Ascend Sounds: Recent Episodes
Ascend
Brought to you by the creators of the Women in Technology World Series events, Ascend Sounds features thought-provoking episodes from guest speakers sharing their lessons, ideas and advice across career, diversity, technology and business.
Following her incredible keynote at this year's Women of Silicon Valley, we're delighted to be joined by Jennifer Caukin, Vice President of Analyst Relations, Communications at RingCentral.
In this very special episode, we speak to Jennifer about her experience at Women of Silicon Valley and dig deeper into the key learnings from her keynote as well as what to expect from our exclusive digital roundtable with RingCentral coming up on July 20 at 09:30am PST. Listen to hear what's in store and make sure to register for the session here.
Presented by Tim Segaller, Director @ Rising Minds
Life at work can be both fulfilling, but also incredibly demanding – with ever increasing pressures on our time and attention. Often when things get tough, our knee-jerk reactions – to find a quick fix, to work harder, or to ignore problems – can make things worse. Left unchecked, this tendency can lead to stress, exhaustion and burnout. This highly interactive and experiential webinar prescribes the universal antidote to such ills: a balanced approach to working life and to ourselves – rooted in neuroscience – that harnesses our natural energy and self-compassion to deal with tough challenges effectively, and to thrive in our work.
Key takeaways include:-
- How to nip stress in the bud early
- How to use simple and easy in-the-moment tools to step out of ‘autopilot’ and into ‘intentional’ mode
- How to plan and flex one’s time intentionally and mindfully
- How to work effectively with one’s inner critical voice
- How to manage energy to fit the tasks at hand
Presented by Abigail Ireland, Peak Performance Strategist @ Understanding Performance
In this session, we will explore the concept of peak performance. What does it mean? And how can it help us to perform better at work, be more productive and achieve results that matter whilst looking after ourselves in the process? Current times have shown that it is crucial to invest in more than just our technical skills. Our ability to excel and consistently bring our best selves to work is also dependent on our ability to fine-tune psychological and physiological factors that impact performance, as well as optimise the way we operate and engage with our external environment.
Key takeaways include:-
- An understanding of peak performance and where you currently sit on the scale
- Clarity on key levers you can adjust to fine-tune your performance at work
- Practical tactics you can apply immediately to uplevel your daily performance at work and beyond
Presented by Karen Liebenguth, Life and leadership coach and mindfulness trainer @ Green Space Coaching & Mindfulness
Many of us believe that being compassionate to ourselves is weak and self-indulgent; that being self-critical is the way to go to keep you up the mark. Quite the opposite is true. Research shows that people who practice self-compassion are more emotionally robust and resilient because they are more able to learn from their mistake rather than getting overwhelmed by negative emotions. In this workshop we’ll explore how we can become aware of our inner critic and begin to change the attitude towards ourselves into one that is compassionate, kind and respectful.
Key takeaways include:-
- Understand what self-compassion is
- Science behind self-compassion
- Self-compassion practice for day-to-day life
Presented by Angel N. Livas, Founder, The Woman Behind The Business and Sope Agbelusi, Managing Director, Mindset Shift
When you would meet colleagues at the watercooler, you have the opportunity to have quick conversations amongst peers; it's a space for colleagues to connect through topics where there is an obvious problem or a difficult situation that people do not want to talk about in an open environment. The Virtual Watercooler is a space to continue those hard to have conversations with a network of like-minded attendees who will have had similar experiences.
Join Sope Agbelusi and Angel Livas as they discuss the impact of 2020 on Black mental health and productivity. As the pandemic progresses, systemic racism and the death of Black people consistently in the news, how can Black people look after themselves and their mental health?
'I'm a perfectionist' used to be a clever answer you'd give in an interview when they asked you what your greatest weakness was, hoping that this would be an impressive and desirable trait. However, now that research shows that it is linked to a raft of mental and physical health conditions, there is greater awareness of the more toxic side of perfectionism. This webinar will dive into the light and dark sides, the pressures we all face and why, as well as the steps you can take to break free from toxic perfectionism to have a life and career filled with far greater success, confidence and wellbeing.
