BEYOND BARRIERS

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/

Get ready to be inspired by Dr. Virnitia Dixon, a powerhouse in the world of diversity, equity, and inclusion. With a background in insurance and strategy, Virnitia has spent her career helping organizations extract potential and build high-performing teams. After realizing her true passion for people and culture, she pursued her doctorate in organizational leadership and later transitioned into her current role as Chief Diversity Officer at Santander. Virnitia's unique approach to DEI emphasizes the power of human connection and community, making her a key voice in the industry.

Dr. Dixon introduces and discusses the SAM model (Sponsorship, Advocacy, and Mentorship), explaining that each element carries its distinct importance in career advancement. Through mentorship programs focused on skill development, career and cultural navigation in advocacy, and social capital investment in sponsorship, individuals can maximize their opportunities for growth and success.

Don't miss the chance to learn from her insights on continuous growth and success in today's world, taking risks and leading with passion and purpose to create human connections and bridge the gaps in our society.

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 Virnitia.

Highlights:

[02:38] Virnitia’s background
[08:10] Weighing risk vs. reward and saying yes
[10:45] Continuing to learn
[14:38] Building a community
[18:31] Finding mentors and sponsors
[23:43] Accepting feedback and listening to others’ truth about you
[28:52] Mindset and tapping into your authentic self
[32:14] Introspection and learning about yourself
[35:33] Lightning round questions

Quotes:
“Building bridges between people is the core of inclusion.” – Dr. Virnitia Dixon

“For me to be authentic and vulnerable, and share with you who I am, it opens the floor for you to do the same, and that’s how we create community.” – Dr. Virnitia Dixon

“The time in contemplation with oneself really helps us connect with others.” – Dr. Virnitia Dixon

Lightning Round Questions:
What book has greatly influenced you?

- “Good is Not Enough: And Other Unwritten Rules for Minority
Professionals” by Keith R. Wyche

What is your favorite inspiring quote or saying?

- Good better best. Never let it rest. Until your good is better and your better
is best.

What is one word or moniker you would use to describe yourself?
- Blessed (and privileged to serve)

What is one change you've implemented that made your life better?

- Understanding it’s the journey and not the destination. Knowing myself.
Having a balance of confidence and humility.

What power song would you want playing as you walk out onto a stage?

- "Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield

About Dr. Virnitia Dixon:

Dr. Virnitia Dixon is the Chief Diversity Officer and Head of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Office at Santander US. Prior to joining Santander, Dr. Dixon was an executive coach and consultant working with Fortune 500 senior executives to transform corporate culture through leadership development, organizational effectiveness, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Her background is primarily in financial services, where she previously held roles as a Corporate VP of Strategy for New York Life and VP of Operations for Travelers Property Casualty. Dr. Dixon is an Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (IPEC) certified professional coach and holds a Doctorate of Management in Organizational Leadership from the University of Phoenix, a Masters of Business Administration in Management, and a Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies, both from the University of Hartford.

A world traveler, patent-holder, speaker, and innovator, Dr. Hendricks is most proud of her work in the community where she supports charities focused on ensuring basic human needs. Dr. Dixon's life mission is "to be a blessing to the lives of many, one person at a time."

Links:

LinkedIn URL: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-virnitia-j-hendricks/

As a former Division 1 basketball captain, Jennifer learned leadership and resilience, skills she took with her as she pursued her law degree and eventually, her career in financial planning. Starting out as an advisor to others, Jen eventually formed, ran and sold her very successful practice. She is now the Chief Experience Officer and Partner at WestPoint Financial group, one of the largest advisory firms in the midwest.

Jennifer loves to solve problems and she loves getting to know the people she works with, mostly so that she can help them succeed. In this podcast, Jennifer emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence and managing your emotions at work. She talks about how vital patience and resilience are to being a good employee.

But Jennifer’s ultimate superpower? Her competitive nature. She says her athletic background has helped her deal with the complexity of her career.

On a personal note, Jennifer has had challenges with her health that led her to making self-care a priority. She balances pushing herself and meeting her goals with getting plenty of sleep and exercise. She doesn’t really believe in work/life balance but rather finding a perfect imbalance. This podcast is a wealth of insight and inspiration we’ve just touched on here, so join us as Jennifer shares her wisdom with us in this podcast.

