Boardroom Zen Podcast Megha Joshi

Meet Sarah Shriver, a global media and streaming executive at BBC Studios. With a knack for driving content, sales, and strategy, she's also the co-founder of Gowanus Apiary. Beyond her corporate success, Sarah is a family-oriented culture enthusiast and a true advocate for the power of effective listening.
In this conversation, Sarah highlights the critical role of active listening, storytelling, presence, and the transformative influence of mentorship on career growth.
Introduction & Career Overview:
Sarah excelled at A&E Networks and BBC Studios, showcasing versatile expertise in media. Her roles spanned content creation to strategy.
Personal Insights:
Sarah's love for culture and travel shapes her worldview. Bicycling and Gowanus Apiary's involvement highlight her environmental commitment.
Secrets of Success:
Sarah's corporate success stems from listening, storytelling, and being present. These qualities form a foundation for effective communication and leadership.
Discussion Highlights:
Sarah shares negotiation tactics and stresses effective communication for career growth. Proactive steps, she advises, are key to promotions.
Networking and Balancing Work-Life:
Sarah emphasizes genuine connections, offering practical networking tips. Balancing work and personal life, she shares insights for a healthier equilibrium.
Final Reflection:
Sarah's insights, focused on communication, relationships, and holistic living, serve as an inspirational guide for navigating professional journeys authentically.
On the Power of Storytelling:
"A sales pitch or a presentation is a story, and what's better than to see the light go off in somebody's eyes."
Connect with Sarah:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-shriver-8306915/
CONNECT: Go to Boardroom Zen or connect with Megha on LinkedIn. 
REQUEST: Don't forget to share an episode with a friend, subscribe, and provide a review.

Meet Sean Ilenrey, an accomplished executive at Dutchie, who is a source of inspiration for leadership and business. Sean is a committed thought leader who works to transform workplaces and promote individual development. Possessing extensive expertise and a sincere enthusiasm for fostering positive work environments, he emphasizes the critical role that values-driven leadership plays in molding people and companies.

In this episode, Sean explores the nuances of good leadership, providing advice on how to establish work environments where people can flourish and feel truly valued. Sean offers inspiring and useful guidance that offers a road map for improving your abilities, regardless of your background as an executive or your goals for leadership. Discover the transforming power of optimism and purpose-driven leadership, and work with Sean to discover the secrets of exceptional leadership.

[0:00 - 0:58] Introduction of the guest, Sean Ilenrey. Showcasing Sean's incredible transformation from a destitute high school dropout to a business executive.
[1:06–3:17] Journey Experiences: Talking about Sean's recent trips to South Africa and Kenya. Discussing individual encounters and relationships formed while traveling. Pondering the influence of travel and the universality of human aspirations.
[4:03 - 5:55] Sharing the Cover of Sean's Next Book: Sean's next book, "You Don't Owe Happiness," Taking a 30,000-foot overview of the book's concept to hint at the content.
[6:20–11:31] Employee Value versus Employee Happiness: Differentiating between value and happiness of employees. Highlighting the significance of growth, meaning, and contentment in the workplace for job happiness.
[12:03–25:23] In addition to providing leaders with practical advice, the episode explores specific strategies for increasing employee value. It highlights how important narrative is to a team's effectiveness and offers creative solutions like weekly video updates. Sean's leadership insights emphasize motivating employees to advance, promoting a change from a state of constant joy to a value-based strategy.

Quotes:

"Don't feel as if you owe everyone everything; instead, focus on the things that you do owe them, and you'll be successful." -Sean Ilenrey
"Satisfaction will lead to more states of happiness. Even in the best environment, they won't always feel happy, and that's okay." -Sean Ilenrey

Connect with Sean:

Books: https://www.seanilenrey.com/books
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-ilenrey
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seanthespeaker

CONNECT: Go to Boardroom Zen or connect with Megha on LinkedIn. 
REQUEST: Don't forget to share an episode with a friend, subscribe, and provide a review.

Ever wondered how exceptional boardroom leaders are made? Discover the secrets of building a standout board career in this enlightening conversation.
 
Joining us in this episode is Ana Dutra, an accomplished Corporate Board Director with over 30 years of global experience. Her extensive portfolio spans private and publicly traded corporations. Ana's leadership roles have included CEO positions at Mandala Global Advisors, The Executives’ Club of Chicago, and Korn Ferry, where she pioneered a $500+ million global business. Her expertise in global P&L management, technology, and C-Level advisory has influenced businesses across 25 countries.
 
