BEYOND BARRIERS

Jessica Gelman learned a lot about structuring her time and connecting people when she was a point guard for her basketball team at Harvard. Now, she's a busy CEO, leader and mom who's great at organizing her time and others. In this conversation about leading, sports and relationships, Jessica shares her success secrets and staying connected. Jessica has always been involved in sports and feels like it has shaped who she is. Being first at something doesn't bother her at all, in fact, she thrives on being different. As a mom, she finds prioritizing her time to be one of her biggest challenges. She loves to help people, but tells us about how she has come to terms with balancing helping others with spending time with her family. She feels mentors and sponsors come in all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds. Join us in this interesting conversation about leadership in today's world that you don't want to miss. 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 Jessica. Highlights: [02:41] Jessica's background [10:32] Secrets to her success & what she loves about sports [11:15] Helping others and prioritizing time [15:08] The barriers women face at work [21:54] Overcoming limiting beliefs [25:44] Daily habits of success [28:57] Being a leader [32:44] The role mentors has played in her career [37:33] Lighting round questions Quotes: "I have found that data is an equalizer and leveled the playing field for me in the business world." – Jessica Gelman "The concept of coaching is really important." – Jessica Gelman "I think my role is to clear out obstacles and enable people to do their jobs better." – Jessica Gelman "There are a lot of different ways to define mentors or supporters or sponsors." – Jessica Gelman Lightning Round Questions: What book has greatly influenced you? "Atlas Shrugged" by Ayn Rand What is your favorite inspiring quote or saying? "Having confidence in myself is the difference between happiness and constant questioning." What is one word or moniker you would use to describe yourself? Connector What is one change you've implanted that made your life better? Listening fully. What power song would you want playing as you walk out onto a stage? "All Fired Up" by Pat Benatar About Jessica Gelman: Jessica Gelman is an experienced CEO, industry leader, and entrepreneur with a data-driven, customer-centric approach to innovation. She is the CEO of Kraft Analytics Group (KAGR), a technology and services company that helps sports & entertainment organizations get analytics right – increasing value and impact along the way. KAGR's data management platform, analytics and strategic services is driving industry redefinition through data and technology. KAGR's clients include all major US professional leagues, colleges, industry movers and in 2021, partnered with J.P. Morgan Private Bank. Prior to KAGR's creation in 2016, Jessica joined the Kraft Family in 2002 working for the sports properties (New England Patriot, Gillette Stadium and New England Revolution) where she led business operations, marketing, & strategy for Kraft Sports & Entertainment. Jessica co-founded and continues to co-chair the highly regarded MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference, the first and largest analytically focused sports conference. Previous speakers have included President Barack Obama, Adam Silver, Steve Ballmer, Nate Silver, and many other sports and analytics luminaries. Jessica has received recognition for her leadership and innovation, including the 2014 Sports Business Journal "Forty under 40" which honors the most promising young executives in sports business under the age of 40 and in 2012 Sports Business Journal's "Game Changers," which honors women who are leading and innovating in sports business. Jessica earned an MBA from Harvard Business School and a BA, cum laude from Harvard College. While at Harvard, she was selected as Harvard Female Athlete of the Year and in 2018 was honored as an Ivy League Legend of Basketball. She is an elected board member of the Harvard Varsity Club. Additionally, she is a board member for Peace Players International and Shooting Touch. Gelman and her wife have two sons and reside in the greater Boston area. Links: LinkedIn URL: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-gelman/

Courtney Wright didn't expect to be a leader, but she has distinguished herself with both grit and grace. With supportive parents who told her she could do anything she set her mind to, it never occurred to her that being a woman could hold her back. And it didn't. She founded CDW Merchants, the leading provider of 3D visual retail displays and e-commerce gift packaging for the nation's top retailers, including Kate Spade, Sperry's and Club Monaco. In 2016, Courtney packaged CDW for the last time and sold it to a billion-dollar global company. Listen as she shares what she's learned about what it takes to be a great CEO: landing the biggest deals, hiring the best people, and staying grounded in vision. She recently launched her inspired podcast, Lady Boss by Courtney Wright. Courtney is a big believer in using life plans and written goals to get where you want in life. Routines define her days, including her typical 430am rise to gain an edge with a few more productive hours. She focuses on customer-centered values and the top 20 relationships in her life, and she listens and gives generously. She's a calculated risk-taker who is both thorough and thoughtful about the moves she makes. I learned so much from Courtney today about making plans and following through, and we hope you do too. 