Highlights:
[03:35] Jennifer’s professional timeline
[07:28] What she’s learned at work to be a better mom
[08:24] Lessons learned
[11:51] What to do when you get knocked down
[13:27] Her super power: competitiveness
[15:19] Division 1 background in basketball
[18:18] Great advice about being an introvert
[19:50] Importance of community
[22:31] The key to gaining clarity about career
[24:23] Being goal oriented
[26:15] What she wants her kids to know
[28:53] Jennifer’s daily habits
[30:11] Taking risks
[31:37] Forming a personal cabinet
[33:46] Modern communication and relationships
[35:50] Overcoming fears and limiting beliefs
[38:42] A typical day in Jennifer’s life
[41:51] Finding mentors and sponsors
[45:24] Looking back and moving forward
[48:04] Lightning Round Questions

Quotes:

“I always think, what else can we do better?” – Jennifer des Groseilliers

“Community develops over time because you have common interests and common activities you want to do together.” – Jennifer des Groseilliers

“I have discovered for myself there is no work-life balance. There’s just perfect imbalance at any given time.” – Jennifer des Groseilliers

Lightning Round Questions:

What book has greatly influenced you?

- “Fast. Feast. Repeat.” by Gin Stephens

What is your favorite inspiring quote or saying?

- "Left foot, right foot, breathe, repeat." Pat Summitt

What is one word or moniker you would use to describe yourself?
- Competitive

What is one change you've implemented that made your life better?

- Intermittent fasting.

What power song would you want playing as you walk out onto a stage?

- "No Roots" by Alice Merton

About Jennifer des Groseilliers:

Jennifer des Groseilliers has achieved many of her life goals, yet she has found her greatest success in helping others. A lawyer, award-winning financial service provider, wife, mother of three, and former Division 1 basketball captain, Jen is most proud of knowing that she has motivated and inspired others to succeed.

After practicing law for three years, Jen was drawn to financial planning as a way to make a positive impact on people’s lives. In 2001, she joined Ameriprise and discovered that her legal training provided her with keen insights into financial markets, tax ramifications of financial decisions, and financial planning strategies.

She quickly distinguished herself as a top financial advisor. The coaching and motivational skills she discovered as an athlete translated to business, and soon she was helping other advisors achieve similar success.

Fast-forward to today, Jennifer is now a Partner at WestPoint Financial Group (WPFG). She leads the Investment Department, Compliance, Practice Development and Financial Planning. Jen is also the owner of Comprehensive Financial Concepts (CFC), which is a Property and Casualty specialty company located in the greater Chicagoland area. Her experience as CEO & General Agent of Mass Mutual Illinois Agency, helped propel her into her current role when three independent financial services firms operating as general agencies of MassMutual announced they merged to into WestPoint Financial Group. This created one of the largest insurance and wealth management firms in the Midwest. The firm’s strength and differentiator lie in the diverse backgrounds, experience and specializations of its 400+ financial service representatives and an unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional client service.

Relentless in pursuing her vision of being an inspiring leader, Jen seeks those who share in her core values: integrity, intelligence, work ethic, and inclusivity. Her top priority is to foster an environment where her team have the support, guidance, and tools necessary to succeed. In doing so, she has built a culture that values diversity, excellence and collaboration.

Jen’s capabilities as both a financial advisor and leader have won her the accolades of clients, company representatives, and industry experts. She is a cum laude graduate of the New England School of Law and received her Bachelor of Arts from State University of New York Buffalo. Jennifer also holds Series 7, 24, 66, 4 and 51 FINRA licenses.

Jen and her spouse live in Glenview, Illinois with their three children. She enjoys hot yoga, biking, cooking and making memories with her family.

Links:

LinkedIn URL: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferadesgroseilliers/

Jen Coffey is a risk taker. Getting her start in event planning, she worked her way into leading training and eventually developing training for Accenture. She is a Co-Head of Immersive Learning, a group which helps Accenture’s clients think about how they use technology to dimensionalize and deepen customer and employee learning experiences.

Like most of us, Jen has encountered imposter syndrome. In those moments, she found strength and fortitude from her network and personal board of directors who have been positive forces in her life. Jen believes it’s important to have people in your life that push you to be better.

Jen works hard to create an impact by showing others the value she sees in them. 

She thinks we all need to speak up and voice our ideas rather than sit back and not make any waves.

Jen’s favorite quote is, ‘Bravery over perfection’. Jen herself makes brave decisions regardless of what people say. If you’re feeling a little timid and don’t know what your next step should be, this podcast with Jen Coffey 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 Jen.

