If you are an ambitious woman who wants to dominate your career, then the Beyond Barriers podcast is for you. Discover why traditional career strategies are out...
Episode 341: Mistakes Make Momentum: The Art of Failing Forward
In this episode, you’ll hear the extraordinary journey of Jenni Lewis, a trailblazing leader in diversity, equity and inclusion, who turned every setback into a stepping stone. From starting her career in the mailroom at J.P. Morgan to becoming the Global Inclusion and Diversity Lead at Block, Jenni has built a career defined by bold moves, reinvention, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity. She shares how she took a leap from finance to marketing, launched a podcast before podcasting was mainstream, and even faced professional consequences for daring to center LGBTQ+ voices. Along the way, she learned that embracing discomfort and failing forward are the true catalysts for growth. Jenni also opens up about a life-altering wake-up call—a helicopter crashing onto her office building—that forced her to rethink her career, relationships, and purpose. Whether you’re navigating a career pivot, stepping into leadership, or looking for the courage to take that next big risk, this episode will challenge and inspire you to rethink failure and see it as an essential part of success. 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. The key moments in this episode are: [00:00] Introduction to Beyond Barriers Podcast [01:00] Introducing Jenni Lewis: Breaking Barriers [03:49] Jenni's Journey: From Mailroom to Marketing [08:59] Embracing Failure and Finding Gratitude [16:03] The Role of Inclusion and Diversity in Leadership [20:03] Why Jenni Chose Block [24:11] Introduction to Momentum Metric Quiz [24:39] Navigational Skills Gap in First-Generation Professionals [25:01] Generational Differences in Workforce Integration [26:04] Strategic Career Advancement for Women and People of Color [27:15] Challenges in Networking and Soft Skills Development [31:16] Imposter Syndrome and Leadership Journey [34:31] Aha Moments and Personal Transformation [38:18] Reflection and Grounding Moments [40:32] Lightning Round and Final Thoughts
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45:46
Episode 340: The Courage to Pivot: Finding Purpose Beyond the Corporate Ladder
In this episode, explore the transformative power of embracing change with Trisha Daho, founder of Empowered Leadership Cultivation. Trisha opens up about leaving the security of a corporate leadership role to pursue her passion for building equitable and inclusive workplaces. Learn how self-reflection, mindset shifts, and courage can help you move beyond the limits of traditional career paths to create a life that aligns with your values and ambitions. From lessons in resilience to building meaningful relationships and thriving in uncertain times, Trisha offers a candid and inspiring roadmap for finding your purpose. If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re on the right path or wondered what it takes to pivot toward something new, this episode is for you. 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. The key moments in this episode are: [00:00] Introduction to Beyond Barriers Podcast [01:03] Meet Trish Daho: A Journey of Courage [02:11] Trish's Career Transformation [03:36] The Importance of Self-Reflection [04:47] Discovering True Passion and Alignment [06:26] Embracing Leadership and Excellence [08:06] Building a Personal Brand [14:56] Resilience and Overcoming Challenges [18:57] Daily Habits for Success [20:57] Creating Space for Strategic Thinking [21:44] Dealing with Setbacks [25:08] The Importance of In-Person Interactions [28:31] Building Strategic Relationships [35:06] Empowered: Culture and Leadership Development [37:04] Lightning Round and Final Thoughts
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39:49
Episode 339: Success Through Integrity: Leadership Grounded in Core Values
In this episode of Beyond Barriers, you’ll discover the transformative power of values-based leadership with Jackie Edmundson. Jackie shares her inspiring journey from selling sodas as a child entrepreneur to leading a cutting-edge performance marketing company. Guided by loyalty, genuine relationships, accountability, fun, and winning, Jackie has built a leadership philosophy rooted in empathy and authenticity. Jackie opens up about navigating tough decisions, such as team restructurings during challenging economic times, and explains how staying true to her values has helped her deliver bad news with compassion and respect. She also dives into the importance of fostering a positive team culture, celebrating small wins, and leading with transparency to build trust and drive success. Whether you're a rising professional or a seasoned leader, this episode will empower you to align your actions with your values, embrace courageous conversations, and lead with integrity 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. The key moments in this episode are: [00:00] Introduction to Beyond Barriers Podcast [01:29] Jackie's Early Entrepreneurial Journey [02:29] The Importance of Communication [04:56] Aligning Career with Values [11:10] Building Confidence and Overcoming Fear [18:07] Transitioning to Leadership Roles [22:46] Authentic Leadership and Building Your Tribe [23:34] Breaking Down Barriers with Tough Leaders [24:49] The Power of Asking for Help [26:47] Staying Grounded as a CEO [30:52] Building Your Personal Brand [33:25] Lightning Round and Final Thoughts
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44:50
Episode 338: Balancing Career and Motherhood: A New Definition of Success for Ambitious Moms
In this episode of Beyond Barriers, you’ll hear a transformative conversation about balancing career ambition with the responsibilities of motherhood. Mel Goodman, a former corporate leader turned entrepreneur, shares her candid journey of navigating the challenges of building a career while raising two young daughters. Mel recounts how she reached her breaking point, burned out, and then rebuilt her life by embracing the idea of becoming the CEO of her own life. You’ll learn about her powerful inside-out approach to redefining success, grounded in clarity, alignment with values, and a mindset shift toward prioritizing what truly matters. Mel discusses the realities of the mental load, societal pressures, and unspoken biases working moms face—and how she created WorkMom to help other women thrive without compromising their ambition or fulfillment. If you’re ready to reclaim your time, focus, and confidence, this episode is for you. 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. The key moments in this episode are: [00:00] Introduction to Beyond Barriers Podcast [00:26] Redefining Success: A Personal Journey [01:03] Challenges of Working Mothers [01:18] Mel Goodman's Story [03:10] Balancing Career and Motherhood [05:04] The Impact of COVID-19 [06:25] Realizations and New Beginnings [08:42] The Grow Framework [11:15] Integrating Life and Career [13:06] The Importance of Reflection and Clarity [19:10] Building Confidence and Resilience [23:17] Entrepreneurial Journey [25:06] Identifying the Need for a New Perspective on Working Motherhood [26:12] Building Confidence and Resilience as an Entrepreneur [26:18] Daily Habits and Rituals for Success [28:39] Balancing Work and Family Without Childcare [29:59] Empathy and Support for Working Parents in the Workplace [35:56] The Importance of Networking and Mentorship [46:17] Lightning Round and Final Thoughts
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47:25
Episode 337: How Slowing Down Accelerates Success: Leading with Intention
In this episode of Beyond Barriers, discover the driving forces behind entrepreneurial success as Hanna Kassis, a seasoned financial innovator and founder, shares his journey of resilience, self-belief, and focus. Hanna takes you through his evolution from a first-generation leader to a trailblazer in private credit markets, having raised over $1.4 billion and launched transformative businesses like OAREX Capital Markets and Babylon Asset Management. Learn how unwavering focus and a disciplined mindset have helped him overcome challenges, navigate risk, and turn vision into reality. Whether you’re aiming to grow your career or build a business, this episode provides invaluable lessons in scaling success with clarity and precision. 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. The key moments in this episode are: [00:00] Introduction to Beyond Barriers Podcast [00:26] The Importance of Slowing Down [00:58] Meet Hanna Kassis: A Journey in Finance [02:11] Early Career and Entrepreneurial Beginnings [04:24] Lessons Learned in Business [06:27] Current Ventures and Business Philosophy [09:00] Leadership and Personal Growth [12:49] Navigating Cultural Identity and Ego [23:05] Building Resilience and Overcoming Challenges [26:15] The Importance of Forward Progress [26:25] Mentorship and Its Impact [28:20] Decision-Making and Risk-Taking [30:45] Trusting Your Gut [34:08] Goal Setting and Achievements [37:30] Building and Leveraging Your Network [40:59] Lightning Round and Final Thoughts
If you are an ambitious woman who wants to dominate your career, then the Beyond Barriers podcast is for you. Discover why traditional career strategies are outdated, what skills are growing in demand, and how to stand up and stand out in the workplace.
In each episode, we interview industry influencers, and business leaders from top corporations who share their perspective on opportunities and challenges in the digital age. From inspiring stories to cutting-edge strategies, you’ll learn how to develop the skillset, mindset and toolset to accelerate your career success.
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