From $100 to the C-Suite: Suki Toguchi on Grit & Leadership

The Courage to Reinvent Yourself with Crystelle Desnoyer

In this episode, we sit down with Crystelle, a multicultural creative and partnerships leader whose journey spans continents, industries, and constant reinvention. Raised in France with roots across multiple cultures, Crystelle shares how growing up between identities shaped the way she approaches ambition, relationships, and building a meaningful life. From internships in stem cell therapy and public speaking in Japan, to working in partnerships, becoming a Chief of Staff, and navigating corporate America, her story is one of curiosity, resilience, and learning how to create opportunity from uncertainty. Along the way, she opens up about burnout, depression, immigration struggles, PTSD, and the difficult process of rebuilding after major life transitions. Throughout the conversation, Crystelle reflects on the importance of structure, community, and self-awareness in creating long-term fulfillment. She shares her perspective on balancing career growth with authenticity, building side businesses while working full-time, navigating modern dating as a third culture individual, and redefining success on her own terms. This episode is an honest look at what it means to keep evolving without losing yourself in the process. A conversation about identity, ambition, freedom, and the courage to continue building a life that feels aligned from the inside out.

From $100 to the C-Suite: Suki Toguchi on Grit & Leadership

In this episode, we sit down with Suki Toguchi, Chief of Staff at Gilead Sciences, whose journey is defined by resilience, discipline, and a relentless commitment to growth. Born in China during the one-child policy, Suki immigrated to New York at just six years old with her family, arriving with only $100 and the determination to build something more. Growing up as a first-generation immigrant, she learned early how to navigate pressure, adapt quickly, and compete at the highest level. From academics to competitive sports, Suki developed the mindset and work ethic that would later carry her into leadership roles in one of the most demanding industries—biopharma. Now operating at the executive level, she reflects on the environments, mentors, and pivotal moments that shaped her path. She shares how community, discipline, and grit became her foundation, and how those same principles continue to guide how she leads, makes decisions, and creates impact. This conversation is a grounded look at what it actually takes to rise—without shortcuts. A story of resilience meeting opportunity, and a reminder that where you start doesn’t define how far you can go.

The Rule That Built a $100M Company with Marie-Michèle Caron

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.

The Power of the Ask with Cassandra Rodrigues

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.

Navigating Between Two Worlds with Jo Madnani

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.