Podcasts about diversityintech

I have had the pleasure of conversing with many people on Unstoppable Mindset who clearly are unstoppable by any standard. However, few measure up to the standard set by our guest this time, Katrin J. Yuan. Katrin grew up in Switzerland where, at an early age, she developed a deep curiosity for technology and, in fact, life in general. Katrin has a Masters degree in Business Administration and studies in IT and finance.   As you will see by reading her biography, Katrin speaks six languages. She also has accomplished many feats in the business world including being the founder and CEO of the Swiss Future Institute.   Our conversation ranges far and wide with many insights from Katrin about how we all should live life and learn to be better than we are. For example, I asked her questions such as “what is the worst piece of advice you ever have received?”. Answer, “stay as you are, don't grow”. There are several more such questions we discuss. I think you will find our conversation satisfying and well worth your time.   As a final note, this episode is being released around the same time Katrin's latest book is being published. I am anxious to hear what you think about our conversation and Katrin's new book.       About the Guest:   Katrin J. Yuan Boardmember | CEO Swiss Future Institute | Chair AI Future Council Katrin J. Yuan is an award-winning executive with a background in technology and transformation. With a Master of Business Administration and studies in IT and finance, Katrin is fluent in six languages. She is a six-time Board Member, Chair of the AI Future Council, lectures at three universities, and serves as a Jury Member for ETH and Digital Shapers. With a background of leading eight divisions in the top management, Katrin is an influential executive, investor, speaker and a "Young Global Leader" at the St. Gallen Symposium. Her expertise extends to AI, future megatrends, enforcing AI and a diverse data-driven approach.  Ways to connect Katrin:   Swiss Future Institute https://www.linkedin.com/company/swiss-future-institute LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/katrin-j-yuan/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/katrinjyuan/ Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@katrinjyuan   Speaker Topics: AI Future Tech Trends | Boards | NextGen Languages: EN | DE | FR | Mandarin | Shanghainese | Turkish | Latinum Menu card overview https://www.futureinstitute.ch   About the Host:   Michael Hingson is a New York Times best-selling author, international lecturer, and Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe. Michael, blind since birth, survived the 9/11 attacks with the help of his guide dog Roselle. This story is the subject of his best-selling book, Thunder Dog.   Michael gives over 100 presentations around the world each year speaking to influential groups such as Exxon Mobile, AT&T, Federal Express, Scripps College, Rutgers University, Children's Hospital, and the American Red Cross just to name a few. He is Ambassador for the National Braille Literacy Campaign for the National Federation of the Blind and also serves as Ambassador for the American Humane Association's 2012 Hero Dog Awards.   https://michaelhingson.com https://www.facebook.com/michael.hingson.author.speaker/ https://twitter.com/mhingson https://www.youtube.com/user/mhingson https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhingson/   accessiBe Links https://accessibe.com/ https://www.youtube.com/c/accessiBe https://www.linkedin.com/company/accessibe/mycompany/   https://www.facebook.com/accessibe/       Thanks for listening!   Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!   Subscribe to the podcast   If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can subscribe in your favorite podcast app. You can also support our podcast through our tip jar https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/unstoppable-mindset .   Leave us an Apple Podcasts review   Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.       Transcription Notes:   Michael Hingson ** 00:00 Access Cast and accessiBe Initiative presents Unstoppable Mindset. The podcast where inclusion, diversity and the unexpected meet. Hi, I'm Michael Hingson, Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe and the author of the number one New York Times bestselling book, Thunder dog, the story of a blind man, his guide dog and the triumph of trust. Thanks for joining me on my podcast as we explore our own blinding fears of inclusion unacceptance and our resistance to change. We will discover the idea that no matter the situation, or the people we encounter, our own fears, and prejudices often are our strongest barriers to moving forward. The unstoppable mindset podcast is sponsored by accessiBe, that's a c c e s s i capital B e. Visit www.accessibe.com to learn how you can make your website accessible for persons with disabilities. And to help make the internet fully inclusive by the year 2025. Glad you dropped by we're happy to meet you and to have you here with us.   Michael Hingson ** 00:15 Hi. I'm Michael Hinkson, Chief vision Officer for accessibe and the author of the number one New York Times best selling book, Thunder dog, the story of a blind man, his guide dog and the triumph of trust. Thanks for joining me on my podcast. As we explore our own blinding fears of inclusion, unacceptance and our resistance to change, we will discover the idea that no matter the situation or the people we encounter, our own fears and prejudices often are our strongest barriers to moving forward. The Unstoppable mindset podcast is sponsored by accessibe. THAT'S A, C, C, E, S, S, I, capital, B, E, visit www.accessibe.com to learn how you can make your website accessible for persons with disabilities and to help make the internet fully inclusive by the year 2025 glad you dropped by. We're happy to meet you and to have you here with us.   Michael Hingson ** 01:20 Well, hi everyone. Welcome to another edition of unstoppable mindset. Our podcast has been doing really well. We've been having a lot of fun with it ever since August of 2021 and I really thank you all for listening and for being part of our family. And as I always tell people, if you know of anyone who you think ought to be a guest, let us know, and we'll get to that later on. Today, our guest is from Switzerland, Katrin J Yuan. And Katrin is a person who, among other things, is the CEO of the Swiss future Institute, and I'm going to leave it to her to tell us about that when we get to it. She is a executive. She's an executive with a with a pretty deep background, and again, I don't want to give anything away. I want her to be able to talk about all that, so we'll get to it. But Katrin, I want to thank you for being here and for finding us and for coming on unstoppable mindset.   Katrin J Yuan ** 02:20 Warm Welcome Michael and Dear audience, thank you so much for having me on unstoppable mindset. I'm excited to be here with you a bit about myself.   Michael Hingson ** 02:32 Yes, please, you and growing up and all all the scandalous things you that you don't want anyone to know. No, go ahead. We we're here to hear what you have to say.   Katrin J Yuan ** 02:43 My cultural background is, I'm looking Asian, grown up in Europe and Germany, and then later for my studies in Switzerland, in the French part of Switzerland. And now I'm being in here in Zurich. My background is Mba, it finance. I started with a corporate then in tech consulting. I was heading eight departments in my lab. Last corporate position there of head it head data. Now to keep it simple and short, I consider myself as an edutainer, community builder and a connector, connecting the dots between data, tech and people. I do it on a strategic level as a six time board member, and I do it on an operational level for the Swiss future Institute for four universities, being a lecturer and sharing knowledge fun and connecting with people in various ways.   Michael Hingson ** 03:44 Well, what? What got you started down the road of being very deeply involved with tech? I mean, I assume that that wasn't a decision that just happened overnight, that growing up, something must have led you to decide that you wanted to go that way.   Katrin J Yuan ** 03:58 It's a mixture curiosity, excitement, I want to know, and that started with me as a kid, how things work, what's the functionality? And I like to test do things differently and do it myself before reading how it should be done. What's the way it should be done.   Michael Hingson ** 04:21 So, yeah, yeah, I find reading is is a very helpful thing. Reading instruction manuals and all that is very helpful. But at the same time, there isn't necessarily all the information that a curious mind wants, so I appreciate what you're saying.   Katrin J Yuan ** 04:36 Yeah, totally. There are so many more things. Once you start, it's like one layer after the other. I like to take the layers, lip by layer, to go to a core, and I'm I don't avoid asking questions, because I really like to understand how things work.   Michael Hingson ** 04:55 Yeah, yeah. It's a lot more fun. And. And hopefully you get answers. I think a lot of times, people who are very technically involved in one thing or another, when you ask them questions, all too often, they assume, well, this person doesn't have the technical expertise that I do, so I don't want to give a very complicated answer, and that's all lovely, except that it doesn't answer the question that people like you, and frankly I have, which is, how do things work? Why do they work? Much less? Where do we take them from here? Right?   Katrin J Yuan ** 05:31 Absolutely, and breaking down complexity rather simplifying things, and tell us in an easy way you would maybe tell kids, your neighbors and non tech persons, and at the end of the day, it's the question, What's in for you? What is this for? And what's the value and how you can apply it in your everyday life? Yeah,   Michael Hingson ** 05:57 I grew up, of course, being blind, and encountered a lot of people who were and are curious about blind people. The problem is I usually have an assumption also, that if you're blind, you can't do the same things that sighted people can do, and that's usually the biggest barrier that I find we have to break through, that I have to break through, because, in reality, blindness isn't the issue, it's people's perceptions. And so that's why I mentioned the whole idea that people often underrate people who ask a lot of questions, and the result is that that it takes a while to get them comfortable enough to understand we really do want to know when we really do want you to give us good technical information that we can process and move forward with   Katrin J Yuan ** 06:47 exactly normally, in a room full of board members, managers, you call it, you name it, CEOs, investors, usually someone or even the majority, is very thankful that finally somebody asks also, dare to ask the simple questions to find a solution. And it's not only the what, but I find it interesting also the how you solve it, and to see and do things in a different way, from a different, diverse perspective. This is very valuable for those seeing and for those seeing in a different way or not seeing and solving it in your own very unique way, and   Michael Hingson ** 07:33 and that's part of the real issue, of course, is that looking at things from different points of view is always so valuable, isn't it? Absolutely,   Katrin J Yuan ** 07:42 this is why I also go for diversity in tech leadership boards. Yeah, because for me, I like to say it's no charity case, but business case,   Michael Hingson ** 07:57 yeah. Well, so you, you've, in a sense, always been interested in tech, and that I can appreciate, and that makes a lot of sense, because that's where a lot of growth and a lot of things are happening. What? So you went to school, you went to college, you got a master's degree, right?   Katrin J Yuan ** 08:17 Yes, correct.   Michael Hingson ** 08:20 And so what was then your first job that you ended up having in the tech world? I   Katrin J Yuan ** 08:27 was in the IT ICT for Vodafone in a country this last station was with Northern Cyprus. For me, very exciting. Yeah, to jump in different roles, also in different areas, seeing the world sponsored by a large company here in Europe. And that was very exciting for me to jump into white, into it and learn quickly. I wanted to have this knowledge accelerated and very pragmatic to see many countries, cultures, and also diverse people in many, many means, from language to culture to age to many, many different backgrounds.   Michael Hingson ** 09:09 So from a technology standpoint, how is Vodafone doing today? I know you've moved on from that, but you know, how is it? How is it doing today? Or is it I haven't I've heard of Vodafone, but I haven't kept up with it. That   Katrin J Yuan ** 09:22 was my very first chapter. So yes, indeed, I moved on, staying in the tech sector, but now I am completely here in Switzerland for another chapter,   Michael Hingson ** 09:35 and Vodafone is still a very sizable and ongoing company. It   Katrin J Yuan ** 09:39 is not in Switzerland, but yes, still in Europe, with headquarter, UK, in Germany and so on. Definitely. Yeah,   Michael Hingson ** 09:47 I'm, I'm familiar with it. And I was thinking Germany, although I hadn't thought about the UK, but that makes, makes some sense. So you, you obviously worked to. Learn a lot and absorb a lot of information. And I like the things that that you're talking about. I think people who are really curious, and who work at being curious aren't just curious about one thing and you talked about, you're curious about the technology and all the things that you could learn, but you are also very interested in the cultures, and I think that that is and the whole environment, and I think that is so important to be able to do what, what kinds of things, if you if you will, did you find interesting about the different cultures, or what kind of commonalities Did you find across different cultures? Because you, you had the experience to to be able to be involved with several so that must have been a pretty fascinating journey.   Katrin J Yuan ** 10:45 Yeah, CEO of a Swiss future Institute, and as university lecturer of four universities in Germany, as well as in Switzerland, mostly about AI data analytics. And also as board member, I have several demanding roles started already in young years. So one of the questions I hear often is, how did you make it, and how is the combination? And here my answer is, start early discipline focus. I'm highly self motivated curiosity, as mentioned earlier in the combination, and I did not expect success to come early. I expected to endure pain, hard work and to go forward and a mixture of discipline, hard work, step by step, and also to overcome challenges.   Michael Hingson ** 11:42 Did you find it to be a challenge with any of the cultures that you worked within, to to be able to be curious and to be able to move forward? Or were you pretty much welcomed across the board?   Katrin J Yuan ** 11:57 It's a mixture. It started with the obvious, the language. So when I was, for instance, on Northern Cyprus, that's the Turkish speaking part, not the Greek part, which is in the EU I accepted the opportunity given by the company at that time to learn Turkish. That was amazing for me. Yeah, as I felt like, if I'm the guest, the least I can do is adapt and giving, showing my respect and openness towards a new culture. And for me, culture starts with a language. With language you reach not only the people, but you really understand as there are so many, and those of you who speak more than one language, you might have find it especially comparing different expressions emotions. Typical expressions in different languages is not only translating, it's really understanding those people. Yeah, and that for me, definitely super exciting. It was a challenge, but a very welcome one, embracing that challenge, and for me, it was like, Hey, let's do an experiment. Being an adult, learning a complete new language, not like English, German, French, and both usually relatively close to each other, so related ones, but a completely new such as Turkish. So nobody spoke Turkish in my friend's neighborhood, closer family as we are, we are not. But I thought that, hey, let's simply start. And I started by learning eight, eight hours per week, so really intense, including the Saturday. So it was only doable that way, to give it a serious try to bridge and be open towards different cultures.   Michael Hingson ** 13:53 Well, the other part about it is, in a sense, it sounds like you adopted the premise or the idea that you didn't really have a choice because you lived there, or at least, that's a great way to motivate and so you you spent the time to learn the language. Did you become pretty fluent in Turkish? Then I   Katrin J Yuan ** 14:13 was there like five months, the first three months, it was rather a doing pain and hard work without having any success. So I didn't, didn't get it. I didn't understand anything, though I had every week the eight hours of Turkish, and it took three months, and that's super interesting for me to perceive like I love experiments, and I love experimenting, also with myself included, that is, it's not, it seems to be not linear, but rather jumping. So you have all the investments in the first where you don't see any immediate effect. Well, after the first three months, there was a jump. Um, and I remember clearly the first moment where I got it, where I understood something, and later on learning intensely, even understood some sort of jokes and etc. And there the meetings were all in Turkish. So it really helped to adapt to that one and get what they say,   Michael Hingson ** 15:20 so until you got to the point where you could sort of understand the language, how did, how did you function? Did you have somebody who interpreted or how did that work?   Katrin J Yuan ** 15:30 Well, they speak English as well, and of course, they adapted to me, such as to the other experts being there as well.   Michael Hingson ** 15:39 Yeah. Did? Did you find, though, that once you started having some effective communication in the language that that they liked that and that that made you more accepted? They   Katrin J Yuan ** 15:52 were surprised, because at that time, I was the only one from from the experts manager sent there and really accepted the whole education package for like, okay, it's free, it's education. Let's definitely accept it and give it a serious try, having the eight hours per week. So several were quite surprised that I did it and that I'm interested in learning a new language as a as an adult, where you could have said, No, that's, that's enough. Let's, let's all stay in our usual, the simple, the simplest way, which is, let's keep it and do it all in English, what we already can speak.   Michael Hingson ** 16:38 But they had to feel more at home when you started speaking their language a little bit. I remember in college, I took a year of Japanese. It just seemed fascinating, and I like to listen to short wave. I'm a ham radio operator, so I oftentimes would tune across stations, and I would find radio Japan and listen to broadcasts, and then I took a year, and I've been to Japan twice as a speaker, talking about the World Trade Center and so on. And although I didn't become in any way fluent with the language, I was able to pick up enough words, especially after having been there for a few days, that I could at least know was what's going on. So I appreciate exactly what you're saying. It makes it a whole lot more fun when people do relate to you. Which is, which is so cool. So, you know, I think that's that's a good thing. Where did you go after Cyprus?   Katrin J Yuan ** 17:34 I went back to Switzerland. Ah, familiar language, yeah, from the French and to the German speaking part in Switzerland, also with French, it's more or less the same. I learned a large part, also per University, and frankly, per TV. Watching television, if you first started, didn't get any of those jokes, yeah, I felt quite stupid. And then one day, you really break the wall, and then it's going all the way up, and you simply get it. You live it. You are widened, and you understand the culture and those people, and they will feel that you are bracing it, that you are not only polite or only there for a temporary of time, and then you're you're gone. Yeah,   Michael Hingson ** 18:22 you you demonstrate that you are really interested in them and curious about them, as I said, and that tends to definitely make you more relatable and make you more appreciated by the places where you are. So I'd like to go ahead and continue in, you know, obviously learning about you and so on. And I know we talked a little bit about other places where you've been and so on, but you've got, you've got a lot that you have done. So you work a lot with CEOs. You work a lot with investors and board members, and a lot of these people have a lot of different kinds of personalities. So what is your perception of people? What was your perception of working with all those people? And how do you deal with all of that going forward? Because everybody's got their own thoughts,   Katrin J Yuan ** 19:21 indeed, and in that context, what is normal? How do you perceive and how are you perceived by others? That was a question which raised my curiosity. Yeah, by time, it was not clear from the beginning, and for me, I found my answer in what is normal. It's super relative for only what you perceive and know. Got to know taught by your parents as a kid. And for me, looking looking Asian, yeah, looking different, yeah, as. A woman young, you're looking different. And that combination in Switzerland, it's yeah, it weighs some questions, and got me reflecting upon that question, yes, and this all how you deal and see and apply that difference and make that difference to be a value for yourself and for others. You bring   Michael Hingson ** 20:25 up an interesting point, though. You talk about what is normal, and so what is normal? How do you deal with that?   Katrin J Yuan ** 20:33 Normal is what you think is normal. There's no real normal, the so called norms. Does it fit to you, or you will make them fit to you, and you are unique in that setup you know, like what is normal considering beauty standards, it is what you use to know, based on culture, based on your direct environment, by based by your family, what you see is what you get, yeah. And based on some scientific stuff, like relatively high symmetric in in your face, but not too much asymmetric, yeah, just the right mixture, yeah. And so I learned to define, instead of being defined all the time, to define myself what is normal to me, to me, and to be very aware that the normal is quite relative my perception. Did   Michael Hingson ** 21:33 you find that there were times that you had to sort of change your view of what was normal because of circumstances, does that make sense?   Katrin J Yuan ** 21:43 Yeah, totally, and I respect it so much. Also, with your fantastic story yourself, Michael, where I can only say, Chapo, how, how you make your way all the way up. And it's, it's more than respectful. I have you have my admiration for that one for me, it was definitely food traveling, seeing myself, not so much as a small kid, I perceived like, Hey, we are all normal. Yeah, there was no difference as a small kid. But latest for me, when you got a bit older as a kid, between, in between kid and becoming adult, also from the environment, raising questions of how you appear, whether you appear differently from kids and so on. Yeah, the question was brought to me, so I had to deal with it in the one or other way. And I learned it's, it is interesting if you are finding yourself. It's not a point that you know in black, white, okay, that's me, but it's rather walking the whole path with all the stones, Hicks and up and downs, becoming you in all its essence and normal it was defines you, and I like to challenge myself wherever, and all these bias everyone has naturally, it makes us humans. That's the way that I, at least challenge myself to open that quick few seconds box again, after the very first impression, which is built unconsciously, and and, and some, some good moments and valuable relationships appeared not from the first moment, but because I challenge it, and even if we didn't like, for example, each other from the first moment, but then we gave it another opportunity, and even friendships were built with a second and third glance. And this is why I invite you to think about your own normal and to find and define yourself, not letting it be a standard defined by others.   Michael Hingson ** 24:07 I have ever since September 11, I always hear people saying and I read and I reacted to it internally. We got to get back to normal. People hate getting out of their comfort zone oftentimes, and that's, in a sense, so very frustrating. But I kept hearing people say, after September 11, we got to get back to normal. And I finally realized that the reason that I didn't like that statement was, normal will never be the same again. We can't get back to normal because normal is going to be different, and if we try to get back to where we were, then the same thing is going to happen again. So we do need to analyze, investigate, explore and recognize when it's need to move on and find, if you will, for the moment, at least a new normal.   Katrin J Yuan ** 24:58 Absolutely, I'm. With you. What's normal for you? Michael,   Michael Hingson ** 25:04 yeah, what's normal for me isn't normal for you. I think what's normal for me today isn't what it used to be. So for me today, normal is I do get to travel and speak, but when I'm home, I have a dog and a cat. Normal change for me a couple of years ago when my wife passed away. So it was a matter of shifting and recognizing that I needed to shift, that the mindset couldn't be the same as it was pre November 12 of 2022 and so it is important to be able to adapt and move on. So I guess for me, normal, in one sense, is be open to change.   Katrin J Yuan ** 25:50 That's beautifully said. Be open to change.   Michael Hingson ** 25:55 Yeah, I think it's really important that we shouldn't get so locked in to something that we miss potential opportunities, that that change, or that adapting to different environments will bring us   Katrin J Yuan ** 26:10 totally and you yourself, give yourself all the opportunities you have to evolve over time you will not be Exactly and that's good the way it is the same person, yeah? Because environment change, all the factors change, and we humans are highly adaptive, yeah, this is underestimated by ourselves many times. Yeah, but we are, and we make the best out of the situation, and especially with regard to hard moments where really, really, really hard, and nobody likes them, while being in that moment, but looking back and being overcoming it afterwards looking back, I like to say, when do you really grow? It's in the hard times when you grow this is where you endure pain, but you'll be become better, bigger, more resilient afterwards, right?   Michael Hingson ** 27:13 Very, very much. So Well, in your case, growing up, working, being in all the different environments that that you have. Have you ever had an unexpected moment, a hard moment that you had to deal with? And what was that? And how did you? How did you deal with it?   Katrin J Yuan ** 27:29 Sure, just sharing one earlier moment. I had an accident. I was on my way to dancing course and all chilly fun made myself pretty on the day, thinking only on superficial, beautiful moments, partying and so on. And then it crashed on the road, and in a matter of seconds, life can be over. So I woke up in the hospital and the intensive care, that unit, where you only find the hard cases, was, yeah, were really not beautiful to look at. Yeah, I find myself. And I was like, that was definitely a very hard lessons I learned in early years. So I had to relearn everything, and had to look two weeks long at a white wall with an ugly picture on it, and I had plenty plenty of time to think about myself and the world and what, what the heck I should do with the remaining time, and also my perception of normal, of wishes, of expectations, of different perspectives, and my my expectation on life. Yeah. Well,   Michael Hingson ** 28:56 what was an ugly picture? Did you ever come to appreciate the picture?   Katrin J Yuan ** 28:59 It was still ugly after two weeks, just checking.   