennifer Manry, Principal of Corporate Systems at Vanguard, shares invaluable insights that can supercharge your confidence & drive during career transitions. Uncover indispensable tools and strategies designed to infuse purpose and unwavering determination into your professional journey.   With more than two decades as an IT professional, Jennifer embodies a treasure trove of wisdom and insight crucial for career transitions. Her evolution from a mechanical engineer to a key leader in information technology at esteemed financial institutions such as Capital One and Vanguard showcases her remarkable resilience and adaptability. As a prominent female executive in traditionally male-dominated sectors, Jennifer's journey imparts invaluable experiences and lessons, offering a distinctive outlook on embracing risks, fostering self-belief, and the importance of seeking mentorship. Her inspiring narrative not only motivates but also furnishes invaluable guidance for individuals maneuvering through career changes. In this episode, you will be able to: Learn valuable career journey lessons from Jennifer Manry's experiences. Discover the importance of seeking mentors for career advancement. Explore navigational upskilling strategies for career advancement and growth. Uncover effective work-life balance and self-care strategies for a fulfilling career. Highlights: [00:00] Podcast Intro [00:31] Jennifer’s Words of Wisdom [02:12] Career Journey - Pivots & Taking Risks [05:27] Jennifer’s Biggest Inspiration [11:20] Overcoming the Fear of Asking for Help [14:05] Continuous Improvement and Practice [14:59] Prioritizing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) [15:58] Getting Involved with Women Who Code [18:38] Empowering Daughters and Future Workforce [21:33] Overcoming Self-Promotion Challenges [29:56] Daily Rituals for Productivity [30:50] Managing Inner Monologue [33:54] Work-Life Balance & Personal Refreshment [38:55] Lightning Round Questions Quotes If you fall down, get up, dust yourself off, and keep going. It's the perseverance, the resilience, the willingness to get back up that truly defines success. Jennifer Manry List-making helps me feel like I'm in control of the day and then checking in with myself to see if the inner voices are chatting too much with me. Jennifer Manry on Daily Habits There are always people to learn from, and they're generally very apt to teach you if you ask for help. The willingness to surround yourself with a personal board of directors or personal advisors is what has gotten me through pretty much every step of my career. Jennifer Manry I have this group of humans at home that I care very much about. So I stay grounded by ensuring that I have the right amount of time to do things outside of work that bring me joy. We do a lot of family things. Jennifer Manry Lightening Round Questions Q: What book has greatly influenced you? A: Brave, not Perfect by Reshma Saujani and Mamba Mentality by Kobe Bryant Q: What is your favorite inspiring quote or saying? A: Do not judge me by my success, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again by Nelson Mandela Q: What is one word or moniker you would use to describe yourself? A: Change Agent and Continuous Improver Q: What is one change you've implemented that made your life better? A: Inner monologue questioning Q: What power song would you want playing as you walk out onto a stage? A: Levels by Avicii About Jennifer Manry As Principal of Corporate Systems at Vanguard, Jennifer leads a team that builds and runs the technology that powers Vanguard’s enterprise-wide operations, including Human Resources, Legal, Risk, Marketing, and Communications. She’s also responsible for supporting technology needs of Vanguard crew (employees) so they can fulfill on the firm’s mission of giving investors the best chance for investment success. Jennifer is also passionate about finding ways to support and empower women to consider careers in STEM fields, and currently serves as Board Chair of Women Who Code, a nonprofit organization focused on building diversity in tech and empowering generations of female engineers to succeed.  Prior to Vanguard, Jennifer was the Vice President of the Global Industry Solutions group at VMware where she was responsible for defining VMWare’s global industry strategy and creating industry-specific solutions across the Financial Services, Healthcare, Retail, and Government industries.  Before VMware, Jennifer held executive leadership positions at both Bank of America and Capital One.  Jennifer was the CIO and Managing Director of Employee Technology & Employee Experience at Bank of America where she was responsible for the technology used by over 200K+ employees, globally. In addition to those responsibilities, Jennifer lead both the Global Human Resources and Chief Administrative Office technology teams. At Capital One,  Jennifer served as Managing Vice President - End User Computing, Digital Workplace, and Identity & Access Management where she drove the transformation of the employee experience, creating a contemporary, digital workplace based on consumer- grade technology at enterprise scale. Jennifer has also held technology leadership positions at GE and Genworth Financial.  She earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology. LinkedIn  Women Who Code Vanguard 

Welcome to our final podcast episode of 2023! Get ready to dive into the world of career growth and personal development with Beyond Barriers. Join us as we reflect on the past year and set intentions for the future. With nearly 300 episodes under our belt, we're thrilled to culminate this year by revisiting the most inspiring moments and wisdom shared by these remarkable individuals. In this special episode, all three hosts unite to reminisce, share laughter, and highlight the profound wisdom imparted by some of the most brilliant minds in the business world about the "5 C’s” rooted in our momentum metric..  Clarity, Courage, Commitment, Conviction and Community are the core categories in our career fitness platform that are used to measure and accelerate success, understand what's holding you back and know where to focus your efforts.  As we bid farewell to this year, the Beyond Barriers team extends heartfelt New Year wishes to you! Your support has been instrumental in fostering our global community, and for that, we are immensely grateful.  Take our Momentum Metric Quiz to uncover your strengths and explore the barriers to your success.  Highlights [00:00] Intro and Purpose Our Podcast [02:09] More Pie for Everyone [06:45] Clarity - Importance of Telling Your Story [11:10] Courage - Stand up and be counted [18:15] Conviction - Become Future Readiness [22:09] Commitment - Frameworks that work [26:45] Community - Leverage for Growth [31:39] Anchor Words for 2024 Notable Quotes I think that it's very interesting to me how few people know how to tell their stories. And it's really important. Anna Kelch on Clarity, Episode 285 We have to stand up and be counted. Jennifer Brown on Courage, Episode 246 When you adopt a growth mindset, you can't lose. You just learn. Krista Satterthwaite on Conviction, Episode 252 Having an accountability partner to make sure that you stay the course is critical. Iliana Quiñones on Commitment, Episode 282 I learned along the way that nobody does it on their own. Erika Irish Brown on Community, Episode 270 About About Monica Marquez: Monica Marquez is a senior corporate leader, ex-Googler, and diversity expert. Website: https://themonicamarquez.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMonicaMarquez/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themonicamarquez/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themonicamarquez/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/themmarquez About Nikki Barua: Nikki Barua is a digital innovator, serial entrepreneur, author, and speaker. Website: https://www.nikkibarua.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thenikkibarua/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenikkibarua/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thenikkibarua/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/NikkiBarua About Brooke Skinner Ricketts Brooke Skinner Ricketts is the Power Generator – Transforming Possibility into Performance. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brookericketts Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brookerules/