A World of Difference

Have you heard these myths about women in STEM? Myth 1: Women leave STEM careers because they prioritize family over work. Myth 2: Women lack the skills and aptitude for STEM fields. Myth 3: Women don't want leadership roles in STEM. But wait, I've got the truth that's going to blow your mind. Stay tuned to uncover the reality behind these myths and discover the game-changing strategies for retaining and empowering women in STEM. Get ready for a paradigm shift.

In this episode, you will be able to:

Mastering the art of retaining women in STEM careers.

Unveiling the impact of workplace culture on STEM retention.

Empowering with strategies for increasing female leadership in STEM.

Confronting gender bias in corporate environments.

Navigating the transition from corporate to co-founder in STEM.

My special guest is Andrea Mohamed

Andrea Mohamed is the Co-Founder and COO of QuantumBloom, a company dedicated to helping employers retain early-career women in STEM fields.

Previously, as VP of Strategy, Innovation, Marketing and Communications at for a science and research organization, she drove growth strategies that increased revenue from $400M to $750M. She also led a 3,000-person organizational transformation and managed a $10M innovation portfolio.

Andrea is known for creating cultures where authenticity, accountability, and adaptability thrive. She serves on the Semiconductor Research Corporation's Workforce Advisory Board; speaks frequently on the topics of STEM, women, and innovation; and is a NC Women in Business Awardee.

The key moments in this episode are:
00:02:11 - "Challenges in STEM"
00:04:09 - "Andrea's Insights on STEM Retention"
00:11:43 - "Reframing Imposter Syndrome"
00:12:50 - Impact of external signals on women
00:14:49 - Responsibility of senior women leaders
00:19:37 - Risk of inaction and the need for courage
00:21:51 - Challenging societal norms and expectations
00:24:58 - Transition from corporate America to Quantum Bloom
00:26:00 - Creating a Digital Marketing Machine
00:27:03 - Striving for Success in Corporate America
00:29:00 - Transitioning to Entrepreneurship
00:32:03 - Gender Disparities in Corporate Promotions
00:38:37 - Self-Worth and Empowerment
00:39:34 - Breaking Free from Gender Socialization
00:40:13 - Gender Bias in Performance Reviews
00:41:52 - Gender-based Privilege and Allyship

Subscribe, rate, and share the show with five people who need it too. Share this episode to keep the conversation going and help reach more people who are ready to make a difference.

Reach out to Andrea Mohamed on LinkedIn to connect and continue the conversation about women in STEM, leadership, and creating a groundswell of women prepared to lead and thrive authentically.

Check out Quantum Bloom at quantumbloom.com to learn more about their mission to revolutionize women's retention in STEM and explore opportunities for collaboration or support.

Join the Mastering the Career Pivot masterclass at loriadamsbrown.com/careerpivot to take control of your career pivot with confidence and land a job you actually love.

Explore Better Help online therapy at betterhelp.com/difference to get 10% off your first month and access licensed therapy that meets you wherever you are.

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Have you heard these common myths about impactful careers? Myth 1: You have to choose between making money and making a difference. Myth 2: Internships are only beneficial in the early stages of your career. Myth 3: Networking is overrated in the job search. I'll reveal the truth behind these myths, but trust me, it's not what you think. Stay tuned for a mind-blowing reality check.

In this episode, you will be able to:

My special guest is Georgi Enthoven

Georgi Enthoven is a globally recognized speaker, advisor, and debut author of Work That’s Worth It: The Ambitious Professional’s Guide for a High-Impact, High-Reward Career. Written for purpose-driven professionals aged 25–35, her book is a roadmap for aligning work with personal values and creating careers that merge environmental and social impact with professional growth. A graduate of UC Berkeley and Harvard Business School (MBA), Georgi’s mission is to help the next generation transform their careers into sources of fulfillment, connection, and positive change. With experience spanning global entrepreneurship, education, and impact-focused initiatives, Georgi offers fresh, actionable insights for anyone ready to build a career that truly matters.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:02 - Introducing "Work that's Worth it"

