Flip the Tortilla artwork

Flip the Tortilla

68 episodes - English - Latest episode: 24 days ago - ★★★★★ - 38 ratings

Welcome to Flip the Tortilla! This show is for the underdog at heart and is about rising up, breaking through, and finding a way to achieve your most audacious goals. If you’ve ever been told you can’t, you won’t or it’s not possible, you’ve found a home! Join uber-successful corporate exec, entrepreneur, and former janitor, Denice Torres as she and her guests share real-world, no B.S. insights for making your dreams a reality.

Careers Business Education Self-Improvement underdog business careeradvice successfulwomen womenleadership
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Episodes

Episode 59: Patricia Bradley: How to be Successful and Enjoy Networking

March 05, 2024 07:00 - 34 minutes - 47.1 MB

Patricia Bradley, seasoned healthcare executive, is a master of networking. In this episode, Patricia will share priceless tips on how to network and create meaningful connections in a genuine way.

Episode 58: Rahul Singhvi: Leadership Insights from a Mega-Entrepreneur

January 23, 2024 07:00 - 27 minutes - 38.5 MB

Rahul Singhvi is the Co-founder and CEO of Resilience, a first-of-its-kind manufacturing and technology company dedicated to broadening access and availability to complex medicines. Rahul’s leadership experiences span large organizations and start-ups. His wealth of accomplishments and humility set the stage for invaluable lessons in leadership and cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset.

Episode 57: How to Reach Your Goals through the Power of Connection and Mentors

January 09, 2024 21:09 - 22 minutes - 31.8 MB

Phoebe Atkinson, clinician, positive psychology expert, and co-facilitator of Women’s Leadership Program at Rutgers, shares how we can increase our ability to connect with others in the workplace. Genuine connection fosters new ways to gain valuable mentors. While this can feel intimidating, knowledge and practice can turn you into a maestro of mentoring!

Episode 56: Oofos: Passion Pays for this Awesome Shoe Company with a Giving Purpose

November 14, 2023 06:00 - 32 minutes - 44.5 MB

Disclosure: I love Oofos recovery shoes. I sought out Darren Brown, their Head Of Marketing to learn more about what makes this company and their products so amazing. Not only do they make shoes that make you say "aaah" they give back in a big way. If you know about Oofos, you know. If not, I hope you can take a moment to learn about how passion wins.

Episode 55: Why Rediscovering Play is Good for You Personally and Professionally: A Talk with Samantha Lomow

October 11, 2023 06:00 - 28 minutes - 38.8 MB

Being an "adult" can suck the sense of play and creativity out of us! Samantha Lomow, CEO of Playworks! has successfully led major change efforts at companies like Foot Locker and Hasbro. She shares valuable lessons on the importance of play and creativity in our careers and how we can get back to leveraging our inner child.

Episode 54: How to Accelerate Your Confidence with Allison Lynch and Elle Celeste

October 05, 2023 06:00 - 41 minutes - 56.6 MB

Best friends, Allie and Elle, are in their early 30's, have wildly successful careers, and are balancing the demands of families and motherhood. Allie has held positions at Modern Work and Security, Microsoft, and Mastercard. Elle is an attorney who worked in the Obama administration and was featured in the book, Yes She Can: 10 Stories of Hope & Change from Young Female Staffers of the Obama White House. She now works at a major pharmaceutical company. Together they talk candidly about conf...

Episode 53: How to Have a Portfolio Career with Alissa Hsu-Lynch

September 12, 2023 06:00 - 32 minutes - 44.7 MB

From professional dancer to C-suite leader and expert in health tech, Alissa Hsu-Lynch is an accomplished executive and a master at creating new possibilities. Alissa has held management positions at J&J, Google, and Bausch Health and is a Henry Crown Fellow at the Aspen Institute. She shares invaluable lessons on how to grow a portfolio career by growing your skills and creating new options.

Episode 52: Kat High: How to Go from Underdog to Wildly Successful Entrepreneur

August 14, 2023 06:00 - 43 minutes - 59.5 MB

Kat is one of those people that epitomizes resilience and determination. The first to attend college in her family, Kat overcame tremendous barriers to gain an impressive education at some of the best schools in the country. After earning great success at several large healthcare companies, Kat co-founded Artemis Factor, a highly successful project management firm that partners with life sciences companies.

