Podcasts about Women in Tech

What if growing your business doesn't mean working more—but working smarter instead? I sat down with automation expert and founder of Evolve Systems, Jenna Evola, to explore how entrepreneurs can reclaim their time using AI, virtual teams, and systems that scale. From her own journey of launching a medical clinic before the pandemic to now leading a team of eight with efficiency and ease, Jenna shares the exact strategies that helped her turn overwhelm into optimized growth. We talked about the first tools you should automate, why hiring overseas talent isn't just cost-effective, and how to find your executive assistant before you burn out. If you've been stuck in the hustle loop, trying to do it all yourself, this episode is your permission slip to stop grinding and start growing. Tune in to learn how AI can help you buy back your time, build a lean team, and create systems that run your business—even while you sleep!“Time is our only non-renewable resource. We can't make more of it, so we have to just learn how to manage it better.” ~ Jenna EvolaIn this Episode:- The power of AI and automation for entrepreneurs- Real-Life success stories and practical tips for AI automation- How to build and manage virtual teams- Essential AI tools for entrepreneurs- Balancing hustle and efficiency when scaling a business- How Jenna is empowering women in tech and automation- Jenna's journey to speaking engagements- How to align your personal brand with high-level systems - Final thoughts on AI and Jenna's contact informationAbout Jenna Evola:Jenna Evola is the founder of Evolve Systems and a seasoned small business systems coach. Drawing from her background in news and automotive marketing, she transitioned into entrepreneurship in 2019. Recognizing the challenges small business owners face—being overwhelmed by daily tasks rather than focusing on growth—Jenna established Evolve Systems. Through her agency, she empowers entrepreneurs to scale efficiently by integrating AI automation and virtual assistants, enabling them to reclaim their time and concentrate on strategic expansion. Website: https://www.evolvesystems.ai/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenna.evola/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenna-evola Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenna.evola Connect with me here:

In this episode of Automox Insiders, host Maddie Regis sits down with Kat Breeggemann, Digital Customer Experience Manager at Automox, to explore her unique journey from journalism and communications into the world of customer success. Kat shares how a leap-of-faith internship opened the door to a career in CX, the pivotal moment she advocated for her own role, and why scaling digital experiences is the key to supporting thousands of end users effectively.You'll learn:What digital CX looks like in actionHow to transition your skillset into techThe importance of proactive, scalable customer educationWhy assuming user knowledge can break your product experienceCareer advice for new grads and professionals making a switchWhether you're navigating your own tech career or building better customer journeys, this episode is full of practical insight and inspiring takeaways.

On this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Joel Agard, Group Head of Innovation at Zurich Insurance, who has been driving bold, transformative startup collaborations across 40+ markets. His work has reshaped the way a global insurance giant works with startups, proving that innovation isn't just about flashy tech – it's about building real, meaningful partnerships that deliver results. From navigating the early days of Zurich's Innovation Championship back in 2018 to scaling the program during a global pandemic – and now leading the charge into the future – Joel brings passion, strategy, and a touch of risk-taking to every conversation. KEY TAKEAWAYS The football World Cup in 2018 inspired us to piggyback on the concept of a competition to try and raise awareness of corporate/startup partnerships. Back then, working with startups in our industry wasn't the norm, we were working with big technology companies. We asked ourselves; how can we show the art of the possible and show that working with startups can really work? This is when we invented the Zurich Innovation World Championship. In the beginning the pace that startups wanted to – and could – go didn't always resonate with the pace Zurich wanted to go. We had to align expectations and create a safe environment where we could test fast and where it was OK to fail. I've fallen in love with cool technologies so many times, and I still do: I'm a geek. But, we had to learn that if these shiny, amazing technologies don't really solve a problem for our customers or internal stakeholders, it's not fit for purpose for us. It might be that it's too early or is not a good fit for us. BEST MOMENTS ‘We at Zurich bring our reputation, brand, and insurance expertise from 150 years. Startups bring agility and speed because they are born in a digital world.' ‘Failing in a big corporate often doesn't have a good image. We've proved that failing fast and cheap is something we can achieve and is beneficial for the startups. It's now a normal part of our process.' ‘The Covid pandemic accelerated digital transformations, there were a lot of opportunities out there to accelerate our initiatives, so increased the number of startups, pilots.' ‘It's crucial to understand the gaps and problems you want to solve because we'd be wasting each other's time otherwise.' ABOUT THE GUEST Joel Agard is Group Head of Innovation at Zurich Insurance. With a career dedicated to fostering groundbreaking solutions, Joel spearheads Zurich's Venture Client Startup Engine, a program that drives innovation across 40+ markets worldwide. His work focuses on bridging the gap between startups and corporate needs, enabling Zurich to leverage cutting-edge technologies and solutions to stay ahead in the ever-evolving insurance landscape. LinkedIn Zurich Innovation Championship ABOUT THE HOST Sabine is a corporate strategist turned entrepreneur. She is the CEO and Managing Partner of Alchemy Crew a venture lab that accelerates the curation, validation, & commercialization of new tech business models. Sabine is renowned within the insurance sector for building some of the most renowned tech startup accelerators around the world working with over 30 corporate insurers, accelerated over 100 startup ventures. Sabine is the co-editor of the bestseller The INSURTECH Book, a top 50 Women in Tech, a FinTech and InsurTech Influencer, an investor & multi-award winner. Twitter LinkedIn Instagram Facebook  TikTok Email Website This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

Send us a textIn this deeply reflective episode recorded at Pax8 Beyond 2025, Joey Pinz chats with legal-tech leader, artist, and founder of Cloud Contracts 365, Kim Simmonds. From songwriting at the piano to transforming legal AI for MSPs, Kim opens up about the intersections of creativity, leadership, and transformation.The conversation begins in melody and moves into mission — how Kim's self-taught songwriting parallels her bold move to launch an AI-powered legal tool designed just for MSPs. She shares her views on the ethical risks of careless AI use (including lawyers being debarred for citing fake case law), and how her platform avoids hallucinations by not relying on LLMs.They explore differences between US and UK work culture, the undervaluation of MSP services in England, and why shifting from revenue-chasing to meaningful service is the ultimate mindset upgrade. 

Chris and Shaun talk with Chris' friend, Trish Tierney, co-founder of WAKE, Women's Alliance for Knowledge Exchange. The gang discusses Notre Dame, rowing, kids, Trish's development of WAKE, lessons in travel, matchmaking women in tech with nonprofits around the world, WAKE's aims to scale its US program while exploring new countries for its international efforts, WAKE success stories, men's involvement in the program and more!Learn more about Trish and WAKE hereGet Mental at 20% discount: http://getmental.com/IYCTF

What does it take to go from childhood dreams of building a Terminator robot to leading AI innovation at Intel? Karenga Ross's remarkable journey offers a masterclass in career development that combines technical expertise with business acumen, authentic relationship-building, and a willingness to embrace the unknown.As Intel's Senior Director shaping the future of data center AI, Karinga shares how unexpected pivots became her greatest assets—from abandoning mechanical engineering after a challenging thermodynamics course to discovering her leadership voice at Coca-Cola where she was first challenged to articulate her personal brand. Her candid reflections reveal how saying "yes" to opportunities, even when they required significant life changes, opened doors she never imagined possible.For women intimidated by fields like AI and data center engineering, Karinga offers refreshingly accessible advice, demystifying complex technical concepts by connecting them to everyday experiences. "Don't be intimidated; be curious," she emphasizes, explaining that companies hire for aptitude and willingness to learn—not complete mastery of every technical detail. This perspective transforms imposing career paths into approachable possibilities.Perhaps most valuable is Karinga's evolved understanding of leadership essentials often overlooked in technical fields—strategic vision-building, cross-cultural communication, and the courage to ask for help. She reveals her personal strategy development process, which includes scheduled time away from digital distractions to think clearly among trees, and how discovering that people genuinely enjoy sharing knowledge transformed her approach to networking from something that felt like "schmoozing" to building authentic relationships based on mutual support.As AI continues transforming industries, Karinga provides practical guidance for both early-career professionals and those facing potential displacement. Her approach to continuous learning—currently pursuing a PhD in business leadership while leading at Intel—embodies her philosophy: "If you stay ready, you don't have to get ready." This conversation is essential listening for anyone navigating technical careers with ambitions beyond coding.Support the show When you subscribe to the podcast, you are supporting our work's mission, allowing us to continue highlighting successful women in a variety of careers to inspire others helping pay our wonderful editor, Chris, and helping me in paying our hosting expenses.

Ever freeze mid-sentence in a meeting? Start rambling when challenged? Or walk away thinking, “Why didn't I speak up?” You're not alone. This episode is going to be your go-to toolkit for navigating those high-pressure moments with more clarity and confidence. In this episode, I unpack what pressure really does to high-achieving women — and more importantly, how to coach yourself through it in real time, even when your heart is racing and your voice feels like it's vanished. If you've ever wanted to feel more grounded, more articulate, and more in control under fire, this one's for you. "Leadership isn't about what you say out loud, it's about what you say to yourself before you open your mouth." — Toni Collis What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why freezing, rambling, or going silent is NOT a sign of incompetence How to interrupt the “pressure spiral” before it derails your confidence Micro self-coaching tools — no journaling required Shifting from reactive to grounded leadership in high-stakes situations How to apply my “Hold, Don't Carry” method so you stop replaying every meeting in your head Using the Say It Like a Leader script pack to pair inner clarity with outer confidence And more! This is for you if: You've ever walked out of a meeting replaying every word You freeze, clam-up and worry about speaking up You get frustrated when interrupted or dismissed You want to build executive presence without faking it You're navigating pressure, visibility, or senior rooms and want to show up powerfully — even when interrupted, dismissed, or put on the spot   **Useful links** Download the free companion guide: Say It Like a Leader: https://tonicollis.com/sayitlikealeader Want to learn more about the concept of Hold Don't Carry? Listen to Episode 195: Hold Don't Carry with Lindsay White here: https://tonicollis.com/episode195  If you are ready to uplevel your career, get unstuck or you are simply ready to unlock those leadership time-management techniques then join us in my monthly career & leadership coaching program exclusively for women in tech: https://www.tonicollis.com/academy  Catch the show notes, and more details about today's episode here: https://tonicollis.com/episode258 Check us out on Youtube. Join the Leading Women in Tech community in Slack where we discuss all-the-things for women's tech leadership, covering everything from early-career leadership to C-level executives.  

