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In this episode of Beyond Barriers, discover the driving forces behind entrepreneurial success as Hanna Kassis, a seasoned financial innovator and founder, shares his journey of resilience, self-belief, and focus. Hanna takes you through his evolution from a first-generation leader to a trailblazer in private credit markets, having raised over $1.4 billion and launched transformative businesses like OAREX Capital Markets and Babylon Asset Management.
Learn how unwavering focus and a disciplined mindset have helped him overcome challenges, navigate risk, and turn vision into reality. Whether you’re aiming to grow your career or build a business, this episode provides invaluable lessons in scaling success with clarity and precision.
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 Slowing Down
[00:58] Meet Hanna Kassis: A Journey in Finance
[02:11] Early Career and Entrepreneurial Beginnings
[04:24] Lessons Learned in Business
[06:27] Current Ventures and Business Philosophy
[09:00] Leadership and Personal Growth
[12:49] Navigating Cultural Identity and Ego
[23:05] Building Resilience and Overcoming Challenges
[26:15] The Importance of Forward Progress
[26:25] Mentorship and Its Impact
[28:20] Decision-Making and Risk-Taking
[30:45] Trusting Your Gut
[34:08] Goal Setting and Achievements
[37:30] Building and Leveraging Your Network
[40:59] Lightning Round and Final Thoughts -
In this episode of Beyond Barriers, Charles Smith, an extraordinary leader, shares his inspiring journey from delivering mail to directing boardrooms. With grit, determination, and an unwavering commitment to equity, Charles recounts his rise from humble beginnings on Chicago’s west side to becoming the CEO and Founder of CS Insurance Strategies, a thriving national insurance brokerage.
Charles opens up about his childhood on Chicago’s west side, where he learned the power of community, love, and grit. He reveals how his ability to cultivate relationships, align values, and embrace resilience propelled him forward—even when others doubted his potential. As a champion for minority-owned businesses and equity-driven leadership, Charles highlights how businesses can thrive by fostering inclusive and transparent practices.
This episode will inspire you to take charge of your career, find strength in challenges, and create lasting change in your community and beyond.
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 Power of Patience
[01:23] Charles Smith's Journey Begins
[03:43] Early Life and Influences
[06:05] Navigating Challenges and Building Relationships
[11:00] From Mailroom to CEO
[15:28] The Importance of Mentorship
[19:30] Balancing Multiple Roles and Reflection
[27:50] Reflecting on Teenage Parenthood
[30:27] Setting and Achieving Goals
[34:17] Navigating Relationships and Mentorship
[38:09] Challenges and Opportunities in Business
[41:07] Lightning Round and Final Thoughts -
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In this episode of Beyond Barriers, we explore a transformative journey with Deborah Kilpatrick, Ph.D., Executive Chair of Evidation Health. From humble beginnings in rural Georgia to breaking ground in Silicon Valley’s health tech landscape, Deborah’s career reflects a powerful philosophy: that true success is about surpassing one’s self. Inspired by her father’s role as a high school football coach, Deborah leads with a coaching mindset, motivating her team to reach their potential. She shares how this approach has fueled her impactful journey and commitment to lifelong growth.
Deborah offers valuable lessons on fostering impact, building supportive networks, and defining your own success. Tune in to discover how Deborah’s dedication to impact, self-competition, and lifelong growth offers a roadmap for creating a career with purpose and resilience.
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] Taking the First Step
[00:48] Redefining Success with Deborah Kilpatrick
[02:35] Deborah's Journey from Rural Georgia to Silicon Valley
[06:56] Building Evidation Health
[10:13] Leadership and Mentorship
[13:36] Navigating Career Transitions
[19:09] The Importance of In-Person Interaction
[24:47] Peer Mentoring and Professional Growth
[26:58] Overcoming Intimidation: Building Confidence
[28:46] The College Experience: Thriving in a New Environment
[31:42] Empowering the Next Generation: Female Representation in Engineering
[35:14] Daily Routines: The Power of Consistency
[38:22] Building Meaningful Relationships: Key Influences
[40:48] MedTech Women: Changing the Conversation
[45:34] Lightning Round: Personal Insights and Legacy -
In this episode of Beyond Barriers, Hanan Dakhil, Director of DEI at Canyon Partners, reflects on her non-linear career journey. With over 20 years at the firm, Hanan shares how determination, mentorship, and self-advocacy helped her pivot from a research assistant to a leadership role that was not initially part of the firm's structure when she began.
