BEYOND BARRIERS

What if your dreams are way bigger than your reality? Who would you ask for help? How would you find the courage and confidence to take action?

Anu Bhardwaj, serial entrepreneur and investor, shares her journey of struggling financially, being nobody and knowing no one, to building a global movement championing economic empowerment for women worldwide.

Anu is the founder of Women INVESTING in Women DIGITAL, the world’s largest digital media platform focused on Women & Investing with over 1,000,000+ followers across 120 countries. She is also founder of the State of Women Radio Network that shares stories of role models, thought leaders and changemakers with a mission to make an impact on the state of women everywhere. In this episode, Anu takes us through her journey and how she discovered her why and defined her path. She is candid about the obstacles she faced, why she is unapologetically authentic, and how her tenacity and optimism have helped her overcome barriers. She lives her life outside the box and in pursuit of a really big mission. She shares why it’s so important for women to have equal opportunity and access to education, and positions of power and influence.

Highlights:

[02:22] Anu’s background

[04:31] Story of Women Investing in Women Digital

[06:11] Women Investing in Women Digital Mission

[09:56] Focus on “can do” versus “can’t do”

[13:32] Creating impact in the world

[14:56] Understanding gender equality and parity around the globe

[18:10] Millennials and Gen Z – what business leaders need to know

[20:54] Making it all happen

[29:51] Gaining access and earning trust

[34:24] Building relationships

[39:52] The future for women of color

[43:58] Embracing success in the digital age

[45:05] What is your Why

Quotes:

“If you're going to get something done, you need confidence.” – Anu Bhardwaj

“I think it's very important for you to have role models and leaders within your organization that really speak to millennials and Gen Z.” - Anu Bhardwaj

“It's not what don't I have, it's what do I have that you have to really focus on and, and just run with it.” – Anu Bhardwaj

“There's this common sisterhood where we can support one another and invest in one another.” – Anu Bhardwaj

“Focus on your strengths, what is it that you have that no one else has. Because ultimately, that's your differentiator.” – Anu Bhardwaj

“My Why is ultimately paving the way for girls who did not have the opportunity and I think it's our duty and our obligation to help.” – Anu Bhardwaj

About Anu Bhardwaj:

Anu is the founder of SHEQ+, Krypto 4 Kids, Qrpto Queens, & Women INVESTING in Women DIGITAL, the world’s largest digital media platform focused on Women & Investing.

Launching in December2014, WIIW Digital includes over 1,000,000+ followers across 120 countries; the “Women INVESTING in Women and Girls” Radio show on Voice America Kids now featured on the State of Women Radio Network, and the WIIW Global Summit & Women in Private Equity Roundtable Series, which took place in New York City, Stockholm, Johannesburg, San Diego, Scottsdale, Muscat, Singapore, Phoenix, Vienna, & Ankara.

Prior to founding WIIW DIGITAL, Bhardwaj spearheaded the 2010-2013 U.S. Department of Commerce Private Equity/Venture Capital Certified Trade Missions to the Nordics and Middle East, representing over $175 billion USD private-equity and venture-capital interests in collaboration with the International Trade Administration, the U.S. Embassies in Sweden, Denmark.

Links:

Website: http://www.thestateofwomen.com/

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/anu-bhardwaj-1726b41b

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WomenInvesting/

Twitter: @womeninvesting

Audrey Bellis, founder of Worthy Women, shares with us why it’s important to focus on what’s good for you, how to step up from a place of service, and why you can’t raise your net worth until you raise your self-worth. In this episode, Audrey shares her personal journey of shedding other people’s expectations and following her own path. She provides practical tips on how to overcome fears, embrace your authentic self, and become a worthy woman.

Do you find yourself stuck in a situation that is no longer right for you but you're afraid to make changes? Audrey Bellis, founder of Worthy Women, shares with us why it's important to focus on what's good for you, how to step up from a place of service, and why you can't raise your net worth until you raise your self-worth. In this episode, Audrey shares her personal journey of shedding other people's expectations and following her own path. She provides practical tips on how to overcome fears, embrace your authentic self, and become a worthy woman.