Michael Hingson ** 29:05 So though you, you chose not to let that become part of your normal, which is fine. I hear you well, you, but you, you adapted. And you, you move forward from that, and obviously you you learned more about yourself, which is really so cool that you chose to use that as a learning experience. And all too often, people tend not to do that. Again, we don't do a lot of self analysis, and tend to try to move on from those things. But, but you did which is, which is admirable by any standard. Well, one of the things that I'm curious about is that you have a fairly good social media followings, and I'm sure there are a lot of people who would ask this, what would you advise for people. Who want to build their brand. What did you learn along the way, and what would you advise people to do if they want to build their own brand and and grow? I've   Katrin J Yuan ** 30:07 over 60,000 views, which is not bad for a non celebrity and a simple officer, worker, academic worker, here in Switzerland, and I like to invite people to think, imagine you were a product. What are you standing for? And don't try to cover your weaknesses. It's a unique you as a combination of all of your science, I like to speak about the 360 degree you and starting, and I know statistically that a bit more women are a bit concerned about, hey, how much should I really give and and get over visibility, and is it still in a professional way, and I don't want to waste My time and so on. Somebody told me, and I find this idea very simple and good people talk about you either way. Also, if you leave a room, either you let it the way, in a passive way, so accepting it, or you decide one day, and this is what I did, actively influence it. So I like to, rather if I may have a choice, actively influence and have some take on my life, my decisions, my normal the doings, the happenings and the starts with a perception in our world. Allow me it is very simple. What you see is what you get. Yeah, so the visibility, if you can use it, especially here, now with all the social media channels, from LinkedIn to Insta to YouTube, what you have in place, use it systematically for your business, not as a I don't want to waste my time, and you don't need to open up to everything your private life. If you want to keep that, that's all good. You can just open up enough to build up your brand for business. Yeah, and for me, it's really, really going, definitely, we monetize and open up for business, and so that our clients in Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Germany and Austria, and the dark region we call it, find us in, yeah, and thankful for that   Michael Hingson ** 32:37 interesting and I like something that that you say, which is, you don't need to open up your private lives, we get too nosy, and we get too many people who put too many pieces of information about their private lives, and unfortunately, that's just not a productive thing to do, Although so many people do it in this country now. We're, we're seeing a number of athletes whose homes are being broken into. And you can trace the reason that it's even possible back to a lot of social media. They're, they're saying they're not going to be there, or in some cases, they can't necessarily avoid it. Doesn't need to be social media when you've got sports figures who are playing in games and all that, but we focus too much on private lives rather than real substance. And unfortunately, too many people, also, who are celebrities, want to talk about their private lives. And I, you know, I don't tend to think that is overly productive, but everybody has their own choices to make, right? So   Katrin J Yuan ** 33:45 everybody has their own choices to make. Yeah, I recommend, if you like, stay with them consistently so you feel comfortable. How much you open the door is starting ultimately with you. I like to say in that context, you are ultimately responsible for all the things you do, but also with all the things you don't do. Yeah, and that's totally fine, as long as it's it's very much and that it's something you will feel that's, that's about you, yeah, and social media and visibility, and the business side, the professional side of using your whether Employer Branding, your personal branding, all the stuff, this is controlled by you, how much you give. Of course, you can sense how much, depending on how much you give, how much will come back. And if you don't feel like posting all the time, also with 40 degree fever out of a bat. Don't do it. It might be not sensible in your case, and not giving you back the outcome, the impact, the real consequence and effects it has. Yes, totally.   Michael Hingson ** 34:55 Well, social media hasn't been with us all that long, and I think we're still. So really learning how to best be involved with social media. And of course, that's an individual choice that everyone has to make. But what Facebook is only 20 years old, for example. And so we're going to be learning about this, and we're going to be learning about the impact of social media for a long time to come, I suspect,   Katrin J Yuan ** 35:20 absolutely and nowadays, fusion. Everything merged on the next level with AI, the perception what you get is what you see really fake news is only the beginning in text, in visual speaking of pictures and in videos, which is nothing else than a row of visual pictures in moving so our generation and the next and the next, from alpha to Gen Z, X, Y over and bridging generations, we will have to learn how to deal with it responsibly, both being potentially one of the actors in So, being a creator, creating your own content, and on the other side, accepting seeing, resonating, interacting with other content. What is real, what is fake? How do you deal with it, critically and responsibly for business, for society, yeah? Because whenever you do something, somebody else will see it. And that's that sense every one of us is a role model. So your behavior is not ultimately only what you say, but also what you do. Yeah, measure me and what I do, not what I say, and yeah, and others will see you and observe and that will have an effect, if you want or not. And therefore I am for a responsible way, behaving, reflecting and carry that on, spreading that information. Yeah. It all starts with you, I   Michael Hingson ** 37:01 believe is all too important to recognize it's due and judged by what I do, not by what I say. I think that is so important and one of the biggest lessons that we can learn from social media or anything. And it's nothing new. It's just that now it is such more a visible kind of lesson that we need to learn, because it's all about actions, and they do speak a lot louder than words, whether we like to think so or not. Yeah,   Katrin J Yuan ** 37:30 totally. And you said it, Michael, it's nothing new. Yeah, it's not reinvented, but, yeah, it's all transparent, too much information flooded by all channels, all these voices and people, experts are not commenting, resonating, multiplied, copied, bringing to other dimensions, and it's so easy, yeah, the real ones and the other ones. Yeah, so it's upon you to deal with it responsibly, yeah,   Michael Hingson ** 38:00 well, you have been associated with a number of boards. You've dealt with lots of board members. You're the CEO of a company and so on. So I'm curious to get your thoughts on the whole concept of, how do we work to make boards and board members more inclusive and more diverse? Or how do we open boards up to perhaps different things that they haven't experienced before?   Katrin J Yuan ** 38:31 That's a very good one, which means a lot to me personally. I like to say it's not a charity case, but a fact matters, numbers, business case so simple. That is, if you have, let's say, 10 people, high personalities in one room, a decision is very, very easily made. If you all think, look, behave the same, with the same skills, background, experiences and cultural wise, definitely, you will come to one decision quickly. But is this ultimately the best decision of a company and for your future? And have you shared all these thoughts from a different perspective, from a different angle. This implies a certain way, also with efforts with some time are not only easy peasy, but once you challenge yourself, you really grow. You really grow and come to an ultimately better decision, worthwhile, a more valuable perspective, yeah, and thinking of something you have never fought yourself, but another fraction does, and ultimately, the other voice is not only one minority speaking of an easy example of one to nine makes 10. Yeah, but scientifically, we speak here about the 33% and more, so more than three four people in a room, it would make sense to really have a strong voice here, and not only the one exceptional voice, but really a discussion among diverse peers reaching to the ultimate outcome in the best interest of a company.   Michael Hingson ** 40:26 How do we get people to adopt that kind of mindset and expand boards though to make that happen? Because all too often, people are locked into their own way. Well, we want board members and we want people who think as we do, and we don't want to really change, which is getting back to what we talked about before, with normal   Katrin J Yuan ** 40:45 I'm definitely with you, Michael, and if we had one short sentence answer on that one, I would be the first to raise the hand give me that solution. It's very hard to force externally. It's it's, ultimately, the best way is if you really come to that and you you get convinced yourself by your own experience, by seeing observing, by being open minded enough to learn from others. Yeah, that is not with age, with success, with power, with hierarchy, you name it, with title, with salary, package that you find one day, okay, I learned enough. I'm successful enough, I'm rich enough, I can afford and do what I what I wish, means, and I I'm not interested, consciously or unconsciously, and having another, maybe challenging other view which threatens or challenges myself, or which makes it a little bit more uncomfortable, but for the ultimate sake of getting to a better result. So there's a science dimension, there's a psychological cultural dimension, and definitely that's an individual one, but I learned the greatest people, men and women, like the really successful ones, they are quite on the steep learning curve, wherever they stand. And the really good ones, they want to become even better. Now this is for knowledge, learning never ends, and this is also for openness, looking the ball is wound from the 360 degree perspective. And this is ultimately also, as I said at the beginning, the business case to know from science. Okay, if I go alone, I might get the point quite quickly. Or if everybody is a little copy of you, it makes it so easy, isn't it, but if you really challenge, go through this is where you bring yourself and the others and the whole team, and again, the value of your company and listed company, your innovation, your value of the ultimate company, much, much further than it was yesterday, and this is where maybe, how much can we afford, looking at business as competition, looking at the latest technology, all these and also over culture and over borders, yeah, how much can we afford to stay the way we Are because we were that successful and maybe also privileged the last 20 years. I doubt so. So this is, again, plenty of real facts, numbers, arguments. Look at the statistics. It's a clear business case where we go and the smartest one goes first and state an example by yourself. Go through it and then you experience it yourself, the value out of difference and diverse and true means by living it and allowing it in your own circle.   Michael Hingson ** 43:54 The question that sort of comes to mind, and it's hard one to really answer, I think, but if you're on a board with a very strong leader or very strong persons, and you see that they're not necessarily willing to deal with diversity or real inclusion. How do you help them understand the value of doing that and becoming more diverse or becoming more inclusive in the way they think, by   Katrin J Yuan ** 44:21 raising questions in a polite, respectful way, you can do a lot. Everything you do is better than doing nothing, simply accepting on and in a passive way. I think everything else is definitely worth to try, fail, try, do better and try in a row. Repetition is also something which is psychologically therefore we have all these repetition jingles and advertising to some, to some extent, very useful, effective. So if you again, may hear it, not maybe only from one person, but for more than the 33% and. And you might hear it from your best buddy, you might hear it from peers, but you one day come and accept at least question it yourself, yeah, raising that question and you really want to get better, as we said at the beginning. Michael beautifully said, accept change or change. What is normal, yeah. And we are highly adaptive, again, as humans. So allow yourself to grow. There are two ways, either or if, if you should ever meet somebody who is rather not that open to it. So there are two ways and which will show by time. Yeah. But one is, your people only like to change when change becomes necessary, versus where an event happens, yeah, a very hard event, and where you will have face tremendous consequences, so you must have a change, yeah, and it's painful, and the others before, out of being convinced, touching the question before, how much can we afford to stay the way we are like forever, just because it has been like this in the Last 20 years? And I rather invite change doesn't happen overnight. Yes, that's true, but continues and little ones rather the hard cut at the end and and rather from yourself, interior and and intrinsically motivated, rather than being forced only by outside. That's way better. And smart people, yeah, are open, listening, learning, and therefore, do some effort. Make some effort yourself. Normally, it pays back 10 times.   Michael Hingson ** 46:51 You know, one of the best quotes I've ever heard that I really like, and I think it really ties in here, comes from the person who was our 35th president, who's now passed away, Jimmy Carter. He once said we must adjust to changing times while holding to unwavering principles. And my point in bringing that up is that change doesn't need to be that you have to sacrifice Basic Life Principle. I think so all too often, we don't necessarily learn some of those life principles as well as we should, but change is a good thing, and we do need to adjust to change any times, and it doesn't mean that we have to sacrifice the basics of life that we've grown up with and that we Experience   Katrin J Yuan ** 47:37 beautifully said exactly, I totally agree and to every new year, the new year resolution, stop smoking, becoming more sportive, all of sudden, all these long lists of changes and wishes, potential achievement and potential failures. Scientifically, I'm a bit nerdy. From the person, yeah, for me, no, it is positive. Is it shows that, rather than going for the big, hard cut change, use all these small steps and allow yourself to make these small steps towards change and habits, this is also shown and proven. Habits do not come overnight. They are not accepted. Whether, yeah, it's getting early bird, becoming all of a sudden Early Bird, because, yeah, you want to belong to that 5am breakfast club or something, whatever it is, yeah, make a combination over time in small steps, and reward yourself also, if you make a small step towards change. Now that's that's where magic happens. So you keep it over 234, months, and there become a good habit over time. But   Michael Hingson ** 48:49 also keep in mind why you want to make the change. That is what you don't change just to change. You change because there's a reason, and it's important to understand whatever it is the reason for wanting to change   Katrin J Yuan ** 49:04 having a goal and visualize it as much as you can. It's a strong one. And ultimately, do it for yourself, not for your partner, not because of somebody else, expecting do it for yourself. Yeah, becoming healthier working with a certain amount of discipline towards your marathon, or whatever it is in your life situation, yeah, definitely. Because if you don't have a goal, don't expect to ever learn that would be a pure accident, and that's rather impossible, yeah. But having a goal, you dramatically enhance your probability to reaching that one step by step.   Michael Hingson ** 49:45 Yep, absolutely. So you know what? Let's take a minute and play a game, just for fun. If you were a song, which one would it be?   Katrin J Yuan ** 49:55 A classic one, up to a certain moment, I will be. Surprise and a mixture, rather to the more modern, maybe new, classic one and a Big Bang to the end,   Michael Hingson ** 50:11 you have a particular one in mind. As   Katrin J Yuan ** 50:13 I love playing piano myself. I have two pianos at home, and I like to play from notes, sheets. But also come, come make my own compositions. I have one in mind, which is rather my own composition, starting from the classic, from a known one, such as Chopin, but going into a rather the individual one the end, yeah, it's a mixture.   Michael Hingson ** 50:40 Well, you've you've obviously been around a lot and so on. What's the worst advice you ever received? Stay   Katrin J Yuan ** 50:47 the way you are and come back in five years. You're not ready yet. Well, I simply didn't accept it. I think you're ready when once you feel ready, and that's not you're too young for it, or you are not ready because these things are lacking. And get the first reference, and get the first ones who trust yourself, and start trusting yourself going the first part, whether it's the first leadership role, but it's the first investment role, whether it's a first board membership role, whether it's becoming you, following your dreams, making your own company become reality all these I am convinced, at the end of the day, you are the ultimate producer of your life. So what are you waiting for? For me, it was the accident. Wake wake up. Call for me, where I fought like, Okay, two weeks staring at that ugly wall with that picture that made me somehow aware of my time. So I somehow subjectively really accelerate. I always think like, Hey, I don't have enough time. Let's make and really use the time given. And so, yeah, it's all about you define yourself, rather than letting others to define I   Michael Hingson ** 52:06 think that's really the operative part. Define yourself. You're the only one who can really do that, and you're the only one who can know how well you're doing it. So I think you're absolutely right, and   Katrin J Yuan ** 52:18 nobody knows you better. Nobody should know you better than yourself, because you spend all your time you know all these ugly, weak and really strong, really beautiful sides of yourself. You spend all the time, your whole life, if you like it or not, with you. So some people, however passive or with regard to responsibility, yeah, I would like to, but somehow I'm waiting somebody else who pushes me, who will give me before me that ball in my way, who tell me or who give me this one recommendation I was waiting a long time for. No, it should be you. You know yourself the best way start making use out of it. Yeah, and   Michael Hingson ** 52:59 you should really work to make sure you know yourself better than other people do. It's it makes your life a whole lot better. If you can do that. Let me ask this, if you could go back in time, what would you do?   Katrin J Yuan ** 53:09 I started quite early, and I've had some thoughts about skills, about what I could do, what I what I'm good at, and what I wish. Yeah, all that, and at some point I didn't dare to speak out. I accepted a lot, and I was actually quite silent for a long time. And in private life, I'm rather introvert. When they see me on stage as a speaker, as a lecturer at universities and so on, people tend to think I'm extrovert, but in private life, I'm quite introvert, looking back, maybe starting even earlier in a stronger pace than a faster pace, being more aware and not covering and myself in silence, in good moments, whether it's a meeting or in a lesson, if you know a Good answer, speak out. If you know a good question, speak out. Dare to speak out for yourself and for others. This took me some time to find my voice, many years, but now I somehow finally found it for myself, and I dare to speak out for myself and for others to make a little bit of change and to make dare to make things differently. So it has ultimately your individual impact, your outcome, your own responsible line. So this, this is something I would have wished for me and also for others. Believe in yourself, trust in yourself, speak out earlier, whenever you see and there are plenty opportunities. I'd like to finish on that one. It's like a muscle. It's not born, but rather, you can train it also, but leadership skills, or that entrepreneurial skills or to the skills to deal with difficult situation as you overcame dramatically, wonderfully. My. Yeah, everyone might face over a lifetime, individually with his and hers. Face it, grow with it, become better and share it with others. So you push, pull and get good people on your side. And it's not only you suffering, but the ultimate outcome is so much more than the one moment which was hard. So believe in yourself.   Michael Hingson ** 55:28 What's one thing that you really wish people would see that maybe they don't beauty   Katrin J Yuan ** 55:33 and difference? Yeah, think about it in all its means a bit deeper, and I dearly invite you. It starts with the looks, yeah, with the automatic, subconsciously quickly done, judging others. It's so easy. And yes, we know it's only human, but knowing about yourself, it's about freedom, and with freedom comes responsibility, and also knowing about your limitations and knowing about your weak spots helps you really a lot to grow over time. Knowing you is not only knowing you how to do the small talk when the sunny weather everybody can be a leader or do something in a good means, yeah. It's very, very easy, but I talk about what stormy weather when it comes to really tough situations, when it comes to darkness and different means, then observe yourself. How do you behave? And many, even adults, they don't know, they can't say, or they totally freak out or give up, or some, some, some ways, challenge yourself. Where are your limits? Have you never tried your limits before? Because you didn't swim out into the sea and see how much you can really swim well, better try out. You will find out and get to know yourself in all your dimension. This is definitely something, the beauty and difference accepting. And this is not only finger pointing to others. It starts with you. Yeah, because you are different. I bet you are in some ways, if it's not looking Yeah, being too old, too young, too man, too woman, too beautiful, too ugly, yeah, too fat, too skinny, and all these are, it's maybe your language, your culture, your skills, your different background, maybe you're never the new one, and maybe you are different in all beautiful ways. It is possible to be different. So allowing difference, seeing even inviting it to your circle, is something of tremendous value once you open the door and you nurture it over time, I wish more people could see it and use it on positive impact in this world.   Michael Hingson ** 58:04 I have been a firm believer pretty much my whole life, that life's an adventure, and we have to embrace it. We have to live it to the fullest, and when we do, we're much better for it. One of the things that it does for us is it makes us, by the definition of this podcast, more unstoppable. What makes you unstoppable?   Katrin J Yuan ** 58:26 Life is an adventure. I completely agree with that sentence. I like to say, for me, it's also one day I saw it's like one big game, either you don't play, or I play and want to win it, war, whereas I think there can be several who be the winners, not only one. It's not a one man, one woman show, yeah, it's the team, it's the community, it's the effort. What makes you unstoppable? It starts for me, definitely with your mind, unstoppable mind in every means, not with your body, because the body, the physics is limited, yeah, but our mind, spirit, brain, and what you feel here in your heart and what you hear have in your head is this, ultimately, you, changing, evolving Over time, becoming you, and this makes me unstoppable, knowing and I'm on the way. It's not a point, but rather a long, long path from our phone, knowing me, the skills, knowing what you have overcome, Michael, over time, everything. Why shouldn't you achieve and do and get, ultimately, to your next goal, because you, looking back, have achieved so much already becoming stronger and stronger. If we go back to the simplified game, if it was a video game, you get to the next level. Not only getting to the next level, you're becoming more stronger. Yeah, this is becoming you and. Yeah, I believe that you are the ultimate producer. It starts in knowing, trusting, believing in you, speaking out and helping, not only yourself, but ultimately pulling, pushing others. As a community, we share many things which, when shared, becomes multiplied much, much more worth, such as visibility, value, knowledge, trust and community and connections, all these wonderful things different than a cake, if you share, it becomes more so I don't see you are alone. I see you're not an island. You're not alone. Come with us. Follow and grow with us on the journey becoming, ultimately you and you will be unstoppable   Michael Hingson ** 1:00:49 your way. And I think that's a great way to end this conversation, because I think that you cited it and said it so well and eloquently that reality is, people can be more unstoppable, but they they need to take the responsibility to make that happen, and if they do, they'll be better for it. So Katrin, I want to thank you again for being here, and I want to thank everyone who listens to this for being with us today. This has been a fun podcast. It's been a great adventure, and I really appreciate having the opportunity to keep Catrin busy for my gosh, over an hour now, and just getting to be bedtime over in Switzerland. So thank you for being here, but for all of you, hope you've enjoyed this. I hope that you will give us a five star review wherever you are listening to this podcast or watching it, and also, if you know of anyone else who ought to be a guest, we certainly like you to let us know. Love to get your thoughts about the podcast, feel free to email me at Michael H, I m, I C, H, A, E, L, H i at accessibe, A, C, C, E, S, S i, b, e.com, or go to our podcast page, www, dot Michael hingson.com/podcast. Michael hingson is spelled M, I, C, H, A, E, L, H, I N, G, s, O, n.com/podcast, Katrin, if people want to reach out to you, how would they be able to do that?   Katrin J Yuan ** 1:02:20 LinkedIn, Insta, YouTube, you find me. Google me, what's   Michael Hingson ** 1:02:25 your what's your LinkedIn, ID, your handle on LinkedIn.   Katrin J Yuan ** 1:02:29 Katrin J Yuen, Swiss, future Institute. Opportunities don't happen. We create them. Stay, follow and grow with us. Thank you.   **Michael Hingson ** 1:02:41   You have been listening to the Unstoppable Mindset podcast. Thanks for dropping by. I hope that you'll join us again next week, and in future weeks for upcoming episodes. To subscribe to our podcast and to learn about upcoming episodes, please visit www dot Michael hingson.com slash podcast. Michael Hingson is spelled m i c h a e l h i n g s o n. While you're on the site., please use the form there to recommend people who we ought to interview in upcoming editions of the show. And also, we ask you and urge you to invite your friends to join us in the future. If you know of any one or any organization needing a speaker for an event, please email me at speaker at Michael hingson.com. I appreciate it very much. To learn more about the concept of blinded by fear, please visit www dot Michael hingson.com forward slash blinded by fear and while you're there, feel free to pick up a copy of my free eBook entitled blinded by fear. The unstoppable mindset podcast is provided by access cast an initiative of accessiBe and is sponsored by accessiBe. Please visit www.accessibe.com . AccessiBe is spelled a c c e s s i b e. There you can learn all about how you can make your website inclusive for all persons with disabilities and how you can help make the internet fully inclusive by 2025. Thanks again for Listening. Please come back and visit us again next week.

