Welcome to the Promoted with Denise Harris podcast, where we have impactful conversations about navigating our careers, how to stand out and of course, how to get promoted.

In the episode we’re joined by Brenda Barbour. Brenda is a senior executive with over 25 years of experience leading and transforming diverse teams across a range of industries. Known for her leadership and vision, Brenda has a proven track record of driving organizational success in both the private and nonprofit sectors.

Research indicates that office politics significantly impact women's careers and promotability, often to their detriment. Women face unique challenges in navigating workplace politics compared to their male counterparts. Brenda and I define what internal politics is and why it’s critical for career advancement, especially for women who are aiming for senior roles. We discuss the importance of intentionally building relationships across functions and levels in your organization, balancing assertiveness and being approachable, and the benefits of having a growth mindset.

Branda is also Co-host and Co-Producer of the Body Wealth podcast, with her sister Elaine. In each episode, the sisters chat with one guest to hear about what they are doing to work toward optimal mental or physical health, expanding access to the conversations Black women have about health and healthcare.

Connect with Brenda:

LinkedIn | Brenda Barbour

Podcast | Body Wealth

Connect with Denise:

Website | Denise Harris Leadership

LinkedIn | Denise Harris Leadership

Welcome to the Promoted with Denise Harris podcast, where we have impactful conversations about navigating our careers, how to stand out and of course, how to get promoted.

In the episode we’re joined by Debbie Wissel, President of Swing Search, a recruiting firm that specializes in finding top performers for high growth startups. Debbie entered the world of recruiting and leadership search in 2020 as a career pivot and after a decade leading product and client services at some of New York City's most celebrated fintech startups, including LearnVest and Ellevest.

Debbie's experience in these early stage startups gave her a front row seat to the highs and lows of startup growth, the importance of choosing the right leaders, and a deep empathy for founders and the team that is brought together to make it all happen.

 Women are increasingly successful using recruiting firms to land senior roles, though they remain underrepresented in leadership positions overall. An interesting stat is that women are 18 percent more likely than men to be hired when applying for senior roles through recruiters. Debbie and I discuss the advantages of working with a recruiting firm, traits that firms look for when filling leadership roles, how to stand out amongst applicants, and the importance of building a strong network by developing deep relationships.

Additional Links & Resources:

Book | The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle

Connect with Debbie:

LinkedIn | Debbie Wissel

Website | Swing Search

Connect with Denise:

Website | Denise Harris Leadership

LinkedIn | Denise Harris Leadership

Welcome to the Promoted with Denise Harris podcast, where we have impactful conversations about navigating our careers, how to stand out and of course, how to get promoted.

In the episode we’re joined by Valencia McClure. Valencia is Vice President, Governmental and External Affairs and President, Pepco Region, responsible for shaping, leading and executing external affairs strategies and programs in support of Pepco and Pepco Holdings’ business goals. She has served on the boards of numerous universities, businesses, trade organizations and charities. Additionally, Valencia was recognized as one of Savoy Magazine’s Most Influential Women in Corporate America, Baltimore Sun’s Top 25 Women to Watch, and a recipient of the President’s Roundtable Corporate Executive Trailblazer Award.

Today Valencia shares with us key moments and decisions that helped shape her career trajectory, practical tips on how to craft your personal brand, the importance of networking and how to develop those relationships with intention and authenticity. She also shares her top three tips to help make you promotable.

This episode is packed with insights, you won’t want to miss it!

Connect with Valencia:

LinkedIn | Valencia McClure

Connect with Denise:

Website | Denise Harris Leadership

LinkedIn | Denise Harris Leadership

Additional links & Resources:

Book | Next Level by Scott Eblin

Book | The Twelve Absolutes of Leadership by Gary Burnison

Book | The First 90 Days by Michael Watkins