BEYOND BARRIERS

Daphne Kis, CEO of WorldQuant University, got her strong work ethic as a child of immigrant parents. Her mom always encouraged her to find a career path that was engaging. This provided her a guiding principle to find meaning in her work and to create a path and fill it. Daphne is a risk-taker. She believes we have to understand how much risk we are willing to take and be willing to make new mistakes all the time. In fact, we should make mistakes and then beg for forgiveness. For Daphne, patience breeds change, and being a change agent is critical. She talks about how data science is the means and not the end and why women are disproportionately represented in the field of analytics. Join us while Daphne has an interesting discussion with us about how the process is more important than the outcome. She shares her take on the paralysis that comes when faced with too many choices and the problem when needing to optimize every decision. Daphne also talks about the impact of economic insecurity and if a company really wants to retain employees, they should offer amazing health insurance! On a personal note, Daphne likes to build things. She’s a social person who enjoys partnerships with other people and sharing ideas with them. Learn more about how she turns everything off in order to stay grounded. Visit https://www.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 Daphne. Highlights: [02:07] Daphne’s background [06:11] Discovering her tolerance for risk [11:54] Resisting change [15:45] Advancing in data and technology [22:28] Gaining clarity on your purpose [29:13] Being a change agent [33:43] Future proofing [38:00] Risk taking [42:52] Assessing risks for making changes [45:42] Self care [49:02] Staying grounded [53:10] Lightning round questions Quotes: “Impatience breeds change.” – Daphne Kis “Data science is the 21st Century sociology.” – Daphne Kis “I am a bigger believer in the process than the outcome.” – Daphne Kis Lightning Round Questions: What book has greatly influenced you? - “Beloved” by Toni Morrison What is your favorite inspiring quote or saying? - It changes by the month.. What is one word or moniker you would use to describe yourself? - I come from kindness and generosity. What is one change you've implemented that made your life better? - Hiring a trainer. What power song would you want playing as you walk out onto a stage? - “We Are Family” by Sister Sledge About Daphne Kis: Daphne Kis is the CEO of WorldQuant University (WQU), the leader in global education for data sciences. WQU delivers entirely free, online programs that expand access to studies and credentials in data sciences. With its MSc program in Financial Engineering and Applied Data Science Lab, WQU serves more than 10,000 students in over 100 countries.   As a dynamic entrepreneur, Kis has been at the forefront of identifying, chronicling, and transforming trends in technology, education, and business for decades. Passionate about global entrepreneurship opportunities, especially for women, Kis regularly mentors female founders, and serves on the advisory boards of the Quorum Initiative and Mindshift Capital. Links: Website: https://www.wqu.edu/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daphnekis/

Stacy Devine knew from a young age that the field of finance was for her. While other kids were playing, she enjoyed balancing a budget. She even loaned her sister money and charged her interest. She later took an accounting class in school and was hooked. She pursued her CPA and started her career at Ernst & Young as a certified public accountant. Today, Stacy finds herself as the Chief Investment Officer of RPTC, a private trust company for a single family office in Chicago. With all of her accomplishments, it might be hard to believe that Stacy was always underestimated and had to prove herself over and over again. She took this as an opportunity to build her courage. She finds great strength from her solid network of support (including her husband and friends) to keep finding the courage to claim her seat at the table. When Stacy needs to make a decision, she always tries to discover what are the opposite opinions. She’ll seek out other points of view and then see how they affect her convictions. She also knows the importance of just stopping what she’s doing and having fun with her family because there will always be a million things to do. She has learned to give up on perfection to have more balance in her life. Join us as Stacy shares her wisdom as a leader in her field. 