Today I'm sitting down with someone I've known for quite some time. Watching her grow, build, reinvent, and create from the inside out has been inspiring, and honestly, a little wild, in the best way. Cynthia Mensah-Neglokpe is the founder of clicqui and KORE. In this conversation, we talked about starting over,  more than once. About what burnout really looks like when you're the one everyone counts on. And how community, when done right, can quite literally bring you back to yourself.You'll hear how Cynthia went from managing luxury brands to building grassroots spaces in four cities, all while figuring out how to protect her energy and build something that actually lasts. If you've ever thought about creating something real, something that connects people and still keeps you whole. This one's for you.Let's get into it. And if you love this episode, leave a review, send it to a friend, or just hit replay.Read more about the Women Authors of Achievement (WAA) Podcast via waa.berlin/aboutFollow us on Instagram & find us on LinkedInSubscribe to our newsletter via waa.berlin/newsletter ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Stand Up is a daily podcast. I book,host,edit, post and promote new episodes with brilliant guests every day. Please subscribe now for as little as 5$ and gain access to a community of over 750 awesome, curious, kind, funny, brilliant, generous souls Check out StandUpwithPete.com to learn more Outclassed: How the Left Lost the Working Class and How to Win Them Back Described as having “something approaching rock star status” in her field by The New York Times Magazine, Joan C. Williams is a scholar of social inequality and a prominent public intellectual. Williams is the author of 12 books and 116 academic articles in law, sociology, psychology, medical and management journals. She is the 11th most cited legal scholar both in critical theory and employment law. She is a Sullivan Professor and the Founding Director of the Equality Action Center at UC Law San Francisco, former Founding Director of the Center for WorkLife Law. She has three TED/TEDx talks, including one with over 1.3 million views. Her 2016 essay on why Trump attracted so many non-college voters went viral, with over 3.7 million reads, becoming the most-read article in the 90-year history of Harvard Business Review. She is widely known for “bias interrupters,”—an evidence-based metrics-driven approach to eradicating implicit bias introduced in the Harvard Business Review in 2014. The website  biasinterrupters.org with open-sourced toolkits for individuals and organizations has been accessed over 500,000 times. She was profiled in Financial Times and has published on class dynamics in American politics in The New York Times, Washington Post, The Atlantic, The New Republic, Politico, The Hill, the Wall Street Journal and elsewhere. Her work on class includes her upcoming book Outclassed: How the Left Lost the Working Class – And How to Win Them Back (forthcoming St. Martin's, May 2025) and her critically acclaimed 2017 book White Working Class – one of three books President Biden carried, dog-eared and annotated, during his 2020 presidential campaign, according to the Washington Post. Her work on gender includes What Works for Women at Work: Four Patterns Working Women Need to Know (NYU Press, 2014) and her prize-winning Unbending Gender: Why Family and Work Conflict and What To Do About It (Oxford, 1999). Williams' work helped create the field of work-family studies, modern workplace flexibility policies, and the study of maternal wall bias in sociology. Her work on race includes eight studies documenting how racial and gender bias play out in today's workplaces, including two focused specifically on women of color: Pinning down the Jellyfish: Racial and Gender Bias against Women in Tech (2022) and Double Jeopardy? Gender Bias against Women of Color in STEM (2014). She is a leading voice on diversity, equity, and inclusion; with her team, she has published 39 articles published in Harvard Business Review. In 2014, she launched Bias Interrupters, a data-driven approach to interrupting bias in organizations whose website has been downloaded over half a million times. Williams has received awards in several different fields. For her contributions to the legal profession, she is one of the few people to receive both the American Bar Foundation's Outstanding Scholar Award (2012) and the ABA's Margaret Brent Women Award for Lawyers of Achievement (2006).  For her contributions to the work-family field, she received the Work Life Legacy Award from the Families and Work Institute (2014) and MSOM Responsible Research Award in Operations Management (2022). For her contributions to women's advancement in engineering, she received the President's Award from the Society of Women Engineers (2019). For contributions to psychology, she received the Distinguished Publication Award from the Association for Women in Psychology (2005). Her work has been funded by three National Science Foundation grants, as well as grants from Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the W. W. Kellogg Foundation, the Ford Foundation, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. She holds degrees from Yale, Harvard, and MIT as well as an honorary PhD from Utrecht University in the Netherlands. Join us Monday's and Thursday's at 8EST for our Twice Weekly Happy Hour Hangout's !  Pete on Blue Sky Pete on Threads Pete on Tik Tok Pete on YouTube  Pete on Twitter Pete On Instagram Pete Personal FB page Stand Up with Pete FB page All things Jon Carroll  Follow and Support Pete Coe Buy Ava's Art  Hire DJ Monzyk to build your website or help you with Marketing Gift a Subscription https://www.patreon.com/PeteDominick/gift

In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, recorded live at Fiber Connect 2025 in Nashville, host Brad Hine welcomes Charlene Gavel, President and CEO of SaskTel, to the show. Fresh from her "Operator Lightning Talk" presentation titled Lighting Up Saskatchewan, Charlene shares the remarkable journey of SaskTel—from its origins as a provincial telephone department in 1908 to its current role as a cutting-edge technology leader in Canada. Charlene reflects on her personal career path, including her early days as a CFO and her connection to SaskTel through her father, a 30-year employee. She offers insight into the unique challenges of delivering high-speed fiber to a population of just over 1 million people spread across a landmass the size of Texas. Despite the lack of scale, Charlene highlights how SaskTel's mission-driven approach as a Crown Corporation fuels innovation and prioritizes community outcomes. The conversation explores SaskTel's transition from a traditional telco to a forward-thinking “techco,” emphasizing infrastructure automation, OSS/BSS innovation through SaskTel International, and the need to monetize fiber investments through value-added services. Charlene also offers advice to aspiring leaders—especially women in tech—about using their voice, following their passion, and building strong, collaborative teams.

Bridget Todd joins us to discuss the truth about recent privacy claims from apps like WhatsApp - now owned by Meta - and other apps in a landscape where we very much need to be aware. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Gregor Gimmy, founder of 27pilots, a company dedicated to helping companies build and scale Venture Client units and allows them to benefit from startup innovations faster at large scale and significantly lower cost and risk than traditional corporate venturing methods. On this episode we will explore how this Venture Client model is shaping corporate innovation, the strategic benefits it offers, and how companies can adopt this game-changing approach to stay ahead in a competitive world. KEY TAKEAWAYS When I joined BMW in 2012 I was surprised to find out the small number of startups that it was leveraging to improve its technology landscape across its value chain. I told them that CVCs were investing in 2.8 startups per year. This is not nearly the number needed to solve all the technology challenges that we have, we need more like 100. My initial idea was not to invent a new model but to improve the current one. I was told that if they invested in 50 startups per year they would have around 250 startups in 5 years whose equity state we would have to manage, which is impossible. I concluded that VC isn't scalable, but it didn't solve the problem BMW had either, which was accessing, adopting, and transferring cutting edge technology fast because it's about investment not technology transfer. These are two totally different business processes. We needed to look for a new approach: becoming a Venture Client. Accelerators and CVCs are indirect models – like using a third party's battery technology in the cars you produce – you first make the investment and then do the adoption of the technology. The different in the Venture Client model is cutting out the middleman. If you want to be good at something you need a dedicated unit. If you do it part time it will only work partly. If you make it a department you can have more time you can dedicate to it, you can have a dedicated budget, you have a more solid KPI structure. BEST MOMENTS ‘More than getting into the world of Venture Client Modelling, I invented the world.' ‘A Venture Client is a company that adopts startup technologies through procurement and M&A.' ‘A corporate cannot compete against a good startup like Palantir or Oracle when they were startups.' ‘The Venture Client model will displace Corporate Venture Capital to become the standard of corporate venturing.' ABOUT THE GUEST As captain of the 27pilots endeavour, and the visionary behind the Venture Client model, Gregor GImmy focuses on advancing Venture Client knowledge and growing the global community through 27pilots' corporate clients and academic allies. Gregor is deeply engaged in researching, publishing, and lecturing on the Venture Client model through leading business schools and top business engagements. Gregor is also a frequent speaker at startup-relevant conferences such as Slush, Web Summit, 4YFN and DLD. ABOUT THE HOST Sabine is a corporate strategist turned entrepreneur. She is the CEO and Managing Partner of Alchemy Crew a venture lab that accelerates the curation, validation, & commercialization of new tech business models. Sabine is renowned within the insurance sector for building some of the most renowned tech startup accelerators around the world working with over 30 corporate insurers, accelerated over 100 startup ventures. Sabine is the co-editor of the bestseller The INSURTECH Book, a top 50 Women in Tech, a FinTech and InsurTech Influencer, an investor & multi-award winner. Twitter LinkedIn Instagram Facebook  TikTok Email Website This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