Drawing from her vast experience, Ana highlights the importance of authenticity, adaptability, and continuous learning. She advises aspiring board members to understand their 'why', prepare rigorously, and choose boards aligned with their values. Ana also underscores the significance of networking and relationship-building, and being open to various board opportunities, including nonprofit and advisory roles.
 
Tune in now for an enriching and informative experience that could redefine your board career.



[00:00 - 10:01] Leading with Authenticity and Adaptability
Introducing Ana to the show
She describes her journey in three phases – from trying to blend in, to embracing her true self and finding a balance that maintains authenticity while being effective
Understanding personal traits and how they fit or contrast with various settings is key for effective board participation
Be aware of the specific dynamics of each boardroom situation and adjust behavior accordingly
 
[10:02 - 16:08] Crafting a Board Career with Purpose and Preparation
Ana emphasizes reflecting on the personal reasons for wanting to serve on a board because it isn't a one-size-fits-all path
She recommends beginning with nonprofit or advisory boards to gain experience, understand the processes, and confirm if this is something you want to commit to
Ana stresses the need to prepare for a board role through education, certifications, and being a lifelong learner
It's vital to align with a board's mission and purpose, understand how one can add value, and genuinely enjoy the company of fellow board members
 
[16:09 - 21:35] Navigating Board Opportunities and Resources
Engage with organizations that are dedicated to preparing individuals to be effective board directors
Leverage university programs for board readiness
While C-level experience is beneficial, opportunities exist at different career levels, including junior and nonprofit boards
 
[21:36 - 26:24] From Conversation to Boardroom: The Power of Connection
Networking is essential for career advancement
Practicing kindness and paying it forward can create positive energy and opportunities that return in unexpected ways
While networking and expressing interest in board positions is important, there's a fine balance to maintain to avoid being perceived as overbearing or desperate
Remaining open and curious in all interactions is key, as they can lead to new opportunities
 
[26:25 - 28:48] Closing Segment
Ana’s final words
Connect with Ana through the links below



Quotes:
 
"This whole quest for who you are versus who you would like to be and who you're comfortable being, I think it's a lifelong journey.” - Ana Dutra
 
"Am I and the people who are recruiting me aligned on how I am going to be able to add value? I don't want to check the box on immigrant woman, person of color, and so that the board can say, oh, we had the diversity." - Ana Dutra



Connect with Ana!
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anadutraglobal
Website: https://leadforsociety.uchicago.edu/bio/ana-dutra/  



CONNECT: With Megha through LinkedIn or by visiting Boardroom Zen 
REQUEST: Remember to subscribe, leave me a review, and share an episode with a friend.

Have you ever found yourself questioning whether you truly deserve the place you've earned at the table? It's a common experience that even the most accomplished individuals go through. We often doubt our worth and the effort we've put into our work. 
 
In this episode, Megha shares her experience with overcoming limiting beliefs and offers practical advice to help you get back into alignment with your powerful self. 
 
Don’t miss out on her inspiring insights to stop underestimating yourself and start stepping into your greatness!



[00:00 - 07:14] A Moment of Realization: Taking the Spot at the Power Table
Megha recounts her struggle with having limiting beliefs, how she didn't think she belonged in the boardroom with powerful people
Through the wisdom of a top woman executive and her own introspection, she uncovers the underlying feelings of unworthiness that have been holding her back
She decided to confront these doubts and from then on show up in every boardroom with her true power and confidence 
 
[07:15 - 10:22] How to Break Free of Limiting Beliefs: A Two-Step Process
Understanding our own biases and improving ourselves requires self-awareness and being conscious of how we think, feel, and act
Our thoughts, feelings, and actions are all connected, and we need to recognize this connection to make positive changes
Self-regulation means replacing negative thoughts with positive ones, which can lead to a change in how we feel and behave
By practicing self-awareness and self-regulation, we can grow and overcome biases to become better versions of ourselves
 
[10:23 - 11:20] Closing Segment
Megha’s final words
Connect with Megha through the links below



Quotes:
 
"I deserve to be there. Yes, I was younger. I was the youngest kid on the block, but so what? I had worked hard all my life to be there.” - Megha Joshi
 
"The moment I replaced that weak thought with a powerful thought, I had a very different emotional reaction in my body, and it made me act in a very different way.” - Megha Joshi




CONNECT: With Megha through LinkedIn or by visiting Boardroom Zen 
 
REQUEST: Remember to subscribe, leave me a review, and share an episode with a friend.
 

