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 a combined total of 15 years of leadership experience, and I have led more than 10 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 other more experienced leaders. Throughout my career, I have worked in both supportive and unsupportive work environments. I know how important it is to have someone in your corner to help guide you when needed. 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. If you would like to receive our weekly leadership newsletter, join our email list.