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 Courtney. Highlights: [02:33] Courtney's journey [04:10] How she narrowed in on her goals [06:47] Forming a life plan [08:17] Becoming a leader [09:22] Overcoming imposter syndrome [11:31] Building a personal brand [16:33] Taking risks [19:02] Staying grounded [21:17] Building relationships [23:30] Being the only female leader [26:42] Being bold as a female leader [28:29] Lightning round questions Quotes: "Your subconscious brain is 60,000 times more powerful than your conscious brain." – Courtney Wright "The biggest investment I ever made in my business was peer to peer learning." – Courtney Wright "The time away from your task list is when you move your career and plans forward." – Courtney Wright "I take away as much stress in my life as I can because that's not what I operate the best." – Courtney Wright Lightning Round Questions: What book has greatly influenced you? I'm a skimmer, so any build-to-sell book. What is your favorite inspiring quote or saying? "If you do the work and grind every day and do the time, everything happens." What is one word or moniker you would use to describe yourself? Grind/hustle What is one change you've implanted that made your life better? I try to delegate everything but genius. What power song would you want playing as you walk out onto a stage? Anything by Prince. About Courtney Wright: Courtney Wright has the equation for success … stay curious, listen to feedback, fail a lot and make time for friends and family. Coco's (all her friends call her Coco) tenacity begins at 4:30AM when she begins to connect the dots. She's always laser focused on her master plan. The five-decade old business bombshell is New England born, but calls Illinois home after attending Lake Forest College. She founded CDW Merchants, the leading provider of 3D visual retail displays and e-commerce gift packaging for the nation's top retailers, including Kate Spade, Sperry's and Club Monaco. In 2016, Courtney packaged CDW for the last time and sold it to a global billion-dollar company. Free time isn't her thing … quickly she jumped on an opportunity to buy a company she worked with closely, a vendor to CDW. The downtime didn't last long, in 2016 she bought Gemini Builds It (F/K/A Gemini Moulding). Since the deal closed, she saved 60 jobs, bought a business to close the gap on outsourcing and offered 401K and continuing education to the staff. Gemini is housed in a 50,000 square-foot manufacturing center in Elgin, but Courtney has her mind set to double the growth of the business in a year and bring the sales team to Chicago ... she's one woman making manufacturing cool in Chicago. Wright wants women to know they can have their cake and eat it too. She has been married to her life and business partner, Larry, for the past 21 years. They live in Winnetka and have two sons. She prides herself on never missing either of her boys sporting events and stopping to smell the sweet scent of success. Links: Website: https://www.geminibuildsit.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneywright1/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stories/ladyboss.podcast/2969347327464033922/ & https://www.instagram.com/courtneywright.co/

McKinsey estimates that there is 3 trillion dollars of economic opportunity that we are missing out on because women aren't fully empowered at work. And yet, the data clearly shows that when women lead, share performance and profits go up 50%. Results are more powerful when everyone is empowered. This is the insight that brought the four founders of Beyond Barriers together. We came from diverse leadership backgrounds with a common goal: to close the gender gap at work and expand economic opportunity for everyone. Listen to co-founders and friends Nikki Barua, Laura Ricketts, Brooke Skinner Ricketts, and Monica Marquez discuss their journey to build the world's only career fitness platform and help women go further, faster. Visit https://www.gobeyondbarriers.com where you will find show notes and links to all the resources in this episode. Highlights: [00:41] Founders' introduction [01:00] Closing the gender gap mission [03:26] Monica's path to forming Beyond Barriers [05:17] Nikki's journey to following her dreams [07:31] The birth of Beyond Barriers [09:39] The gender gap is not just a diversity issue [10:58] How Beyond Barriers helps companies [12:16] The power of the collective [14:48] How Laura entered the Beyond Barriers organization [16:19] Each team members' power song Quotes: "What if we could truly democratize access for millions of women around the world?" – Nikki Barua "The gender gap actually reduces GDP worldwide." – Nikki Barua "There's more power when everyone is fully empowered." – Brooke Skinner Ricketts "There's no way that any enterprise can fully reach its full potential or any society can reach its full potential without individuals reaching their full potential." – Laura Ricketts About Nikki Barua: Nikki Barua is a digital innovator, serial entrepreneur, author & speaker. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thenikkibarua/ Website: https://www.nikkibarua.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thenikkibarua/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenikkibarua/ About Monica Marquez: Monica Marquez is a senior corporate leader, ex-Googler, and diversity expert. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themonicamarquez/ Website: https://themonicamarquez.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMonicaMarquez/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themonicamarquez/ About Brooke Skinner Ricketts: Brooke Skinner Ricketts is a c-suite executive, growth strategist and board director LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brookericketts/ About Laura Ricketts Laura Ricketts is an entrepreneur, investor, political activist and community advocate LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-ricketts-734953230/

"Having a variety of people you mentor keeps you in sync with what's happening today." – Dora Maria Abreu, Global Partner Training Lead at AWS & ERG Leader, Amazon. Bold leaders like Dora know the importance of mentoring people who aren't like you to gain new perspectives. In this episode, she encourages us to seek relationships outside our comfort zone by thinking outside the box and letting go of the belief that "you need people who look like you." Tune into Monica Marquez and Dora Maria Abreu discussing her mentorship journey in male-dominated industries where she often found herself as the "only" – and how diversity in mentoring can help leaders stay ahead. Visit www.iambeyondbarriers.com where you will find show notes and links to all the resources referenced in this episode, including the best way to get in touch with Dora. Highlights: [02:14] Dora's story [04:06] Switching lanes and accelerating success [06:02] Overcoming limiting beliefs [08:18] Showing up with confidence [11:40] Staying ahead of the curve in the digital age [14:41] Juggling competing professional and personal priorities [18:05] Building your community [24:50] Getting over the fear of networking [28:48] Who would you love to learn from [31:58] Dora's superpower [34:20] The key to accelerating success Quotes: "Don't have just one mentor. Get a variety of mentors, so you can get different perspectives." – Dora Maria Abreu "Take a moment and celebrate the wins." – Dora Maria Abreu "Having a variety of people that you mentor keeps you in sync with what's happening today." – Dora Maria Abreu "I frame a lot of what I do by thinking about how to make things happen so that I can help others." – Dora Maria Abreu "Go into networking events with good intentions and assume positive intentions of others as well. That's the key to positive outcomes." – Dora Maria Abreu About Dora Maria Abreu: Dora is a Global Partner Training Lead at AWS & ERG Leader for Amazon. In her previous roles she has been an avid technology and education professional. Dora has progressive work experience in IT Support and as a Software Engineer / Developer, IT Support, Trainer, Educator but also in career, professional and personal development skills. She has worked in the Technology, Education, Telecommunications, Aerospace and Financial sectors. Dora has received a Bachelors of Science in Computer Information Systems and Applied Math and a Master's of Science in Management Information Systems as well from Stony Brook University and then a Master's of Education in Technological Information Systems from Columbia University. Outside of work, you can find her on some adventure with her family and friends, listening to audiobooks/podcasts, reading books, helping youth of all ages and community at large through mentoring, coaching and providing a variety of programs and workshops on internship preparation, leadership / professional development such as public speaking as well technical classes for those within and outside the STEM field. By being part of the John C. Maxwell Team / Toastmasters she has been able to build on these skills and reach a wider audience. She enjoys music, dance, movies, sports, photography and poetry. Links: LinkedIn: dmabreu Instagram: dmabreu Twitter: dmabreu

