Flip the Tortilla

Sandi Peterson is extraordinarily successful from any measurement. You can find her name on many lists of global; impactful, and influential leaders. She is also known for her dedication to mentoring and philanthropy. I worked for Sandi at J&J. We have kept in frequent contact over the years and continue to share our perspectives about careers, life, and commitment to personal growth.. I think you will really enjoy Sandi's insights and lessons for living your best life and career. I have sure learned a great deal from her!

The mindset of Flipping the Tortilla is about refusing to accept situations that are suboptimal to our sense of self of well-being. People who live by this philosophy find a way to change their circumstances by refusing to accept the status quo. Through planning, creating momentum, and sheer hell-bent determination they find a way to thrive. Samina Bari epitomizes this mindset. She is the daughter of immigrant Pakistani and Indian Muslims. She talks about the oppressive expectations of her mother, the supportive nature of her physician father, and the struggle of straddling cultures. Samina became a highly successful executive and then went on to start a business where she is a sought-after healthcare strategist to CEOs. Just a year ago, she suddenly and unexpectedly lost her husband and the father of their two young children. Samina is such an inspiration and shares invaluable insights about overcoming adversity and the gift of community.

If you are interested in how to have a meaningful career that is marked by purpose and success, this is the podcast for you! Rich (Raz) shares with us his journey from Corporate America to successful entrepreneur. Plenty of employees refer to Rich as the "best boss ever" and his peers see him as one of the coolest, most passionate, and enlightened individuals they know. Denice worked with Rich over 20 years ago and they had a blast catching up and talking about work, life, family, personal growth, and joy. You will love this episode!

In honor of Pride Month, Ester Banque, Executive VP and President of U.S. Operations for Zoetis, (the world's leading animal health company) shares her journey of coming out at work. Wildly successful, Ester is so warm, authentic, and wise. Born in Spain, she is a mom, wife, inspirational leader with extensive global experiences and a breadth of executive roles. Her words about sharing our authentic self at work will have meaning for everyone. On top of it all, we talk about the importance of animals in our lives! You will love this episode!

Ambidextrous thinkers are super adept at both left and right-brain thinking. They can see the big picture as well as zoom in on details. George Barrett is one of those people, a true polymath. His accomplishments are incredibly inspiring: CEO of a Fortune 20 company, policy influencer, board member, professor, accomplished athlete, and thriving musician. His recently released debut album, Not Alone, is a beautifully composed work, soulfully written and backed by industry-leading singers and composers. In this episode, George shares how he uses and balances his left and right brain thinking.

Our habits and thoughts influence how we see ourselves and the world around us. Amy Kemp, an expert in the power of habits, discusses how to leverage positive habits and recognize and change habits that hold us back from our potential. One of her insights is “If you're going to make up a story in your head, make it a good one.” We also discuss the critical ingredient that sits between goals and results… momentum!

Amy Schulman is an iconic leader who is managing partner at venture capital firm, Polaris. She has been a CEO, served on numerous high profile boards, worked in the C-suite of a Fortune 5 company, and named to Fortune's Most Powerful Women list. These are just a few of her many accomplishments. She is also an incredible mentor to many and is well known for her selfless giving back. This episode is full of simply priceless lessons!

Did you know the US often ranks lower than other developed countries when it comes to women's healthcare? While we have the leading healthcare spending per capita, we also have one of the highest maternal mortality rates and percentage un/underinsured. Healthcare disparity for women is a critical topic for all of us. Esteemed women's health expert, Dr. Susan Nicholson, discusses what we need to know and how we can be more proactive with our own healthcare.

Patricia Bradley, seasoned healthcare executive, is a master of networking. In this episode, Patricia will share priceless tips on how to network and create meaningful connections in a genuine way.

Rahul Singhvi is the Co-founder and CEO of Resilience, a first-of-its-kind manufacturing and technology company dedicated to broadening access and availability to complex medicines. Rahul's leadership experiences span large organizations and start-ups. His wealth of accomplishments and humility set the stage for invaluable lessons in leadership and cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset.

