BEYOND BARRIERS

In this raw and compelling episode of the Beyond Barriers Podcast, host Monica Marquez sits down with the inspiring José Suaste, Chief Creative Officer at fluent360, to explore his incredible journey from a first-generation Mexican-American kid growing up in Dallas to one of the top creative leaders in multicultural advertising. 

Born into a hardworking, blue-collar family, José’s story is one of grit, resilience, and unwavering ambition. From an early age, he was drawn to the world of art, but it was the life-changing experience of becoming a father in high school that lit a fire under him, transforming his creative passion into a powerful career.

José doesn’t shy away from sharing the raw and personal challenges he faced—from breaking into the ultra-competitive advertising industry to overcoming the doubts that often come with being the first in his family to pursue a creative career. He reveals how his cultural identity has been both a source of strength and a guiding force throughout his life. His journey is a testament to the power of relationships, perseverance, and staying true to who you are, even when the odds seem stacked against you.

If you’ve ever wondered how to push past self-doubt, balance personal responsibilities with professional dreams, or leverage your heritage as a superpower, José’s story will move and motivate you to keep striving for greatness.

Visit our website where you will find show notes and links to all the resources in this episode, including the best way to get in touch with our special guest.

In this episode of Beyond Barriers, host Brooke Skinner Ricketts has a compelling conversation with R. Martin “Marty” Chavez, a trailblazer who has bridged the worlds of Wall Street and Silicon Valley. As the former CIO and CFO of Goldman Sachs and now Vice Chairman of Sixth Street, Marty has been at the forefront of transforming finance through technology. He shares his fascinating journey—from his early days in Albuquerque, where he programmed nuclear test simulations, to leading one of the most influential investment banks into the digital age.

Marty opens up about the hurdles he faced as one of the few openly gay and Latino leaders in finance, navigating a world where diversity was scarce at the top. He reveals how resilience, mentorship, and the ability to think like a computer scientist helped him break barriers and redefine industries. This episode goes beyond career achievements, exploring the importance of staying adaptable in the face of unexpected challenges, the critical role of mentorship in shaping one’s path, and the evolving impact of AI on business and society.

Whether you’re looking for career inspiration, insights into the future of AI, or advice on thriving as a diverse leader, Marty’s story will leave you motivated to redefine your own journey.

Visit our website where you will find show notes and links to all the resources in this episode, including the best way to get in touch with our special guest.

In this enriching episode of Beyond Barriers, Monica Marquez sits down with Julissa McWashington, a Senior Manager at Starbucks and a champion for community resilience. 

Julissa’s journey from Honduras to the U.S. and her rise within Starbucks exemplifies the power of the bicultural advantage. She candidly shares how she has navigated the complexities of dual identities, maintaining her Honduran heritage while thriving in the American corporate landscape. Julissa’s passion for community, especially within the Latino community, shines through as she discusses her leadership philosophy and the significance of staying authentic in every aspect of life. 

Tune in for an inspiring conversation that will resonate with anyone striving to lead with both heart and heritage.

Visit our website where you will find show notes and links to all the resources in this episode, including the best way to get in touch with our special guest.

In this powerful episode of Beyond Barriers, host Brooke Skinner Ricketts delves into the incredible story of Travis Hunter, the Office Managing Partner at KPMG in Chicago. Travis opens up about his journey from growing up as a military child—moving over 20 times before the 9th grade—to becoming a leader in corporate America. Despite facing numerous obstacles, Travis credits his success to his unwavering perseverance and the support of key mentors who believed in his potential.

You’ll hear Travis recount the challenges of being the only African American in his office and how he navigated through adversity. With a focus on mentorship, Travis shares how he has used his leadership position to create opportunities for others and reshape the narrative around diversity in corporate leadership. This episode offers a rare glimpse into the mindset of a leader who rose above his circumstances to succeed.

Visit our website where you will find show notes and links to all the resources in this episode, including the best way to get in touch with our special guest

Join host Brooke Skinner Ricketts in a compelling conversation with Laura Desmond, CEO of Smartly and a powerhouse in the world of advertising and media. Laura has built her career on a foundation of bold leadership and transformative thinking, taking on roles that have shaped the future of global brands like Samsung, Coca-Cola, and Spotify.

In this episode, Laura delves into the three key bets that have defined her leadership journey: betting on yourself, betting on your team, and betting on your mission. She shares how her experiences, from leading Starcom Mediavest Group to becoming the CEO of Smartly, have taught her the importance of clarity and resilience in leadership. 

