What happens when you blend years of corporate experience with an unyielding commitment to personal growth? Karla Blanco joins us on episode #117 of the 2B Bolder podcast to share her journey from an aspiring attorney to a leader in diversity and inclusion at Intel. Her story is filled with unexpected turns and valuable lessons, and Karla’s insights into embracing change and resilience are invaluable for anyone looking to advance in their career. Family influences and personal challenges shaped her path, and she speaks candidly about navigating the phasing out of Intel's factory operations in Costa Rica (2014), highlighting the resilience it took to overcome such hurdles.

Karla’s global career has spanned continents and inspired many, leading her to write a bestselling book and develop a workshop on career advancement. Her passion for self-awareness and strategic planning shines through as she shares how she built a board of advisors to guide her journey. Karla’s anecdotes, from learning to embrace feedback to growing as a TED Talk speaker, underline the power of cultural adaptability. She reminds us that public speaking is a skill that even introverts can master and that having a supportive network can open doors to unexpected opportunities.

In our discussion, we also explore being the CEO of your life and career. Karla and I discuss the significance of defining your purpose and aligning it with your brand. Through personal stories, including a practical exercise on assessing one’s brand, we emphasize the role of resilience and the importance of values such as commitment and transparency. Karla’s insights into diversity, equity, and inclusion underscore its necessity for innovation in today’s business world. This episode will inspire you to take charge of your life and career path.

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When you subscribe to the podcast, you are supporting our work's mission, allowing us to continue highlighting successful women in a variety of careers to inspire others helping pay our wonderful editor, Chris, and helping me in paying our hosting expenses. 🎉

In this episode of the 2B Bolder Podcast, I sit down with Kathryn Kaminsky, a 31-year veteran of PwC and the current Chief Commercial Officer. Kathryn’s passion for serving clients has driven her impressive career, which spans business transformation, complex accounting, regulatory matters, and tech-led innovation. As a trusted advisor, she has led engagement teams to help clients navigate financial reporting and transformation challenges.

Throughout the episode, Kathryn shares insights from her leadership journey, including her role in PwC’s Trust Solutions division, where she integrated Audit, ESG, Digital Assurance, and Tax Reporting to help clients build stakeholder trust. She discusses pivotal moments that shaped her career and offers invaluable advice for women seeking leadership roles in male-dominated industries.

We dive into the pivotal moments that influenced her decision to pursue a career in accounting and how she navigated her way to becoming Chief Commercial Officer. Kathryn also provides insights on what it means to be a woman in leadership in male-dominated industries and shares advice for women looking to follow in her footsteps.

Here are some of the key questions we explore in the episode:

• "Was there a defining moment or decision early in your career that shaped the path you took to reach your current role as Chief Commercial Officer?"
• "For women looking to build a career similar to yours, especially in leadership positions, what advice would you give them?"
• "How have you balanced the demands of a high-level career with family life as a wife and mother of three? Any advice for women struggling with this balance?"
• "What challenges have you faced as a leader in male-dominated industries, and what strategies can you offer to women trying to navigate similar spaces?"
• "What are the most demanded role opportunities for women and the skills needed?"

Kathryn also reflects on how she has embraced networking, the importance of building a support system, and how being “bolder” has influenced her career. She offers actionable advice on staying on top of technological trends and why innovation is key for business success.

Tune in to hear Kathryn’s invaluable advice for women aiming for leadership success, her perspective on navigating the complexities of business transformation, and what it means to lead boldly in today’s business world.

Listen now to be inspired by Kathryn Kaminsky’s incredible journey and insightful career advice!

Support the show

When you subscribe to the podcast, you are supporting our work's mission, allowing us to continue highlighting successful women in a variety of careers to inspire others helping pay our wonderful editor, Chris, and helping me in paying our hosting expenses. 🎉

In episode #115 of the 2B Bolder podcast, we featured Krista Palmer, a well-respected Technical Program Manager at Google Play. Krista has an impressive career journey, from front-end development to product management to now leading impactful initiatives at one of the largest tech companies in the world. With a degree in Computer Science and a passion for design and technology, she has mastered the art of blending creativity with technical execution to create seamless digital experiences.

As the founder of CX with Kris, Krista is committed to empowering professionals, especially women, to break into technical program management roles. Her dedication to mentoring others and helping professionals in career transitions has made her a go-to expert in the industry. Krista opens up about her career evolution, from coding to leading high-level technical programs, and the pivotal moments that shaped her professional path.

Krista also shares invaluable insights into her day-to-day role at Google Play, highlighting the importance of collaboration, problem-solving, and vision in tech. For those curious about the intersection of design and technology, Krista provides a fresh perspective on how the two worlds combine to enhance our digital lives.

Krista reflects on her journey, discussing how she tackles challenges like self-doubt and her strategies for staying resilient. She offers practical advice on personal branding, goal setting, and the importance of mentorship—especially in a male-dominated industry like tech.

