BEYOND BARRIERS

Leadership growth doesn't happen by accident—it happens when you shift from doing the work to empowering others, building trust, and leading with heart.

In this episode, Emily Portney shares lessons from her 30-year career in financial services—from starting as a rotational analyst at J.P. Morgan to becoming CFO of Barclays International, CFO of BNY Mellon, and now Global Head of Asset Servicing at BNY. Emily opens up about how she learned to delegate, lead through uncertainty, and create safe spaces for bold conversations. She shares why curiosity is her leadership superpower, how building trusted teams fuels growth, and why giving yourself grace is just as important as driving results.

Tune in to discover how to lead with influence, build resilience in the face of change, and become the kind of leader people trust and follow.

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

The key moments in this episode are:

[00:00] Introduction to Beyond Barriers Podcast [00:27] Building Effective Teams [01:17] Introducing Emily Portney [02:14] Emily's Career Journey [03:40] Leadership Lessons and Styles [09:39] Navigating Change and Adaptability [15:20] Personal Branding and Authenticity [18:18] Building Confidence and Resilience [24:32] Navigating Unaskable Questions [26:02] Making Difficult Decisions [27:37] Managing a Dynamic Schedule [32:55] Building Strong Relationships [35:36] Mentorship and Sponsorship [39:03] Lightning Round and Final Thoughts

What if the parts of yourself you've been told to hide are actually your greatest leadership advantages?

In this episode, Becca Chambers—Chief Marketing Officer at Scale Venture Partners—shares how embracing neurodiversity and authenticity has shaped her journey from tech leader to one of LinkedIn's most influential voices. With ADHD as her superpower, Becca has built award-winning brands, advised fast-growing startups, and reached millions by showing up fully as herself.

You'll discover why working with your brain, not against it, is essential for growth, how authenticity builds trust, and why telling your story is your best strategy for advancing your career on your terms.

Tune in to explore how unmasking who you are can help you build a bold, meaningful career while leading with courage and 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.

The key moments in this episode are:

[00:00] Introduction to Beyond Barriers Podcast [00:27] Understanding Neurodiversity [01:07] Meet Becca Chambers [02:22] The Oxford Comma Debate [04:30] Becca's Career Journey [08:41] Embracing Authenticity [10:54] Building a Personal Brand [19:40] Leadership and Resilience [22:51] Building Confidence and Resilience [24:06] Balancing Perfectionism and Decision Making [25:53] Advocating for Neurodiversity [37:38] The Importance of Networking [41:44] Lightning Round and Final Thoughts

Career growth doesn't happen by accident—it happens when you take the stretch role, nurture your network, and build resilience along the way.

In this episode, Ann Bordelon shares how she went from advising Fortune 100 companies to leading finance at Sam's Club and Walmart Asia, and now guides the University of Arkansas as Executive Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration. Ann opens up about saying yes to opportunities that scared her, how building genuine relationships became her secret weapon, and why self-care is non-negotiable for leaders at every level.

Tune in to discover how to transform fear into fuel, build a network that supports your ambitions, and take ownership of your career, one bold step at a time

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

The key moments in this episode are:

[00:00] Introduction to Beyond Barriers Podcast [00:27] Embracing Failure and Leadership [00:56] Meet Ann Bordelon: Career Highlights [02:42] Ann's Journey at Walmart [05:47] The Importance of Mentorship and Sponsorship [11:01] Navigating Career Twists and Turns [18:00] Building Confidence and Resilience [20:56] Decision Making and Input [21:28] Daily Habits and Self-Care [22:43] The Joy of Cycling [25:59] Facing Fear and Uncertainty [30:21] The Importance of Mentorship and Sponsorship [32:57] Evolving Work Environments [37:55] Lightning Round and Final Thoughts

What if the key to lasting success isn't going faster—but knowing when to slow down?

In this episode, Melanie Steinbach—Chief People Officer at MasterClass—shares how courage, clarity, and career pacing have shaped her journey across executive roles at McDonald's, Cameo, and now one of the world's leading learning platforms.

You'll hear how Melanie's career has been marked by bold leaps, personal reinvention, and a commitment to learning over knowing. She opens up about navigating imposter syndrome, recovering from a painful setback, and what it really takes to lead with integrity through change.

