207. Invisible Divides in the Workplace (with Ivonne Furneaux)

In this episode of The Visibility Factor podcast, Susan’s guest is Ivonne Furneaux. She is a keynote speaker, workplace strategist and founder of emPower Up Consulting, where she helps organizations lead through change and close the invisible gaps that undermine trust, engagement and performance. With more than 20 years of experience inside complex, global organizations—including Target, UnitedHealth Group, WeightWatchers, OfficeMax and Anywhere Real Estate—Ivonne has led enterprise communications, employee experience, culture, change and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion during periods of transformation, uncertainty and growth. Grounded in both lived experience and formal training, Ivonne brings a human-centered approach to culture and communication. Using her proprietary “Ghost Gaps” concept and 4I Framework, she equips leaders and employees alike with actionable strategies to build more connected, engaged workplaces and careers.

• Ivonne Furneaux has a diverse background in corporate communications and DEI.
• The concept of 'ghost gaps' highlights invisible divides in the workplace.
• Workplace identity significantly impacts employee engagement and experience.
• Visibility in the workplace is crucial for connection and engagement.
• Organizational culture is shaped by the actions of all employees, not just leadership.
• The 4I framework can help organizations address ghost gaps effectively.
• Earning buy-in for change requires appealing to both hearts and minds.
• Sponsorship is more impactful than mentorship for career advancement.
• Transparency in communication builds trust within organizations.
• Investing in employees at all levels fosters loyalty and engagement.

The book that Ivonne recommends is Fantasticland by Mike Bockoven

Article that Ivonne wrote: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/invisible-workplace-divides-sabotaging-employee-ivonne-furneaux-qhkhc

Follow Ivonne on social media:

Website: https://ivonnefurneaux.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivonnefurneaux/

YouTube: @IvonneFurneaux Instagram: @ivonneinreallife

Link to Order Your Journey to Visibility Workbook

Thank you for listening to The Visibility Factor Podcast!   

• Check out my website to order my book and view the  videos/resources for The Visibility Factor book and Your Journey to Visibility Workbook.
• As always, I encourage you to reach out! You can email me at hello@susanmbarber.com.
• You can also find me on social media everywhere –Facebook, LinkedIn, and of course on The Visibility Factor Podcast! I look forward to connecting with you!    

If you liked The Visibility Factor Podcast, I would be so grateful if you could subscribe and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts! It helps the podcast get in front of more people who can learn how to be visible too!     

206. Finding a Career That Brings you Joy (with Monica Lebron)

In this episode of the Visibility Factor podcast, host Sue Barber interviews Monica Lebron, who shares her inspiring journey through college athletics, her decision to take a sabbatical, and her passion for writing and coaching. Raised in San Jose, CA, Lebron played softball at Yale University where her intercollegiate athletics career also began as a student worker. She went on to attend Ohio University for her MBA and Master's in Sport Administration and Tulane University for her PhD. Lebron spent 27 years working in college athletics on various Division I campuses before embarking upon her now 2-year sabbatical. Throughout her time away, she has continued to consult within the collegiate athletics space while also coaching and mentoring others along their own career journeys. She also began writing and is in pursuit of her first book deal in 2026. She loves pouring into others and helping them get where they are trying to go.

Takeaways

• Monica Lebron's journey in college athletics began unexpectedly.
• She discovered her passion for athletics while working as an assistant.
• Internships played a crucial role in her career development.
• Taking a sabbatical allowed her to reflect and grow personally.
• Monica emphasizes the importance of mentorship in her career.
• She is passionate about writing and has drafted multiple books.
• Monica aims to help others navigate their career transitions.
• She believes in the power of positivity and optimism in leadership.
• Monica's experiences have shaped her desire to coach and mentor others.

The book that Monica recommends is Who Better Than You? by Will Packer

Other resources mentioned: https://Ajharper.com

Follow Monica on social media:

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@coach.lebron?_r=1&_t=ZT-93D0jCxJUJZ

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monica-lebron-5a7325358?

Link to Order Your Journey to Visibility Workbook

Thank you for listening to The Visibility Factor Podcast!   

• Check out my website to order my book and view the  videos/resources for The Visibility Factor book and Your Journey to Visibility Workbook.
• As always, I encourage you to reach out! You can email me at hello@susanmbarber.com.
• You can also find me on social media everywhere –Facebook, LinkedIn, and of course on The Visibility Factor Podcast! I look forward to connecting with you!    

 If you liked The Visibility Factor Podcast, I would be so grateful if you could subscribe and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts! It helps the podcast get in front of more people who can learn how to be visible too!     

205. Manage Yourself to Lead Others (with Margaret Andrews)

In this episode of the Visibility Factor Podcast, host Susan M Barber interviews Margaret Andrews, a seasoned professional speaker, executive, academic leader, instructor at Harvard and author of 'Manage Yourself to Lead Others.' They discuss the importance of self-awareness, interpersonal skills, and the craft of leadership. Margaret shares her journey from being an accountant to a leadership educator, emphasizing that effective leadership begins with understanding oneself. The conversation highlights the significance of vulnerability, the role of vision in leadership, and the balance between being respected and liked as a leader. Margaret also provides practical advice for aspiring leaders and discusses the transformative impact of leadership on individuals and organizations.

Takeaways

• How Margaret got started with her class at Harvard that led to writing Manage Yourself to Lead Others.
• Leadership is a craft that requires self-understanding.
• There is no one right way to lead; it's about being authentic.
• Self-awareness is crucial for effective leadership.
• Interpersonal skills are more important than technical skills in leadership.
• Vulnerability can lead to powerful moments of self-discovery.
• Effective leaders give people a reason to follow them.
• Playing small does not serve the world; leaders must shine.
• Visibility means being seen and heard by the right people.
• Leadership involves making tough decisions that may not please everyone.
• Transformative impact in leadership comes from continuous self-improvement.

The book that Margaret recommends is Angle of Repose by Wallace Stengner and Crossing to Safety by Wallace Stegner

To learn more about Margaret’s work and her new book: https://www.margaretandrews.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaretcandrews/

Link to Order Your Journey to Visibility Workbook

Thank you for listening to The Visibility Factor Podcast!   

• Check out my website to order my book and view the  videos/resources for The Visibility Factor book and Your Journey to Visibility Workbook.
• As always, I encourage you to reach out! You can email me at hello@susanmbarber.com.
• You can also find me on social media everywhere –Facebook, LinkedIn, and of course on The Visibility Factor Podcast! I look forward to connecting with you!    

If you liked The Visibility Factor Podcast, I would be so grateful if you could subscribe and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts! It helps the podcast get in front of more people who can learn how to be visible too!