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Empowering Women in Tech: Sharon Moore MBE's JourneyIn this episode of the Elevate Women in Tech podcast, host Kellie Kwarteng sits down with Sharon Moore, MBE - CTO for public sector in the UK at IBM technology - to explore leadership, innovation, and inclusion in the technology industry. With over 20 years of experience across outsourcing, consulting and sales, Sharon shares insights from her remarkable career and her passionate advocacy for women in tech.Key Topics Covered:Technology Leadership Role: Sharon leads industry-specific technical vision for IBM in the public sector, helping with business development while getting "to the heart of government" to understand what they want to do and share where IBM has a vision for how technology can help make government better and more effective for everybody.Career Milestones and Challenges: Sharon shares pivotal moments including graduating with a first in software engineering, meeting mentors who shaped her path as an architect, and transitioning from outsourcing to consulting to sales while maintaining her technical focus. She admits she "didn't realise that I was a woman in tech for quite a while" but gradually became aware of unconscious bias and microaggressions many face.Creating Inclusive Communities: Sharon's advocacy began with creating communities where women could feel they belonged in the industry: "It really started for me about creating communities and hopefully safe spaces where women could get together and feel like they belonged so that we could keep them in the industry."Diverse Teams and Innovation: Sharon emphasises how diverse teams improve problem-solving: "When we work in diverse groups, we think through a problem more, we bring more angles to a problem. So we're more likely to come up with some of the gotchas that otherwise we wouldn't have come up with."Professional Development through BCS: As a trustee of BCS, Sharon discusses how the Chartered IT Professional (CITP) certification provides "that independent standard that shows your competence, your professionalism, your accountability, your credibility in the industry."Mentorship vs. Sponsorship: Sharon distinguishes between mentors who provide guidance and sponsors who advocate for you when you're not in the room: "There absolutely have been people who have been voices for me when I've not been in the room."Advice for Women in Tech: Her guidance includes: "Grab every opportunity that you can because who knows what things will come to you... but the learning to say no is we do need to get boundaries." She also cautions against being pigeonholed into stereotypical roles expected of women.Vision for the Future: Sharon envisions a more inclusive tech industry: "Diversity is not about creating conflict... We want justice for everyone. I would like to see us in a world five to 10 years time where we're embracing that even more."Featured Insights:The value of creating communities for women in technologyHow BCS provides professional development and networking opportunitiesThe importance of the CITP certification for establishing credibilityThe critical distinction between mentorship and sponsorshipHow diverse teams create more innovative solutionsWhy Listen:This episode provides valuable perspectives for both women navigating careers in tech and leaders committed to creating more inclusive environments. Sharon's journey offers practical insights on building resilience, finding community, and driving positive change in the technology sector.Keywords:Leadership, Technology, Women in Tech, Diversity, Inclusion, IBM, Public Sector, Advocacy, Career Journey, Mentorship, BCS Women, CITP Certification, Diversity in Tech, Mentorship, Sponsorship, Women in IT, Professional Development, Inclusion, Career Growth, NetworkingListen now to discover how Sharon Moore's journey can inspire your own path in technology and inclusion.