Join us on this episode of the Matthews Mentality Podcast as we sit down with Mariane Bekker, managing partner of Founders Bay, to discuss the realities of the startup ecosystem. Mariane shares invaluable insights on the hard work and time commitment required to succeed, misconceptions about overnight success, and the critical role of AI in revolutionizing various industries. Get inspired by her journey from Lebanon to Silicon Valley and learn about her mission to empower women in tech. This in-depth conversation covers everything from the hustle required to be a successful founder to the future of humanoid robots and flying cars. Perfect for anyone interested in startups, venture capital, and the future of technology. 00:00 The Reality of Raising Capital for Startups01:20 Introducing Mariane Bekker: A Powerhouse in Silicon Valley02:50 The Future of AI: Transforming Industries and Daily Life05:30 The Rise of Humanoid Robots and Flying Cars14:55 AI's Impact on Healthcare and Longevity19:48 Mariane's Journey: From Lebanon to Silicon Valley26:00 Empowering Women in Tech: Mariane's Mission46:12 The Hustle Factor: What Makes a Successful Founder48:40 The Hustle and Time Commitment for Success51:31 The Importance of Passion in Entrepreneurship54:12 The Roller Coaster of Being a Founder57:10 The Power of Social Media for Founders59:08 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs01:03:23 The Future of AI and Its Impact01:05:02 Personal Branding and Networking01:23:27 The DJ Dream and Future Aspirations01:32:21 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Are you wasting precious time in your job search without realizing it? In today's volatile job market, especially for women in tech, using the wrong strategies can cost you months of progress—and countless missed opportunities. Before you polish that resume or fire off another LinkedIn message, hit pause. This episode lays out the real dynamics of today's job market and gives you a proven playbook to navigate it with clarity, confidence, and intention. We dig into the tough truths about what's changed, why old advice doesn't work anymore, and how women in tech can stand out by leading with strategy and resilience. From AI-filtered resumes to hidden opportunities, we break it all down—so you don't waste your energy doing the wrong things. “If you're struggling, get help. Learning how to do this well, learning how to interview well, is not something you're taught in school.” — Toni Collis   What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why the current job market is unlike anything we've seen—and what that means for you How US elections and AI have reshaped hiring in tech The biggest myths holding women back in their job search What kind of leadership is in demand—and how to show you've got it Practical job hunting strategies tailored for women in tech How to navigate applicant tracking systems and stand out from the crowd An 8-step “job hunt recipe” to boost your odds of landing the right role Networking—that actually works Using data to track your job hunt and improve results How to build resilience, manage stress, and stay confident through rejection And more!   Looking for a better way to navigate your job search? If you're tired of sending out endless applications with little response, this episode breaks down what's actually working in today's market. From mindset to strategy to real-world results, you'll walk away with clarity on how to move forward—smarter and more effectively.   **Useful links** If you are ready to uplevel your career, get unstuck or you are simply ready to unlock those leadership time-management techniques then join us in my monthly career & leadership coaching program exclusively for women in tech: https://www.tonicollis.com/academy  Catch the show notes, and more details about today's episode here: https://tonicollis.com/episode257 Check us out on Youtube. Join the Leading Women in Tech community in Slack where we discuss all-the-things for women's tech leadership, covering everything from early-career leadership to C-level executives.

Building High-Performing WordPress Sites: Insights from Meeky Hwang, CEO of NdevrIn this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge speaks with Meeky Hwang, CEO and Co-Founder of Ndevr, a development firm specializing in high-performing WordPress solutions. Meeky shares how digital publishers can scale effectively, the "three-legged stool" framework for site success, and how to secure and optimize WordPress for high traffic and e-commerce.The Three-Legged Stool of WordPress SuccessMeeky emphasizes that a successful WordPress site rests on three foundational pillars: audience experience, editor experience, and developer experience. For site visitors, speed, mobile responsiveness, and accessibility are crucial. A seamless front-end experience keeps users engaged and ensures compliance with accessibility standards.From an editorial standpoint, she advises leveraging the Gutenberg block editor and custom workflows to streamline publishing. An intuitive backend not only enhances productivity but also reduces content errors and improves team morale. Editors need tools that fit their workflow, not ones they must work around.For developers, Meeky recommends maintaining a clean codebase, using version control systems like Git, and implementing continuous integration and deployment pipelines. This technical foundation supports performance, security, and scalability—especially critical for high-traffic sites. All three experiences must work in harmony for a WordPress site to perform at its best.About Meeky Hwang:Meeky Hwang is the CEO and Co-Founder of Ndevr, a WordPress development agency trusted by leading digital media and enterprise companies. With over 20 years of experience in web development and open-source technology, she specializes in optimizing complex digital ecosystems, strengthening DevOps, and aligning technology decisions with business goals. A passionate advocate for women in tech, Meeky is also a frequent contributor to Forbes, BuiltIn, and Thrive Global, where she shares leadership and digital strategy insights.About Ndevr:Ndevr is a WordPress development agency focused on high-traffic digital publishers and WooCommerce-driven e-commerce businesses. Their services include site audits, performance optimization, custom development, and strategic consulting.Links Mentioned in this Episode:Meeky Hwang on LinkedInNdevr Official WebsiteEpisode Highlights:The "three-legged stool" framework: audience, editor, and developer experience.Key WordPress best practices for high traffic and enterprise-grade publishing.How Ndevr grows through partnerships and referrals.WooCommerce security and performance strategies.Why regular audits and managed hosting are essential for WordPress success.ConclusionJosh and Meeky highlight the importance of strategic infrastructure and balanced user experiences in building successful WordPress sites. From scalability to security, Ndevr's insights provide a blueprint for digital publishers and e-commerce leaders aiming to optimize performance. Whether you're a growing brand or a seasoned media company, implementing Meeky's advice will help future-proof your web presence.Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guestMore from UpMyInfluence:We are...

Join host Samir Azizi at the heart of Toronto's booming Web3 scene as he visits the Solana Startup Village, hosted by Superteam Canada. In this vibrant episode, Samir sits down with Fibonacci to uncover how a scrappy team pulled together an epic 16-day build station packed with hackathons, live workshops, and community vibes—all just before the Consensus conference. From last-minute venue changes to planning investor panels and women-in-tech events, this deep dive captures the passion and chaos of building something truly special. Learn how local Web3 builders are shaping the Solana ecosystem in Canada—and why Super Team's community-first model is becoming a global blueprint.  • How Toronto's Solana hub came to life ✨  • The teamwork behind workshops, mentorships & events  • Web3 vs Web2 builders: who's showing up?  • Behind-the-scenes of community-led crypto infrastructure  • Super Team's unique model for local blockchain growth

What if the uncertainty you're feeling about your career path is more common and more solvable than you think? In this episode, Khushboo Sheikh tech leader and founder of Tech Exploration shares how community, storytelling, and strategic self-awareness can turn doubt into direction. Hear the real-life story of Subhan Ali's pivot from a civil engineering PhD to leading AI product development at NVIDIA, and discover how to spot the untapped skills and passions that could fuel your own transition. We dive deep into the unique challenges women face during major life changes like maternity leave, explore the underappreciated role of Technical Account Managers, and reveal how peer groups can offer clarity and confidence at every stage of your career. Whether you're debating a move into management or wondering what's next, this episode offers tactical insights and inspiring reminders that you don't have to navigate change alone. Timestamps 00:00:00 - Introduction and Welcome to Business Legacy Podcast   00:00:30 - Introduction of Khushboo Shaikh, Dynamic Technology Leader and Advocate for Women in Tech   00:01:15 - Discussing the Inception and Mission of Tech Exploration   00:02:30 - The Concept of Career Pivots and Leveraging Skills Across Roles   00:03:45 - Highlighting Subhan Ali's Transition from Civil PhD to AI Product Lead at NVIDIA   00:05:00 - Insights into Motivations, Challenges, and Transferable Skills in Career Pivots   00:08:13 - Exploring Peer-to-Peer Groups and Their Role in Career Transitions   00:09:00 - Understanding Diverse Career Roles Like Technical Account Managers   00:10:00 - Balancing Career Transitions with Motherhood and Personal Challenges   00:11:30 - Personal Anecdotes from Mothers in Tech on Career and Motherhood Balance   00:12:45 - The Importance of Recognizing Core Competencies and Passions   00:13:45 - Proactively Seeking Opportunities to Build Experience and Confidence   00:15:00 - Conclusion and Where to Find More Information About Tech Exploration   00:16:00 - Closing Remarks and Encouragement to Engage with the LinkedIn Community   Episode Resources: Connect with Khushbu here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khushbushaikh/ Legacy Podcast: For more information about the Legacy Podcast and its co-hosts, visit businesslegacypodcast.com. Leave a Review: If you enjoyed the episode, leave a review and rating on your preferred podcast platform. For more information: Visit businesslegacypodcast.com to access the shownotes and additional resources on the episode.

Barbara Gruber's path from journalist in Germany to engineering manager in New Zealand is a powerful story of grit, reinvention, and courage. In this episode, she shares how she overcame language barriers, broke into tech with no prior experience, and handled rejection with resilience. We dive into her early struggles, cultural adaptation, and the leadership lessons she now brings to the table—always direct, always empathetic. A must-listen for career changers, migrant professionals, and women in tech.#WomenInTech #ChallengingTheOdds #CareerPivot #MigrantVoices #TechLeadership #InspiringJourneys #Reinvention #TechBeyondGender #Resilience #BoldMoves

In this milestone 250th episode, host Kelly Kennedy sits down with Janice Baskin, Manager of the Edmonton Regional Innovation Network (ERIN), for a deep dive into how Alberta entrepreneurs can better navigate the complex ecosystem of supports, funding, and opportunities available to them. From breaking down the role of ERIN as a connector organization to sharing personal insights from her own entrepreneurial journey, Janice offers a transparent and practical look at what's working—and what's still missing—for founders across Edmonton and beyond.Together, Kelly and Janice explore the reality of growing a business in Alberta, including the challenges of accessing support, the confusion many founders face when searching for help, and the gaps that still exist in serving women in tech and growth-stage companies. Whether you're launching a startup, scaling an established business, or just trying to figure out what's available to you, this episode is a must-listen playbook for understanding how to plug into Edmonton's rapidly evolving innovation ecosystem.Key Takeaways: 1. Entrepreneurs often don't know what support exists, and lack of awareness remains one of the biggest barriers to growth in Alberta.2. You don't need to go broke to start a business—service-based models can be profitable early with smart planning and clear value.3. There's support available for more than just startups; growth-stage companies struggling to scale can also access funding and guidance.4. The ecosystem is powerful but disconnected, and what's truly missing is a central connector to guide founders through what's available.5. ERIN exists purely to support entrepreneurs, without taking equity or fees, and is funded entirely by Alberta Innovates.6. Gaps still exist—especially around women in tech and programming that supports underrepresented founders.7. Balance as an entrepreneur isn't daily, it's seasonal; the key is recognizing when to push and when to rest.8. Ask the “dumb” questions, especially when it comes to finances—avoiding them leads to much bigger problems later.9. Warm connections and intros can shortcut weeks of confusion and open real doors inside the ecosystem.10. If a solution isn't a fit, don't stop—ERIN's role is to keep helping you explore options until the right one clicks.Companies mentioned in this episode: Hypervac Technologies Fabled Solutions atWork Office Furniture Capital Business Development BDC Canada Alberta Innovates Alberta Women Entrepreneurs Edmonton Unlimited Edmonton Regional Innovation Network

