What Rules!?: A career podcast for women of color

Hosted by Zera Consulting

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109

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Mar 2025

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About the show

After spending over two years interviewing multicultural women in the C-suite, entrepreneurs, authors and speakers, we’ve seen a running theme of how women are shattering the glass ceiling and breaking through the concrete ceiling: rule-breaking. But what rules are we talking about and why do they exist? That’s what we explore in the What Rules!? podcast. You’ll learn our six guiding principles for multicultural women looking to outsmart the game to advance their career.

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March 5, 202548 min

100. Moving Forward Together

It's our 100th episode! Since launching in 2020, we've been amplifying the voices of multicultural women in leadership—because our power, our stories, and our impact matter more than ever.Today, we celebrate the strength found in moving forward together, this year’s theme for Women’s History Month. Our conversation explores how multicultural women can turn challenges into assets, support each other through community, and redefine leadership on their own terms.We discuss the idea that failure isn’t a roadblock—it’s a stepping stone. "You have to fail to get to the next level," says co-host Alisa Manjarrez, emphasizing that every setback brings growth and resilience. This episode is a powerful reminder that we must break the rules that limit us and bring others along with us. We challenge you to take action—whether it’s mentoring, sponsoring, advocating for inclusivity, or simply choosing joy in daily life. Episode Highlights:• Celebrating our 100th episode!• Why leading with purpose starts with knowing your worth• How to embrace diversity and turn it into a leadership advantage• Failing to get to the next level• Why resilience and intentionality are key• Building a strong support system and community• Owning your power through breathwork and mindfulness• Flexing your style vs compromising your values• Setting boundaries to maintain authenticityMentioned in this Episode:Open - a studio and app for breathworkAlisa’s Bio:Alisa Manjarrez is a storyteller, marketer and executive coach. She is the Managing Director of a B2B creative agency, co-host of the What Rules!? podcast, and has her Master's in Organizational Management & Leadership. Alisa is Mexican American and is passionate about advancing women of color in corporate America as co-CEO of Zera Consulting.Merary’s Bio:  Dr. Merary Simeon, a seasoned Human Resources executive, brings 25 years of experience as a trusted advisor to C-suite executives in Fortune 50 corporations. Dr. Merary has a doctorate in Strategic Leadership. She is a best-selling author and co-host of the What Rules!? podcast. As co-CEO of Zera Consulting, she passionately advocates for the advancement of multicultural women in the workplace. Dr. Merary is from Puerto Rico and is fluent in Spanish.Courtney’s Bio:As an Accountability and Mindset Coach, Courtney is committed to helping her clients achieve their career goals to gain clarity, confidence, and alignment in their job search. With a passion for coaching and a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in today's competitive job market, Courtney works closely with clients to provide guidance, support, and actionable strategies that drive results to level up their career.Connect with us on our social media: Instagram and LinkedInMore from Alisa Manjarrez: Instagram and LinkedInMore from Courtney Copelin: Instagram and LinkedInMore from Dr. Merary Simeon: Instagram and<a...

