B The Way Forward

Do We Fold or Do We Fight - A CEO’s Lessons from One of Her Earliest Setbacks

11 Jun 2025

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At 16, Shellye Archambeau already knew she wanted to be a CEO. And early in her career at IBM, after closing a massive deal with RiteAid, it felt like she was well on her way. But then, at the last minute, the deal fell through. Shellye felt utterly defeated - until a conversation with her husband helped her realize that there had been a failure … but that didn’t mean she was a failure. Shellye went on to have a thriving career at IBM and beyond, with the lessons learned from that early setback helping her overcome all the challenges she faced along the way. By the time Shellye became CEO of the software company Metricstream, she felt like she was ready to handle anything. But then the Great Recession of 2008 hit. Just like that, business dried up. Suddenly, Shellye was faced with one of the most difficult decisions of her career. Would they fold? Or would they fight? In this episode, Shellye joins Brenda to talk about the importance of demonstrating resilience as a leader when times get tough, why a great team is everything, and how you can turn your lowest career moments into a productive story to share in your next job interview. For more, check out Shellye and her work... On LinkedIn - /shellye-archambeau On Instagram - @shelarchambeau On X - @ShelArchambeau On the Web - shellye.com And check out Shelley's latest book, Unapologetically Ambitious --- At AnitaB.org we challenge the systems and misconceptions that limit human potential. What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to disrupting the status quo while honoring the full humanity of every individual. We cultivate spaces where people can be vulnerable, seen, and supported without judgement. Because progress starts with truth, empathy, and the courage to build something better for all. --- Connect with AnitaB.org Instagram - @anitab_org Facebook - /anitab.0rg LinkedIn - /anitab-org On the web - anitab.org --- Our guests contribute to this podcast in their personal capacity. The views expressed in this interview are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology or its employees (“AnitaB.org”). AnitaB.org is not responsible for and does not verify the accuracy of the information provided in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute legal or other professional advice or services. --- B The Way Forward Is… Hosted and Executive Produced by Brenda Darden Wilkerson. Produced by Avi Glijansky Associate Produced by Kelli Kyle Sound design and editing by Ryan Hammond Mixing and mastering by Julian Kwasneski Additional Producing help from Faith Krogulecki Operations Coordination for AnitaB.org by Quinton Sprull. Creative Director for AnitaB.org is Deandra Coleman Executive Produced by Dominique Ferrari, Stacey Book, and Avi Glijansky for Frequency Machine Photo of Brenda Darden Wilkerson by Mandisa Media ProductionsFor more ways to be the way forward, visit AnitaB.org

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13:00H | 21 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

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10:00H | 21 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

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12:00H | 20 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

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2ª PARTE | 06 ENE 2026 | EL PARTIDAZO DE COPE

01 Jan 1970

El Partidazo de COPE

3ª PARTE | 22 ENE 2026 | EL PARTIDAZO DE COPE

01 Jan 1970

El Partidazo de COPE

3ª PARTE | 04 MAR 2026 | EL PARTIDAZO DE COPE

01 Jan 1970

El Partidazo de COPE

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B The Way Forward

Do We Fold or Do We Fight - A CEO’s Lessons from One of Her Earliest Setbacks

This episode hasn't been transcribed yet

Other recent transcribed episodes

13:00H | 21 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

10:00H | 21 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

12:00H | 20 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

2ª PARTE | 06 ENE 2026 | EL PARTIDAZO DE COPE

3ª PARTE | 22 ENE 2026 | EL PARTIDAZO DE COPE

3ª PARTE | 04 MAR 2026 | EL PARTIDAZO DE COPE

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