No Boxes: Just Verses
No Boxes: Just Verses is where inspiring leaders reveal the songs and stories that shaped their journey. Join host Shannon Nash, a global C-suite leader, attorney, and CPA, as she goes beyond titles and trophies to explore the moments that truly defined today's top executives, entrepreneurs, and artists.
Each episode is a deep dive into a guest's personal "Leadership Playlist," uncovering the pivotal lessons and life-changing moments tied to the music that moved them. From career breakthroughs to personal reinvention, we explore the authentic, unboxed stories behind extraordinary success.
This isn't your typical leadership podcast. It's a rich blend of leadership development, personal storytelling, and musical discovery. Whether you're an aspiring leader, a seasoned executive, or simply a music lover, you'll find powerful insights and a vibrant community here.
Come for the stories, stay for the playlist. Subscribe now and join us as we redefine leadership, one verse at a time.
No Boxes: Just Verses
Panya Lei Yarber-King on a Journey Rooted in Reading, Faith, and Therapy — From South Side Chicago to Stanford, Harvard, and Meta
In this incredibly insightful episode of No Boxes: Just Verses, we sit down with technology executive and operator, Panya Lei Yarber-King. Are you a leader trying to manage high-pressure situations, advocate for your worth, or find a deeper connection between your faith and your career? Panya’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience, the strength of faith and independence, and the mindset that you should "keep on moving" despite any obstacle. Tune in for the blueprint on mastering digital transformation and leading mission-critical AI infrastructure.
Panya Lei Yarber-King is a technology executive and strategic operator with 20 years of experience in large-scale IT operations and infrastructure strategy. She currently leads Meta’s Illinois data center operations—one of the company’s most advanced AI-driven facilities—supporting platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Meta AI. A graduate of Stanford University and Harvard Business School, Panya is also a dedicated community builder, serving on several non-profit boards focused on education and girls' empowerment.
Key Takeaways:
- The Work Ethic of Independence: Learn how Panya's mother, who worked for over 40 years, instilled a core principle of resilience and fierce independence, showing Panya that you always pick back up and keep moving despite setbacks.
- Discover the early career lesson Panya learned when her manager told her she wasn't ready for a promotion. She advocated for herself, walked directly to the hiring manager's office, and ultimately got the job—proving that you can't let others hold you down.
- Hear how a high-risk pregnancy forced Panya to embrace delegation as a necessity, realizing that it’s okay to ask for help and that her team was ready and willing to support her—a vital lesson in trusting your team.
- Find out why a data center is crucial, acting as a mission-critical building filled with the servers and infrastructure that power everything you use online, including the latest AI applications.
- Understand how a single track meet invitation exposed Panya to the beauty of Stanford’s Palm Drive, giving her a vision and a challenge that drove her academic and professional journey.
Panya Lei Yarber-King’s journey proves that your faith and your ambition can carry you through any challenge. What obstacle are you ready to face head-on and "keep on moving" through this week? Be Grateful and subscribe to the podcast!
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CONNECT WITH PANYA LEI YARBER-KING:
Playlist
CONNECT WITH SHANNON:
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Theme Song: Pedal to the Medal by Martin Luther (Spotify | Apple Music)