Katie Hood knows how to follow her instincts and heart when making major life decisions. Today, Katie is CEO of the One Love Foundation, the nation’s leading educator of young people on the topic of healthy and unhealthy relationships.  Katie shares the reasons why she joined One Love and her ambitious goals for reducing abusive relationships. We discuss how One Love was founded by Sharon Love to honor the memory of her daughter, Yeardley Love,  who was beaten to death by her ex-boyfriend three weeks before her graduation from the University of Virginia.  Sharon never imagined relationship abuse was something she needed to consider for her daughter,  “I didn’t know then what I know now, that relationship abuse is a public health epidemic and that young women in Yeardley’s age group are at three times greater risk than any other demographic.”

In our conversation, Katie shares how she left the world of finance and consulting and  landed a job at the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, eventually advancing to become CEO of the organization. When Katie had doubts about her ability to lead as CEO of the Michael J. Fox Foundation, her path crossed with leadership guru Andy Grove, former CEO of Intel Corporation, who gave her the push she needed to take the role. Katie shares some of the lessons and skills she learned at the Michael J. Fox Foundation, and how her upbringing, faith and desire to help others has put her on the path she was meant to live. If you want to be inspired to follow a calling, you will never forget this conversation with Katie.

Watch One Love's Videos

10 Signs of an Unhealthy Relationship

Watch Katie's Ted Talk

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Vanessa Rivera, Product Programs Lead for DoorDash, shares the unconventional path she took to get her dream job and some of the bold moves she made along the way. When Vanessa decided she wanted to be in the tech world, she was living in Guatemala. Although she didn't know anyone in tech, Vanessa made the leap and moved to San Francisco. 

In our conversation, Vanessa shares how being focused on problem solving, combined with a passion for learning, can open doors and opportunities. We also discuss how thinking differently can be your superpower and how having dyslexia can create a more empathetic approach to working with others. 

We dive into Vanessa’s Guatemalan roots and Vanessa shares how her upbringing in an entrepreneurial environment and welcoming culture, has shaped not only who she is today but also how she approaches her work and life. 

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