Rebecca Shaddix is a seasoned marketing executive and go-to-market strategist with a proven track record of driving significant revenue growth across various industries. With a unique background that combines deep technical expertise, data-driven marketing, and empathetic leadership, Rebecca has led high-growth companies in education, healthcare, and SaaS to impressive success. Her approach is rooted in a research background, allowing her to blend analytical thinking with creative marketing strategies.  As a Forbes contributor and recognized thought leader, Rebecca brings insights into the societal impacts of technology, particularly in areas such as AI's role in solving global issues and fostering diversity in tech. Her ability to align technology-driven solutions with broader missions while driving substantial business results sets her apart in the marketing and leadership landscape.

Navigating Startup Funding: Insights from Denise Edwards of SaaS LaunchIn this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge sits down with Denise Edwards, the dynamic founder and CEO of SaaS Launch. With over a decade of experience in the tech world and a global footprint, Denise brings a wealth of expertise in helping early-stage SaaS founders secure funding, craft compelling pitches, and connect with ideal investors. This conversation uncovers key strategies and actionable tips for founders seeking capital and clarity in today's competitive startup environment.Startup Capital and SaaS Growth: How Denise Edwards Helps Founders Fund Their VisionDenise's passion lies in helping tech entrepreneurs—especially SaaS founders—navigate the complex journey of fundraising. SaaS Launch supports pre-seed to Series A startups with value proposition refinement, pitch deck development, and investor matchmaking. For founders unsure if they're ready to raise, Denise recommends starting with bootstrapping to demonstrate traction and keep ownership intact.Her global perspective—born in Curaçao and now operating from Amsterdam—adds depth to her consulting. She understands the nuances of international entrepreneurship and believes in empowering underrepresented founders, particularly women, in tech.Key milestones in the funding process include market validation, a clear business plan, and a minimum viable product. Denise stresses that investors look for more than a great idea—they want a strong, coachable founder with a solid team, industry insight, and measurable traction. For founders who lack a vast network, SaaS Launch opens doors through its investor partnerships and educational content.Whether you're considering traditional financing, venture capital, or angel investors, Denise helps clients explore the right fit. She also advocates for non-dilutive funding, especially when the goal is growth without giving up equity. Through strategic marketing, social media, and a YouTube channel packed with fundraising insights, Denise and her team continue to educate and support founders from around the globe.About Denise EdwardsDenise Edwards is a fundraising and growth expert and the founder of SaaS Launch. A speaker, consultant, and international businesswoman, she works with early-stage SaaS startups to secure funding and scale effectively. Denise is also a champion for diversity in tech, committed to helping women and underrepresented founders build investor-ready businesses.About SaaS LaunchSaaS Launch is a boutique consultancy based in Amsterdam that helps SaaS and tech founders raise early-stage capital, build powerful value propositions, and connect with aligned investors. Through coaching, investor matchmaking, and fundraising education, SaaS Launch empowers founders to confidently pitch and grow their businesses.Links Mentioned in This EpisodeSaaS Launch WebsiteDenise Edwards on LinkedInSaaS Launch YouTube ChannelKey Episode HighlightsBootstrapping before raising capital helps retain equity and validate the marketStrong pitch decks must combine vision, traction, and financial clarityNon-dilutive funding is a viable option for growth-minded SaaS startupsInvestors seek teams with deep market knowledge and coachabilityFundraising is a numbers...

What happens when a Stanford University project catches the eye of a venture capitalist? Well, in one world, you carry on as before. In another, and if you're Jenny Lefcourt, you explore the idea, raise $1 million and go on to co-found WeddingChannel.com! Today, that would be some feat, but Jenny and her cofounder did this when internet shopping wasn't really a thing- Amazon had only just started selling books! And yet, with grit, determination and a lot of work, WeddingChannel.com thrived and was eventually sold.  Now, Jenny is a General Partner at early stage venture capital firm, Freestyle, which invests in early stage tech companies. She's also co-founder of All Raise, a non-profit to support diversity in tech, and has angel invested in a range of businesses including Minted, Discord, and Main Street Hub. Jenny is an incredible lady with so much knowledge to share. She does this here, on this special episode of the Small & Supercharged Podcast and, of course, in my latest book, You've Got This.

Ever wondered how venture capital really works? In this illuminating episode, we're joined by Abi Mohammed, Community Lead at Diversity VC, who shares her incredible journey from software engineer to angel investor and champion for diversity in tech funding. Abi reveals how a chance 7AM networking event (and a crush!) led her to discover the world of venture capital, and how she co-founded an angel investment syndicate despite knowing almost nothing about investing at the time. With refreshing honesty and clarity, she breaks down complex investment concepts into terms anyone can understand. You'll learn the fundamental differences between angel investing and venture capital, what investors really look for when evaluating startups, and the hidden costs of investment that nobody talks about. Abi shares raw insights from reviewing over 300 founders to select just 4 deals, and explains why she left software engineering after facing discrimination to create more equitable pathways in tech. Whether you're a founder considering funding options, aspiring to work in VC, or simply curious about how investment shapes the technology we use every day, this episode offers valuable perspective from someone who's navigated the journey as an outsider and is now helping to transform the industry from within. Show Notes Abi's unexpected journey into venture capital The difference between angel investing and VC explained simply Understanding cap tables, dilution, and board dynamics Bootstrapping vs raising capital: which is right for your business? How Abi created the Libra program at Tech Nation to support underrepresented founders Success stories of diverse founders securing venture funding Resources Mentioned Venture Deals (book recommended for understanding VC terminology) Future VC program - https://www.diversity.vc/ Libra program for underrepresented founders (now under Founder Forum) Community Growth Ventures (angel investment syndicate) Andy Ayim's Angel School Connect With Us Follow Abi: LinkedIn (Abi Mohammed), Instagram (@TeamAbii) Follow Glowing in Tech: @GlowinginTech on Twitter/X, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn Tags Venture Capital, Angel Investing, Women in Tech, Diversity in VC, Startup Funding, Female Founders, Tech Careers, Entrepreneurship, Black Women in Tech, UK Tech Scene, Inclusive Investing Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Abi Mohamed and Diversity VC 01:17 Abi's unexpected journey into venture capital 03:27 What is angel investing vs venture capital explained 05:38 Due diligence process and evaluating startup potential 08:58 Understanding cap tables and investment terminology for beginners 13:56 The different stages of venture funding explained 16:11 Bootstrapping vs venture scaling - which is right for your business? 18:47 Transitioning from engineering to investing after facing discrimination 21:16 Creating opportunities for underrepresented founders through Tech Nation 24:40 Success stories from the Libra program for diverse founders Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

VTEX: https://vtex.com---What does it take to digitally transform a £13B retail giant across eight countries and nearly 2,000 stores? In this episode, I sit down with Christopher Blatchford, Global CTO of Kingfisher PLC — the company behind B&Q, Screwfix, Castorama, and more — to unpack the tech strategy powering one of Europe's biggest home improvement groups. We dive into why modularity (not just microservices) is the real key to agility, how to scale innovation across diverse banners, and what “do it for me” means for the future of DIY. Chris also shares a powerful take on the business case for DEI, and why backing down on it is simply weak.Subscribe to our newsletter!✨ Thanks to VTEX for powering this episode — VTEX is the enterprise platform trusted by bold CIOs and CEOs to slash TCO by 50% and scale fast. Trusted by global leaders such as Carrefour, Walmart, and Cencosud, VTEX is the go-to choice for bold CIOs and CEOs who demand excellence. Discover how VTEX can elevate your business today—visit VTEX.com

Live from Transform 2025 in Las Vegas! I am excited to welcome Tubi's people leaders, Natasha Valani & Cristina Navarro. Natasha Valani serves as the Senior Vice President of Human Resources for Tubi Media Group at Fox Corporation. In her role, she oversees talent management, performance, recruitment, culture & belonging, as well as the overall employee experience. Since joining Fox, Natasha has significantly contributed to increasing the diversity pipeline within the Technology sector and acts as a sponsor for the Women in Tech employee resource group, aimed at advancing, empowering, and connecting women technologists. She brings a wealth of experience from her previous roles in talent management and development at several Fortune 500 companies, including Mastercard and Aon. At Mastercard, she was instrumental in transforming performance management, leadership development, and employee engagement efforts. Excellence Award in 2017 for introducing both innovation and purpose to the development Christina Navarro is the Head of Global TA @ Tubi. She believes that great teams are the heartbeat of every successful company. Nothing excites her more than helping businesses grow by connecting them with the right people—and helping individuals find roles where they can thrive. She has built her career leading talent acquisition across tech and consumer services, with roots in agency recruiting supporting a range of industries. She is passionate about structured hiring, employer branding, and talent technology—anything that helps teams hire smarter, move faster, and deliver an exceptional experience for both candidates and leaders. In this impactful conversation, we dig into: - What most companies get wrong about talent development, and how can they create real impact? - What are the biggest barriers to diversity in tech, and what strategies truly drive change? - How can leaders foster a ‘learn it all' culture in fast-paced environments like Tubi? - How have they kept up with that and how do they manage to scale responsibly? - Latest TA trends and more! Learn more about Tubi: https://tubitv.com/ Connect with Natasha: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natasha-valani-1758a418/ Connect with Christina: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cristinaynavarro/ Live from Transform 2025, we're bringing you an exclusive podcast series packed with insights from some of the brightest minds in hiring, talent strategy, and workforce transformation! In this series, we've got incredible guests from Okta, Tubi, Edelman, Greenhouse, Findem, and more, sharing how top organizations are rethinking hiring, culture, and talent acquisition in today's fast-changing world. Greenhouse combines a structured, data-driven hiring approach with AI-embedded workflows that empower recruiters to focus on strategic, high-impact work. From sourcing top talent to personalizing the candidate experience, Greenhouse streamlines and optimizes the entire hiring process. This ensures that every hire is the right hire—eliminating bias, creating fairness, and helping teams make smarter, faster decisions. Over 7,500 companies, including HubSpot, Duolingo, and J.D. Power, trust Greenhouse to build better teams and turn talent into a strategic advantage. Want to learn how today's top companies are winning the talent game? Tune in now and visit Greenhouse.com to transform the way you hire. Thanks for listening. Please follow us on Instagram @NHPTalent and X @AdamJPosner. Visit www.thePOZcast.com for all episodes