Along the way, she overcame self-doubt, navigated work-life integration as a mother, and embraced just-in-time learning to develop new skills. Hanan also reveals how her background in political science and international relations sparked her passion for philanthropy, mentorship, and community empowerment, leading her to champion initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion at Canyon Partners.
Hanan’s journey is a powerful reminder that embracing uncertainty and leaning into your strengths can create impact not only for yourself but for others. If you're ready to reinvent your career or make a difference, Hanan’s insights will inspire you to stay committed and forge your own path.
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
[00:30] The Source of True Confidence
[01:13] Meet Hanan Dakhil: A Journey of Determination
[02:56] Hanan's Professional Growth at Canyon Partners
[03:54] Navigating Career Challenges and Parenthood
[06:10] Finding Passion and Purpose Outside Canyon
[08:22] The Power of Mentorship and Sponsorship
[13:39] Overcoming Self-Doubt and Building Confidence
[18:30] Continuous Learning and Staying Ahead
[20:52] Strategic Approach to Workplace Enhancement
[21:26] Balancing High-Stress Work and Family Life
[24:03] Daily Habits for Success
[26:38] Building and Leveraging Community
[29:14] Lightning Round: Personal Insights -
In this episode of Beyond Barriers, Naseem Sayani, Co-Founder and General Partner at Emmeline Ventures, shares her powerful journey from consulting to venture capital, revealing how trusting her instincts has led her to make bold decisions in high-stakes environments. You’ll learn how Naseem’s ability to blend intuition with innovation has helped her identify game-changing founders and direct capital toward marginalized groups in venture capital.
Naseem shares insights into how her fund drives industry transformation through investments in women-led businesses across key sectors like women’s health, fintech, and sustainability. Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur, an investor, or a leader navigating your career, Naseem’s story will inspire you to embrace uncertainty and lead with 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] Embracing New Challenges
[00:51] Introducing Naseem Sayani
[01:16] Trusting Your Gut in Leadership
[02:02] Naseem's Career Journey
[03:37] The Power of Instinct in Venture Capital
[04:46] Building a Diverse Investment Portfolio
[06:20] The Importance of Taking Bold Risks
[07:27] Navigating Career Transitions
[13:59] The Role of Travel in Gaining Clarity
[16:10] Building a Personal Brand
[19:36] Overcoming Career Obstacles
[24:15] Realizing the Power of Gender Leverage
[26:01] Making Tough Decisions and Taking Risks
[26:57] The Role of Transparency in Decision Making
[28:14] The Importance of Vision in Pitching
[36:41] Building Strategic Relationships
[42:16] Lightning Round: Personal Insights and Reflections -
In this inspiring episode, Sarah Dusek, managing partner at Enygma Ventures and author of Thinking Bigger, shares her life story of scaling businesses with clarity and purpose. From her early days as a non-profit leader to founding the wildly successful Under Canvas, Sarah’s path to the top was defined by her unwavering commitment to what she truly wanted in life. Now, through her venture capital firm, Sarah is empowering women entrepreneurs to think bigger, build scalable ventures, and access the resources they need to succeed.
You’ll discover how Sarah transitioned from a small business mindset to building a global empire and how she now channels her passion for helping women think bigger. Sarah’s inspiring insights into the world of venture capital, risk-taking, and entrepreneurship will encourage you to embrace your full potential and expand your vision for what’s possible.
