Breaking Through the Glass Ceiling with Eugina Jordan Ep 219 - The Global Discussion

The Global Discussion

Eugina Jordan is a three-time award-winning author, respected speaker, and member of the Harvard Business Review Advisory Council. She joins Host Simon Hodgkins on this episode of The Global Discussion. Eugina's story is one of breaking barriers and becoming a powerful voice in the fields of telecom, AI, and executive leadership. From Receptionist to CMO: A Journey Fueled by Resilience Eugina's journey began in 1970s Russia, where her mother worked tirelessly to provide Eugina with the best education possible. Through sheer grit, Eugina's mother managed to send her daughter to Canada, an opportunity that would transform Eugina's life forever. During her discussion with Simon, Eugina spoke warmly of her mother's sacrifices, noting how they laid the foundation for her success today. Her career in telecommunications started humbly as a receptionist at a small startup—a position from which she ascended to lead significant company transformations, including taking the startup public and its subsequent acquisition by Cisco. This path was just the beginning of Eugina's phenomenal career, which has included roles in major companies like Cisco, where she launched their 2012 global rebrand, and Parallel Wireless, where her strategic marketing initiatives were downloaded over a million times. The Power of Storytelling in a Tech World Eugina's unique blend of technical knowledge and strategic storytelling sets her apart in an industry often dominated by numbers and technology. Her passion for storytelling is not just about selling a product—it's about articulating the "so what" of a brand, turning technology into a narrative that resonates with people. During her conversation with Simon, Eugina discussed her passion for building—whether it's a company, a team, or a culture. This vision is clear in her achievements: 12 patents, creating new market categories, and executing successful go-to-market strategies for companies aiming for IPOs or acquisitions. She has also made her mark as an advocate for women in tech. Eugina has established mentorship programs, led initiatives to bring more female voices to telecom panels, and continuously emphasizes a people-first work culture. This commitment to others drove her to write her book, "UNLIMITED: The Seventeen Proven Laws for Success in a Workplace Not Designed for You." It has not only won multiple awards but has also been instrumental in helping women and immigrants believe in their limitless potential. UNLIMITED: A Book for the Dreamers and Doers Written as a guide for immigrants and women who want to break the glass ceiling, UNLIMITED offers practical advice on topics like negotiating, speaking up in meetings, and building effective networks. Eugina's mission is clear: the only limits are the ones we place on ourselves. It's a message for emerging leaders and those in positions of power, encouraging them to uplift the next generation of talent. Trailblazing AI Innovation in Telecom Eugina was recently recognized with the AI Trailblazer Award at the AI Revenue Summit—a particularly meaningful honor, given it was based on community votes. While she's passionate about her work at TIP, her newsletter, and her ongoing advocacy for AI, she also knows the value of stepping back. "You can't pour from an empty cup," she wisely noted, emphasizing her commitment to spending quality time with family and friends. Follow The Global Discussion on LinkedIn, YouTube, Spotify, and more! Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from Creatives, Leaders, and Thinkers on The Global Discussion. Join the newsletter for updates on new episodes. Watch or listen to The Global Discussion Web: https://www.theglobaldiscussion.com⁠ Audio Podcast: ⁠Spotify⁠ | ⁠Google⁠ | ⁠Apple⁠ Video Podcast: ⁠https://www.theglobaldiscussion.com⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://bit.ly/TGD-YouTube⁠ Follow us on LinkedIn/Social Media ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/theglobaldiscussion⁠⁠ Others: X, Instagram, and Facebook