Welcome back to The Power of Owning Your Career Podcast!

In this episode, host Simone Morris sits down with technology executive Irina Dymarsky, a trailblazer known for leading complex, transformative initiatives and currently serving as the head of IT at Avixa. Irina opens up about her career journey—from a childhood ambition of becoming a business executive to navigating the zigzags of corporate life and embracing each new opportunity as a chance to grow. Together, Simone and Irina dive deep into what it really means to be in the driver's seat of your own career, sharing actionable insights on intentionality, the importance of having a North Star, building your "board of directors," and how to manifest your professional goals. Whether you're aiming for your next promotion or reimagining your path at the top, this episode offers strategies, real stories, and inspiration to help you own your journey and design your career for impact. Don't miss Irina's practical tips—from leveraging project management skills for personal growth to the magic of putting your ambitions out into the universe!

Let’s dive in!

✴️Episode TimeStamp:

00:00 Success: No One-Size-Fits-All Path

05:58 "CIO Journey Realization"

09:06 Evaluating Progress Toward Your Goals

13:12 Project Planning and Career Resilience

14:47 Career Planning and Promotion Tips

18:46 Continuous Growth and Good Deeds

23:13 "Range: AI's Limitations"

25:17 "Designing for Impact"

✴️Resources:

• 52 Tips for Owning Your Career Book by Simone E. Morris
  Leverage online resources: Social media, LinkedIn, podcasts
• Networking and asking peers for recommendations
• Continuous learning through books and connecting with industry peers (i.e., Podcast “Acquired,” book “Range”)

✴️Connect with our guest, Irina Dymarsky, at

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

✴️Connect with the show's host, Simone E. Morris, at https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonemorris/.

✴️To apply to be a guest or recommend guests for the show, visit

bit.ly/pooycshowguest.

✴️ Get More Support for Your Career:

🟢 Get Simone's Book, The Power of Owning Your Career (https://bit.ly/3xlYyl6)

🟢 Get Simone's Book, 52 Tips for Owning Your Career (https://bit.ly/43JTV03)

🟢 Get Simone's Book, Achievement Unlocked: Strategies to Set Goals and Manifest Them (https://bit.ly/3TD8rlD)

🟢 Book a complimentary coaching exploration call with Simone at https://www.careerbreakthroughcall.com

Welcome back to The Power of Owning Your Career Podcast! In this special encore episode, host Simone Morris revisits a powerful conversation with Bhavna Bartholf, a trailblazing leader who spent over two decades at Microsoft and is now Executive Vice President of Commercial Sales and Strategy at another top organization.

Bhavna takes us on an inspiring journey from her upbringing in India, where she came from a family of doctors but chose to forge her own path, to her impressive rise in tech leadership. She opens up about the challenges of staying with one organization for over 20 years, the pivotal moments that shaped her, and the importance of taking the driver’s seat in your career. Bhavna shares illuminating insights on self-advocacy, knowing your worth, and overcoming the internal and external barriers that keep us from confidently pursuing what we deserve—especially as women in the workforce.

Get ready for actionable takeaways, game-changing mindset shifts, and a reminder of your power. Whether feeling stuck or looking to level up your career ownership journey, this episode contains wisdom and inspiration you won’t want to miss.

Let’s dive in!

Episode TimeStamp:

00:00 Top Career Podcast Honors/Bhavana Bartholf Introduction
03:27 "Bhavana Bartholf: Career Growth Insights"
07:18 Driven by Purposeful Giving
11:40 Unexpected Career Start at Microsoft
15:53 Career Growth During Pandemic Reorganization
19:23 "The Power of Saying No"
21:30 Cultivating Confidence and Self-Advocacy
25:01 Rediscovering Purpose Through Self-Reflection
29:21 "Secrets to Self-Advocacy Revealed"
31:31 Overcoming Fear Through Preparation
33:53 Forge Your Own Path
37:50 "Gratitude for Bhavana's Impact"

Resources:

52 Tips for Owning Your Career Book by Simone E. Morris
Self-assessment tools (for understanding strengths, motivators, and drivers)
TEDx Talk by Bhavana Bartholf (on self-advocacy and career ownership)
LinkedIn (as a platform for connection and career networking)

Connect with our guest, Bhavana Bartholf, at

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

Connect with the show's host, Simone E. Morris, at https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonemorris/.

To apply to be a guest or recommend guests for the show, visit

bit.ly/pooycshowguest.

✴️ Get More Support for Your Career:

🟢 Get Simone's Book, The Power of Owning Your Career (https://bit.ly/3xlYyl6)

🟢 Get Simone's Book, 52 Tips for Owning Your Career (https://bit.ly/43JTV03)

🟢 Get Simone's Book, Achievement Unlocked: Strategies to Set Goals and Manifest Them (https://bit.ly/3TD8rlD)

🟢 Book a complimentary coaching exploration call with Simone at https://www.careerbreakthroughcall.com

In an engaging return to The Power of Owning Your Career Podcast, Simone Morris reconnects with the brilliant Bridgett McGowen, renowned for her expertise in communication and presentation skills. This episode is packed with invaluable insights on how to own your professional narrative in today's competitive landscape. Simone and Bridgett delve into the power of storytelling with "receipts," mastering digital communication (including Bridgett's PIE strategy), and the art of active listening for career advancement. Whether you're navigating remote work or seeking to amplify your personal brand, Bridgett's practical advice from her book "Show Up and Show Out" will empower you to become unforgettable. Tune in and unlock the secrets to career mastery!

Episode Timestamp:

00:00 Own Your Career Narrative

06:12 "Social Media PIE Strategy"

07:39 Leveraging Social Media for Opportunities

10:37 Purposeful Communication for Visibility

15:27 "5 in 2025 Initiative"

19:38 Engage and Adapt Your Narrative

22:09 Connect with B Online

Connect with our guest, Bridgett McGowen at

https://www.connectwithb.com

Connect with the show's host, Simone E. Morris, at https://www.connectwithsimone.com

To apply to be a guest on the show, visit

bit.ly/pooycshowguest

✴️ Get More Support for Your Career:

🟢 Get Simone's Book, The Power of Owning Your Career (https://bit.ly/3xlYyl6)

🟢 Get Simone's Book, 52 Tips for Owning Your Career (https://bit.ly/43JTV03)

🟢 Get Simone's Book, Achievement Unlocked: Strategies to Set Goals and Manifest Them (https://bit.ly/3TD8rlD)

🟢 Book a complimentary coaching fit call with Simone at https://www.careerbreakthroughcall.com