In this inspiring episode of No Boxes: Just Verses, we're joined by trailblazing board director and former senior executive, Barbara Adachi. Are you a leader trying to navigate an unconventional career path or facing a moment of doubt? Barbara's journey is a masterclass in resilience, mentorship, and building a legacy of impact. We explore her upbringing in a diverse community, her rise through the ranks at Deloitte as the first minority and female partner to lead her practice, and her current mission to pay it forward by mentoring the next generation.

Barbara Adachi is a trailblazing board director and former senior executive known for her expertise in human capital strategy and inclusive leadership. As the first minority and female partner to lead the national human capital consulting business at Deloitte, she championed the firm's Women’s Initiative. She currently serves on the boards of VSP Vision and Old Republic International. Barbara is also the Lead Executive Advisor for Ascend Pinnacle, a network focused on increasing AAPI representation on corporate boards.

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Key Takeaways:

• Discover how a diverse upbringing taught her the power of a supportive community and perseverance.

• Learn how a visionary mentor changed her career trajectory by seeing her potential and giving her a chance.

• Hear why she was willing to walk away from a job she wanted to stay true to her own principles.

• Find out why paying it forward through mentorship is a leader's most fulfilling work.

Barbara’s playlist is a joyful anthem of resilience, proving that anything can happen when you're willing to try. What songs have shaped your journey? 

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and review the podcast! 

CONNECT WITH BARBARA ADACHI:

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Playlist

CONNECT WITH SHANNON:

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LinkedIn Shannon | LinkedIn NBJV

Theme Song: Pedal to the Medal by Martin Luther (Spotify | Apple Music) 

Your Career is a "Celebration": Lessons from a Trailblazing Leader

Have you ever felt like your career was a series of unexpected twists and turns, with moments of doubt and triumph? It’s easy to look at a successful leader’s bio and think their path was a straight line, but the truth is, a meaningful career is often a lot messier—and much more beautiful. What if you could learn to see your entire journey, from your humble beginnings to your greatest accomplishments, as a reason to celebrate? In a powerful interview on the "No Boxes: Just Verses" podcast, trailblazing board director Barbara Adachi shared her inspiring story of resilience, mentorship, and building a legacy. This article is for you if you're ready to embrace your journey, find your purpose, and create a career that is a true celebration of your life.

Prerequisites to an Unboxed Career

This article is for anyone who has ever felt like they didn't quite fit in, or who has doubted whether they have what it takes to succeed. If you are willing to learn, persevere, and see setbacks as opportunities, you are ready for this. You don't need a fancy background or a perfect plan—just a commitment to your own growth and an open heart to the people who want to help you.

Step 1: Ground Your Ambition in Community and Perseverance

It's a common mistake to believe that your background can hold you back. But in reality, your roots can be your greatest strength. Barbara shared how she grew up as a third-generation Japanese American in a neighborhood in South Central Los Angeles that was both black and Japanese. This experience taught her how to relate to people from all walks of life, which was a huge asset later in her career. Her parents, who didn't go to college, instilled in her a deep sense of perseverance and the Japanese concept of "ganbaru," which means to never, ever give up. Even when things got hard, her parents taught her to keep trying, because "if you don't go for it, you're never going to know". This foundation of community and perseverance was the bedrock of her entire journey.

Conclusion:

A strong foundation of community and a mindset of perseverance will give you the strength to face any challenge.

• Embrace your unique background and see it as a source of strength and empathy.

• Learn the value of "ganbaru"—to never, ever give up, no matter what.

• Remember that your community can be a safety net that helps you when you need it most.

• Understand that your parents' or family's sacrifices are a part of your story and a source of motivation.

Step 2: Find a Mentor Who Sees Your Potential

Many people think that hard work alone will get them noticed. But a common mistake is not recognizing the power of a mentor, a person who sees your potential before you do. Barbara's career took a powerful turn when she was working as a secretary. A mentor, Vincent Benitez, saw her potential and took her under his wing. He taught her every part of the business, from sales to customer service, because he knew that learning the business from the inside out would be a game-changer for her. He also gave her a lesson that stayed with her forever: he showed her a black and white photo of his humble childhood home and told her, "never forget where I came from," a lesson that helped her stay grounded and appreciative throughout her career.

Conclusion:

A great mentor can change the course of your life by seeing your potential and teaching you the business from the ground up.

• Be open to mentors who may not look like you or come from the same background.

• See every part of the business, from the ground up, as an opportunity to learn.

• Remember your roots and the people who helped you. It keeps you humble and grateful.

• Don't be afraid to take a chance on yourself if a mentor believes in you.

Step 3: Stand Up for Yourself and Your Values

It’s easy to compromise your values for a job you want. But true leaders know that your integrity is your most valuable asset. Barbara faced two major challenges at Deloitte that tested this. First, she was denied a spot on a management committee because her boss didn't see her as a leader. She had to fight for her authority, learning the hard lesson that "if you don't ask, the answer is already no". Second, when she was in competition for a top leadership role, a rival badmouthed her to gain an advantage. Her supporters urged her to fight back, but she refused to lower her standards. She won the job because she stayed true to herself and her values, proving that integrity and character matter more than politics.

Conclusion:

Your integrity and values are not negotiable. A great leader knows when to fight for what's right and when to walk away.

• Ask for what you need to be successful; don’t assume others will give it to you.

• Be willing to walk away from a position if it compromises your values or authority.

• Refuse to engage in negative political games to get ahead.

• Remember that the person you have to live with at the end of the day is yourself.

Step 4: Make Your Legacy About Paying It Forward

For many, retirement is the end of a career. But for a true leader, it's the beginning of a new chapter of impact. Barbara's mentor, Vincent, taught her a powerful lesson: when she went to pay him back for his support, he refused the money and told her, "your payback will be that you need to pay this forward". She has taken this to heart. She now serves on corporate and nonprofit boards and spends her time mentoring women and AAPI leaders, finding true joy in helping others achieve their dreams. Her story reminds us that the ultimate legacy of a leader isn't just about their personal success, but how they use that success to lift up others.

Conclusion:

Paying it forward is the most joyful and fulfilling part of a leader's journey.

• Find ways to mentor others who are on a similar path.

• Use your network and influence to create opportunities for the next generation.

• See the end of your corporate career as the start of a new, impactful mission.

• Understand that the ultimate "payback" for your success is giving back.

Conclusion: Your Unboxed Journey to Authentic Leadership

You've learned that a life of purpose, resilience, and leadership isn’t a straight line. It's a journey filled with ups and downs, powerful mentors, and hard-won lessons. The big idea is that your unique experiences, from your family's history to your biggest career setbacks, are what make you the perfect leader for the moments you are in. Barbara's story is a joyful anthem, and her legacy is a powerful reminder that anything is possible when you're willing to try.

Now it's your turn to apply these lessons. Start by asking yourself:

Final Steps to Take:

• What is your "ganbaru" and who is your community?

• Who is the mentor in your life who you need to thank, and who can you mentor in return?

• What values will you refuse to compromise for your career?

• What will your legacy be, and how can you start paying it forward today?