Whether you're a seasoned professional looking for career inspiration or considering a shift into technical program management, Krista’s story is a must-listen. Tune in for an inspiring episode filled with actionable insights, and discover how Krista is shaping the future of tech—one program at a time.

Resources:
Your Guide to a Technical Program Management Career
Krista Palmer on LinkedIn
CX With Kris

Support the show

When you subscribe to the podcast, you are supporting our work's mission, allowing us to continue highlighting successful women in a variety of careers to inspire others helping pay our wonderful editor, Chris, and helping me in paying our hosting expenses. 🎉

In episode #114 of the 2B Bolder Podcast, we've got a great guest!! We're diving deep into a career in tech and self-advocacy with Shailvi Wakhlu, a fantastic woman thriving in this space.

Shailvi is a seasoned Data Leader with over 17 years of experience building impactful teams and shaping technology products at companies like Salesforce and Fitbit and as the Head of Data at Strava. But that’s just the beginning—she’s also a leading self-advocacy expert, having spoken at nearly 100 global conferences and coached 500+ individuals on how to unlock their true potential.

In this episode, we discuss Shailvi's incredible journey through tech, her best-selling book Self-Advocacy, and how mastering this skill can elevate your career. Shailvi shares game-changing insights on leadership, data storytelling, and navigating the challenges of the ever-evolving tech world.

Whether you’re just starting your career or looking to advance to the next level, this episode is packed with advice you can apply today. Plus, we dive into how Shailvi balances her career with her personal life, living in San Francisco with her husband—and her 60 plants!

🌟 Key Takeaways:

• Master the art of self-advocacy in the workplace.
• Learn how to build and lead impactful teams.
• Discover how data storytelling can influence business success.
• Gain insights on negotiation strategies and create a customized career plan.
• And so much more!

Don’t miss this inspiring conversation for any woman who wants to go from surviving to thriving in tech and beyond.

Support the show

When you subscribe to the podcast, you are supporting our work's mission, allowing us to continue highlighting successful women in a variety of careers to inspire others helping pay our wonderful editor, Chris, and helping me in paying our hosting expenses. 🎉

Episode #113 of the 2B Bolder podcast featured Diana Khan, an attorney, real estate broker, and entrepreneur who has built a successful career through determination and hard work. Diana is the founder and CEO of DK Law Group, where she focuses on estate planning and real estate law. With over 15 years of experience, she also manages seven companies across different industries. Her approach to balancing these roles while providing exceptional service to her clients is something that anyone in business can learn from.

Diana’s career is rooted in a strong foundation of education and experience. She holds a J.D., MBA, and M.P.A. from the University of Baltimore, and has been named one of the ABA’s "On the Rise Top 40 Lawyers." Her dedication to helping others through legal services and real estate has earned her a reputation for excellence and trustworthiness.

What You’ll Learn from This Episode

In this episode, Diana shares her personal journey, providing an inside look at how she manages her businesses, stays organized, and continues to grow professionally. This isn’t just a conversation about law and real estate—it’s a candid discussion about the daily challenges, decisions, and strategies that have helped Diana succeed in multiple ventures.

Here’s what you can expect to take away from the episode:

• Balancing Multiple Businesses: Diana discusses how she organizes her time and resources to successfully manage seven different companies. From strategic planning to delegation, she shares practical advice for anyone juggling multiple responsibilities.
• Career Challenges and Resilience: Throughout her career, Diana has encountered obstacles that tested her resilience. She talks about these challenges openly, offering insights into how she stayed focused and found solutions even in difficult times.
• Personal Branding and Reputation: In her field, personal reputation is key. Diana explains how she has built her brand over the years, from client relationships to community involvement, and why maintaining a strong personal brand is crucial to long-term success.

Why You Should Listen

If you’re a professional managing a busy career, interested in entrepreneurship, or simply looking for inspiration from someone who’s mastered the art of balancing multiple roles, this episode is for you. Diana’s story provides a thoughtful perspective on what it takes to grow a business, stay organized, and navigate the ups and downs of a demanding career.

Unlike many conversations that focus solely on success, Diana also delves into the less glamorous aspects of her journey—the long hours, tough decisions, and moments of doubt. These insights will resonate with anyone who’s faced similar challenges in their own career path.

At its core, this episode is about resilience and finding ways to continue growing, even when the road is tough. Diana’s experiences serve as a reminder that success isn’t just about achieving goals—it’s about learning, adapting, and finding balance along the way.

Listen Now

For more resources, visit Diana’s LinkedIn profile here or her company’s website, DK Law Group.

