BEYOND BARRIERS

Welcome to a journey of leadership, personal growth, and impactful change. Brooke Skinner Ricketts hosts an inspiring conversation with Melissa Healy, who shares her journey from creative director to SVP at Leo Burnett, focusing on Employee Belonging and Participation.

Melissa opens up about her evolution from early creative ambitions, through the trials of motherhood, to advocating for her disabled daughter. She illustrates how her unique, nonlinear path led to a fulfilling role that focuses on enhancing workplace culture and fostering employee engagement.

The conversation explores the profound importance of community building, cultural enrichment, and the pivotal role of personal values in driving business success and societal impact.

Melissa’s narrative is a testament to the power of authenticity, strategic relationships, and value-driven leadership.

Visit our website where you will find show notes and links to all the resources in this episode, including the best way to get in touch with our special guest.

On this episode of the Beyond Barriers Podcast, our host Brooke Skinner Ricketts welcomes Corey Jones, a visionary who has journeyed from engineering to the forefront of executive leadership as Co-Founder and CEO of PrismWork. Today we dive into a much needed conversation about re-thinking how we interact with each other at the workplace.

Corey’s story is not just about career transition but about revolutionizing leadership in an era where change is the only constant. With a focus on the pandemic’s impact on the workplace, Corey discusses the critical aspects of leadership that cater to the holistic needs of employees.

Listen as we explore the transformative power of empathy and inclusivity in crafting a successful organizational culture.

Visit our website where you will find show notes and links to all the resources in this episode, including the best way to get in touch with our special guest.

Get ready for an exhilarating dive into the world of vocal empowerment in today's episode! Join host Monica Marquez and her dynamic guests, Jessica Doyle Mekkes and Rebecca Simon, as they unravel the secrets to owning and celebrating your unique voice in the professional realm.

Jessica and Rebecca, who both champion authenticity at East Carolina University, are here to revolutionize the way you think about vocal identity amidst the pressures of conformity. They offer powerful strategies for mastering the art of public speaking and making your voice heard.

Rebecca Simon, a former Broadway star turned esteemed professor, shares her riveting journey from the dazzling lights of the stage to the inspiring halls of academia. She uses her rich experience in voice and dialect coaching to help individuals conquer self-doubt and confidently claim their voice.

Alongside her, Jessica has spent the last 15 years studying the science of the human voice. An internationally published writer and sought after clinician, she focuses on empowering women to unleash their vocal strength and impact the world around them.

Tune in to this episode and be inspired to transform how you use your voice, ensuring it not only resonates but also genuinely reflects your heritage and enriches your professional interactions. Don't miss out on this empowering journey to vocal mastery!

Visit our website where you will find show notes and links to all the resources in this episode, including the best way to get in touch with our special guests.

Brace yourself for an electrifying episode that vividly shows how our daily thoughts profoundly influence who we are. Join our host, Brooke Skinner Ricketts, as she engages with Yasmeen Duncan, Chief People Officer at the world-renowned Magnolia Bakery.

Yasmeen's life story is a compelling testament to the transformative power of self-belief and goal-setting, nurtured from a young age by her insightful mother. As she takes us through her exhilarating path as a woman of color in leadership roles across diverse industries, her experiences will captivate and inspire you. Yasmeen's commitment to her values and her journey toward self-realization are profound, offering vital lessons in resilience and authenticity.

Tune in as we dive deep into a conversation that promises to uplift, motivate, and empower you to embrace your unique journey towards success and fulfillment.

Visit our website where you will find show notes and links to all the resources in this episode, including the best way to get in touch with our special guest.

In today's episode, join our host Monica Marquez and our esteemed guest, Heather Black, Founder and CEO of Supermums, as we delve into a visionary approach to reshaping careers in the tech industry. Heather shares her compelling story of how a pivotal career shift, driven by personal transformations, led to the creation of Supermums. This forward-thinking organization is committed to empowering women, particularly those re-entering the workforce post-maternity, by opening doors to new opportunities within the tech sector, with a special focus on Salesforce roles.

In our conversation, Heather emphasizes the critical role of recognizing transferable skills, aligning with personal values, and the game-changing effects of career coaching. She also unpacks the concept of the "ambitious women mindset," which merges goals, energy, and boundaries to cultivate success and achieve work-life balance.

Join us as we dive deep into these empowering strategies that are not just career-changing but life-transforming.

Visit our website where you will find show notes and links to all the resources in this episode, including the best way to get in touch with our special guest.

Welcome to today's episode where we dive into the realms of leadership, resilience, and the transformative power of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Our host, Brooke Skinner Ricketts, embarks on a journey that unravels the essence of authentic leadership and the secret to sustaining energy and resilience at the pinnacle of professional success with our remarkable guest, Cynthia Soledad, a leader at Egon Zehnder’s Global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Practice.

