Tal and PJ welcome Shellye Archambeau, a trailblazing technology leader and icon in the business world. Shellye's career began at IBM, where she became the first African American woman to be sent on an international assignment. She was later recruited by Blockbuster and launched their first online presence. Shellye then became one of the first female African American CEOs in Silicon Valley at MetricStream, a company she built into a global market leader. She serves on the boards of Verizon, Nordstrom, Roper Technologies, and Okta and is a strategic advisor to Forbes Ignite. Shellye is also the author of the inspiring book "Unapologetically Ambitious."

Episode Summary:

Shellye Archambeau shares her journey from a young saleswoman at IBM to becoming a top executive in the tech industry. She discusses the challenges she faced, including overcoming impostor syndrome and balancing personal and professional life. Shellye also talks about the importance of risk-taking, building networks, and her vision for future leaders.

Key Questions:

1. Shellye's early influences and decisions that led her to the life path she chose.

2. Significant barriers Shellye faced at IBM and how she navigated them.

3. Insights and lessons learned from her time at Blockbuster.

4. Personal experiences and lessons learned during her tenure as CEO of MetricStream.

5. Stories and strategies for overcoming impostor syndrome.

6. Practical advice for ambitious women balancing work, marriage, and parenthood.

7. Key factors in Shellye's risk matrix and managing fear in decision-making.

8. Approaching and building meaningful professional relationships.

9. Important qualities and skills for aspiring leaders in corporate America.

10. Insights on writing "Unapologetically Ambitious" and what she hopes readers take away from it.

11. The role of mentorship and how Shellye has both benefited from and contributed to it.

12. How Shellye has seen the tech industry evolve and where she sees it heading.

13. Advice for young professionals facing setbacks and how to use them as stepping stones.

Special Mentions:

- Shellye's early career at IBM and Blockbuster.

- Leadership at MetricStream and contributions to the tech industry.

- Insights from her book "Unapologetically Ambitious."

Quotable Moments:

- "A setback can be a stepping stone if you allow it to be."

- "When your best times collide with your worst, you are defining and unleashing the Incredible in you."

Connect with Shellye:

Listeners can connect with Shellye through her LinkedIn profile and find her book "Unapologetically Ambitious" wherever books are sold.

Outro:

Thanks to Shellye Archambeau for sharing her inspiring journey and valuable insights. Her story of resilience, ambition, and leadership continues to inspire many.

Listener Engagement:

We invite listeners to share their thoughts and stories of overcoming challenges in their own entrepreneurial journeys.

Disclaimer:

The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Braving Business Podcast or its hosts.

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