In this episode of the Power of the Ask podcast, Dana Cox, MBA, PMP, Senior VP of Global Delivery Enablement at MasterCard, and 2023 Savvy Ladies Mentorship Award recipient, shares insights on cultivating talent, building transformative relationships, and balancing her roles as a mother of six and grandmother of three. She emphasizes the importance of preparation, strategic communication, and self-reflection in leadership.

Dana recounts overcoming corporate challenges, including a pivotal moment when her innovative idea saved her company millions. Her dedication to empowering others is evident in her work with Custom Collaborative and her travel business, Cox Travel Adventures. Dana inspires through meticulous time management and continuous learning.

In this episode, we will discuss how Dana:

💠 Shares her passion for realizing your full potential and fearlessly pursuing it.

💠 Explains that preparation and being well-informed are key to meaningful contributions.

💠 Discusses the importance of creating a cycle of empowerment and guiding others in their careers.

She credits her success to a supportive network, constructive feedback, and the inspiring stories that make the Power of the Ask come to life

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Dana L. Cox, MBA, PMP, is a highly accomplished executive in the corporate world, currently serving as the Senior Vice President of Global Delivery Enablement at Mastercard. With a heart full of love for family, friends, and community, Dana has successfully climbed the corporate ladder from an administrative assistant to her current role, raising her family and becoming an entrepreneur, building her curated luxury travel business. Dana combines traditional work ethic, modern thinking, and passion for mentoring rising talent. Recipient of the 2023 Savvy Ladies Mentorship Award alongside her mentee Mara, Dana cultivates talent across cultures and teams while forging relationships that transform, inspire, and make an impact on not only the people she works with but also how her work moves forward, embracing her brilliance.

Dana earned a BS in Business from Upper Iowa University and an MBA from Cardinal Stritch University. She calls her six children and three grandchildren her “heart and soul” and calls out her “support system village” for supporting her on her journey. She serves on the board of Custom Collaborative, an innovative New York City-based social enterprise that helps women from low-income and immigrant communities earn fair pay by launching businesses and careers in the fashion industry.

Overview:
Introduction 00:00
Finding Your Voice 01:06
The Journey 05:18
A Seat at the Table 08:42
The Importance of a Support System 12:48
Becoming a Leader 14:20

This episode of the Power of the Ask podcast features executive, attorney, team builder and management strategist Melissa Norden, JD, CEO of NYC-based nonprofit Bottomless Closet.

As a passionate nonprofit executive with strong business acumen, Melissa has guided small and large organizations for more than 20 years. She distills complex business issues into creative, pragmatic, actionable solutions. She focuses on building and navigating diverse stakeholder relationships and developing high-performance teams.

On the #podcast, Melissa:

💠 Shares her passion for helping disadvantaged women access the tools they need to feel successful and empowered.

💠 Explains the mission of Bottomless Closet and the advocacy and support they have given to more than 25,000 women.

💠 Discusses the importance of teaching women financial management skills so they can first move up, and then model that knowledge for their children.
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Melissa celebrates small victories and cultivates optimism in the women served by Bottomless Closet. “Seeing success around you,” she says, “inspires you to strive for your own. Without self-confidence and self-worth, it’s hard to project that to others.” Her inspiring story makes this Power of the Ask episode a great listen. [LINK]

Melissa Norden, JD, Bio: Melissa is an executive, attorney, and strategist dedicated to empowering disadvantaged women. With over 20 years of experience, she has led small and large organizations, offering creative and actionable solutions. As CEO of NYC-based Bottomless Closet, she builds diverse stakeholder relationships and high-performance teams.

Melissa earned her JD from Brooklyn Law School and transitioned to the nonprofit sector, spending 13 years with the ASPCA, where she managed a $170 million organization with over 700 employees. For the past eight years, she has led Bottomless Closet, helping women achieve self-sufficiency through interview attire selection, resume reviews, interview coaching, and professional development workshops.

Melissa’s solutions-focused approach and dedication to helping others drive her passion.

Overview
Introduction to Melissa Norden 00:00:00
Tell Us About Bottomless Closet 00:03:01
What Inspired You? 00:11:25
What Does Transformation Mean to You? 00:15:30
What Story Inspired You the Most? 00:20:00
Bringing Positivity Forward 00:24:03
The Impact of Feeling Confident 00:27:57
Money & Finances For Women 00:31:13

This episode of the Power of the Ask podcast features financial media spokesperson and wealth activist Lazetta Rainey Braxton, MBA, CFP®, co-CEO and co-founder of 2050 Wealth Partners and founder of Lazetta & Associates.

For nearly 30 years, Lazetta has worked to build successful entrepreneurial ventures, drive innovation, and navigate the complexity of diversity in the financial services industry. She possesses a unique understanding of consumer engagement, talent management, and regulatory requirements shaping the evolving financial services landscape.

On the podcast, Lazetta shares her inspiration to pursue financial planning and her desire to level the playing field for women and minorities. She explains how her experience with toxic work environments in the financial industry led her to form her own financial advisory firm. She provides tips for women starting out in their careers or businesses and underscores the importance of being comfortable with financial information — no matter what the setting. Lazetta stresses financial education, podcasts, and online resources are crucial in providing valuable information to this generation and the next.