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 Stacy. Highlights: [02:59] Stacy’s path to finance [08:47] Asking for what you deserve [14:23] Making important decisions [16:44] Creating an open environment for debate [18:30] Taking a break from work [22:59] Building relationships [27:42] Staying grounded [31:05] Continuing to grow professionally and personally [32:01] Lightning round questions Quotes: “Community has been essential throughout my career.” – Stacy Devine “It’s important for me to really see both sides of an argument and understand it, and then I can challenge my view to have much better convictions in the decisions I’m making.” – Stacy Devine “I’m basically an introvert pretending to be an extrovert.” – Stacy Devine Lightning Round Questions: What book has greatly influenced you? - “Cloud Cuckoo Land” by Anthony Doerr What is your favorite inspiring quote or saying? - What makes you different will make you stand out. You will be remembered. What is one word or moniker you would use to describe yourself? - Yin/yang. What is one change you've implemented that made your life better? - I stopped reaching for perfection. What power song would you want playing as you walk out onto a stage? - “Unstoppable” by Sia About Stacy Devine: Stacy Devine is the Chief Investment Officer of RPTC Inc, a private trust company for a single family office in Chicago. Prior to joining RPTC, Stacy was a Managing Director and Head of Investments for the Midwest and Canada Regions of Citi Private Bank, working with a range of ultra-high net worth families in the U.S., Canada and Asia. Before Citi, Stacy was an investment advisor at Barclays (Lehman) and a member of the Portfolio Advisory Group at Goldman Sachs, covering the Midwest region. Prior to her focus on ultra-high net worth individuals and family offices, Stacy was a senior sell-side equity analyst with Deutsche Bank and First Analysis Corporation, specializing in environmental and industrial service sectors. In this role, Stacy was ranked as Wall Street Journal’s #1 All-Star Analyst for two years running and was recognized in Institutional Investor’s 2001 All American Research Team. She started her career at Ernst & Young as a certified public accountant. Stacy holds a BS summa cum laude from Drake University and an MBA with honors from Kellogg Graduate School of Management. In the Chicago community, Stacy is a member of the Advisory Board for Invest for Kids. She is also a member of the CFA Institute and the CFA Society of Chicago. Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacy-devine-cfa-0259646/

Meet Tina Manikas, President of the Tracy-Locke group of companies at Omnicom, a seasoned veteran in marketing and advertising, who shares profound insights from her career journey, promoting a message of empowerment and self-advocacy for women in the industry. A game-changer in the industry, Tina's story is anything but ordinary. A fortunate encounter sparked her interest in marketing during her college years, leading her to ambitiously climb the ladder and amass a wealth of experience, eventually becoming the President of Tracy-Locke. Throughout her journey, Tina championed two paramount ethos: self-promotion and the power of generosity. Tina advocates for individuals to be more proactive, stepping up as their most enthusiastic promoter and seizing opportunities to showcase their intrinsic worth. Complementing this self-belief, she extols the virtues of kindness and openness, underscored in the sharing of ideas and mutual uplifting within the industry. In this inspiring interview, women in marketing and advertising get a tangible blueprint on overcoming challenges, capitalizing on opportunities, and unlocking their boundless potential. Tina's story serves as a powerful reminder to women everywhere: Advocate for your own worth, actively search for opportunities, and maintain a mindset of persistent progression. Join Brooke Skinner Ricketts on an incredible ride, as she unravels Tina's empowering journey and learn how you too can tap into 'The Power of Possibility'. Highlights: [03:33] Tina’s background and path to advertising [07:53] What’s behind Tina’s strong work ethic [09:51] How to promote yourself and others [08:58] Being in a leadership position [14:33] Having inspiring mentors [13:23] Overcoming failures [16:29] Learning from every challenge [23:00] Gaining navigational skills [26:06] Making important decisions [28:38] Daily rituals that are grounding [32:49] Setting and achieving goals [34:32] Making priorities [35:56] Believing in yourself [39:46] Lightning round questions Quotes: “You've got to be your number one promoter, stand up for yourself, know your value, and orchestrate your own narrative.” - Tina Manikas “Realize that failure is a life lesson. Take time to heal, reflect on what could have been done differently, and use it as ammunition to succeed in the future.” - Tina Manikas “Focus on what really matters, prioritize, and give yourself the gift of focus.” - Tina Manikas “How can you be an entrepreneur inside companies?” – Tina Manikas Lightning Round Questions: What book has greatly influenced you? “The Art of the Pitch” by Peter Coughter What is your favorite inspiring quote or saying? What you put up with, you end up with. And, The truth to life is not getting what you want but wanting it after you get it.. What is one word or moniker you would use to describe yourself? Intrapreneur. What is one change you've implemented that made your life better? Understanding that there is luck in the world and there’s also putting yourself in the way of being lucky. What power song would you want playing as you walk out onto a stage? “Love Again” by Dua Lipa About Tina Manikas: Tina Manikas is a dynamic marketing executive and leader, known for her focus on vision and relentless pursuit of new strategies, capabilities, and solutions to grow brands and solve business problems. She recognizes that creativity, technology, and commerce can be harnessed to multiply business potential. Her appreciation for fostering a thriving team and culture underscores