00:05:24 - Making 90,000 Hours Count

00:07:34 - Becoming a Disruptor for Good

00:10:34 - Embracing Change in Perimenopausal Years

00:12:17 - Self-Discovery and Authenticity

00:13:14 - Normalizing Mental Health Awareness

00:13:50 - Impact of Geopolitical Shifts

00:14:52 - Aligning Income with Impact

00:16:09 - Combining Income and Impact Stories

00:23:41 - Personal Values and Compensation

00:26:07 - Navigating Career Crossroads

00:27:28 - Overcoming Career Pressures

00:29:22 - Redefining Success

00:30:58 - Navigating Workplace Dynamics

00:35:33 - Finding Opportunities

00:39:13 - Connecting Generations and Revolutionary Disruption

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If you're feeling like you're ready for that corporate board seat but keep getting overlooked, then you are not alone! It's frustrating to see others land those opportunities while you're left wondering what's holding you back. Maybe you've been networking, applying for positions, or even serving on non-gov committees, but still not seeing the results you want. It's time to break free from the cycle of missed opportunities and finally get the recognition and opportunities you deserve. Let's unravel the mystery and unlock those boardroom doors together!

Dr. Keith D. Dorsey is a seasoned board member, researcher, and speaker specializing in guiding executives toward corporate board service. His book, The Boardroom Journey, offers actionable strategies for leaders seeking their first or next corporate board seat. Keith’s insights have been featured in leading publications, including Harvard Business Review, MIT Sloan Management Review, Directors & Boards, Forbes, and Fast Company, where he writes extensively on leadership, governance, and board effectiveness.

Keith is a member of the Private Directors Association and National Association of Corporate Directors Certified Director and was recognized as an honoree of the 2023 NACD Directorship 100TM, an annual recognition of 100 leading corporate directors and corporate governance experts who impact boardroom practices and performance. He serves as a board member at Vimly Benefit Solutions, a private technology and third-party administration company; Continu, a private learning management system SaaS company; Pepperdine University’s Graziadio Business School, Pacific Crest Trail Association; and the Chair of the City of La Quinta’s Financial Advisory Commission. Former Board Member, Orion Talent is a talent acquisition firm.

Keith holds a Doctorate in Organizational Change and Leadership from the University of Southern California.

The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:02 - Introduction to A World of Difference Podcast
00:00:49 - Importance of Cognitive Diversity in Boardrooms
00:01:23 - The Boardroom Journey for Women
00:02:28 - Overcoming Barriers to Board Service
00:03:51 - Landing a Board Position
00:16:19 - The Power of Networking and Visibility
00:18:44 - Unconscious Bias and Gender Disparities
00:23:18 - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
00:26:11 - Systemic Challenges and Building Stronger Pipelines
00:31:54 - Breaking Gender Narratives in Boardrooms
00:32:27 - Assessing Board Member Competencies
00:35:07 - Strategic Interviewing for Board Positions
00:36:21 - The Importance of Strategic Thinking in Board Interviews
00:38:04 - Embracing Multiple Perspectives in Board Appointments

Share this episode with five people in your network who could benefit from the insights and strategies shared in this conversation. Start a conversation with them about leadership and making a difference together.

Purchase Dr. Keith D. Dorsey's book The Boardroom Journey to gain valuable insights and strategies for securing a corporate board seat or expanding board opportunities for women. The book provides practical advice and actionable steps for aspiring board members.

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Discover the unexpected journey of a powerhouse woman who defied cultural norms, navigated loss, and redefined success. From smashing glass ceilings in the biopharmaceutical world to overcoming the sudden death of her beloved husband, Samina Bari's story is a masterclass in resilience and self-discovery. But here's the twist: in the wake of personal tragedy, she's now on a mission to revolutionize how we approach grief and loss. Her forthcoming book promises a practical and profoundly insightful handbook on navigating spousal death, filling a void in the conversation around grief and mortality. Stay tuned as Samina's wisdom and compassion light a fire in your soul, proving that even in the face of adversity, it's possible to lead with love and make a powerful difference. Are you ready to be inspired?

Samina Bari is a force to be reckoned with in the biopharmaceutical industry, with over three decades of experience smashing glass ceilings and facilitating high-stakes deals worth $40 billion. As a first-generation American and a woman of color, she has navigated significant adversity and emerged as a trailblazer, mentor, and advocate for women's empowerment. Samina's unwavering courage, resilience, and commitment to authenticity make her a true powerhouse, and her dedication to redefining success and creating space for others to rise is truly inspiring. Her journey is a testament to the transformative power of perseverance and self-belief. This episode promises a candid and enriching conversation that will resonate with anyone looking to overcome obstacles, cultivate resilience, and make impactful career pivots. Her book I Can, I Will and I Did released May 12, 2025.