Episode 51: Aurora Cristiano: The Power of Compounded Consistency

August 01, 2023 06:00 - 38 minutes - 53.6 MB

I was recently watching Tik Tok videos about macro dieting and stumbled upon Aurora Cristiano (“Bicep Blonde”). Aurora decided she wanted to get healthier, and while raising a small child and managing a professional career, she lost 35 pounds and competed in her first professional bodybuilding competition. Her approach intrigued me, and I wanted to share her insights on transformation with you. I think you will enjoy this “Flip the Tortilla” story!

Episode 50: How to Increase Your Overall Well-Being with Dr. Jack Groppel

July 17, 2023 06:00 - 47 minutes - 65.3 MB

You are in for a real treat with this episode! Dr. Groppel talks with us about how to be more healthy (and happy). Dr. Groppel is a global expert in the field of human performance and served as the co-founder of the Johnson & Johnson Human Performance Institute. He is the author of numerous peer-reviewed articles and books, most notably The Corporate Athlete. Dr. Groppel was recently inducted into the USTPA Hall of Fame. He role models what he teaches and shares how he climbed Kilimanjaro af...

Episode 49: How to Bet it ALL on Yourself and Win Bigtime! FYI: You May have Seen Sandra on Shark Tank!

July 07, 2023 05:00 - 37 minutes - 52.9 MB

In January 2023, Sandra Velasquez went on Shark Tank and pitched Nopalera, her line of skin care products derived from nopal, the prickly- pear cactus. Velasquez, who is of Mexican heritage and has a background in sales, wanted to create a brand that celebrates her Latino heritage while creating clean, sustainable products. She started the business out of her Brooklyn apartment in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. Sandra received an offer from one of the Sharks but turned it down. Today, N...

Episode 48: My Big Fat Knee Replacement

June 28, 2023 14:16 - 16 minutes - 23.4 MB

Flip the Tortilla is back after an unexpected four-month hiatus! After undergoing a routine knee replacement in March, Denice woke up in the hospital with some complications, including a pulmonary embolism and excruciating pain from a herniated disc. Denice talks about her journey through unrelenting pain, uncertainty, moments of despair, and the incredible power of meditation, breathing exercises, and positive thinking in her recovery, She hopes her learnings can help anyone that is experie...

Episode 47: Inner Fitness: A Discussion with Tina Lifford, Author and Star of OWN's Queen Sugar

March 06, 2023 06:30 - 28 minutes - 38.8 MB

Tina Lifford is an actor, playwright, author, and Founder of The Inner Fitness Project. She shares with us invaluable steps to strengthen our inner fitness so that we can live our best life!

Episode 46: Three Letters that Make ALL the Difference: ACT

March 01, 2023 06:00 - 39 minutes - 54.8 MB

Debra Sandler is an uber-successful executive who has served in the C-suite of some of the most prestigious companies. Today, she serves on multiple high-profile boards and also works tirelessly to help place women and underrepresented talent on boards. Her experience and wisdom are priceless as she talks about the power of taking action - both on our personal goals and in helping others.

Episode 45: Lessons in Creating Career Options with Coco Brown, CEO of Athena Alliance

February 22, 2023 06:00 - 32 minutes - 44.7 MB

Are you someone who never wants to feel stuck in a position or with a company? This episode is for you! Coco Brown shares terrific advice about steps to get to the next level, a different role, or the board room. Coco is the founder and CEO of Athena Alliance, a firm that helps female leaders reach their career goals through skill development, networking, mentoring, coaching, and other services. Coco has helped many women achieve their ultimate career goals and shares practical tips on navig...

Episode 44: Courage, Passion, And Persistence to Change the World: Meet Dr. Andrew Miller

January 19, 2023 07:00 - 48 minutes - 67.3 MB

Many people who create something extraordinary are wildly creative, persistent, passionate, and don't take no for an answer. While there may be a million and one reasons to quit, they don't. Andrew Miller is that person. Brilliant by any standard, Andrew is a founder of Karuna Therapeutics, a biopharmaceutical company in Boston. Dr. Miller is the lead inventor of Karuna’s KarXT platform (solutions for treating psychiatric and neurological conditions). While still in his 20s, Andrew found a...