Phoebe Atkinson, clinician, positive psychology expert, and co-facilitator of Women's Leadership Program at Rutgers, shares how we can increase our ability to connect with others in the workplace. Genuine connection fosters new ways to gain valuable mentors. While this can feel intimidating, knowledge and practice can turn you into a maestro of mentoring!

Disclosure: I love Oofos recovery shoes. I sought out Darren Brown, their Head Of Marketing to learn more about what makes this company and their products so amazing. Not only do they make shoes that make you say "aaah" they give back in a big way. If you know about Oofos, you know. If not, I hope you can take a moment to learn about how passion wins.

Being an "adult" can suck the sense of play and creativity out of us! Samantha Lomow, CEO of Playworks! has successfully led major change efforts at companies like Foot Locker and Hasbro. She shares valuable lessons on the importance of play and creativity in our careers and how we can get back to leveraging our inner child.

Best friends, Allie and Elle, are in their early 30's, have wildly successful careers, and are balancing the demands of families and motherhood. Allie has held positions at Modern Work and Security, Microsoft, and Mastercard. Elle is an attorney who worked in the Obama administration and was featured in the book, Yes She Can: 10 Stories of Hope & Change from Young Female Staffers of the Obama White House. She now works at a major pharmaceutical company. Together they talk candidly about confidence, careers, and choices and share some great insights!

From professional dancer to C-suite leader and expert in health tech, Alissa Hsu-Lynch is an accomplished executive and a master at creating new possibilities. Alissa has held management positions at J&J, Google, and Bausch Health and is a Henry Crown Fellow at the Aspen Institute. She shares invaluable lessons on how to grow a portfolio career by growing your skills and creating new options.

Kat is one of those people that epitomizes resilience and determination. The first to attend college in her family, Kat overcame tremendous barriers to gain an impressive education at some of the best schools in the country. After earning great success at several large healthcare companies, Kat co-founded Artemis Factor, a highly successful project management firm that partners with life sciences companies.

I was recently watching Tik Tok videos about macro dieting and stumbled upon Aurora Christiano (“Bicep Blonde”). Aurora decided she wanted to get healthier, and while raising a small child and managing a professional career, she lost 35 pounds and competed in her first professional bodybuilding competition. Her approach intrigued me, and I wanted to share her insights on transformation with you. I think you will enjoy this “Flip the Tortilla” story!

You are in for a real treat with this episode! Dr. Groppel talks with us about how to be more healthy (and happy). Dr. Groppel is a global expert in the field of human performance and served as the co-founder of the Johnson & Johnson Human Performance Institute. He is the author of numerous peer-reviewed articles and books, most notably The Corporate Athlete. Dr. Groppel was recently inducted into the USTPA Hall of Fame. He role models what he teaches and shares how he climbed Kilimanjaro after a bilateral knee replacement.

In January 2023, Sandra Velasquez went on Shark Tank and pitched Nopalera, her line of skin care products derived from nopal, the prickly- pear cactus. Velasquez, who is of Mexican heritage and has a background in sales, wanted to create a brand that celebrates her Latino heritage while creating clean, sustainable products. She started the business out of her Brooklyn apartment in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. Sandra received an offer from one of the Sharks but turned it down. Today, Nopalera (www.nopalera.co) is thriving and is valued in the double-digit millions. She bet it all on her vision and abilities to build an inspiring, thriving business. Lots of great lessons in this episode!

Flip the Tortilla is back after an unexpected four-month hiatus! After undergoing a routine knee replacement in March, Denice woke up in the hospital with some complications, including a pulmonary embolism and excruciating pain from a herniated disc. Denice talks about her journey through unrelenting pain, uncertainty, moments of despair, and the incredible power of meditation, breathing exercises, and positive thinking in her recovery, She hopes her learnings can help anyone that is experiencing mental and/or physical pain. We are all in this together!