February 5, 202538 min

99. Wellness in the Workplace

Did you know? Women who experience high levels of stress are 46% more likely to seek new job opportunities.We take a holistic approach into the critical topic of wellness in the workplace and how it intertwines with our overall career satisfaction and significantly impacts how we show up in our personal lives.HR executive Dr. Merary Simeon and career coach Courtney Copelin share their insights on how both employers and employees share the responsibility of fostering a healthy work environment. Learn how to identify your own needs and stressors, whether they stem from your  workload, workplace culture, or personal circumstances. Get help to better assess these factors, so you can engage in meaningful conversations with your manager about available resources and benefits that can support your well-being.We also highlight the importance of energy management over traditional notions of work-life balance. How you spend your time outside of work and how those activities contribute to or detract from your overall wellness are also part of the equation.Episode Highlights:• Accessing benefits and resources at work• Taking a holistic perspective with your career• Identifying your needs• Setting boundaries• The role of leaders in supporting wellness• Wellness beyond the workplace• Managing your energy, not your timeMentioned in this Episode:“More than A Program: A Culture of Women’s Wellbeing at Work” by Gallup, 12/4/24“Work-Life Balance is a Cycle, Not an Achievement” by Harvard Business Review, 1/29/21Bright Horizons daycare solutions2024 State of Workforce Mental Health Report by Lyra HealthThe Corporate Athlete by Jack Groppel, PhDMerary’s Bio:  Dr. Merary Simeon, a seasoned Human Resources executive, brings 25 years of experience as a trusted advisor to C-suite executives in Fortune 50 corporations. Dr. Merary has a doctorate in Strategic Leadership. She is a best-selling author and co-host of the What Rules!? podcast. As co-CEO of Zera Consulting, she passionately advocates for the advancement of multicultural women in the workplace. Dr. Merary is from Puerto Rico and is fluent in Spanish.Courtney’s Bio:As an Accountability and Mindset Coach, Courtney is committed to helping her clients achieve their career goals to gain clarity, confidence, and alignment in their job search. With a passion for coaching and a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in today's competitive job market, Courtney works closely with clients to provide guidance, support, and actionable strategies that drive results to level up their career.Connect with us on our social media: Instagram and LinkedInMore from Alisa Manjarrez: Instagram and...

December 11, 202432 min

98. Advocating for DEI

We’ve got a lot to say after LeanIn and McKinsey & Company's recent Women in the Workplace 2024: The 10th Anniversary Report. HR executive Dr. Merary Simeon and career coach Courtney Copelin reflect on the ongoing challenges faced by multicultural women and argue the continued need for systemic change. We get candid about the barriers to advocacy and provide a variety of ways multicultural women can take action because if we, as a community, do not advocate for ourselves, we can’t expect others to do so. “If we don’t care, then who will?” says Dr. Merary. Episode Highlights:• Shocking news for gender diversity• Why multicultural women need to advocate for DEI• The power of multicultural women despite underrepresentation• What’s holding us back• Feedback as advocacy• Small steps for big changeMentioned in this Episode:“LeanIn Says DEI Commitments to Women Just Declined for the First Time in 10 Years” by USA Today, 9/7/24“Largest Report on Women in Corporate America Reveals Women’s Progress Is Fragile and Unsustainable” by LeanIn and McKinsey & Company, 9/17/24Women in the Workplace 2024: The 10th Anniversary Report by LeanIn and McKinsey & Co,Ep 72: How Managers Can Fix the Broken RungEp 74: How Employees Can Fix the Broken RungEp 76: How Organizations Can Fix the Broken RungEp 84: How to Find Mentors & SponsorsEp 97: Harnessing Feedback for GrowthMerary’s Bio:  Dr. Merary Simeon, a seasoned Human Resources executive, brings 25 years of experience as a trusted advisor to C-suite executives in Fortune 50 corporations. Dr. Merary has a doctorate in Strategic Leadership. She is a best-selling author and co-host of the What Rules!? podcast. As co-CEO of Zera Consulting, she passionately advocates for the advancement of multicultural women in the workplace. Dr. Merary is from Puerto Rico and is fluent in Spanish.Courtney’s Bio:As an Accountability and Mindset Coach, Courtney is committed to helping her clients achieve their career goals to gain clarity, confidence, and alignment in their job search. With a passion for coaching and a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in today's competitive job market, Courtney works closely with clients to provide guidance, support, and actionable strategies that drive results to level up their career.Connect with us on social media: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/whatrulespod/" rel="noopener...