Overcoming adversity as a woman in business: Unleash your potential and conquer challenges with resilience and determination.

Navigating grief and loss in life: Harness the power to turn pain into purpose and find strength amidst adversity.

The role of mentorship in female empowerment: Discover the transformational impact of guidance and support on your entrepreneurial journey.

Cultivating resilience and self-love: Embrace inner strength and confidence to thrive in the face of adversity.

Making career pivots with confidence: Master the art of transitioning with courage and conviction in your professional pursuits.

The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:02 - Introduction and Guest Introduction
00:01:27 - Samina's Journey and Resilience
00:03:40 - Lessons in Redefining Success
00:07:56 - Empowering Women to Pursue Their Dreams
00:12:39 - Trusting Your Instincts
00:13:52 - Embracing Authenticity
00:16:16 - Leadership Mindset
00:18:40 - Power of Community
00:21:52 - Role Models and Leadership
00:23:01 - Navigating Identity and Values
00:26:53 - Choosing the Difficult Path
00:27:55 - Facing Loss and Moving Forward
00:32:28 - Writing a Handbook on Grief
00:35:03 - Preparing for End-of-Life Planning
00:39:35 - Making a Difference
00:39:53 - Self-Care and Impact
00:40:11 - Life's Challenges
00:40:21 - Benefits of Betterhelp
00:40:42 - Take the First Step

Subscribe to the podcast and leave a review to help spread the word and support the community's growth.

Share this episode with someone who might need to hear it, to help spread the message and impact more lives.

Buy Samina's book I Can, I Will, and I Did and share your thoughts on it, as it may bring healing, hope, or a new perspective.

Invest in women-owned businesses, aligning your financial decisions with your values and supporting women's empowerment.

Seek professional support from BetterHelp, an online therapy platform, to get the help you need for processing life challenges, setting boundaries, and getting unstuck. Use the code difference for 10% off your first month.

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If you're feeling the frustration of trying to lead in a disconnected workplace, where external messaging takes priority over internal communication, and silence creates fear and rumors, then you are not alone! Leaders at all levels in organizations often struggle with prioritizing communication to connect with their teams and provide emotional clarity during high-stress moments.

In this episode, you will be able to:

My special guest is Alejandra Ramirez

Bringing two decades of expertise in internal communications, Alejandra Ramirez is a seasoned professional dedicated to transforming organizational culture. Drawing from her background in law and a natural curiosity, Alejandra founded Ready Cultures to help leaders lead with authenticity. Her passion lies in bridging the gap between values and everyday practices, ensuring that organizational culture reflects its mission. Alejandra's unique perspective, fueled by her diverse cultural upbringing and neurodivergence, has shaped her ability to anticipate and connect the dots in communication strategies. With a focus on clarity and connection, Alejandra is committed to helping leaders navigate the complexities of culture and communication with confidence.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:02 - Introduction to the A World of Difference podcast

00:00:38 - The Importance of Internal Communication in Times of Crisis

00:01:06 - The Missing Link in Workplace Culture

00:03:43 - Alejandra's Personal Inspiration and Lesson from Experience

00:13:50 - One Small Impactful Change for Leaders

00:14:39 - Effective Leadership Communication

00:17:36 - Overcoming Communication Anxiety

00:19:45 - Importance of Transparency and Trust

00:24:45 - Rapid Fire Q&A

00:26:51 - Admired Leader in Communication

00:27:39 - The Power of Communication

00:28:15 - Embracing Humanity in Communication

00:29:23 - Making Work Matter

00:30:08 - Sharing and Supporting

00:31:41 - A Message of Gratitude

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Feeling overwhelmed at work? This conversation will open your eyes to a whole new approach to company culture and leadership. Discover how to lead with clarity, fight for better workplace environments, and keep your humanity intact. Join us as we dive deep into the wisdom of Tamesa Rogers, a powerhouse in tech who spent 25 years building global teams and shifting company cultures. You'll be amazed by her insights and empowered to make a difference in your own workplace. Stay tuned for the exclusive deep dive with Tamesa on our Patreon community. This is the conversation you didn't know you needed.