her knack for motivating, mentoring, and retaining diverse top talent, aligning individual passions with strategic opportunities. As President of the Tracy-Locke group of companies at Omnicom, Tina has developed and steered its Compelling Commerce platform which provides clients with industry-leading omni-commerce innovations and creative solutions that connect to culture and inspire people to buy into brands and buy products. This build business for clients that include Pepsi, Diageo, Lego, FedEx, Pizza Hut, P&G and Kellogg to name a few. Under her leadership, Tracy-Locke has soared, solidifying its position among the industry's most respected, and sought-after brand and commerce-building communications agencies with award-winning creative industry achievements that include Cannes Lions, Effies and ANA REGGIES. Prior to joining Tracy-Locke in 2021, Tina built a 23+ year career at FCB and Interpublic Group where she founded and led FCB/RED, an award-winning shopper, digital and commerce agency. Before FCB/RED she served as Global Retail Officer for FCB Global, and Chief Retail Marketing Officer at Draft Chicago. Her experience spans many industries and includes several industry “firsts”. Named Advertising Woman of the Year in 2019 by the Chicago Advertising Federation, Tina has earned numerous recognitions over the course of her career. They include Woman of Excellence award from the Path to Purchase Institute, the Retail leadership Award from the Asia Retail Congress, and President of the Jury for Activation for both Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity and Spikes Asia. As a speaker, advisor and faculty member of several global and US advertising industry forums, Tina continues to help shape the future of her industry and on the community front, she also serves on the boards of both the Off the Street Club, Chicago’s oldest boys and girls club, and the Chicago Foundation for Women. Tina is an advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion and was one of the original signers of #timesupadvertising and an early supporter of the Free the Bid initiative. A devoted wife and mom, Tina and her husband John have three children, including a daughter who is now in advertising. She also boasts 10 godchildren and an extended, big fat Greek family. Website: https://tracylocke.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinamanikas/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/tinaman Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tinamanik/  

Ever feel like an impostor in your own success story? That's exactly the experience co-founder and partner of Cardone Ventures, Natalie Dawson, intricately navigated. She transformed this so-called 'imposter syndrome' into a secret weapon for success, thereby creating a compelling narrative of resilience and self-improvement. Navigating the challenging waters of a high-level leadership position at 23, falling in love with a man 25 years her senior and rejecting the stereotype of the 'trophy wife'—Natalie's journey is anything but conventional. She embodies an ethos of continuous learning and improvement with her favourite mantra, 'Google that shit'. Encouraging her team to tackle the unfamiliar with relentless curiosity is testament to her groundbreaking approach. An Amazon best-selling author, Natalie offers in-depth insight into her successful methodology in her book, 'TeamWork.' She shares wisdom on constructing efficient teams and embracing pressure as a privileged opportunity. Her take on mentorship is to keep queries specific and purposeful, rather than a vague 'can I pick your brain?' If you find your inner voice bombarding you with doubts, questioning your rightful position at the table, this powerful podcast will serve as an inspiring guide. Tune in, gain insights, and empower your journey with Natalie Dawson. Be sure to subscribe, share and leave us a review. Let's redefine success together! 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 Natalie. Highlights: [02:55] Natalie’s career path and discovering her value [08:22] Leaning into who you are [08:25] Embracing and communicating your value [13:24] Overcoming limiting beliefs [16:56] Facing tasks you’ve never done before [19:35] How Natalie stays ahead [19:01] The secret of teamwork [21:36] Asking for and dealing with feedback [24:41] Leveraging your community [27:43] Aligning teams with business objectives [30:53] Advice to young professionals who want to pivot in their careers [36:09] Lightning round questions Quotes: “My biggest fear was imposter syndrome, and the way I got over it was I really didn’t have a choice.” – Natalie Dawson “When you become great at something, you love that thing because you’re rewarded for being great.” – Natalie Dawson “Pressure is a privilege.” – Natalie Dawson Lightning Round Questions: What book has greatly influenced you? - “Beyond Positive Thinking” by Robert Anthony What is your favorite inspiring quote or saying? - "Success is my duty.” by Grant Cardone What is one word or moniker you would use to describe yourself? - Passionate What is one change you've implemented that made your life better? - Going to bed at 9:30 and using the Super Human app for emails. What power song would you want playing as you walk out onto a stage? - "Peaches” by Justin Bieber About Natalie