Imagine navigating from the vibrant world of marketing to the impactful domain of DE &I, all while mastering the art of self-awareness and transitioning from a doer to a pivotal enabler. Cynthia opens up about her personal and professional evolution, sharing stories that illuminate the path to developing an authentic personal brand and the courage it takes to face and grow from professional setbacks.

So, are you ready to unlock the secrets that have propelled Cynthia Soledad to the forefront of leadership and advisory? Tune in to this episode for an enriching experience that might just redefine your approach to leadership, resilience, and the power of diversity and inclusion. Don't miss out on these invaluable lessons from the top.

Visit our website where you will find show notes and links to all the resources in this episode, including the best way to get in touch with our special guest.

Today we explore the remarkable story of Lisa Curtis, who went from Peace Corps volunteer to trailblazing Founder & CEO of Kuli Kuli Foods, a leading brand pioneering the sustainable superfood, moringa.

Discover the journey of how a quest for better nutrition in West Africa revealed the hidden gem of moringa, igniting the foundation of a superfood empire. From humble village origins to earning a spot on Forbes 30 Under 30, Lisa's rise is a tribute to resilience and the strength of community.

In her narrative, Lisa shares insights on conquering self-doubt, the critical role of fostering connections, achieving harmony between work and life, and the enduring impact of perseverance.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• Visit Kuli Kuli Foods website to purchase their products. Use the code BEYONDBARRIERS at checkout for a 20% discount on your purchase.
• Look for Kuli Kuli Foods products onAmazon or in 11,000 stores nationwide, including Whole Foods, Sprouts, and Walmart.

Visitour websitewhere you will find show notes and links to all the resources in this episode, including the best way to get in touch with our special guest.

In today's episode, our host Nikki Barua ventures into the world of someone whose story reads like a masterclass in resilience, ambition, and the art of leadership.

Our remarkable guest, Kira Kimball, Chief Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Officer at Marsh McLennan Agency, who has charted a path that's both inspiring and instructive. Kira’s journey proves that achieving one’s dreams is as much about the mindset we adopt as it is about the actions we take.

Kira opens up about the essence of staying fluid in the face of life’s inevitable changes, transforming every setback into a stepping stone toward growth. As we navigate the complexities of leadership, Kira reminds us that at the heart of effective leadership is the courage to be true to oneself.

Key Takeaways

• Be open to possibilities and embrace unexpected opportunities.
• Reframe setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning.
• Identify your strengths and passions, and align them with your career.
• Practice self-care and build a supportive community.
• Advocate for yourself and build strategic relationships.
• Stay focused on the purpose and impact of DEI initiatives.

If you’re looking for the spark to ignite your own journey, or if you’re in search of wisdom that comes from real-life experiences, you won’t want to miss this episode.

Visit gobeyondbarriers.com where you will find show notes and links to all the resources in this episode, including the best way to get in touch with our guest.

Step into the incredible story of Wendy Diamond, whose early entrepreneurial spirit set off a powerful movement in the world of women’s entrepreneurship.

This episode brings you Nikki Barua guiding an engaging conversation with Wendy Diamond, the innovative CEO and Founder of the Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Organization. Get ready to dive into Wendy’s journey as she shares the key moments and decisions that transformed her into a source of motivation and change for entrepreneurs everywhere.

Our special guest, celebrated for her creative and socially mindful approach to business, has truly made a difference. Come along as we explore the breadth of Wendy’s influence and the lasting impact of her efforts on women’s entrepreneurship across the globe.

For full show notes, visit our website.

Buckle up because this is no ordinary episode—it's a milestone! You are about to dive into the 300th episode of the Beyond Barriers podcast with host Monica Marquez and special guest Jaci Czarnecki Thompson, Experience Architect at Beyond Barriers. Five seasons of riveting interviews, cutting-edge strategies, and stories of triumph that will propel you forward in your career.

We don't just talk the talk; we walk it with the incredible individuals who have shattered barriers and soared to new heights. And guess what? You, our phenomenal listeners, have been the wind beneath our wings, inspiring us to push boundaries week after week.

Our mission is bold: to close the gender gap at work and unleash economic opportunities for everyone. Brace yourself because today, we give you an unprecedented look behind the scenes. It's time to seize control of your destiny, break down barriers, and ride the wave of unstoppable momentum towards the career you've always dreamed of. Let's make history together!

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Learn about career acceleration strategies for diverse professionals.
• Overcome career barriers for women and BIPOC with actionable insights.
• Gain clarity and courage in your career development for greater success.
• Increase impact and influence at work with effective strategies.
• Discover the benefits of our executive accelerator program for career growth.

For full show notes, visit our website.