Hi, I’m BArika

In 2005, I sat down and wondered, ” What have I gotten myself into?”

Prior to this, I was working as a Business Relationship Analyst at a well known health insurance company. One day I was approached by Senior Leadership regarding an Interim Management position for a new team. I immediately thought, “I don’t want to do that. I am really comfortable in my current job, and I do it really well.” I reluctantly decided to accept the management position, which ended up being one of the best decisions of my life!

A few years later, I was leading three different teams simultaneously at work, while also leading a team of volunteers that worked with youth. Throughout the years, I continued to develop professionally as a leader. But I had a lot to learn in the beginning. When I first started, I had a hard time leading some of my employees. I had some employees who were not in the right positions. I had a few employees quit, and others that I had to terminate.

Since that time, I have been asked to provide leadership in numerous other capacities. I now have over 15 years of leadership experience, and I have led more than 18 teams. I have learned what it takes to build successful and productive teams. I have also learned how to create an environment where people enjoy coming to work.

I feel like every leader should have a safe place to ask questions and to bounce ideas off of more experienced leaders.

Additionally, in my professional journey, I have experienced both supportive and unsupportive work environments. As a result, I know how important it is to have someone in your corner, to help you navigate the challenges and obstacles that can be encountered in leadership.

I want you to avoid common leadership mistakes that could keep you from building the team you always dreamed of having. I would like to encourage you to read the articles that I have on this site.

Additionally, you can sign up for my Free New Leader Checklist.

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