In this episode of the *Programmatic Digest Podcast*, we hear the unique career journeys of Shannon Rudd and Allie Lichtenberg into adtech. Allie, who started in biology and chemistry, now runs her own programmatic media buying company, Ad Lucem. Shannon shares her experience moving from publishing to consulting for midsize publishers, showing how the ad tech world is always changing.   We also talk about important industry topics like privacy (specifically PETs) and diversity at tech conferences. Women and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) representation matters, and we highlight the humor, support, and progress happening at these events.   The episode also dives into the hidden heroes of programmatic advertising, the "programmatic ninjas" in ad operations. We discuss new tools for brand safety and media trading, as well as insights from ad tech pioneer Brian O'Kelley on improving user experience. Plus, we look at how community-driven brands like Marketecture Live and Advance Women are shaping the future of the industry.     Special shoutout to our honorary mentions: Advance Women: https://advancewomenofficial.com/  Priti Powell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pritip7/  Hollis Guerra: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollisguerra/  Sophia Westrich:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophiawestrich/   Melinda Han Williams: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melindahan/  Mike Hauptman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeljhauptman/  ATG: https://www.adtechgod.com/  Admonster: https://www.admonsters.com/conferences-and-events/  Lynne D Johnson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnedjohnson/   Advance Women: https://advancewomenofficial.com/  Priti Powell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pritip7/  Hollis Guerra: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollisguerra/  Sophia Westrich:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophiawestrich/   Jeremy Bloom: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremypbloom/  Amelia Tran: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ameliatran/  Ari Paparo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aripaparo/  Chris Luna: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-luna-a85017b/  Rob Beeler: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertabeeler/  Melissa Chapman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissashaychapman/   Brian O'Kelley: https://youtu.be/_kjfCrHvnGk?si=RM3IQpcXpAQXFCXx  Iesha White: https://youtu.be/2edt1xrHNdQ?si=cFS2eQfejKLW21mz  Albert Thompson: https://youtu.be/fd_zzQZx-PI?si=o1eI_IFuAtsFvFfp  Announcement   We have opened The Reach and Frequency MEMBERSHIP, exclusive to programmatic ninjas, adops, adtech unicorns looking for a community where we can learn freely and judgement free.  https://programmaticdigest14822.ac-page.com/executivemembership    About Us: We teach historically excluded individuals how to break into programmatic media buying and land their dream jobs. Through our Reach and Frequency® program, an engaged community, and expert coaching, we offer: Customized training roadmaps for teams focusing on campaign performance, cross-departmental communication, and revenue growth. Request a sample training roadmap A hybrid model where we activate and train in DSPs. Book a Free Call   Programmatic Training & Coaching: Accelerator Program: A 6-week structured program with live coaching, hands-on DSP exercises, and real-time feedback. Sign Up Self-Paced Course: Learn at your own speed with full content access. Enroll Here Waitlist for Future Workshops: Join Here  Timestamp: (00:02) - Programmatic Industry Insights From Mockitecture (14:39) - Privacy and Diversity in Tech Conferences (18:45) - Industry Diversity and Inclusion Discussion (31:52) - Ad Ops in Ad Tech (40:28) - Brand Safety and Ad Tech Innovations (46:59) - Evolution of Tech Industry Insights     Meet Our Guest: Allie Lichtenberg https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonmottolalichtenberg/  Shannon Rudd https://www.linkedin.com/in/srudd/ Meet The Team: Hélène Parker - Chief Programmatic Coach https://www.heleneparker.com/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/helene-parker/ Learn Programmatic As a TEAM: https://www.heleneparker.com/workshop/  As a Programmatic Ninja: https://www.heleneparker.com/course/ Programmatic Coaching Newsletter:https://www.heleneparker.com/newsletter/    Programmatic Digest https://www.linkedin.com/company/programmatic-digest-podcast https://www.youtube.com/@programmaticdigest    Manuela Cortes - Co-Host  Programmatic Digest In Espanol  https://www.linkedin.com/in/manuela-cortes-/   Looking for programmatic training/coaching?    Sign up to our Accelerator Program:  A 6-week structured program with live coaching, hands-on within DSP(s) exercises, and real-time feedback—perfect for those who thrive on accountability and community, and looking to grow their technical skillset https://reachandfrequencycourse.thinkific.com/courses/program    Self-Paced Course: Full access to course content anytime, allowing independent learners to study at their own speed with complete flexibility. https://reachandfrequencycourse.thinkific.com/bundles/the-reach-frequency-full-course  Join our next workshop by signing up to our waitlist below: https://www.heleneparker.com/waitlist/     

Welcome to a brand new episode of the Angular Master Podcast, where we explore the intersection of technology, community building, and developer relations. In this episode, I'm joined by Dawid Ostrowski, Head of Product Engagement in the Google Developer Ecosystem team, and former lead of the Google Developer Experts (GDE) program.Don't miss out – explore the full platform here:https://goo.gle/google-for-developersWe go deep into the world of global developer programs and uncover the key principles behind building a community that developers not only join—but genuinely love being part of.

Farah Gasmi is the Co-founder and CPO of Dioptra, the accurate and customizable AI agent that drafts playbooks and consistently redlines contracts in Microsoft Word. Dioptra is trusted by some of the most innovative teams, like Y Combinator and Wilson Sonsini. She has over 10 years of experience building AI products in healthcare, insurance, and tech for companies like Spotify. Farah is also an adjunct professor at Columbia Business School in NYC. She teaches a Product Management course with a focus on AI and data products. Laurie Ehrlich is the Chief Legal Officer at Dioptra, a cutting-edge legal tech startup revolutionizing contract redlining and playbook generation with AI. With a background leading legal operations and commercial contracting at Datadog and Cognizant, Laurie has deep expertise in scaling legal functions to drive business impact. She began her career in intellectual property law at top firms and holds a JD from NYU School of Law and a BS from Cornell. Passionate about innovation and diversity in tech, Laurie has also been a champion for women in leadership throughout her career. In this episode… Contract review can be time-consuming and complex, especially when working with third-party agreements that use unfamiliar language and formats. Legal teams often rely on manual review processes that make it challenging to maintain consistency across contracts, contributing to inefficiencies and increased costs. That's why businesses need an effective solution that reduces the burden of contract analysis while supporting legal and strategic decision-making. Dioptra, a legal tech startup, helps solve these challenges by leveraging AI to automate first-pass contract reviews, redline contracts, and generate playbooks. The AI agent analyzes past agreements to identify patterns, standard language, and key risk areas, allowing teams to streamline the review process. It supports a range of use cases — from NDAs to real estate deals — while improving consistency and reducing review time. Dioptra also enhances post-execution analysis by enabling companies to assess past agreements for compliance and risk exposure. In this episode of She Said Privacy/He Said Security, Jodi and Justin Daniels speak with Farah Gasmi, Co-founder and Chief Product Officer at Dioptra, and Laurie Ehrlich, the Chief Legal Officer at Dioptra, about how AI is used to streamline contract reviews. Together, they discuss how Dioptra accelerates contract reviews, supports security and privacy through strict data controls, and enables organizations to build smarter, more consistent contract processes — without removing the need for expert human judgment. Farah and Laurie also delve into the importance of AI-driven consistency in contract negotiation, vendor security evaluations, and how companies can safeguard sensitive data when using AI tools.

In this special PODCASTHON episode of Outrage Overload, we're spotlighting Dev Mission, a nonprofit dedicated to training and mentoring underserved young adults for careers in tech. We sit down with Leonardo Sosa, founder and executive director of Dev Mission, to discuss how the organization is closing the digital divide, increasing diversity in tech, and helping young people from underrepresented backgrounds break into the industry.Leo shares how his passion for technology and workforce development led to the creation of Dev Mission. We'll hear inspiring success stories of young people who, despite limited resources, are now thriving in STEM careers, thanks to hands-on training, mentorship, and access to tech apprenticeships.If you're passionate about closing opportunity gaps, equity in tech, and helping the next generation succeed, this episode is for you. Tune in to learn how you can support Dev Mission—whether through mentorship, volunteering, or spreading awareness.Text me your feedback and leave your contact info if you'd like a reply (this is a one-way text). Thanks, DavidSupport the showShow Notes:https://outrageoverload.net/ Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog or email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.HOTLINE: 925-552-7885Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the OO hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episodeIf you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That's the best way to support it.Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.

Mona Sabet is the co-author of Sail to Scale: Steering Startups Clear of Mistakes from Launch to Exit and currently serves as SVP, Strategy, Projects, and Operations at GCG. With a track record of driving growth and strategic transformations, she has held executive roles at VulcanForms, UserTesting, and Cadence Design Systems. At UserTesting, she played a pivotal role in securing $100M in funding, leading acquisitions, taking the company public, and negotiating its $1.3B sale to Thoma Bravo. Beyond her corporate leadership, Mona is a passionate advocate for women in tech, law, and policy, having co-founded ChIPsNetwork.org and leading HiPower, a community dedicated to empowering executive women shaping the future of technology.In this conversation, we discuss:The critical mistakes startups make at different growth stages—Mona shares insights from Sail to Scale on why companies struggle to scale and how to avoid common pitfalls.How founders should "fire themselves" to scale effectively—Why transitioning from founder to CEO requires a mindset shift, and the biggest mistakes leaders make in this process.The AI bubble: hype vs. reality—Mona explains why overfunding in AI-first companies mirrors past tech bubbles and what it means for the future of the industry.Why acquisitions should be a long-term strategy, not a last-minute decision—The importance of planning exits early and why companies that wait too long often fail to sell at the right valuation.The evolving landscape of M&A and IPOs—How companies can differentiate themselves in a crowded market of late-stage startups waiting for an exit.The unseen biases keeping women out of leadership—Mona's perspective on why brand bias impacts diversity in tech and what leaders can do to create real change.Resources:Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work NewsletterConnect with Mona on LinkedIn AI fun fact articleOn How to how AI is changing the entertainment industry 

How is open source shaping the future of technology, governance, and AI regulation? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I sit down with Amanda Brock, CEO of OpenUK, to explore the evolving role of open source in the age of AI, the shifting geopolitical landscape, and the ongoing push for diversity in tech. Since our last conversation, AI has taken center stage, raising urgent questions about transparency, intellectual property, and the future of open innovation. Amanda shares insights on how OpenUK advocates for open technology frameworks, the importance of sustainable funding for open-source projects, and the growing influence of standards in shaping global AI policy. She also discusses the UK's unique position between the EU's regulatory-heavy approach and the US's innovation-driven model—offering a glimpse into how policymakers grapple with the balance between governance and technological progress. With the episode airing on International Women's Day, we also dive into the state of diversity in tech. While open source has historically been a gateway for talent from all backgrounds, Amanda highlights the challenges ahead as many organizations scale back DEI initiatives. She shares how OpenUK fosters inclusivity through events like State of Open Con and why open source remains a critical entry point for aspiring developers worldwide. We also discuss the AI Action Summit and its impact on global AI policy, the rise of open-weight AI models, and why the phrase "tools, not rules" could define the future of AI governance.  Amanda also discusses her work on AI openness at AI for Good in Geneva and sustainability initiatives at COP30 in Brazil. She also shares how businesses and policymakers can contribute to a more open, collaborative future. How can open source drive innovation while ensuring accountability in AI? And what role will the UK play in shaping the global tech landscape? Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion with one of the leading voices in open technology.

Allison Byers is a trailblazer in the realm of equitable capital distribution. As the founder of Scroobious, her tech company is quickly driving innovation by removing barriers to partnership among diverse founders, investors, and service providers through scalable online education, community, and data-driven curation. Before founding Scroobious, she spearheaded a medical device startup, securing nearly $10M in funding before its acquisition, and encountered firsthand the gender bias prevalent in fundraising. With over 20 years of experience in startup and tech roles, Allison stands as a seasoned entrepreneur and a catalyst for change having co-authored California Senate Bill 54, signed into law, which requires venture funds to report diversity metrics. She is actively championing initiatives in other states including MA Senate Bill 978 and NY Senate Bill A09786. Beyond her entrepreneurial pursuits, she serves as an angel investor, Boston Co-Chair of the national non-profit All Raise, Executive in Residence at Merck Digital Sciences Studio, DEI task force member of the Angel Capital Association, and is a sought-after startup mentor and dynamic speaker. Key Takeaways: 01:17 The Vision of Equitable Access to Capital 07:08 The Stark Reality of Funding Disparities 10:47 Reframing Inequity as Opportunity 17:28 The Insanity of Expecting Change Without Action 22:43 Building Scalable Solutions Through Technology 32:13 Empowering Entrepreneurs to Forge Their Own Paths 33:00 Collaboration as the Key to Success Quote of the Show: 10:47 “Holy cow, what a business opportunity. Almost 100% of Black founders and 98% of women aren't being funded by venture capital.” Podcast Information Want PR that actually matters? Get 30 minutes of expert advice in a fast-paced, zero-nonsense session from Karla Jo Helms, a veteran Crisis PR and Anti-PR Strategist who knows how to tell your story in the best possible light and get the exposure you need to disrupt your industry. Click here to book your call: https://info.jotopr.com/free-anti-pr-eval Ways to connect with Allison Byers: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allison-byers/ Company Website: https://www.scroobious.com/ How to get more Disruption/Interruption: Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/eccda84d-4d5b-4c52-ba54-7fd8af3cbe87/disruption-interruption Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disruption-interruption/id1581985755 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6yGSwcSp8J354awJkCmJlDSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can brands leverage emerging technologies to drive real business results? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I sit down with Sarah Salter, Global Head of Innovation and Platforms at Wavemaker, to explore how companies can move beyond hype and apply AI, AR/VR, and other innovations in ways that truly engage consumers and deliver measurable impact. With a background spanning 15 years and work on groundbreaking projects for brands like P&G, Nationwide, and the NHS, Sarah brings a unique perspective on digital transformation across industries. Innovation isn't about chasing trends—it's about solving real business challenges. Sarah shares how Wavemaker helps brands set clear KPIs and use emerging tech strategically, from AI-driven personalization to immersive brand experiences in gaming and the metaverse. We discuss key lessons from major tech initiatives, including the NHS's COVID-19 WhatsApp response and Nationwide's Local Voices campaign on Alexa and Google, and how these projects balanced agility, accessibility, and meaningful engagement. As AI continues to reshape marketing, brands are navigating a shift from interruptive ads to participatory experiences. Sarah highlights how companies like L'Oréal and Dove are leading with AI-driven campaigns and why gaming is becoming a major frontier for brand engagement. But with rapid technological change comes challenges—how do businesses keep up, invest in the right skills, and ensure innovation stays inclusive? A passionate advocate for diversity in tech, Sarah also shares her thoughts on why diverse teams lead to better innovation and why the industry must do more to support women in leadership. From fostering STEM education to initiatives like WPP's Back in the Game, she discusses what's needed to build a more inclusive future in technology. How can brands use technology to connect with audiences in more meaningful ways? And what does the future of immersive, AI-powered marketing look like? Tune in to hear Sarah Salter's insights on the next era of brand innovation.