Episode 43: Power of the Underdog: Diane Gomez-Thinnes Shares How She Went from Poverty to the C-suite

January 09, 2023 07:00 - 43 minutes - 60.1 MB

Many of us are underdogs. We've been told we can't or won't and use that as fuel for kicking ass. It takes a lot of hard work, falling and getting back up, and sheer determination to achieve and even go beyond our dreams. Diane is an example of someone who is living the American Dream. When Diane and her parents came to the U.S., they lived in a one-bedroom, cockroach-infested apartment. At a young age, she taught her dad English. A Princeton and Northwestern grad, Diane is now revered as an...

Episode 42: Career Lessons from a LinkedIn Executive

January 06, 2023 07:00 - 36 minutes - 50.2 MB

A number of years ago, Vishu Patel was a summer intern in my organization at J&J. She clearly had the “it factor” way back then, and I have since had the pleasure to watch her grow as a person and now a successful executive at LinkedIn. Vishu has achieved many levels of success in a short period of time! She shares lessons about navigating careers, developing multiple income streams, and the pursuit of happiness in our daily work. 

Episode 41: How to Be Centered and Purpose Driven: A Conversation with Dr. Sue Desmond-Hellmann

November 15, 2022 06:00 - 49 minutes - 68 MB

Dr. Sue Desmond-Hellmann is an American icon - a physician-scientist who led the development of the first gene-targeted drug for treating breast cancer, former CEO of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Chancellor of UCSF, and esteemed board member. Sue shares how her purpose and personal values shaped her career.  Priceless.

Episode 40: Living a Life of Purpose While Achieving Great Career Success

October 11, 2022 06:00 - 45 minutes - 62 MB

Kaye Foster is a wildly successful leader (and an incredible person) whose purpose is to "give voice to the voiceless." She is adviser, philanthropist, and former C-suite senior executive in human capital at several companies including Johnson & Johnson and Onyx Pharmaceuticals. She serves on the board of multiple public, private and non-profit organizations. You will enjoy her humble confidence, insights on a life of meaning, and lessons from climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. This is a don't miss...

Episode 39: The Power of Vulnerability

October 04, 2022 06:00 - 43 minutes - 60.1 MB

Mark Divine is a master of many things! He is a Navy SEAL Commander, best-selling author, yoga master, and human potential expert. He shares the power of vulnerability and how to balance courage and compassion.

Episode 38: How to Move Forward When the Unthinkable Happens

September 06, 2022 06:00 - 40 minutes - 55.7 MB

Paola Prudden married her soulmate. They had the kind of love many people could only hope for in this lifetime. Then the unthinkable happened. Her husband was diagnosed with cancer. Over the course of a few years, Paola became a full-time caregiver while raising her three children and working. Sadly, her husband lost his battle with cancer. Through the pain and loss, Paola emerged with profound insights into the value of life. Her story and lessons about love, loss, time, and resilience are ...

Episode 37: How to Have a More Satisfying Career by Living Into Your Truth

August 17, 2022 06:00 - 39 minutes - 54.4 MB

Lisa Alvarez-Calderon has worked as a senior executive for some of the top companies around the world. What you may appreciate even more is her ability to make career and life decisions that are in concert with her values. The saying "you can have it all but not at the same time" is certainly true and Lisa shares how she made her bold choices. You will love her honesty and integrity.

Episode 36: How to Make a Difference in the World by Bringing Your Idea to Life

July 18, 2022 06:30 - 29 minutes - 41.5 MB

Do you have an unrealized idea that involves helping others but struggle with making it happen? Then you will love this episode of Flip the Tortilla! Ajit Vakharia, founder and CEO of Flare Education, is passionate about addressing the systemic racism and generational poverty plaguing American communities. He created a program to help high school students in Boston gain real-world experience through company-paid internships. While working toward an MBA at Harvard, Ajit made his dream a rea...