November 6, 202438 min

97. Harnessing Feedback for Growth

Feedback is a powerful tool for growth if you can harness it effectively.We dive into the critical role that feedback plays in professional development, especially for multicultural women who are trying to advance their careers. We tackle the significant gap with feedback in the workplace: many women report not receiving the feedback they need, or when they do, it lacks relevance and actionability.As we navigate the complexities of asking for and receiving feedback, we address the challenges that can arise. Hosts Dr. Merary Simeon and Courtney Copelin share their personal experiences and discuss how to handle feedback that may come across as emotionally charged or unconstructive.We also cover the importance of discerning the validity of the feedback you receive. Not all feedback is created equal, and some may stem from the giver's biases rather than an accurate assessment of your abilities.Episode Highlights:• How feedback affects multicultural women• How to ask for feedback• How to receive feedback• Using the R.E.A.C.H. framework for better feedback•  Not all feedback is good for you•  Recognizing bias feedback•  How to give feedback•  Feedback advice for leadersMentioned in this Episode:2023 Language Bias in Performance Feedback by Textio“Feedback Culture: Great Learning Design as a Bridge to Culture Building” by McKinsey & Co., 4/30/24Merary’s Bio:  Dr. Merary Simeon, a seasoned Human Resources executive, brings 25 years of experience as a trusted advisor to C-suite executives in Fortune 50 corporations. Dr. Merary has a doctorate in Strategic Leadership. She is a best-selling author and co-host of the What Rules!? podcast. As co-CEO of Zera Consulting, she passionately advocates for the advancement of multicultural women in the workplace. Dr. Merary is from Puerto Rico and is fluent in Spanish.Courtney’s Bio:As an Accountability and Mindset Coach, Courtney is committed to helping her clients achieve their career goals to gain clarity, confidence, and alignment in their job search. With a passion for coaching and a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in today's competitive job market, Courtney works closely with clients to provide guidance, support, and actionable strategies that drive results to level up their career.Connect with us on social media: Instagram and LinkedInMore from Alisa Manjarrez: Instagram and LinkedInMore from Courtney Copelin: Instagram and LinkedInMore from Dr. Merary Simeon: Instagram and LinkedInSign up for our newsletter at www.whatrulespodcast.com.

September 18, 202443 min

96. Listening to the Voices That Matter (from a C-suite Latina)

Fortune 30 C-level executive Maria Lensing tells us about the many rules—both corporate and cultural—she’s broken to advance her career. This Latina powerhouse from Peru has been a leader at Walgreens, McKesson and AT&T, and is now the Global CIO & CTO at Sorenson Communications. In this super candid and honest conversation celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, we chat with Maria about the realities of being a multicultural woman in corporate America. Maria points out all the voices around us—the ones we should listen to and how to work through all the other noise. “The biggest element of success is what your mind thinks and the influences that you let in,” says Maria. Passionate about advancing women in the workplace, Maria shares the #1 thing she’s learned from her corporate climb, how she’s bucked the traditional family and the three questions she asks herself when making big career moves.Theme: Changing Course Without HesitationEpisode Highlights:Don’t let others define what success looks like for youHow to make big career decisionsDefining failureBreaking cultural rulesWhat leaders can do to advance multicultural womenMaria’s Bio: Maria Lensing is the Global Chief Information Officer & Chief Technology Officer at Sorenson Communications. Prior, she was the Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer at Walgreens Boots Alliance. Before that, Maria was the CTO at McKesson. And prior to McKesson, Maria spent 11 years at AT&T in both technical and business leadership roles. She was VP of Healthcare Solutions and she was also Chief of Staff for the Chief Executive Officer of AT&T Business.Maria has a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and a Master of Science in Engineering Management from Christian Brothers University (CBU). She completed her Executive Education at Harvard Business School. She is also an independent director at Sorenson Communications and a board director for the Hispanic IT Executive Council (HITEC). Maria is passionate about STEM opportunities for youth, women in leadership and promoting minority inclusion in the executive ranks. She has received a lot of recognition, including the 2023 Top 100 Latinas by Latino Leaders Magazine and HITEC 100 Leaders for 2022, 2021 and 2020. Connect with us on our social media: Instagram and LinkedInMore from Alisa Manjarrez: Instagram and LinkedInMore from Courtney Copelin: Instagram and LinkedInMore from Dr. Merary Simeon: Instagram and LinkedInSign up for our newsletter at www.whatrulespodcast.com.