Today's letter writers thought they had their work lives sorted. But… turns out, maybe not. Should they start a new job search? And if they do, what questions should they ask themselves—and their prospective employers? Listen in as Jen and Sara help these folks pause their panic and get choosy—instead of waiting around to be chosen.  Links:Check out the First Round Review's The 40 Best Questions to Ask in an InterviewGrab a copy of Simone Stolzoff's The Good Enough JobGot a work situation eating away at you? Send it to us! Submit your dilemma at PMLEshow.com

Text The New AmbitionIn the first episode recorded as The New Ambition, host Jen Phillips addresses the profound changes and challenges in the tech industry, sharing her personal journey from burnout to resilience. Jen discusses the critical role of community in overcoming adversity, as showcased by her own experience rebuilding a business after Hurricane Helene. There's an urgent need for strategic community building, especially for women in tech who face higher rates of job loss and burnout. Jen highlights steps for growing supportive networks and advocates for the work required to achieve healthy and sustainable success in the tech industry. We can make healthy change happen. Together. Episode ResourcesSubscribe to The New Ambition, the data-backed weekly newsletter for actionable tools to lead differently and live better. Connect with Jen on LinkedInBookmarkable: Women In Tech Stats 2025 [WomenTech Network] 39 Professional Women's Organizations and Associations [Duke Career Hub] 14 Tips to Start [Mentorship] Off on the Right Foot [Forbes]Like this episode? Subscribe to The New Ambition newsletter The Very Important Bottom LineThe New Ambition does not provide medical or mental health advice. The information including but not limited to: recorded and live episodes, text, graphics, images, and any other material contained on the podcast are for your informational purposes only. Nothing on The New Ambition is intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified provider. Never disregard professional medical or mental wellness advice or delay in seeking it because of something you've heard or content you've read or reviewed on this podcast. And please, if you're under duress or considering suicide, reach out right this very minute to the Suicide and Crisis lifeline by dialing 988 in the United States. Outside of the U.S., please reach out to helplines available to you in your country note: this link isn't owned by The New Ambition and should not be considered exhaustive or wholly accurate.

Dieses Interview ist einer von 3 Teilen unserer Serie On Tour @ #headinthecloud. Head in the Cloud ist eine Konferenz von Mittwald, die am 13. Juni 2025 in Espelkamp stattfand. WOMEN IN TECH Mit My…

In this classic, Bridget Todd shines a light on the Lenna image, an image that became foundational to the internet and has an enduring legacy. The story of how this image became so widespread without the consent or fair compensation of the model in question highlights problematic attitudes around women in tech spaces.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks about the launch of a new series of podcasts exploring the Venture Client Model which is turning corporate innovation on its head. Instead of merely investing in startups and crossing fingers, big companies buy from startups to drive innovation – today, not years from now. Imagine a world where a major fortune 500, an automotive manufacturer, an insurance giant or a bank can plug in a cutting-edge startup solution as easily as adding a new app to your phone. The questions Sabine tackles include: What if your company's next breakthrough isn't built in-house, but bought from a startup in an early pilot? And what if being a startup's customer is more powerful than being its investor? KEY TAKEAWAYS At its core, a venture client is a corporation that purchases and uses a startup's solution to gain strategic benefit. No equity stakes, no controlling shares – just buying the solution early, when the startup is still a venture. The company becomes the startup's client (often the first or an early client), giving the startup revenue and feedback, while the corporate gets to solve a problem with a cutting-edge product. Insurance is traditionally conservative – heavy on compliance, cautious with new tech – slow, one might say. But that's exactly why venture clienting is so powerful here: it creates a safe sandbox for insurers to experiment with startups. – Zurich has no corporate VC arm at the group level, so everything they do with startups ends up as a venture client relationship or partnership. That means all the effort goes into tangible pilots and deployments, not minority stakes in startups that might not align with the business. It's a bold approach, but clearly paying off. Imagine car insurance: traditionally, if you buy a policy in many countries, an agent might physically inspect your car, or if you have an accident, an adjuster needs to assess damage. CamCom replaces a lot of that with a DIY solution – the customer can just take a video of the car, and the AI will spot scratches, dents, cracked windshields, you name it, and even estimate repair costs. That means faster claims, smoother policy underwriting, and less hassle. BEST MOMENTS ‘The Venture Client Model flips the usual script: instead of investing in ten startups and hoping one succeeds, you pay a startup to solve a problem and start benefiting immediately.' ‘This isn't just theory. It's happening now.' ‘The model turns the corporation into what I like to call an innovation magnet – attracting the best startups because the word is out: “This company loves to buy new tech”.' ‘By the end of this series, you'll know the ins and outs of the model, from big-picture strategy down to on-the-ground tips, like why having a one-page startup contract can save you months of headaches, or why “impossible” should be banished from your vocabulary.' ABOUT THE HOST Sabine is a corporate strategist turned entrepreneur. She is the CEO and Managing Partner of Alchemy Crew a venture lab that accelerates the curation, validation, & commercialization of new tech business models. Sabine is renowned within the insurance sector for building some of the most renowned tech startup accelerators around the world working with over 30 corporate insurers, accelerated over 100 startup ventures. Sabine is the co-editor of the bestseller The INSURTECH Book, a top 50 Women in Tech, a FinTech and InsurTech Influencer, an investor & multi-award winner. ⁠Twitter⁠ ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠  ⁠TikTok⁠ ⁠Email⁠ ⁠Website⁠ This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

Sabine VdL talks to Lou Smith, a true trailblazer in the world of financial services and insurance. In today's episode, we'll dive into Lou's incredible journey, explore the vision behind Neuron, and discuss the key takeaways from the latest report that insurance providers need to consider.    KEY TAKEAWAYS We all have moments in life where the last thing we want to look at is out credit rating and history, but those things can affect how you access financial services in the future. Lou was part of the team that delivered the first end-to-end mortgage renewal online, started to break down investments and getting it to the hands of the many rather than the few. Everybody says insurance is behind the rest of the financial services industry, and it's a funny statement. It doesn't matter. What I'm seeing in insurance in the last 5-6 years is that this conversation has circled around about what do we do? But in the last 12-18 months I've seen a passion for how do now think about using digital, distribution models, digital, analytics and AI and thinking of all of those things together and deliver distribution models that start to move industry forward. The challenge is always in leadership, culture and change adoption. This is because it's really difficult to step into an unknown and think it's going to be better than what you're doing today. You want to power people with the data and capabilities so they can do what they're brilliant at, which is focusing on the best product and position for their client. Neuron and others enable brokers to do that. You also want to attract a new generation into the brokering sector, but rather than have them focus on the admin of that sector, they should be having great conversations with clients. All the work we're doing enables brokers to do that.   BEST MOMENTS ‘When starting my career I had a real passion for how to make the services we were offering more successful for clients and customers.'‘We care about the customer and making financial data accessible to you through the narratives we use.'‘I'd love to say this was all planned out, we didn't call it anything or know what it looked like, we just started to bring data and technologies together to build ‘workflow' and that's now become cool.'‘We want to be the easiest, most predictable and consistent broker to work with.'   ABOUT THE GUEST Louise (or Lou) Smith is a trailblazer in the financial services and insurance industries, with a career spanning leadership roles across digital transformation, data, product innovation, distribution, technology, and operations.  Her journey has been marked by groundbreaking achievements, including delivering the UK's first steps into digital distribution at Barclays, leading the digital transformation of the Royal Bank of Scotland (including NatWest) during its turnaround to profitability, and becoming the first-ever Chief Digital Officer at Lloyd's of London.  Currently, Louise is at the helm of Neuron, a transformative initiative aimed at redefining the insurance and financial services landscape. Through Neuron, she is driving innovation, collaboration, and growth, focusing on creating a more connected and customer-centric industry. WTWCO LinkedIn ABOUT THE HOST Sabine is a corporate strategist turned entrepreneur. She is the CEO and Managing Partner of Alchemy Crew a venture lab that accelerates the curation, validation, & commercialization of new tech business models. Sabine is renowned within the insurance sector for building some of the most renowned tech startup accelerators around the world working with over 30 corporate insurers, accelerated over 100 startup ventures. Sabine is the co-editor of the bestseller The INSURTECH Book, a top 50 Women in Tech, a FinTech and InsurTech Influencer, an investor & multi-award winner. Twitter LinkedIn Instagram Facebook  TikTok Email Website This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this powerful and thought-provoking episode, we sit down with three powerhouse women in cybersecurity—Emma, Aparna, and Sumi—who bring distinctly different journeys from pharmacy, law, technical sales, and engineering into one common mission: reshaping the cybersecurity industry from within. Together, they dive deep into what makes cybersecurity exciting, how resilience and authenticity fuel success, and why community—not conformity—is key to lasting impact.With candid conversations about navigating gender bias, building real allyship, and mentoring the next generation of women in tech, this episode pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to thrive in a male-dominated space. From managing cross-functional teams to balancing business needs with technical demands, these leaders share practical advice, hard-won lessons, and a powerful vision for a more inclusive, empowered future in cyber.Other topics we talked about:What drew each guest to cybersecurity from nontraditional backgrounds The role of mentorship and sponsorship in career growth Confronting misconceptions and biases in the workplace Why visibility and feedback are crucial for career advancement Balancing empathy and authority in leadership Retention strategies for women in tech The power of storytelling in inspiring the next generation How to build trust across business and security teams Whether you're deep in the industry or just cyber-curious, you'll leave inspired to challenge the status quo—and uplift others along the way.Stay Connected with our host, Raghu on LinkedInFor more information about Illumio, check out our website at illumio.com 

Are you still sending out resumes and hearing nothing but crickets? If you're stuck in the old "apply and hope" cycle, it's time to break out. The job market in 2025 rewards the networked, not just the qualified. Most people think of networking as a time-consuming chore or an awkward event—what if it's actually your most powerful leadership tool? Whether you're actively job hunting or simply keeping your options open, your network is your future. And it doesn't require hours of small talk or massive LinkedIn posts. It's about small, intentional actions that open doors.  In this episode, I dive deep into why networking—with intention and strategy—is your most important asset in the 2025 job market. From connecting with recruiters to rethinking how you engage with your peers, you'll walk away with practical ways to shift from invisible to irresistible.  “Networking doesn't have to take a lot of time. It's small, consistent action every single day.” — Toni Collis   What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why job seekers are hearing crickets in today's market How “micro-networking” fits into a busy schedule—even with a full-time job The difference between transactional networking and genuine connection How to reframe discomfort around networking and make it part of your leadership identity A step-by-step networking recipe for 2025 that actually works The powerful role of recruiters and how to build meaningful connections with them Tools and systems to stay organized and follow up effectively How to use your existing network to create new opportunities And more!   Want to take this further? Try reaching out to just one person today with a genuine message—and track your follow-up. Need a tool? Use a simple spreadsheet or personal CRM to manage your outreach.   **Useful links** If you are ready to uplevel your career, get unstuck or you are simply ready to unlock those leadership time-management techniques then join us in my monthly career & leadership coaching program exclusively for women in tech: https://www.tonicollis.com/academy  Catch the show notes, and more details about today's episode here: https://tonicollis.com/episode256 Check us out on Youtube. Join the Leading Women in Tech community in Slack where we discuss all-the-things for women's tech leadership, covering everything from early-career leadership to C-level executives.