Support the show

When you subscribe to the podcast, you are supporting our work's mission, allowing us to continue highlighting successful women in a variety of careers to inspire others helping pay our wonderful editor, Chris, and helping me in paying our hosting expenses. 🎉

On episode #112, the 2B Bolder Podcast featured Dr. Michille Prince. Prince is the founder of MPrince Consulting LLC, a global leadership coach, HR tech advisor, and human capital consultant. With over 30 years of corporate HR experience and a doctorate in management and organizational leadership, she has dedicated her career to helping professionals and organizations achieve transformational growth.

During the interview, Dr. Prince discussed her journey to founding her consulting firm and pursuing her doctoral degree, which has deeply influenced her career. She shared insights on how the HR landscape has evolved and advised those interested in HR careers to explore the diverse paths available.

As a leadership coach, Dr. Prince addressed common challenges leaders face today and how she helps them overcome them. With the recent spate of layoffs, her book "Creating Your Encore Career: A Guide to Finding Purpose and Prosperity in Your THIRD Act" is particularly timely. She unpacked key themes from the book, including redefining retirement, a self-reflection process, overcoming ageism, and balancing purpose and income needs.

Dr. Prince shared a transformative success story from her work and advised professionals on transitioning into or advancing their leadership capabilities. She emphasized the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership and found empowering others was the most rewarding aspect of her work.

Finally, when asked to rank the importance of building a personal brand, networking, negotiating, and identifying a destination role, Dr. Prince provided her insights on the relative significance of each for building a successful career.

Tune in to be inspired and gain valuable insights to developing a third act.

Resources:

Michelle Prince on LinkedIn

Support the show

When you subscribe to the podcast, you are supporting our work's mission, allowing us to continue highlighting successful women in a variety of careers to inspire others helping pay our wonderful editor, Chris, and helping me in paying our hosting expenses. 🎉

In episode #111 of the 2B Bolder podcast, host Mary Killelea interviews Wendy Wallbridge, a pioneering force in the coaching field and a fierce advocate for women and gender equity. Wendy is the founder and CEO of SpiralUp and the previous Silicon Valley's Women's Evolutionary Leadership Forum. She is also the author of "Spiraling Upward: The 5 Co-Creative Powers for Women on the Rise."

Tune in to hear about Wendy's incredible career journey. Wendy shares her unique talent for creating cultures of belonging and empowering the next generation of business leaders to harness the full potential of their diverse workforce. Her journey, marked by overcoming life-threatening lupus, has empowered her to guide women in living true to their values and unique calling.

Mary and Wendy delve into the core principles of the Spiral Up! model, discussing how they empower women to succeed. Wendy also opens up about the challenges she faced while building her career and how she overcame them, providing valuable advice for women at all stages of their careers.

Throughout the episode, Wendy offers insights into building a personal brand, effective networking strategies, and navigating common obstacles women face in the workplace. She discusses the importance of fostering inclusive environments and shares her vision for the evolving landscape of gender equity in business leadership.

In addition to professional advice, Wendy reflects on the impact of her book "Spiraling Upward" and shares some of the most rewarding moments in her career. The episode also includes a fun "get to know you" segment where you get to know Wendy more personally.

Tune in to this episode for an inspiring and informative conversation highlighting Wendy's wisdom, experience, and dedication to empowering women to thrive in their careers and personal lives.

Resources:

Wendy’s LinkedIn Profile
SpiralUp Website

Don't miss this engaging episode with Wendy Wallbridge on the 2B Bolder podcast. Subscribe, leave a review, and join us next time as we continue to explore the stories of bold and fearless women making an impact.

Support the show

When you subscribe to the podcast, you are supporting our work's mission, allowing us to continue highlighting successful women in a variety of careers to inspire others helping pay our wonderful editor, Chris, and helping me in paying our hosting expenses. 🎉

On the 2B Bolder podcast, episode 110, I had the privilege to sit down with Jana Gerber, President of Microgrids for Schneider Electric’s North American Division. Jana is a trailblazer in the energy sector, responsible for driving the commercial microgrid business in North America and supporting customers on their sustainability and resilience journeys.

With over 20 years at Schneider Electric, Jana has held pivotal roles, including Principal of Sustainability Consulting and Vice President of Building Segments. In this episode, she shares her journey from graduating with a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Washington State University to leading innovative strategies in the energy industry.

Tune in to hear Jana discuss her role and responsibilities, the challenges she's faced as a female leader, and the key skills needed for success in the energy sector. Discover her insights on career growth opportunities in sustainability, effective networking strategies, and building confidence. Jana also reveals her approach to personal branding, leadership development, and her vision for a sustainable future.

Don't miss this chance to learn from a true industry leader. Listen to my interview with Jana Gerber on the 2B Bolder podcast and be inspired to take bold steps in your own career!

Resources:

Jana’s LinkedIn Profile

Schneider Electric Website

Support the show

When you subscribe to the podcast, you are supporting our work's mission, allowing us to continue highlighting successful women in a variety of careers to inspire others helping pay our wonderful editor, Chris, and helping me in paying our hosting expenses. 🎉