Innovation in Heels

Season 2 of Innovation in Heels kicks off with global transformation leader Kacey Felila Tolua, former executive at Marriott International, whose career spans two decades across technology, customer experience, and operations.

Kacey shares a deeply personal origin story—beginning in a contact center after recovering from a serious fall that temporarily impacted her speech—and reflects on the early career challenge many women face: staying true to yourself while adapting to shifting organizational environments. She also opens up about a pivotal moment of self-doubt, and the advice that changed her trajectory: “There will be plenty of people in your life who tell you no—never let that person be you.”

The conversation then moves into today’s transformation reality: the explosion of data and AI. Kacey explains why leaders must start with data-driven decisioning before choosing AI solutions, acknowledging the reality of siloed data and the need to understand strengths and gaps. On customer experience, she breaks down how organizations can balance empathy and efficiency using a use-case approach—identifying where human connection is essential, where AI should augment frontline agents, and where end-to-end automation may actually improve outcomes.

Kacey also challenges a major myth in the market: that companies should adopt AI simply because “everyone else is doing it.” Instead, she advocates for intentional, strategic adoption tied to measurable impact. Finally, she addresses how AI will reshape talent: recruiting and hiring must evolve, because the future workforce will increasingly need people who can train, refine, and supervise AI, not just execute traditional tasks.

In a fun rapid-fire round, Kacey defines “Innovation in Heels” as women in power inspiring and strengthening each other—and closes by recommending Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl, plus a personal favorite she’s reading with her son: The Millionaire Next Door. Listeners are invited to connect with her on LinkedIn for virtual coffees, mentorship, and idea-sharing.

Guest

Kacey Felila Tolua — Global Transformation Leader; former Marriott International executive

Key Topics

• Career resilience and identity in changing environments
• A leadership lesson: stop trying to “do it all”
• Data strategy before AI strategy
• CX design: empathy vs efficiency through use cases
• The real AI talent shift: recruiting for new skill sets
• Generational expectations in customer experience

Connect

Kacey welcomes connection and conversations via LinkedIn (virtual coffees, mentorship, idea exchange).

www.linkedin.com/in/40under40nehadutta

•  In this episode of Innovation in Heels, I sit down with Melissa Aarskaug to explore the dynamic intersection of AI and human intelligence, the evolving role of personal branding, and the essential skills needed to thrive in today’s digital workplace. 
• We discuss how AI is reshaping industries, why continuous learning is non-negotiable, and how personal branding—especially for women—must evolve in this landscape. 
• Throughout our conversation, we emphasize the power of authenticity, the value of mentorship, and the impact of collaboration in driving professional growth. 

www.linkedin.com/in/40under40nehadutta

🌟 Reimagine the Future: Dive into how AI is revolutionizing industries and reshaping careers.
🌟 Level Up with Mentorship: Unlock secrets to finding the right mentor and skyrocketing your growth.
🌟 Skills for Tomorrow: Discover what it takes to stay relevant and thrive in the next generation of work.
🌟 Rapid-Fire Revelations: Fun, fast-paced insights to inspire and entertain.

It’s the perfect mix of tech, leadership, and a whole lot of inspiration. Plug in and power up your potential today! 🎧

www.linkedin.com/in/40under40nehadutta

 Join us for a thought-provoking episode as Sharon Schuler shares her journey and expertise in leadership, finance, and strategy:
Evolution of Leadership Style: Sharon opens up about the growth of her leadership approach, emphasizing the importance of balancing empathy and effectiveness.

Breaking the Finance Stereotype: Finance is so much more than numbers. Sharon discusses how she has challenged stereotypes, championing a dynamic, people-centered approach in the industry.

Adapting to Gen Z and Millennial Needs: As younger generations reshape the workplace, Sharon shares her strategies for leaders to connect, motivate, and engage meaningfully with Gen Z and Millennials.

AI’s Impact on Finance Transformation: Explore the future of finance with Sharon’s insights on how AI is revolutionizing the field, driving efficiency, and transforming traditional practices.