Highlights:

[02:01] Broken to worthy woman

[02:45] Story of Worth Women

[09:13] Sales is a numbers game

[12:56] Getting past rejection

[19:05] Overcoming your fears

[20:08] Focus on what matters

[24:48] Lean on your community

[27:13] Authenticity fuels success

Quotes:

"People struggle to switch lanes because they are so invested in how it needs to be." – Audrey Bellis

"Everything you do comes from a place of self-worth. And if you do not feel worthy of asking for the multimillion-dollar sale, you're not going to get it." – Audrey Bellis

"As a leader, if you don't feel empowered in who you are and have clarity in what you stand for, you won't be able to lead others. Leadership is a top-down experience." – Audrey Bellis

"Everything is a numbers game. Integrity is the key." – Audrey Bellis

"You need to do what's right for you but also give yourself permission that it isn't set in stone and it can change. And that's okay." – Audrey Bellis

"Nobody owes you anything. You create your own opportunities." – Audrey Bellis

"The key to accelerating in a digital world is to stop trying to be like everybody else. Show up as you." – Audrey Bellis

"The way that we accelerate is being clear and honest with ourselves. It's our willingness to be vulnerable and have boundaries." – Audrey Bellis

"You can't raise your net worth until you raise your self-worth." – Audrey Bellis

About Audrey Bellis:

As the Founder of StartUp DTLA, Audrey gets to help bring tech and creative companies into Downtown LA during what has been called the 'downtown renaissance.' Connecting these companies with office space, resources, and funding has been one of her greatest joys while having the opportunity to help build a city.

While Audrey loves serving the tech community, the #WorthyWomen tribe holds a special place in her heart. Through this platform, she has had the opportunity to not only serve the public, but also been able to work with enterprise leaders and top female executives. Worthy Women is the story of how she found her deepest self-worth and helped women find theirs. You can find Audrey urban exploring across Los Angeles, often with a book under her arm. She is a lover of a well-aged single malt, strong coffee, and her dog Tapatio.

Links:

Website: http://www.audreybellis.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/audreybellis/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/audreyrbellis

Twitter: https://twitter.com/audreybellis

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCely90sEUuYthFrawhBLn0A

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/audreybellis/

Have you ever been derailed because of something you didn't anticipate? 

Artificial intelligence has grown 30,000 times since 2012 and its capacity is doubling every 105 days. Automation is changing the nature of business and creating new opportunities and challenges in the workplace.

While we can’t predict the future, we must be prepared for it. As disruption accelerates and the workplace evolves, your ability to learn quickly becomes your core skill. If you anticipate challenges, learn new skills, and pivot faster, you will eventually overcome every obstacle and get ahead of disruption.

Conviction empowers you to achieve your goals, no matter what happens because you have the skillset, mindset and toolset to get ahead of change. Learn how to anticipate change and prepare yourself with powerful habits and hacks.

Highlights:
[00:16] Growth of artificial intelligence
[00:26] How do you prepare for rapid change
[03:20] Favorite hack #1 to anticipate change
[07:18] Correlation of disruption and innovation
[08:50] Favorite hack #2 to anticipate change
[09:38] Just-in-time learning
[10:59] Homework for the week

Quotes:
“We’re living in a time of so much change and such rapid change, that it's not enough to just be fit. You also have to be fast.” – Nikki Barua

“The faster you let go of previous beliefs and open yourself up with curiosity and humility, and be willing to learn, that's what's going to help you adapt faster.” – Nikki Barua

“You miss out on opportunities when you’re worried about what could go wrong.” – Nikki Barua

“Technology is creating the solutions for the things that people feel technology is disrupting.” – Monica Marquez

“You have to know where the demand is and align your skills and your competencies to where that demand is. Then you can be the one that is benefiting from these opportunities as opposed to being displaced.” – Nikki Barua

“There are opportunities for everyone to combine the power of technology with the beauty of the human mind.” – Nikki Barua

About Nikki and Monica:

Nikki Barua is a digital innovator, serial entrepreneur, author & speaker.

Monica Marquez is an ex-Googler, diversity expert and senior corporate leader.

Contact Nikki and Monica:
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iambeyondbarriers/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyondbarriersco/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iambeyondbarriers/

Have you ever been derailed because of something you didn't anticipate?  Artificial intelligence has grown 30,000 times since 2012 and its capacity is doubling every 105 days. Automation is changing the nature of business and creating new opportunities and challenges in the workplace. While we can’t predict the future, we must be prepared for it. As disruption accelerates and the workplace evolves, your ability to learn quickly becomes your core skill. If you anticipate challenges, learn new skills, and pivot faster, you will eventually overcome every obstacle and get ahead of disruption. Conviction empowers you to achieve your goals, no matter what happens because you have the skillset, mindset and toolset to get ahead of change. Learn how to anticipate change and prepare yourself with powerful habits and hacks.