Dawson: Natalie Dawson is an expert in developing people and building scalable teams. She has interviewed, hired, trained, and led thousands of employees over the course of her career, most recently as Co-Founder and Partner of Cardone Ventures, a management consulting, joint ventures, and private equity firm that helps business owners achieve their personal, professional, and financial goals through the growth of their business. With no cost of capital, no outside investment, in 30 months Cardone Ventures has generated 60 million in revenue and over 30 million in EBITDA. Natalie is responsible for the operations and finding, hiring, aligning, developing and retaining the team that allows the business to scale profitably. Having attended the London School of Economics, Natalie uses her unique blend of operational and financial skill sets to align employees with the business objectives--for measurable returns on investment. She is a #1 Amazon best seller for her book “TeamWork” which details exactly how she has built a highly engaged, highly aligned, high performance team in order to accommodate the business opportunity and growth. Links: Natalies Instagram Natalies Tik Tok Natalies Website Natalies Twitter Natalies "WorkWoman" Podcast Cardone Ventures Events Page

"Remember, ‘Life is not a dress rehearsal’." This vital fatherly wisdom from Robin Wheeler’s childhood resonates in each step of her successful journey. As the Chief Revenue Officer at Fetch, Robin lives by this credo, becoming a risk-taker who skillfully transforms every challenge into an opportunity. She unveils her exceptional journey navigating significant roles at industry powerhouses such as People Magazine, AOL, Twitter, and intricately weaves a narrative of how her success required a move across the country to integrate her career with her personal life. Robin brings to light the critical elements of her success, primarily her daring choice of venturing into the less-traveled path and embracing challenges outside her comfort zone. She identified her super power for connecting with people and influencing through sales. With an unwavering belief in her value, she recomposes our understanding of self-worth: trusting ourselves and knowing the remarkable skills we bring to the table. This episode untangles the bustling knitting of a thriving career and mothering twins. Hear from Robin herself about her effective strategies surrounding work-life integration and the importance she assigns to downtime expectations. 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 Robin. Highlights: [03:03] Robin’s background and path to Twitter [08:51] Adapting & evolving [11:45] Knowing your strengths [14:37] Leveraging your community [19:22] How to make decisions and avoiding analysis paralysis [22:52] Work/life integration [27:37] Lightning round questions Quotes: “People are at the heart of sales.” – Robin Wheeler “You have to trust the value that you’re bringing and know that you belong in that role.” – Robin Wheeler “If work/life balance means you have to take a step back, that doesn’t mean you’re failing, that doesn’t mean you’re not growing, it just means that’s what’s right for you at the moment.” – Robin Wheeler Lightning Round Questions: What book has greatly influenced you? - “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success” by Carol Dweck What is your favorite inspiring quote or saying? - "Life is not a dress rehearsal.” And “Mind over matter, anything is achievable.” And “Comparison is the thief of joy.” What is one word or moniker you would use to describe yourself? - Authentic What is one change you've implemented that made your life better? - Getting outside at least once a day. What power song would you want playing as you walk out onto a stage? - "Confident” by Demi Lovato About Robin Wheeler: Robin Wheeler is a strategic and inspirational Global leader with over 20 years of experience leading revenue teams. She has a strong track record of building high performing teams from the ground up and leading existing teams through change and turnarounds. A data driven decision maker, Robin is adept at successfully navigating the challenges of fast paced and constantly evolving industries in order to drive results. Robin currently serves as the Chief Revenue Officer at Fetch, a consumer engagement and rewards platform. In her role she oversees the sales team and partners with the biggest names across consumer packaged goods, retail and restaurants to help them leverage Fetch’s unique data and engaged user base to drive measurable results for their businesses. Prior to Fetch, Robin spent 11 years at Twitter where she held various leadership roles throughout that tenure. In addition to overseeing the Consumer Packaged Goods team and the Technology and Telecom team, Robin also launched a new division targeted at mid-market businesses. Robin also spent time as the Global Head of MoPub, Twitter’s mobile app monetization platform, overseeing the Supply Team, the Demand Team, Marketing, Analytics and Operations in the US, UK, Japan, Singapore and Dublin. Robin also served as Twitter’s Vice President, US Client Solutions, where she oversaw the team that serviced the largest brands all the way through to the Customer Success team who onboarded new small businesses. Prior to Twitter, Robin worked for AOL, Time Inc and US News and World Report and started her career on the agency side at TBWA\Chiat\Day LA where she worked on the Apple business. Robin also sits on the board of Sliide, a mobile technology company, based in the UK. Robin holds a Bachelor of Arts from Villanova University. When Robin isn’t working she loves spending time traveling with her family, snowboarding, hiking with her dogs and working out at F45. She resides in the Bay Area in Northern California with her husband and twin teenage daughters. Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-partenheimer-wheeler/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/robinw