Highlights:

[01:56] Jen Coffey’s background
[05:28] What Jen’s learned so far
[07:52] How she has pushed through limiting beliefs
[11:58] How she formed her personal board of directors
[15:58] Jen’s journey to leadership
[19:37] Setting and achieving goals
[23:23] The importance of confidence
[26:06] How Jen stays grounded
[29:22] Taking risks
[33:25] Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and the Metaverse
[39:40] What Jen wants her kids to know
[42:39] Lightning round questions

Quotes:
“It takes a village to make things happen, and the only way to have that village is if you really foster those networks and connections that you have.” – Jen Coffey

“It’s important to remember that your board of directors is super diverse.” – Jen Coffey

“To me, journaling is the best way to get things out in a really eloquent way.” – Jen Coffey

“It’s all about being brave and not being perfect.” – Jen Coffey

Lightning Round Questions:

What book has greatly influenced you?

- “The Five Love Languages” by Gary Chapman

What is your favorite inspiring quote or saying?

- I am the pilot of my own airplane, I do not work in baggage claim. (Not
taking on other’s emotions.)

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?

- Significantly cutting out sugar.

What power song would you want playing as you walk out onto a stage?

- "Girl on Fire” by Alicia Keys

About Jen Coffey:

Jen Coffey Co-Leads Accenture’s Global Immersive Learning practice, helping
shape how clients leverage the latest technologies to create immersive,
memorable and more durable learning experiences - for their people and their
customers. She is also a Career Coach, Voiceover Artist, EQ Coach/Facilitator,
Certified Scrum Master and Agile Coach. With over a decade at Accenture, Jen has
deep experience in learning, developing people and teams and is passionate
about leadership development, psychology, theatre, music and writing. She lives
outside of Chicago with her partner, two kids and two dogs.

Links:

LinkedIn URL: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-coffey-97a4a5a0/

Discover the power of optimism, perseverance, and relentless determination in this inspiring conversation with Mou Dasgupta. As the Founder and CEO of Brook37 The Atelier (uh·teh·lee·ay), an innovative American tea brand, Mou has overcome numerous obstacles on her journey to success. Born in India, she didn't learn English until she was 18 years old, yet went on to study physics and computer science before landing in the finance industry.

Facing the challenges of being a single mom with a demanding career, Mou courageously attempted to leave her job at JP Morgan three times before finally succeeding in pursuing her passion for tea production.

Mou's corporate background has been invaluable in navigating the challenges of starting a business. Throughout her entrepreneurial journey, she has been unafraid to seek help and share her story, leading to an incredible response from others and even attracting collaborators.

As a self-described trendsetter, she has infused her unique vision into every aspect of her brand, from the packaging and aroma to the sensory experience of her tea. Her authentic and transparent approach has attracted a talented team of female managers who share her commitment to producing exceptional tea while upholding their environmental and social values.

Whether you're an entrepreneur seeking inspiration or simply searching for motivation to keep pushing forward in your own ventures, this podcast is a must-listen.

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 Mou.

Highlights:
[02:49] Mou’s journey from India
[08:01] Why it took three attempts to leave her job in the financial industry
[09:53] Overcoming challenges and limiting beliefs to leave her job
[13:33] How Mou started her tea business
[17:11] What was important to her tea brand
[22:25] Leveraging important relationships
[24:30] The great response Mou received about her brand, Brook37
[26:47] Telling the story of her small tea company
[29:16] Finding mentors and sponsors
[31:29] What to unlearn from corporate life
[34:14] Practicing self care
[36:01] Lightning round questions

Quotes:

“My brand is a reflection of me.” – Mou Dasgupta

“From every conversation I have, I learn something.” – Mou Dasgupta

“I think my corporate career got me ready to prepare myself before a meeting.” – Mou Dasgupta

Lightning Round Questions:
What book has greatly influenced you?

- “Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead” by Nell Scovell and Sheryl
Sandberg

What is your favorite inspiring quote or saying?

- It’s not done until it’s done.

What is one word or moniker you would use to describe yourself?
- Trendsetter

What is one change you've implemented that made your life better?

- Self care, working out, eating healthy.

What power song would you want playing as you walk out onto a stage?

- "Girl on Fire” by Alicia Keys

About Mou Dasgupta:
Mou Dasgupta is a Trendsetting Disrupter on a mission to bring luxury tea to discerning American households and make their moments of connections more memorable, in a socially and environmentally conscious way.

Mou is an entrepreneur, a philanthropist, an equality advocate, and a leader in building high performing teams.

Mou is the Founder and CEO of Brook37 The Atelier, an American tea brand, that has the goal to disrupt the dusty tea industry by introducing the rarest and the most exquisite teas to American consumers. She believes that a premium tea is the non-alcoholic sibling of premium wine and it needs to be reimagined.