Tina Lifford is an actor, playwright, author, and Founder of The Inner Fitness Project. She shares with us invaluable steps to strengthen our inner fitness so that we can live our best life!

Debra Sandler is an uber-successful executive who has served in the C-suite of some of the most prestigious companies. Today, she serves on multiple high-profile boards and also works tirelessly to help place women and underrepresented talent on boards. Her experience and wisdom are priceless as she talks about the power of taking action - both on our personal goals and in helping others.

Are you someone who never wants to feel stuck in a position or with a company? This episode is for you! Coco Brown shares terrific advice about steps to get to the next level, a different role, or the board room. Coco is the founder and CEO of Athena Alliance, a firm that helps female leaders reach their career goals through skill development, networking, mentoring, coaching, and other services. Coco has helped many women achieve their ultimate career goals and shares practical tips on navigating your path to success (whatever that means for you!).

Many people who create something extraordinary are wildly creative, persistent, passionate, and don't take no for an answer. While there may be a million and one reasons to quit, they don't. Andrew Miller is that person. Brilliant by any standard, Andrew is a founder of Karuna Therapeutics, a biopharmaceutical company in Boston. Dr. Miller is the lead inventor of Karuna's KarXT platform (solutions for treating psychiatric and neurological conditions). While still in his 20s, Andrew found a path to bring a potential breakthrough treatment for severe mental illness to those in need. MedTech Boston named Dr. Miller one of the top 40 innovators under 40. Andrew is masterful at Flipping the Tortilla and finding a way.

Many of us are underdogs. We've been told we can't or won't and use that as fuel for kicking ass. It takes a lot of hard work, falling and getting back up, and sheer determination to achieve and even go beyond our dreams. Diane is an example of someone who is living the American Dream. When Diane and her parents came to the U.S., they lived in a one-bedroom, cockroach-infested apartment. At a young age, she taught her dad English. A Princeton and Northwestern grad, Diane is now revered as an outstanding C-suite leader who has worked at premier companies. You will be inspired by her story. Yes, YOU can!

A number of years ago, Vishu Patel was a summer intern in my organization at J&J. She clearly had the “it factor” way back then, and I have since had the pleasure to watch her grow as a person and now a successful executive at LinkedIn. Vishu has achieved many levels of success in a short period of time! She shares lessons about navigating careers, developing multiple income streets, and the pursuit of happiness in our daily work. 

Dr. Sue Desmond-Hellmann is an American icon - a physician-scientist who led the development of the first gene-targeted drug for treating breast cancer, former CEO of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Chancellor of UCSF, and esteemed board member. Sue shares how her purpose and personal values shaped her career.  Priceless.

Kaye Foster is a wildly successful leader (and an incredible person) whose purpose is to "give voice to the voiceless." She is adviser, philanthropist, and former C-suite senior executive in human capital at several companies including Johnson & Johnson and Onyx Pharmaceuticals. She serves on the board of multiple public, private and non-profit organizations. You will enjoy her humble confidence, insights on a life of meaning, and lessons from climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. This is a don't miss episode!

Mark Divine is a master of many things! He is a Navy SEAL Commander, best-selling author, yoga master, and human potential expert. He shares the power of vulnerability and how to balance courage and compassion.

Paola Prudden married her soulmate. They had the kind of love many people could only hope for in this lifetime. Then the unthinkable happened. Her husband was diagnosed with cancer. Over the course of a few years, Paola became a full-time caregiver while raising her three children and working. Sadly, her husband lost his battle with cancer. Through the pain and loss, Paola emerged with profound insights into the value of life. Her story and lessons about love, loss, time, and resilience are incredible.

Lisa Alvarez-Calderon has worked as a senior executive for some of the top companies around the world. What you may appreciate even more is her ability to make career and life decisions that are in concert with her values. The saying "you can have it all but not at the same time" is certainly true and Lisa shares how she made her bold choices. You will love her honesty and integrity.

