211. The Visibility Gap: How High Performers Can Elevate Their Impact

This episode of The Visibility Factor podcast explores the crucial shift from doing the work to being known for the work, highlighting how high performers can elevate their visibility and influence within organizations. Learn practical strategies to move from execution to impact and unlock leadership potential.

In this episode:

• The difference between doing the work and being known for the work
• The concept of the visibility gap and how to bridge it
• Shifting from task completion to strategic influence
• How to communicate impact effectively
• Developing a leadership mindset that commands visibility
• Three shifts to make to help you move from being the person who is doing the work to being known for the work.

Thank you for listening to The Visibility Factor Podcast!   

• Check out my website to order my books 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! Choose one episode or something that was shared that made a difference for you and put it into the review! It helps the podcast get in front of more people who can learn how to be visible too!     

leadership, visibility, influence, career growth, professional development

210. The Power of Visual Thinking in Leadership (with Todd Cherches)

Todd Cherches is the CEO and cofounder of BigBlueGumball, a NYC-based management consulting firm specializing in leadership development and executive coaching. He is a member of Marshall Goldsmith’s “MG 100 Coaches”; a three-time award-winning Adjunct Professor of leadership at NYU; a Lecturer on leadership at Columbia University; a TEDx speaker; and the author of the groundbreaking book, VisuaLeadership: Leveraging the Power of Visual Thinking in Leadership and in Life."

In this episode:

• Todd's Career Journey and Early Influences
• The China Project: A Life-Changing Experience
• Overcoming Introversion: The Path to Teaching
• Building Confidence Through Support and Preparation
• The Importance of Visibility and Communication
• Developing Leadership Content and Insights
• The Concept Behind 'Visual Leadership'
• Empowering Conversations Through Metaphors
• Understanding Different Types of Power
• Resilience and Bouncing Back from Setbacks
• Navigating Leadership and Management
• The Importance of Visibility in Leadership
• Servant Leadership and Making Others Shine
• The Power of a Learning Mindset

The Book that Todd recommends The Power Learning by Lillian Ajayi-Ore

Website: www.toddcherches.com

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

Order Todd’s VisuaLeadership Book:

https://www.amazon.com/VisuaLeadership-Leveraging-Visual-Thinking-Leadership/dp/1642933376/

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!     

209. Unlocking Content Visibility (with Sandie Markle)

Sandie Markle is the founder and CEO of Blueberri, a boutique consulting firm specializing in content engineering and structured discoverability for food tech companies and digital creators. With over a decade of experience in content strategy and digital operations, she helps leaders transform chaotic content workflows into scalable systems built for discoverability, reuse, and revenue. She is the author of the upcoming book that introduces the COSE™ framework, a practical approach to designing visibility through structure instead of constant output. Sandie speaks at industry conferences and works with teams who want their work to be seen, trusted, and built to last.

In this episode:

• Introduction to Content Strategy and Visibility
• Sandie’s Journey to Content Engineering
• The COSE 4-Step Framework
• Real-World Application of the COSE Framework
• Decoding Technology and AI for Creators
• Why Sandie is Writing Her Book Right Now
• Navigating the Content Creation Landscape
• Sandie Shares Her Passion for Professional Development
• Visibility and Discoverability in the Digital Age

The Book that Sandie recommends Write a Must Read by AJ Harper

https://www.instagram.com/blueberribiz/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandiemarkle/

https://blueberripi.blueberri.co/

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!     

208. Play Bigger at Work

If you've ever felt unsure about your role or stuck in a cycle of doubt, this episode of The Visibility Factor offers a practical and empowering perspective: treat your work environment as a playground. This simple reframing can help you experiment, be bolder, and regain your confidence, all while showing up more fully in your career.

In this episode:

• How doubt triggers smallness and disengagement, and how to shift out of it
• The concept of the workplace as a playground for safe experimentation
• Practical ways to implement the playground mindset in your career
• Success stories of clients using this mindset to elevate their roles
• The importance of mindset shifts for long-term growth and visibility
• Actionable ideas from chapter six of the Visibility Factor book
• How to measure progress and adjust your playground strategies
• The role of confidence and boldness in career advancement
• Ways to connect your mindset to real-world opportunities

The Visibility Factor (check chapter six for actionable ideas)

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!     

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!     

204. The Journey of Core Leadership

TVF 204 – The Journey of Core Leadership (with Miki Feldman Simon

In this episode of the Visibility Factor podcast, host Susan M Barber speaks with Miki Feldman Simon. She is a former corporate executive, speaker, and now the author of CORE Leadership. Some of the topics included her transitions into multiple roles and companies in leadership and her journey to becoming an author. The importance of self-leadership, navigating career transitions, and the CORE leadership framework that Miki has developed and included in her new book. The conversation emphasizes the significance of self-reflection, operationalizing values, and the power of pausing to make intentional decisions. Miki shares personal stories and insights from her coaching experiences, highlighting the impact of clarity and purpose in leadership.

Takeaways

• Miki has a diverse background in leadership roles across various industries.
• Transitions in career can be navigated by recognizing transferable skills.
• Self-reflection is crucial for understanding personal values and priorities.
• The author's journey involved setting clear goals and seeking feedback.
• The Core Leadership framework emphasizes self-leadership and intentionality.
• Operationalizing values helps align actions with personal beliefs.
• Pausing can lead to better decision-making and creativity.
• Real-life applications of the framework can transform leadership styles.
• Visibility in leadership is about showing up authentically and intentionally.
• Changing one's mind is a sign of growth and adaptability.

The book that Miki recommends is Think Again by Adam Grant

To learn more about Miki’s work and her new book: https://mikifeldmansimon.com/

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

Other resources mentioned in the podcast:

What Got You Here Won't Get You There by Marshall Goldsmith

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!