Rules to Thrive with Olga Lykova

In this episode, we sit down with Anna Szpunar, an executive and leadership coach whose journey is a powerful example of trusting your intuition and embracing change. Originally from London, Anna shares how a visit to New York sparked a dream she couldn't ignore—one that ultimately led her to leave behind the familiar and build a new life in the United States. After more than 20 years in media...

In this episode, we sit down with Crystelle, a multicultural creative and partnerships leader whose journey spans continents, industries, and constant reinvention. Raised in France with roots across multiple cultures, Crystelle shares how growing up between identities shaped the way she approaches ambition, relationships, and building a meaningful life. From internships in stem cell therapy and pu...

In this episode, we sit down with Suki Toguchi, Chief of Staff at Gilead Sciences, whose journey is defined by resilience, discipline, and a relentless commitment to growth. Born in China during the one-child policy, Suki immigrated to New York at just six years old with her family, arriving with only $100 and the determination to build something more. Growing up as a first-generation immigrant, s...

In this episode, we sit down with Marie-Michèle Caron , Chief Revenue Officer at Tempo, whose career has been shaped by one powerful piece of advice: “Work yourself out of a job.” Born and raised in Quebec, Canada, Marie took a leap of faith when her company relocated her to San Francisco to build a strategic partnership with Salesforce, an opportunity that helped propel Coveo from $2M to $100M in...

In this episode, we sit down with Cassandra Rodrigues , a global marketing leader whose career spans nearly two decades at the intersection of technology, leadership, and transformation. From her early days growing up in a modest apartment in Mumbai to becoming a Senior Vice President at one of the world’s largest communications groups, Cassandra’s journey is a powerful study in resilience, ambiti...

In this episode, we sit down with Jo Madani , an award-winning marketing leader with over two decades of experience at the intersection of creativity, culture, and storytelling. Known for her entrepreneurial spirit and multidisciplinary approach, Jo has led campaigns recognized by the American Advertising Federation and contributed to fashion and lifestyle publications across India and the U.S., i...

When Regina Viadro was sixteen, her family left everything behind — their home, their language, their careers — to start over in a new country. What she witnessed in her parents wasn’t loud ambition or fearless risk-taking, but quiet courage: the kind that shows up every day to build a better future, one small step at a time. In this episode, Regina shares how those early lessons shaped her path f...

In this candid conversation, Katherine Heisler Chance shares how advocating for yourself, embracing uncertainty, and learning to “love the mess” can accelerate your growth. Kat reflects on her own journey—rising from entry-level to Director in just three years, navigating a life-changing MS diagnosis, and building multimillion-dollar partner programs at Conductor, monday.com , and now Google Works...

What does it take to build an unstoppable career? In this episode, we sit down with Victoria Pelletier—corporate exec, board director, best-selling author, and keynote speaker—known as the “Turnaround Queen” and “CEO Whisperer.” Victoria shares her journey from buying her first business at 20 to becoming one of the youngest COOs at 24, leading 40+ M&A deals, and building her leadership brand,...

Dr. Alissa “Jay” Abdullah didn’t follow a straight line to the top—she carved her own path. From studying math at an HBCU to securing the nation’s most sensitive systems at the White House, and now leading cyber innovation at Mastercard, Dr. Jay shares the moments that shaped her. In this episode, we talk about identity, leadership, and what it really takes to grow a career in tech as a Black woma...

In this episode, we sit down with Clara Sancho Ortega - HR Director at LVMH Fashion Group UK - to explore her unconventional path from film sets to fashion boardrooms. Clara shares how she carved out a leadership role across brands like Givenchy, Loewe, and Marc Jacobs, and reflects on creative ambition, habit-building, and what balance really looks like in the world of luxury.

In this episode, we sit down with Corinne Sklar - Vice President and Managing Director for Salesforce at IBM and a trailblazing leader in customer experience, AI, and digital transformation. Corinne shares her career journey from building and scaling Bluewolf, to driving massive growth at IBM, all while navigating the real, often hidden costs of prioritizing ambition early on. We get into: - The p...

In this episode, we sit down with Stephanie Glenn — Chief Commercial Officer at Maven Clinic and former EVP at Salesforce — to unpack the career journey of a powerhouse leader who’s done it all, from scaling global GTM teams to finding deeper purpose in mission-driven work. Stephanie shares her path from big tech to women’s health, along with the mindset shifts, habits, and relationships that help...

How do you build a career that aligns with your ambitions and values? Susan Detmar joins us to share her journey from an unexpected start in sales to leading small business acquisition at LinkedIn. She opens up about the pivotal moments, risks, and relationships that shaped her success. From career transitions to leadership growth, Susan offers insights on navigating challenges and making intentio...

What does it take to carve out a career on your own terms? Estee Cross shares her journey from publishing to digital media, taking bold risks, and balancing ambition with personal life. From navigating career transitions—including a game-changing move to Tumblr—to defining non-negotiables and advocating for yourself, Estee breaks down the mindset shifts that lead to success. We discuss: 🔹 Taking...

What happens when you leave a decade-long career in finance to chase a calling in leadership and executive coaching? Marina Cvetkovic  knows firsthand the power of trusting your gut and taking bold leaps. In this episode, she shares her journey of reinvention—how she navigated fear, rejection, and the unknown to build a career that’s not only successful but deeply fulfilling. Marina is an  award-w...