Episode 332: Thinking Bigger: A Roadmap to Empowering Women Entrepreneurs
Release Date: 10/16/2024
Episode 345: Authenticity Over Approval: Becoming Who You Already Are
BEYOND BARRIERS
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...
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Episode 344: Confidence Through Competence: Navigating Risk with Resilience
BEYOND BARRIERS
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...
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Episode 343: The People Plug: Leading Through Community and Connection
BEYOND BARRIERS
Success isn’t a solo journey—it’s built through relationships, opportunities, and the courage to show up for others. In this episode, Corinne Milien, Founder & CEO of WRK, shares how she built a career rooted in impact, connection, and leadership. A first-generation American, military veteran, and four-time founder, Corinne’s journey has taken her from the Air Force to working with legendary coach Pat Summitt, from managing high-profile events at ESPN to launching businesses that elevate people. Whether she’s advocating for diversity in sports, creating mentorship pipelines, or...
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Episode 342: Beyond Boardrooms: The Real Value of Community in Venture Capital
BEYOND BARRIERS
For decades, venture capital has been built around financial returns and rapid growth—but what if the true measure of success was the strength of the community behind it? In this episode, KT McBratney, General Partner and Head of Community at Renew Venture Capital, shares how they are challenging the traditional VC model and proving that impact and investment can go hand in hand. KT’s career has been anything but traditional. From journalism to marketing to launching startups, they have navigated multiple industries by embracing curiosity, leading with empathy, and building networks that...
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Episode 341: Mistakes Make Momentum: The Art of Failing Forward
BEYOND BARRIERS
In this episode, you’ll hear the extraordinary journey of Jenni Lewis, a trailblazing leader in diversity, equity and inclusion, who turned every setback into a stepping stone. From starting her career in the mailroom at J.P. Morgan to becoming the Global Inclusion and Diversity Lead at Block, Jenni has built a career defined by bold moves, reinvention, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity. She shares how she took a leap from finance to marketing, launched a podcast before podcasting was mainstream, and even faced professional consequences for daring to center LGBTQ+ voices. Along...
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Episode 340: The Courage to Pivot: Finding Purpose Beyond the Corporate Ladder
BEYOND BARRIERS
In this episode, explore the transformative power of embracing change with Trisha Daho, founder of Empowered Leadership Cultivation. Trisha opens up about leaving the security of a corporate leadership role to pursue her passion for building equitable and inclusive workplaces. Learn how self-reflection, mindset shifts, and courage can help you move beyond the limits of traditional career paths to create a life that aligns with your values and ambitions. From lessons in resilience to building meaningful relationships and thriving in uncertain times, Trisha offers a candid and inspiring roadmap...
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Episode 339: Success Through Integrity: Leadership Grounded in Core Values
BEYOND BARRIERS
In this episode of Beyond Barriers, you’ll discover the transformative power of values-based leadership with Jackie Edmundson. Jackie shares her inspiring journey from selling sodas as a child entrepreneur to leading a cutting-edge performance marketing company. Guided by loyalty, genuine relationships, accountability, fun, and winning, Jackie has built a leadership philosophy rooted in empathy and authenticity. Jackie opens up about navigating tough decisions, such as team restructurings during challenging economic times, and explains how staying true to her values has helped her deliver...
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Episode 338: Balancing Career and Motherhood: A New Definition of Success for Ambitious Moms
BEYOND BARRIERS
In this episode of Beyond Barriers, you’ll hear a transformative conversation about balancing career ambition with the responsibilities of motherhood. Mel Goodman, a former corporate leader turned entrepreneur, shares her candid journey of navigating the challenges of building a career while raising two young daughters. Mel recounts how she reached her breaking point, burned out, and then rebuilt her life by embracing the idea of becoming the CEO of her own life. You’ll learn about her powerful inside-out approach to redefining success, grounded in clarity, alignment with values, and a...
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Episode 337: How Slowing Down Accelerates Success: Leading with Intention
BEYOND BARRIERS
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...
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Episode 336: From the Mailroom to the Boardroom: A Testament to Hard Work and Grit
BEYOND BARRIERS
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...
info_outlineIn 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