Mou comes with 25 years of experience in the financial services industry. She held key leadership positions at Capital Group, Morgan Stanley, and J P Morgan Chase, prior to her departure from the corporate career. She is known to be a champion for diversity and equality. She established Lean in Circles and spearheaded multiple corporate programs for women’s advancements.

At the peak of her career, Mou decided to depart her corporate life and follow her passion to build a brand where the core values will be of driving force and not financial gain. Brook37 is Plastic Neutral and 1% for the planet certified from day 1 and they donate 2% of their revenue to social and environmental causes.

Brook37 is a woman first organization, where 90% of the team members are women, not by design, but by pure talent.

Mou has worked all her life in providing support for various causes. Her Covid relief work was featured by J P Morgan, where she single-handedly supported businesses as well as communities in need in India. Mou is an avid supporter of various NGOs and educational institutions within and outside the USA.

Mou has an undergraduate degree in Physics and a MS in Computer Science. Her passion is to disrupt the status quo, that led her to create her brand Brook37. Mou lives in Princeton, NJ with her husband Sanjay, their dog Mishti and cat Zara. They have a daughter Emily, and two sons Sabar and Navin who live in New York.

Links:

Website: https://brook37.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mou-dasgupta/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brook37tea/

Hello and welcome to the Beyond Barriers podcast! I am Nikki Barua - your host for this episode. Our guest today is Naz Vahid - Head of Citi Global Wealth at Work.

Naz Vahid leads her life with gratitude. She escaped Iran as a young girl and it shaped who she became. She adapted to her new life in America by putting effort into everything and never taking anything for granted. Taking on responsibilities at an early age taught her important life skills –all of which has served her professionally.

Throughout her career, Naz has taken on a variety of roles and increasingly bigger responsibilities by always learning and growing. Naz shares how listening to feedback, avoiding complacency, and building great relationships helped her achieve her ambitions. She believes we elevate others by elevating ourselves.

When it comes to social issues in the workplace, Naz thinks it’s important that we get uncomfortable and show our authenticity. She recognizes it is harder for women and minorities to navigate their careers and is determined to make it easier for the younger generations.

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 Naz.

Highlights:
[02:36] One thing Naz’s journey has taught her
[04:09] Her immigrant journey
[07:42] Being an outsider and forming her own identity
[09:54] How Naz got into her industry
[14:05] What Naz would tell her younger self about banking
[16:53] Life in Iran today
[19:43] Protecting women’s rights
[21:44] Taking a stand on social issues
[24:01] Diversity, equity, and inclusion
[27:26] How Naz authentically stood out
[33:42] Overcoming self doubt
[39:41] Coping with setbacks
[43:46] The key to building powerful and lasting relationships
[49:54] Lightning round questions

Quotes:
“I have learned you can't take comfort or what you have for granted.” – Mehrnaz
(Naz) Vahid

“You just have to make the voice in your head that says, "I'm good enough,"
louder.” – Mehrnaz (Naz) Vahid

“Every time you elevate yourself, you elevate someone behind you as well.” –
Mehrnaz (Naz) Vahid

Lightning Round Questions:

What book has greatly influenced you?

- “Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini

What is your favorite inspiring quote or saying?

- "People forget what you said. People forget what you did. People will never
forget how you made them feel." Maya Angelou

What is one word or moniker you would use to describe yourself?
- Resilient

What is one change you've implanted that made your life better?

- Sit on the email overnight when you are angry.

What power song would you want playing as you walk out onto a stage?

• "Fight Song" by Rachel Platten
•  

About Mehrnaz (Naz) Vahid:

Naz Vahid is a Managing Director and Head of Citi Global Wealth at Work. In this
role, Naz and her team provide tailored financial solutions to working professionals within the legal, asset management and professional services industries.

Prior to this, Naz served as the Head of the Law Firm Group for Citi Private Bank. In this role she was responsible for the 14 offices in the United States and UK that serve Law Firms, their Partners and Associates. The group has around 200 professionals that provide a range of financial services to more than 40,000 attorneys across approximately 650 law firms. Naz also served as the Head of the Citi Private Bank Diversity Program, working with the committee and ICG Diversity to increase awareness across many areas and was responsible for setting up Citi
Private Bank’s Mentorship Program. Prior to leading the Law Firm Group, she was the Global Market Manager for the East Coast and London responsible for six Law Firm Group offices.

Before this, she was a Senior Private Banker for more than 15 years, handling some of the largest client relationships in the Private Bank. Naz is formally credit trained, and prior to her role as a Private Banker, worked as a Private Bank Credit Officer and also as an analyst. Naz holds a graduate degree in International Relations and Finance from Columbia University School of International Affairs and undergraduate degrees in Economics and Sociology from Hobart and Williams Smith Colleges.