If you’re an entrepreneur or someone looking to scale your business, this episode is packed with actionable advice on how to break through barriers and build businesses that make a lasting 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
[00:19] Empowering Women and Mindset for Success
[00:47] Interview with Sarah Dusek: Journey and Achievements
[01:17] Sarah's Book: Thinking Bigger
[05:54] Challenges Women Face in Business
[11:10] The Importance of Community and Asking for Help
[18:15] Pivotal Moments and Transformations
[21:51] A Life-Changing Encounter
[22:34] Empowering Female Entrepreneurs
[23:13] The Power of Community and Self-Belief
[25:05] Balancing Ambition and Personal Life
[26:16] Effective Time Management Strategies
[27:20] Making Guilt Your Friend
[34:18] Finding Clarity and Inner Peace
[38:39] Lightning Round: Getting to Know Sarah -
In this dynamic episode, Monica Marquez sits down with Aldo Quevedo, the Latino creative visionary shaking up the advertising industry. As the CEO and Creative Chairman of BeautifulBeast, Aldo has built an agency dedicated to speaking to Hispanic and multicultural audiences in a way that’s bold, authentic, and culturally vibrant. From his roots in Mexico to becoming a leading figure in U.S. advertising, Aldo opens up about how he’s turned his heritage into a superpower—using it to break stereotypes, build bridges, and tell powerful stories that resonate with audiences across the board.
From overcoming imposter syndrome to becoming the first Mexican inducted into the American Advertising Federation’s Hall of Achievement®, Aldo’s story is one of grit, resilience, and cultural pride. He’s not just a creative force—he’s a trailblazer for Latino representation in the advertising industry, paving the way for a new generation of diverse voices to shine.
Aldo’s journey is one of defying odds, overcoming self-doubt, and proudly waving the flag for Latino creatives everywhere. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a creative professional, or someone looking to embrace their culture in a new way, Aldo’s wisdom and energy will leave you inspired and ready to harness your own cultural background for success. Don’t miss this episode filled with insights on the future of multicultural marketing and the power of embracing your Latino identity in everything you do!
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
[00:30] Embracing Cultural Identity
[01:18] Aldo Quevedo's Journey
[02:22] Navigating Career Challenges
[07:20] Discovering a Passion for Marketing
[10:12] Overcoming Setbacks and Building Resilience
[14:37] Building a Personal Brand
[18:02] Becoming a CEO and Entrepreneur
[24:18] Entrepreneurial Insights
[32:15] Lightning Round and Legacy -
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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Tune in to Beyond Barriers for an enlightening conversation with Daina Middleton, a dynamic leader with a wealth of experience in global expansion and nurturing company culture. Daina opens up about her unique path to success, from riding horses in the vast landscapes of Oregon to spearheading innovative marketing strategies at Hewlett-Packard and Twitter.
You will hear how Daina's dedication to hard work and continuous learning has driven her career forward. She also shares practical tips on building strategic relationships, maintaining work-life balance, and fostering resilience in the face of adversity. This episode is a must-listen for anyone eager to learn from a leader who has consistently broken new ground and thrived against the odds.
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.
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https://www.gobeyondbarriers.com/podcast/Raudline-EtienneThis week on Beyond Barriers, Brooke Skinner Ricketts interviews Raudline Etienne, Founder and CEO of Daraja Capital, in an episode brimming with insights on leadership and personal growth. Raudline shares her captivating story, from her childhood in Brooklyn to her ascent in the investment world.
She discusses the critical moments that defined her career, the importance of self-awareness, and her mission to support diverse fund managers. Listeners will gain a deep understanding of Raudline’s guiding principles, including her policy of “no A-holes” and her dedication to pursuing what brings joy.
Tune in to learn how Raudline’s unique perspective on combining art and science in finance can inspire you to lead with integrity and 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.
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In this episode, host Brooke Skinner Ricketts reconnects with her longtime friend and trailblazing marketing and branding expert, Henrietta Pepper. Tune in for a dynamic and inspiring conversation as Henrietta shares her remarkable journey from her education and early career in advertising to leading her own brand communications firm for 14 years and eventually founding GCJ Consultants, where she serves as Chief Strategist.
Discover how Henrietta, a true pioneer in the industry, navigated the challenges of her career, embraced lifelong learning, and developed a revolutionary approach to personal branding that emphasizes authenticity and self-discovery. Brooke and Henrietta delve into essential themes such as giving oneself grace, overcoming imposter syndrome, and harnessing the power of continuous curiosity.
Henrietta also discusses the inspiration behind her two published books, including her latest, "Unbranded: Emerge a Brand New You." She shares invaluable insights into the significance of asking for help, fostering strong relationships, and maintaining a balance between professional and personal life. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain practical advice on building a resilient and genuine personal brand from a true industry trailblazer.
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.
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