Highlights: [00:16] Growth of artificial intelligence [00:26] How do you prepare for rapid change [03:20] Favorite hack #1 to anticipate change [07:18] Correlation of disruption and innovation [08:50] Favorite hack #2 to anticipate change [09:38] Just-in-time learning [10:59] Homework for the week

Quotes: “We’re living in a time of so much change and such rapid change, that it's not enough to just be fit. You also have to be fast.” – Nikki Barua “The faster you let go of previous beliefs and open yourself up with curiosity and humility, and be willing to learn, that's what's going to help you adapt faster.” – Nikki Barua

“You miss out on opportunities when you’re worried about what could go wrong.” – Nikki Barua “Technology is creating the solutions for the things that people feel technology is disrupting.” – Monica Marquez “You have to know where the demand is and align your skills and your competencies to where that demand is. Then you can be the one that is benefiting from these opportunities as opposed to being displaced.” – Nikki Barua “There are opportunities for everyone to combine the power of technology with the beauty of the human mind.” – Nikki Barua

About Nikki and Monica: Nikki Barua is a digital innovator, serial entrepreneur, author & speaker. Monica Marquez is an ex-Googler, diversity expert and senior corporate leader.

Contact Nikki and Monica: Email: [email protected] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iambeyondbarriers/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyondbarriersco/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iambeyondbarriers/

Alfia Ilicheva, Co-founder of WIN, shares why gender inclusion matters even more in the digital age, and how WIN is creating impact globally. WIN is a non-profit organization on a mission to close the gender gap in innovation. Alfia also shares her personal journey of transformation from an immigrant with no fluency in English to becoming an influential leader of a global movement, while holding a fulltime corporate job, and being a mom to three children.

Can you imagine a world where your voice is not heard, and products and services are not designed for you? Alfia Ilicheva, Co-founder of WIN, shares why gender inclusion matters even more in the digital age, and how WIN is creating impact globally. WIN is a non-profit organization on a mission to close the gender gap in innovation. Alfia also shares her personal journey of transformation from an immigrant with no fluency in English to becoming an influential leader of a global movement, while holding a fulltime corporate job, and being a mom to three children. Alfia discloses exactly how she integrates work, life and community service, and how you too can manage competing priorities, achieve your goals and live your best life. Visit www.iambeyondbarriers.com where you will find shownotes and links to all the resources referenced in this episode, including the best way to get in touch with Alfia.

Highlights: [00:41] About Alfia Ilicheva [04:32] Alfia on life changing immigration story [07:22] Alfia on innovation [08:35] Alfia on her superpower [10:34] Alfia on duality of intuition and data driven analysis [13:00] Alfia on proudest accomplishment [16:17] Alfia on fear and commitment [18:32] Alfia on founding WIN [23:59] Alfia on womens’ impact on innovation [30:45] Alfia on leadership [35:24] Alfia on approach to hiring [38:05] Advice on one key skill to develop [40:38] Advice on relationship building [46:51] Alfia’s habit or hack [53:27] Advice on juggling career and being a mom

Quotes: “I think if you really want to build change in the world, if you want to bring people along and create something beautiful, then your heart has to be there” – Alfia Ilicheva “When you believe that you're not fully formed, that you can always become better, then with that mindset the sky's the limit.” – Alfia Ilicheva “The beautiful side of the American dream is the core belief that we can shape our own dreams.” – Alfia Ilicheva “Seeing both the beauty and the imperfections helps me grow.” – Alfia Ilicheva  “Part of a superpower is actually realizing that you have one.” – Alfia Ilicheva “Instead of saying don't be afraid, don't feel anxiety it’s using those things to create momentum.” – Alfia Ilicheva “We must create an equitable future where women are making decisions on how we innovate the world.” – Alfia Ilicheva “Leadership, it's not about telling people what my vision is, and then making them do it. But it' about bringing them along and co-creating with them at the same time.” – Alfia Ilicheva “A specific skill that is really important for women is collaboration skills.” – Alfia Ilicheva “Oftentimes, in disagreements and debates, are sparks that could change the way you might approach something.” – Alfia Ilicheva “Being a super woman does not mean that you are invincible and can do it all. It's actually recognizing what you can't do and not saying no, but saying yes to yourself, and finding that balance.” – Alfia Ilicheva

About Alfia Ilicheva: Alfia is the Co-Founder of WIN: Women in Innovation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with an international mandate and a mission to close the gender gap in innovation. Under her leadership, WIN transformed from a local New York-based initiative into an industry-leading and globally-recognized organization. Ilicheva was the architect behind the original governance structure, operating model and the strategic roadmap and global growth plan. She now serves on the Board of Directors.