August 14, 202439 min

95. Live from IIEX: Insights for Multicultural Women in the Insights Industry

Hosts Alisa Manjarrez and Dr. Merary Simeon get real about the current landscape for women in the insights industry during this live recording at IIEX North America, one of the largest insights conferences in the world.Alisa and Dr. Merary highlight the crucial role of advancing multicultural women in the insights field and its positive impact on businesses. They also share three actionable strategies for industry professionals to support and promote women of color into leadership roles.Discover valuable tips to make a difference in your organization, whether you’re climbing the corporate ladder or already in the C-suite.Episode Highlights:Where women stand in the insights industryThe benefits of having more multicultural women in leadership Advancing through sponsorship, mentoring and coachingThe #1 thing women need to advance their careersAlisa’s Bio:Alisa Manjarrez is a storyteller, marketer and executive coach. She is the Managing Director of a B2B creative agency, co-host of the What Rules!? podcast, and has her Master's in Organizational Management & Leadership. Alisa is Mexican American and is passionate about advancing women of color in corporate America as co-CEO of Zera Consulting.Dr. Merary’s Bio:  Dr. Merary Simeon, a seasoned Human Resources executive, brings 25 years of experience as a trusted advisor to C-suite executives in Fortune 50 corporations. Dr. Merary has a doctorate in Strategic Leadership. She is a best-selling author and co-host of the What Rules!? podcast. As co-CEO of Zera Consulting, she passionately advocates for the advancement of multicultural women in the workplace. Dr. Merary is from Puerto Rico and is fluent in Spanish.Connect with us on our social media: Instagram and LinkedInMore from Alisa Manjarrez: Instagram and LinkedInMore from Courtney Copelin: Instagram and LinkedInMore from Dr. Merary Simeon: Instagram and LinkedInSign up for our newsletter at www.whatrulespodcast.com.

June 5, 202431 min

94. Creating What You Want to See

One of our core themes is Create What You Want to See. This is nothing new for Krystal Solorzano, Principal of Business Development at 10SB, a global architectural firm. Krystal has been charting her own career course since her 20s, from moving solo to South America to embarking on a new adventure in Singapore with her husband.This fearless Latina shares her insights on why working abroad can be a game-changer and what you need to know before making the move.“I like to think of myself as a creator,” says Krystal. “I create connections and I create opportunities.”We also chat about creating community wherever you go, the impact of in-person meetings and the advantage of being the only woman in the room.  Theme: Create What You Want to SeeEpisode Highlights:Creating community at different stages of your lifeMoving abroad to advance your careerThe impact of meeting in person vs virtualHow being the only woman in the room can be a superpowerConnect with us on social media: Instagram and LinkedInMore from Alisa Manjarrez: Instagram and LinkedInMore from Courtney Copelin: Instagram and LinkedInMore from Dr. Merary Simeon: Instagram and LinkedInSign up for our newsletter at www.whatrulespodcast.com.

May 1, 202432 min

93. Asking for What You Want

We’re celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month with Denise Vu Broady, a Vietnamese refugee who has climbed the corporate ladder into the C-suite and is now a mentor to other women in the tech industry.Denise shares her inspirational story of how she blossomed from an introverted young girl to the outspoken powerhouse she is today as the Chief Marketing Officer at Collibra, a software development company.We chat about owning your voice in the workplace, learning from failure and how to find the right mentor—and cultivate the relationship. “Have a voice, be yourself and think about what you want and ask for it,” says Denise. “You cannot get to professional success without breaking some rules.” Theme: Own Your PowerEpisode Highlights:Working with different culturesLearning from failureBreaking the rule of being a quiet Asian immigrantAsking for what you wantCultivating relationships with mentors and sponsorsHow to find the right mentorThere’s no such thing as being perfectCareers are marathons, not sprintsEarly career advice Mentioned in this Episode:Refugee Girl: They called us “The Boat People” by Hang Pham SonnenbergDenise’s Bio: Denise Vu Broady is the Chief Marketing Officer for Collibra and is responsible for accelerating the company’s marketing strategy, brand recognition, and growth marketing across the globe. Denise has 25+ years of enterprise technology experience and has held leadership roles at Appian, WorkForce Software, and SAP, with experience in go-to market, product launches, strategy, marketing, communications, and operations. Denise holds a double bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Production & Operations from Virginia Tech.Connect with us on social media: Instagram and LinkedInMore from Alisa Manjarrez: Instagram and LinkedInMore from Courtney Copelin: Instagram and LinkedInMore from Dr. Merary Simeon: Instagram and LinkedInSign up for our newsletter at www.whatrulespodcast.com.