Outside of her responsibilities at Citi, she is the member of board of Hobart & William Smith Colleges as well as the Tahirih Justice Center. She also sponsors scholarships both at Lynbrook High School and Hobart and William Smith Colleges for first generation immigrant students pursuing higher education in the United States. In her free time, Naz enjoys reading and painting.

Naz has two daughters and lives in Long Island, New York with her husband.

Links:

LinkedIn URL: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nazvahid/

Today, we're thrilled to have Peggy Klaus, President & Founder of Klaus & Associates, as our special guest. From Hollywood beginnings to championing women in leadership, Peggy's inspiring journey led her to author two game-changing books, "The Hard Truth About Soft Skills" and "Brag! The Art of Tooting Your Own Horn Without Blowing It." These books have become invaluable resources for those seeking to improve their soft skills and self-promotion techniques.

Peggy has also developed an empowering program called "Unstoppable," which addresses key issues critical for women’s success, including confidence,fearlessness, and purpose.

Today, Peggy shares with us priceless tips for self-promotion, including tackling the issue of avoiding the "bitch" label in the workplace. Peggy reminds us of the importance of taking risks, embracing failure, and ultimately being proud of ourselves. For Peggy, self-promotion and "bragging" are about finding the sweet spot between humble and obnoxious and celebrating our accomplishments with confidence.

Join us for this engaging and inspiring conversation with Peggy Klaus, and discover how to master the art of self-promotion and be proud of your achievements!

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 Peggy.

Highlights:
[01:11] How Peggy got to where she is professionally
[05:00] Soft skills that are difficult to women
[10:05] Strategies for making risks
[14:08] How to self-promote
[20:09] Overcoming feelings of humility
[22:59] The soft skill you should work on
[25:47] Taking inventory of your strengths and weaknesses
[27:22] Lightning round questions

Quotes:

“The hardest skills are the soft skills.” – Peggy Klaus

“You’ve got to fail to succeed.” – Peggy Klaus

“Humility is lovely but not when it makes one ineffectually humble.” – Peggy Klaus

Lightning Round Questions:

What book has greatly influenced you?
- “The 1619 Project” by Nikole Hannah-Jones

What is your favorite inspiring quote or saying?
- I don’t know what someone else’s journey is.

What is one word or moniker you would use to describe yourself?
- Energizer bunny

What is one change you've implanted that made your life better?
- I changed my marital status and moved to Santa Fe

What power song would you want playing as you walk out onto a stage?
- “Here Comes the Sun” by Richie Havens or The Beatles

About  Peggy Klaus:

You may have seen Peggy Klaus on Nightline, 20/20, and The Today Show, or have read her advice in the New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Fortune Magazine, Harvard Business Review, and O Magazine. She is the author of two best-selling books, BRAG! The Art of Tooting Your Own Horn Without Blowing It and The Hard Truth About Soft Skills: Workplace Lessons Smart People Wish They’d Learned Sooner.

As a communication and leadership expert, Peggy has spent more than two decades helping thousands of professionals from Fortune 500’s, mid-size companies, and start-ups succeed in their jobs. She has also dedicated much of her career to empowering women of all ages. And, once again, Peggy brings this work into the spotlight with the launch of “Unstoppable!” — her new, cutting-edge program designed to address the key issues critical for women’s success:
confidence, fearlessness, and purpose, among others.

Taking her message from the boardroom to the classroom, she has lectured to both students and faculty at universities across the country including Harvard University’s School of Public Health, Wharton’s Executive MBA Program, U.C.

Berkeley’s Haas School of Business, Boalt School of Law, and the School of Public Health & Sciences, the University of Virginia, Pepperdine University School of Law, and the Public Policy Institute at Georgetown University.

Peggy began her career as an actor and classical singer, earning advanced degrees in drama, speech and theatre from the London-based Royal Academy of Music and The Drama Studio. From England she moved to Hollywood, working as a producer, director, and talent coach for actors, comedians, musicians and broadcasters in production for Paramount Studios, Warner Brothers, ABC, CBS, and NBC.

When not training individuals and groups or speaking to audiences around the world, Peggy coaches political candidates to effectively communicate their values and vision with authenticity and candor. When not working, she can be found enjoying the incredible beauty of Santa Fe, New Mexico where she lives.

Links:

Website: https://peggyklaus.com/
Books: https://peggyklaus.com/books/
LinkedIn URL: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peggy-klaus-705730/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pegklaus
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peggy.klaus.311