Ilicheva was previously Managing Director at R/GA Ventures, an award-winning venture investment division of R/GA, where she led the strategy practice and connected corporate businesses and private-equity backed portfolio companies with startups and emerging technology resources. Prior to her role at R/GA Ventures, Ilicheva was Group Director at R/GA’s Business Transformation team, where she advised C-suite executives of Fortune 500 businesses on strategic growth opportunities, with a specific focus on catalyzing new revenue streams, launching sustainable products and services, and building internal innovation capabilities. Prior to R/GA, Ilicheva was an Engagement Manager at Fahrenheit 212, an innovation and design consultancy, where she led high-impact innovation engagements for Anheuser-Busch, Charles Schwab, Citigroup, Discover, Nestle, Pfizer, and Uber. Prior to Fahrenheit 212, Ilicheva was the President of Five Boroughs Foundation of Photography, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization focused on providing photography mentorship programming in underserved schools. She was previously an analyst at the Royal Bank of Scotland, where she implemented capital issuances across technology, retail, natural resources, and CPG industries. Ilicheva is an Ariane de Rothschild Fellow, a Presidential Leadership Scholar and a Founding Member of Columbia Business School’s Women’s Circle. Additionally, Ilicheva serves as a member of Columbia Business School’s Hermes Society Leadership Council. Ilicheva is a frequent speaker and moderator at innovation industry conferences (Fast Company Innovation Festival, SxSW, 500 Startups Unity + Inclusion Summit, Grace Hopper) and academic institutions (Columbia Business School, Harvard Business School, and MBA Innovation Summit). Ilicheva graduated from Georgetown University with honors in international business diplomacy and received an MBA from Columbia Business School. She was the first undergraduate editor-in-chief of the Georgetown Journal of International Affairs, a university-wide publication. Ilicheva resides in Weston, CT with her husband and their three children.

Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alfia-ilicheva-3b01275/ Instagram: @womenininnovation Website: https://womenininnovation.co/

Mia Phillips shares with us her 30-year career journey from a summer job at a car wash to becoming a senior executive leader for the world’s largest automaker, Toyota. Mia is candid about her own experiences and how she learned to take risks, overcome limiting beliefs, fail fast, and keep adapting.

Are you looking for a new challenge and digging through the abyss of job postings and company profiles that you don’t quite understand? Why not consider looking internally within your own organization and build upon the foundation you already have? Mia Phillips shares with us her 30-year career journey from a summer job at a car wash to becoming a senior executive leader for the world’s largest automaker, Toyota. Mia is candid about her own experiences and how she learned to take risks, overcome limiting beliefs, fail fast, and keep adapting. Visit www.iambeyondbarriers.com where you will find shownotes and links to all the resources referenced in this episode, including the best way to get in touch with Mia.

Highlights: [00:58] About Mia Phillips [07:35] Mia on being adaptable [09:37] Mia on taking risks [18:00] Mia on limiting beliefs [27:12] Mia on convictions and beliefs [32:26] Mia on showing up confident at work [37:12] Mia on failing fast [46:26] Mia on success habits [48:55] Mia on balancing personal and professional demands [55:13] Mia on her role model [66:45] Mia on preparing for the future

Quotes: “Be adaptable. Don’t take things at face value. Look at the possibilities beyond what is presented.” – Mia Phillips “What I did to overcome my fears is rely on the things that got me there.” – Mia Phillips

“I had to step back at look at my breadth of experience as someone outside the company would in order to see the value that I bring to the table.” – Mia Phillips “There is a fine line between confidence and cockiness.” – Mia Phillips “Your confidence can stem from things you’re already doing and leverage those things in more situations.” – Mia Phillips “Spending a half hour in the morning to think about all things that need to get done that day and prioritizing them has driven my success for the past 30 years.” – Mia Phillips “Start by finding and developing relationships with people around you, in your circle, who you feel comfortable having those conversations with.” – Mia Phillips “Embrace the change. Learn as much as you can. Curate information in your field AND adjacent fields. Always have the learner mindset.” – Mia Phillips

About Mia Phillips: Throughout her career, Mia has gained diverse experiences within Toyota taking on exciting challenges with new responsibilities. Mia spent her early years working in field operations collaborating with Toyota dealerships. She gained consumer invaluable insights that helped her succeed in future roles. From sales operations to marketing and advertising, Mia has helped Toyota authentically connect with its consumers, especially to its multicultural population. Her work has won numerous awards and she is now responsible for advertising and media strategies for Lexus.

Links: Email: [email protected]

Welcome to the Beyond Barriers Habits & Hacks Show! Have you ever worried about getting left behind? Well, on today's show, you'll learn the 5 essential elements of conviction so that you can achieve your goals and get ahead of disruptive change. According to a report by the World Economic Forum (2019), about 42% of core skills required to perform most roles will change in 3 years. With the rapid pace of automation and innovation, the average life span of skills is about 18 months before becoming obsol