Do you have an unrealized idea that involves helping others but struggle with making it happen? Then you will love this episode of Flip the Tortilla! Ajit Vakharia, founder and CEO of Flare Education, is passionate about addressing the systemic racism and generational poverty plaguing American communities. He created a program to help high school students in Boston gain real-world experience through company-paid internships. While working toward an MBA at Harvard, Ajit made his dream a reality by raising significant funding and igniting companies, mentors, and other volunteers. His 10-year goal is to create 100,000+ paid workforce opportunities for high school students across the country. He is well on his way. Talk about making a difference!

April Zambelli-Wiener, Ph.D. is a Hopkins-trained epidemiologist and healthcare entrepreneur. She is founder of TTi Health Research & Economics and works to address rare diseases which impact only 1% of the population. As a family member and caregiver of children with rare congenital defects, April's passion and commitment are an inspiration. In this episode, April talks about how she got comfortable being uncomfortable and how that has fueled her life's work.

Did you know that 7% of meaning is communicated through spoken word, 38% through tone of voice, and 55% through body language? Understanding non-verbal communication and reading body language are advantageous skills for anyone. Join Denice as she talks with Shelly O'Donovan body language expert and instructor at Wharton. You will learn some great tips!

"You can have it all, but not at the same time." Working moms know this challenge well.... the delicate balance of personal and professional goals and demands. In this episode, I talk to my good friend, Amy Saltzman, an accomplished marketer, world traveler, wife, and mom to two children under the age of three. Millennial moms are experiencing overwhelming complexity driven by the pandemic, changing work norms, and the quest for perfection. Amy shares the joys and challenges of raising a family while pursuing career goals. Her insights are touching, inspirational, and relatable to anyone trying to balance personal and career goals in today's wildly changing world.

Ever wonder how people become a CEO? In this episode of Flip the Tortilla, you have the opportunity to get the inside scoop from Rob Ross, CEO of Surface Oncology. Rob certainly has extraordinary career experience (oncologist, researcher, industry) and educational background (Harvard, Columbia, Stanford). What is even more special, is his incredible purpose and passion - the inner fire that drives him. I have the great fortune of working with Rob and it is so refreshing to see how he approaches his life's work. Rob's humility and ability to reflect on the lessons he has learned is something I think you will find inspirational!

Some leaders are also really special human beings. Biopharma executive, Dan Lynch, is one of those people. He has achieved "rarefied air" success (executive venture partner at Google Ventures, Board Chair of nearly 15 public companies, former CEO) while being the epitome of a values-based, inspirational leader. In this episode of Flip The Tortilla, we learn about Dan's philosophy and why every person he has ever worked with says "You are so lucky to work with Dan. He is amazing."

Asking for what we want can be hard. Knowing how and when to ask is a bit of an art. And then when we go about asking, how do we balance confidence and humility? Jessica Meng, a biopharma executive with an incredible track record of success across multiple companies shares her lessons in asking and getting what you want in your career. She shares her inspirational story in this episode.

"Tell me about yourself." Ever freeze when you get this question? Jean Allen, Partner and Head of Global Communications Practice at Heidrick & Struggles, gives real-world advice on how to tell your story in a way that is interesting and impactful. Jean has talked to thousands of candidates (and executives) and also talks about how to control rambling and fill in uncomfortable gaps in conversations (the dreaded moments of silence). Tune in, you will learn a lot from this episode!

The last several years have tested all of us. Cali Williams Yost, Workplace Strategist and Futurist, is an expert in high-performance flexibility. She has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, USA TODAY, NPR and the TODAY Show. Cali shares some great ways to better adapt to the unpredictable changes and challenges that surround us.

Michelle Carnahan is bold and direct. She tells it the way it is while maintaining a sense of humility and empathy. She has run mega-million companies as well as startups. Her fun, approachable style is refreshing. Michelle and Denice have known each other for years. You will really enjoy their conversation!