Dr. Allison Scott, CEO of the Kapor Foundation, joins Mike Palmer on Trending in Education to discuss the crucial intersection of technology, education, and equity. The conversation explores the persistent lack of diversity in the tech industry and the urgent need to prepare students for the AI-driven future. Dr. Scott emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, ethical considerations, and creating a more inclusive tech ecosystem that benefits everyone. This episode offers valuable insights for educators, parents, and anyone interested in the transformative power of technology and its impact on society. We reference the WEF Future of Jobs Report and the Kapor's Guide to Responsible AI. Key Takeaways: The tech industry is not representative of the population. This lack of diversity limits innovation and economic opportunity. AI is rapidly changing the job market. The fastest-growing jobs and skills are related to AI, big data, and cybersecurity. Critical thinking and ethical considerations are essential in AI development and use. Students need to be prepared to analyze and evaluate AI technologies. Diversity in tech is crucial for creating AI solutions that benefit everyone. A broader understanding of AI will be beneficial across various fields. Educators have a vital role to play in preparing students for the age of AI. They need to foster critical thinking, curiosity, and a passion for learning. Why You Should Listen: Dr. Allison Scott provides a compelling vision for the future of tech education. She emphasizes the importance of diversity, critical thinking, and ethical considerations in the development and use of AI. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of work, education, and technology. Subscribe to Trending in Education to stay informed about the latest trends and insights in the field. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:43 Dr. Allison Scott's Origin Story 01:07 Understanding Inequality in Education 02:55 The Kapor Foundation's Mission 03:36 The Leaky Tech Pipeline Framework 05:40 Responsible AI and Diversity 06:52 Preparing the Next Generation for AI 10:38 Critical Thinking and AI Education 11:25 Future of Work and Skills 13:56 Encouraging Innovation and Problem Solving 22:04 Philanthropy and Nonprofits in Tech 23:19 Conclusion and Takeaways

The unstoppable Tennisha Martin joins the show this week! The Executive Director of BlackGirlsHack digs into what it really takes to build diverse cybersecurity talent pipelines in today's challenging environment.George K and George A talk to Tennisha about: How BGH is using AI and hands-on labs to teach real-world hacking skills Why traditional education often falls short on practical cybersecurity training The economic barriers keeping talented people out of tech careers Building sustainable nonprofit programs when traditional funding gets rockyPlus we dive into some raw talk about staying focused on the mission even when external pressures try to knock you off course.As Tennisha puts it: "Our mission hasn't changed just because the administration has changed. We're still training people, still getting folks certified, still building that workforce."Whether you're interested in cybersecurity education, diversity in tech, or nonprofit leadership, this episode has something for you.———

On this episode of The Cybersecurity Defenders Podcast we speak with Sharon Florentine, Senior Managing Editor at CyberRisk Alliance, about the MSSP Alert 2024 Pricing Benchmark Report.Sharon is a master technology storyteller and editor with over two decades of experience in shaping the way we understand and engage with technology. Sharon's career spans an impressive range of platforms, from books and print magazines to podcasts, live events, and digital media. She's covered everything from AI and cybersecurity to career development and diversity in tech.Currently, Sharon is the Senior Managing Editor for CyberRisk Alliance's channel brands, ChannelE2E and MSSP Alert, where she's helping to expand the reach of these vital resources for the IT and cybersecurity communities. Sharon has a rich history of editorial leadership, including her previous role as Managing Editor at Techstrong Group, overseeing Cloud Native Now, DevOps.com, and Security Boulevard.She joins us to discuss the inaugural 2024 MSSP Pricing Benchmark Report—a critical resource for understanding the evolving managed security services market. You can get a copy of the report here: https://www.msspalert.com/whitepaper/mssp-alert-2024-pricing-benchmark

Join Lee Rennick and Annette Cooper, Director, Data & Analytics, Graham Construction as Annette speaks about the #CIOCanadaAward winning project on enterprise data, diversity in tech, and leadership. 

In this episode of the Dripping Black Podcast, host Mr. Al Pete engages in a dynamic conversation with Minista Jazz, exploring her transformative journey from hairstylist to tech advocate. They discuss the intersection of technology, mental health, and the importance of diversity in tech. Minista Jazz introduces Jerome AI, a character designed to support Black men's mental health, emphasizing the need for technology that reflects and uplifts marginalized communities. The conversation highlights the significance of ethical tech and the power of community investment in creating a better future. In this engaging conversation, Mr. Al Pete and Minista Jazz explore the importance of advocacy, storytelling, and community engagement. They discuss the profound impact of Hollywood on culture, the potential of technology and AI in storytelling, and the significance of fashion as a form of self-expression. Minista Jazz reflects on her childhood aspirations and the future of her creative projects, emphasizing the importance of celebrating achievements and supporting the community. Minista Jazz Social Media Website:  www.wearemuchdifferent.com Instagram:  @theministajazz LinkedIn:  Minista Jazz Mr. Al Pete Social Media Website (business):  mpn-llc.com Website (personal):  www.mralpete.com X:  @mralpeteMPN Instagram:  @mralpete Facebook:  @mralpeteMPN LinkedIn:  Al Peterson904 Dripping in Black Social Media Website:  www.drippinginblack.com YouTube:  @DrippinginBlack Facebook: @dibk20 Instagram: @dibk20 X: @dibk20 DiBk Drip Shop. www.dibkdripshop.com

Send us a textWelcome to another electrifying episode of the Spark of Ages podcast! Today, we sit down with the legendary Bobby Napoltonia, whose 36-year journey has forever shaped the tech landscape. From bringing sound to computers to democratizing the telecommunications industry, Bobby's fingerprints are all over the tech we use daily.

AI, smart cities, and the future of urban living aren't just buzzwords—they're reshaping our world. Few are driving this transformation more than Dr. Ayesha Khanna, co-founder and CEO of Addo, an AI advisory firm dedicated to harnessing technology for the greater good. A futurist, thought leader in AI ethics, and passionate advocate for diversity in tech, Dr. Khanna's impact spans continents, from shaping smart city initiatives in Asia to empowering young women through her education nonprofit 21st Century Girls. While Dr. Khanna was in Aotearoa for the Spark Accelerate Summit, she joined Simon Pound to chat about her vision for ethical AI, smarter cities, and tech that uplifts humanity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Summary In this episode, Jacqueline Twillie recaps the Women in AI Summit held in New York City, sharing her experiences and insights from the event. She discusses the importance of education adapting to AI, the need for diversity and representation in tech, and how AI can empower underserved communities. Jacqueline emphasizes the collaborative nature of AI in creative fields and the rapid evolution of AI technology, urging listeners to stay informed and engaged. The episode concludes with a call to action for community building and responsible AI development. Download my notes here https://learn-zerogap.thinkific.com/products/digital_downloads/womeninaisummit Takeaways Education must adapt to incorporate AI tools. Diversity in tech is essential for ethical AI development. AI can empower underserved communities through accessible tools. AI should be viewed as a collaborator in creative processes. The rapid evolution of AI requires us to stay informed. Community support is vital for resilience and growth. Ethical AI development prioritizes fairness and transparency. Women must be included in tech design processes. AI can simplify complex processes for everyday users. We must ensure our values are reflected in technology. Sound Bites "Education has to adjust for AI." "Show your work with generative AI." "We cannot afford to sit this one out." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Women in AI Summit 05:02 Key Takeaways from Chelsea Clinton's Panel 08:31 Diversity and Representation in AI 10:18 AI as a Tool for Empowerment 11:40 Ethical AI Development and Women Leading the Way 13:31 AI and Creativity: Collaborators, Not Competitors 15:40 The Rapid Evolution of AI 17:27 Conclusion and Call to Action Keywords: Women in AI, AI Summit, ethical AI, diversity in tech, AI empowerment, creativity, community, technology, representation, innovation --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/winningseason/support

Felicia and Rachel chat with Mica Le John, the Chief of Staff at Black Girls Code. We dove into her super interesting career journey and explored her passion for digital spaces, meaningful partnerships, and support for young people - they're the future! Speaking of the future, we also discussed the future of the tech industry, workplace inclusion, mental health, and so much more. Mica shared insights into her work at Black Girls Code, the need for equity in the tech industry, the impact of social media, and the role of millennials and Gen Z in shaping digital spaces. Let's go!Links:For ThemIdoruBlack Girls CodeKim Stanley RobinsonChapters:00:00 Intro00:57 Election Day Reflections and Team Policies 02:08 The Importance of Mental Health and Productivity04:54 Newsletter Announcement and Welcoming Mica05:58 Mica's Journey: From Child Actor to Chief of Staff12:31 The Role and Impact of Black Girls Code14:17 Challenges and Opportunities in Tech Diversity24:07 Humanist Technologist: Balancing Tech and Humanity27:25 Nostalgic Dive into the 'Uglies' Series28:05 Books vs. Movies: A Lifelong Debate29:39 Entrepreneurial Insights and Challenges30:03 Ideal Life and Personal Reflections34:04 Future of the Digital Space36:01 Generational Perspectives on Technology46:51 Climate Advocacy and Personal Goals50:35 Geeking Out: Plants and Speculative Fiction52:07 Final Thoughts and Farewell Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

In today's episode of Tech Talks Daily, we welcome Julia Fraser, Executive Vice President of the Americas at Sinch, a global leader in Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS). Julia shares her expertise on the transformative power of RCS (Rich Communication Services), which is poised to become the default messaging standard by 2025. With enhanced branded capabilities, richer interactive features, and deep analytics, RCS is set to revolutionize how businesses connect with customers. Julia discusses how the upcoming iOS 18 launch is expected to be a game-changer, significantly broadening the reach of RCS and offering new opportunities for businesses to engage users with personalized, verified messaging. We dive into the business impact of RCS, exploring how it builds trust through brand verification, increases engagement with interactive features, and provides unparalleled metrics for businesses. Julia highlights successful case studies, like a French food retailer that saw a 42% boost in engagement using RCS, and explains why companies should prepare now to integrate this technology into their broader customer engagement strategies. Beyond technology, we explore Julia's insights on holiday season trends, including early campaign starts and the rise of MMS as a stepping stone to full RCS adoption. She offers predictions for Black Friday and Cyber Monday, providing valuable tips on maximizing customer interactions through an omnichannel approach. We also discuss leadership and diversity in tech, where Julia shares her journey as a female leader in a male-dominated industry. She discusses the importance of mentorship, the role of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), and Sinch's commitment to building an inclusive workplace. With a focus on fostering a culture of continuous learning and listening, Julia's leadership philosophy offers valuable advice for aspiring leaders in tech. How will RCS redefine business messaging, and what strategies should companies adopt to stay ahead of the curve? Tune in to find out, and share your thoughts on the future of customer communication.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Laine Powell, founder and CEO of Tech Sassy Girlz—a non-profit that's bridging the gap in STEM education by empowering girls in technology, science, engineering, and math. Since 2012, Tech Sassy Girlz has inspired over 3,000 adolescent girls to pursue careers in STEM through hands-on career readiness programs, mentorship, and entrepreneurship training. Dr. Powell's mission addresses the urgent need for more women and minorities in high-tech careers by equipping the next generation of female innovators and leaders.Beyond her work with Tech Sassy Girlz, Dr. Powell is also the Vice President at AceApplications, where she brings innovative technology solutions to businesses and schools. Her contributions have earned her multiple awards, including the Education Pillar Award from the Central Florida Black MBA Association and Orlando Business Journal's Women Who Mean Business.Dr. Powell's vision and commitment to diversity in tech are reflected in her recognition as Orlando Magazine's Woman of the Year, Heart of Florida United Way Change Maker, and Onyx Magazine's Woman on the Move. Her story was recently featured in the Legacy of Excellence: Phenomenal Black Women in Central Florida Exhibit, where her journey and impact continue to inspire.Key Moments:"Express gratitude and celebrate all wins, even the small ones. They'll get you through the difficult times.""No may just mean not right now, but it doesn't mean not ever.""Our students at Tech Sassy Girlz are not just learning tech; they're learning to solve problems for their communities."Join us as Dr. Powell shares her insights on empowering women in STEM, breaking down barriers in tech, and the importance of community-driven leadership.Connect with Laine:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lainepowellInstagram: @lainempowell Connect with AllisonInterested in working together? Fill out this form.www.instagram.com/allisonwalshwww.shebelievedbook.comwww.allisonwalshconsulting.comhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/shebelievedshecouldcommunityPRIVATE PODCAST FOR HIGH-ACHIEVING MOMS - www.allisonwalshconsulting.com/privatepodcast

Get your FREE 2024 Cybersecurity Salary Guide: https://www.infosecinstitute.com/form/cybersecurity-salary-guide-podcast/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcastToday on Cyber Work, Anneka Gupta from Rubrik joins us to discuss STEM education, transitioning into cybersecurity and strategies for effective and diverse hiring. Gupta delves into her role as Chief Product Officer, highlighting the dynamic tasks and problem-solving skills required. She shares practical advice on networking, crafting impactful resumes and acing interviews while also emphasizing the importance of go-to-market strategies and inclusive work environments. Discover strategies to foster diversity in tech, the role of mentoring, and Rubrik's focus on cyber resilience. Tune in to gain valuable insights from Gupta's inspiring journey and learn how to excel in cybersecurity. 00:00 - Meet Anneka Gupta00:26 - Diverse hiring strategies in cybersecurity00:51 - Networking tips and mentorship01:11 - Cybersecurity job market insights02:23 - Gupta's background and career journey07:10 - Role and responsibilities of a Chief Product Officer12:31 - Career growth and transformational moments18:06 - State of STEM and diversity in tech27:14 - Crafting impactful resumes27:40 - Navigating a tough job market28:03 - The power of hustle in job hunting29:47 - Advice for college students in STEM32:14 - Creating an inclusive cybersecurity culture34:59 - Overcoming educational challenges in STEM40:00 - The importance of mentorship44:05 - Networking tips for new graduates47:46 - Best career advice received48:36 - About Rubrik and its mission49:54 - Where to find more information50:25 - OutroAbout InfosecInfosec's mission is to put people at the center of cybersecurity. We help IT and security professionals advance their careers with skills development and certifications while empowering all employees with security awareness and phishing training to stay cyber-safe at work and home. More than 70% of the Fortune 500 have relied on Infosec Skills to develop their security talent, and more than 5 million learners worldwide are more cyber-resilient from Infosec IQ's security awareness training. Learn more at infosecinstitute.com.

Description: Marni Baker Stein, Chief Content Officer at Coursera, joins host, Cindi Howson, and dives into  the impact of Generative AI on skills, diversity in tech, and the future of upskilling.Key Moments: The impact GenAI and the surge of learning demand (05:45)Why employers must prioritize AI literacy (10.32)The gender gap in AI learning and why it matters (19:40)Leveraging data to drive personalization and learner success (24:00)Predictions for the future of AI in the labor market (29.53)Key Quotes:“Generative AI is going to require us to all be a lot more emotionally intelligent because it's going to create such disruption and change. And we're all going to have to navigate the complexities of this change. We're going to have to bring our organizations through this change. That's going to take emotional intelligence as the one thing this technology isn't, is human. Understanding and human empathy is going to remain paramount.”“In terms of data and AI skills, what is extraordinary is that the demand for these skills in the last year has grown over a thousand percent. We now have seven individuals a minute enroll in GenAI content.”“Millions of people globally are deciding that it's time to upskill and reskill in these AI, regardless of whether their employer is telling them to or not. People see it happening. They're reading about it. They're hearing about it. And they're actively going out and chasing down those skills.”Mentions:  Caste: The Origins of Our Discontent by Isabel WilkersonFrom Academia to EdTech: The Path to an Equitable Education in the Digital Age Girls Who CodeMarni Baker Stein Bio: Marni Baker Stein is Coursera's Chief Content Officer, where she oversees the company's content and credential strategy and partner relationships. Marni has more than 25 years of experience in producing and scaling online and hybrid education programs. Prior to joining Coursera, she was Chief Academic Officer and Provost at Western Governors University, where she led its four colleges serving more than 135,000 students with programs that improved access and affordability without compromising academic quality. Before that, Marni held several leadership positions focused on access, student success, and program design at institutions such as the University of Texas, Columbia University, and the University of Pennsylvania. She earned her PhD in Educational Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania.  Hear more from Cindi Howson here. Sponsored by ThoughtSpot.