Episode 35: How to get More Comfortable Being Uncomfortable

July 07, 2022 06:00 - 40 minutes - 56.2 MB

April Zambelli-Wiener, Ph.D. is a Hopkins-trained epidemiologist and healthcare entrepreneur. She is founder of TTi Health Research & Economics and works to address rare diseases which impact only 1% of the population. As a family member and caregiver of children with rare congenital defects, April’s passion and commitment are an inspiration. In this episode, April talks about how she got comfortable being uncomfortable and how that has fueled her life’s work.

Episode 34: How to Grow Your Impact by Mastering Body Language

June 22, 2022 06:30 - 36 minutes - 50.4 MB

Did you know that 7% of meaning is communicated through spoken word, 38% through tone of voice, and 55% through body language? Understanding non-verbal communication and reading body language are advantageous skills for anyone. Join Denice as she talks with Shelly O'Donovan body language expert and instructor at Wharton. You will learn some great tips!

Episode 33: What You Need to Know About Millennial Working Mothers

June 08, 2022 06:00 - 43 minutes - 59.6 MB

"You can have it all, but not at the same time." Working moms know this challenge well.... the delicate balance of personal and professional goals and demands. In this episode, I talk to my good friend, Amy Saltzman, an accomplished marketer, world traveler, wife, and mom to two children under the age of three. Millennial moms are experiencing overwhelming complexity driven by the pandemic, changing work norms, and the quest for perfection. Amy shares the joys and challenges of raising a fam...

Episode 32: Lessons from a CEO on the Role of Purpose and Passion

May 25, 2022 06:00 - 36 minutes - 51.9 MB

Ever wonder how people become a CEO? In this episode of Flip the Tortilla, you have the opportunity to get the inside scoop from Rob Ross, CEO of Surface Oncology. Rob certainly has extraordinary career experience (oncologist, researcher, industry) and educational background (Harvard, Columbia, Stanford). What is even more special, is his incredible purpose and passion - the inner fire that drives him. I have the great fortune of working with Rob and it is so refreshing to see how he approac...

Episode 31: How to be an Inspirational Leader: Real Lessons from an Incredible Executive

May 18, 2022 06:00 - 41 minutes - 57.5 MB

Some leaders are also really special human beings. Biopharma executive, Dan Lynch, is one of those people. He has achieved "rarefied air" success (executive venture partner at Google Ventures, Board Chair of nearly 15 public companies, former CEO) while being the epitome of a values-based, inspirational leader. In this episode of Flip The Tortilla, we learn about Dan's philosophy and why every person he has ever worked with says "You are so lucky to work with Dan. He is amazing."

Episode 30: How to Ask for What You Want at Work

May 10, 2022 07:30 - 34 minutes - 81.2 MB

Asking for what we want can be hard. Knowing how and when to ask is a bit of an art. And then when we go about asking, how do we balance confidence and humility? Jessica Meng, a biopharma executive with an incredible track record of success across multiple companies shares her lessons in asking and getting what you want in your career. She shares her inspirational story in this episode.

Episode 29: How to Tell Your Story to a Recruiter in Five Minutes

May 06, 2022 07:30

"Tell me about yourself." Ever freeze when you get this question? Jean Allen, Partner and Head of Global Communications Practice at Heidrick & Struggles, gives real-world advice on how to tell your story in a way that is interesting and impactful. Jean has talked to thousands of candidates (and executives) and also talks about how to control rambling and fill in uncomfortable gaps in conversations (the dreaded moments of silence). Tune in, you will learn a lot from this episode!

Episode 29: How to Tell Your Story to a Recruiter in Five Minutes

May 06, 2022 07:30 - 26 minutes - 36.7 MB

"Tell me about yourself." Ever freeze when you get this question? Jean Allen, Partner and Head of Global Communications Practice at Heidrick & Struggles, gives real-world advice on how to tell your story in a way that is interesting and impactful. Jean has talked to thousands of candidates (and executives) and also talks about how to control rambling and fill in uncomfortable gaps in conversations (the dreaded moments of silence). Tune in, you will learn a lot from this episode!