Meet Rati Sahi Levesque, President and Chief Operating Officer at The RealReal. Rati worked with her co-founder Julie Wainwright to grow the business from the ground up, all the way to taking the company public in 2019, while fundamentally transforming the retail industry. Rati’s journey is a true testament to resilience. Raised in a hardworking environment, her entrepreneurial spirit was nurtured from a young age as she observed her parents deal with the demands of being small business owners. Rati faced her own challenges as she strived to reconcile her dual identity - as an American and as the child of Indian immigrants. These life experiences gave birth to her tenacity, forcing her to adapt quickly and constantly push the boundaries - whether it was dealing with rejection by investors, learning to level up as a leader in fast growing business, or making timely and tough decisions on a daily basis. Tune in and learn from Rati’s extraordinary journey of defying the odds and building a thriving business with over 32M members. In this episode, you will uncover the secret to making effective trade-offs in the face of complex problems, and how resilience triggers personal growth and drives success despite challenges. 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 Rati. Highlights: [03:02] What shaped Rati [07:43] Early career clarity [11:19] Knowing your value [14:30] Obstacles and fears Rati has overcome [17:33] Staying focused during volatile times and during setbacks [20:37] Making key decisions [23:30] The type of people that make you better [27:14] Getting by early on [28:29] Shifting to lead a larger organization [33:38] Having mostly female employees [35:55] Top 3 things to focus on [37:13] Rati’s company’s vision and how it drives their values [33:16] Building key business relationships [44:47] Lightning round questions Quotes: “Have a bias toward action.” – Rati Sahi Levesque “If you’re not staying up at night thinking “Oh I really wish we could do this one thing for ourselves”, then you’re not making trade offs.” – Rati Sahi Levesque “Sometimes you have to go on that journey of self-discovery to find your group, your people, and build resilience.” - Rati Sahi Lavesque “Being honest with yourself is the key to personal growth and success.” - Rati Sahi Lavesque “Believe in your vision, lead with data, and push through barriers to achieve your goals.” - Rati Sahi Lavesque Lightning Round Questions: What book has greatly influenced you? - “Circe” by Madeline Miller What is your favorite inspiring quote or saying? - "Between stimulus and response, there’s space, and that space is our power to choose our response, and in our response lies our growth and our freedom.” What is one word or moniker you would use to describe yourself? - Resilient What is one change you've implemented that made your life better? - Little things like sleeping, taking walks, or getting a massage. What power song would you want playing as you walk out onto a stage? - Anything by M.I.A. About Rati Sahi Levesque: As President and Chief Operating Officer, Rati oversees the company’s revenue channels and operations, including its rigorous authentication process, machine learning and AI tech developments, its operation centers and retail footprints, its team of master authenticators and experts, as well as its marketing and merchandising functions. In her tenure, Rati has developed a playbook when it comes to resale, helping teams including merchandising, operations, sales, retail and marketing understand how to leverage technology to scale TRR through all of its functions and channels. She has leveraged technology to lead the company to where it is today, helping to attract 32.5M+ members, keep 32.7M+ luxury items in circulation, and pay a total of more than $3.4B in cumulative commission payouts. Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rati-sahi-levesque-782b824/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealrati/