In this episode, Amir Bormand engages with Dana Lawson, the CTO at Netlify, to discuss the multifaceted journey from a VP position to becoming a CTO. The conversation delves into the essential skills required, the significance of mentorship, and the societal pressures of career progression. Dana addresses the evolving job market and organizational demands due to the pandemic while emphasizing that the role of a CTO is not the sole benchmark of success. She highlights the crucial balance between technical expertise and strategic decision-making, the importance of empathy in leadership, and fostering collaboration across departments. The discussion also covers continuous learning, the value of networking and mentorship, and maintaining vulnerability in leadership. Dana concludes by offering advice to aspiring leaders and sharing how to connect with her for further career guidance. Highlights: 00:09 Understanding the CTO Role 00:35 Netlify's Mission and Dana's Journey 01:08 The Value of Different Leadership Levels 03:27 Challenges and Perceptions in Career Progression 08:18 Skills Crucial for a CTO 11:56 Transitioning from Technologist to CTO 12:57 Balancing Act: Staying Informed Without Micromanaging 14:39 The Weight of Decision-Making at the CTO Level 15:50 Seeking Support: Mentors and Networks 18:55 The Importance of Vulnerability in Leadership 19:52 Advice for Aspiring CTOs Guest: Dana Lawson is the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Netlify, where she leads the company's technical strategy and innovation efforts. With over two decades of experience in engineering and leadership roles, Dana has a proven track record of building and scaling high-performing teams across various industries. She is passionate about fostering collaborative, inclusive work environments and driving impactful technological solutions. Throughout her career, Dana has been a strong advocate for mentorship, continuous learning, and diversity in tech. Her expertise spans both technical and strategic decision-making, making her a respected leader in the tech community. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dglawson ---- Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek. We would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player. Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.com Have questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests? Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)

Curious about the future of women's health? Join Megan Swan as she chats with Ida Tin, the trailblazer behind FemTech, to dive into how technology and inclusivity are shaping a new era. Key Points Discussed: - Femtech Development: How Ida Tin's coining of FemTech has revolutionized women's health. - Clue App Insights: Empowering women with data to make informed health choices. - The Trademark Story: The strategic move to keep "FemTech" accessible for all. - Personal Growth: Ida's journey with therapy, spiritual guidance, and balancing family life. - Global Inspiration: Examples of international efforts and the importance of gender diversity in tech. TLDR: Discover how FemTech is transforming women's health, the impact of data-driven empowerment, and the essential role of inclusivity in technology. Download Clue | Connect with Ida Tin https://helloclue.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/idatin/ Thank you for listening! When you are listening, please take a screenshot and share it on social media and tag me @meganswanwellness! We would really appreciate it. Connect with Megan Swan http://www.instagram.com/meganswanwellness http://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-swan-wellness www.meganswanwellness.com Keywords: FemTech, female founders, women's health tech, gender-specific health, Clue app, health data, inclusivity in tech, empowerment through data, balancing work and family, pitching challenges, global health efforts, reproductive rights, women's health innovation, diverse teams, health technology, Ida Tin, Megan Swan, mental health practices, spiritual growth, body awareness, wellness journey, venture capital, book publishing, investment dynamics, technological impact, public health, nature therapy, stress management, personal rejuvenation, authenticity, motorcycle travels, entrepreneurship, resilience, emotional processing.

Shreya Krishnan, Managing Director of AnitaB.org India, discusses her journey from environmental journalist to diversity advocate. She shares insights on advancing gender diversity in tech, fostering inclusive cultures, and the importance of allyship. Krishnan highlights AnitaB.org's initiatives, including the Grace Hopper Celebration, and emphasizes the need for intentional diversity practices in startups and established companies alike. 00:34- About Shreya Krishnan Shreya is the managing director of AnitaB.org India.  She is the winner of Miss Universal Empowerment 2024, a former corporate Diva and Mrs. India universe in 2017, and an author.  She's the author of a book titled Words Matter: The Language That Girls Need to Speak. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tbcy/support

Welcome to The Profit Talk! In this show, we're going to help you explore strategies to help you maximize profits in your business while scaling and creating the lifestyle that you want as an entrepreneur. I am your host, Susanne Mariga! I'm a CPA, a Fractional CFO, and a Certified Profit First Professional Mastery Level providing tax strategies to 7 and 8-figure entrepreneurs. Let's dive into strategies to maximize profits in your business!  Join me as I chat with Avis Yates Rivers, CEO of Technology Concepts Group International (TCGi). Avis shares her journey of growing a multi-million-dollar company and her passion for increasing diversity in tech. Discover insights from her book, Necessary Inclusion, and learn about the TCGi Foundation's mission to support Black women in STEM. For more information, visit technologyconcepts.com, tcgifoundation.org, and avisyatesrivers.com. Visit my FREE Facebook Group, The Profit First Masterclass, where I'll be sharing additional exclusive trainings to members of the community.   If you're excited about what's next for your business and upcoming episodes, please head to our itunes page and give us a review! Your support will help me to bring in other amazing expert interviews to share their best tips on how to powerfully grow in your business!  DISCLAIMER: The information contained within these videos is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute, an accountant-client relationship. While we use reasonable efforts to furnish accurate and up-to-date information, we assume no liability or responsibility for any errors, omissions, or regulatory updates in the content of this video. Any U.S. federal tax advice contained within is not intended to be used for the purpose of avoiding penalties under U.S. federal tax law. 

She took a bold leap when she realised: “If on paper everything is right and I'm still unhappy, something's wrong.” Today, that leap has turned her vision into reality. Aravinda Seshadri graduated from Stanford Law School and became a partner at a boutique law firm. On the surface, her career seemed perfect. But she knew something was missing. She craved more than just success—she wanted to make a meaningful impact. Aravinda believes that legal support shouldn't be a luxury for startups, especially those founded by underrepresented and marginalized entrepreneurs. In episode 121 of Meaningful Work, Meaningful Life, Aravinda Seshadri, Founding Partner of Venturous Counsel, shares her inspiring journey from Stanford to creating a unique law firm dedicated to supporting diverse founders in the tech industry. We dive deep into her passion for social justice, the importance of diversity in startups, and practical advice for navigating the legal landscape as an entrepreneur. Tune in to get inspired by Aravinda's story!   More info about the podcast  • Website: https://www.francinebeleyi.com/podcast/  • Watch on Youtube https://bit.ly/3LKwUT1  Connect with Francine Beleyi, the host • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francinebeleyi/  • Website: https://www.francinebeleyi.com/   Connect with Aravinda Seshadri, the guest • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aravindas/ • Website: https://www.venturouscounsel.com/   Related resources

In this episode of the Business of Laravel podcast, Matt Stauffer sits down with Jason Johnson, Chief Information Officer at Sweetwater, a leading provider of musical instruments, pro audio equipment, and comprehensive support services for musicians and audio professionals. They discuss Sweetwater's impressive growth, how Laravel plays a key role in their technology stack, and the critical importance of building a strong company culture. Jason shares valuable insights on hiring practices, the significance of diversity in tech, and the power of vulnerability in leadership. He also emphasizes the need for continuous learning and highlights the importance of making intentional, business-driven decisions in both technology and team management.Matt Stauffer TwitterTighten WebsiteJason Johnson LinkedIn Extreme Ownership BookUpstream Book168 Hours BookSweetwater LinkedInSweetwater Careers-----Editing and transcription sponsored by Tighten.

FutureLAND is an annual multi-day conference celebrating the diversity in tech, arts, and culture in Northeast Ohio. The City Club is proud to partner with FutureLAND again this year for a special LIVE broadcast from the Allen Theatre in Playhouse Square!rnrnThis year, we will hear from Everette Taylor, CEO of Kickstarter, the world's premierrncrowdfunding platform for creative projects. Under Everette's leadership, Kickstarter was named one of Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential Companies for trailblazing the future of work and for the company's global impact in the creator economy.rnrnPrior to joining Kickstarter, Everette most recently served as the CMO of Artsy, the largest online marketplace for buying and selling fine art. During his time at Artsy he was recognized by Forbes as one of the World's Most Influential CMOs due to the business seeing all-time record revenue growth and brand awareness.rnrnAs an entrepreneur, Everette founded or co-founded several multi-million-dollar companies before the age of 30 (PopSocial, GrowthHackers, MilliSense) and sold his first company (EZ Events) at the age of 19.

What's the real secret to keeping women in tech? In this episode, Andrea talks with Linda Calvin, Chief Impact Officer at Reboot Representation, about her mission to create more opportunities for women in tech. Linda shares why so many women are leaving tech and how companies can reverse the trend. They discuss building work environments where women can truly lead, the real power of mentorship, and how diversity in tech has the potential to change entire communities. Catch the full conversation for a look into the future of tech leadership and what it takes to retain top female talent. Additional Resources: Connect with Andrea Butcher on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network Connect with Linda Calvin on LinkedIn

Deb Liu became the President & CEO of Ancestry in March 2021, bringing over 18 years of tech leadership experience from companies like PayPal, eBay, and Facebook. Recognized as one of Business Insider's most powerful female engineers, she played a pivotal role in developing Facebook's Marketplace and its mobile advertising initiatives. Under her leadership, Ancestry is embracing a new vision focused on inclusivity, aiming to create a product that reflects diverse family dynamics and backgrounds. Her strategic initiatives include the release of Ancestry's inaugural Impact Report and the acquisition of Geneanet, enhancing the company's offerings. Additionally, Liu is committed to promoting diversity in tech through her nonprofit, Women In Product, which supports women in product management.

Our 6th season opens up a deeper conversation, regarding higher education, community and resources for the next generation of workforce for our Latine Youth. Our guest is Dr. Antonia O. Franco, COO and President of DigitalNest.org. Dr. Antonia O. Franco's career spans nearly thirty years of executive and management experience in the nonprofit, philanthropic and government sectors advancing access, equity and a voice to marginalized communities. She has worked extensively on leading organizational change, creating strategic partnerships and community building, and scaling the work of programs, initiatives and organizations. She oversees the programmatic and operational initiatives that support the scaling efforts spanning the five rural communities of Watsonville, Salinas, Gilroy, Modesto and Stockton.  Dr. Antonia and I  discuss her inspiring journey into higher education, through perseverance and by highlighting the pivotal role her family, community support, and how she saw that representation matters. If you can see it, you can be it.  Growing up in an agricultural community in Arizona, Dr. Franco's story is a testament to the power of nurturing curiosity and providing opportunities for young people to envision and achieve their aspirations. Dr. Franco and I discuss the current lack of diversity in tech and educational leadership and stress the importance of motivating more of our Latine community to pursue careers in education, technology and the  STEM industries. By showcasing various career paths, organizations like Digital Nest are guiding young people toward building economic equity by fulfilling impactful careers by utilizing tech and helping them into their first career within tech organizations.  We both emphasize how important it is to pay it forward to our future generations by the change we are setting in motion through organizations, such as Digital Nest and by using this podcast platform to lift our voices. We are delighted to have Dr. Antonia O. Franco and the Digital Nest team help make this audio production also as a recorded live video episode, which you can watch in full length on our YouTube Channel, at Latinasb2b and subscribe to follow us on longer content videos.   Connect with Latinas From The Block To The Boardroom Website: www.latinasb2b.com  YouTube @Latinasb2b Join newsletter: www.latinasb2b.com LinkedIn: latinasb2bmarketing Facebook: @Latinasb2b.marketing  Instagram: @Latinasb2b  X.com: @LatinasB2B  Executive Podcast production by Theresa E. Gonzales and Audio Engineered by Robert Lopez.  To learn more about Latinasb2b.com and how you can work with us in a sponsorship opportunity, please contact us at info@latinasb2b.com. 

Regina Gwynn co-founded Black Women Talk Tech, an organization that supports and encourages black women to build billion-dollar businesses. Recognized as one of the hundred most influential women by Entrepreneur magazine and one of the top ten women in tech by Essence magazine, Regina knows firsthand the challenges and opportunities black women face in tech. She believes that black women possess a unique ability to stretch resources and achieve remarkable outcomes, even in the most challenging situations. Through initiatives like the Roadmap to Billions conference, Regina aims to change the perception of what a tech founder looks like, emphasizing that innovation can come from diverse backgrounds and that the tech industry must be inclusive to foster true success. Key Takeaways: - Black Women Talk Tech educates, amplifies, and funds black women in the tech industry to provide resources for success. - Regina Gwynn highlights the challenges black women face in the tech ecosystem and the need for a platform like Black Women Talk Tech. - Regina Gwynn emphasizes the importance of diversity in tech spaces and discusses the pressure she faces as the token black woman in these environments. - Personal growth and resilience are key factors in the journey towards success. - Resilience is crucial in entrepreneurship, helping individuals bounce back from failures and stay focused on their goals. - Regina Gwynn believes in the ability of black women to succeed, emphasizing their unique strengths and perseverance. - Taking action and starting without hesitation is crucial for progress and success, as highlighted by Regina Gwynn.   Stay connected with Regina online: Website Linkedin   Stay connected with us online: MakiniSmith.com Legacy Leavers Media Facebook Instagram Threads Youtube LinkedIn Books Send feedback/questions to info@awalkinmystilettos.com Submit guest suggestions HERE Make a donation to keep the show going!   Podcast music produced by: defnottyrell This episode is brought to you by Herbal Face Food. Since early 2022, Makini has taken her skin back with this natural skincare routine. It's: Vegan Cruelty-free Synthetic Fragrance-free Paraben free Organic/Wildcrafted Handmade GMP free Ethically Sourced It heals melasma, psoriasis, and acne scars, treats deep wrinkles, and clears up eczema on Makini's face. Use promo code "Makini30" for 30% off ALL PLANT facial products.