Episode 28: Learn to be More Flexible When Shit Happens

April 26, 2022 07:30 - 32 minutes - 59.9 MB

The last several years have tested all of us. Cali Williams Yost, Workplace Strategist and Futurist, is an expert in high-performance flexibility. She has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, USA TODAY, NPR and the TODAY Show. Cali shares some great ways to better adapt to the unpredictable changes and challenges that surround us.

Episode 27: Lessons in Bravery, Self-Reflection, and Humility

April 19, 2022 07:00

Michelle Carnahan is bold and direct. She tells it the way it is while maintaining a sense of humility and empathy. She has run mega-million companies as well as startups. Her fun, approachable style is refreshing. Michelle and Denice have known each other for years. You will really enjoy their conversation!

Episode 27: Lessons in Bravery, Self-Reflection, and Humility

April 19, 2022 07:00

Michelle Carnahan is bold and direct. She tells it the way it is while maintaining a sense of humility and empathy. She has run mega-million companies as well as startups. Her fun, approachable style is refreshing. Michelle and Denice have known each other for years. You will really enjoy their conversation!

Episode 27: Lessons in Bravery, Self-Reflection, and Humility

April 19, 2022 07:00

Michelle Carnahan is bold and direct. She tells it the way it is while maintaining a sense of humility and empathy. She has run mega-million companies as well as startups. Her fun, approachable style is refreshing. Michelle and Denice have known each other for years. You will really enjoy their conversation!

Episode 27: Lessons in Bravery, Self-Reflection, and Humility

April 19, 2022 07:00

Michelle Carnahan is bold and direct. She tells it the way it is while maintaining a sense of humility and empathy. She has run mega-million companies as well as startups. Her fun, approachable style is refreshing. Michelle and Denice have known each other for years. You will really enjoy their conversation!

Episode 27: Lessons in Bravery, Self-Reflection, and Humility

April 19, 2022 07:00

Michelle Carnahan is bold and direct. She tells it the way it is while maintaining a sense of humility and empathy. She has run mega-million companies as well as startups. Her fun, approachable style is refreshing. Michelle and Denice have known each other for years. You will really enjoy their conversation!

Episode 27: Lessons in Bravery, Self-Reflection, and Humility

April 19, 2022 07:00

Michelle Carnahan is bold and direct. She tells it the way it is while maintaining a sense of humility and empathy. She has run mega-million companies as well as startups. Her fun, approachable style is refreshing. Michelle and Denice have known each other for years. You will really enjoy their conversation!

Episode 26: Learning from a Lifelong Change Agent

April 12, 2022 18:29 - 30 minutes - 71 MB

Joyce Cacho is a force of nature. She became one of the first black women to serve on a Fortune 500 Board of Directors. Recently named to Savoy Magazine's list of Most Influence Black Executives, Joyce is an expert on board governance, finance, ESG, and climate change. She is fluent in 4 languages, Joyce has worked in prestigious roles across the globe. Joyce shares insights on making a big impact even in the face of challenges.

Episode 25: How to Wrestle With Being Uncomfortable When Pursuing New Goals

March 28, 2022 07:00 - 29 minutes - 69.2 MB

This episode will provide inspiration and tips for anyone thinking about making a career decision. Denice is joined by Smita Pillai, seasoned executive, and current Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at Regeneron. Smita shares how she has successfully navigated through roles and companies to realize her aspirations. Smita also about how she has been able to make great career decisions - even when faced with uncertainty and discomfort. Denice and Smita also discuss how humility and confide...

Episode 24: The Power of Introverts and Lessons on How to Make the Most of Our Social Style

February 14, 2022 08:30 - 31 minutes - 57.5 MB

Introverts can survive in an extrovert world! Denice talks to self-described introvert Andy Yost, Chief Marketing Officer of Kinsa, who shares his actions for not just surviving, but thriving in the C-suite! Andy says that finding ways to adapt, like asking a question first in a meeting, have been keys to his success. He also talks about his career journey that took him from finance to media to a health tech startup, and gives insights on how to reinvent ourselves–and it starts with being op...

