#11 Learning to dream big with Lauren BonheimIn this episode of How to be the Difference, we sat down with Lauren Bonheim to talk about how she helps women reach their full potential as a transformational and mindset coach. As an avid traveler and serial expat, Lauren explains how living abroad has shaped who she is today.Part of Lauren’s job is to empower women to dream big and to take intentional action to make those dreams a reality. Lauren understands that there’s not one way to do life, which is why she helps women define what is important to them and create a life built on their own terms.Outline of this episode:[0:24] - On working remotely[2:33] - Introducing Lauren Bonheim[4:18] - Living abroad[7:25] - Gaining clarity on your life template[9:54] - A change in mindset[13:52] - Design your experience[16:06] - Building a support system abroad[19:20] - Clarity, mindset, and action[23:18] - A work-life balance[26:19] - What’s next for Lauren?Resources & people mentioned:Lauren BonheimLauren on locationJohanna MolinaPaul LynskeyThe Intern Group

From homelessness to becoming a CEOIn this episode of How to be the Difference, we sat down with Eder Holguin to talk about his incredible journey from being homeless as a kid in the streets of Medellín, Colombia in the 80s to eventually becoming an award-winning serial entrepreneur, best-selling author, and a digital sales and marketing expert in the US. Eder talks about how his perspective on success changed as he got older and why he considers himself a professional problem solver. He also shares with us the basic principles of marketing and sales and how certain skills were vital to helping him move forward in life.Outline of this episode:[0:33] - Meeting Eder[2:17] - Introducing Eder Holguin[4:20] - Growing up in the streets of Medellín[6:55] - Eder’s turning point[9:30] - Tips for success as an entrepreneur[12:57] - A change in perspective[15:54] - This too shall pass[18:49] - On seeing new trends[21:33] - Common principles of marketing and sales[24:39] - How to polish your sales skills[27:18] - Eder’s proudest moments[28:15] - Wise words for a post-pandemic world[29:48] - The power of internships[31:58] - What’s next for Eder?Resources & people mentioned:Eder HolguinDreaming of Hope StreetJohanna MolinaPaul LynskeyThe Intern Group

How to break into entrepreneurshipIn this episode of How to be the Difference, we caught up with Andres Barreto, a serial entrepreneur, investor and the Managing Director of Techstars Boulder Accelerator Program. Andres is a thought leader in entrepreneurship, product development, analytics, technical recruiting and has participated in conferences throughout the US and Latin America.We sit down with Andres to talk about his first entrepreneurial endeavors and what it was like being a minority founder in the US. Andres also discusses the reason behind starting Coderise, non-profit organization that teaches code in an inclusive environment and the power of mentorships. Outline of this episode:[0:27] - Vaccine update[3:18] - Introducing Andrés Barreto[4:55] - Andres’ entrepreneurial journey[15:16] - Creating a music streaming service[17:02] - Getting sued by record labels[17:42] - Andres’ proudest moment[20:28] - Choosing people for Coderise[22:00] - What does it mean to be entrepreneurial?[23:35] - About Techstars Boulder Accelerator[25:04] - Techstars success stories[26:44] - Mentorship:Techstars’ differentiator[28:06] - Advice on getting mentors[30:50] - Raising capital as a diverse founder[33:32] - Advice for minorities[35:04] - What gets you out of bed?[36:00] - Advice on career changes[37:56] - About Andres’ habits[39:08] - Skills for success in the 21st century[40:50] - Experience with interns[42:36] - What’s next for Andrés?Resources & people mentioned:Andres BarretoTechstarsCoderiseHolberton SchoolGroovesharksJohanna MolinaPaul LynskeyThe Intern Group

