Ever imagined how selling burritos could lead to running your own consulting firm? Meet our guest, Bacilia Angel, CEO of Meliora Advisors, who shares her incredible journey from rural Arizona to the helm of her own company. Born into humble beginnings, Bacilia’s story is an inspiring tale of sheer determination, passion, and the pursuit of dreams. She takes us through her early life, the math and science honors program that sparked her interest in engineering, and her diverse career experiences from a call center analyst to a senior consultant at a process improvement consulting firm. Bacilia has an impressive ability to maximize her skills and experiences, and she shares how she used her engineering background to help improve processes at a US Airways call center, saving the company money. She later transitioned into the healthcare consulting field, where she further strengthened her expertise. Bacilia also emphasizes the powerful role of mentorship in career growth and the importance of mentorships in her journey, shining a light on her current role at MITRE.Bacilia’s journey is not just a story of personal triumph, but also a testament to her commitment to making a difference. She unveils her unique approach to tying numbers to government initiatives, the challenges of pursuing an MBA while being a single mom and working full-time, and her decision to start her own business. Bacilia also details the process of creating the Multicultural Employee Resource Group at MITRE, sharing her passion for fostering a sense of belonging among employees and improving diversity and employee engagement. Join us for this engaging conversation with a leader who is truly making waves and driving people-oriented changes.

Ever wondered how a technology giant navigates the fluid and unpredictable terrain of the tech industry? Or how they prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in their global strategy? Join us as we have an insightful conversation with Maurice Wiggins, currently Head of Global Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Google. He opens up about his experience in human resources, strategic development, and the unique tasks he undertakes. He also shares his role in crisis management and the ways he aligns people strategy with business strategy.This episode is much more than a career story, it dives into Maurice's personal journey, his college years, and his decision to attend an HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities). His experiences have shaped his career trajectory and are an integral part of his role as a transformational leader. We also delve into his bold career moves and academic pursuits that took him from Florida to New York, through various cities, overcoming challenges with determination and resilience. From achieving his dream of attending Columbia University to transitioning from a consulting role to a tech career, Maurice's journey is one of constant learning and adaptability. Lastly, we tackle the often controversial topic of compensation in the tech industry. We explore the many factors that influence salary and the importance of continuous learning and skill development. Maurice shares his favorite resources for personal and professional growth, offering valuable advice for navigating the tech industry and securing fair compensation. This episode is an enlightening and inspirational conversation that offers guidance to all - those already in tech, and those considering making the leap. Tune in for a wealth of insights from someone living and breathing the tech industry every day.

Join us in this episode as Sofia Mohammed, an experienced educator, shares her incredible journey from teaching in Harlem to becoming a school principal and then transitioning into the ed-tech space. Hear how the challenges of the pandemic sparked a creative shift, leading Sofia to break into the tech industry and contribute her unique perspective. From being a school principal to leading educational organizations, Sofia reflects on the valuable skills educators bring to the table in the ever-evolving world of technology. Tune in to discover the highs, lows, and transformative moments in Sofia's career, and how she is now building something new as part of the Raspberry Pi Foundation in the United States. Don't miss the insightful conversation on leadership, career transitions, and the exciting fusion of education and technology.Follow Sofia Mohammed;LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sofmoh/ Recommendations:BooksLean in: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl SandbergPlease Rate & Review on your listening platform. Follow us on Instagram & LinkedIn @CareerCheatCode048 | Building a Better Future in Education with Sofia Mohammed

In this inspiring episode of Career Cheat Code, we take a journey through the dynamic world of marketing with industry veteran Michael Lewis, the man behind the marketing insights at WhatsApp. Michael shares valuable insights from his diverse career, from his humble beginnings in a family of lawyers and social workers to his influential roles at giants like Procter & Gamble, PepsiCo, and Nestlé and his exciting transition into tech. Listen as we explore his unique approach to navigating the industry, his experiences in market research, the value of his graduate degree, and his successful leadership strategies. This episode is a treasure trove of lessons and wisdom for professionals navigating the ever-evolving marketing landscape.Follow Michael Lewis;LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mslewisRecommendations:Podcasts:The Daily PodcastWall Street Journal PodcastPivot Podcast by Kara Swisher and NYU Professor Scott GallowayArticlesGoogle NewsNew York Times Wall Street JournalBooksThe House of Morgan by Ron ChernowPlease Rate & Review on your listening platform. Follow us on Instagram & LinkedIn @CareerCheatCode047 | Leading Marketing Insights at Large Organizations with Michael Lewis

In this inspiring episode of Career Cheat Code, we delve into the world of higher education with Aleschia Johnson-Velasquez, the Executive Director of Summer Session and Continuing Studies at Barnard College. Aleschia takes us on her remarkable journey from a small liberal arts college in Amish country to Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs, offering insights into the strategies and maneuvers she used to navigate the challenging landscape of higher education. With a wealth of experience under her belt, Aleschia shares her strategies for creating innovative summer programs, negotiating impressive salaries, and harnessing the power of mentorship. The conversation takes a heartwarming turn as she shares the wisdom imparted by her grandmother and the significance of listening to your inner voice. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that promises to leave you feeling empowered and inspired.FollowAleschia Johnson-Velasquez;LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleschia/Recommendations:BookStop Being Niggardly: And Nine Other Things Black People Need to Stop Doing by Karen HunterHomegoing by Yaa Gyasi Television ShowsInsecureA Different WorldPlease Rate & Review on your listening platform. Follow us on Instagram & LinkedIn @CareerCheatCode046 | Behind the Scenes of Higher Education with Aleschia Johnson-Velasquez

