From Microsoft to Mentorship: A Guide to Lifelong Learning and Leadership

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.