In this episode, you will be able to:

My special guest is Tamesa Rogers

Tamesa Rogers is an experienced, results-oriented Chief People Officer with 25 years in the tech industry who is known for her deep expertise in organizational problem-solving, leading

growth, and culture shift while building global teams.

Most recently, Tamesa served as Chief People Officer at NETGEAR where she spent over 20

years with the company. As the company’s first in-house Human Resources leader, she built the

full HR organization from scratch, scaled the company from $300M to over $1B in revenue, and

led numerous cultural and organizational transformations. Before joining NETGEAR, Tamesa

served as an HR Manager at TriNet and HR Options.

Tamesa is active with How Women Lead, HR Executive Exchange and is a proud member of

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She holds an MS in Counseling from California State University, East Bay, and a BA in Communication Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Tamesa is an avid yet mediocre golfer, traveler, and reader of non-fiction and human capital

research.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:02 - Introduction to the podcast

00:03:37 - Tamesa's Journey in HR

00:10:25 - HR's Role in Supporting Employees

00:13:43 - Aligning HR Strategies with Business Goals

00:14:45 - Evolving Tech and Pushback

00:15:53 - Business Strategy and Work Environment

00:18:53 - Psychological Safety and Workplace Productivity

00:21:14 - Building Inclusive Teams

00:26:07 - Leading Across Cultures

00:28:59 - The Importance of Company Culture

00:30:01 - Aligning Culture with Business Goals

00:32:14 - Clarity and Change in the Workplace

00:33:33 - Leading with Courage and Values

00:37:17 - Bringing Humanity into Leadership

Know who you are and what your values are. If you are not comfortable doing that, it may be challenging for you to effectively do your job as a chief people officer. - Tamesa Rogers

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Discover the shocking truth about toxic rock stars in business and the unexpected impact on workplace safety. Dive into the surprising revelations about psychological safety and its critical role in creating thriving, innovative, and productive workplaces. Uncover the unexpected strategies for handling toxic behavior and fostering a safer, more inclusive work environment. Get ready to be amazed by the eye-opening insights that will revolutionize the way you approach leadership and team dynamics. Are you prepared to challenge the status quo and make a real difference in your organization? Stay tuned for the jaw-dropping revelations that will leave you rethinking everything you thought you knew about workplace culture and success.

In this episode, you will be able to:

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:02 - Introduction to Psychological Safety

00:03:53 - The Impact of Psychological Safety

00:08:08 - Identifying Toxic Rock Stars

00:10:53 - Solutions for Dealing with Toxic Rock Stars

00:14:24 - Importance of Addressing Toxic Behavior

00:15:04 - Training Managers on Psychological Safety

00:16:09 - Impact of Toxic Work Environments

00:18:09 - Taking Action for a Safer Workplace

00:20:16 - Spreading the Message of Psychological Safety

"Psychological safety isn't just a nice to have. It's a must have for business success."

- Lori Adams Brown

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Have you heard these myths about building an unforgettable professional presence? Myth 1: Executive presence is only for top-level executives. Myth 2: You need to be a natural at public speaking to exude influence. Myth 3: Networking and relationships don't matter as much as skills. I'll share the truth about these myths, but trust me, you won't want to miss the unexpected strategies I have in store for you. Get ready to shatter these myths and take your career to the next level.

In this episode, you will be able to:

My special guest is Lorraine K Lee

Lorraine K. Lee is a keynote speaker and the best-selling author of Unforgettable Presence: Get Seen, Gain Influence, and Catapult Your Career. She also teaches popular courses at Stanford Continuing Studies and LinkedIn Learning.

She is passionate about empowering leaders to elevate their presence, influence, and impact. Her frameworks have been adopted by globally recognized organizations like Zoom, Amazon, Cisco, and McKinsey & Company.