Great leaders ensure their team's success is their own. Get career advice on management, customer advocacy, and allyship for women in tech.

Struggling to keep your wellness vibes high as the summer heats up? In this special season wrap-up, Megan Swan shines a spotlight on five visionary female founders who are rewriting the rules in tech—while prioritizing holistic wellness, social impact, and empowering communities.Key Points Discussed:Tech Innovation With Impact: Meet female founders leading in femtech, sextech, healthtech, and sustainable consumer products—all with a triple bottom line of people, planet, and profit.Groundbreakers You Need to Know: Highlights include:Ida Tin: Creator of the term "Femtech" and co-founder of Clue, bringing menstrual wellness and data empowerment to millions.Cindy Gallop: Founder of MakeLoveNotPorn and sextech trailblazer, reshaping narratives and access to healthy sex education.Mo Carrier: Co-founder of MyBliss condoms, revolutionizing women's sexual wellness with products designed for comfort, health, and empowerment.Linta Mustafa: Co-founder and CEO of Vitract, making gut health testing accessible and actionable for all.Sara Jónsdóttir: Co-founder of Revol Cares, innovating period underwear specifically for heavy bleeders and empowering women with bodily autonomy.Women, Capital & The Gender Gap: The state of funding for women and why investing in female founders isn't just right—it's smart.Creating Community: Why authentic connection, environmental stewardship, and showing up for others are essential summer wellness tools for leaders.Summer Wellness Tips: Simple ways to ground yourself in community, kindness, and nature—all from the perspective of thriving, not just surviving.TLDR: The future of wellness in tech is female, triple-bottom-line-focused, and radically inclusive. This episode celebrates badass women building tech for good, and reminds us to ground our impact work in holistic wellness, authentic connection, and empowered self-care—this summer, and beyond.Thank you for listening!If you loved this season, screenshot your favorite episode and tag @meganswanwellness on social—we love to see how you're inspired!Connect with Megan Swanhttp://www.instagram.com/meganswanwellnesshttp://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-swan-wellnesswww.meganswanwellness.comKeywords:women in tech, femtech, sextech, healthtech, wellness leadership, female founders, sustainable business, gut health, period care, sexual wellness, investment, VC funding gap, entrepreneurship, community building, summer wellness, environmental mindfulness, female empowerment, inclusivity

Are you a reluctant CEO? Telling yourself you're not CEO material? What if the story you've been telling yourself is the only thing holding you back from stepping into a powerful new chapter? Christine Spang never set out to become a CEO. As the co-founder and longtime CTO of Nylas, she spent over a decade in the trenches—coding, building, and deeply involved in the work on the ground. But when the time came to lead the company, she said yes... even though she didn't think she fit the mold. In this raw, insightful episode, Christine shares what it really looks like to evolve from hands-on engineer to strategic CEO. We explore the emotional weight of leadership, embracing your unique leadership style, and learning to lead in ambiguity. If you've ever felt like you're not the “right kind” of leader, Christine's journey will challenge and inspire you. "You don't have to be a CEO that looks like X. The company will change around you." — Christine Spang What You'll Learn in This Episode: How to lead when you don't see yourself as a CEO The emotional shift from CTO to CEO Why technical expertise isn't enough—and what to develop instead How introverted leaders can thrive without becoming someone they're not The role of coaching and hobbies (like rock climbing!) in building resilience How to find clarity in the chaos of leadership Advice for aspiring leaders who feel like they're “winging it” Want to go deeper? If this episode resonated with you, consider journaling on this: What story are you telling yourself about the kind of leader you're not? Then ask yourself: What if that story isn't true anymore? **Useful links** Connect with today's guest and sponsor, Christine: Follow Nylas:  Web: https://www.nylas.com/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/nylas Connect with Christine:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinespang/  X: @spang If you are ready to uplevel your career, get unstuck or you are simply ready to unlock those leadership time-management techniques then join us in my monthly career & leadership coaching program exclusively for women in tech: https://www.tonicollis.com/academy  Catch the show notes, and more details about today's episode here: https://tonicollis.com/episode255  Check us out on Youtube. Join the Leading Women in Tech community in Slack where we discuss all-the-things for women's tech leadership, covering everything from early-career leadership to C-level executives.  

What if the secret to soaring higher is actually found in slowing down, especially as a tech entrepreneur? In today's episode, we explore this concept with a remarkable guest—a seasoned tech entrepreneur, acclaimed author, and advocate for women in technology, Emilia D'Anzica. She has successfully built and sold multiple companies, and today shares not only her expertise but also the mindset shifts that helped her scale and exit two companies while raising a family and growing as a leader. And find out why, when she's not working, you can find her in the dirt! Full article here: https://GoalsForYourLife.com/tech-entrepreneur Contact her at: Emilia@emiliaspeakscx.com or on LinkedIn Make sure you're getting all our podcast updates and articles! Get them here: https://goalsforyourlife.com/newsletter Resources with tools and guidance for mid-career individuals, professionals & those at the halftime of life seeking growth and fulfillment: http://HalftimeSuccess.com CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Introduction 01:33 - Amelia D'Anzika's Background 05:27 - Embracing AI Technology 10:12 - Customer Lifecycle Management Strategies 13:03 - AI and the Human Touch 16:13 - Starting and Exiting Companies 22:15 - Future Plans and Aspirations 27:24 - Unexpected Leadership Lessons 33:40 - Final Thoughts and Insights 34:37 - Parenting and Work-Life Balance 38:35 - Final Advice for Entrepreneurs 43:57 - Outro #techmentorship #digitalmarketing #aitoolsforcontentcreation #techsales #aitoolsforproductivity Quick recap: Deborah and Emilia discussed Emilia's background as a tech entrepreneur, her experiences in scaling and exiting companies, and her advocacy for women in technology. They also explored Emilia's journey in advisory work, her focus on personal growth and self-care, and the importance of active listening in leadership. The conversation concluded with a discussion on the importance of being present for children, the value of gratitude and small steps in achieving growth, and the need for a human touch in the tech industry. Deborah introduces Emilia D'Anzica, a seasoned tech entrepreneur, author, and advocate for women in technology. Emilia has successfully built and sold multiple companies while raising a family. The conversation focuses on Emilia's expertise, mindset shifts, and experiences in scaling and exiting companies. They discuss the importance of technology for women and overcoming fears related to AI and tech tools. Emilia's background includes speaking engagements, teaching women in tech, and successfully selling two companies with exit strategies.

Today's guest is Marina Paulenka, program director of Fotografiska Berlin and a fearless voice in contemporary photography. Born in Yugoslavia before the war, Marina's story is one of resilience. From growing up during conflict to building a global platform for artists, often without institutional support.We talked about using photography as a tool for empowerment, activism, and storytelling. Marina shared what it really takes to launch a festival from scratch, the importance of making space for underrepresented voices, and how art can drive real societal change.Let's dive in. And if you enjoy this conversation, don't forget to rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform.Read more about the Women Authors of Achievement (WAA) Podcast via waa.berlin/aboutFollow us on Instagram & find us on LinkedInSubscribe to our newsletter via waa.berlin/newsletter ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Fresh on the heels of Angacom, I had the opportunity to sit down with Tiffany “Tiff” Groves of the Broadband Forum team to discuss rewarding work, impostor syndrome, and how, perhaps someday, we may no longer need to say the phrase “women in tech.” 

WhatsApp voice notes are revolutionizing English learning in Brazil Forget expensive apps - Storm Education is teaching English via WhatsApp voice notes, memes, and chats, targeting Brazil's 95% non-English speaking population. Founder Marcos Almirante reveals how his startup scaled to 100,000+ students entirely within WhatsApp—and why traditional language apps should be worried. Cabo Verde's offline EdTech breakthrough: Education without internet Angola-based Wongo just launched in Cabo Verde, bringing mobile lessons to sex workers, rural youth, and offline communities. Their secret? Pre-loaded courses that work without WiFi. Executive Director Joel Cruz explains how this model could bridge Africa's digital divide. Women-led startups outperform men - but still get less funding Data shows female-founded businesses deliver higher returns, yet they receive just 2% of venture capital. The Cartier Women's Initiative is changing that - by backing 330 women across 66 countries every year for more than 18 years, and applications for this year's awards are OPEN until 24th June. Global Director Wingee Sin shares why awards like these are game-changers. The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Wairimu Gitahi. More on this week's stories: Storm Education Wongo Cartier Women's Initiative Cartier – Science and Technology Pioneer Award Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz For the PodExtra version of the show please subscribe via this link: https://somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast-the-podextra-edition.pod.fan/ Follow us on the socials: Facebook Instagram BlueSky YouTube If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Contact us by email: hello@somewhereonearth.co Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Recorded amidst the buzz of the IT Press Tour in Palo Alto, this episode explores the evolving world of data intelligence through a candid conversation with

