What would it take to build a global movement that empowers millions of girls to change the world through technology?

In this episode, you’ll meet Tara Chklovski, the powerhouse behind Technovation—the world’s largest tech entrepreneurship program for girls.

Born in India and raised by women who shattered expectations, Tara shares how self-reliance, vision, and the courage to walk away from a PhD in aerospace engineering led her to launch a nonprofit that’s transforming lives in over 120 countries. With a bold new goal of equipping 25 million girls with AI and tech skills by 2030, she’s creating a future where innovation is driven by inclusion—not exclusion.

You’ll hear what it means to stay relevant in a world that’s changing faster than ever, why confidence is something you build, not something you’re given, and how creating—even in small ways—can transform your sense of purpose.

Visit our website where you will find show notes and links to all the resources in this episode, including the best way to get in touch with our special guest.

The key moments in this episode are:

[00:00] Introduction to Beyond Barriers Podcast
[00:26] The Importance of Staying Relevant as a Leader
[01:01] Meet Tara Chklovski: Building a Global Movement
[02:29] Tara's Personal Journey and Family Influence
[03:40] Starting Fresh: From Aerospace to Nonprofit
[05:14] The Birth of Technovation
[09:43] Impact and Ripple Effects of Technovation
[12:25] Leadership and Personal Branding
[14:03] Facing the Future: Innovation and AI
[20:15] Building Confidence Through Creation
[21:28] Intentional Living and Decompression
[21:59] Physical Strength and Social Support
[25:38] Setting and Achieving Ambitious Goals
[27:42] Sustaining Energy and Fighting for Equality
[30:52] The Importance of Community and Self-Reliance
[34:18] Lightning Round and Final Thoughts

What does it take to turn technical expertise into transformational leadership?

In this episode, you’ll meet Judy Toland, Vice President of Global Audience Marketing at Meta, whose journey from chemical engineer to executive leader proves that blending STEM smarts with people-first leadership is a powerful formula for success.

Judy opens up about her unconventional career path, sharing how curiosity, intentional reflection, and goal-setting helped her pivot across five industries — from automotive to finance to tech. Along the way, she’s faced big risks, taken up space in rooms where she was often the only one like her, and stayed grounded in her mission to lead with empathy and conviction.

Tune in to discover how to navigate career inflection points, balance ambition with authenticity, and engineer a career that aligns with your purpose.

Visit our website where you will find show notes and links to all the resources in this episode, including the best way to get in touch with our special guest.

The key moments in this episode are:

[00:00] Introduction to Beyond Barriers Podcast
[02:34] Judy's Early Life and Influences
[03:58] From Engineering to Marketing: Career Transitions
[09:54] The Importance of Sports and Resilience
[12:41] Navigating Career Pivots and Mentorship
[16:16] Balancing Personal and Professional Life
[22:53] Early Morning Routine and Focus
[23:39] Balancing Work and Personal Life
[25:40] Overcoming Big Challenges
[26:14] Taking Risks and Career Moves
[33:55] Importance of Community and Support
[36:24] Lightning Round and Final Thoughts

Leadership isn’t just about making decisions—it’s about listening deeply, building trust, and having the courage to grow through challenges. In this episode, Carrie Hansen, President and COO of AssetMark, shares her remarkable journey from a field hockey scholarship at Berkeley to leading global operations, scaling teams, and shaping the culture of a $130B investment platform.

Carrie opens up about what it really means to lead with heart. She reflects on her early days navigating financial services, the pivotal leadership lessons she learned managing teams in Japan at 28, and how humility, discipline, and a deep belief in people have shaped her career. You’ll learn why failing fast is a strength, how to cultivate a high-performing team, and how authenticity builds lasting influence—no matter your title.

Visit our website where you will find show notes and links to all the resources in this episode, including the best way to get in touch with our special guest.

The key moments in this episode are:

[00:00] Introduction to Beyond Barriers Podcast
[01:20] Carrie Hansen's Career Journey
[02:41] Early Career Challenges and Lessons
[06:04] Leadership and Team Building
[06:52] Navigating Cultural Differences in Japan
[13:33] Balancing Confidence and Humility
[17:27] Decision Making and Risk Taking
[22:36] Staying Ahead in the Financial Industry
[24:14] Staying Informed and Learning Continuously
[25:35] Balancing Work and Personal Life
[28:45] Leading by Example
[33:05] The Power of Community and Relationships
[37:47] Lightning Round and Final Thoughts