Lorraine is recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice with hundreds of thousands of followers, and previously spent over a decade as a founding editor at companies including LinkedIn and Prezi. Her insights are featured in top media outlets including CNBC, Bloomberg, and Fast Company.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:02 - Unforgettable Presence and Career Growth

00:04:49 - Aha Moment on Presence and Career Growth

00:07:12 - Getting Promoted and Overcoming Barriers

00:09:30 - Asking for Promotion and Language Tips

00:11:05 - Taking Action for Promotion

00:12:03 - The Importance of Intentionality and Communication Skills

00:13:10 - Shifting from Being Liked to Being Respected as a Leader

00:14:51 - Leveraging LinkedIn for Professional Growth

00:16:41 - Building an Effective LinkedIn Profile

00:22:26 - The Impact of Nonverbal Communication in Virtual Settings

00:24:11 - Importance of Body Language on Video Calls

00:26:28 - The T Method for Remote Professionals

00:28:42 - Inspiration behind "Unforgettable Presence"

00:32:44 - EPIC Career Brand Framework

00:35:26 - Busting Myths about Executive Presence

00:36:00 - Executive Presence and Influence

00:37:08 - Rapid Fire Questions

00:38:09 - Career Risks and Making a Difference

00:39:29 - Mastering the Career Pivot

00:43:40 - Gratitude and Encouragement

Resources:

• Pre-order the book Unforgettable Presence by Lorraine K Lee at unforgettablepresencebook.com to receive exclusive pre-order bonuses and learn practical strategies for building your professional presence and influence.

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Imagine redefining success on your own terms, only to find out that the key to fulfillment lies in the unexpected wisdom of diverse global cultures. In a world where success is often equated with wealth and power, what if I told you that true success is deeply personal and universally powerful? Let's dive into the surprising ways different cultures define success, and how it can reshape your own definition of success. Are you ready to unravel the unexpected secrets that could lead you to your own unique path of success? Join me as we explore the uncharted territories of personal autonomy and fulfillment in defining success.

In this episode, you will be able to:

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:02 - Defining Success

00:02:04 - Mastering the Career Pivot

00:04:12 - Different Cultural Views on Success

00:10:30 - Research on Success and Well-being

00:13:32 - Redefining Success

00:14:38 - Redefining Success

00:15:02 - Living with Purpose

00:15:54 - Maya Angelou's Definition of Success

00:16:41 - Engaging with Others

00:17:35 - Gratitude and Support

Success means living life according to my personal values, on my own terms and with the freedom to choose my own path while also making a difference in the world. - Lori Adams Brown

Redefining Success through Cultural Exploration

In exploring different cultural perspectives on success, the podcast delves into how success is defined and perceived across various global traditions. By examining contrasting views on success, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the diverse ways in which success can be interpreted and valued. This cultural exploration encourages individuals to broaden their perspectives and redefine success based on personal values and aspirations.

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Have you ever heard the myths about building trust through emotional intelligence, dealing with workplace bullying, and the importance of empathy in leadership? Let's debunk these myths together. Myth 1: Building trust through emotional intelligence is just about being nice. Myth 2: Dealing with workplace bullying effectively means confronting the bully head-on. Myth 3: The importance of empathy in leadership is overrated. I'll share the truth behind these myths, but get ready for a mind-blowing revelation.

In this episode, you will be able to:

My special guest is Karen Hall

Karen Hall, also known as the Queen of Empathy, is an executive producer, host, and speaker at the Los Angeles Tribune. She is a devoted mother, wife, and grandmother, as well as a woman of faith. Karen's expertise extends to being a podcast host and an Emotional Intelligence leadership coach, where she empowers leaders to enhance their emotional intelligence skills, navigate workplace dynamics effectively, and build trust through authentic and compassionate leadership. With a passion for inspiring others, Karen brings a unique blend of personal experience and professional insights to empower leaders across diverse industries.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:02 - Welcome and Introduction

00:01:22 - The Celebration of Purim

00:05:18 - Emotional Intelligence and Authentic Leadership

00:08:34 - The Power of Understanding

00:12:28 - Importance of De-escalating Emotions

00:13:10 - Importance of Emotional Intelligence and Listening Skills

00:14:09 - The Power of Empathy in Leadership

00:17:55 - Personal Experiences with Empathy and Bullying

00:21:00 - Dealing with Workplace Bullying

00:24:31 - Overcoming Challenges with Advocates and Support

00:25:42 - Advocacy for Women

00:26:27 - Power Dynamics in the Workplace

00:30:21 - Supportive Podcasting Community

00:34:37 - Empowering Women in Leadership

00:35:38 - Courage and Empathy in Leadership

00:37:48 - The Challenge of Empathy and Listening

00:38:19 - Sharing the Episode

00:38:36 - Karen Hall's Leadership Style

00:39:01 - Gratitude and Call to Action

00:39:57 - Final Words of Encouragement

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