Key takeaways include:-
- Understand what perfectionism is, where it comes from and how it can become toxic
- Learn how to shift to the healthier, more productive paradigm of progress and self-validation instead
- Examine whether a productivity and profit based definition of success is serving you personally, humanity and the planet. If not, how should success be defined?
Presented by Harriet Waley-Cohen, Women's Leadership Coach and Award Winning Speaker
Positive Intelligence is the science and practice of developing mastery over your own mind so that you can reach your full potential in your business and personal life. Positive Intelligence(PQ)® is based on a breakthrough original research by Shirzad Chamine and synthesis of recent discoveries from Neuroscience, Positive Psychology, Cognitive Behavioural Psychology, and Performance Science.In this webinar you will learn about the ways you might be self-sabotaging yourself and your life choices. You will get to know your sage and true inner powers. Finally, I will teach you simple techniques to control your thoughts and emotions.
Key takeaways include:-
- Learn how you can control your life through building self command
- Increasing your Positive Intelligence Quotient (PQ)
Presented by Paulina Stankiewicz, Executive Coach and Founder @ Coaching Affair
What makes someone susceptible to burning out, chronic fatigue or Long Covid? We will be examining the certain personality traits and behaviours, lifestyle factors and tipping points that culminate in these chronic exhaustive conditions. Identify your own behaviour patterns, understand the Domino Effect of symptoms and learn why fatigue related issues require a multi-faceted approach to recovery.
Presented by Su Winsbury, Chronic Fatigue & Burnout Recovery Specialist, Wellbeing Coach @ Energy Healer
Our mindset shapes whether we believe whether we can learn and change and grow – or not. In the Growth Workshop, we explore the different mindsets, uncovering which one you might be harnessing and how to evolve your mindset and maximize your success. We then talk about getting out of your Comfort Zone, dealing with the Fear Zone, and reaching the ultimate goal of the Growth Zone. Finally, we look at the various types of Goals you can set yourself and various ways you can make sure you achieve them.
Key takeaways include:-
- Shift your Mindset set to focus on Growth
- How to get out of your Comfort Zone, through the Fear Zone and into the Growth Zone
- How to revisit and achieve your Goals
Presented by Yvonne Matzk, Founder @ Coachere
The current pandemic changed the way we live, the way we work, and the way we lead. Some of us can cope very well with change and pressure, while others crumble under similar circumstances. In this talk, we will be asking: what's the difference between those who thrive and those who struggle? How can we build our resilience? How can we maintain our mental health and wellbeing at the time of change and uncertainty? How can leaders and managers proactively foster the right environment that enables everyone to perform at their best, where it matters the most?
Key takeaways include:-
- Learn what stress really is, and the difference between good and bad stress
- How to deal with anxiety and panic attacks
- Learn how to support wellbeing of others through change
- Strategic insights for building organisational resilience
Presented by Evelina Dzimanaviciute, Founder @ Elite Mind
In the current “always switched on” lifestyles, boundaries become blurred, causing stress anxiety and performance related issues. Being able to set good healthy boundaries are the foundation of creating respect in the workplace, as well as having healthy relationships and increased self-worth. Being able to manage the blurring of boundaries will also prevent exhaustion and avoid presentee-ism in the workplace.
Key takeaways include:-
- Creating a structure that works around demands
- Tools and Strategies to reduce the struggle of setting boundaries
- Simple and effective ways of communicating boundaries and saying no with ease
Presented by Emma Langton, Leadership Coach & Wellbeing Trainer
When you would meet colleagues at the watercooler, you have the opportunity to have quick conversations amongst peers; it's a space for colleagues to connect through topics where there is an obvious problem or a difficult situation that people do not want to talk about in an open environment. The Virtual Watercooler is a space to continue those hard to have conversations with a network of like-minded attendees who will have had similar experiences. In this episode, we're joined by Elani Buchan to hear more about why she is no longer talking to employers about diversity. How many research reports into the business benefits of diversity have to be rehashed before it finally sticks with organisations?
Starting a business is exciting and growing it rewarding, but committing to growth often requires outside capital. What are early-stage investors looking for from startups? It’s all about thinking like an investor and showing your ability to generate a return. In this talk, Silicon Valley investor Jennifer Vancini, a VC with 25+ years of tech experience, will share best practices for effectively communicating your business story to investors, including showing your go-to-market strategy and proving why their investment is worthwhile. Jennifer will also share what not to do during a pitch and what steers investors away from pulling out their checkbooks.
Key takeaways include:-
- How thinking like an investor as you prepare for the pitch meeting can help founders get outside funding.
- How women founders can stand out among the competition of male founders, who currently receive 98% of VC dollars.
- What not to do during a pitch and what are red flags to investors.
Featuring Jennifer Vancini, General Partner @ Mighty Capital
We will be taking you through a guided meditation and visualisation session where you will learn how to completely switch off allowing your mind to be free and for you to feel completely calm and relaxed. The visualisation will really deepen your meditation practice and we will also go into some breath work during this 20 minute session.
Presented by Gemma Nice, Founder, Easyoga
Do you sometimes wish you had more belief in yourself? In this 20 minute session, you are going to discover the root cause of this lack of confidence that many of us soffer, and you're going to experience a very powerful relaxation session, where you're going to reprogram your subconscious mind with more positive, empowering thoughts and beliefs.
Key takeaways include:-
- Discover the underlying subconscious blocks that are stopping you from feeling more confident
- Experience a powerful relaxation session that will skyrocket your confidence without you lifting a finger
Presented by Bianca Riemer, Women's Leadership Coach and Rapid Transformational Therapist
Whether your startup has been around for six months, a year, even five years, there's one thing that every entrepreneur will enviably have trouble with — securing press for your company. A PR pro with nearly a decade of experience, Annie's knows the ins and outs on how to obtain top press mentions for startups. From securing niche media mentions and leveraging them to bigger journalists to humanizing your pitch and creating unique narratives, Annie will provide 5 tactical tips on how to get your startup in the media.
Key takeaways include:-
- Create and develop pitches that capture the attention of network producers
- The audience will learn how to create a personal brand for your company and communicate it to the media
- The audience will learn how to utilize small press mentions to secure larger, more prominent media attention
Annie Scranton, President & Founder, Pace PR
Annie Pace Scranton proudly started Pace PR ten years ago, in May 2010. She's loved the journey thus far and enjoys working with all of her colleagues and clients. Before forming Pace Public Relations, Annie worked for eight years as a seasoned television producer, booking for major networks such as CNN, Fox News, CNBC, MSNBC & ABC. TV is definitely a specialty of Annie's, combining her unique understanding of behind-the-scenes television producing, alongside her unparalleled list of contacts. Pace PR has multiple clients on national + local TV every single day, including CNBC, Fox News, HLN, MSNBC, Fox Business Network, Bloomberg TV, and many others. Highlights of client work include working with travel company darling Away in their first two years of business, assisting with media relations efforts, and landing numerous Tier 1 placements.
Annie and her husband, Michael, live in Manhattan and are raising their adorable young daughter Rose. In her free time (which isn't much), Annie enjoys puzzles, audiobooks, and riding her Peloton.
A brief overview on some of the elements that stops us from thriving, our thinking patterns, our beliefs and expectations on ourselves and what we can do daily to recognise and change them so that we thrive in what we do. Recognising our own inner voice and negatives so we overcome them and create them into positives.
Key takeaways include:
- Ways to think about why they believe the things they do?
- How simple daily activities can help them overcome some of their feelings and beliefs.
- Having the internal power and control to Thrive
In this episode we are joined by Rachel Reese and Emma Cusdin from Global Butterflies for a Trans Inclusion 101 with an overview of some of the challenges the trans community are currently facing, both in the workplace and in society. Rachel and Emma share insight into terminology and also actions that you can take to be an ally for the community.