Joyce Cacho is a force of nature. She became one of the first black women to serve on a Fortune 500 Board of Directors. Recently named to Savoy Magazine's list of Most Influence Black Executives, Joyce is an expert on board governance, finance, ESG, and climate change. She is fluent in 4 languages, Joyce has worked in prestigious roles across the globe. Joyce shares insights on making a big impact even in the face of challenges.

This episode will provide inspiration and tips for anyone thinking about making a career decision. Denice is joined by Smita Pillai, seasoned executive, and current Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at Regeneron. Smita shares how she has successfully navigated through roles and companies to realize her aspirations. Smita also about how she has been able to make great career decisions - even when faced with uncertainty and discomfort. Denice and Smita also discuss how humility and confidence are both key to success and happiness.

Introverts can survive in an extrovert world! Denice talks to self-described introvert Andy Yost, Chief Marketing Officer of Kinsa, who shares his actions for not just surviving, but thriving in the C-suite! Andy says that finding ways to adapt, like asking a question first in a meeting, have been keys to his success. He also talks about his career journey that took him from finance to media to a health tech startup, and gives insights on how to reinvent ourselves–and it starts with being open to change!

On this episode, Denice is joined by Maggie FitzPatrick, the founder of FitzPatrick & Co, and Corporate Director, Vistagen. Maggie was appointed Commissioner on the DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities and previously led global corporate communications and/or corporate affairs and philanthropy at several Fortune 100 companies. We talked about resilience, perseverance, and communication during these unprecedented times. Maggie shares her advice for all of us who are struggling during this time on how to check in with ourselves and ask for help when we need it. Maggie also shares that by aligning personal values with the organization's values, success and resilience will be created personally and professionally.

It's all about making connections. In this episode, Denice is joined by Amy Bottoms, an executive recruiter at Catalyst Partners to talk about why it's never too early in your career to get to know recruiters. Amy talks about the importance of being connected to recruiters in your field–even when you're not looking for a job. She also gives tips on using LinkedIn to raise your profile, as well as some intel on those coveted board seats–it's never too early to start your journey!

Everybody has a story, and Erica Johansen's is one you have to hear! Flip the Tortilla producer tells her story of facing multiple trials – from losing her hair to alopecia to almost losing her 3-month old child to cancer to discovering her (now ex) husband cheating with that child's nurse! Many couldn't imagine how they could keep going, but Erica used the power of gratitude and flipped the tortilla to not only survive but to thrive. Her story will inspire anyone who is going through something.

In this episode, Denice celebrates National Family Caregivers Month and shares her story of navigating the transition from being a Mom Caregiver to also taking on the care of her aging parents. Denice reflects on the conflicting feelings and emotions, as well as the intense responsibilities, that come when the child becomes the caregiver to the parent. She reveals lessons she's learned and encourages all of her fellow Caregivers to mindful of their own self-care as they take care of those they love.

Denice is joined by executive coach and bestselling author Dr. Lois Frankel (Nice Girls Don't Get the Corner Office) for an eye-opening conversation about not just surviving but thriving in these strange times. She champions flipping the tortilla and suggests a few easy steps to find what's right for you if you aren't happy in your career. This is a must listen for anyone who's ever asked themselves, ‘is this all there is?'

In this special episode Denice is joined by Amy Mahery, SVP and Head of the Global Business Franchise, Neurology & Immunology at EMD Serono, Inc., to talk about women in the workplace. The two review the recent McKinsey WOMEN IN THE WORKPLACE study and talk about how to flip the tortilla to keep women from getting burned out and get promoted instead. Amy also shares some easy-to-follow thoughts on how to be a great mentor–it starts with listening.

“Where do I go from here?” It's a question so many of us are asking ourselves after this time of unprecedented stress and burnout. Today, we examine that question with Denice as she sits down with Lawrence Levy, the former CFO and board member of Pixar, who left his corporate work to follow self-work in the Buddhist tradition. Levy shares stories of turning Pixar from a failing graphics studio to the Hollywood animation powerhouse it is today. He urges listeners to “flip the tortilla” and look at work as part of what you DO, not who you ARE. The most important thing any of us can do is to "turn our light on."