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Laura Barnard

Laura Barnard is the Founder of BREAKTHRU Brands, an innovative leadership development solution focused on advancing equitable representation of leaders worldwide. With a BA in Psychology from Harvard University and an MBA in Marketing & Strategic Management from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, Laura brings a profound understanding of brand power and leadership dynamics to her mission. Her career includes two decades of experience leading global brands, emphasizing building leadership brands that elevate diverse voices. As a former Division I athlete and a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, she champions energy, collaboration, and inclusivity in her work.

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Here’s a Glimpse of What You’ll Learn:

  • [0:25] Introduction to Laura Barnhart and her role at Breakthrough Brands.
  • [4:17] Laura’s career journey, including her educational background at Harvard and the University of Chicago.
  • [5:50] Discussing Laura’s upcoming book and its focus on breaking leadership stereotypes.
  • [9:30] The importance of empowering underrepresented leaders through personal leadership brands.
  • [13:13] The spark that led to the creation of Breakthrough Brands.
  • [16:52] How Laura’s corporate experience shaped her approach to leadership development.
  • [20:34] The concept of the “Brand Unlock” and its impact on developing confident leaders.
  • [23:19] The role of collaboration and teamwork in leadership branding.
  • [26:22] How Breakthrough Brands addresses the challenges underrepresented leaders face in advancing within organizations.
  • [28:57] Key insights from Laura’s work with leaders and organizations, and the importance of mission alignment.
  • [34:32] Shoutout to mentors and key clients, including Kathy Delaney Smith and Angela Ruggiero.
  • [42:29] The future of workforce development and how organizations can prepare for a diverse workforce.
  • [45:49] Laura’s vision for breaking leadership stereotypes and the development of her leadership-type model.
  • [49:10] How to connect with Laura and learn more about Breakthrough Brands.

In This Episode…

How do we bridge the gap for underrepresented leaders in today’s global workforce, ensuring they not only participate, but thrive and even lead?

According to Laura Barnard, a visionary leader, the answer lies in dismantling leadership stereotypes and leveraging brand innovation to empower these leaders. She emphasizes the critical role of personal branding in navigating the complexities of leadership for underrepresented groups. By creating a unique leadership identity that embodies authenticity and inclusivity, Laura’s approach aims to close the confidence and authority gaps often faced by these leaders, enabling them to articulate their vision and have greater impact.

In this episode of the WRK & WIN podcast, host Corinne Milien talks with Laura Barnard, Founder of BREAKTHRU Brands, about empowering underrepresented leaders through brand innovation. They discuss breaking down leadership stereotypes, the importance of personal branding in leadership development, and the transformative power of strategic partnerships in promoting diversity and inclusion.

Sponsor for this episode…

This episode is brought to you by WRK.

Managing a successful business is about more than just the bottom line — it’s about the people who make it happen.

WRK is your go-to partner for people-powered HR and staffing solutions, designed to overcome your toughest workforce challenges.

From fostering employee engagement through positive employee relations to developing future leaders with their Leadership Development programs, WRK‘s services are designed to maximize the performance of your team and ensure a vibrant, inclusive work culture.

This isn’t just HR — it’s HR reimagined.

Go to www.letsdowrk.com to learn more.

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