Welcome to the Promoted with Denise Harris podcast, where we have impactful conversations about navigating our careers, how to stand out and of course, how to get promoted.

In the episode we’re joined by Gilda Squire. Gilda founded Squire Media & Management, Inc. in 2008. The boutique management and PR firm The firm manages public relations for actor Wendell Pierce, who earned his first performance Tony Award nomination for an historic portrayal of Willy Loman in Broadway’s Death of a Salesman; Courtney B. Vance, whose stunning portrayal as “Johnnie Cochran” on FX’s The People vs. OJ Simpson earned him EMMY, Critics Choice, and NAACP Image awards; and Honorary Oscar Recipient Angela Bassett, who is one of the most gifted and beloved actresses of this era.

Prior to founding Squire Media & Management, Gilda served as a Director of Publicity at HarperCollins Publishers. She was responsible for overseeing publicity and book tours for the corporation's Amistad imprint, as well as several titles under the publisher's flagship HarperCollins imprint. Gilda was named one of Crain New York Business’s Notable Black Leaders in 2023, one of the Most Influential People in Dance by Dance Magazine in 2017, one of Culture Shift Lab’s 20 People to Watch in 2015, and one of Hello Beautiful’s 25 Women to Know in 2015. Squire Media is a member of the NYNJ Minority Supplier Development Council.

Gilda discusses her journey in the fields of public relations, talent management, and media training. She shares insights into launching her firm during the 2008 financial crisis, overcoming challenges, and the importance of personal branding. Highlighting examples from her work with high-profile clients like Misty Copeland, Angela Bassett, and Courtney B. Vance, Gilda emphasizes the role of storytelling, effective communication, and strategic planning in building a successful brand. She also discusses the impact of social media and podcasts on personal branding and offers advice for professionals looking to enhance their career prospects.

 Prepare for an inspiring conversation on the power of personal branding!

Additional Links & Resources:

Book | The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict & Victoria Christopher Murray

Book | Missing White Woman by Kellye Garrett

Connect with Gilda:

LinkedIn | Gilda Squire

Website | Squire Media & Management

Connect with Denise:

Website | Denise Harris Leadership

LinkedIn | Denise Harris Leadership

Welcome to the Promoted with Denise Harris podcast, where we have impactful conversations about navigating our careers, how to stand out and of course, how to get promoted.

In the episode, the focus is on the critical role of communication in leadership.  Great leaders aren't just great talkers. They know how to listen. They understand that communication isn't just about delivering a message, it's about how that message is received.

 They also recognize that self-awareness is the secret ingredient to being a leader who doesn't just speak, but one who truly connects.  In this episode we'll break down what it really means to communicate as a leader, how to cultivate trust, how to make your words matter, and why your ability to communicate effectively can be the key to your next big promotion.

So whether you're leading a team, preparing for a big career move, or simply want to strengthen your leadership presence, this episode is for you. So grab your notebook, find a comfortable spot, and let's get into it!

Connect with Denise:

Website | Denise Harris Leadership

LinkedIn | Denise Harris Leadership

Welcome to the Promoted with Denise Harris podcast, where we have impactful conversations about navigating our careers, how to stand out and of course, how to get promoted.

In the episode we’re joined by Tamara Fields. Tamara Fields is the U.S. Public Service Industry Lead at Accenture, where she drives operational efficiency for government entities through transformative back-office solutions and innovative applications of generative AI. Her work ensures the smooth functioning of governments while making a tangible impact on communities—reflecting her deep belief that public service is integral to the fabric of society.

In addition, Tamara serves as the Office Managing Director for Accenture in Austin, where she leads efforts to bring innovation to clients, attract and retain top talent, and strengthen Accenture’s presence in the Austin community. 

 Today we are diving into what it truly means to redefine leadership and amplify influence, and I couldn't think of a better guest to explore this with than Tamara Fields. With more than two decades of cross-industry, multilateral project management experience, she delivers creative, strategic, and complex solutions to better serve clients.

 Get ready for an insightful conversation on leadership, influence, and the power of innovation!

Additional Links & Resources:

Book | Multipliers, How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smart by Liz Wiseman

Connect with Tamara:

LinkedIn | Tamara Fields

Connect with Denise:

Website | Denise Harris Leadership

LinkedIn | Denise Harris Leadership

Welcome to the Promoted with Denise Harris podcast, where we have impactful conversations about navigating our careers, how to stand out and of course, how to get promoted.