Creating a values compass with Dr. Mandeep RaiIn this episode of How to be the Difference, we sat down with Dr. Mandeep Rai, the international best-selling author of The Values Compass: What 101 Countries Teach Us About Purpose, Life, and Leadership. Mandeep has an impressive track record having traveled to more than 150 countries, completed a PhD in Global Values, built a career at JP Morgan, and reported as a journalist for BBC World Service and Reuters, among other publications. Mandeep does a deep dive on how she became a global authority on values and how creating your own personal values compass can help you navigate today’s world. She talks about building relationships with inspirational people like the Dalai Lama and the values and lessons she’s taken away from being exposed to different cultures.Outline of this episode:[0:28] - Coming out of lockdown [3:56] - Introducing Mandeep Rai[5:06] - A mammoth trip across Africa[6:04] - A book review from the Dalai Lama[8:16] - Becoming a global authority on values[12:22] - On identifying core values[19:20] - Impact of COVID-19 on values[21:18] - Core values to succeed in today’s world[31:22] - What care means to Mandeep’s[36:52] - Taking culture into perspective[39:56] - Advice to other women inspired by Mandeep’s journeyResources & people mentioned:Mandeep RaiThe Values CompassJohanna MolinaPaul LynskeyThe Intern Group

How to break into Mechanical EngineeringIn this episode of How to be the Difference, we caught up with Mauricio Toro, CEO and co-founder of TECHFIT Digital Surgery, a full service platform that makes patient-specific treatments for bone reconstruction. During the onset of the pandemic, Mauricio decided to design open-source ventilators to save thousands –if not millions– of lives.We sit down with Mauricio to talk about his fascinating career in mechanical engineering and his passion for streamlining innovation processes, as well as how he is able to use his motor sport mentality to develop life saving medical devices. Outline of this episode:[0:28] - On Formula One cars[3:50] - Introducing Mauricio Toro[5:20] - From Medellin to Florida[9:32] - Being a maker at heart[11:46] - Building an open source ventilator[19:10] - Transforming an idea into reality[22:34] - Skills to succeed in engineering[24:58] - Mauricio’s experience with internships[30:47] - Advice for university students[33:00] - Resources that inspire[34:29] - What’s next for Mauricio?[36:56] - Habits for fostering creativityResources & people mentioned:Mauricio ToroTECHFITSingularity UniversityProfessor Scott GallowayJohanna MolinaPaul LynskeyThe Intern Group

In this episode of How to be the Difference, We caught up with Sue Liburd MBE DL, an award-winning businesswoman with over 25 years of experience in behavioral change, human resource management, and people development. We sit down with Sue to talk about what a job in HR looks like and the different skills needed to succeed in the field. Sue also explains how diversity and inclusion can mean very different things throughout an organization and where the future of HR is headed.Outline of this episode:[0:28] - On Human Resources[1:25] - Sue Liburd, Human Capital Innovation[6:00] - What you need to succeed[10:35] - Setting boundaries[20:10] - The role of HR in remote work[24:08] - Diversity and inclusion[29:28] - The future of HR[33:17] - A career by design[36:50] - Resources that inspireResources & people mentioned:Sue LiburdBooks: Why Do So Many Incompetent Men Become Leaders?: (And How to Fix It), Dare to LeadJohanna MolinaPaul LynskeyThe Intern Group

#5 How to be the difference with William Shaw President of Ultra AirIn this episode of How to be the Difference, we invited William Shaw, the founder and CEO of Ultra Air, a Colombian low-cost airline. William has 26 years of experience in the airline industry and co-founded one of the first low-cost airlines in Latin America: Viva Air. He sits down with Johanna and Paul to talk about how he fell in love with the industry and what drove him to eventually start an airline of his own. William also discusses what it takes to become a successful entrepreneur and takes a moment to reflect on the process of raising capital during economic crises such as the current global pandemic as well as the 2008 economic crisis.Outline of this episode:[0:28] - Coming out of lockdown[1:10] - William Shaw, Ultra Air[2:50] - Early career in British Airways[13:37] - Tools for entrepreneurial success[21:11] - On Colombia’s culture of fun[23:55] - Raising capital for an airline[27:40] - Business lessons learned in the pandemic[31:53] - How to build a great team[36:07] - Feeding creativity[38:08] - Are there any resources inspiring you at the moment?Resources & people mentioned:William ShawUltra AirViva AirGreen AfricaFlybondiFlycanaInterjetBooks: The AlchemistJeffrey PfefferJohanna MolinaPaul LynskeyThe Intern Group

