The Real Women in Tech

Send us a textSummaryIn this conversation, Uzma Hafiz, a program manager at Microsoft and mother of three, shares her journey as a working mom in the tech industry. The discussion covers the challenges faced by women in tech, the importance of support systems, and the societal expectations that often weigh heavily on working mothers. Uzma emphasizes the importance of open communication with partners, the significance of childcare, and the value of self-confidence in overcoming fears and achieving career goals. The conversation also addresses the realities of returning to work after maternity leave and the importance of flexibility in both personal and professional life.TakeawaysNearly 50% of women in tech leave by age 35.Support systems are crucial for working mothers.Overcoming traditional expectations is essential for personal growth.The quality of work matters more than the hours spent.Childcare can be a significant challenge for working parents.Returning to work after maternity leave requires a strong support system.Open communication with partners is crucial for striking a balance between work and family.Fears about career gaps can be alleviated by facing them head-on.It is essential to believe in oneself and pursue one's career goals.Flexibility in work arrangements can help working mothers thrive.Sound Bites"I just go by my own inner voice.""Fears are just temporary.""You have to believe in yourself."

Send us a textSummaryIn this engaging conversation, LP Peterson, a program manager at Apple, shares her journey in the tech industry. She discusses her early interest in program management, her experiences as an Apple Genius, and the importance of emotional resilience in tech. She emphasizes the need for effective communication and emotional management in project management while addressing the challenges of gender expectations and imposter syndrome. LP highlights the value of coaching and personal development and shares insights on finding motivation and investing in oneself for career growth.HighlightsLP started her career in program management at 17.Her background in industrial engineering shaped her approach to program management.Working in manufacturing taught her the importance of software in operations.The Genius role at Apple focused on customer empathy and service.Emotional resilience is crucial for effective leadership in tech.Program managers should facilitate collaboration rather than take on personal guilt for failures.Understanding team dynamics and emotions is key to project success.Gender expectations can influence perceptions of emotional responses in the workplace.Coaching can provide valuable support for personal and professional growth.Finding motivation in work often comes from the people you collaborate with.

Send us a textSummaryIn this Real Women in Tech podcast episode, host Igor Zagre  & Shivam Khullar speak with Celine Herve, a people partner at Grammarly and author of 'Swipe Right on Confidence.' They discuss the challenges women face in tech, the importance of self-advocacy, and the impact of cultural transitions on personal growth. Celine shares her journey from Google to Grammarly, her experiences with the #IAmRemarkable program, and insights on building unshakeable confidence. The conversation emphasizes the need for courage, the significance of setting boundaries, and the role of self-advocacy in overcoming modesty norms. In this conversation, Céline Hervé and Shivam discuss the importance of setting boundaries in personal and professional contexts, women's challenges in advocating for themselves, and strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome. They explore negotiation tactics for women, emphasizing the need for self-awareness and understanding one's worth. The discussion also highlights the significance of building confidence and offers financial awareness and personal development resources.Takeaways70% of women in tech feel they need to work harder.Céline's journey includes significant cultural transitions.Self-advocacy is essential for personal growth.Courage is about facing fears and taking risks.Accomplishments need to be acknowledged and shared.Céline emphasizes the importance of boundaries.The I Am Remarkable program empowers women to self-promote.Céline's experiences at Google shaped her career.Finding advocates can help in self-advocacy.Saying sorry too often can undermine self-worth. Boundaries are essential in both personal and professional life.Listening to your body can help identify boundary violations.Setting boundaries can be challenging, especially if not established early on.Silence can be a powerful tool in communication and boundary setting.Women negotiate as much as men, but they often receive less.Self-advocacy requires understanding systemic limitations in workplaces.Imposter syndrome is common and can be managed by acknowledging it.Negotiation should consider the total compensation package, not just salary.Confidence can be built through small, practical steps.Resources like financial awareness programs can empower women.Sound Bites"Accomplishments do not speak for themselves.""Céline's journey is about disrupting herself.""Courage is not the absence of fear.""Self-advocacy is crucial for growth.""I broke down crying because I was so ashamed.""Finding someone who believes in you is key.""It's not bragging if it's based on facts.""Saying sorry all the time hurts your worth.""We feel like there's something wrong.""Silence is a potent tool.""Everyone feels this way."

