Looking to step into the new year with an empowered and driven approach to your career transition? Join us as Jennifer Manry, Principal of Corporate Systems at Vanguard, shares invaluable insights that can supercharge your confidence & drive during career transitions. Uncover indispensable tools and strategies designed to infuse purpose and unwavering determination into your professional journey. With more than two decades as an IT professional, Jennifer embodies a treasure trove of wisdom a...
Jan 03, 2024•44 min•Season 5Ep. 291
Welcome to our final podcast episode of 2023! Get ready to dive into the world of career growth and personal development with Beyond Barriers. Join us as we reflect on the past year and set intentions for the future. With nearly 300 episodes under our belt, we're thrilled to culminate this year by revisiting the most inspiring moments and wisdom shared by these remarkable individuals. In this special episode, all three hosts unite to reminisce, share laughter, and highlight the profound wisdom i...
Dec 28, 2023•36 min
Embark on a three-decade journey of professional growth and resilience as Hanneke Smits takes us through her incredible career in a male-dominated field while prioritizing what matters most to her along the way. She emphasizes the role of self-reflection, learning new things, seeking diverse perspectives, and utilizing both mentors and sponsors. These elements, combined with the tenacity to overcome hurdles, teaches us what is possible in career trajectory and achieving leadership roles. In this...
Dec 20, 2023•42 min
Does this sound familiar? You've been told to simply work harder and longer hours to achieve success in your business. But despite your efforts, you're still struggling to challenge misconceptions and create change in your industry. This ineffective action might leave you feeling frustrated and stuck, unable to make the impact you desire. It's time to break free from this cycle and discover the power of storytelling to overcome misconceptions and change perceptions, paving the way for meaningful...
Dec 13, 2023•45 min
In a world filled with uncertainty, Linda Gibson's journey proves that embracing comfort can unlock extraordinary possibilities. From a math major questioning her career path; to the unexpected twist that led her to become the CEO of an asset management firm, Linda's story is a testament to the power of taking leaps. Brace yourself as we dive into the captivating tale of Linda's relentless pursuit of growth and the surprising turn of events that would redefine her professional trajectory. In thi...
Dec 06, 2023•51 min
Have you ever stumbled upon your true calling in the most unexpected way? Meet our guest Joanna Welsh, who shares how she found her passion in risk management, all while starting out in the world of molecular biology and genetic engineering. Her story is a testament to the power of serendipity and the importance of being open to unexpected twists in our career paths. Joanna proves that sometimes the best fit is found where you least expect it. Today, Joanna Welsh is the Chief Risk Officer at Cit...
Nov 29, 2023•44 min
Does this sound familiar? You've been told that hiring candidates solely based on their qualifications and skills will result in a successful team. But despite following this advice, you're still experiencing a lack of cohesion and productivity. The pain of investing time and resources into recruitment, only to realize that the values of your new hires don't align with your company's culture, is all too real. On this episode of the Beyond Barriers Podcast, Brooke Skinner Ricketts welcomes a high...
Nov 15, 2023•57 min
In a world where productivity and fulfillment seem elusive, one woman took an unconventional path to unlocking their secrets. From academia to neuroscience, Dr. Britt Andreatta delved deep into the mysteries of the brain, uncovering a remarkable twist that would change everything. From her early days as a university program director to her former role as the Chief Learning Officer at Lynda.com (now LinkedIn Learning), she has continuously pushed the boundaries of what is possible in the field of...
Nov 01, 2023•40 min
Are you tired of feeling like an imposter, questioning your abilities, and holding unrealistic expectations? Do you have these myths floating in your head, like - Everyone else has it all figured out, Success means never doubting yourself, and Competence requires perfection? In this episode, our guest expert, Dr. Valerie Young, co-founder of the Impostor Syndrome Institute, will debunk these myths and share the truth about building realistic expectations and accepting self-doubt. Dr. Young is wi...
Oct 25, 2023•47 min
Iliana Quinonez boasts an impressive track record in the tech industry, having amassed over 25 years of trailblazing experiences. Showing remarkable leadership, she has helmed teams of engineers, distinguishing herself in the realm of solution engineering and stewarding software companies towards success and earning the award and title of Latina Trailblazer in Tech. Iliana is indeed a tech powerhouse and the epitome of resilience. Iliana recently embarked on a fresh venture — the inception of he...
Oct 12, 2023•41 min
Paula Schneider is a highly accomplished leader with a remarkable career spanning over three decades in the fashion industry. She has held prestigious positions such as CEO of American Apparel, as well as leadership roles at renowned brands like BCBG and Speedo. However, Paula's journey took an unexpected turn when she transitioned into the nonprofit sector as the CEO of Susan G. Komen. What sets her apart is her personal connection to the cause, having battled breast cancer herself. This firsth...
Oct 04, 2023•43 min
Early experiences often shape our entire lives. The inspiring story of our guest - Jennifer Openshaw - shows what’s possible to achieve when you choose to own your destiny. Being a child of divorce and watching her mother struggle as a single mom to make ends meet shaped Jennifer’s entire career journey. Her first “real” job was working as a maid in a motel while her mother worked two full-time jobs as a waitress to support the family. At an early age, she decided to make it on her own and to ma...
Sep 27, 2023•57 min
Be Fearless, Be Bold, Be You. This is a mantra that Dominica Ribeiro shares with us in today’s podcast, and it is one that she herself has lived. Dominica started her career in finance when she walked into a firm after graduating high school and asked for a job. 27 years later, she is Chief Marketing and Distribution Officer at Breckinridge, a leading asset manager firm. Dominica is as wise as she is brilliant. She gained her fierce independence and work ethic from her mother who taught her to w...
Sep 20, 2023•40 min
Are you frustrated about setbacks and challenges that are getting in the way of your dreams? Our guest today will reveal the secret to turning these obstacles into opportunities. Meet Tiffani Potesta, a trailblazing leader in the finance industry whose life and career is a testament to the transformative power of gratitude. With limited resources and no college degree, Tiffani built a successful career on Wall Street simply by leveraging her insatiable curiosity and love of math. Her journey ref...
Sep 13, 2023•45 min
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, patienc...
Sep 06, 2023•58 min
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 he...
Aug 31, 2023•37 min
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, eventua...
Aug 17, 2023•45 min
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...
Aug 09, 2023•40 min
"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 mov...
Aug 02, 2023•32 min
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. ...
Jul 26, 2023•52 min
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 expe...
Jul 19, 2023•39 min
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....
Jul 12, 2023•38 min
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...
Jun 29, 2023•42 min
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 iden...
Jun 14, 2023•46 min
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 emphasize...
Jun 07, 2023•43 min
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 peopl...
May 31, 2023•55 min
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...
May 24, 2023•48 min
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 demand...
May 17, 2023•41 min
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....
May 10, 2023•52 min
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 em...
May 03, 2023•34 min