How can you make a meaningful impact and wield influence while remaining authentic?
 
Join us as Brad Samuels, CEO of Eagle Dock Media, delves into his personal journey and the pivotal influences that have molded his path. 
 
As a former executive at E.W. Scripps, Bloomberg, Comedy Central and TV One, Brad brings a 
wealth of experience across the media spectrum, from startups to industry titans. These include adaptability, balancing professional achievements with personal well-being, and cultivating a robust network of connections. Brad underscores the significance of self-awareness in charting your career trajectory and discovering true fulfillment.
 
Listen up and hear valuable advice on how to strive for success in your career while still maintaining balance.
 
[00:00 - 07:43] From Aspiration to Achievement: The Importance of Role Models
Introducing Brad to the show
Early life experiences that had the most profound impact on Brad's career trajectory including his father's work in radio and media
He considers himself lucky to have had a great family that served as the driving influence in his youth and career 
 
[07:44 - 17:45] How to Stay Healthy While Being Committed to Long-Term Success
Brad talks about his diverse experiences across organizations, functions, and media space
Most of all, he enjoyed building things and leading successful start-ups
Life on the road can take a toll; it’s vital to take care of yourself and to foster a good relationship with your loved ones
 
[17:46 - 25:20] Charting Your Career Trajectory
Figuring out what you enjoy is tough, and it takes experimentation
The culture, size, and type of company matter and have to align with your personal values and goals
Self-awareness is key to finding the perfect fit for your career
Surrounding yourself with people who are smart and strategic will help you grow
 
[25:21 - 26:32] Closing Segment
Brad's final words
Connect with Brad through the links below



Quotes:
 
"Work is work. I've enjoyed it, and there's been times where it was better and worse… A lot of it is just being there and showing the effort.” - Brad Samuels
 
"Find the kind of work you like, the size, nature, and feel of the company." - Brad Samuels
 
“Hire people that are smarter than you. Everybody has a little insecurities and defensiveness at times, and it always feels better to sit in a room and act like you have all the best ideas, but you're not going to get the best ideas that way.” - Brad Samuels



Connect with Brad!
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradjsamuels/ 



CONNECT: With Megha through LinkedIn or by visiting Boardroom Zen 
 
REQUEST: Remember to subscribe, leave me a review, and share an episode with a friend.
 

Have you ever wondered why some individuals effortlessly command attention, respect, and influence when they walk into a room? The answer lies in their executive presence – a potent quality that can make or break your professional journey. 
 
Today, Megha Joshi talks about why executive presence is a game-changing asset for ambitious business leaders. She breaks down the two conventional and non-conventional ways of looking at executive presence and dives deep into the concept of energy—comprised of different levels ranging from lower levels being more detrimental to higher levels being more constructive. Megha also provides examples of how understanding these levels of energy can lead to better outcomes when approaching any situation. 
 
Tune in now, elevate your executive presence, and pave the path to success!
 
[00:00 - 07:12] Unlock Your Executive Presence
Executive presence is one of the most hyped-up buzzwords in the past decade
Megha’s manager gave her feedback that she lacked executive presence, so she researched the term and applied it to her own journey
There are two big pillars of executive presence: verbal and non-verbal communication
 
[07:13 - 10:21] Improve Your Leadership Energy
Paying attention to how other leaders behave can help you boost your executive presence
There is an unconventional way to amp up your executive presence: by working on one's energy
Leaders can make an impact without saying a word, just by their energy
 
[10:22 - 19:44] Shift Your Energy to a More Powerful Presence
Energy can be broken down into seven levels, from 1 to 7
Lower levels of energy (1 & 2) are more catabolic (negative/destructive) while higher levels (6 & 7) are more anabolic (positive/constructive)
The core thought drives the emotion and emotion drives the action taken
Level five energy is ideal as it creates win-win situations for both parties
 
[19:45 - 21:57] Closing Segment
Megha’s final words
Connect with Megha through the links below



Quotes:
 
"I started to be more observant of how other partners or leaders or executives were behaving or showing up or how their executive presence manifested. Over the years, I got better in terms of how I was bringing my true self to the table.” - Megha Joshi
 
"We show up in a very different way when we move up the energy spectrum. If we can shift our energy from being in the lower levels to much higher levels of energy, that's when everything else around us starts to shift, including executive presence.” - Megha Joshi




CONNECT: With Megha through LinkedIn or by visiting Boardroom Zen 
 
REQUEST: Remember to subscribe, leave me a review, and share an episode with a friend.