Send us a textIn this conversation, Farrah Mitra shares her inspiring journey from a strategy consultant to an executive coach, emphasizing the importance of leadership communication and the frameworks she has practiced and developed, including Radical Candor and her new approach to communicating change. She discusses the significance of mindset in coaching, the challenges leaders face, and practical strategies for giving and receiving feedback. The conversation also touches on the emotional aspects of communication in difficult situations and the need for empathy in leadership.TakeawaysFarrah's journey reflects a deep passion for people and business.Defining a personal mission statement can guide career decisions.The name 'Green Reed' symbolizes resilience and adaptability.Mindset is crucial in unlocking leadership potential.Radical Candor combines kindness and clarity in feedback.Feedback should be seen as a gift, not a criticism.Empathy is essential in communicating change effectively.Leaders must prepare emotionally for difficult conversations.Cultural differences impact feedback and communication styles.Practical strategies can help navigate challenging workplace dynamics.

Send us a textIn this engaging conversation, Meghna Punhani shares her inspiring journey from traditional roots in India to becoming a prominent figure in the tech industry. She discusses the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive individuals, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the bold decision to transition from a successful career at Google to the startup world. Meghna emphasizes the need for gender equity in tech, the critical roles of mentorship and sponsorship, and the power of allyship. She also highlights initiatives to empower women in AI and the importance of continuous learning in a rapidly changing landscape.

In this conversation, Diane Solinger shares her extensive career journey, highlighting her experiences in organizational transformation, change management, and the importance of personal growth. She discusses the challenges of navigating change in large tech companies, the significance of understanding subcultures within organizations, and the emotional aspects of change management. Diane emphasizes the need for trust, collaboration, and the role of mentorship in personal and professional development. She encourages listeners to reflect on their definitions of growth and be kind to themselves during change.TakeawaysDiane's career spans over three decades, with significant roles in tech and social impact.She emphasizes the importance of aligning personal values with career opportunities.Change management requires understanding emotional aspects and building trust.Networking is crucial for career pivots and opportunities.Diane advocates for a growth mindset and continuous learning.Subcultures within organizations can significantly impact career experiences.Women in tech face unique challenges but are well-suited for change management roles.Self-reflection is key to understanding personal growth and career direction.Mentorship can provide valuable guidance during career transitions.It's important to set realistic expectations for personal and professional growth.

SummaryIn this conversation, Alana Karen discusses her definition of authenticity and how it has evolved throughout her career in the tech industry. She emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself and sharing personal experiences and struggles. Alana mentions Michelle Obama as a role model of authenticity and discusses how authenticity is perceived for women compared to men. She also explores the relationship between authenticity and success in one's career, highlighting the trade-offs and the need to find a balance that aligns with one's values and goals. The conversation explores the role of authenticity in career progression, the importance of support systems, and the challenges women face in tech. Alana Karen shares her personal experiences and offers guidance for embracing authenticity. The conversation also touches on the generational differences in perceiving authenticity and the need for continued progress.TakeawaysAuthenticity is about being true to oneself and sharing personal experiences and struggles.Authenticity can be perceived differently by women compared to men, and women may face additional challenges in being authentic in the workplace.The tech industry values authenticity to some extent, but certain aspects of authenticity are more accepted and valued than others.The choice between being authentic and fitting in depends on one's goals and values, and there may be trade-offs in terms of career progression.Being authentic can contribute to a more meaningful and fulfilling career, but it requires self-awareness and the willingness to navigate challenges and make choices that align with one's values. Authenticity plays a crucial role in career progression and personal fulfillment.Building a support system or tribe is essential for navigating challenges and seeking guidance.Authentic leadership is important for organizations to foster a positive work environment and build trust.The acceptance of authenticity has improved over generations, but systemic changes take time.Women in tech should prioritize their happiness and fulfillment, and not be afraid to take risks and embrace their authentic selves.