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. 🎉