Tune in to discover how to build confidence through curiosity, lead with self-awareness, and embrace the power of purpose at every stage of your career.

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

The key moments in this episode are:

[00:00] Introduction to Beyond Barriers Podcast [00:27] Overcoming Imposter Syndrome [01:15] Meet Melanie Steinbach [03:27] Melanie's Career Journey [05:21] Career Lessons and Family [06:53] Navigating Career Challenges [17:28] The Importance of Learning [23:57] Daily Habits for Success [27:03] Management Hygiene and One-on-One Meetings [27:50] Research on Manager-Employee Relationships [30:49] Overcoming Failures and Setbacks [35:20] Creating Safe Work Environments [43:07] The Importance of Continuous Learning [46:09] Lightning Round and Final Thoughts

Success isn't always about going bigger—it's about getting clearer.

In this episode, internationally recognized yoga instructor, author, and creative visionary Alanna Zabel shares her remarkable journey from leading retreats and teaching yoga to building a global lifestyle brand—only to walk away from it all when it no longer aligned with her values.

You'll hear how Alanna transformed unexpected opportunities into impact-driven ventures, how she navigated public success with private purpose, and why she chose alignment over applause at every turning point.

Whether you're building something new or rethinking your next step, this episode will remind you: staying true to who you are is the boldest move you can make.

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

The key moments in this episode are:

[00:00] Introduction to Beyond Barriers Podcast [00:26] Personal Core Connection [01:07] Alanna Zabel's Journey [05:13] Current Projects and Future Goals [08:01] Navigating Challenges and Staying Grounded [11:42] Building Authentic Value [23:09] Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs [27:39] Lightning Round and Final Thoughts

What would it take to build a global movement that empowers millions of girls to change the world through technology?

In this episode, you'll meet Tara Chklovski, the powerhouse behind Technovation—the world's largest tech entrepreneurship program for girls.

Born in India and raised by women who shattered expectations, Tara shares how self-reliance, vision, and the courage to walk away from a PhD in aerospace engineering led her to launch a nonprofit that's transforming lives in over 120 countries. With a bold new goal of equipping 25 million girls with AI and tech skills by 2030, she's creating a future where innovation is driven by inclusion—not exclusion.

You'll hear what it means to stay relevant in a world that's changing faster than ever, why confidence is something you build, not something you're given, and how creating—even in small ways—can transform your sense of purpose.

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

The key moments in this episode are:

[00:00] Introduction to Beyond Barriers Podcast [00:26] The Importance of Staying Relevant as a Leader [01:01] Meet Tara Chklovski: Building a Global Movement [02:29] Tara's Personal Journey and Family Influence [03:40] Starting Fresh: From Aerospace to Nonprofit [05:14] The Birth of Technovation [09:43] Impact and Ripple Effects of Technovation [12:25] Leadership and Personal Branding [14:03] Facing the Future: Innovation and AI [20:15] Building Confidence Through Creation [21:28] Intentional Living and Decompression [21:59] Physical Strength and Social Support [25:38] Setting and Achieving Ambitious Goals [27:42] Sustaining Energy and Fighting for Equality [30:52] The Importance of Community and Self-Reliance [34:18] Lightning Round and Final Thoughts

What does it take to turn technical expertise into transformational leadership?

In this episode, you'll meet Judy Toland, Vice President of Global Audience Marketing at Meta, whose journey from chemical engineer to executive leader proves that blending STEM smarts with people-first leadership is a powerful formula for success.

Judy opens up about her unconventional career path, sharing how curiosity, intentional reflection, and goal-setting helped her pivot across five industries — from automotive to finance to tech. Along the way, she's faced big risks, taken up space in rooms where she was often the only one like her, and stayed grounded in her mission to lead with empathy and conviction.

Tune in to discover how to navigate career inflection points, balance ambition with authenticity, and engineer a career that aligns with your purpose.