Many barriers stand in the way of a Latina pursuing a career in STEM... from societal and familial norms to high school counselors telling Latinas, and other women for that matter, "maybe you'd be better suited majoring in something else." This experience has been the case for decades. Even if one pushes past discrimination, there are still challenges with a lack of resources, support, and the isolation of being "the only" in the room. The numbers say it all: Only 2 percent of Latinas held science and engineering positions, as reported by the National Science Foundation. And that number hasn't changed much in the last seven years. But for Latinas in academia, STEM, and beyond – embracing technology and the power of community are key to accelerating success. In this episode, Isaura Gaeta, Vice President of Security Research, Intel Product Assurance & Security Engineering at Intel Corporation, leads by example in her respective field and shares her story to encourage and empower the next generation of Latinas in STEM. Highlights: [03:51] Isaura's journey [07:53] Overcoming limiting beliefs [09:51] Building relationships [15:28] First experience in corporate [18:50] Gaining access to influential leaders [22:47] Raising your hand for opportunities [24:33] Building your personal brand [27:09] Tips for achieving your goals [29:39] Staying ahead of the curve [32:24] Opportunities for the Latino community [36:41] Accelerating success in the digital age Quotes: "Engineering is about helping people. It's about making our lives better." – Isaura S. Gaeta "Always give more than you get back." - Isaura S. Gaeta "Remind yourself that you have information that is valuable to share and if you don't share it, then you may not make the progress that is needed." – Isaura S. Gaeta "Quell that little voice that is telling you that you're not good enough or you're not supposed to be here. Stand up and say - Yes, I am supposed to be here." - Isaura S. Gaeta "Be confident about sharing and asking for what you want." - Isaura S. Gaeta About Isaura S. Gaeta: Isaura leads an engineering team focused on hardware security research including penetration testing, physical attack mechanisms, and outreach to academia. Previously she was GM of systems engineering in the Platform Engineering Group and was responsible for optimizing engineering execution capacity, quality management systems, and operational excellence for a global engineering organization of 18k people. A 30-year veteran of Intel, Gaeta spent the first two decades of her Intel career developing various semiconductor processing technologies. Her work during that period led to two patents and five Intel Achievement Awards, the company's highest recognition. Gaeta holds bachelor's and master's degrees in electrical engineering from Stanford University. She founded Intel's Network of Executive Women for the Latin America region and was the chair of Intel's Hispanic Leadership Council. Outside of Intel, she serves on the board of the Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley where she chairs the Nominating and Governance committee. The Hispanic IT Executive Council has recognized her six times in the top 100 Hispanic professionals in the IT industry. Links: LinkedIn: isaura-s-gaeta-1a50262 Twitter: IsauraGaeta

Lexi B didn't grow up dreaming about working in the world of tech. In fact, she assumed anyone in the tech industry was skilled in coding, so a career in the tech world was just simply out of reach. So, imagine her surprise to now find herself in a Chief of Staff role for key leaders at Twitter. However, it is really no surprise that Lexi B forged her way into a leadership role. From an early age, Lexi has been a connector. Even as a freshman in her Stanford dorm, she realized that while her peers may not have important connections as 18-year-olds, their parents and relatives did. It was that moment that Lexi B discovered the power of community and her first networks were formed sparking her non-traditional path into Tech. Lexi's a vibrant leader who believes in promoting other's good work and providing them the tools to do their jobs well. Join us as we hear all about Lexi's path and what earned her a leadership position at Twitter. Visit www.iambeyondbarriers.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 Lexi. Highlights: [02:24] Lexi B's background and how she got into the tech industry [05:32] Lexi B's definition of success starting out [07:50] Creating a personal brand [14:05) Overcoming limiting beliefs and fears [20:14] Getting help from mentors who don't look like you [25:33] How to ask people for help and to not feel like a burden [30:07] Staying authentic even in success and leadership guidance from mentors [38:19] Habits and rituals that help in uncertainty [44:05] Lightning round questions Quotes: "Just because someone doesn't look like you, or identify with you, whatever identity layer that is, does not mean they can't pour into you in some capacity."– Lexi B "Your career is not just your career, it is personal." – Lexi B "If a bodyguard and a Power Ranger and a program manager and a strategy leader had a baby, that's how I look at my job." – Lexi B Lightning Round Questions: What book has greatly influenced you? "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou, "Shoe Dog" by Phil Knight, and anything by Toni Morrison. What is your favorite inspiring quote or saying? From my mom: "Do you boo." From my dad: "All you have to do in this world is stay black and die." What is one word or moniker you would use to describe yourself? Candid, to a fault. What is one change you've implanted that made your life better? I got clarity on what I wanted to be when I grow up. What power song would you want playing as you walk out onto a stage? "Rhythm Nation" by Janet Jackson and anything by Janelle Monáe. About Lexi B: 2020 WomenTech Network "Speaker