Career Mapping for Young Professionals: Sharon provides actionable advice on career mapping, especially valuable for Gen Z and Millennials building their paths in a rapidly evolving industry.

www.linkedin.com/in/40under40nehadutta

Why You Should Listen to the Podcast:

If you’re looking for a podcast that combines career inspiration, leadership wisdom, and forward-thinking perspectives on technology, this episode is a must-listen! Mariana Fonseca Medina, Senior Vice President of Loyalty Products at Mastercard, shares her eclectic career journey and the valuable lessons she’s learned along the way. From navigating career pivots in aviation, cruises, and financial services to embracing AI and data innovation, Mariana offers practical advice for professionals at all stages. Whether you’re leading a team, managing your own career growth, or curious about the future of work, Mariana’s insights will leave you motivated and ready to take on new challenges.

Podcast Outline:

1. Introduction: Meet Mariana Fonseca Medina
   • Mariana’s dynamic background in aviation, cruises, and financial services.
   • Her role at Mastercard and what drives her as a leader.
2. Career Pivots & Growth
   • How Mariana moved from civil engineering to leadership roles in completely different industries.
   • Lessons learned from taking risks and embracing change.
3. Self-Promotion & Overcoming Bias
   • The importance of self-advocacy in career advancement, especially for women.
   • Navigating workplace biases and how to position yourself for growth.
4. AI and the Future of Business
   • Mariana’s take on generative AI and how companies can balance technology with the human touch.
   • Why embracing AI is crucial for businesses and professionals.
5. Data Innovation & Privacy
   • The impact of data regulations like GDPR on business innovation.
   • How companies can responsibly use data to drive loyalty and customer engagement.
6. Leadership Insights: Empowering Others
   • Mariana’s experience leading teams through digital transformations.
   • The importance of sharing the spotlight and empowering others to grow.
7. Gen Z, Millennials & the Modern Workplace
   • What younger professionals value in today’s rapidly changing work environment.
   • How companies can create inclusive, flexible cultures that attract top talent.
8. Book Recommendations & Personal Development
   • Mariana’s favorite reads, including Hidden Potential by Adam Grant and Change Your Paradigm, Change Your Life by Bob Proctor.
   • The importance of continuous learning and professional growth.
9. Final Takeaways: Career, Leadership, and Innovation
   • Key lessons from Mariana’s career that listeners can apply to their own professional journey.

www.linkedin.com/in/40under40nehadutta

New Podcast Alert:
 Charting the Future: Mariana Fonseca Medina on Innovation and Gen AI 

Why should you tune in to our latest podcast episode? If you're looking to navigate career transitions with agility, explore the intersection of technology and management, or understand how to leverage your diverse experiences for professional growth, this episode is for you!

Join me, Neha Dutta, as I dive into a riveting conversation with Mariana Fonseca Medina, a visionary leader whose career spans across civil engineering, aviation, and digital marketing at major corporations like Mastercard. Discover how she merges eclectic experiences to drive innovation and leadership in the fast-evolving digital landscape.

🚀 1. Embracing Eclectic Career Paths: Mariana's journey from civil engineering to digital marketing in loyalty products at Mastercard showcases the value of diverse experiences and the importance of adaptability in today's fast-paced job market.

🌐 2. The Power of Learning: A recurring theme in Mariana's career is her passion for learning. Whether transitioning industries or adopting new technologies, continuous learning is crucial for professional growth and staying relevant.

🤖 3. Navigating Career Pivots with Confidence: Mariana credits her belief in her capabilities, instilled by her mother, as a key factor in successfully navigating major career changes, highlighting the importance of self-confidence in achieving one's career goals.

🔄 4. Insights on AI and Generational Change Management: Discussing the impact of AI, Mariana points out the dual-edged nature of technological advances and emphasizes the importance of balancing innovation with human intuition to enhance customer experiences and operational efficiency.

🔍 5. The Critical Role of Self-Advocacy: A pivotal moment in Mariana's career taught her that one must advocate for oneself and one's work. This underlines the need for visibility and active communication in the workplace, especially for women and minorities.

🔗 6. Importance of Data and Privacy: In an era where data is king, Mariana stresses the need for companies to handle data responsibly, balancing innovation with regulation to maintain consumer trust and compliance.

🌟 7. Leadership and Inclusion: Reflecting on leadership styles, Mariana shares insights on the importance of adapting leadership approaches to foster inclusivity and allow team members to thrive, ensuring that personal development goes hand in hand with professional success.

Don't miss out on these invaluable insights that can help shape your career and inspire your professional journey. Tune in now and learn how to turn your diverse interests into unique opportunities!

www.linkedin.com/in/40under40nehadutta