#4 How to break into NGOs with Catalina Escobar, President of Juanfe FoundationIn this episode of How to be the Difference, we invited renowned social entrepreneur Catalina Escobar, the Founder and President of Juanfe Foundation, a nonprofit organization that is committed to improving the lives of children and adolescents living in extreme poverty in Latinamerica and tackling one of the core problems that perpetuate poverty in the world: teenage pregnancy. We talk to Catalina about the personal story behind Juanfe Foundation, How the tragedy of her 18th month's old son falling from an 8th-floor balcony made her switch her successful career in the private sector to set up a nonprofit sector, and the importance of measuring impact.Outline of this episode:[0:28] - St. Patrick’s Day during lockdown[1:55] - How to break into NGOs[3:44] - Catalina Escobar, Fundación Juanfe[5:12] - Juanfe’s backstory [13:52] - A career in the non-profit sector[17:29] - Is personal passion a requirement?[19:42] - Living a life with purpose[22:54] - Habits for success[25:02] - Advice to other women Resources & people mentioned:Catalina EscobarJuanfe FoundationEsther DufloRaj SisodiaJohanna MolinaPaul LynskeyThe Intern Group

#3 How to break into data science with Erik Stettler Chief Economist at ToptalIn this episode of How to be the Difference we invited Erik Stettler, a data scientist, venture capitalist, and Chief Economist at Toptal, a global network of top talent in business, design, and technology that enables companies to scale their teams on demand. We talk to Erik about what it takes to thrive in the field of data science and why– contrary to popular belief– it is not limited to one single profile. Erik also does a deep dive into the opportunities as well as dangers of the conclusions that can be drawn from data.Outline of this episode:[0:32] - What comes to mind when you hear data science?[3:45] - Data science in our daily lives[4:29] - Erik Stettler, Toptal[6:26] - Choosing a career in data science[8:20] - Why data is like oil[11:11] - Breaking into data science[15:00] - The dark side of data science[19:16] - What would you change about the industry?[20:50] - How to thrive in this field[23:22] - Myths surrounding data science[25:13] - Skills to succeed in the 21st century[28:00] - Building good habits[32:37] - Best advice Erik has received[34:20] - Who do you admire?[36:06] - Democratizing access to opportunitiesResources & people mentioned:Erik StettlerToptalProgramming languages: Python, R Books: The Signal and the Noise, Atomic HabitsCodeacademyJohanna MolinaPaul LynskeyThe Intern Group

#2 How to break into marketing with Jane Asscher, CEO of 23redIn this episode of How to be the Difference, we invited Jane Asscher, the founding partner and CEO of 23red, a purpose-driven creative agency that is developing strategies, campaigns, and brands that change behavior for the better. We talk to Jane about why she chose a career in marketing and some of the most common myths about the industry. Jane also shares her insights on dealing with fake news during the pandemic through socially conscious marketing.Outline of this episode:[0:27] - What’s the craic?[1:32] - Marketing in today’s day and age[6:45] - Changes in consumer habits during the pandemic[8:13] - The moral dilemmas with marketing[9:58] - Differences in perception[11:18] - Jane Asscher, 23red[12:43] - Choosing a career in marketing[14:06] - Debunking myths [14:57] - Best advice Jane has received [16:50] - Career advice for other women[17:50] - Lessons learned from internships[18:54] - Who would you drop everything and make a coffee for?[20:08] - On fake news during COVID-19Resources & people mentioned:Jane Asscher23redTequilaDocumentary: The Social DilemmaJohanna MolinaPaul LynskeyThe Intern Group