In this episode of Beyond Barriers, host Brooke Skinner Ricketts engages in an insightful conversation with Gavriella Schuster, a trailblazer in the tech industry with over 25 years at Microsoft and a passionate advocate for lifelong learning and leadership.
Gavriella is a seasoned strategic business leader known for transforming companies and driving impactful change. A fierce advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, she is a founding sponsor of WIC and the WIT Network and serves on the boards of multiple DEI-focused nonprofits. As a TEDx speaker, host of the podcast “The Big Idea,” and author of an eBook and training on #ALLIES, Gavriella continues to lead initiatives that empower and inspire others.
In this episode, Gavriella shares her extraordinary journey from being one of the few women in the room at Microsoft to becoming a powerful voice for allyship and inclusive leadership. Whether you’re seeking to advance in your career, build stronger professional relationships, or find inspiration in your leadership journey, Gavriella’s story will encourage you to take bold steps and lead with integrity in today’s fast-paced world.
Key Takeaways:
- Prioritizing Well-being: Gavriella discusses the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing personal health in a demanding career.
- The Power of Allyship: Learn how small moments of support can create significant opportunities and build lasting professional relationships.
- Lifelong Learning: Discover how Gavriella’s commitment to continuous learning has shaped her career and leadership philosophy.
- Setting Non-Negotiables: Gain insights into how defining your non-negotiables can lead to more fulfilling and sustainable success.
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Highlights
The key moments in this episode are:
[00:00] Introduction to Beyond Barriers
[00:30] The Power of Allyship
[01:11] Meet Gabriella Schuster
[02:45] Gabriella's Career Journey
[04:37] Lessons in Leadership and Balance
[06:39] Early Career and Realizations
[11:16] Transition to Technology
[17:47] Joining Microsoft
[20:46] Embracing the Unknown in Your Career
[21:14] Conveying Confidence and Overcoming Demographic Barriers
[23:14] Building Resilience Through Experience
[27:28] Daily Habits for Success
[32:05] The Importance of Allyship
[37:45] Final Thoughts and Reflections -
Lightning Round
Q: What book has greatly influenced you?
A: I love Brené Brown. Daring Greatly, Braving the Wilderness , Dare to Lead, are all amazing books.Q: What is your favorite inspiring quote or saying?
A: Be mindful of your thoughts. They define your actions. Be mindful of your actions. They define your habits. Be mindful of your habits. They define your character.Q: What is one word or moniker you would use to describe yourself?
A: Lifelong Learner.Q: What is one change you've implemented that made your life better?
A: Prioritizing my health.Q: What power song would you want playing as you walk out onto a stage?
A: Alicia Keys, Girl on Fire.Q: What do you want your legacy to be?
A: I want people to remember me for the times I helped them, even in the smallest ways. I've had people, years later, tell me, "When I worked with you or when we did that project together, your help made a big difference and changed everything." -
Quotes
Don't compromise on what truly matters to you at work. When you do, no one will understand or appreciate the sacrifices you've made, and you'll never be fully recognized or rewarded for what you've given up.
Gavriella Schuster
If everyone who was an 'only' had an ally, they’d never be alone.
Gavriella Schuster
Lifelong learning has been the key to my success. You have to constantly push yourself to learn something new.
Gavriella Schuster
Confidence comes with experience. The more you push yourself, the more you realize you can do things you never thought possible.
Gavriella Schuster
Small moments of support can create significant opportunities and build lasting professional relationships.
Gavriella Schuster
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About
A visionary and mission-focused exec on the leading edge of tech-enabled business innovation. A 25 year Microsoft exec, strategic business leader recognized for changing businesses and business models with extensive sales, marketing, and product development expertise helping companies transform through tech. Now a PE advisor and Member of the Board of Open Systems, Nerdio, Mimecast and Included. As a fierce advocate for DEI, she is a founding sponsor of WIC, WIT Network and serves on the boards of several DEI non-profits. She is a TEDx speaker, host of a podcast called “The Big Idea” and author of an eBook and training on #ALLIES.