of The Year" winner and one of Silicon Valley's most candid and prominent voices, Alexandria "Lexi B." Butler is an expert storyteller and workplace freedom fighter. Her expertise in career growth and branding, executive leadership, and workplace equity have graced the world's most enormous stages, including Stanford University, Anita B. Org's Grace Hopper Celebration, Perspektywy Women In Tech Summit, Facebook, Instagram and many more. A program manager at one of the largest tech companies globally, she is frequently tapped to share her thought-provoking advice and opinions on how to create a more equitable work environment. In April 2017, Lexi B founded Sista Circle: Black Women in Tech. Today, it is one of the largest virtual communities of its kind to exist, boasting a 10,000+ membership of professional women from over 72 countries in tech and tech-adjacent careers. This international society has been nationally and locally recognized by Instagram, Youtube, Linkedin, Slack, Black Enterprise, Rolling Out, Phenomenally, The Ladders, Built-In, and more. The Stanford graduate and St. Louis, MO native believes, "people deserve to live the life that caters to their strengths and passions. By truly understanding what they need and offer, everyone can implement tools to realize their path and thrive." She shares her reflections and views on social media at @lexibspeaks. Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexibspeaks/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/LexiBSpeaks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexib/ Website: https://www.lexib.com/

Is your current job aligned with your passions? Do you have clarity on a career path that will get you to your desired level at your company? According to the Working Mother Research Institute, 77% of women say a top barrier to gender equity is a lack of information on how to advance in their careers. And only 15% of women say that they have clarity on career paths that lead to C-suite roles. Having clarity on your passions and career goals is critical for success. If you don't know where you're going, how can you expect to get where you want to be? In this episode, Monica discusses the focus on professional women during Women's History Month, shares how to find your Ikigai, and why it's important to career success. DISCOVER YOUR STRENGTHS & BARRIERS TO SUCCESS Take the free assessment and get your personalized report. Go to https://www.iambeyondbarriers.com/quiz Highlights: [00:40] The focus on professional women during Women's History Month [02:08] Is your career trajectory moving you towards the top? [02:34] Research findings from Working Mother Media [03:46] What is your Ikigai? [10:28] Gaining clarity on our career path Quotes: "Your Ikigai can be translated simply as a reason to get up in the morning." – Monica Marquez "Your passion is at the intersection of what you love and what you are good at." – Monica Marquez About Nikki Barua: Nikki Barua is a digital innovator, serial entrepreneur, author & 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 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

This is our last podcast episode of the 2021. And we're so grateful, honored and blown away by the amazing podcast guests we've had on our show this past year. So, we thought what better way to close out the year than to share with you a recap of some of the best and inspirational pearls of wisdom that our guests shared in 2021? In this episode, Nikki and Monica, share nuggets of wisdom from some of the best and brightest minds in business that have been generous in terms of sharing their learning experiences and their advice to all our listeners, every single episode is filled with all this incredible wisdom! We'd like to wish you a very Happy New Year from Beyond Barriers! Thank you for supporting us and our community of women worldwide. DISCOVER YOUR STRENGTHS & BARRIERS TO SUCCESS Take the free assessment and get your personalized report. Go to https://www.iambeyondbarriers.com/quiz Highlights: [00:57] Celebrating our 200 th episode [03:46] Most popular episode of the year [05:14] Recap of the top 20 episodes [24:44] Happy New Year from Beyond Barriers Quotes: "When you encounter a failure, think about what you can learn from it rather than replaying the event over and over in your head. Put the record player away and move forward with the lesson." – Kimberley Gardiner "Ask yourself what are the three most important things that you need to do today and focus on those." - Janet Van Huysse "Ask yourself, periodically, if you are limiting yourself or are you in a limited situation." - Stephanie Kinser "Every day you have an opportunity to determine your brand and how you want to be remembered." - Anna Dapelo Garcia "You're never 100% ready for that next role. The best way to really be ready is by doing it." - Michelle Frymire "When you are trying to develop your brand or your business, lead with the things that you want to leave people with, because that's what they're going to remember." - Shelly Rosensweig "Always be open to listening to everyone's advice but have the conviction to decide for yourself." – Fran Maier "Figure out what makes