In today's episode, I'm joined by Chrissy Hill, the Chief Legal Officer and Interim COO at Parity Technologies, a company driving innovation in Web3 and blockchain technology. We delve into the fractured state of Web3 regulation and explore how this uncertainty is affecting creativity and innovation in the space. Chrissy shares insights into how Parity is working with global regulators to bring about the clarity needed for developers to thrive and for Web3 technologies to reach their full potential. We also discuss the importance of diversity in the Web3 ecosystem. As a pioneering female leader in a male-dominated field, Chrissy offers a unique perspective on why diverse leadership is critical for the future of decentralized technologies. She highlights the value of having a wide range of voices at the table, particularly as Web3 continues to shape the digital landscape. The conversation then shifts to how disruptive technologies like blockchain and AI are transforming legal practices. Chrissy explains how these advancements have the potential to reshape the legal profession for lawyers, judges, and even juries, by providing tools that enhance transparency, streamline processes, and deliver more efficient outcomes. Tune in to hear Chrissy's thoughts on what lies ahead for Web3 regulation, the role of diversity in tech, and how emerging technologies are influencing the future of law. Will regulation help or hinder innovation, and what role does diversity play in the success of decentralized networks?

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I explore the evolving landscape of cybersecurity in retail with Veroniki Stamati, Director of Security Engineering and Operations at Tesco. Veroniki's experience spans a variety of industries, including online platforms like PokerStars and Skyscanner, giving her a unique perspective on how technology can drive innovation while ensuring security. Veroniki shares her transition from the travel and entertainment industries to the retail sector, offering insights into how Tesco harnesses technology to protect its vast customer base. She delves into her current role, where she leads a team focused on building secure products, while balancing the need for innovation and security. We discuss Tesco's forward-thinking approach to security, which includes principles like "everything as code" and integrating security within product development and platform delivery. Throughout the conversation, Veroniki sheds light on the most pressing security threats facing the retail industry today, such as data theft, customer-targeted scams, and the impact of regulatory changes. We also touch on the exciting role that generative AI is playing in shaping the future of security operations, especially in data management. Diversity in tech is another key focus. Veroniki highlights Tesco's efforts to increase female representation and foster diversity of thought within security roles. Programs like "train, deploy, hire," along with partnerships with STEM programs and tech colleges, are creating new opportunities for a diverse talent pool to enter the security space.

Growing up, I heard about how often my sister was the only woman in some rooms. She is an electrical engineer and her field was heavily dominated by men.   The lack of diversity isn't just a numbers issue—it affects how tech solves problems and perpetuates existing biases. So on today's episode, we're diving into a hot topic with Marissa McNeelands: tackling gender diversity in tech and its impact on building equitable systems.  Marissa is on the frontline, championing the push to level the playing field in tech. We're exploring why having a diverse team isn't just good ethics, it's smart business, sparking innovation and creativity.  Join us as we discuss the challenges, the victories, and why every step toward diversity is a step toward better technology. 00:03:45 - The Key to Maintaining Strong Relationships at Work 00:06:37 - The Origin Story Behind the Creation of Toast 00:11:24 - Transitioning From Project Management to Tech 00:14:37 - Common Challenges Women Face in the tech Industry 00:20:53 - Why Gender Diversity in Tech Creates a More Innovative Culture 00:24:03 - How to Motivate Companies to Prioritize Diversity  00:31:20 - Trends Emerging Between AI and HR in the Next Few Years 00:35:25 - Advice for Women in Tech Who are Struggling to Integrate And if you love I Hate It Here, sign up to Hebba's newsletter! It's for jaded, overworked, and emotionally burnt-out HR/People Operations professionals needing a little inspiration. https://workweek.com/discover-newsletters/i-hate-it-here-newsletter/   And if you love the podcast, be sure to check out  https://www.youtube.com/@ihateit-here for even more exclusive insider content!   Follow Marissa: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissamcneelands/ Follow Hebba:  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ihateit-here/videos LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/hebba-youssef Twitter: https://twitter.com/hebbamyoussef

In this 100th episode of the eCom Pulse podcast, I sit down with Deepika Yerragunta, Head of Platform Products - eCommerce at PepsiCo, where she oversees the technological strategies driving Pepsi's online sales. With over a decade of experience spanning e-commerce, startups, and tech giants like Amazon and Intel, Deepika has been at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge technologies with commerce to disrupt the status quo.We discuss the rapid evolution of e-commerce, the increasing role of AI and data in shaping customer experiences, and the challenges of managing complex supply chains. Deepika shares her perspective on how AI can act as a multiplier, optimizing everything from demand forecasting to inventory management, and highlights the importance of clean data and infrastructure investments. Deepika also emphasizes the need for a shift in executive mindset toward agile, collaborative innovation.Deepika's insights into the future of autonomous vehicles, global logistics, and cross-border payments offer valuable takeaways for leaders looking to stay ahead of the curve in a competitive market.Deepika also touches upon her passion for supporting diversity in tech and the importance of providing meaningful opportunities for women in leadership roles.This episode brings forward a fresh perspective on the crossroads of technology and commerce, highlighting how businesses can adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing environment. From leveraging AI to streamline operations to the potential of global marketplaces, Deepika offers actionable strategies and innovative ideas that can reshape the future of digital commerce. Her thoughts on product management, data-driven decision-making, and fostering diversity in tech provide practical guidance for anyone navigating these fields.Website: https://www.vimmi.netEmail us: info@vimmi.netPodcast website: https://vimmi.net/ecom-pulse-podcast/Talk to us on Social:LinkedIn Eitan Koter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eitankoter/LinkedIn Vimmi: https://il.linkedin.com/company/vimmiYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VimmiCommunicationsGuest: Deepika Yerragunta, Head of Platform Products - eCommerce at PepsiCo.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yrdeepika/Takeaways:Technology has a significant influence on commerce, particularly in the e-commerce industry.Data is crucial for driving decision-making and improving the customer experience.AI can play a significant role in supply chain management and decision intelligence.Collaboration between technologists and industry experts is essential for implementing AI solutions.Speed and agility are crucial in today's fast-paced consumer landscape.Product management is a bridge between design, technology, and business value. Product management is about prioritization and delivering value to customers.Product managers play a strategic and tactical role in the development and delivery of a product.Autonomous vehicles have the potential to revolutionize logistics and last-mile delivery.There are untapped markets in global logistics and global payments.Diversity in tech and supporting female founders is crucial for a more equitable industry.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Background02:08 The Evolution of Technology and Commerce05:21 The Role of...

In this episode, we sit down with Samantha Coyle, a software engineer who went from a high school athlete with little tech exposure to a leading Go developer. Samantha shares her path through college, where she pivoted to computer science, and how she navigated internships at top companies like Dell and AMD. She also discusses her current work at Diagrid, where she helps build cutting-edge cloud-native applications. Samantha's story highlights resilience, continuous learning, and the importance of strong mentorship in shaping a successful career in tech.00:00 Introduction01:50 What is Samantha Doing Today?09:35 First Memory of a Computer12:37 Highschool Interests / Sports30:40 Choosing Computer Science38:50 Various Internships55:25 Graduating During Covid1:00:20 FIrst Job in Go1:07:00 Working at Intel1:27:25 Contact InformationConnect with Samantha: Twitter:  https://twitter.com/thesamcoyle?lang=enLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-coyle/Mentioned in today's episode:Diagrid: https://www.diagrid.io/GopherCon:https://www.gophercon.com/Want more from Ardan Labs? You can learn Go, Kubernetes, Docker & more through our video training, live events, or through our blog!Online Courses : https://ardanlabs.com/education/ Live Events : https://www.ardanlabs.com/live-training-events/ Blog : https://www.ardanlabs.com/blog Github : https://github.com/ardanlabs

SVP of Political and Industry Affairs at the Consumer Technology Association, Tiffany Moore, gives a behind-the-scenes look at their popular CES tradeshow, shares why she's passionate about their $10 million venture fund focused on increasing diversity in tech, and talks about the importance of GlobalWIN in helping to mentor others.  "...whether you're a large company with a keynote that seats a thousand people, or you're a startup with a 12 foot table, there is a place for you at CES.”  -Tiffany MooreFollow Tiffany on LinkedInLearn more about CTAFind out more about GlobalWINRead the article discussed Learn More at www.techedup.com Follow us on Instagram Check out video on YouTube Follow Niki on LinkedIn

Episode Summary: In this week's episode of the Futurecraft Marketing podcast, hosts Ken Roden and Erin Mills interview guest Lara Shackelford, a prominent AI strategist and thought leader, about moving beyond use case frenzy and getting strategic with AI-first and focused strategies. Throughout the discussion, they explore the nuances of implementing AI in marketing beyond basic use cases. 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Disclaimer 00:27 Meet Your Hosts: Ken and Erin 00:52 Exploring AI in Marketing 03:14 Guest Introduction: Lara Shackelford 03:42 Diving into AI Strategies with Lara 07:54 The Future of AI in Marketing 16:29 Frameworks for AI Integration 22:39 Creating Effective Focus Groups with AI 23:26 Hyper-Personalization in Customer Experience 24:18 Challenges and Innovations in Telecom Marketing 28:16 Global Economic Trends and AI Strategies 30:52 The Future of Work: Project-Based Engagements 35:01 Measuring ROI in AI-Driven Marketing 41:44 Practical AI Tips and Tools for Marketers 46:21 Reviewing Canva's AI-Powered Features 48:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Key Takeaways: AI Integration Strategy: Lara Shackelford emphasizes the significance of AI literacy across all organizational levels and the dual exploratory and exploitative approach to integrating AI in business processes. Customer Experience: Hyper-personalization through AI-driven contextual marketing can significantly enhance customer experience, moving beyond ‘creepy' personalization to more welcomed and relevant interactions. AI-First vs. AI-Enabled: The nuanced differences between AI-first and AI-enabled go-to-market strategies and their implications for crafting robust marketing plans are the subject of a pivotal discussion. Dynamic Project-Based Work: The potential shift towards project-based engagements and dynamic work structures facilitated by AI could redefine traditional employer-employee relationships, offering more flexibility and efficiency. Future AI Trends: Lara forecasts further advancements in real-time, dynamically adjusting marketing messages and the pivotal role of sophisticated data utilizalization About our Guest: Lara Shackelford is an influential thought leader and executive in AI and marketing. Currently heading Fieri AI, a company that emphasizes building trust between businesses and customers through AI, Lara has a diverse professional background with roles at major tech companies such as Intel, Oracle, and Microsoft. She has also contributed significantly to startups like Datastax and Looker. Recognized as a LinkedIn top voice in AI, Lara strongly advocates diversity in tech and has been lauded for her innovative approach to integrating AI into marketing strategies to boost customer satisfaction and operational excellence. Notable Quotes: “One of the biggest parts is focus groups. We spent a couple hundred thousand dollars on focus groups that took months... In the end, GenAI comes out and I just posed the question... and it gave me back the term we chose.” - Lara Shackelford “We can be more responsive to markets today and look at things like dynamic pricing and offers... AI can feed into our sales process, our proposal creation, and more.” - Lara Shackelford “If you can change and adjust your message in real-time, and that can then dynamically change the message on your website... marketing is going to get the real lift.” - Lara Shackelford “Companies are demonstrating already... with layoffs showing an emerging gig economy where scaling up and down is becoming normalized.” - Lara Shackelford Resources: LinkedIn - Lara Shackelford Fieri AI Website Paul Roetzer Ethan Mollick Stay tuned for more insightful episodes from the Futurecraft Marketing podcast, where we continue to explore the evolving intersection of AI and marketing. Take advantage of the full episode for in-depth discussions and much more!   To listen to the full episode and stay updated on future episodes, visit the FutureCraft Marketing Podcast website. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered advice. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are our own and do not represent those of any company or business we currently work for/with or have worked for/with in the past. Music: Far Away - MK2

In this episode, Host Ron Eddings catches up with one of his colleagues, Whitney Palacios, Vice President and CISO at BigBear.ai. They explore the challenges and responsibilities of being a CISO and Whitney addresses key cybersecurity issues such as the importance of balancing security with innovation, especially in the context of AI. Whitney offers sage insight into Security Operations Centers (SOCs), the need for diversity in tech leadership roles and closes out with helpful advice for rising CISOs.   Impactful Moments: 00:00 - Welcome 01:26 - Introducing guest, Whitney Palacios 04:03 - What Is A CISO? What Do You Do? 06:19 - SOC or No SOC? 08:40 - CISO Role & Risk/Accountability 11:12 - “One of A Few CISOs” 12:00 - Join Our Mastermind! 15:21 - AI: Allowing Innovation 18:27 - AI Use Cases 20:30 - One Step Better…   Links: Connect with our guest, Whitney Palacios : https://www.linkedin.com/in/whitneypalacios/ Check out our upcoming events: https://www.hackervalley.com/livestreams Join our creative mastermind and stand out as a cybersecurity professional: https://www.patreon.com/hackervalleystudio Love Hacker Valley Studio? Pick up some swag: https://store.hackervalley.com Continue the conversation by joining our Discord: https://hackervalley.com/discord Check out our upcoming events: hackervalley.com/livestreams Become a sponsor of the show to amplify your brand: https://hackervalley.com/work-with-us/

  Are you an aspiring entrepreneur looking for insights on how to navigate the tech startup world? In our latest episode of Tech Talks Daily, I had the pleasure of interviewing Luke Diaz, the founder of DBT Ventures, an angel investment fund dedicated to supporting underrepresented founders. Luke brings a wealth of experience leading customer success teams and has been instrumental in helping several startups scale from single-digit millions to over $100M in ARR. In our conversation, Luke delves into the challenges and opportunities for startups seeking funding. He shares valuable strategies on how to quantify your startup's potential, attract investor interest, and practice conscious leadership. Luke's commitment to fostering diversity in tech is truly inspiring, as he highlights the importance of providing venture capital to founders from diverse backgrounds, ensuring that innovative ideas are not overlooked due to traditional biases in the investment landscape. One of the standout moments from our discussion is Luke's emphasis on the critical role of customer success in driving product adoption and retention. He provides actionable advice on how to structure onboarding programs, understand and mitigate churn, and create a culture of transparency and continuous improvement within your company. Luke's approach to leadership is both practical and profound, advocating for conscious leadership practices that not only shape company culture but also drive measurable business impact. Luke also shares his perspective on emerging tech trends, particularly the role of AI tools like ChatGPT in enhancing business efficiency and decision-making. He cautions against the hype and stresses the importance of linking AI applications to tangible business outcomes. For those looking to expand their knowledge, Luke recommends "The 7 Powers" by Hamilton Helmer, a book that offers valuable business principles applicable to any entrepreneur. He also shares his commitment to continuous learning, allocating time each week to stay updated with new tools and trends, a habit that has undoubtedly contributed to his success. What insights did you find most valuable from Luke's journey and expertise? Tune in to this episode to discover how you can apply these lessons to your own entrepreneurial endeavors. And after listening, I'd love to hear your thoughts on how conscious leadership and strategic customer success can transform your business.