Rules to Thrive with Olga Lykova

In this episode, we sit down with Marie-Michèle Caron, Chief Revenue Officer at Tempo, whose career has been shaped by one powerful piece of advice: “Work yourself out of a job.” Born and raised in Quebec, Canada, Marie took a leap of faith when her company relocated her to San Francisco to build a strategic partnership with Salesforce, an opportunity that helped propel Coveo from $2M to $100M in ARR and ultimately through a successful IPO.Arriving in the United States as an immigrant executive, Marie had to build credibility, relationships, and influence from the ground up. She went on to architect a channel ecosystem that drove 75% of new revenue, proving that scalable systems, not individual heroics, are what create lasting growth. Her leadership journey later led her to Thryv, where she focused on empowering small businesses, and now to her role as CRO at Tempo, where she continues to redefine modern revenue leadership.Grounded, strategic, and deeply self-aware, Marie reflects on the realities of scaling companies, navigating cross-border ambition, and leading with empathy in high-performance environments. She speaks candidly about balancing executive leadership with motherhood, the evolving definition of success, and why support systems matter more than titles.This conversation is a thoughtful exploration of ownership, resilience, and building something bigger than yourself while staying anchored in your values. A masterclass in ambition with heart, and a reminder that the real rule to thrive is creating systems that outlast you.

In this episode, we sit down with Cassandra Rodrigues, a global marketing leader whose career spans nearly two decades at the intersection of technology, leadership, and transformation. From her early days growing up in a modest apartment in Mumbai to becoming a Senior Vice President at one of the world’s largest communications groups, Cassandra’s journey is a powerful study in resilience, ambition, and self-advocacy.Raised in India, Cassandra navigated long commutes on Mumbai’s local trains and the realities of limited resources—experiences that quietly shaped her work ethic and worldview. A chance interview with Google became a pivotal turning point, launching an 18-year journey across roles, teams, and geographies, ultimately positioning her at the forefront of AI-driven change in the marketing industry.Grounded, candid, and deeply reflective, Cassandra shares the lessons she’s learned along the way: the value of failing fast, the importance of asking for what you want, and the necessity of knowing your worth in an ever-shifting job market. She speaks openly about growth, authenticity, and why seeking help is not a weakness but a skill.This conversation is an honest exploration of what it takes to build a meaningful career across cultures, industries, and eras of change—and how clarity, courage, and self-belief become essential rules to thrive.

In this episode, we sit down with Jo Madani, an award-winning marketing leader with over two decades of experience at the intersection of creativity, culture, and storytelling. Known for her entrepreneurial spirit and multidisciplinary approach, Jo has led campaigns recognized by the American Advertising Federation and contributed to fashion and lifestyle publications across India and the U.S., including Midday, The Times of India, and The Miami Herald.Born and raised in India, Jo began her U.S. journey in Fort Lauderdale in the early 2000s before settling in the Northeast. Her cross-continental life, paired with deep expertise in brand building, sparked a powerful exploration of how race, gender, and identity shape both personal narratives and professional paths.Drawing from lived experience and decades in marketing, Jo shares insights from her upcoming book The Immigrant Journey and its companion journal The Immigrant Lens. Together, they offer a collective reflection on intersectionality, self-discovery, and personal transformation.This conversation is an honest look at what it means to build a life, a voice, and a sense of belonging across cultures, and how storytelling can become a tool for clarity, connection, and growth.

When Regina Viadro was sixteen, her family left everything behind — their home, their language, their careers — to start over in a new country. What she witnessed in her parents wasn’t loud ambition or fearless risk-taking, but quiet courage: the kind that shows up every day to build a better future, one small step at a time.In this episode, Regina shares how those early lessons shaped her path from immigrant beginnings to becoming a board advisor and business growth leader helping global companies navigate transformation. We talk about resilience, redefining success, and why it’s never too late to dream big — no matter where you start or how uncertain the path ahead may seem.A story about possibility, perseverance, and the power of believing in what’s next.

In this candid conversation, Katherine Heisler Chance shares how advocating for yourself, embracing uncertainty, and learning to “love the mess” can accelerate your growth.Kat reflects on her own journey—rising from entry-level to Director in just three years, navigating a life-changing MS diagnosis, and building multimillion-dollar partner programs at Conductor, monday.com, and now Google Workspace. She also opens up about the practical habits that keep her grounded: keeping a “proof folder” of wins for uncertain times, setting intentions for in-person work, and finding joy in the challenges of hyper-growth.If you’re ready to level up your career, lead with impact, and turn ambitious visions into scalable partnerships, this episode will inspire you to be your own best advocate.

What does it take to build an unstoppable career? In this episode, we sit down with Victoria Pelletier—corporate exec, board director, best-selling author, and keynote speaker—known as the “Turnaround Queen” and “CEO Whisperer.” Victoria shares her journey from buying her first business at 20 to becoming one of the youngest COOs at 24, leading 40+ M&A deals, and building her leadership brand, Unstoppable You. We dive into her lessons on bold leadership, resilience, and creating impact beyond the boardroom.