April 10, 202426 min

92. Getting Ahead at Your Own Speed

If you’re comparing yourself to others, wondering if you should be further along in your career, our guest today shares how to get ahead at your own speed. While we’re encouraged to advance as quickly as possible, Paula Ramos, Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer, at Kimberly-Clark, believes in the opposite. Paula tells us how she has broken the rules by looking at her career as a sailboat and letting her curiosity guide her.“A sailboat allows me to explore,” says Paula. “And it puts the control on me on how fast I go.” Get off the fast lane and sail your way into a rewarding career with Paula’s insight and advice.Theme: Know What You WantEpisode Highlights:Looking at your career as a sailboat vs speedboatDetermining how fast you want to go in your careerHow to find variety within your role and companyForging your own path at every stage of your careerThe trap of comparing yourself to othersAre you a knower or a learner?Mentoring, sponsoring and being an example to othersPaula’s Bio: Paula Ramos is the Chief Strategy & Transformation Officer for Kimberly-Clark Corporation, where she has global responsibility for the company's enterprise strategy and the transformation initiatives designed to accelerate growth and value creation. Paula’s ambition is to fuse commercial instinct, pragmatism, technology and market insight to navigate ambiguity, champion consumer experience, and enable sustainable growth. With empathy, collaboration, and a passion for unlocking human potential, she builds inclusive teams that play to win and leave their mark upon the world.Prior to joining Kimberly-Clark in 2021, Paula was a partner at McKinsey & Company. In her 18 years at McKinsey, she advised some of the world's largest consumer goods manufacturers, retailers, and pharmaceutical companies on finding new sources of growth, transforming business portfolios, driving commercial and culture transformations, and building lasting competitive advantages. She led the firm's global consumer health practice and played pivotal roles in McKinsey's inclusion and diversity programs.A native Brazilian, Paula holds an MBA from Harvard Business School, and a Magna Cum Laude high honors degree in Commerce from McGill University. She lives in New Jersey with her husband and two daughters.Connect with us on social media: Instagram and LinkedInMore from Alisa Manjarrez: Instagram and LinkedInMore from Courtney Copelin: Instagram and LinkedInMore from Dr. Merary Simeon: Instagram and LinkedInSign up for our newsletter at www.whatrulespodcast.com.

March 20, 202435 min

91. Choosing Community Over Competition

For Women’s History Month, we debunk three myths many multicultural women have about supporting each other in corporate America. Do you think you’re only one person and can’t change the status quo? Are you afraid to sponsor another woman of color because she may make you look bad? Do you believe everyone should pay their dues as they climb the ladder?These are all myths! Check out how we disprove each and offer ways to help and support each other when we choose community over competition. Episode Highlights:The impact one person make can on another woman’s career and lifeWhat to remember when you have the chance to help someoneEasy ways to support another woman of color NOWWhat your role is (and isn’t) as a sponsor What it means to refer someone The benefits of sponsoring each otherWhy paying our dues hurts all of usMentioned in this Episode:The P.I.E. Theory of Success—Performance, Image, Exposure2023 Women in the Workplace by McKinsey & CompanyConnect with us on social media: Instagram and LinkedInMore from Alisa Manjarrez: Instagram and LinkedInMore from Courtney Copelin: Instagram and LinkedInMore from Dr. Merary Simeon: Instagram and LinkedInSign up for our newsletter at www.whatrulespodcast.com.