B The Way Forward is an action-driven conversation about systemic change—how it happens, who drives it, and what it really takes to make an impact. Hosted by AnitaB.org CEO, and battle-tested leader in tech and equity, Brenda Darden-Wilkerson, the show gives listeners the tools they need to step off the sidelines and shape the future themselves.
B The Way Forward Season 2 kicked off with a central question: do you change the system from within, or do you have to break it to build something better?
Now, in our second half of the season we'll celebrate something women often feel they can’t admit to in the tech world - failure.
Through candid conversations with leaders at the top of the tech industry the audience gets authentic, actionable advice that they can apply to their own careers.
Thoughtful, incisive and full of Brenda’s warmth and humor, B the Way Forward is human conversations in a digital world.
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At AnitaB.org, our mission is to enable and equip women technologists with the tools, resources, and knowledge they need to thrive. Through innovative programs and initiatives, we empower women to chart new paths, better prepared to lead, advance, and achieve equitable compensation. Because when women succeed, they uplift their communities and redefine success on their terms, both professionally and personally.
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Connect with AnitaB.org
Instagram - @anitab_org
Facebook - /anitab.0rg
LinkedIn - /anitab-org
And for more ways that you can be the way forward visit anitab.org
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Our guests contribute to this podcast in their personal capacity. The views expressed in this interview are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology or its employees (“AnitaB.org”). AnitaB.org is not responsible for and does not verify the accuracy of the information provided in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute legal or other professional advice or services.
All content for B The Way Forward is the property of AnitaB.org & Frequency Machine and is served directly from their servers
with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
B The Way Forward is an action-driven conversation about systemic change—how it happens, who drives it, and what it really takes to make an impact. Hosted by AnitaB.org CEO, and battle-tested leader in tech and equity, Brenda Darden-Wilkerson, the show gives listeners the tools they need to step off the sidelines and shape the future themselves.
B The Way Forward Season 2 kicked off with a central question: do you change the system from within, or do you have to break it to build something better?
Now, in our second half of the season we'll celebrate something women often feel they can’t admit to in the tech world - failure.
Through candid conversations with leaders at the top of the tech industry the audience gets authentic, actionable advice that they can apply to their own careers.
Thoughtful, incisive and full of Brenda’s warmth and humor, B the Way Forward is human conversations in a digital world.
---
At AnitaB.org, our mission is to enable and equip women technologists with the tools, resources, and knowledge they need to thrive. Through innovative programs and initiatives, we empower women to chart new paths, better prepared to lead, advance, and achieve equitable compensation. Because when women succeed, they uplift their communities and redefine success on their terms, both professionally and personally.
---
Connect with AnitaB.org
Instagram - @anitab_org
Facebook - /anitab.0rg
LinkedIn - /anitab-org
And for more ways that you can be the way forward visit anitab.org
---
Our guests contribute to this podcast in their personal capacity. The views expressed in this interview are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology or its employees (“AnitaB.org”). AnitaB.org is not responsible for and does not verify the accuracy of the information provided in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute legal or other professional advice or services.
Do We Fold or Do We Fight - A CEO’s Lessons from One of Her Earliest Setbacks
B The Way Forward
44 minutes
4 months ago
Do We Fold or Do We Fight - A CEO’s Lessons from One of Her Earliest Setbacks
At 16, Shellye Archambeau already knew she wanted to be a CEO. And early in her career at IBM, after closing a massive deal with RiteAid, it felt like she was well on her way. But then, at the last minute, the deal fell through. Shellye felt utterly defeated - until a conversation with her husband helped her realize that there had been a failure … but that didn’t mean she was a failure.
Shellye went on to have a thriving career at IBM and beyond, with the lessons learned from that early setback helping her overcome all the challenges she faced along the way. By the time Shellye became CEO of the software company Metricstream, she felt like she was ready to handle anything. But then the Great Recession of 2008 hit. Just like that, business dried up. Suddenly, Shellye was faced with one of the most difficult decisions of her career. Would they fold? Or would they fight?
In this episode, Shellye joins Brenda to talk about the importance of demonstrating resilience as a leader when times get tough, why a great team is everything, and how you can turn your lowest career moments into a productive story to share in your next job interview.
For more, check out Shellye and her work...
On LinkedIn - /shellye-archambeau
On Instagram - @shelarchambeau
On X - @ShelArchambeau
On the Web - shellye.com
And check out Shelley's latest book, Unapologetically Ambitious
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At AnitaB.org we challenge the systems and misconceptions that limit human potential. What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to disrupting the status quo while honoring the full humanity of every individual. We cultivate spaces where people can be vulnerable, seen, and supported without judgement. Because progress starts with truth, empathy, and the courage to build something better for all.
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Connect with AnitaB.org
Instagram - @anitab_org
Facebook - /anitab.0rg
LinkedIn - /anitab-org
On the web - anitab.org
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Our guests contribute to this podcast in their personal capacity. The views expressed in this interview are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology or its employees (“AnitaB.org”). AnitaB.org is not responsible for and does not verify the accuracy of the information provided in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute legal or other professional advice or services.
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B The Way Forward Is…
Hosted and Executive Produced by Brenda Darden Wilkerson.
Produced by Avi Glijansky
Associate Produced by Kelli Kyle
Sound design and editing by Ryan Hammond
Mixing and mastering by Julian Kwasneski
Additional Producing help from Faith Krogulecki
Operations Coordination for AnitaB.org by Quinton Sprull.
Creative Director for AnitaB.org is Deandra Coleman
Executive Produced by Dominique Ferrari, Stacey Book, and Avi Glijansky for Frequency Machine
Photo of Brenda Darden Wilkerson by Mandisa Media ProductionsFor more ways to be the way forward, visit AnitaB.org
B The Way Forward
B The Way Forward is an action-driven conversation about systemic change—how it happens, who drives it, and what it really takes to make an impact. Hosted by AnitaB.org CEO, and battle-tested leader in tech and equity, Brenda Darden-Wilkerson, the show gives listeners the tools they need to step off the sidelines and shape the future themselves.
B The Way Forward Season 2 kicked off with a central question: do you change the system from within, or do you have to break it to build something better?
Now, in our second half of the season we'll celebrate something women often feel they can’t admit to in the tech world - failure.
Through candid conversations with leaders at the top of the tech industry the audience gets authentic, actionable advice that they can apply to their own careers.
Thoughtful, incisive and full of Brenda’s warmth and humor, B the Way Forward is human conversations in a digital world.
---
At AnitaB.org, our mission is to enable and equip women technologists with the tools, resources, and knowledge they need to thrive. Through innovative programs and initiatives, we empower women to chart new paths, better prepared to lead, advance, and achieve equitable compensation. Because when women succeed, they uplift their communities and redefine success on their terms, both professionally and personally.
---
Connect with AnitaB.org
Instagram - @anitab_org
Facebook - /anitab.0rg
LinkedIn - /anitab-org
And for more ways that you can be the way forward visit anitab.org
---
Our guests contribute to this podcast in their personal capacity. The views expressed in this interview are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology or its employees (“AnitaB.org”). AnitaB.org is not responsible for and does not verify the accuracy of the information provided in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute legal or other professional advice or services.