Welcome to another episode of the Career Cheat Code podcast. In today’s episode, we explore the incredible journey of Janice Haughton. From aspiring pediatrician to the Community and Citizenship Department director at Turner Construction Company, Janice's path is nothing short of extraordinary. Listen in as we delve into her remarkable career trajectory, starting from her early work at a nonprofit organization to her significant role in the construction industry, fostering community engagement and providing opportunities for young people and minority businesses. Hear about her most impactful projects and the valuable lessons she has learned along the way. Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation that offers fresh insights into community engagement and the construction industry.Follow Janice Haughton;LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janice-haughton-1142683/Recommendations:ProgramsTools and TiarasACE Mentor ProgramTurner School of Construction ManagementBooksWhat Got You Here Won't Get You There: How Successful People Become Even More Successful by Marshall GoldsmithMultipliers: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter by Liz WisemanLead to Win: How to Be a Powerful, Impactful, Influential Leader in Any Environment by Carla A. HarrisPodcastNPRTEDTalks CBS  Sunday MorningPlease Rate & Review on your listening platform. Follow us on Instagram & LinkedIn @CareerCheatCode045 | Building Community in Construction with Janice Haughton

Welcome to a new episode of Career  Cheat Code. In today’s episode, Paola Martinez, from Catholic Charities of New York, discusses her role in strategic program development and her unique approach to planning her workweek. Paola also discusses her role in supporting small businesses and immigrant communities. The episode concludes with Paola sharing an inspiring story of a mentee who will participate in New York Fashion Week. Join us on this fascinating journey and discover how bringing joy to our work can inspire others.Follow Paolo Martinez;LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paola-martinez-99a9b062/Recommendations:Books: What's the Message?: Bible Basics for Busy People by Kevin SullivanFree Private Cities: Making Governments Compete For You by Titus GebelPlease Rate & Review on your listening platform. Follow us on Instagram & LinkedIn @CareerCheatCode044 | A Life of Impactful Community Advocacy with Paolo Martinez

Want to discover the secrets behind driving economic growth in a city? Neal Richardson, the President and CEO of the St. Louis Development Corporation, joins us to shed light on this topic. Neal's inspiring journey from North St. Louis City to the pinnacle of a vital economic development organization is a testament to his unwavering determination to create economic justice.Neal guides us through his transition from managing hospitals to becoming a commercial real estate broker and finally moving on to US Bank and provides deeper insight into his role at the bank. As VP, he spearheaded the bank's social impact investing for women, people of color, and low-income communities. Hear the impactful story of how his team's efforts led to a drastic increase in investment in black banks, businesses, and communities.But that's not all. Neal and his co-founder, Michael Wood, founded Dream Builders, a non-profit organization that empowers young people from underserved communities. They share the challenges they faced, the significance of delegation and creating systems to empower others, and the joy of seeing people who felt left behind now have access to opportunities. This episode concludes with Neal's journey to becoming the President and CEO of the St. Louis Development Corporation and his mission to scale impact and create economic justice. Listen in to be inspired and learn about meaningful change and economic growth in the city of St. Louis.Follow Neal Richardson;LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neal-richardson-mba-1b279128/Recommendations:ProgramsDream Builders 4 EquitySt. Louis Development CorporationBooksA CEO Only Does Three Things: Finding Your Focus in the C-SuiteThe Lazy CEO’s Guide to SuccessPlease Rate & Review on your listening platform. Follow us on Instagram & LinkedIn @CareerCheatCode043 | Journey to Economic Justice with Neal Richardson

In this inspiring episode, we delve into the fascinating career journey of Tiffany-Ann Taylor, the Vice President for Transportation at the Regional Plan Association (RPA). A first-generation child of immigrant parents, Tiffany shares her transition from dreaming of a career in law to finding her true passion in urban planning and transportation advocacy.She opens up about her educational journey, the influence of her unique cultural background, and her inspiring stories of perseverance in a field often marked by technical complexities and media scrutiny. Tiffany also talks about her impactful work on the Sunnyside Yards project and the importance of equity and inclusivity in urban planning.Tiffany's insights into the transportation field and its potential as a social injustice flashpoint are truly eye-opening. Don't miss her invaluable advice for anyone considering a career in urban planning and her expression of gratitude for the opportunities she's been given. Tune in to learn more about Tiffany's unique urban planning and transportation advocacy journey.Follow Tiffany-Ann Taylor;LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffanyannytaylor/Recommendations:BooksGig: Americans Talk About Their Jobs by John BoweMediaCity LabBBC NewsPlease Rate & Review on your listening platform. Follow us on Instagram & LinkedIn @CareerCheatCode042 | Urban Planning & Transportation Advocacy with Tiffany-Ann Taylor

Discover the career journey of Quintin Haynes, a seasoned public servant with over a decade of experience at local, state, and federal levels. In this episode of "Career Cheat Code," he shares his insights, strategies, and valuable advice for thriving in the public sector. Quintin emphasizes the importance of mentorship, continuous learning, and adaptability in the ever-evolving landscape of government. He reflects on his role in managing government operations during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the unsung heroes who play a crucial role in keeping essential services running. Join us as we explore Quintin's commitment to bridging the gap between sectors for collaborative problem-solving.Follow Quintin Haynes;LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/quintinhaynes/Recommendations:ProgramsNew Leaders CouncilCouncil of Urban ProfessionalsMoviesPay it ForwardPodcastOprah Super Soul SundayThe EconomistPlease Rate & Review on your listening platform. Follow us on Instagram & LinkedIn @CareerCheatCode041 | Behind the Scenes of Government Operations with Quintin Haynes