It's Groundhog Day for today's letter-writer—every time she meets with her direct report for a one-on-one, they spend the entire meeting trauma dumping. It's gotten to the point where this manager is feeling herself zoning out during their time together, and she's worried she's become a bad manager. Is it her job to be the team's emotional sponge, regardless of all the other responsibilities she's juggling? Listen in as Sara and Jen help this letterwriter set clear boundaries—and reexamine what should (and shouldn't) be on her managerial plate.Links:Sign up for a 1:1 strategy session or our async course Team Up by June 20 and save $100Learn how to get your needs met with the SURE ModelGot a work situation eating away at you? Send it to us! Submit your dilemma at PMLEshow.com

On this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to James Birch, Director of Strategic Technology Solutions at Ki Insurance—the first fully algorithmic syndicate in the history of Lloyd’s of London. In today’s conversation, we’ll explore: James’s journey from VC to algorithmic-underwriting pioneer, what a “director of strategic technology solutions” actually does day-to-day inside a digital syndicate, the partnerships, cloud architecture and data streams that let Ki quote in seconds, the biggest trends shaping Algorithmic Underwriting 2.0—and what they mean for brokers, capacity partners and the wider market, and practical take-aways for anyone who wants to thrive as the next wave of automation rolls through speciality insurance KEY TAKEAWAYS Ki is a growth stage business, not an incumbent, we’re trying to fight our way to win business and ultimately to grow. We have to do something different from everyone else to try to position ourselves differently and find competitive advantage where we can. That’s something I’ve carried over from the VC space. We started out looking at what the digital model of the traditional model, where was the toil in the value chain and the broker’s work plan process and how can we simplifying it and make it more efficient using digital capabilities that we saw in the VC space, in FinTech and other financial service industries. Lloyds of London is a heavily regulated market so we need to abide by any of the regulations that any carrier or underwriter do in that market. Our approach from day 1 was to engage with the regulator early, explain what we’re trying to do, be transparent, open and honest about where the gaps are if we’d not got to a certain level of maturity, don’t overstate the algorithm. We take regulation very seriously, which has helped because Lloyds has been highly supportive of us and our growth and have allowed us to grow as the market has grown. The main cost-save of the algorithmic underwriting for brokers is they don’t have to have loads of brokers running around the Lloyds of London building to find 2% on a slip or something, the broker negotiates with the lead underwriter, come onto the Ki platform for the follow, and then spend their time on new business and client opportunities. BEST MOMENTS ‘Any business should evolve as the market evolves and the marketing dynamics changes, you’ve got to react to those and be thinking 2-5 years ahead.’ ‘We still trip up on ourselves, even now, because we sometimes try to over-complicate things.’ ‘Speak to the customer, hear their problems, understand what’s not working for them, try to make it a simple transaction for them, and then they’ll use your products.’ ‘I’m a big advocate of the partner model because if you get 2, 3, or 4 like-minded companies as partners you can build something great together because you’re all strategically aligned.’ ABOUT THE GUEST James Birch is the Director of Strategic Technology Solutions at Ki Insurance, the market-leading algorithmic syndicate that’s redefining how Lloyd’s of London does business. Blending a venture-capital mindset with hands-on operating rigor, James has spent the past decade helping innovative companies move from bright idea to breakout scale. Passionate about demystifying insurance for the next generation, James is a sought-after speaker on topics such as data-driven risk selection, the future of algorithmic capacity and what it really takes to scale a regulated tech business. Whether mentoring founders or road-testing the latest ML models with his engineers, he’s driven by one simple goal: use technology to make risk transfer faster, fairer and radically more efficient. LinkedIn ABOUT THE HOST Sabine is a corporate strategist turned entrepreneur. She is the CEO and Managing Partner of Alchemy Crew a venture lab that accelerates the curation, validation, & commercialization of new tech business models. Sabine is renowned within the insurance sector for building some of the most renowned tech startup accelerators around the world working with over 30 corporate insurers, accelerated over 100 startup ventures. Sabine is the co-editor of the bestseller The INSURTECH Book, a top 50 Women in Tech, a FinTech and InsurTech Influencer, an investor & multi-award winner. Twitter LinkedIn Instagram Facebook TikTok Email Website This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

I'm thrilled to share another Student Spotlight with you this week... Meet Ilona Brannen who was part of the first cohort of The Coaching Business Academy last year. Ilona is on a mission to help women in tech break free from the status quo and step into bold, impactful leadership. As a leadership coach, speaker, and consultant, she specialises in guiding ambitious professionals through career transitions, helping them gain clarity, confidence, and influence in their next big move. Her career has been anything but conventional. Ilona has worked across Japan, the Netherlands, Cuba, Italy, the UK, and Argentina, experiencing firsthand what it means to navigate change, embrace uncertainty, and redefine success on your own terms. This global experience fuels her coaching philosophy: your career isn't a straight line—it's an adventure you get to design. Through her leadership consultancy, Ilona partners with tech companies and professionals to develop leaders for the digital age who are equipped to thrive in a fast-changing world. She's passionate about helping women break through barriers, own their ambition, and create careers that align with their values and vision. Connect with Ilona: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilonabrannen/https://www.instagram.com/ilona.f.brannen/ The next cohort of The Coaching Business Academy kicks off in July - we'd love to have you be part of it! www.gillmoakes.com/academy

What if AI could finally solve one of the most overlooked challenges in women's health?Millions of women experience menopause, yet real support has always lagged behind, until now.In this episode of the 2B Bolder Podcast, I sit down with Susan Sly, tech founder, health advocate, and CEO of Pause AI, who is transforming how women navigate menopause through the use of artificial intelligence.Her journey is anything but traditional, from working on facial recognition algorithms in the '90s, to building a career in holistic health, to a life-threatening illness that nearly derailed everything. But that experience lit a fire—and brought her back to tech with a new mission: to build real-time, personalized solutions for the 1.1 billion women facing menopause.We talk about:The spark behind Pause AI at a Women in AI eventHow wearables and real-time data are changing the gameWhy only 2.5% of VC funding goes to women founders—and what she's doing anywayThe resilience it takes to walk away from what's working to build what's neededSusan gets real about leadership, aging, and why women should solve women's health issues.

Are you doing everything “right” at work—and still being told it's not enough? If you're constantly overdelivering but still feel like you're falling short, you're not alone. For women in leadership—especially in tech—there's often a hidden, unspoken weight we carry: the emotional labor, the expectations to nurture, lead, represent, and accommodate. This invisible workload isn't part of your job description, but it shapes how you lead, how you're perceived, and how your executive presence is judged. Let's talk about what that invisible load really is—and why it's quietly holding you back! In this episode, I unpack the unseen pressures women leaders face and explore how this hidden weight contributes to burnout, self-doubt, and feeling like you're always behind—no matter how hard you work. From unspoken DEI expectations to caregiving responsibilities and the pressure to be a role model, I break down why this load exists, how to recognize it, and most importantly—how to lighten it. “It isn't that you have to work harder…it's that you're carrying too much of the stuff that isn't getting you recognized.” — Toni Collis What You'll Learn in This Episode: What the “invisible load” is and how it shows up in leadership roles Why emotional labor and societal expectations disproportionately affect women in tech How systemic bias fuels the pressure to go above and beyond—and why that's not always the right strategy A VP of Engineering's real-life example of navigating the invisible load 5 key reasons this unspoken burden exists Why self-care for leaders isn't optional—it's essential for sustainable, effective leadership 6 practical strategies to lighten your load and reclaim your time, energy, and focus How to recognize if you're doing the right things—not just more things   Ready to stop over-functioning and start leading sustainably? After listening, take a moment to reflect: What are you carrying that's not actually yours to hold? Then, share this episode with another woman leader who needs to hear this—because you're not alone in this. Let's help each other lighten the load. **Useful links** If you are ready to uplevel your career, get unstuck or you are simply ready to unlock those leadership time-management techniques then join us in my monthly career & leadership coaching program exclusively for women in tech: https://www.tonicollis.com/academy  Catch the show notes, and more details about today's episode here: https://tonicollis.com/episode254  Check us out on Youtube. Join the Leading Women in Tech community in Slack where we discuss all-the-things for women's tech leadership, covering everything from early-career leadership to C-level executives.

Today's letterwriter feels like she's living a double life. As the only content strategist at an enterprise-level org, she's burning herself out leading too many initiatives and trying to convince too many people to care about her work… only to go home and spend her evenings applying for jobs elsewhere. Should she feel guilty for being such an outspoken voice for change—while secretly thinking about abandoning ship? Listen in as Sara and Jen discuss how you can deal with feelings of guilt at work—and how to figure out what's in your control and what's not. Links:Grab the Circle of Control worksheetGot a work situation eating away at you? Send it to us! Submit your dilemma at PMLEshow.com

On this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Mark Stern, founder and CEO of Custom Box Agency, an award-winning boutique specializing in bringing digital offers to life through innovative offline ‘box experiences.’ Today, he’ll share how he made the leap from corporate to startup life, offer practical tips for integrating physical touchpoints into a digital world, and discuss the secret sauce behind building high-impact customer journeys. I can’t wait to dive into his wealth of knowledge. KEY TAKEAWAYS When I mixed physical and digital together with my publication called ‘Entrepreneur Elements’ I people started posting unboxing videos, which a digital-only product can do. Everyone who received the product became an ambassador and lots of organic traffic was being created as a result. During Covid the virtual event game became bloody red, in terms of competition, because everyone became a virtual event expert overnight. But the boxes, and how we were approaching this to get results faster, was an unknown, exciting realm which I went 100% in on and the business skyrocketed from zero to a million in the first year just by pivoting and focussing on this opportunity. What we include inside our boxes is a welcome note, a getting started guide – which, for me is the most powerful sales pieces to orient people on the journey that they’re about to start and see your universe, a journey map – a visual depiction of the recipe that’s going to get you the result, then all the tools and resources. This isn’t SWAG (Stuff Without A Goal), think of it a product development and who we can truly get into your programme and give people the incentive structure to want to take one step at a time. I love data, so I can engineer feedback loops to say, once you’ve hit a certain milestone, how can I get you to provide me with the information I need so 1, I can celebrate you, but 2, it also gives me good intel to make the product you’re making better. BEST MOMENTS ‘In the online space done beats perfect. I approach the standards of the online realm in a corporate way; the client’s either ready or not ready at all.’ ‘If you have a digital product, you have to compliment it with something physical because physical can tap into other modalities and senses that digital can’t.’ ‘It’s not about you, it’s truly about your customers and their needs.’ ‘Boxes can be a tool to take what you’re already talking about/teaching, or the service you’re providing and making it easier for people to have the breakthrough in the tangible way the a digital-only product just can’t.’ ABOUT THE GUEST Mark Stern is an accomplished serial entrepreneur and the visionary behind Custom Box Agency, an award-winning experience design firm headquartered in Austin, Texas. Leveraging his background as a top-ranked strategy consultant at Deloitte, Mark has guided major retail and lifestyle brands through transformative growth initiatives. He holds an MBA from Duke University and has been recognized as a Forbes Next 1,000 Entrepreneur, as well as featured in Joey Coleman’s bestselling book Never Lose an Employee Again.Mark’s passion for merging the physical with the digital underpins his signature approach of crafting “offline-meets-online” experiences. By moving beyond standard swag and focusing on strategic box campaigns, Mark’s team has successfully launched 100+ direct mail initiatives—boosting conversions, slashing churn, and extending customer lifetime value. As a mentor at SXSW, sought-after keynote speaker, and champion for innovative entrepreneurship, Mark remains dedicated to helping businesses of all sizes adopt experience design as a powerful lever for growth. Email ABOUT THE HOST Sabine is a corporate strategist turned entrepreneur. She is the CEO and Managing Partner of Alchemy Crew a venture lab that accelerates the curation, validation, & commercialization of new tech business models. Sabine is renowned within the insurance sector for building some of the most renowned tech startup accelerators around the world working with over 30 corporate insurers, accelerated over 100 startup ventures. Sabine is the co-editor of the bestseller The INSURTECH Book, a top 50 Women in Tech, a FinTech and InsurTech Influencer, an investor & multi-award winner. Twitter LinkedIn Instagram Facebook TikTok Email Website This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