In the episode we’re joined by Brenda Barbour. Brenda is a senior executive with over 25 years of experience leading and transforming diverse teams across a range of industries. Known for her leadership and vision, Brenda has a proven track record of driving organizational success in both the private and nonprofit sectors.

 Research indicates that office politics significantly impact women's careers and promotability, often to their detriment. Women face unique challenges in navigating workplace politics compared to their male counterparts. Brenda and I define what internal politics is and why it’s critical for career advancement, especially for women who are aiming for senior roles. We discuss the importance of intentionally building relationships across functions and levels in your organization, balancing assertiveness and being approachable, and the benefits of having a growth mindset.

Branda is also Co-host and Co-Producer of the Body Wealth podcast, with her sister Elaine. In each episode, the sisters chat with one guest to hear about what they are doing to work toward optimal mental or physical health, expanding access to the conversations Black women have about health and healthcare.

Connect with Brenda:

LinkedIn | Brenda Barbour

Podcast | Body Wealth

Connect with Denise:

Website | Denise Harris Leadership

LinkedIn | Denise Harris Leadership

Welcome to the Promoted with Denise Harris podcast, where we have impactful conversations about navigating our careers, how to stand out and of course, how to get promoted.

In the episode we’re joined by Debbie Wissel, President of Swing Search, a recruiting firm that specializes in finding top performers for high growth startups.  Debbie entered the world of recruiting and leadership search in 2020 as a career pivot and after a decade leading product and client services at some of New York City's most celebrated fintech startups, including LearnVest and Ellevest.

Debbie's experience in these early stage startups gave her a front row seat to the highs and lows of startup growth, the importance of choosing the right leaders, and a deep empathy for founders and the team that is brought together to make it all happen.

 Women are increasingly successful using recruiting firms to land senior roles, though they remain underrepresented in leadership positions overall. An interesting stat is that women are 18 percent more likely than men to be hired when applying for senior roles through recruiters. Debbie and I discuss the advantages of working with a recruiting firm, traits that firms look for when filling leadership roles, how to stand out amongst applicants, and the importance of building a strong network by developing deep relationships.

Additional Links & Resources:

Book | The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle

Connect with Debbie:

LinkedIn | Debbie Wissel

Website | Swing Search

Connect with Denise:

Website | Denise Harris Leadership

LinkedIn | Denise Harris Leadership

Welcome to the Promoted with Denise Harris podcast, where we have impactful conversations about navigating our careers, how to stand out and of course, how to get promoted.

In the episode we’re joined by Valencia McClure. Valencia is Vice President, Governmental and External Affairs and President, Pepco Region, responsible for shaping, leading and executing external affairs strategies and programs in support of Pepco and Pepco Holdings’ business goals. She has served on the boards of numerous universities, businesses, trade organizations and charities. Additionally, Valencia was recognized as one of Savoy Magazine’s Most Influential Women in Corporate America, Baltimore Sun’s Top 25 Women to Watch, and a recipient of the President’s Roundtable Corporate Executive Trailblazer Award.

Today Valencia shares with us key moments and decisions that helped shape her career trajectory, practical tips on how to craft your personal brand, the importance of networking and how to develop those relationships with intention and authenticity. She also shares her top three tips to help make you promotable.

This episode is packed with insights, you won’t want to miss it!

Connect with Valencia:

LinkedIn | Valencia McClure

Connect with Denise:

Website | Denise Harris Leadership

LinkedIn | Denise Harris Leadership

Additional links & Resources:

Book | Next Level by Scott Eblin 

Book | The Twelve Absolutes of Leadership by Gary Burnison 

Book | The First 90 Days by Michael Watkins 

Julia Pimsleur, bestselling author and founder of Million Dollar Women, is on a mission to empower one million women entrepreneurs to reach $1M in annual revenues.

In this powerful episode, Ruth shares invaluable insights on the courageous leap from executive to business owner, the importance of building your network and cultivating relationships that propel your career forward.

Jackie Hilton brings over 30 years of operational and leadership prowess to the table, honed in Fortune 500 powerhouses and leading mid-market and non-profit organizations.

Unlock your potential & elevate your leadership with our latest Promoted Podcast featuring the inspiring Morgan Cato, a trailblazer in the NBA's front office. Morgan Cato is a Sports Influencer, Business Executive and Change Agent. In June 2022, Morgan joined the Phoenix Suns executive group as Assistant General Manager and VP of Basketball Operations, making her one of the leagues highest ranking women in a front office and the first woman of color to hold the title. 
This conversation with Morgan Cato is more than just a podcast; it's a roadmap for professional women looking to develop their leadership identity and gain traction in their careers.