It can be challenging to balance personal authenticity with professional boundaries, but it's crucial for our overall well-being. A rewarding work-life involves authenticity, tapping into our passions, and finding the right support. In this interview, you’ll meet Theresa Ludvigson, Senior Vice President of People at Qualified, the #1 pipeline generation platform for Salesforce, where Theresa previously held multiple management positions. Theresa enthusiastically shares stories from her past experiences. She discusses the challenges of learning new skills when switching jobs and the importance of staying true to who you are. You’ll love her honesty, optimism, and electrifying energy. Theresa loves helping and coaching others and finding the right support to achieve that. Visit https://www.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 Theresa. Highlights: [02:22] Theresa’s career path [04:46] Overcoming fears and limiting beliefs [10:09] How to ask others for support [13:20] Tapping into your passion [15:59] Staying ahead of the curve [18:15] Knowing your limits and saying no [21:02] Leading by example [22:36] How to integrate work with life [25:25] Finding mentors & building relationships [28:20] Finding clarity and direction in the workplace [31:22] Creating and promoting your personal brand [33:16] Lightning round questions [37:46] Where to find Theresa online Quotes: “Simply asking ‘Hey, how can I support you?’ opens up the door and allows an individual to share how you can best help them.” – Theresa Ludvigson “Leading with transparency and authenticity is key.” – Theresa Ludvigson Lightning Round Questions: What book has greatly influenced you? - Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery What is your favorite inspiring quote or saying? - “Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher.” - Oprah Winfrey What is one word or moniker you would use to describe yourself? - So Glam What is one change you've implanted that made your life better? - Caffeine to fuel my energy. What power song would you want playing as you walk out onto a stage? - “Hollaback Girl” by Gwen Stefani About Theresa Ludvigson: Theresa Ludvigson is the Senior Vice President of People at Qualified, the #1 pipeline generation platform for Salesforce. She joined the company in January of 2022 and leads Qualified's overall people experience strategy, which includes talent acquisition, leadership development, diversity and inclusion, compensation and benefits, HR operations and technology, and employee relations. Under her leadership, she’s created a team of employee-focused culture champions that touch every point of the employee lifecycle, and help Qualified employees feel empowered to do their best work while inspiring each other to learn and grow. Prior to Qualified, Theresa led global new hire onboarding, employee loyalty programs, and the alumni network as Vice President, Global Onboarding and Loyalty Programs at Salesforce. She also held positions in Talent Development, Employee Engagement, Sales Effectiveness, Customer Marketing, and Sales while at Salesforce.  Theresa holds degrees in Journalism and Ethnic Studies from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo and lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her two sons. Links: Website: https://www.qualified.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tludvigson/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/tludvigs

With a remarkable career journey that began in investment banking, Erika Irish Brown, Citi’s Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer and Global Head of Talent, shares how seeking guidance and sponsorship from unlikely sources propelled her career, inspiring young professionals to overcome barriers and find success in their own way. As a lifelong learner and dedicated advocate for giving back, Erika understands the importance of mentorship and sponsorship in achieving professional success. Hailing from a Caribbean family in Brooklyn, Erika's educational background and commitment to lifting up community have played key roles in shaping her successful career journey. In fact, she was brought up with the saying, "To whom much is given, much is required". As a successful professional in the world of investment banking, Erika Irish Brown knew that something was missing. She wanted to leave a lasting legacy and make a difference in the lives of others, particularly those with diverse backgrounds. This desire led her to take a leap of faith and transition into the world of diversity, equity, and inclusion, even before it became a recognized field. Along the way, Erika discovered the immense value of mentorship and the powerful role that sponsors play in supporting one's career growth. By harnessing the wisdom and guidance of these influential figures, Erika was able to unlock her full potential and create a lasting impact in her field. Join us to hear more about Erika’s inspiring story. 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 Erika. Highlights: [02:43] Erika’s path to success and what she’s learned along the way [10:19] Mentors & sponsors [18:13] Mentor relationships take work [18:15] Moving into the DEI space [25:26] Acculturating & embracing authenticity [29:40] Making hard decisions [33:58] Lightning round questions Quotes: "I started to be more successful when I started to use my voice and be my authentic self."