Meet Gisele Marcus, a leadership dynamo whose remarkable journey from Harlem to Harvard Business School epitomizes what it means to be bold in pursuing excellence. Growing up in what she affectionately calls "old Harlem," Gisele was raised in a household where excellence wasn't just encouraged—it was required. This foundation propelled her through Syracuse University, into a Harvard MBA program, and ultimately to becoming a TEDx speaker and respected operations executive.
What makes Gisele's story particularly powerful is her candid admission about learning the true value of networking at age 39. "I wish someone would have told me earlier that excellence alone doesn't guarantee career advancement," she reflects. After following a sponsor's networking advice during an international assignment, Gisele returned to find not just one job opportunity awaiting her, but eleven. This revelation transformed her understanding of career development and now forms the cornerstone of her guidance to other women.
Throughout our conversation, Gisele shares game-changing insights about political astuteness in the workplace, creating a compelling personal brand (hers: "I make organizations hum"), building a career portfolio that showcases your full range of talents, and embracing AI while developing the emotional intelligence that technology can't replicate. For women facing career pivots—whether by choice or circumstance—she offers practical strategies for identifying transferable skills and enlisting friends or coaches to help you see strengths you might miss in yourself.
Perhaps most inspiringly, Gisele defines boldness as "taking that extra step when you're questioning yourself," reminding us that for women, there's no such thing as being "too bold." Whether you're just starting your career journey or looking to make your next strategic move, this episode offers both the practical tools and the mindset shifts needed to truly show up and be bolder in all aspects of your professional life.
Resources:
www.giselemarcus.com
Learn more about AnitaB.org
When you subscribe to the podcast, you are supporting our work's mission, allowing us to continue highlighting successful women in a variety of careers to inspire others helping pay our wonderful editor, Chris, and helping me in paying our hosting expenses. 🎉
Popular Podcasts
Fudd Around And Find Out
UConn basketball star Azzi Fudd brings her championship swag to iHeart Women’s Sports with Fudd Around and Find Out, a weekly podcast that takes fans along for the ride as Azzi spends her final year of college trying to reclaim the National Championship and prepare to be a first round WNBA draft pick. Ever wonder what it’s like to be a world-class athlete in the public spotlight while still managing schoolwork, friendships and family time? It’s time to Fudd Around and Find Out!
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.