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

The key moments in this episode are:

[00:00] Introduction to Beyond Barriers Podcast [02:34] Judy's Early Life and Influences [03:58] From Engineering to Marketing: Career Transitions [09:54] The Importance of Sports and Resilience [12:41] Navigating Career Pivots and Mentorship [16:16] Balancing Personal and Professional Life [22:53] Early Morning Routine and Focus [23:39] Balancing Work and Personal Life [25:40] Overcoming Big Challenges [26:14] Taking Risks and Career Moves [33:55] Importance of Community and Support [36:24] Lightning Round and Final Thoughts

Leadership isn't just about making decisions—it's about listening deeply, building trust, and having the courage to grow through challenges. In this episode, Carrie Hansen, President and COO of AssetMark, shares her remarkable journey from a field hockey scholarship at Berkeley to leading global operations, scaling teams, and shaping the culture of a $130B investment platform.

Carrie opens up about what it really means to lead with heart. She reflects on her early days navigating financial services, the pivotal leadership lessons she learned managing teams in Japan at 28, and how humility, discipline, and a deep belief in people have shaped her career. You'll learn why failing fast is a strength, how to cultivate a high-performing team, and how authenticity builds lasting influence—no matter your title.

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

The key moments in this episode are:

[00:00] Introduction to Beyond Barriers Podcast [01:20] Carrie Hansen's Career Journey [02:41] Early Career Challenges and Lessons [06:04] Leadership and Team Building [06:52] Navigating Cultural Differences in Japan [13:33] Balancing Confidence and Humility [17:27] Decision Making and Risk Taking [22:36] Staying Ahead in the Financial Industry [24:14] Staying Informed and Learning Continuously [25:35] Balancing Work and Personal Life [28:45] Leading by Example [33:05] The Power of Community and Relationships [37:47] Lightning Round and Final Thoughts

What if the real key to success isn't in following the path—but in rewriting it entirely?

In this episode, Salma Gottfried shares how she built a remarkable, multi-decade career by choosing authenticity over approval at every turn. From her early days as a modern dancer in Mexico City to leading high-profile marketing campaigns for global brands like Procter & Gamble and Gatorade, Salma has made bold moves fueled by creativity, purpose, and self-trust.

You'll hear how she navigated inflection points with courage, why she left a successful corporate role to rediscover her creative voice, and how that leap led her to co-found Beautiful Beast, a cross-cultural agency redefining how brands connect through culture.

Tune in to learn how to trust your instincts, take intentional risks, and lead with authenticity—no matter where you are in your career 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.

The key moments in this episode are:

[00:00] Introduction to Beyond Barriers Podcast [00:27] The Importance of Authenticity [01:20] Guest Introduction: Salma Gottfried [03:00] Salma's Career Journey [04:47] Lessons from Mentors [08:33] Founding Beautiful Beast [11:03] Navigating Career Inflection Points [15:38] The Role of Mentors in Career Growth [23:01] Building a Personal Brand [26:18] Cultivating Resilience [29:19] Daily Rituals and Goal Setting [32:19] Advice to My Younger Self [38:35] Lightning Round and Final Thoughts

Confidence isn't something you're born with—it's built through effort, resilience, and a relentless commitment to growth. In this episode, you'll hear how Leah Emkin, Chief Client Officer at Wilshire, went from not knowing what an RFP writer was to leading client teams at one of the most respected financial firms. Her story is proof that when you show up, stay curious, and do the hard work, you don't just survive—you thrive.

Leah shares the mindset shifts and daily habits that helped her grow into a trusted leader, the power of staying in your lane while playing to your strengths, and how to handle rejection without losing momentum. If you've ever questioned whether you belong in the room or wondered how to lead with both empathy and grit, this conversation will give you the real talk—and reassurance—you need.

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

The key moments in this episode are:

[00:00] Introduction to Beyond Barriers Podcast [00:27] Building Confidence Through Competence [01:07] Meet Leah Emkin: A Journey of Hard Work and Curiosity [03:48] Leah's Role and Responsibilities at Wilshire [05:16] Embracing Openness and Curiosity [12:42] Navigating Challenges and Building Resilience [16:48] Overcoming Limiting Beliefs and Imposter Syndrome [21:39] Gaining Perspective with Age [22:41] Daily Habits for Success [24:52] Navigating Parenthood and Flexibility [25:32] Building Strategic Relationships [26:49] The Importance of Mentorship [28:28] Women Supporting Women in Investments [29:44] Leveraging Community and Networks [30:51] Embracing Discomfort for Growth [33:23] Advice for Job Seekers [34:52] Lightning Round and Final Thoughts