Michaela Jeffery-Morrison is joined by Rozemarijn Koppenaal, Global Vice President E-Commerce at Coty to discuss how to successfully build a culture of mentorship and offers advice for women trying to find a scheme and mentor that rights for them.
Michaela Jeffery-Morrison is joined by Aditi Agarwal, CTO, Pizza Hut Digital Ventures to talk specifically around anti-racism and representation in higher levels of management.
Michaela Jeffery-Morrison is joined by Sarah Barnes-Humphrey, Host of Let's Talk About Supply Chain where they will be discussing the art of bouncing back and defining what truly energises you to set you up for your next step.
Michaela Jeffery-Morrison sits down with Marla Sofer, Strategic Partner Development Director @ Microsoft to discuss her thoughts on how organisations can address their ethnicity pay gap and the importance of data to provide you with the insight of how to best serve minority communities.
This session uses concepts and frameworks from project-based learning education to give a fresh perspective to designing your project and reaching your personal and professional goals. Participants will leave with the framework to complete a project they dream of in 2021. They will understand how to find their core concept and stay true to it through the creation process for an end result that will exceed their expectations.
In this episode, we're joined by Yasmin Desai, Product Owner at Revolut to share her personal journey and road to entrepreneurship. With first-hand experience and hindsight, Yasmin uncovers some essential steps you need to take with some practical insight to elevate your personal entrepreneurship journey.
In this episode of Ascend Sounds, Dr Celeste Fralick, Chief Data Scientist at Senior Principa discusses ancestry data and the thin line between personalization and privacy.
In this episode of Ascend Sounds Kim van Wilgen, Customer Director at Schuberg Philis discusses the Changing Face of Security in an Increasingly Cognitive Tech World.
Featuring Steffi Singh, Global Security Regional Data Center Project Coordinator, Facebook
In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Loubna Bouarfa, Cofounder and CEO of OKRA Technologies and Ipek Ozsuer, Head of Digital Transformation & IT Enabling Functions at Bayer. Loubna & Ipek share their understanding of how the pandemic may cause a digital revolution in healthcare? Are we ready for this?
A Bitesized episode from Stephen Koch - Managing Director, J.P.Morgan and Gary Ford - Managing Director, J.P.Morgan
Insight from, Arianna Huffington, Founder of The Huffington Post and Founder/CEO, Thrive Global
In our second episode of Ascend Sounds #Throwback Edition, we're going back to 2018 where Karine Brunet shares her perspective on what the future careers of artificial intelligence will look like. In 2020, is what she shared our reality now?
In a #Throwback Edition of Ascend Sounds, listen in to Brenda Romero's insights on The Lost History of Women in Computing.
The history of women in computing has largely been lost, like the histories of factory workers who built the first cars. Yet, women invented programming, were the original developers for the ENIAC, created assembly language and developed the first compiler (not to mention the term “compiler” and “bug”), and were instrumental to the development of many seminal programming languages. So, what happened? It’s a drama that’s equal parts of cultural excavation and celebration. In this talk, Brenda Romero digs up this fascinating history, explores what happened, and looks at how the artefacts of this legacy still affect computing and its growth today.
Leila Singh, Founder at Mi-Brand joins us to share her best practice and actionable advice on how to effectively build your personal brand. Leila vows by the 6 C's to ensure your personal brand will be critical to you success.
Join Caroline O'Reilly, Director of Engineering @ Workday in this episode of #Throwback Edition as she offers insights into defining culture and why it needs to come from the top.
In the first episode of Ascend Sessions, where we’re joined by Mamta Gera! We breakdown what imposter syndrome is for all types of people while understanding how self-love is the key.
Mamta understands that being a leader is no easy task-it takes courage, hard work and resilience. Often we face obstacles to becoming the leader we want to be and reach our full potential. In The New Leadership, Mamta provides a unique programme combined with professional development & personal leadership.