you feel confident. Because once you get that confidence and tame the voice inside your head, asking becomes easy." - Jennifer Prosek "Take baby steps towards tackling your fears and anxieties. If you get 1%better every day, imagine how much better you're going to be 365 days from now." - Sandra Lopez "It is important to manage your life around making sure that you're constantly learning." - Eileen Schloss "Life is the journey; it is not the station. Striving and solving problems is life." - Jennifer Lagaly "Talent exists everywhere, opportunity does not. It's about creating access and opportunity." - Ripa Rashid "Take the hard assignments at the beginning of your career because you learn exponentially more than you learn in taking the easy assignments." - Elisa Steele "Don't tell yourself no before somebody else has. Give them the opportunity to say no, but don't discount yourself." - Stacey Gordon "Realize that we are responsible for our careers, we own our careers, not the company, not your mentor, not your spouse, or your partner." - Shellye Archambeau "When given a choice, choose to play, you'll learn more than sitting on the sideline observing." - Selena Rezvani "Be genuine and intentional in sharing your story lest others tell it for you." - Ana Corrales "Learn how to manage your self-talk. You can make or break yourself just on your thoughts." - Shalini Vadhera "Success is like a 3-legged stool. The first leg is all about honing your talent. The second is refining your executive presence and the third comes as a result of the other two legs –gaining sponsorship from senior leaders." - Indhira Arrington "Leaders who hire people smarter than them will have a thriving group who can achieve great things." - Dr. Emily Drabant Conley About Nikki Barua: Nikki Barua is a digital innovator, serial entrepreneur, author & 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 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

Regardless of how big our dreams may be, we cannot get there without a compelling vision, specific goals, adaptable roadmap, and daily focus. Most people start out with big dreams but settle for broken ones. Isn't that the sad truth? That's why commitment matters. It helps you turn your dreams into your destiny. And when you are able to execute consistently, that's when you unlock high performance and accelerate success. In this episode, Monica shares why commitment matters, how goal achievement is linked to the habits we develop and the systems and tools we use, and how to create a clear and compelling vision both personally and professionally. DISCOVER YOUR STRENGTHS & BARRIERS TO SUCCESS Take the free assessment and get your personalized report. Go to https://www.iambeyondbarriers.com/quiz Highlights: [01:53] Why commitment matters [04:29] Goal achievement is about systems and tools [06:19] Creating a clear compelling long-term vision [07:58] How to start gaining clarity on your vision [10:17] What is your theme for the year? Quotes: "There is no magic pill for achieving your goals. It's adopting the tools, systems and habits in order to execute." – Monica Marquez "Our dreams and aspirations for the future determine where we're going to invest our time and energy every single day." – Monica Marquez About Nikki Barua: Nikki Barua is a digital innovator, serial entrepreneur, author & 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 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

Do you have clarity on what makes you valuable in the marketplace? Do your competencies align with what is in demand? According to a report from McKinsey & Company, by 2030, more than 800 million people will lose their jobs to automation. Could some of your tasks be easily automated? What percentage of your role might be automated in the future? In this day and age, it is important to understand what is growing in demand so that you can learn the skills and competencies needed for the future. In this episode, you'll learn how to keep track of market demand so you can position yourself in line with it. Highlights: [01:08] The effects of automation on the workforce [03:58] The shelf life of skills is getting shorter [04:34] Focus on solving business problems [06:55] Learning to run two races at the same time [07:32] Hacks to identify future demand [14:26] Homework for the week Quotes: "Digital transformation is unlocking organizations and making them faster, more efficient, more innovative, and ultimately creating more value for their customers." – Nikki Barua "You have to know exactly what is in demand so that you can develop the right skills." – Nikki Barua "Focus on solving a business problem and doing it in the fastest, most elegant, most effective way." – Nikki Barua "You have to run two races at the same time: be great at what you're doing today, while mastering the skills to be great at what you'll be doing tomorrow." – Nikki Barua "Your future is truly in your hands and you must start making changes today." – Nikki Barua About Nikki Barua: Nikki Barua is a digital innovator, serial entrepreneur, author & 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 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