– Erika Irish Brown “If you don’t ask, you don’t get.” – Erika Irish Brown "Nobody does it on their own and unfortunately, very often women and people of color are reluctant to ask for help because they view it as a sign of weakness or perhaps that they are less than." – Erika Irish Brown “Once you’ve had a track record of success, you can gain traction, and success begets success.” – Erika Irish Brown "I always felt like there was a business case for diversity from what I had experienced early on and approached it like a business." - Erika Irish Brown   Lightning Round Questions: What book has greatly influenced you? - “Becoming” by Michelle Obama What is your favorite inspiring quote or saying? - “Service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this earth.” – Shirley Chisolm What is one word or moniker you would use to describe yourself? - Resilient & tenacious What is one change you've implemented that made your life better? - Working out almost every day, no matter what. What power song would you want playing as you walk out onto a stage? - "I’m Every Woman” by Chaka Khan or “Brooklyn Go Hard” by Jay-Z About Erika Irish Brown: Erika is Citi’s Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer and Global Head of Talent, responsible for developing global diversity, equity and inclusion strategy and driving Citi’s agenda on talent planning, succession planning and leadership development. Prior to joining Citi, Erika was Chief Diversity Officer at Goldman Sachs from 2018 to 2021 and Global Head of Diversity and Inclusion at Bloomberg from 2015 to 2018. Prior to this, she led executive and diversity hiring efforts at Bank of America and Lehman Brothers. Erika's background includes a range of banking and finance roles, including Head of Business Development for Black Entertainment Television, Senior Associate in High Yield Capital Markets at Morgan Stanley and Senior Policy Analyst for Domestic Finance for the United States Department of the Treasury. She began her career as an Analyst in Public Finance at Lehman Brothers. Erika is Vice Chair of the Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation and serves on the Boards of Columbia Business School and the Riverside Hawks. Erika earned a BS in Economics from the State University of New York at Albany and an MBA from Columbia Business School. Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikairishbrown/

This conversation features the charismatic Jessica Doyle-Mekkes, a woman on a mission to transform women's approach towards public speaking. Rooted in her background as a performer and the head of East Carolina University's Musical Theater program, Jessica's unique insights aid women in breaking through traditional communication barriers. Her engaging work showcases the critical connection between performance anxiety in the arts and public speaking, offering women much-needed tactics to overcome fears, boost their confidence, and amplify their voices without fail. A seasoned performer and vocal coach, Jessica found a new passion in empowering women through their voices. Encouraged by the brilliant women in her life, Jessica embarked on a journey to help others articulate their needs and tackle tough conversations confidently. Her unique approach was shaped by her years of experience in the arts, her knowledge of voice research, and her work in combating performance anxiety. Jessica believes that the power of one's voice lies in muscular strength and proper hydration. Her emphasis on practical techniques like focusing on breath, maintaining abdominal flexibility, and preparing for different situations, has proved to be a real game-changer for many women, helping them reclaim their voice and use it more fearlessly. If you’re struggling with using your voice and looking for practical insights, this podcast is for you. 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 Jessica. Highlights: [02:38] Jessica’s journey and how she became an author [07:32] The power of your voice ad how to train and use it [13:05] How to address voice quivers [16:57] Overcoming stage fright [21:12] How to empower yourself when things don’t go right [26:01] Habits of success [31:47] Mentors, sponsors, and building strategic relationships [35:39] Lightning round questions Quotes: “A voice is something we all have.” – Jessica Doyle-Mekkes “The voice itself is largely made up of skeletal muscle, the same muscle we work in the gym, and so it can be trained.” – Jessica Doyle-Mekkes “Taking a pause or taking a breath is the ultimate opportunity to reset.” – Jessica Doyle-Mekkes “Don’t burn bridges, ever.” – Jessica Doyle-Mekkes Lightning Round Questions: What book has greatly influenced you? - “The New Science of Learning How to Learn in Harmony with Your Brain” by Terry Doyle (my dad) and Todd Zakrajsek What is your favorite inspiring quote or saying? - "I’m not good, I’m not nice, I’m just right." – Stephen Sondheim (Into the Woods) - “When opportunity knocks, answer the door, even if you’re in your bathrobe.” – Dolly Parton What is one word or moniker you would use to describe yourself? - Appassionato (musical term that means passion) What is one change you've implemented that made your life better? - Getting up early. What power song would you want playing as you walk out onto a stage? - "Roar” by Katy Perry About Jessica Doyle-Mekkes: Jessica Doyle-Mekkes is the Head of Musical Theatre at East Carolina University where she has taught voice and vocal pedagogy since 2017. Jessica has spent the last 15 years studying the human voice and working as a vocal coach for actors, singers, and public speakers. An internationally published writer and sought after clinician, her debut book, I’m Speaking: every woman’s guide to finding your voice & using it fearlessly comes out October 2023 from Rowman & Littlefield and was recently listed as one of the publisher’s most anticipated titles of 2023 with women at their forefront. Jessica works as a speaker, advisor, and clinician to individuals, groups, NGO’s and businesses small and large teaching women how to harness the power of their voices: in their heads & out of their mouths. “I don’t believe in lowering the pitch of a woman's voice so she can be heard on a microphone that was made for a man. I don't believe that the natural sound of a woman's voice makes her sound 'annoying' or 'unintelligent.' I do believe that all women are capable, by making small, specific changes, to speak in a way that both reflects who she is and commands a room.” – Jessica Doyle-Mekkes Jessica lives in Greenville, NC with her husband Don, their daughters Tallulah and Jolie, and a codependent chihuahua named Sebastian. Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicadoyle-mekkes/

Welcome to a powerful episode that dives deep into the world of grit, goal-setting, and uplifting female relationships. Our guest, Caroline Miller, is no stranger to overcoming challenges, including overcoming bulimia during her teenage years, which was fueled by the immense pressure she faced due to her family's emphasis on excellence. In this captivating conversation, Caroline shares her insights on why women sometimes struggle to support each other, the impact of "mean girls," and how to identify a "frenemy." Caroline's expertise draws from extensive research and real-world experience, spanning from Wall Street to prestigious schools. She offers a fresh perspective on self-promotion and reveals the hidden lessons we can learn from a unique tribe of women in southwest China. Join us for this inspiring and eye-opening journey as we explore the intricacies of female dynamics, tackle the challenges of mean girls and frenemies, and unlock the secrets to becoming empowering leaders. Don't miss out on this opportunity to transform your relationships and elevate your potential. 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 Caroline. Highlights: [02:55] Caroline’s background [08:08] Leveraging your networks [17:57] Women supporting women [22:30] Realizing who will support you [27:55] Self-promotion [34:47] Unconscious envy of others and pruning your friends [39:08] Lightning round questions Quotes: “To stop dying alone, we have to start living together.” – Caroline Miller “If you amplify the good news, success, or big idea of another woman, and do it with witnesses, that’s when there is real evidence that you are that woman who walks the walk.” – Caroline Miller “When someone you know gets something you wish you had, overcome that twinge of envy and say, ‘That’s great, tell me more.’” – Caroline Miller "Set hard goals, overcome obstacles, and help other people to accomplish goals."– Caroline Miller "Most people think that we're going to see time travel before we see gender parity. That's insane."– Caroline Miller Lightning Round Questions: What book has greatly influenced you? - “Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott and“CEO Excellence: The Six Mindsets That Distinguish the Best Leaders from the Rest” by Carolyn Dewar, Scott Keller, and Vikram Malhotra What is your favorite inspiring quote or saying? - "You can’t keep what you don’t give away.” What is one word or moniker you would use to describe yourself? - Fun What is one change you've implemented that made your life better? - When I hear about another woman’s success, I’ve trained myself to be happy and enthusiastic about it, and now it’s the most natural behavior in my life. What power song would you want playing as you walk out onto a stage? - "I Am Woman” by Helen Reddy About Caroline Miller: Caroline is one of the world’s leading positive psychology experts on Goals & Grit TM. Caroline is passionate about helping people get more grit, achieve their goals, and find happiness. She’s spent more than 30 years helping individuals, leaders, and companies cultivate grit, one of the top indicators of success and flourishing. Caroline is the author of eight books, including global bestsellers Getting Grit, Creating Your Best Life, and My Name is Caroline. Live Happy Magazine named Creating Your Best Life one of the top 10 goal-setting books ever published and Getting Grit one of the 10 books that would change your life in 2017. Lifehack ranked Creating Your Best Life as the #1 goal accomplishment book of all time in 2019. Caroline’s work has been featured in hundreds of magazines, newspapers, and other media worldwide including BBC World News, The New York Times, The Washington Post, NBC, NPR, and CNN. Angela Duckworth, the winner of the 2013 MacArthur Genius grant for her research on grit, said of Caroline: “I don't know anybody who has thought more than [Caroline] about how to apply the scientific research on grit and achievement to our own lives!" Caroline has worked with clients worldwide, including Morgan Stanley, lululemon, The Wharton School/UPENN, RE/MAX, Booz Allen, Young Presidents’ Organization, Harvard Law School, Blizzard Entertainment, ScanSource, Coldwell Banker, and Swisse Wellness. Caroline has a Masters of Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania, and she graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University. Links: Website: https://www.carolinemiller.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolineadamsmiller/