Roar with Lakecia Gunter

Latest Episodes:

The Power of Modern Mentorship Nov 16, 2021

Only 37% of professionals have a mentor. This statistic is surprising, as mentorship is the secret behind so many successful people. Modern mentoring and the power of mentorship can help you achieve your goals—both personally and professionally. We should all be seeking to develop our skills, continually learning new things, and challenging ourselves on a regular basis, which takes a good degree of devotion and commitment. In a mentor, you have someone who can help guide, advise, and teach you through a problem or towards a goal.

My guest today is Lani Phillips, vice president of global partner solutions, US Channel Sales for Microsoft. She has over 20 years of experience and inclusive leadership and transformation management in the tech industry and has developed a reputation for being a transformational and inclusive leader who is committed to empowering people. Her passion for inspiring, transforming and growing leaders lead her to launch Modern Mentoring with Lani Phillips, a digital mentoring series created with the intention of sharing wisdom globally and making it accessible for anyone looking to thrive in corporate spaces.

In this episode,you’ll hear Lani’s personal experience with mentorship, how it has contributed greatly to her success and why she believes so deeply in the practice. She shares how she took to heart her mother’s prioritization of education, why it’s important not to limit our network, and how she recently launched her own digital show centered on modern mentoring,

What You Will Learn:

The power of mentorship from a young age (09:59)
Deliberate career planning is one key to success (13:57)
Before looking for a mentor, define your needs (18:27)
Mentorships should have a defined start and end date (22:19)
The importance of valuing every member on your team (29:15)
A sponsor should also be an advocate (32:39)

Connect with Lani Phillips:

Let’s connect!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Flipping The Switch And Moving From Employee to Entrepreneur Sep 14, 2021

If you’ve ever thought about becoming an entrepreneur, the uncertainty of success can often be the biggest obstacle holding you back. Fear and doubt are inevitable, but allowing them to dictate your professional life could mean missing out on fulfilling your dreams. Sometimes it takes recognizing your potential through the eyes of others to really provide the confidence boost you need to take the entrepreneurial leap.

My guest today is Monica Enand, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Zapproved, a cloud-based software provider for corporate legal departments. Their goal is to make it easier and more economical for businesses to navigate the increasing rules and regulations that clients face. Her many professional accolades include the 2018 Sam Blackman Award for Civic Engagement, the 2016 TiE Entrepreneur of the Year award, and the 2010 Portland Business Journal Orchid Award for achievement for women in business.

In this episode, you’ll hear how Monica pursued her dream of building a successful software business. She shares her inspiring journey from employee to CEO, and how she overcame the fears and doubts she had about transitioning from a financially comfortable and successful tech role into starting her business.

What You Will Learn:

Recognizing your potential for the first time (5:09)
The thrill when entrepreneurial lightning strikes (10:03)
What successful entrepreneurs know about timing (14:36)
Flipping the switch from idea to action (17:04)
Fostering values of inclusivity within your business (24:59)
Developing a mountain climbers mindset (30:33)

Connect with Monica Enand:

Let’s connect!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Wonder-Twin Powers of Recovery and Resilience Aug 31, 2021

When we meet obstacles in our lives and careers, how do we move forward? After such a tumultuous year, we’ve learned to expect the unexpected with greater frequency. This has allowed us ample opportunities to test our ability to recover from adversity, and it’s built up our resilience to weather and learn from the challenges we face.

My guest today is Kim Stevenson, Senior Vice President and General Manager of NetApp’s Foundational Data Services Business Unit where she’s helping to lead the charge into a new technology era. Kim most recently served as a senior executive with Lenovo as Senior Vice President and General Manager for the Data Center Group. She’s also a valued member of my personal board of advisors.

In this episode, Kim shares the lessons she’s learned about overcoming adversity throughout her distinguished career. It’s taught her that avoiding change is never the best way forward, and the real wisdom is in the learning process. You’ll hear how she’s transformed adversity into her superpower, and why she believes diversity is so important in shaping a successful business.

What You Will Learn:

Drawing the line between kindness and being firm (6:06)
Learning how to use your voice (11:09)
Choosing to face the fire when things get hot (15:42)
The simple key to overcoming adversity (21:41)
Cultivating the muscle of resilience and recovery (33:25)
Calling on the power of reflection (36:43)
An outline for building a diverse team (43:50)

Connect with Kim Stevenson:

Let’s connect!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rising Up and Making Your Voice Heard Apr 13, 2021

Success is something that builds up over time, making early influences fundamental. Having a strong support system of people who champion you and unbridled access to recreational and educational opportunities plant the seeds for strong, smart, and bold leaders.

My guests today are Cyreena Boston Ashby, CEO of Girls Inc. in the Pacific Northwest, and Amaya Gustave, an alumna of the program and currently a student at Pitzer College in California. At Girls, Inc., Cyreena offers a variety of programs and after-school activities for youth, from 8 up to age 18. Amaya is a bright young woman on the rise who has come up through the organization since the age of eight.

Both of these women share a capacity for inner strength, resilience, and a desire to make their voices heard. Through their mutual involvement in Girls, Inc., they’ve demonstrated how dedicated service to your community can become a pathway to your calling. Through effective mentorship, young people are able to use their voices fearlessly and courageously, building confidence and self-acceptance from the inside out.

In this episode, we’ll talk about the early influences that led to a successful, service-focused career, and how that calling helped transform and enrich the life of one particular young woman. You’ll hear about the wide variety of programs that have influenced countless young people growing up with the support of Girls, Inc., and how access, encouragement, and early exposure are the foundational keys to future leadership.

What You Will Learn:

Early foundations for a legacy of service (3:45)
How an iconic institution helped amplify a Roar (9:16)
Carving out a career path through advocacy (13:55)
Educating and preparing young women for lucrative careers (22:04)
Key qualities that build resilience (32:32)
The lasting power of being championed (34:12)
Taking personal time to invest in young people (45:32)

Connect with Cyreena Boston Ashby:

Connect with Amaya Gustave:

Let’s connect!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Building an Inclusive Space for the Future Mar 31, 2021

If you can see it, you can be it, right? We know from history that it’s not always easy to become something when you’ve never seen your face reflected in the stories we’re taught. March is Women's History Month, and it’s an important time to recognize the trailblazers who have led the way. Their bravery and persistence have created pathways that make the journey less challenging for future generations who follow in their footsteps.

My guest today is a trailblazer in every sense of the word. Dr. Renee Horton is an entrepreneur, author, international speaker, and physicist. After earning her bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from Louisiana State University in 2002, she went on to earn her Ph.D. in Material Science with a concentration in physics from the University of Alabama.

As the first African American to earn this degree, she continues to pay it forward as the proud founder of Unapologetically Being Incorporated, a nonprofit for advocacy and mentoring in STEM. Today, she works at the NASA Residential Management Office in New Orleans as a Space Launch System Quality Engineer. Her work is in helping to develop rockets for the 2024 Artemis mission, which will land the first woman on the moon.

In today’s episode, you’ll hear her personal story of bravery and persistence as she rose above the challenges that life presented and claimed her seat at the table. She viewed every bump in the road as an opportunity, and her unique experience of rising to the top is helping countless others survive, thrive, and advocate for the success of future generations. You’ll hear how she’s literally sending rockets to the moon, and working every day to change the face of STEM.

What You Will Learn:

How strong early influences shape perspective (5:08)
What perseverance looks like (10:16)
Moving from imposter syndrome to owning our achievements (15:12)
Sustaining the motivation to help your tribe (20:34)
How a bump in the road led to novel innovation (21:55)
Teaching the next generation how to survive and thrive (28:27)
Manifesting your future into existence (34:58)

Connect with Renee Horton:

Let’s connect!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cultivating Greatness through Resilient Leadership Mar 16, 2021

Throughout 2020, organizations have been tested as the pandemic quickly swept across the globe. Despite the rapid pace of change, some companies were able to meet their operational challenges head-on and actually thrived. These organizations share one trait in common. They were able to demonstrate resilience in the face of change.

For high-performing leaders, resilience is imperative in order to thrive. Covid-19 has taught us the importance of being able to make quick decisions, and we’ve had to learn to be malleable as the conditions around us changed. Resilient leaders are born in these moments of adaptation, often learning through challenging personal circumstances.

My guest today is Dr. Ruba Borno, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Global CX Centers at Cisco. Her role spans the full portfolio of Cisco support and professional services, including technical support, professional services, managed services, customer success, and global spare parts and repair logistics. Since first meeting Ruba at an event in Silicon Valley, we instantly struck up a lasting friendship.

Her life story is one of great resilience, which has markedly shaped her life and ethos. Today, she shares her personal experience as a refugee, and how it led her to a keen understanding of the important things in life at a young age. The value she places on education, integrity, and family have played a pivotal role in her professional success, and her resilience in life has translated into outstanding professional success.

What You Will Learn:

How a resilient past paves the path to resilient leadership (4:49)
The responsibility of leaders to those who come after them (6:55)
Confidence in quick decision-making (11:21)
Professional allies and the importance of advocacy (16:31)
The most important skills young leaders must cultivate to be successful (20:13)
How urgency can unleash innovation and inspire growth (24:40)
Building better leaders through empathy and understanding (30:16)

Connect with Dr. Ruba Borno:

Let’s connect!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Making it Work: How Dual Career Couples Can Thrive in Love and Build Successful Careers Mar 02, 2021

Having a handful of professional role models to look up to is important for anyone climbing the corporate ladder. But, we all know that work isn’t everything. When it comes to measuring the level of fulfillment in our lives, personal relationships are an important source of comfort and strength. We need role-models who represent our relationship goals, in conjunction with our professional aspirations.

My guests today are power couple Tony and Lisa Neal-Graves, two people who have mastered the art of building successful careers and nurturing their strong partnership. They have served as industry leaders from high-tech to state government. Tony is Chief Information Officer and Executive Director of the Colorado Office of Information Technology, where he leads over 1,000 technology professionals. Lisa is a bonafide cultural innovation trailblazer. As CEO of Trustify Community Incorporated, she’s responsible for driving the creation of AI-augmented applications to address racial equity issues.

Tony and Lisa were instrumental in my success at Intel, and they continue to be mentors and close friends. I’m excited to have them here sharing their unique and impressive experiences of navigating professional success while simultaneously nurturing their partnership.

In this episode, Tony and Lisa share their sage advice on keeping a relationship strong when you’ve got two successful, continent-hopping executives in the mix. We’ll also talk about staying career flexible, embracing new opportunities, and the importance of making room for relationships within the context of busy work lives.

What You Will Learn:

How pioneering “firsts” help pave the way for many (4:30)
The importance of building a solid foundation (15:10)
What you can learn from your employment patterns (22:04)
Staying flexible through phases of discovery (24:36)
Sage advice from an intercontinental career (34:05)
Deciding to be a force for change in your community (38:02)
Lessons on work/life balance and effective leadership (49:15)

Connect with Tony Neal-Graves:

Connect with Lisa Neal-Graves:

Let’s connect!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How to Develop a Personal Innovation Strategy to Ignite Your Career & Life Feb 16, 2021

We’re living in changing times, and we’ve certainly seen how true that is with the disruption that’s been caused by Covid over the past year. We’ve all had to stay resilient through changing work, life, and family situations. It’s required us to think differently. It’s required us to be innovative in the face of change.

There’s no denying that the digital revolution has arrived, and the pace of innovation isn’t losing any speed. If we want to stay relevant, we have to keep up and get comfortable with the pace of these changes. It’s become apparent that a personal innovation strategy is not only necessary, but it’s vital if we want to ride the digital wave. If we’re able to innovate in terms of the value we offer within the workforce, not only will we stay relevant, but we’ll create a unique niche for ourselves and stand out from the competition.

My guest today is Steve Brown, a futurist, author, entrepreneur, and advisor. His experience in the world of high tech has spanned over 30 years, including a role as Intel's chief evangelist. He’s also worked in Intel labs, imagining and building plans for the world of the future. After Intel, Steve went on to build his own consulting business, Possibility and Purpose, LLC. His goal is to help companies understand and get comfortable with the breadth of technologies available to them, such as AI, blockchain, sensors, and augmented reality. He inspires companies to think innovatively as they prepare for the future. He’s the author of The Innovation Ultimatum: How Six Strategic Technologies Will Reshape Every Business in the 2020s.

In this episode, we’ll talk about how you can prepare yourself, both personally and professionally, to be an active participant in the digital revolution, and why that’s crucial for the future of your life and business. We’ll also discuss how diversifying your experiences can ultimately help carve out a future that you’re uniquely qualified for, and how to avoid the limiting beliefs that can sometimes cause us to turn down great opportunities.

What You Will Learn:

How to raise a futurist (5:55)
Building connection with your audience (8:35)
Why the fear of failure can equal missed opportunities (13:09)
Finding your personal definition for success (16:51)
How diversification can broaden your path and create unseen opportunities (21:25)
The “Four C’s”: Skills that will never be automated away (31:33)
Technology trends that are shaping the future of business (41:14)
Finding optimism through technology in a complicated world (51:11)

Connect with Steve Brown:

Resources:

Let’s connect!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Art of Communication, and Why it’s Your Most Indispensable Skill Feb 02, 2021

How much do you think about your role as a communicator? For leaders at every level, effective communication is what distinguishes the most impressionable leaders from the rest of the pack. Investing in this “soft” skill is not an elective in business; it’s an absolute necessity if you want to rise to the top.

Good communication is universally agreed upon as being the most important and indispensable quality among leaders. It is inextricably linked to effective leadership because it is the basis of how we get things done day to day, it’s how we motivate people, and it’s the key to building lasting teams.

My guest today is Larry Shoop, an expert in communications who helps leaders everywhere elevate their messaging, enhance employee engagement, and become more effective storytellers. Calling on over 40 years of experience in mainstream media and a distinguished career at Intel Corporation serving as Employee Communications Director and Executive Keynote Speaker, he started his own company. For over 5 years, FialloShoop Communications has been inspiring Fortune 100 leaders and executives to masterfully connect through more powerful and effective messaging.

In this episode, we’ll hear about Larry’s journey towards becoming a master communicator, and the powerful lessons he learned from working with some of the most influential leaders in media and the corporate world.

We’ll also discuss the lasting power of first impressions, the incalculable ROI when leaders invest in their own communications skills, and how leaders who listen can inspire and retain the people they lead.

What You Will Learn:

How tough love can inspire us to be better (6:33)
How to have a constructive confrontation (8:57)
The power of being prepared (17:01)
Why good leaders are always great listeners (23:36)
The weight of a first impression (32:52)
Mistakes to avoid in the art of presentation (38:50)
Getting comfortable with the physical aspects of presenting (40:33)
Effective communicators who will inspire you (45:50)

Connect with Larry Shoop:

LinkedIn
Email: larry@fialloshoop.com

Resources:

FialloShoop

Let’s connect!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Intelligent Risk Taking and Taking the Path Less Travelled Jan 19, 2021

There comes a moment in everyone’s career where a unique opportunity presents itself. Whether it’s through an unexpected job offer, the chance for a complete career pivot, or a big move, change always involves a varying degree of risk. Understanding our comfort level with risk, and knowing whether or not it’s the right time to jump, is an intuitive calculation that has the potential to alter your entire life.

My guest today is Anand Srivatsa, Chief Executive Officer at Tobii Tech. After earning his Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University, he held various positions both in the US and Taiwan with companies like Intel, Ciena, TU/e, and Cisco. After a 15 year career with Intel, he brought his wealth of experience and empowering leadership philosophy to Tobii Tech, an industry leader in eye-tracking technology, located in Stockholm, Sweden.

In today’s episode, we’ll trace the path less traveled that led Anand where he is today. He’ll share how risk-taking played a pivotal role in his ability to make fearless transitions throughout his career, and how he found the courage to jump when new opportunities came knocking.

We’ll also talk about how you can learn to hone your capacity to take “educated risks”, the importance of good managers as role models, and how he shaped his unique leadership philosophy, one that represents the benchmark for a productive and empowered workforce.

What You Will Learn:

Education is the gateway of opportunity (5:47)
Why it takes more than just talent to be successful (8:34)
How to develop an appetite for risk-taking (14:43)
A tale of undercover resilience (18:36)
How taking the path less traveled can open new opportunities (24:18)
Why good managers make all the difference (26:30)
The true purpose of a leader (29:39)
The universal importance of eye contact (36:48)
Autonomy and accountability when the buck stops with you (41:46)

Connect with Anand Srivatsa:

Resources:

Tobii

Let’s connect!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Turning Tragedy into Triumph: Transforming the Lives of Others Jan 05, 2021

When tragic, life-altering events take place, it’s hard to see beyond the immediate horizon. If you’ve lost someone close to you, that loss leaves a permanent mark. Responses to such cataclysmic personal events can understandably be tumultuous. But, the nature of your response has strength building potential. It has character enhancing potential. And sometimes, it may even lead you towards a professional calling.

My guest today is Angela N. Frazier, a speaker, and mental health influencer. She has a Master's of Public Health and Community Health from the UT of Health School of Public Health, and she received her Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences and communication from Portland State University. Angela founded a nonprofit called Sisters in Public Health with the purpose of connecting all women in public health. She’s the author of A Kid's Book About Suicide. Her work in the field of mental health has a strong and lasting impact on women and kids from across the globe.

In today’s episode, we’ll talk about how the experience of losing her mother to suicide as a young adult has shaped Angela’s life. In the ashes of tragedy, she reached for the resources she had around her. But, more importantly, she has since dedicated her life to creating the resources that weren’t available to her when she really needed them.

The loss of her mother has taught Angela the importance of having a supportive and understanding network of professionals to turn to in times of tragedy. The journey through healing is truly one that never ends. When resources are available and accessible to the people who need them, when they need them, the web of support is cast wide. This allows people to experience and process loss through a community that understands the level of that difficulty, and supports you as you embark upon your journey towards healing.

What You Will Learn:

The invaluable impact of a strong mental healthcare system (7:20)
How to turn pain into purpose (10:18)
Moving forward after loss (13:31)
The healing power of sharing (16:02)
The healing power of networking (21:54)
Suicide prevention: How to talk about it (31:56)
Finding wisdom through retrospection (34:36)
Healing is a process (39:30)
How to get unstuck (42:46)

Connect with Angela Frazier:

Resources:

Let’s connect!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leading with Purpose - How Bold & Brave Leadership Can Help Your Business Become a Force for Good with Lisa Osborne Ross Dec 15, 2020

In any competitive work environment, you can show off financial progress reports, and you can demonstrate impressive metrics of success to shareholders. However, what we’re seeing more and more across the spectrum of the corporate world today is that a true leader is more than an embodiment of the title they bear. A true leader is someone who serves with purpose.

Purpose is a concept that’s being woven into the corporate agenda as more people who believe in a purpose-driven life strive to incorporate similar values in the workplace. We want to infuse meaning into the work we do. We want to bravely advocate for bold change and use our positions of power for the greater good. We want to be voices of positivity.

My guest today is someone who has dedicated her life and work to being among these voices. Lisa Osborne Ross is the U.S. Chief Operating Officer of Edelman’s PR, and President at Edelman’s Washington D.C. Her work around diversity and inclusion has made her a sought after counselor to senior executives at Fortune 500, higher education, and government institutions.

As part of the Clinton Administration, she served as Communications Director at the U.S. Department of Labor, leading the Department’s effort to create and promote high-performance workplaces. She also served as the Deputy Director of the bipartisan Federal Glass Ceiling Commission, and was a member of the inaugural team of the White House Office of Women’s Initiatives and Outreach.

She co-founded and led the Washington Area Women’s Foundation, which has raised hundreds of millions of dollars to fund grassroots organizations addressing the needs of women and young girls throughout the Washington metropolitan area. Her goal is to build a better Washington and to empower women.

In today’s episode, Lisa shares the observations and experiences that led her into an impressive number of leadership roles in high-level organizations. She talks about the unique challenges that the environmental circumstances of 2020 have presented, and how the events of this year have continued to drive her passion to place more diverse voices into the ranks of leadership. She believes that a positive mindset and bold leadership can help everyone make a difference and find significance in the work they do.

What You Will Learn:

The lasting impact of powerful female allies (5:26)
Using the patriarchy as inspiration for unleashing your roar (11:43)
Manifesting a “bold & brave” approach to life (15:40)
Making meaningful, principled decisions in the work you do (19:49)
The importance of the words you choose (25:56)
How failed assumptions can shift our perspective (27:05)
Keeping purpose as your north star (33:18)
Using the reach you have to create actionable change (37:01)
Breaking the cultural barriers of black masculinity to allow healing (40:43)
The full circle journey of diversity through an organization (46:32)

Connect with Lisa Ross:

Resources:

Let’s connect!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leading through Crisis—The Importance of Mindset, Self-Care, and Resilience with Vikki Mueller-Espinosa Dec 08, 2020

“Resiliency is the strength required to successfully navigate change. It's the ability to successfully master the consequences of change, and it's the ability to renew oneself, and integrate new learning to become more effective than before.”

How many times have you paused in the past 8 months and, in a moment of utter frustration, asked yourself “When is this going to end?” We’ve all dealt with our share of stress and uncertainty as a result of Covid-19. It has affected the shape of our lives in countless ways, and we’re still adjusting every day.

A physical obstacle course presents challenges that ultimately make us stronger. Similarly, this mental journey we’re on through the pandemic is helping us build an equally important muscle: resilience. Experiences like this, difficult as they may be, present each of us with an opportunity for growth. Resilience helps us navigate change and better manage the shake-ups. It increases our capacity to deal with change in a productive, positive way.

When we view challenges through the lens of resilience, we can reshape our perspective and focus instead on the everyday controllable steps that keep us moving forward, rather than feeling stuck due to our lack of physical control in this long-term, global situation.

My guest today is Vikki Mueller-Espinosa, a Career Strategist and accomplished speaker who designs and executes programs supporting employee and manager career development. She found her calling and purpose after teaching one of the first Career Development Workshops at Intel in 2009, and has been with the company now for 29 years. Today, she is a highly successful Program Director known for her ability to meet employees where they are to help them further their careers.

In today’s episode, Vikki shares her wealth of knowledge supporting people through career development and applies those principles to our personal physical and mental health. She’ll help you identify the steps you can take to minimize the negativity associated with this unprecedented situation, and show you how to shift your focus towards self-care, community, purpose, and your own wellbeing.

If you’ve been wondering why your roar has been sounding more like a whimper, this conversation will help you relocate your inner power so you can navigate the rest of this pandemic journey running on all cylinders.

What You Will Learn:

Building the muscle of resiliency (6:25)
Mentally preparing for the vaccine waiting game (10:51)
Demonstrating strong leadership by example (13:23)
Success stories that will inspire you (16:22)
Resiliency through the 4 C’s (16:46)
Reclaiming your roar (19:42)
Paying it forward with the 4 R’s (24:19)
Calibrating a healthy mindset (28:47)
Minimizing the negativity that isn’t serving you (29:18)
Finding purpose through community in times of uncertainty (30:00)
Giving yourself grace (38:22)

Connect with Vikki Mueller-Espinosa:

Resources:

We Are Intel

Let’s connect!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How to Thrive in a Disruptive Economy and Spark your Passion with Lisa Thee Oct 20, 2020

“Getting to a place of power and authority, it was important to me to not only focus on the problems that have already been looked at, but to shift the attention and change the conversation to the bigger issues that I really cared about.” - Lisa Thee

As we progress in our careers, it’s natural for our goals to get pushed forward in accordance with our accomplishments. First, it’s getting the big job with the fancy title, then the goal becomes working with a top tier company in your field, until one day it’s all about getting a seat on the Board of Directors. But once you’ve earned those achievements, you might start to feel like there’s more to the ladder than the steps leading up to its summit. For some of us, there comes a time when we’re ready to start building our own ladder.

Following a disturbing scene on a business trip abroad early in her career, my guest today made a promise to herself. She vowed that someday when she had accumulated the experience and influence necessary to create change, she was going to dedicate her life to making an impact. So, she worked her way up the corporate ladder and gained the non-profit and volunteer experience she needed during her free time. Eventually, she decided to pivot, recognizing that the time had come to make her move from success to significance.

My guest today is Lisa Thee, the CEO and Founder of Launch Consulting Group’s Data for Good Practice. The safety-focused software startup helps innovative healthcare, technology, and gaming companies accomplish their goals relating to digital safety, anti-toxicity, upskilling programs for diverse populations, and applying AI and machine learning for innovation in healthcare.

Lisa was on the road to burnout as a busy working mother and technology company executive for a multinational company. So in 2018, she took the reins of her career and became an entrepreneur. Today this female founder has become a Board of Directors Member, Keynote Speaker, and sought-after Consultant. She was named to the top 100 Human Trafficking and Slavery Disruptors list, and has a TEDx talk coming in 2021 on “Using AI to Disrupt Human Trafficking in the Digital Age”. She is an advisory board member for Engineered Medical Solutions, Marketplace Risk, and Humaxa. She is a Board of Directors member for 3 Strands Global Foundation and the Sacramento Entrepreneurship Academy.

Today, we’ll hear how Lisa made her transition into entrepreneurship. We’ll also discuss why that leap towards a career with purpose was so transformative both personally and professionally. If you’re considering a pivot from your successful career towards something with a greater social impact and personal significance, Lisa’s story is one that will motivate and inspire you to take action in your own life and career, sparking the alignment of your strengths and passions.

Some Questions I Ask:

How did growing up in Detroit shape you? (3:14)
What moment stands out in your career that really helped you find your ROAR? (6:24)
What inspired you to start your personal journey to become a business owner? (9:40)
How did you leverage your passion to move into a space of not just success in your work life, but significance? (13:00)
What shifts did you have to make to transition from employee to intrapreneur? (14:23)
How did you navigate all of the challenges that come with starting your own business? (17:44)
What are some of the key characteristics that you believe one must possess to become a successful entrepreneur? (19:29)
What role did your support system play that really helped contribute to your success in business? (20:54)
How did you become an advisor, and what advice do you have for others aspiring to become advisors? (23:41)
What advice do you have for founders and entrepreneurs who want to follow their passion? (34:12)

What You’ll Learn About in This Episode:

Learning from our inadequacies (4:52)
Turning pivotal moments into life-shaping legacies (7:24)
Allowing your personal story to direct your professional values (9:21)
Accepting the qualities that others see in us (14:31)
Asking ourselves the big questions (15:21)
Debunking the myths and stereotypes of the American entrepreneur (19:49)
Knowing when to say yes and when to say "no, but here’s someone who can help you with that” (29:01)
Recognizing burnout and what you can do when you’re feeling it (30:08)

Connect with Lisa Thee:

Resources:

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lessons From The Top: Unleashing Your Roar with Michael C. Hyter Oct 06, 2020

“It's our actions that we take to achieve the outcomes we want that matters.”

-Michael C. Hyter

How many times in your life and career have you waited to be noticed? You know you’re more than qualified for that promotion, but somehow you keep getting overlooked. Maybe this scenario has some of you thinking back to your school days of being a wallflower at the homecoming dance, hoping someone sees you standing there. If only they noticed you.

Being a wallflower is one thing when you’re a teenager, but in the corporate world, going unnoticed is the last thing anyone wants. If the idea of a promotion is nipping at your heels and the desire to accelerate your career is a driving force in your life, then it’s time for you to get noticed.

Getting noticed means embracing efficacy. Efficacy is what puts you in the driver's seat of your career ambitions. Rather than a dependency on luck or timing, it’s a commitment towards being. It’s the recognition that you have been put in your position for a reason, and the belief that you add value to your organization. The confidence that blooms from this mindset creates momentum, and that force compels you to believe in your own worth.

Confidence allows us to do radical things. We’re more open to taking chances and exposing ourselves to risk. If there’s someone at the top of your company who has the job you’d like to see yourself in one day, efficacy is what empowers you to introduce yourself and talk to that person about your career goals. It’s the difference between waiting to get noticed versus creating awareness of your potential among those in places of power. You become the driving force in creating the relationships that you need to be effective. Efficacy is a “high belief impact system” that has transformative potential.

My guest today is Michael C. Hyter, the Chief Diversity Officer for Korn Ferry. Michael is an accomplished senior executive leadership consultant who specializes in the development of enterprise leaders and their next-generation successors. He joined the team at Korn Ferry in 2012 as a Senior Partner and Managing Director after the acquisition of Global Novations, where he served as President and Managing Partner.

Today he is a renowned expert in thought leadership, and I’m fortunate to call him a mentor and a friend. Michael has authored several books, his most recent titled The Power of Choice: Embracing Efficacy to Drive Your Career, and prior to that he published The Power of Inclusion: Unlock the Potential and Productivity in Your Workforce. Michael was recognized by Savoy magazine in 2016 and 2018 as one of the most influential blacks in corporate America.

In this episode, we’ll break down what efficacy means and how you can achieve it to advance your career and get noticed. We’ll also talk about how inclusion plays a pivotal role by opening doors to opportunities that are only available when you’re on the radar of decision-makers. When you have clarity of purpose and you’re able to embrace these tools simultaneously, the possibilities are limitless. Today you’ll learn how you can take the reins of your career and point your future in the direction you want to go!

Some Questions I Ask:

Who were some of your biggest influences growing up? (4:48)
When did you discover your ROAR? (9:20)
Was it difficult to forgo a large salary for your first job out of college in favor of your passion? (15:29)
You’ve had the chance to retire, but what motivates you to stay in the game? (17:52)
How have you overcome attacks on your confidence in your career? (22:11)
What advice can you share to help people navigate their progression up the ladder? (28:00)
How would you describe efficacy? (33:46)
How do we need to show up in order to have an influential role in our organizations? (39:33)
What legacy do you want to leave? (47:49)

What You’ll Learn About in This Episode:

The lasting impact a first job can have on your self-confidence (5:39)
One generation paying it forward (9:30)
Why it should never be about the money (12:18)
The ripple effect of inclusion (22:57)
The muscle you should be exercising to get ahead (28:12)
Redirecting negativity towards a higher purpose (30:32)
Efficacy as a belief system (34:06)
The difference between luck and effort (36:49)
Clarity as a catalyst for success (40:01)
A key finding among black CEO’s that has propelled their rise to the top (43:23)

Connect with Michael C. Hyter:

Books:

The Power of Choice: Embracing Efficacy to Drive Career Success by Michael C. Hyter
The Power of Inclusion: Unlock the Potential and Productivity in Your Workforce by Michael C. Hyter
Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead by Brene Brown

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Trust is Your Most Valuable Currency Sep 22, 2020

Where would we be without trust? In our personal lives, it’s an important factor in building relationships. It’s not always at the top of our list of priorities when running a business, but it should be. Business is all about relationships. Trust is a social currency in the corporate realm, and if you invest in trust, it can really benefit your bottom line.

A leadership structure that places value on the internal health of the organization is capable of producing incredible results. When employees work in an environment where they feel secure, valued, and autonomous, they are more productive. Positive organizational psychology and high trust means a happier, more efficient, and more profitable workplace.

My guest today is Bill Hefferman, a brilliant organizational development leader who has dedicated his career to creating high performing workplaces. For more than 25 years, Bill has been a leader in the field of Organizational Development Theory. Through his insights and common sense approach to problem-solving, he helps people and organizations transition towards trust, thereby uncovering healthier relationships, happier workplaces, and higher productivity.

Bill has led initiatives across a wide range of organizations across the world, and his practical approach has helped teams and leaders to work through tough issues by helping people find common ground. In my first role as a manager at Intel, I was fortunate to partner with Bill. His coaching, insight, and guidance were invaluable in helping me to establish a strong foundation of trust from day one with my new team.

Today Bill is going to help us map out a plan for quickly establishing trust in both your personal and professional relationships. We’ll discuss how trust is built within leadership, and why it’s a fundamental part of the relationship between managers and employees. He’ll also provide a few relatable examples and tangible actions that we can all use to build and rebuild trust with people at home and in the workplace.

Some Questions I Ask:

Who were some of your biggest influences growing up? (7:26)
What stands out as a defining moment that helped you really uncover your ROAR? (11:03)
What can organizations do today to start to create a high trust culture? (14:52)
What are some actionable, tangible things that we can do to build trust? (19:33)
What are the benefits of a high trust organization to the business? (25:24)
What are some simple things that we can do to strengthen our relationships and strengthen the trust foundation as people are working differently through COVID? (37:30)

What You’ll Learn About in This Episode:

Recognizing the pivotal moments that lead you towards your calling (5:42)
Building trust among strangers (9:22)
The superpower of fluency in a foreign language (12:21)
Humanity as a building block of organizational trust (15:55)
The importance of authenticity and vulnerability in establishing trust (17:09)
The mindset of authentic vulnerability (17:55)
Vulnerability as a path to forgiveness (21:36)
Trust and the bottom line (26:53)
Character trust versus competence trust (28:46)
Dealing with challenging conversations about trust (31:54)
An example of vulnerability on live television (33:54)
Setting and respecting boundaries (39:41)

Connect with Bill Hefferman:

Resources:

Book: The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni
Book: Trust Factor: The Science of Creating High-Performance Companies by Paul J. Zak
Book: The Speed of Trust: The One Thing That Changes Everything by Stephen M. R. Covey
Book: Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler, Stephen R. Covey
Show: Masterpiece Theatre

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The Power of Coaching, and Leveling Up in Life and Career Sep 15, 2020

“Success is when I add value to myself. Significance when I add value to others.”

-John C. Maxwell

Would you describe yourself as successful? Think for a moment about that word. Consider what it means to you. Try to define it.

When you really start to unpack it, success rarely looks like a destination with an endpoint. As we accelerate in our careers, the goal line continues to move forward. First, you aspire towards a promotion, and once you’ve earned that promotion, another point appears on the map ahead of where you are. Maybe your next destination is hitting that six-figure threshold. Once you’ve achieved it, perhaps the next goal is to make partner in your firm. It goes on and on. Success is a journey along a continuous course that motivates us to keep the engine charged.

As we drive further and further along Success Highway, it’s pretty easy to understand the skills and qualifications that got us behind the wheel. But new heights require new insights. Growth, like success, isn’t a destination. It’s a journey of constant reckoning with ourselves, with our level of knowledge, and yes...with our limitations and failures. So how do we recognize and face those things that we should know about ourselves as leaders in order to become better, more effective versions of ourselves? That requires help, whether we feel comfortable admitting it or not.

Professional career coaches are increasingly in vogue among today’s high caliber leaders. While it might sound terrifying to open ourselves up to the idea of critique, it’s a necessary process if we’re actually serious about growth. Leadership models reveal that effective transformational leadership requires senior leaders to guide their teams with empathy and inspiration rather than ego and perceived omnipotence. Career coaching has been recognized as an invaluable part of the growth process for current and future leaders.

My guest today is Dr. Richard Osibanjo. He’s the Organizational Development Partner and a trusted advisor to executive leaders at Intel Corporation. His role is to help senior leaders energize the organization with bold transformational strategies, unlocking human potential, and new market growth. Dr. Osibanjo is a highly successful certified leadership coach, trainer, and speaker with an impressive track record in his field.

He calls Portland, Oregon home, along with his wife and two sons. Dr. Osibanjo also started an educational foundation called CLG, an acronym for Connect-Learn-Growth. Through CLG, he partners with local professionals and underrepresented minority youths in Portland to accelerate their leadership journey.

In this episode, we talk about how Dr. Richard Osibanjo found his calling as a professional coach, and why coaching and transformational leadership are so important. We also discuss how you can get prepared to engage a coach and get the most value out of that experience.

Some Questions I Ask:

Who were some of your biggest influences growing up? (4:13)
How did you get into coaching as a profession? (9:44)
How do you perceive the value of coaching in a leader's life? (13:09)
Which types of coaches should leaders look for? (16:08)
Is there a stigma associated with coaching? (18:03)
What are some of the powerful transformations that you've helped other people achieve? (20:08)
What are some things that you've done to help the individuals that you coach, develop the right mindset for growth? (22:41)
Who are you drawing inspiration from today? (36:49)
Can you tell us about your nonprofit, CLG? (38:16)

What You’ll Learn About in This Episode:

How the right message at the right time can change your life (6:15)
Why your work should be an expression of love (9:58)
The trifecta in life that you have to get right (10:52)
The Law of the Lid (13:13)
Why investing in the growth of leadership will ultimately make or break your business (14:13)
Why our “do-it-yourself” western cultural values are self-defeating (18:44)
The tangible power of performance-based coaching (21:50)
The 3 characteristics in a leader that make them the best candidates for coaching (24:04)
Nuggets of wisdom from legendary executive coach Marshall Goldsmith (27:11)
The pro’s and con’s of a successful mindset (27:27)
The seven things you need to do when involving stakeholders in the journey (27:51)
Nurturing the seed of self (33:28)

Connect with Dr. Richard Osibanjo:

Twitter

Resources:

Website: Dr. Richard Osibanjo

Organization: Grow Learn Connect

Book: In Pursuit of Purpose: The Key to Personal Fulfillment by Myles Munroe

Book: What Got You Here Won't Get You There: How Successful People Become Even More Successful by Marshall Goldsmith

Book: Facilitating Organization Change: Lessons from Complexity Science by Edwin Olson

Recipe: Jollof Rice

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The Power of Perseverance with George Tinsley Sep 08, 2020

When you possess an unshakable will to win, no obstacle has the power to derail you. This level of perseverance is in the DNA of great leaders. Rather than allow poverty, misfortune, or lack of support to determine who you are, it’s possible to take the reigns and steer yourself towards greatness.

How does one make the decision to defy the odds, regardless of their circumstances? Where do perseverance and determination come from? Well, money can’t buy it. This is the magic of the mind.

Possibility thinking centers on the idea of shifting how you think about who you are. Rather than looking at your situation in a single moment, and deciding that this must be your lot in life, possibility thinking throws you a lifeline. It sifts through the sands of reality and searches for those little flecks of gold, helping you to recognize opportunities.

You find empowerment through opportunities, no matter how big or small they are. This revs up the engine of self-confidence, and that confidence becomes the foundation on which you can begin to build your dreams. It might take time, but once you’ve found a way to start believing in yourself, and you’re willing to put in the time and do the work, success is a certainty.

We can’t control how we come into the world. Our financial and social circumstances are what they are. Our job is to do our best to persevere through them until we have the ability to control them. But if we’re clever enough, if we have just a little bit of self-esteem propping us up from even a single influence in our lives, someone who’s looking at what’s inside of us, rather than judging only what they see on the outside, we can start to detach from that mould and shape ourselves. We begin to recognize our greatness, and it becomes possible to rise up and make waves.

My guest today is Mr. George Tinsley. Along with his wife of 48 years, together they own the highest-grossing KFC franchises in Florida and are among the most successful African American couples in the state. George Tinsley is a six-time basketball Hall of Famer, a millionaire entrepreneur, leader, motivator, coach, and most importantly, a family man.

His story is one about a man who's risen from rags to riches. Having grown up in an era where racism was openly tolerated, his poverty and inner city beginnings didn’t pave an easy path towards success. Through faith, tenacity, education, and a relentless drive to transform obstacles into opportunities, he beat the odds. Today, he and his wife own more than 50 restaurant franchises in Florida and Kentucky, with their brands representing the majority of dining options in the Tampa International Airport, Miami International Airport, and Louisville International Airport.

George Tinsley’s success goes far beyond his own personal achievements. He has helped many others, myself included, gain a stable footing on our career ladders. He gave me my first job opportunity at one of his KFC restaurants when I was 14 years old. For those of us who had the opportunity to work for George Tinsley and his wife in their franchises, we saw African American leaders who were vested in our career success, and more importantly, our success in life. Today, he shares some insights about his rise to the top, and how perseverance and possibility thinking made his dreams a reality.

Some Questions I Ask:

What stands out as a defining moment in your life where you realized that, despite your obstacles and circumstances, you could still be successful? (10:49)
How did you capitalize on your intellectual ability and athletic gifts to navigate yourself towards a better future? (17:35)
How did a career in sports prepare you for your next steps in life? (28:44)
How did you transition from winning in the game of basketball to winning in the game of franchises? (34:52)
What has been the key to success for you in Mississippi, and what's sustained you over the years? (48:37)
What would you say is one of the biggest mistakes or failures that you guys had to navigate through, and what did you learn from it? (52:04)
What’s the next chapter for you? (57:55)
What is some of the advice that you have for entrepreneurs or franchise owners? (1:01:43)

In this episode, you’ll learn about:

Turning rejection into determination (10:52)
Recognizing and reciprocating kindness (14:27)
Being a fearless first as the minority (27:04),(34:12)
Building a legacy from the ground up (39:10)
Staying resilient when the bottom drops out (42:41)
Learning from your mistakes (53:19)
Community involvement as a key to success (56:01)
Having the right team in place (1:04:25)
Seeing opportunity through obstacles (1:06:11)

Connect with Geroge Tinsley:

Resources:

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Entrepreneurship: The Art of the Itch Sep 01, 2020

“When you have an itch, there is an ART to how to approach it. The A is for ask, R is for research, and T is for test. “

Choosing to leave the comfort of stable, well-paying work in order to pursue our passions is an intimidating prospect. For many out there, making that transition can be a struggle and it can feel like there is a lack of resources at our disposal to get our ideas off the ground. Taking the risk to invest in ourselves and develop an independence through entrepreneurship, however, can be one of the best decisions we make for our careers.

Joining me today is Reneta Jenik, the Founder and CEO of ‘Foodom’ - an Online Marketplace dedicated to making meals affordable and accessible to busy families that want to eat cleaner and healthier, while at the same time reducing their waste close to zero. Reneta was inspired to create this framework after examining the issues that were present at her own dinner table. After realizing that other families were experiencing similar concerns, she embarked on a journey to create what is now a successful in-home meal preparation startup.

Though Reneta did not come from a background in the food industry, the skill set she developed at previous tech giants such as Intel, became invaluable in her current venture at ‘Foodom’. She believes that the core marketing and business practices that were present at previous jobs were just as prominent in creating the framework for her startup and helped her to navigate the company structure.

In today’s episode, we discuss why Reneta decided to transition out of corporate culture and start a small business, how Covid-19 has impacted her team’s approach to processing and manufacturing issues, as well as marketing insights and advice for budding business owners! We also talk about how Reneta’s upbringing influenced her core values surrounding food and why she had such an unwavering commitment to seeking justice at a young age.

For anyone out there looking to take the leap and carve out a niche for themselves within the entrepreneurship space, tune in to Episode 20 of Roar!

Some Questions I Ask:

Could you talk about your background and who influenced you the most growing up? (3:04)
Is there a defining moment in your life that shaped you for entering adulthood? (6:10)
How did you come up with the concept for ‘Foodom’ & How has it evolved since its inception? (12:16)
How have you been able to leverage your experience as a Tech Executive to tackle issues within the food industry? (19:16)
How has COVID impacted your business? (22:40)
What have you considered to be your biggest mistake or failure and how did you navigate it? (26:11)
What are the most important characteristics for an individual to possess who is wanting to break into entrepreneurship? (28:03)

What You’ll Learn in this Episode:

How to step up when you see injustices happen. (6:24)
How all great ideas begin with an itch & how to listen to that intuition. (09:34)
The first step toward starting a business: identifying people’s needs. (12:45)
How to scale a small business by seeking external help. (15:27)
The key to a successful startup. (21:56)
The current trends in the food market & how are companies supporting their employees in this regard. (24:08)
Why a partnership with a co-founder is similar to marriage. (26:57)
Reneta’s advice for entrepreneurs and business owners. (29:11)
What the acronym ‘A.R.T’ stands for & its importance for a startup. (30:03)
The importance of leaving shame aside and asking questions ‘like there’s no tomorrow’. (30:57)
Some helpful resources and organizations that can help you with your startup journey. (31:59)
Starting a business doesn’t have to be costly. (34:22)

Connect With Reneta Jenik:

Resources:

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Owning Your Seat at the Table Aug 25, 2020

“When things are uncertain, that is the time for black women to step into being information centers and nodes, because then you have an opportunity”

Black women are the most educated demographic in the United States, yet very few of us are seated at decision-making tables across the corporate world. If we want to change the pay disparity and ensure our voices hold space in these important conversations, we need to have the courage and take action in order to get there.

My guest today is Rukaiyah Adams, a trailblazer in the field of financial services, investment, and institutional asset management. She has secured a seat at numerous tables of influence, power, and decision making. Rukaiyah is the Chief Investment Officer at Meyer Memorial Trust, one of the largest charitable foundations in the Pacific Northwest. She's responsible for leading all investment activities to ensure the long term financial strength of the organization. Before joining Meyer, she ran the $6.5 billion capital markets fund at The Standard, where she oversaw six trading desks that included several bond strategies, preferred equities, derivatives, and other risk mitigation strategies. Rukaiyah is the chair of the prestigious Oregon Investment Council, the board that manages approximately $100 billion of public pension and other assets for the state of Oregon. During her tenure as chair, the Oregon State Pension Fund has been the top-performing public pension fund in the United States.

Rukaiyah has been opening doors and breaking through glass ceilings, paving the way for other women of color to be seated at the table. She's made it to the top and she's sending the elevator back down to bring up more people who look just like her. She is passionate about owning her seat at the table and driving lasting change both in the makeup of the table and the impact of the table. She's an African American woman who's earned not just a place at the table, but the chair at the head of it.

Getting to that table is one thing, but owning your seat is another. Once we make it to the table, it can be easy to just sit back and revel in our success. For Rukaiyah, that wasn’t enough. Earning her seat wasn’t the pinnacle. She wanted to change the makeup of the table, shake it up from the inside, and direct real change that would benefit her community. She has never been afraid to make unpopular decisions and does not compromise on her ethics. Owning her seat at the table is about demonstrating consistent excellence. With excellence comes confidence in her decision making skills, and that in turn gives her the power to invest ethically, benefiting the people who need it most.

Rukaiyah grew in Northeast Portland in a strong black community she describes as being “a hotbed for black thinking in the 70s and 80s”. It was a place where her self-confidence was encouraged through the nourishment she received from family relationships and powerful community connection. She’s dedicated much of her energy in the finance sector towards rebuilding and reenergizing the historic community center where she was raised.

In today’s episode, we talk about owning the seats we occupy at the table. We also discuss how times of uncertainty can actually be the most opportune moments for women of color to step up into leadership. This episode was recorded on Black Women’s Equal Payday, so there was truly no better time to talk about how to get more women of color into positions of power and leadership.

Some Questions I Ask:

Who were some of your biggest influences in life? (7:48)
When did you discover your ROAR? (10:40)
Who influenced your love of community? (16:07)
What did your career journey look like? (18:37)
When did you start to find your voice? (24:21)
How have you learned from your failures? (35:25)
What is your advice to young women of color? (46:24)
What is your vision for Portland? (49:22)
How would you have been impacted as a young girl seeing the success of women of color today? (1:01:02)

What You’ll Learn in this Episode:

How Rukaiyah’s relationship with her Grandfather made an impact on her life (9:04)
Why the decision to leave public school had a transformative effect (11:06)
How code switching is being flipped around (14:45)
How being an outsider became an unexpected benefit during the financial crisis (20:53)
The powerful moment when she recognized her moral responsibility as a black woman in finance (24:41)
Her strategy when she faces pushback (30:18)
The unique choices women in business have to make about family (38:42)
A recent success in Portland community building (44:04)

Connect with Rukaiyah Adams:

Resources:

Meyer Memorial Trust
Video: TED: Homegirls’ Guide to Being Powerful
Video: Tech Fest 2017
Book: The Overstory by Richard Powers

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The Power of Leadership Communications Aug 18, 2020

“Communication is the one leadership quality that will make you or break you.”

Being an effective communicator is possibly the most important quality in any leader, but it’s easier said than done, and the two skill sets don’t always come in the same package. For some, it takes work. Leadership communications is about more than translating a mission statement. It's about organizing a set of ideas in a clear and compelling way that people can understand, inspiring people to lean in.

The people with the best communication skills have the most influence, and they possess the rare ability to provide leadership amid chaos. Navigating through Covid-19 has been a prime example of the importance of effective communication. Companies are collectively entering new territory. Meetings look different, office environments have changed, and day to day interactions have gone digital. Experiencing these changes, Is it possible that we’ve been underestimating the value of good communication all along?

My guest today is Daniel Casse, a true master in the world of communications and leadership. He is the co-founder and managing partner of High Lantern Group, a firm focused on business communications, strategic positioning, and thought leadership for executives.

For nearly 20 years, Daniel has been an advisor to chief executives and senior officers of the world’s largest and most influential companies in every major industry. He has worked directly with more than 100 chief executives and senior corporate officers to improve how they communicate and share strategic thinking. He has also worked with dozens of companies to define and expand their business narrative, helping them to tell an in-depth story about their business to customers, investors, and their own employees.

Research indicates that there's a strong link between communication and effective leadership, so it’s never been more important for leaders and executives to focus on these skills. In this episode, we talk about why communication matters, and how you can become a more effective communicator, and an all around better leader.

Some Questions I Ask:

Who were some of your biggest influences growing up? (5:02)
Was there a defining moment that helped you find your ROAR? (6:23)
How do you define Communications? (10:02)
How can we improve our communication skills while working from home? (15:15)
How have you helped leaders become better communicators? (19:53)
Who, in a business organization, needs to work on communication? (21:05)
Who are some of the top leaders you see in today's corporate environment? (32:21)

What You’ll Learn in this Episode:

Daniel’s journey into Communications (8:32)
Why poor communicators become poor bosses (12:18)
The silver lining of virtual meetings, and how you can use it to your advantage (14:08)
How to have a successful meeting (17:25)
Presentations: To slide or not to slide? (23:49)
How women can learn to control the room (26:40)
What Jack Welch taught him about leadership (30:09)
A lesson in succinct employee handbook writing (33:06)

Connect with Daniel Casse:

Resources:

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How to Secure a Seat at the Table Aug 11, 2020

“If they don't give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.” - Shirley Chisolm

In 1968, conventional precepts came tumbling down when Shirley Chisolm became the first black woman elected to Congress. Shattering that glass ceiling wasn’t easy, particularly at the height of the Civil Rights era in America. As a woman and a person of color, every step of that journey would have felt like an impossible uphill battle. Yet somehow, she made it to the top and secured her seat at one of the most important tables in the world, paving a brave new path for women of color everywhere.

Today, more and more seats of power are being filled by women of color. However, no matter how far we’ve come, there’s always further to go in terms of access and equality in the business world. According to the data from the National Women's Law Center, the pay gap between white men and women of color is equal to around $23,653 per year. Closing this gap can only be achieved when women of color have the power to make salary decisions, and that power only exists within people who have seats at the table.

My guest today is Minda Harts, a woman with a mission to help accelerate the position of women of color in business. Through Memo LLC, she presents an inspiring career development platform that provides resources to help close the pay gap. She’s also an Assistant Professor at New York University Wagner, and author of The Memo: What Women of Color Need to Know to Secure a Seat at the Table, a bestseller that offers actionable advice on the path towards career success.

In her work, Minda centers on the importance of your personal belief that you deserve a seat at the table you’re trying to secure. The work also doesn’t end when you get there, because for women of color there is the added responsibility of making the path to the table less difficult for other women of color who come after you. This depends not only on you, but the alliances you’re able to create at that table. She says it’s all about listening, educating, and activating your allies and resources for the benefit of all women of color who are on their way to filling those seats in the future.

In today’s episode, we’ll uncover the success secrets of women like Shirley Chisolm and Minda Hart, and learn what it takes to secure our own seats at the table.

Some Questions I Ask:

Who were some of your biggest influences growing up? (7:34)
Was there a defining moment that really stood out that has helped you achieve your desires? (9:22)
Why was it so important for you to write this book? (12:21)
How has your book been received? (14:55)
What are some of the specific places and spaces you think about when you talk about “the table”? (16:30)
How important is it to have a career coach in order to achieve success? (26:05)
What advice would you give to my ally listeners who want to do their part in elevating women of color to their rightful place at the table? (35:30)
How did you identify the right people for your squad and how do you utilize them today? (44:39)

What You’ll Learn in this Episode:

The power of having strong female role models in life (7:44)
Why belief in your belonging in the room is the first step (16:46)
How to leverage the power of being in the room (19:17)
How inclusion plays a role in the journey towards being able to sit at the table (23:04)
How women of color can find balance between creating change within systems and outside of systems (30:17)
A perspective on the future for women of color in the workplace (36:45)
What women of color can do in the salary negotiation process to ensure they are asking for what they’re worth (39:28)

Connect with Minda Harts:

Resources:

Book: The Memo
Podcast: Secure the Seat

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The Remarkable Power of Asking Aug 04, 2020

“You create your opportunities by asking for them”

Norman Vincent Peale said “Change your thoughts and you can change your world.” Think about a time in your life when you had an idea or an opportunity that really excited you, something that would require you to push beyond the borders of your comfort zone. Perhaps it was asking for a promotion or a raise, or maybe you wanted to ask someone out to dinner, but the very thought made you nervous or uncomfortable. Did you adhere to those boundaries, or did you choose to move beyond them, undaunted?

Consider how decisions you’ve made to be bold and embrace the power of asking have impacted your life. Think about the connections that asking has created, and doors that have opened as a result. Looking back, do you regret taking any of those leaps? It’s important to recognize that when it comes to making big moves, we can give fear too much power to dictate our actions. But we don’t have to.

Today’s guest comes from my very own alma mater, the University of South Florida. Robert Bishop is Dean at the USF College of Engineering in beautiful Tampa. He’s recognized as a Distinguished Teaching Professor and Researcher in Aerospace Engineering, and he's a specialist in the Application of Systems and Control Theory to modern engineering products.

Through serving on the University of South Florida's College of Engineering advisory board alongside Dean Bishop, I’ve seen how his fearless mindset has transformed the department and inspired growth and innovation. He’s someone who understands first hand the remarkable power of asking. Robert Bishop has co-authored with astronauts, sat down with Presidents, met brilliant artists, and he’s chilled backstage with rockstars. All of this happened through the simple power of asking.

We create a lot of complex reasons in order to justify our fears, giving ourselves permission to refrain from asking bold questions that have the potential to alter the direction of our lives. In this episode, we discover how clarity of purpose gave Robert Bishop the courage to make the big, bold asks that got him where he is today.

Some Questions I Ask:

Who were some of your biggest influences growing up? (7:02)
Has moving around so frequently made it easier for you to connect and build relationships? (8:03)
What stands out for you as a defining moment that helped you chart your course and your path forward? (8:59)
Was there ever any fear or self doubt when you’ve made big asks in your life? (16:20)
How have you been able to recognize and capitalize on those moments when the universe seems to open a door for you? (22:51)
How have you built that leadership capability in yourself, since you say it wasn’t an innate skill? (27:17)
What are some of the things that you're doing to cultivate that empathetic leadership and that leadership growth mindset in your engineers at the college? (31:16)
What are you most proud of? (39:36)

What You’ll Learn in this Episode:

The invisible subculture of “military brats” (5:00)
Robert Bishop’s first bold ask at 17 years of age (11:17)
How another bold ask led him to consider a career in academia (14:05)
How a bold move as a teenager led to a lifetime of backstage rockstar encounters (17:26)
How to inspire successful people to engage with you (20:33)
How he brought a “Moonwalker” into the classroom (21:00)
The spontaneous conversation with President Jimmy Carter that inspired his concept of leadership (28:46)
Why the Leadership Program is designed to put more value on the human element within engineering (32:39)
How the very busy Robert Bishop unwinds (hint: it’s not Netflix, like the rest of us...) (46:54)

Connect with Robert Bishop:

Twitter

USF

You Tube Bio

Resources Mentioned:

Book: Jimmy Carter- Always a Reckoning

Videos: VH1- Where Are They Now?

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Changing the World by Changing the Game Jul 28, 2020

“It’s great that I’m the first, but what’s most important is that I’m not the last.”

If you’re a wine lover or a visionary, you are going to adore my guest today! Bertony Faustin is a philosopher, thought-provoker, and change-maker, and his spirit is one that will endure all obstacles and setbacks, all while inspiring others to do the same!

In 2008, Bertony became the first recorded black winemaker in Oregon – and the journey that led him to this incredible accomplishment was not typical, nor could it have been. You are going to hear his entire story of how he pivoted from being an anesthesiologist to a successful trailblazer and futurist in the wine industry.

Bertony embodies all the characteristics of a visionary leader. He’s looking to change the world and he’s doing that by courageously using his freedom of choice and breaking the societal stereotypes that sometimes hold people in their narrow boxes. He forges clarity into what the future should look like, builds connectedness in every arena, and shapes a positive culture for the next generation.

While I was listening to his story, I particularly loved his mindset of taking leaps of passion instead of leaps of faith, and how his business signature is not the wines he produces but the taste of life and the experience he is offering to the people that cross his threshold at Abbey Creek Vineyard. For him, relational capital means more than all the money one can ascertain, and he constantly works on creating an industry culture based on meaningful connections.

Listen to Episode 15 of Roar, and learn how you can change an industry by having the right vision. I’m sure you’ll enjoy Bertony’s unique way of thinking and you’ll definitely feel motivated to go after your dreams with boldness.

Some questions I ask:

Why did you decide to go into the movie industry and what is your documentary about? (13:14)
What sets you apart? What is the Abbey Creek experience and what type of customers are you servicing? (22:15)
How did you get people to buy into your leadership vision as a winemaker? (25:20)
Are you stepping into any other new business arenas in 2020 or beyond? (34:42)

In this episode, you will learn:

How & why Bertony made a great pivot from being an anesthesiologist to making wine. (04:37)
How stereotypes can sometimes prevent people from going after their vision and purpose in life. (10:46)
The difference between a mentor and a coach. (15:03)
How to make the most impact in the field you activate in & How Bertony repurposed the wine industry. (17:27)
How you can change the world, by focusing on one person at a time. (23:46)
The biggest mistake in branding & the importance of marketing the person, not the product. (25:42)
Envision versus envisage & where people get stuck. (27:58)
Why it is better to take leaps of passion instead of leaps of faith. (30:17)
The reason why Bertony created the Pinot Noir Juice. (35:14)
The trap of “giving back” & how Bertony sees this needs to be done. (36:26)

Connect with Bertony:

Resources mentioned:

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How to Build Winning Teams Jul 21, 2020

Success is a result of navigating challenges and overcoming obstacles on the way to achieving your dreams, and everyone who has reached it in different stages of their lives can tell you that it doesn’t happen by accident. There’s a pattern, a template, a formula that all the accomplishments have in common - and my purpose is to find all the ingredients that form the recipe of success, and share them with you all!

Today, I’m excited to talk about yet another ingredient of success – perhaps one of the most important ones – and that is, building successful teams. I have the true pleasure of sharing an expert on the topic, a great friend of mine, Alex Molden. Alex gives us the success secrets and formulas used in building winning teams in the NFL and how these recipes, formulas, and tips can be used in creating strong, long-lasting, and productive teams in a multitude of arenas.

Alex is an ex-NFL Player, Speaker, Leadership & Personal Development Coach, and the host of the podcast called “The Shark Effect”. Alex’s main focus is to strengthen team collaborations, communication, and transparency, using his patent Leadership Workshop. Being an NFL football player for 8 years, Alex learned the secrets of winning teams, no matter the industry – and his formula has given many organizations and executives proven solutions to help them build a more galvanized team.

There’s no one who knows more about what it takes to be part of a winning team and how to show up and be the best player you can be on the field and create that environment for success. So, listen to Episode 14 of Roar to learn how to create the right culture with your closest people, both in your personal life, as well as in your professional ventures.

Some questions I ask:

Tell us a little bit about your background: where are you from, and who were some of your biggest influencers growing up? (04:57)
When you think back on your past experiences, was there one defining moment that pushed you forward, in spite of all the obstacles around you? (14:55)
How would you describe yourself? Who are you? What’s important to you? (17:46)
What were some of the things that you saw your coaches focused on, to build a great team? (31:51)
Who inspires you today? (56:43)

In this episode, you will learn:

How the ‘windshield effect’ works to get you closer to achieving your goals. (12:15)
The lessons Alex learned from being part of good & bad teams throughout his career. (21:39)
The importance of treating practice like a real game. (25:11)
The role culture plays in a team & How you can create it. (28:45)
The three words that can take your team to a higher level: assignment, alignment, and adjustment. (33:30)
The values Alex is passing onto his children. (44:14)
The meaning of the metaphor, “Keep a shark in your tank”. (47:28)
The ingredient that can get you to higher heights: people that can make you feel uncomfortable by telling you the truth. (51:26)
What Alex’s podcast is all about. (01:00:00)

Connect with Alex:

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Taking Risks and Leaps of Faith Jul 14, 2020

When was the last time you took a leap of faith in your career? What benefits did you reap out of that jump?

There are moments in our lives when our inner voice is asking us to make a change in our careers. At the same time, fear will cross our road, preventing us to take on opportunities that could guide us on the path to success. To challenge that fear, one needs to have faith in themselves, in their abilities acquired up to that point, and just rise to the occasion.

Making leaps of faith for your career is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself – and my guest today, Mary Willner, is the perfect example of how having the courage to step out of your comfort zone and take risks pays great results in the end. She shares the lessons she’s learned over the years on how to be a leader, how to build relationships and trust and she also advocates for the importance of not selling ourselves short, even though our inner critique can be powerful sometimes.

Mary is currently enjoying her life as a retired tech executive, and prior to this, she has had an amazing career of more than 35 years as a Vice President with Top Fortune 50 companies, including IBM and Intel. She believes that, in order to succeed, you have to get a seat at the table and let your voice be heard – and how else can you do that, if not by going all in, no matter the obstacles?

I encourage you to take a small leap of faith right now, and listen to Episode 13 of Roar because I guarantee you it will be worth it! You will learn that regardless of how things turn out, you will get to the other end of the experience stronger, wiser, and more successful because of your willingness to try.

Some questions I ask:

Tell us a little bit about your background – where are you from? And who were some of your biggest influences growing up? (05:01)
What stands out for you as a defining moment that helped you find your roar? (08:36)
How have you helped other leaders take those leaps of faith? (14:01)
How do you navigate the feeling of failure and really find the way to get up one more time and take that next leap? (18:58)
What did you discover about yourself when you took the leaps? What were some of the things that still stick with you today about how to have faith versus fear? (26:21)
What does it really mean, as a leader, to be ready to jump? (28:40)

In this episode, you will learn:

The importance of nurturing your relationships with your clients, customers, and suppliers. (06:41)
One of Mary’s biggest realizations when it comes to happiness at work and at home. (10:58)
Taking big leaps require having supportive people around you. (12:28)
When to apply to a job & What most senior managers are looking for in a candidate. (16:40)
The importance of making your homework and provide yourself with a parachute before you jump. (20:35)
Why looking for someone to replace you when you decide to leave is the right thing to do both for you and the company you’re working for. (21:49)
One example of how small leaps of faith lead to a more significant one. (23:29)

Connect with Mary:

Resources mentioned:

Book: Bell Hooks – Ain’t I a Woman: Black Women and Feminism

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Justice For Us All Jul 07, 2020

Education is the main pillar of a thriving society and is at the forefront of our evolution as leaders and game-changers. It expands our minds and opens up our world to infinite possibilities, and it helps us grow into anything we want.

My guest, Justice Adrienne Nelson, is a pioneer and a trailblazer who believes in the power of education and how it can truly transform our lives and the communities we engage in – and her actions truly mirror her judgment. Today, she joins me to talk about her journey to becoming the first African American to sit on Oregon State Supreme Court and about her passion for ensuring that the system works for everyone.

Judge Nelson earned her Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from the University of Texas at Austin, and her Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Criminal Justice Summa Cum Laude from the University of Arkansas. In 2006, she was appointed as a trial judge on the Multnomah County Circuit Court in Portland, Oregon - making her the second African American female judge in the state of Oregon – and in 2018 she was appointed to the Oregon Supreme Court - becoming the first African American to sit on the state’s highest court and on any appellate state court.

Over the years, Adrienne has been very active in the legal community and she is a frequent speaker on several topics, including diversity, inclusion, equity, leadership, and professional development. She serves as a mentor to many people, especially to students, helping them realize that they have the power to become whoever they want in life, regardless of their status, race, gender, or the place they come from.

I feel truly honored to have Judge Nelson in my show and to learn from her the ins and outs of our judicial system. Listen to Episode 12 of Roar, to discover the actions she takes to bridge the gap and bring justice to us all.

Some questions I ask:

Tell us a little bit about your background: where are you from? And who were your biggest influences growing up? (02:57)
When you think about your early experiences, which one stands out as a defining moment that really helped you find your roar? (08:44)
What led you to pursue a career in law? (14:40)
Did you ever have any problems or challenges that you’ve encountered along the way, simply because people were a little bit surprised to see you sitting on the bench in the State’s highest court? (24:24)
How diverse is the judiciary system, and what role do you think diversity plays in the court’s mission? (30:20)
How can individuals help people like you, to create a judicial system that lives up to the idea of equal justice for all? (39:06)
What are some of the ideas and programs that you’ve implemented as a judge, that focus on bringing the voices together for good? (44:28)

In this episode, you will learn:

The importance of understanding that our zip code should not limit our ambitions. (05:02)
The racial injustice Adrienne experienced in her teenage years & How that influenced her future. (09:52)
The power of human support, mentorship, and a strong community in someone’s life. (17:01)
Adrienne’s recipe on how to deal with tough or important situations, without feeling overwhelmed. (21:54)
The reasons Adrienne loves being in the Supreme Court & How she manages to bring value through the position she holds. (27:39)
What Adrienne does to serve as a role model for young, diverse students that aspire to be part of the law environment. (34:55)
The three words that can help change our country into a better place & the actions we can take do drive that change. (40:54)
The honor Adrienne has received of having a high school named after her & what this means for her. (51:20)

Connect with Adrienne:

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How to Build Your Network in a Virtual Environment Jun 30, 2020

Currently, due to the global pandemic, most of us are working from home with minimal contact with the outside world because all gatherings and daily social activities have been put on hold, to keep us safe. As a result, numerous natural networking events have evaporated.

So how do we cultivate and manage our relationships in such unusual circumstances? How can we build our dream network, even in times of social isolation?

My guest, Tania, believes that we can still connect in a pure and authentic way and today she’s going to tell us exactly how to do this. We discuss the power of human connection and the value of building and maintaining strategic relationships in the midst of the pandemic. She gives us practical advice on how to build a community of support and surround ourselves with mentors and people that can help us reach the success we’re aiming for.

Tania DeSa is the CEO of Desa Global Leadership – an international leadership training firm, whose mission is to inspire professionals to find voice and visibility in corporate boardrooms, so they feel more engaged and get promoted at work. As a leadership trainer, Tania draws from intercultural experiences of traveling to over 80 countries and living, studying, and working in Australia, Japan, Hungary, Spain, China, and Switzerland. She is a professionally trained coach and holds an International MBA from ESADE Business School in Spain, and Peking University in China.

Tania believes that we all have something of value to give and once we move past the fears and biases that hold us back, we can easily connect with other people and widen our network. Listen to Episode 11 of Roar, to find out actionable takeaways on how to take advantage of this virtual world that we’re just starting to discover.

Some questions I ask:

Can you share a bit about your background – where you’re from and who were some of your biggest influences growing up? (04:54)
What beliefs and fears hold us back from reaching out to strangers? (15:48)
How do we begin to move in the direction of building a very nurturing environment and community of support? (18:52)
How can we keep the momentum after networking and really be able to transition some of the folks in our network to mentors and sponsors, not just in our professional lives, but even in our personal lives? (24:24)
How can we leverage mentorship as a competitive advantage? (28:46)
What advice do you have for us as leaders on how to show up and be more visible in this virtual environment that we're facing right now? (29:42)

In this episode, you will learn:

How stepping outside of your comfort zone is the catalyst to forming meaningful connections. (06:54)
The pros and cons of living in this new virtual world. (09:37)
The myths around networking & how we can truly take building relationships to the next level. (12:21)
The importance of having cheerleaders and our personal board of directors in our lives. (21:46)
The power of realizing that not everyone is going to like you & how you can use that to your own advantage. (22:34)
The program Tania and her team developed that certifies mentors, so that managers can build leadership equity and measure success along the way. (27:50)
An exercise that will help you pinpoint what makes you unique. (31:32)

Connect with Tania:

Resources mentioned:

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Leap to Your Creativity Jun 23, 2020

At the moment, we’re navigating our work and personal lives in a very different and uncertain way, and given this ambiguity, it can be difficult for many of us to hold on to our creativity.

According to my guest, times of uncertainty and turmoil are particularly designed for creativity because they give us a nudge to be more adaptive and hyper-observant. With all the challenges and changes in the world, we have to tap into our improvisational nature more than ever and this can lead to exciting breakthroughs that we’ve probably never envisioned before.

Today, I wanted to find out from Natalie what are the ways and methods we can use to really boost our creativity and use it to support our teams and empower them to be more adaptive, emergent, and self-organizing. She talks about the importance of shifting from a solution-oriented culture to one that embraces mistakes and focuses on the process and shares a couple of frameworks that can help us make that transition.

Dr. Natalie Nixon is a creative strategist who happily integrates wonder and rigor into her life and work. As President of Figure 8 Thinking, she advises and emboldens companies to transform their business results by applying creativity. She is a global speaker, the author of the book “The Creativity Leap”, and a regular contributor to Inc. Magazine on creativity, design thinking, and the future of work.

Listen to Episode 10 of Roar, to learn how Natalie helps her clients become a more dynamic version of themselves and why now, during COVID-19, is the best time to enhance our creative skills.

Some questions I ask:

What stands out in your mind as a defining moment that really helped you find your roar? (08:22)
Which of your career pivots was the most challenging for you and really tested your roar? (18:02)
What are some of the commonalities between how jazz musicians perform their craft and how companies can optimize their culture for creativity and improvisation while at the same time optimizing productivity? (24:11)
How important is it to try to cultivate and nurture our creativity and our improvisation skills? (26:18)
What’s your favorite framework around creativity, and how can we put it to use in our lives? (38:45)
How can we start leveraging the improvisation concept in our organizations? (40:03)
What is the difference between creativity and innovation? (45:14)
How do we develop the creativity competency if we don’t have it? (47:52)

In this episode, you will learn:

Natalie’s background and how that shaped who she is today. (03:45)
How being an outsider and marginalized becomes an asset and a strength and translates into a higher emotional intelligence. (13:00)
Following your heart when making career choices can lead to the right path for you. (18:44)
The two components of creativity and how can companies toggle between them. (27:27)
The three R’s that can help leaders jumpstart creativity, both for their teams and for themselves. (29:25)
How setting a timer for your tasks can enhance your creativity. (31:49)
The tools within Zoom that companies should consider using, to allow their employees to have a more pleasant time during meetings. (33:03)
How the Ritz-Carlton came up with the acronym “MR. BIVS” to encourage their employees to embrace their mistakes and work together to improvise the best solutions to fix them. (41:10)
The importance of celebrating even the smallest successes. (44:23)
How Natalie’s book, “The Creativity Leap” came to life. (48:20)

Connect with Natalie:

Resources mentioned:

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Harnessing the Power of Reflection Jun 16, 2020

In the fast-paced world that we live in, with so many opportunities knocking on our doors, it seems like we are ready to say ‘yes’ to everything that comes our way, sometimes without reflecting on whether it moves us in the direction of our goals or not.

Before rushing into taking any action, slow down for a bit. Reflect on past opportunities. Which ones served you well? Which ones didn't? What lessons did you learn along the way to inform your thinking for the next move? Will the next step you take, get you closer to your dreams?

These are essential questions one has to answer, and my guest, Victoria Trabosh, is masterful at showing leaders how to harness the power of reflection to become their best selves and transform their lives. She is an executive coach, international speaker, author, columnist, and she is passionate about changing the world and striving to make a difference in ways that are lasting and sustainable. In 2005, she co-founded the Itafari Foundation for Rwanda, through which she continually uses her strong voice to help others.

Victoria believes that slowing down will actually allow us to go faster, and today, she shares a five-step process that has helped thousands of leaders walk smoother through their journey to success, and she also talks about a framework that goes hand in hand with that process.

If you want to learn more about how the simple act of reflection can shape a better future for you, then tune in to Episode 09 of Roar, to hear powerful takeaways that will have a lasting impact on everything that you do.

Some questions I ask:

Tell us a little bit about your background - where are you from, and who were some of your biggest influences growing up? (03:00)
When you think back on your experiences that really shaped you to be who you are, what stands out as maybe one of the defining moments in your life that helped you establish your Roar? (05:07)
What’s on your goals sheet, and how are you leveraging this complete five-step process to achieve them? (17:11)
How does your dream coach framework enable hundreds and thousands of people to really transform their lives and their career? (23:14)
Why is self-reflection so important? (29:49)
How can we get started on the path to reflection? (33:22)

In this episode, you will learn:

How Victoria drove leaders to the next level of success by teaching them to slow down in order to move fast. (08:59)
The five steps we’re going through when we try to find success: TTM - the transtheoretical model of change. (11:38)
An example of how the five steps would work for businesses that want to have a successful re-opening after the COVID-19 crisis. (14:29)
The lesson Victoria learned from the women in Rwanda and the reason she consistently wants to help them. (21:41)
How the 10 steps of the dream coach process work in concert with the five steps of the TTM. (25:44)
The importance of celebrating small successes. (31:20)

Connect with Victoria:

Website
LinkedIn
Twitter
Facebook Page
Email: Vicky@VictoriaTrabosh.com

Let’s connect!

Resources mentioned in the show:

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Map to Self-Discovery Jun 09, 2020

“What do you want to be when you grow up?”

This is one of the hardest questions we all have to answer at some point in life because there isn’t a guidebook to life that suits every individual. Making the right decision on what college to go to, what career to pursue, or what business ventures to embark upon depends greatly on giving ourselves the time to reflect and get crystal clear on the things we love doing and the things that get in our way or stop us from accomplishing our goals.

In essence, this means going through the process of self-discovery - something that no one teaches us in schools. Luckily, there are people who have made it their life’s purpose to help others navigate through that journey and explore the opportunities of a career that’s driven by values and passion.

My guest today, Vikki Mueller Espinosa, is one of those people. She is one of my favorite career coaches, and she is known for helping leaders gain clarity on what they want to do in their careers, and guiding them to craft a plan to achieve it. She believes that we all can put ourselves in a position to do what we love, and love what we do – and she has helped countless leaders do just that.

Currently, Vikki is a career strategist in a Fortune 50 company. She designs and executes programs supporting manager and employee career development, and she is a highly sought-after speaker and workshop presenter – so you can tell right from the get-go that this is an interview you don’t want to miss!

Listen to Episode 08 of Roar to take the first step toward getting in touch with how you feel, with your values, strengths, and passions. Find out who you should surround yourself with and add to your career development team and what qualities are a must-have in your toolkit, to help you stand out from the crowd and be the go-to person for the things you excel at.

Some questions I ask:

Tell us a bit about your background: where are you from and who were some of your biggest influencers growing up? (04:06)
What are some things that we can do to hone in on what do we want to be when we grow up and where do we want to be in the next five years? (09:00)
What are the things that we should have in our toolkit that can differentiate us in a way that can help us stand out in our careers? (17:08)
What was the biggest Goliath that you faced in your career? How did you overcome it and maybe what was your slingshot? (20:30)
What are the steps that we should be taking, so we can truly make a change? (26:45)

In this episode, you’ll learn:

The reason why Northeastern University is not like any other, in terms of helping students with their future careers. (05:58)
The moment Vikki made the shift toward a teaching and mentoring career. (06:29)
How to begin the self-discovery process, so that you can clearly define who you are, and what you want. (10:25)
How doing the values exercise can help you make better conversations and have a better decision-making process. (14:08)
What to focus on when you go asking for advice. (15:52)
The most important thing for your success is who knows you – the qualities that make you the go-to person. (24:50)
How to land a job when you’re a Multi-potentialite – a person that’s really good at several different things. (27:56)
The moment you have to stop and realize that you’re ignoring your strengths. (33:11)
One mistake that Vikki has done in her career and what she’s learned from it. (39:40)
The importance of adding people to your career development team. (43:39)

Connect with Vikki:

Let’s connect!

Resources mentioned:

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Mindset that Helps You Thrive Jun 02, 2020

You can steer your career and life toward success or failure, and that is determined by the mindsets developed throughout your journey. You can either believe in a fixed way of thinking, meaning that you are required to accept the hand life has dealt you with and draw inside the lines, or you can nurture a growth mentality that can cultivate your essential qualities and help you thrive.

If you listen to my guest, Brad Haczynski – Vice President and General Manager of the IoT Group Sales Organization at Intel - you will immediately recognize that he is a leader that radiates a growth mindset. He is motivated by challenge and inspired by the success of others. Failure, for him, is an opportunity for learning, so he often pushes boundaries and steps into the unknown to accomplish fabulous results.

Brad is a value-driven leader that is passionate about guiding people with humility, transparency, integrity, and respect. In today’s episode, we discuss how all these characteristics, alongside authenticity and staying grounded, lead to loyal and committed high-performing teams that achieve extraordinary things.

Listen to Episode 7 of Roar, to learn how the experiences Brad went through and the people he met in his journey have shaped the way he thinks, acts, and leads.

Some questions I ask:

Tell us a little bit about your background, and who were some of your biggest influencers growing up? (05:06)
Can you tell us a bit about your ‘why’ story, and how did your upbringing circumstances led you to where you are today? (07:42)
If you had to pick just one, which pivot transformed you the most? (14:16)
What role has mentorship played in your career? (24:53)
What has been one of your biggest learnings in your career? (28:27)
What has been the biggest Goliath that you faced in your career and how did you overcome it? (34:56)

In this episode, you will learn:

The “middle child” syndrome – Brad’s story on how he struggled to find his purpose. (08:13)
How Brad’s aunt and uncle stepped up and helped him when he needed the most, thus positively influencing his entire life. (10:00)
The importance of values-based leadership. (17:35)
Humility vs confidence - the two characteristics people often confuse. (20:33)
The reasons why respect is earned, not demanded. (23:55)
How the mindset of thinking outside the box and pushing boundaries to drive growth has led Brad to some of his big wins in his career. (30:55)
When you question something, be ready to offer a potential answer. (34:09)
How to cultivate the key characteristics of high-performing and winning teams. (39:00)
The mindset of ‘every challenge is a learning opportunity’. (42:15)

Connect with Brad:

Let’s connect!

Resources mentioned:

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How to Successfully Rebrand Yourself May 26, 2020

As leaders, we sometimes feel the pressure of having to know it all, and it’s important for us to realize that we don’t have to be the expert in the room every time and that it’s okay to give ourselves permission to just be a learner and ask questions we don’t know the answer to.

As a matter of fact, almost every executive or influential person surrounds themselves with coaches and mentors that can guide and teach them how to move to the next level in their career or even rebrand themselves and pivot to a new path.

Sherri, my guest, is one of those people that can help you navigate through any shifts you might make in your career, and in today’s episode, we dive deep into how to build your personal leadership brand to boost your career. She talks about ways to approach the people you look up to and grow your network, gives examples from her own experience on how to bounce back after a sudden change, and she explains why rebranding yourself is sometimes a must if you want to climb the ladder of success.

Sherri Thomas is a Career Strategist, Huffington Post columnist, and keynote speaker. She helps professionals think differently and more proactively in their careers, and as Founder & President of Career Coaching 360, Sherri helps companies with diversity and talent management initiatives. Additionally, she is currently a leadership coach and career strategist for the Intel Corp.

As a thought leader in career empowerment and personal branding, Sherri has coached and mentored more than 1,000 executives, leaders, and professionals to successfully pivot, rebrand, or advance their careers. As you can imagine, she has a tremendous amount of good advice to offer, so tune in to Episode 06 of Roar, to find out the skills you need to have or acquire to rebrand yourself, and the ways you can continually keep learning and improving to achieve your greatest powers in your professional life.

Some questions I ask:

Can you talk about how you have been able to foster natural connections to build your network – and what we might be able to do? (13:05)
What was the biggest Goliath you faced in your career? How did you overcome it? (16:08)
What are some of the challenges that executives and leaders across the globe face these days? (21:14)
When you talk about rebranding, what do you mean by that, and when should we consider doing it? (25:24)
How can we, as leaders, establish a strong brand that helps us attract roles and leaders to us? (30:46)

In this episode, you will learn:

Sherri’s background & how she rebranded herself multiple times throughout her career. (04:26)
Advice on how to pivot into a new role or a new company. (06:50)
Asking questions and asking for help when you start fresh in any job can lead to breakthroughs. (09:42)
One key piece of rebranding and the meaning of “bonus skill”. (29:36)
The reasons your LinkedIn profile is as important as your resume. (31:34)
How to take advantage of this forced pause we took, to develop a personal career blueprint. (36:38)
How to achieve the mindset that allows you to be confident in yourself. (40:36)

Connect with Sherri:

Let’s connect!

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Thriving in Disruption May 19, 2020

One of the greatest qualities I have seen in leaders is their ability to quickly adapt and pivot whenever a disruption calls for a radical change. That requires courage to take leaps of faith trusting your instincts, knowledge, and values, regardless of the fears or internal insecurities that might numb important decisions.

My guest, Dennis, embodies all these characteristics, and throughout his career, he’s been on plenty of crossroads that needed a fast response. Today, he shares the thought process that empowered him to choose the best direction with less struggle, and the ways to turn challenges into opportunities and positive possibilities.

Dennis Skinner is the Founder and President of Many-to-One – the company that harnesses the creative power of collaboration to drive breakthrough business transformations. He is a consultant and facilitator that for over 20 years has been designing workshops in which groups from five to 500 people collaborate in real time to develop powerful strategies, solve complex problems, and design innovative solutions together.

Dennis brings his creative energy and deep expertise to every engagement, so listen to Episode 05 of Roar, to learn how to pivot in difficult circumstances, how to add value to your company, and how to act bravely, despite all the inner voices that try to bring you down.

Some questions I ask:

Tell me a little bit about your background – where are you from and how did that shape who you are today? (03:34)
What were your biggest influences growing up? (05:27)
Talk a little bit about your time at Intel and the innovative things you were able to do. (10:46)
Has this pandemic disrupted your business? And if so, what pivots are you making, to ensure that you can continue to prosper beyond the pandemic? (18:25)
What are some things that we can do to really make sure that we’re creating a more connected and engaging virtual environment? (29:55)
Who inspires you? (40:54)

In this episode, you will learn:

A defining moment where Dennis jumped in and took action, leading him to find his roar. (08:00)
How the Accelerated Results Center came to life and how that contributed to Dennis’ professional development. (12:37)
The thought process that led Dennis to start his own facilitation company. (15:21)
Clarifying what’s important to you can ease the decision-making process. (17:12)
Fear is an ever-present emotion, but it doesn’t control you – how to deal with the voices in your head. (21:42)
The mindset required to pivot and quickly thrive through disruption. (26:21)
The two questions that can help you flourish through difficult situations. (27:27)
The importance of focusing on helping others rather than feeling pity for yourself. (36:25)

Connect with Dennis:

Website
LinkedIn
Email: dennis@mtofacilitators.com

Resources mentioned:

Let’s connect!

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Getting Comfortable with the Uncomfortable May 12, 2020

A few years ago, I was presented with an opportunity to leave the engineering career field and lead a product marketing team for one of Intel’s largest businesses. On top of that, I was given the chance to work for a leader who was on my dream sheet of leaders I always wanted to work for, in the company.

As you can imagine, doubt and a little bit of fear crept in, as this wasn’t my area of expertise and would definitely take me outside of my comfort zone. I realized that the fear I felt was a call to action for me to tap into my roar, so I took the opportunity and it turned out to be one of the most rewarding roles I have had in my career.

My guest today knows all about being fearless, taking risks, failing early and often, and winning big. In this episode, Ronnie and I talk about stepping outside of your comfort zone to innovate, create, and inspire others to achieve more. Ronnie shares his career story and everything he has learned in his professional journey, and throughout our entire conversation, he keeps giving essential pieces of advice on how to improve your leadership skills.

Ronnie Vasishta is currently the Vice President and General Manager of the Networking and Configurable Logic Division and eASIC Product Group within the Programmable Solutions Group at Intel Corporation. He has over 30 years of experience in general management, marketing, wafer manufacturing, strategic planning, and operational management in the semiconductor industry. Prior to joining Intel through the acquisition of eASIC Corporation in 2018, Ronnie served as the President and CEO of eASIC.

Ronnie is a leader who has a passionate curiosity for learning, fueled by a fearlessness and a willingness to take risks, that have enabled him to deliver some of the most innovative technologies to the marketplace and lead the foremost technology companies in Silicon Valley.

He is always willing to invest time to help others around him grow and thrive, so listen to Episode 04 of Roar, to learn how the leadership arena requires humility, simplicity, and a constant drive for learning, but also, at the same time, boldness, fearlessness, and courage to take risks and win big.

Some questions I ask:

Who were your biggest influences growing up and what did you learn from them? (07:10)
How did you get comfortable with taking risks and embracing the unknown in the face of fear? (14:11)
How do you stay focused and deliver results in the face of great change, uncertainty, and turmoil? (22:36)
What do you know about leadership today that you didn’t know 20 years ago? (32:12)
If you have any downtime, what are you watching on Netflix or what book are you reading right now? (37:06)
What advice would you give your younger self today? (38:28)

In this episode, you will learn:

How Ronnie’s background shaped him to be the successful leader he is today. (04:33)
The moment Ronnie found his roar. (10:26)
The story of one of the biggest risks Ronnie took, and the lessons he has learned from that experience. (17:04)
How reliable members of Ronnie’s team have had an impact on his leadership role. (26:12)
The importance of having relationships and friendships forged in challenging times. (29:30)
Ronnie’s traits that keep him motivated to stay in the game even though he could easily retire after having accomplished so much already. (34:43)
The reason why, from Ronnie’s perspective, climbing a mountain is better than jumping from an airplane. (36:43)

Connect with Ronnie:

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Book: David Goggins – Can’t Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds

Let’s connect:

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Indispensable Lessons for Inspirational Leaders May 05, 2020

A few years ago, I took a class at work called, “Executive Inspirational Leadership” – and as luck would have it, Adam Bryant, my guest today, was the instructor. The class was centered around inspiration and how to optimize your leadership voice to accelerate growth in the company. I was so excited to learn from one of the most respected and noted experts on executive leadership, and needless to say, I was not disappointed at the end of it.

In fact, I left extremely energized and motivated to put in practice every piece of information I got - and I’m sure you’ll feel the same way after listening to my discussion with him.

Today, I invited Adam to talk about the ways we can increase our leadership capacity and capability to be more impactful and inspirational leaders. He shares some of the insights he gained from interviewing hundreds of CEOs and underlines the qualities and skills he discovered in them by asking simple, yet powerful questions.

Adam Bryant is the Managing Director at Merryck & Co. – a leadership development and executive mentoring firm – and he joined the company in 2017, after a 30-year career in journalism, including 18 years at The New York Times. In addition to his roles as a reporter and editor, Adam created the weekly Corner Office column in 2009 where he interviewed 525 CEOs and other leaders, over a decade. Based on the themes that emerged from those interviews, he wrote two books - “Quick and Nimble” and “The Corner Office” - and he’s soon launching his third, called “The CEO Test”.

Since joining Merryck, he has started a popular interview series on LinkedIn with Board of Directors, CEOs and CHROs – Chief Human Resource Officers – and he writes a monthly column on leadership for Strategy + Business Magazine.

Listen to Episode 03 of Roar, to learn some of the challenges that make or break all leaders, how the new normal might look like in terms of leadership once the pandemic ends, and how do we prepare for all the changes that are going to happen.

Some questions I ask:

What is your background and how did it shape you to be who you are today? (04:50)
What was the most valuable lesson you learned while working as a columnist and an editor at The New York Times? (07:46)
What led you to start the Corner Office? (11:06)
What was a defining moment that pushed you to find your Roar – that thing inside that allowed you to move past inhibition, fear, or anxiety around what you wanted to do? (14:35)
Has anything shifted or changed, given that we’re in a global crisis, that you think is important to call out to the forefront in terms of what leaders should be focusing on right now? (26:32)
What do you think that the new normal might look like and what changes do you see as being inevitable once the outbreak is over? (28:40)
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received? (34:04)
Can you tell us a little bit about your books? (37:23)

In this episode, you will learn:

How being able to adapt to change and finding his voice at a very early age empowered Adam to pursue working at The New York Times. (06:20)
How practicing the art of dumb questions can lead to innovative ideas. (09:06)
What Adam focused on, as he explored the minds of the leaders he interviewed. (12:36)
Entrepreneurship means taking leaps of faith, trusting your gut, and accepting you’re going to be wrong sometimes. (16:26)
The three questions that lead to the most insightful answers. (18:40)
The “bank-shot” questions CEOs ask when they are hiring people. (21:41)
How to communicate complex strategies in a simple and easy-to-understand way. (22:57)
Adam’s advice on the importance of building relationships. (42:59)

Connect with Adam:

Let’s connect:

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Unleash Your Superpowers to Empower Others Apr 28, 2020

Time after time, opportunity is born out of great adversity and all of your experiences help you not only develop your Roar but also tap into it and use it as one of your superpowers. When you step into the unknown, take risks, and embrace new adventures, you can create successful outcomes that otherwise wouldn’t be possible if you just stood in your bubble.

My guest today has an unbelievable grit and a champion mindset fueled by kindness and a fun-loving soul that makes a genuine impact in the world. All it takes is five minutes spent with her to walk away believing in yourself and in what you can achieve – and I’m giving you almost an hour with Rose, so imagine how close to your Roar you’ll be after listening to her!

In this episode, Rose and I are going to talk about tapping into your Roar to unleash your boldness, your fierceness, and your fearlessness in a way that empowers you and others around you to believe and achieve more.

Rose Schooler is a Corporate Vice President and General Manager of Global Data Center Sales at Intel. She leads a worldwide organization responsible for revenue and strategy across the various sales, tech support and channel capabilities to deliver data center solutions to Intel’s customers and partners.

Rose is a woman who looks at the impossible and sees the possible. If you tell her it can’t be done, she will show you how to get it done with style and grace. She’s a fearless leader who has a track record for stepping into the unknown, embracing it, and delivering results. She’s an inspirational and empowering leader with a heart for people, and she stands up for what is right.

So, listen to Episode 02 of Roar to learn how you can release your greatest talents, grits, strengths, and creativity in challenging moments and situations so that you can create a better future for yourself and the ones around you.

Some questions I ask:

Tell us your origin story. How did you develop your superpowers? (07:07)
What do you think we should have in our toolkit, as leaders, especially in this changing environment that we’re facing every day? (14:28)
What actions are you planning to take to expand your value impact and significance, both personally and professionally? (22:21)
How have you developed and drawn on your resilience? (26:40)
How can we ensure that we don’t see fear in this time of COVID-19, but we see opportunity instead? (28:49)
When you think back on your experiences growing up, what stands out as a defining moment that really helped you find your Roar? (30:51)
What are you teaching your daughter about how to find and release her Roar? (35:18)

In this episode, you will learn:

How having a glass-half-full mentality can help you find opportunities and make better decisions. (01:28)
How life begins outside of our comfort zone. (02:17)
The importance of having mentors in your life that can show you the path forward. (09:30)
Every good leader is humble enough to understand their weaknesses and take action to fortify them. (10:57)
Being accountable is one of the qualities that everyone is looking for in a leader. (15:24)
How setting big, impactful goals stretches your thinking outside of your comfort zone. (16:34)
The importance of having the right people alongside. (17:04)
The power of constant, never-ending learning and teaching others. (17:50)
The importance of work-life harmony. (18:41)
A perfect example of growing through stepping outside of your comfort zone. (19:31)
How to seize every opportunity to pivot when the industry is asking you to do so. (22:51)
The importance of taking care of your personal physical and emotional health. (27:02)
The phrase that helped Rose to overcome her imposter syndrome. (32:30)
How to stay motivated and inspired. (41:13)

Connect with Rose:

Resources mentioned in the show:

Book: Malcolm Gladwell – Talking to Strangers

Let’s connect:

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Moving From Fear to Focus Apr 21, 2020

The beauty of “Roar” is that it is both an action and an acronym. ROAR stands for Reflection, Opportunity, Action, and Relationships. We’re all born with it. Some of us choose to ignore it, while others use it to live a fearless life.

Roar is that power inside that drives you. It’s your confidence. It’s a fierceness that can’t be denied. And if you haven’t discovered yours yet, my friends and I are going to help you find it!

I have a very special guest for you – the woman that has helped me crystalize my brand and value proposition as a business and tech executive. Trudy and I are going to talk about establishing and maintaining your Roar in times of uncertainty and how to adapt to a constantly changing environment and be successful.

Trudy shares a plethora of golden nuggets and key learnings throughout our entire conversation, so make sure you listen carefully.

Trudy Bourgeoisis a leadership strategist, speaker, trainer, consultant, and coach. In the ‘60s, she integrated her elementary school in Alabama. In the ‘70s, she was selected as one of America’s brightest future leaders. In the ‘80s, she became the first in a family of ten children to graduate from college. In the ‘90s, she broke the glass ceiling in the consumer goods industry by becoming the first African American woman to rise to the level of Vice President. In the 2000s, she founded The Center for Workforce Excellence – a highly respected and in-demand organizational cultural change, training, consulting, and coaching company.

For the last nearly four decades, Trudy’s track record is awe-inspiring, and her experience is expansive! So, listen to the First Episode of Roar because it will leave with a determination to get your mind right, your heart right, and get a plan of action to achieve your goals. You will learn how to act in the face of fear, pursue your ambitions, and become the leader you are destined to be.

Some questions I ask:

How can one move from fear to focus in the midst of tremendous uncertainty and unprecedented change? (05:06)
What actions should we be taking to expand our value, our impact, and our significance during this time, both personally and professionally? (06:55)
How do you manage and leverage anxiety? (11:38)
What are two or three things that we can do to feel less out of control, and more empowered? (16:08)
What books should we be reading now, including yours? (27:18)
What are the dreams that you have for the children of the world, as they grow up? (36:46)

In this episode, you will learn:

How I maintained my Roar in times of uncertainty (01:41)
How emotional intelligence is critical to achieve any level of success in corporate America. (09:34)
How to operate in a Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous (VUCA) marketplace. (12:53)
The importance spending time in reflection- a must have capability (13:55)
Use Fear as a motivator to build new capability, new relationships, new level of engagement (14:25)
How to maintain and leverage the power of choice in every situation (16:42)
How to navigate through the ups and downs of life (18:20)
How to move past your fears by taking action daily (19:25)
The importance of having resources and a circle of people that you can trust in the midst of chaos (19:50)
Why we must clarify our north star and make the decision to win (20:50)
The importance of finding a truth-teller when fear holds us down (22:46)
Why is having a squad important (24:50)
The importance of having a squad of mentors and role models who can help you see possibilities (24:50)
The time for growth and breakthrough is now commit to growth is now (25:45)
The Power of Choice--One story that changed Trudy’s life (29:11)
What is put in you, defines who you are and your legacy… (33:10)
Plus, much more…

Connect with Trudy:

Let’s connect!

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