Dr. Alissa “Jay” Abdullah didn’t follow a straight line to the top—she carved her own path. From studying math at an HBCU to securing the nation’s most sensitive systems at the White House, and now leading cyber innovation at Mastercard, Dr. Jay shares the moments that shaped her. In this episode, we talk about identity, leadership, and what it really takes to grow a career in tech as a Black woman in spaces that weren’t built for you.

In this episode, we sit down with Clara Sancho Ortega - HR Director at LVMH Fashion Group UK - to explore her unconventional path from film sets to fashion boardrooms. Clara shares how she carved out a leadership role across brands like Givenchy, Loewe, and Marc Jacobs, and reflects on creative ambition, habit-building, and what balance really looks like in the world of luxury.

How do you build a career that aligns with your ambitions and values?Susan Detmar joins us to share her journey from an unexpected start in sales to leading small business acquisition at LinkedIn. She opens up about the pivotal moments, risks, and relationships that shaped her success. From career transitions to leadership growth, Susan offers insights on navigating challenges and making intentional career moves.We discuss: • Embracing career shifts & stepping into leadership • The power of mentorship, sponsorship & building a strong network• Advocating for yourself & negotiating with confidence• Daily habits that drive long-term career successIf you’re looking for practical career insights and inspiration to take your next big step, this episode is for you.

What does it take to carve out a career on your own terms? Estee Cross shares her journey from publishing to digital media, taking bold risks, and balancing ambition with personal life. From navigating career transitions—including a game-changing move to Tumblr—to defining non-negotiables and advocating for yourself, Estee breaks down the mindset shifts that lead to success.We discuss:🔹 Taking career risks & embracing the unknown🔹 Navigating big transitions (including pregnancy & leadership shifts)🔹 Building a support network & seeking sponsorship🔹 How to confidently negotiate for yourself & your career growthIf you're ready to take control of your career, push past fear, and step into new opportunities, this episode is for you.📺 Watch this episode on YouTube:  https://youtu.be/6pRR0X-ZAlk?si=QpOogtzS0_KzcoE_📲 Follow us on Instagram: @rulestothrive

In this episode, we sit down with Corinne Sklar - Vice President and Managing Director for Salesforce at IBM and a trailblazing leader in customer experience, AI, and digital transformation. Corinne shares her career journey from building and scaling Bluewolf, to driving massive growth at IBM, all while navigating the real, often hidden costs of prioritizing ambition early on.We get into:- The price she paid for putting career first — and what she would tell her younger self-How AI is already reshaping the workforce (and how to stay ahead)- The art of marketing yourself and building a lasting career brand- Lessons from two decades of executive leadership across tech and consulting- Balancing ambition, leadership, and personal milestones across different life seasonsWhether you're building your career, stepping into leadership, or rethinking your next chapter, this conversation offers raw insight, strategic advice, and a powerful reminder that growth comes with trade-offs — and that's okay.

In this episode, we sit down with Stephanie Glenn — Chief Commercial Officer at Maven Clinic and former EVP at Salesforce — to unpack the career journey of a powerhouse leader who’s done it all, from scaling global GTM teams to finding deeper purpose in mission-driven work. Stephanie shares her path from big tech to women’s health, along with the mindset shifts, habits, and relationships that helped her make bold moves along the way.We get into:The daily habits that fuel lasting personal and professional growthHow to step into leadership roles — and actually land themSmart networking strategies to open the right doorsLessons from decades of executive leadership at SalesforceBalancing ambition, motherhood, and meaning across seasons of lifeWhether you're climbing the ladder, pivoting industries, or searching for more purpose in your path, this conversation is packed with real-world takeaways and fresh perspective from someone who’s walked the walk.

What happens when you leave a decade-long career in finance to chase a calling in leadership and executive coaching?Marina Cvetkovic knows firsthand the power of trusting your gut and taking bold leaps. In this episode, she shares her journey of reinvention—how she navigated fear, rejection, and the unknown to build a career that’s not only successful but deeply fulfilling.Marina is an award-winning leadership advisor, CEO of Heimann Cvetkovic & Partners, TEDx speaker, and LinkedIn Top Voice in Executive Coaching. With a track record of advising global leaders, she’s on a mission to help executives amplify their influence, embrace visibility, and step into their full leadership potential.We discuss:🔹 The gut-check moments that shaped Marina’s career pivot🔹 Overcoming fear, rejection, and imposter syndrome🔹 Why building a personal brand is essential for career growth🔹 How to turn setbacks into stepping stonesIf you’ve ever felt the pull to redefine your career, take a leap, or simply step into your leadership power, this episode is for you.Watch this episode on Youtube:https://youtu.be/nxyu1k-ik-g?si=nLZ1f7kEiCKD5jTs Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rulestothrive/