Have you ever wondered how the most grounded leaders stay true to themselves—especially when the room wasn't built for them? In this episode, we're talking about what it really takes to lead with confidence, clarity, and purpose. Sophronia McKenzie—tech founder, CEO, and unapologetically authentic leader—joins us to share how assertiveness, resilience, and authenticity have powered her rise from arriving in the U.S. with $100 to leading her own successful tech company. We talk about what it really takes to thrive as a female leader in tech—from building resilience during seasons of personal struggle, to navigating bias in boardrooms filled with male CTOs, to making sure your voice is heard without losing who you are. “I'm going to be authentically me... Why did I decide to be a CEO if I'm going to follow rules?” — Sophronia McKenzie What You'll Learn in This Episode: Assertiveness tips for female leaders in tech What building resilience as a woman in tech actually looks like Leadership strategies for women navigating high-pressure environments How to be taken seriously without compromising who you are Signs you're being dismissed—and what to do about it Why support systems matter, and how they evolve over time And more! Let's keep the conversation going, after listening, ask yourself: How are you being more assertive today? What strategies are helping you get heard and taken seriously? Are you still leading in a way that feels true to you?   Share your reflections with us using #LeadingWomeninTech, or connect for more conversations and resources that support your growth as a resilient, authentic leader.   **Useful links** Connect with today's guest and sponsor, Sophronia McKenzie: Social Platforms: @iamsophronia  @visuEats LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophroniamckenzie/  VisuaEats https://www.linkedin.com/company/visueats  Sophronia's current read: Your Next Five Moves: Master the Art of Business Strategy by Patrick Bet-David If you are ready to uplevel your career, get unstuck or you are simply ready to unlock those leadership time-management techniques then join us in my monthly career & leadership coaching program exclusively for women in tech: https://www.tonicollis.com/academy  Catch the show notes, and more details about today's episode here: https://tonicollis.com/episode253  Check us out on Youtube. Join the Leading Women in Tech community in Slack where we discuss all-the-things for women's tech leadership, covering everything from early-career leadership to C-level executives.  

Amanda Bickerstaff had a plan and a goal.  When she transitioned from being a teacher in NY to working in Ed Tech, she knew she wanted to make it to CEO - and that the only jobs she'd take would be the ones that would get her one step closer to the C-Suite. In the fall of 2019, at only 39 years old, she moved to Australia to make that goal a reality as the newly minted CEO of an Ed Tech Company whose founding CEO had needed to step back from the role. It was a dream job. Until it became a nightmare. Leading a startup is always a huge challenge, but Amanda found herself on the other side of the world, locked down during COVID, and caught between her role as an Executive CEO and the company's founders who just couldn't seem to let go and let her to do the job they'd hired her for. So what did Amanda do? Like a lot of ambitious entrepreneurs, she threw herself even more deeply into the role. But 100 hour weeks, sleepless nights, and the lack of trust between her and the company's founders soon became untenable. Amanda found herself having to choose between her own well-being and the position she'd been working so hard for. How did Amanda find a way to turn a dream opportunity turned nightmare into the groundwork for the thriving, fulfilling, and successful role she has today as the Co-Founder and CEO of AI For Education? What did she learn about the value of making concessions … and the necessity of knowing when to walk away? And what does any of this have to do with advice on shoes, car leases, and PH.D programs?  The answers are all in this episode of B The Way Forward. For more, check out Amanda an AI for Education... On Instagram - @AI_forEducation On TikTok - @aiforeducation On X - @AI_forEducation AI for Education on LinkedIn - /aiforeducation Amanda on LinkedIn - /amanda-bickerstaff-edu AI for Education on the Web - www.aiforeducation.io --- At our heart, AnitaB.org is a connector: we connect women in tech to the organizations, opportunities, and tools they need to advance, thrive, and transform the future of technology. We convene transformative events, lead essential discussions, produce groundbreaking research and white papers, and support the tech ecosystem to shape the future for women in tech.  --- Connect with AnitaB.org Instagram - @anitab_org Facebook - /anitab.0rg LinkedIn - /anitab-org On the web - anitab.org  --- Our guests contribute to this podcast in their personal capacity. The views expressed in this interview are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology or its employees (“AnitaB.org”). AnitaB.org is not responsible for and does not verify the accuracy of the information provided in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute legal or other professional advice or services. --- B The Way Forward Is… Hosted and Executive Produced by Brenda Darden Wilkerson. Produced by Avi Glijansky Associate Produced by Kelli Kyle Sound design and editing by Ryan Hammond  Mixing and mastering by Julian Kwasneski  Additional Producing help from Faith Krogulecki Operations Coordination for AnitaB.org by Quinton Sprull. Creative Director for AnitaB.org is Deandra Coleman Executive Produced by Dominique Ferrari, Stacey Book, and Avi Glijansky for Frequency Machine  Podcast Marketing from Lauren Passell with Tink Media in partnership with Coley Bouschet at AnitaB.org Photo of Brenda Darden Wilkerson by Mandisa Media Productions For more ways to be the way forward, visit AnitaB.org

On this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Colin Hirdman, the antidote to automated mediocrity. As a lifelong entrepreneur and co-founder of Monkey Island Ventures, he has spent two decades scaling SaaS tools, digital agencies, and now Rainmaker – a ‘white-glove’ service that ethically automates LinkedIn outreach to turn connections into revenue. Colin discusses Rainmaker’s ‘Authentic Engine’ framework: 10-30% connection rates, campaigns tailored to micro-audiences, and why human-driven strategies still dominate AI in B2B growth. As well as why he targets 25 people/day — and how even solo founders can replicate this, the ‘criminal justice grad’ who turned entrepreneur, accidently and sold his first startup days after college, and LinkedIn’s automation guardrails: What’s ‘ethical’ vs. what gets you banned. KEY TAKEAWAYS I’ve done a lot of growth hacking through email and LinkedIn, but I got better results through LinkedIn and ended up building out a software and process for myself. Rainmaker was born through me making it available to other businesses. But, you don’t need me or rainmaker to do any of the things we discuss on this podcast, you can do it manually. You have to be authentic on LinkedIn, both as yourself as well as the brands you represent. You should also have an educational mindset – no one wants to be sold to on LinkedIn, but almost everyone is willing to be educated – and an experimentation mindset, trying different features and functions of LinkedIn, stack the things that work and set aside the things that don’t. Understand the pains an barriers that you prospects are trying to overcome and know what it is that you can teach them. Growth hacks: LinkedIn Events – if you have a direct competitor, industry or organisation putting on a LinkedIn Event that your business solves for, if you attend that event you can see everyone else who attended that event and create a prospects list. Use people who are big in your area as proxies – use people’s open connections to see all first connections to her, second connections to you and is in your area, and begin connecting to them Building out your first connections is critical. I reach out to 15 people per day Monday-Friday during normal working hours. That gives you 500 people per month, which is below LinkedIn’s limits. Typically, you’ll get a 20% connection rate. Within 30 days of sending an invite, and they haven’t connected, withdraw the invite. It’s good hygiene, but after 3 weeks you can reach out to them again. Everything you do after that only gets better and has bigger possibilities as your audience grows. BEST MOMENTS ‘There’s lots of opportunity to engage with you prospects on LinkedIn in ways that are valuable for relationship building and set you up as a thought leader.’‘People undervalue the value of being a first connection, when you’re a first connection you can see all kids of information about them, direct message them, and use other features and functions to engage with them.’‘I typically build my audience through Sales Navigator – a tool within LinkedIn that allows you to hone in on audiences..’‘If you’re using automation that is in any way inauthentic it won’t work, you wouldn’t immediately set up a meeting with someone you just met, I wish people would stop, it’s lazy.’ ABOUT THE GUEST Colin Hirdman is a lifelong entrepreneur, startup advocate, and visionary behind Rainmaker, a platform revolutionizing LinkedIn’s growth strategies through its "Authentic Engine." As co-founder of Monkey Island Ventures, a venture studio launched in 2007 with childhood friends, Colin has spent nearly two decades fostering tech innovation and scaling ventures like SaaS tools, digital marketing agencies, and software development firms. His passion lies in unlocking the power of authentic relationship-building—evidenced by Rainmaker’s mission to help founders, coaches, and sales teams expand their networks, generate leads, and close deals ethically on LinkedIn. A Minnesota native, Colin’s journey began with selling his first startup (launched just days after college) and evolved into mentoring entrepreneurs through actionable strategies like LinkedIn automation, audience targeting via Sales Navigator, and educational outreach. His philosophy blends authenticity, experimentation, and a focus on solving audience pain points—principles he shares as a board member of MNblockchain and a sought-after voice in B2B growth. When not advising startups or hosting LinkedIn livestreams, Colin champions the entrepreneurial spirit, proving that even a criminal justice graduate-turned-accidental-founder can redefine 21st-century scaling. Catch his insights on turning connections into revenue—no bots or spam required. LinkedIn ABOUT THE HOST Sabine is a corporate strategist turned entrepreneur. She is the CEO and Managing Partner of Alchemy Crew a venture lab that accelerates the curation, validation, & commercialization of new tech business models. Sabine is renowned within the insurance sector for building some of the most renowned tech startup accelerators around the world working with over 30 corporate insurers, accelerated over 100 startup ventures. Sabine is the co-editor of the bestseller The INSURTECH Book, a top 50 Women in Tech, a FinTech and InsurTech Influencer, an investor & multi-award winner. Twitter LinkedIn Instagram Facebook TikTok Email Website This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