Laura also reveals the strategies she used to overcome obstacles, adapt to new challenges, and lead with purpose in an ever-changing industry. Whether you’re just starting out or are well into your career, Laura’s wisdom offers a powerful reminder that true leadership requires courage, intentionality, and a willingness to embrace the unknown.

Visit our website where you will find show notes and links to all the resources in this episode, including the best way to get in touch with our special guest.

In this episode of Beyond Barriers, host Brooke Skinner Ricketts engages in an insightful conversation with Gavriella Schuster, a trailblazer in the tech industry with over 25 years at Microsoft and a passionate advocate for lifelong learning and leadership.

Gavriella is a seasoned strategic business leader known for transforming companies and driving impactful change. A fierce advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, she is a founding sponsor of WIC and the WIT Network and serves on the boards of multiple DEI-focused nonprofits. As a TEDx speaker, host of the podcast “The Big Idea,” and author of an eBook and training on #ALLIES, Gavriella continues to lead initiatives that empower and inspire others.

In this episode, Gavriella shares her extraordinary journey from being one of the few women in the room at Microsoft to becoming a powerful voice for allyship and inclusive leadership. Whether you’re seeking to advance in your career, build stronger professional relationships, or find inspiration in your leadership journey, Gavriella’s story will encourage you to take bold steps and lead with integrity in today’s fast-paced world.

Visit our website where you will find show notes and links to all the resources in this episode, including the best way to get in touch with our special guest.

In this episode of Beyond Barriers, host Brooke Skinner Ricketts engages in a powerful conversation with Heather Aranyi, a globally recognized educator and innovator. Heather is The Department of State's U.S. Speaker in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Director of the ICON NIL Incubator at Northwestern University and Founder and CEO of Aranyi Enterprises.

With a diverse background that spans opera, child development, and entrepreneurship, Heather brings a unique perspective to redefining success and fostering inclusive ecosystems.

Heather delves into the importance of creating thriving communities by reshaping traditional entrepreneurial paradigms. She shares how her trauma-informed approach empowers underrepresented voices and drives social change. 

Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned leader, Heather’s insights will inspire you to rethink how you engage with your community and leverage entrepreneurial ecosystems for greater impact.

Visit our website where you will find show notes and links to all the resources in this episode, including the best way to get in touch with our special guest.

In this episode of Beyond Barriers, we join host Brooke Skinner Ricketts as she dives into a transformative conversation with Christine Sandman Stone, CEO and Founder of Deliver At Scale, a global tech leader known for her modern management expertise and her relentless focus on driving results.

Christine shares her unique perspective on how joy can be a powerful data indicator in both personal and professional growth. Discover how she has harnessed this insight to lead teams through crisis, drive organizational change, and mentor the next generation of leaders. 

Whether you’re navigating your own career progression or looking to inspire your team, Christine’s actionable strategies and insights will equip you with the tools to make a meaningful impact.

Visit our website where you will find show notes and links to all the resources in this episode, including the best way to get in touch with our special guest.

Get ready to be inspired by Jenna Lange’s incredible story of personal transformation and professional excellence. In this episode, Jenna, the founder and CEO of Lange International, shares her secrets to mastering high-stakes communication. You’ll learn how to harness the power of your authentic selves, build resilience, and communicate with confidence when it matters most.

Jenna’s journey from a timid figure skater to a sought-after advisor for executives worldwide will leave you with practical tips and a renewed sense of courage to tackle your own high-stakes moments. Don’t miss her advice on constructing a strong support network and the value of letting go and trusting the process.

Visit our website where you will find show notes and links to all the resources in this episode, including the best way to get in touch with our special guest.

Our conversation with Jenna begins now.

In this episode of the Beyond Barriers podcast, host Brooke Skinner Ricketts delves into a thought-provoking conversation with Mike Gamson, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Permanent Capital Ventures. Discover how Mike's extensive career, from scaling LinkedIn's global operations to leading AI and biotech companies, has shaped his unique perspective on leadership and human connections in a hybrid work world. 

Mike shares personal stories, including transformative experiences at Burning Man and insights from his Outward Bound adventures, that highlight the importance of community, compassion, and adaptability in today's fast-paced business environment. 

Tune in to learn how to navigate and thrive in the evolving landscape of work relationships.

Visit our website where you will find show notes and links to all the resources in this episode, including the best way to get in touch with our special guest.