Episode 23: Now is an Even Better Time to Focus on Purpose

February 10, 2022 17:52 - 28 minutes - 53.6 MB

On this episode, Denice is joined by Maggie FitzPatrick, the founder of FitzPatrick & Co, and Corporate Director, Vistagen. Maggie was appointed Commissioner on the DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities and previously led global corporate communications and/or corporate affairs and philanthropy at several Fortune 100 companies. We talked about resilience, perseverance, and communication during these unprecedented times. Maggie shares her advice for all of us who are struggling during this t...

Episode 22: The Importance of Recruiters in Your Career Strategy

January 10, 2022 08:30 - 31 minutes - 72.3 MB

It’s all about making connections. In this episode, Denice is joined by Amy Bottoms, an executive recruiter at Catalyst Partners to talk about why it's never too early in your career to get to know recruiters. Amy talks about the importance of being connected to recruiters in your field–even when you’re not looking for a job. She also gives tips on using LinkedIn to raise your profile, as well as some intel on those coveted board seats–it's never too early to start your journey!

Episode 21: Finding Your Light in the Midst of Devastation

January 03, 2022 15:06 - 42 minutes - 97.6 MB

Everybody has a story, and Erica Johansen’s is one you have to hear! Flip the Tortilla producer tells her story of facing multiple trials – from losing her hair to alopecia to almost losing her 3-month old child to cancer to discovering her (now ex) husband cheating with that child’s nurse! Many couldn't imagine how they could keep going, but Erica used the power of gratitude and flipped the tortilla to not only survive but to thrive. Her story will inspire anyone who is going through someth...

Episode 20: Denice's Personal Story on Caregiving

December 20, 2021 16:29 - 16 minutes - 37.3 MB

In this episode, Denice celebrates National Family Caregivers Month and shares her story of navigating the transition from being a Mom Caregiver to also taking on the care of her aging parents. Denice reflects on the conflicting feelings and emotions, as well as the intense responsibilities, that come when the child becomes the caregiver to the parent. She reveals lessons she’s learned and encourages all of her fellow Caregivers to mindful of their own self-care as they take care of those th...

Episode 19 with Dr. Lois Frankel: From Surviving to Thriving

December 13, 2021 16:59 - 30 minutes - 70.8 MB

Denice is joined by executive coach and bestselling author Dr. Lois Frankel (Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office) for an eye-opening conversation about not just surviving but thriving in these strange times. She champions flipping the tortilla and suggests a few easy steps to find what’s right for you if you aren’t happy in your career. This is a must listen for anyone who’s ever asked themselves, ‘is this all there is?’

Episode 18 with Amy Mahery: Reflections on 2021 WOMEN IN THE WORKPLACE STUDY

December 06, 2021 17:25 - 42 minutes - 96.7 MB

In this special episode Denice is joined by Amy Mahery, SVP and Head of the Global Business Franchise, Neurology & Immunology at EMD Serono, Inc., to talk about women in the workplace. The two review the recent McKinsey WOMEN IN THE WORKPLACE study and talk about how to flip the tortilla to keep women from getting burned out and get promoted instead. Amy also shares some easy-to-follow thoughts on how to be a great mentor–it starts with listening.

Episode 17 with Lawrence Levy: In Pursuit of Joy and Meaning

October 18, 2021 15:23 - 41 minutes - 95.9 MB

“Where do I go from here?” It’s a question so many of us are asking ourselves after this time of unprecedented stress and burnout. Today, we examine that question with Denice as she sits down with Lawrence Levy, the former CFO and board member of Pixar, who left his corporate work to follow self-work in the Buddhist tradition. Levy shares stories of turning Pixar from a failing graphics studio to the Hollywood animation powerhouse it is today. He urges listeners to “flip the tortilla” and lo...

Episode 16 Pt. 2 with Jordyne Blaise: Practical Tips for Coming out of Isolation and Reconnecting with Your Peers

September 20, 2021 07:30 - 33 minutes - 77.7 MB

Attorney and DE&I expert, Jordyne Blaise, joins Denice for the second conversation in a series of about diversity, equity, and inclusion. This one is a must-listen for anyone struggling with work in this unprecedented time (so, everybody). Jordyne has advice for those wondering if they’re in the right job, or the right career, as well as advice on how to "flip the tortilla" on the imposter syndrome.