What does it really take to land a job at companies like Meta and Twitter in today's cutthroat market? A former big brand recruiter, Keiyana Arnold, pulls back the curtain on hiring practices that most job seekers never see, delivering eye-opening insights that will transform your approach to career advancement."This job market is a dumpster fire, a shark tank," Keiyana reveals with refreshing candor. Drawing from her decade of experience at tech giants including Meta, Twitter, and CNN, she explains why mass-applying to positions is a losing strategy. Behind the scenes, recruiters face impossible volumes, sometimes thousands of applications daily for a single role, forcing them to rely on filtering systems and referrals that leave most applicants completely unseen.The game-changing revelation? Your resume matters far less than your network and visibility. Keiyana shares how LinkedIn has become the ultimate career advancement platform, with the algorithm heavily favoring the mere 30% of users who create content. "I still get employers in my DM asking me for interviews every week," she notes, demonstrating how strategic online presence translates to real opportunities.Beyond tactical advice, Keiyana shares the personal health crisis that transformed her relationship with work and led to founding Professional Love Letters, her coaching business helping professionals navigate career transitions. This powerful story underscores her holistic approach to career development, one that prioritizes wellness alongside professional advancement.For listeners feeling stuck or invisible in their job search, Keiyana's practical guidance offers a clear path forward. Her FIDE app community "Ask a Recruiter Anything" provides direct access to expert advice, with success stories flowing in regularly from members who've implemented her strategies.Are you ready to stop getting filtered out and start standing out? This conversation will fundamentally change how you approach your career journey. Tune into this episode, like, and follow to show your support. Please leave a review to help us gain more visibility.Resources:Professional Love Letters Keiyana Arnold's LinkedIn Profile https://www.fide.co/Learn more about AnitaB.org Support the showWhen you subscribe to the podcast, you are supporting our work's mission, allowing us to continue highlighting successful women in a variety of careers to inspire others helping pay our wonderful editor, Chris, and helping me in paying our hosting expenses.

On this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Georgiana ‘Gia’ Laudi, a strategic advisor, keynote speaker, and co-founder of Forget The Funnel, a consultancy focused on helping B2B SaaS companies drive predictable, recurring revenue through a truly customer-led approach. In this episode, Gia and I will explore why so many companies get stuck throwing “spaghetti at the wall,” instead of researching who their best customers really are. We’ll look at the common pitfalls teams face when relying solely on funnel-based thinking—plus the steps any organization can take to cultivate a thriving, customer-centric culture. Gia will also share highlights from the remarkable work she’s done with various SaaS brands, as well as tips you can put into practice right away. KEY TAKEAWAYS Two years after drafting up a customer experience map for our company, through the lens of the customer, we grew revenue by 900%. We’d aligned the team and the company, and it facilitated more streamlined conversation, more alignment, more understanding cross-departmentally making things much easier. It gave us a tool and a shared language for operationalising around customer experience. A big reason for forgetting the funnel and leveraging a more customer-led approach is through the lens of recurring revenue businesses. Even if you don’t have a recurring revenue business model most businesses agree that customer retention, expanding existing accounts vs finding new customers contains a lot of value. This serves all kinds of businesses very well. Customer research is often equated with long, drawn-out projects that are very costly and leave you with more questions than answers. There’s a lot of resistance when we use the term ‘customer research’, we tend to use the term ‘customer insights’. We use targeted, streamlined and intentional research via ‘jobs to be done’ which reveal meaningful patterns from as little as 10-12 people which can identify what leads people to seek your business out. Not all customers are created equally, you shouldn’t try to serve every customer, narrow your focus on who really, really cares about the problem that you solve, has a high willingness to pay, deeply understands the value in what you provide and would sing your praises from the mountain tops. BEST MOMENTS ‘If you orient your operations around the customer experience it becomes easy to make all kinds of decisions.’ ‘Existing customers are worth more and are less costly to us as a business vs finding new customers.’ ‘Your relationship with your customer does not end with the purchase, it begins with the purchase.’ ‘Early stage companies should focus on one customer and do a really good job, later stage companies shouldn’t conflate all customers into a homogenous group but think of segmentation in a meaningful way so you can still provide high-converting and resonating experiences even for multiple segments.’ ABOUT THE GUEST Georgiana (“Gia”) Laudi is a strategic advisor, keynote speaker, and co-founder of Forget The Funnel, a consultancy specializing in customer-led growth for B2B SaaS companies. With over 20 years of experience in marketing and product strategy, she’s helped high-growth businesses such as Unbounce, Calendly, and Sprout Social deepen customer insights, align teams around customer value, and drive predictable, recurring revenue. As co-author of the book “Forget The Funnel,” Gia advocates a practical, step-by-step approach to uncovering why the best customers buy—and how to ensure more of them succeed post-purchase. Based in Montreal, Gia is passionate about turning real customer needs into clear messaging, frictionless onboarding, and expansion strategies that empower businesses to scale sustainably. She joins Scouting for Growth to share her journey, discuss common growth pitfalls, and offer actionable tactics any organization can use to become truly customer-led. LinkedIn ABOUT THE HOST Sabine is a corporate strategist turned entrepreneur. She is the CEO and Managing Partner of Alchemy Crew a venture lab that accelerates the curation, validation, & commercialization of new tech business models. Sabine is renowned within the insurance sector for building some of the most renowned tech startup accelerators around the world working with over 30 corporate insurers, accelerated over 100 startup ventures. Sabine is the co-editor of the bestseller The INSURTECH Book, a top 50 Women in Tech, a FinTech and InsurTech Influencer, an investor & multi-award winner. Twitter LinkedIn Instagram Facebook TikTok Email Website This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

On this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Ron Rock, Managing Director for the Financial Services Sector at JobsOhio. When you think "FinTech hub," your mind might automatically jump to Silicon Valley or New York. But there’s a powerhouse in the heartland that's giving these coastal giants a run for their money: Ohio. In our conversation today, we'll unpack why Ohio – a state that puts you within a two-hour flight of 75% of the U.S. and Canadian financial services industry – might just be the strategic move your startup needs to make. KEY TAKEAWAYS Ohio has the 4th largest financial services economy in the US, so if you’re looking for partnerships, the market, people that’ll have a conversation with you, the operating costs will be a lot less than they are on the coasts in New York and California. If you’re a graduate in IT thinking about going into an IT profession, maybe it’s time to think about financial services. If you can do that kind of developing, programming or coding there’s a lot of opportunity in InsurTech and FinTech. There are a few different pillars you have to have for growth. The first is the economy in the state, which we do. Then, you have to have the ecosystem of players – the investors, large companies, startups that have found footing, and then the talent in that ecosystem has to be there as well. When we look at the talent that needs to fill the jobs of the future in financial services, we have to make sure the curriculums are up to par, including AI and low-code environments. We’re not a one-size-fits-all, we have programmes that didn’t fit earlier stage companies. We looked at that and how we could support formally and informally and now we have 3 innovation across the state. These give support whether that’s proximity to other innovators to incentives like JobsOhio growth Cap to support earlier state companies. BEST MOMENTS ‘London and Mid-Western states have similar mentalities with amicable relationships. We find a way to make something happen.’ ‘Startups have found footing in Ohio because of the climate we’re in, we don’t have large catastrophes or losses, so if you’re testing a new product or company you have that in your favour.’ ‘Ohio is a microcosm of a larger market, almost like a sandbox in which you can pay before you launch.’ ‘I call myself a connector, or facilitator, it’s the core of my job. I have to know the industry but I’ll never get deep into knowing exactly what the industry is doing. So I stay in my lane and make connections to the right individuals, listen to companies, and introduce people.’ ABOUT THE GUEST Ron Rock is a forward-thinking business management executive and Managing Director of JobsOhio’s Financial Services Sector. With over two decades of experience spanning financial services, insurance, economic development, and process improvement, Ron is renowned for creating and executing strategic growth plans that boost market share, elevate customer loyalty, and broaden service offerings. A dynamic leader, innovator, strategist, and connector, Ron bridges the gap between traditional institutions and emerging technology ventures. He regularly partners with founders, investors, and corporate stakeholders to identify opportunities for expansion into Ohio—home to the nation’s fourth-largest financial services economy. Under Ron’s guidance, JobsOhio provides tailored incentives and support, empowering promising fintech and insurtech startups to flourish while meeting the needs of major banks and insurers throughout the state. Known for his collaborative style and commitment to continuous innovation, Ron’s work centers on connecting bright ideas with meaningful partnerships, ultimately creating jobs and sparking economic growth. His deep understanding of market dynamics, coupled with his emphasis on data-driven strategy, has positioned him at the forefront of Ohio’s rise as a nationwide hub for financial technology and insurance innovation. LinkedIn ABOUT THE HOST Sabine is a corporate strategist turned entrepreneur. She is the CEO and Managing Partner of Alchemy Crew a venture lab that accelerates the curation, validation, & commercialization of new tech business models. Sabine is renowned within the insurance sector for building some of the most renowned tech startup accelerators around the world working with over 30 corporate insurers, accelerated over 100 startup ventures. Sabine is the co-editor of the bestseller The INSURTECH Book, a top 50 Women in Tech, a FinTech and InsurTech Influencer, an investor & multi-award winner. Twitter LinkedIn Instagram Facebook TikTok Email Website This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/