For Lazetta, it’s all about doing the work. Her advocacy is anchored in humanity, in people, in reminding institutions that they are a consortium of people. Her passion for amplifying diversity, inclusion, equality, and belonging in the financial planning profession is exciting and a great listen.

Overview:
Tell Us About Yourself 00:00
Let's Talk About the 1% 04:45
What Surprised You About Financial Education 13:10
What You Need to Know 15:48
Inspiring Self Confidence 20:55
Putting You Into A Box 27:03
Power of the Ask 29:51

Important Links:

Lisa Zeiderman, Esq., CDFA, CFL - Forbes Business Council | LinkedIn
Precious L. Williams - Perfect Pitch Group | LinkedIn
Lazetta Braxton |Linkedin

This episode of the Power of the Ask podcast features economic equity strategist Mary Hagerty Ehrsam, president of partnerships at Operation HOPE, Inc., where she cultivated $300M in revenue streams and avenues for growth, scale, and sustainability.

For more than three decades, Mary has served as a leader in economic equity and financial dignity, working to drive $3.5B in private investment into underserved, low-wealth communities worldwide. She developed and launched the HOPE youth programs, expanded the HOPE Inside model nationwide, and led the global expansion in South Africa and the Middle East.

On the podcast, Mary shares how she came to Operation HOPE more than 25 years ago and how its mission to enact social justice through an economic equity lens was something that resounded with her. She has led the organization nationally to 274 cities, educating millions of individuals. But, Mary stresses, it's not just about the numbers and outputs, it's about the outcomes.

For Mary, teamwork makes the dream work. Her passion for economic equity, financial dignity, corporate social responsibility, and public-private partnerships is inspiring and a great listen.

Overview
Tell Us About Yourself 00:00
What Are You Most Proud Of 15:42
Why Financial Education Is Important 20:57
Taking Control of Your Future 26:47
What Programming Is Impactful? 32:40
Growing Demands 38:01

Important Links:

Lisa Zeiderman, Esq., CDFA, CFL - Forbes Business Council | LinkedIn
Precious L. Williams - Perfect Pitch Group | LinkedIn
Mary Ehrsam | LinkedIn

Join the movement of empowerment with "The Power of the Ask" podcast, where women are encouraged to embrace their voices. Hosted by Savvy Ladies Lisa Zeiderman and Precious Williams, this episode features an insightful conversation with Clara Sierra, a trailblazing figure in the financial industry.

Clara Sierra, a Dominican American working mom, shares her journey from humble beginnings to senior director of business development at Moody’s Analytics. Through her story, listeners will be inspired to break free from societal norms, embrace their authenticity, and build strong networks that elevate themselves and others.

The episode delves into the importance of networking, authenticity, and asking for what you’re worth in both personal and professional spheres. With practical advice and powerful insights, Clara encourages women of diverse backgrounds to step into their power and create meaningful change in their lives and communities.

Listeners are reminded that success is not a solo journey but a collective effort, and by lifting each other up and advocating for themselves, women can redefine the narrative and achieve their fullest potential. Join the movement of empowerment today and unleash the power of asking.

Overview
Tell Us About Yourself 0:00
Building Your Network 6:13
Connecting Diversity in the Financial Industry 12:39
What Do You Take the Most Pride In? 17:59
Impactful Change 22:09

Important Links:

Lisa Zeiderman, Esq., CDFA, CFL - Forbes Business Council | LinkedIn
Precious L. Williams - Perfect Pitch Group | LinkedIn
Clara Sierra | LinkedIn

This episode of the Power of the Ask podcast features investment professional Derby Chukwudi, the current Miss New Jersey USA and a 1st generation Nigerian-American born in Dallas, TX, raised in Lagos, Nigeria, and now resides in Hoboken, New Jersey.

Derby shares her inspiring story of juggling a demanding career on Wall Street with her reign as Miss New Jersey USA. She is passionate about advocating for financial literacy among young people to prepare them for a future of financial freedom and choices. On the podcast, she discusses the importance of building capacity, asking for what you want, and using your voice to make a difference. Her insights on leadership, goal-setting, and overcoming fear will motivate you to pursue your own dreams, no matter how big they may seem.

Derby Chukwudi’s Bio:

Derby is a member of the Global Investment Strategy Team at JPMorgan Private Bank in Midtown, New York. Prior to this role, she worked at the New Jersey Private Bank alongside a team responsible for advising ultra-high-net-worth individuals, families, and foundations on various wealth management matters, including asset allocation and investment portfolio construction, lending, and wealth transfer planning. Derby joined J.P. Morgan in 2018 as a Summer Analyst and returned full-time in 2019 after graduating with her undergraduate degrees. Derby graduated cum laude from Berea College with a BSc. Degree in Business Administration and B.A. degree in Economics.

Overview:
Personal Growth and Legacy (01:20)
Career Growth and Financial Literacy (17:34)
Networking and Asking the Right Questions (27:00)

Important Links:
Savvy Ladies
Precious Williams' LinkedIn
Lisa Zeiderman's LinkedIn
Derby Chukwudi's LinkedIn