Podcasts about Women in Tech

In our next episode of the Ashurst Perkins Coie Women in Tech podcast, host Denae Erasmus is joined by Luisa de Gouveia, Head of Legal Operations at Sky, to explore the evolving impact of AI in legal operations. Luisa begins by sharing the story of her career journey — from technology and media transactions authority to her current role leading Legal Operations at Sky. Central to that journey is Luisa's experience of living and working with a chronic repetitive strain injury. Luisa speaks openly about the realities of navigating a demanding legal career with a chronic condition and how it has fundamentally changed the way she works. In this episode we focus on key questions shaping the future of legal operations — legal design, systems thinking and how the rise of AI is forcing legal teams to rethink not just what they do, but how and why they do it. What happens when lawyers stop doing the work and start designing how it gets done? And what does it really take to redesign the way a legal team works? Luisa also shares her advice for legal operations leaders who want to position themselves as true strategic partners. From building credibility to managing expectations, she offers her perspective on what it takes to deliver lasting change — and how small, honest wins can build something lasting. The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Burnout is not caused by too much work. That's the argument at the heart of this episode — and Yana Carstens has earned the right to make it. After 12 years in the design and tech space, and her own burnout behind her, Yana shifted into executive coaching, where she now focuses on burnout prevention and authentic leadership for women in tech. In this conversation, Yana and Toni get into what taking radical responsibility for your own wellbeing actually means — and why most of what we call "wellness" is polishing the car while nobody looks under the hood. They dig into hyper-responsibility, the reflex that makes everything your fault; why rest is a prerequisite for success rather than a reward for it; and how leaders who model genuine wellbeing quietly reset the culture of everyone around them. If you're stepping into a new role, carrying everyone around you, or wondering why the vacation didn't fix it — this one is for you. What we cover: ◾ Why tech-native executive coaches are so rare — and why coaching skills spread naturally through teams ◾ The three reasons wellbeing is a leadership issue: modeling, leading from your center, and preventing burnout ◾ Burnout is not caused by too much work — the root causes nobody talks about ◾ The Ferrari analogy: you're built for speed, but without the pit stops you break down ◾ Why unlimited PTO and spa days are polish, not maintenance — and what "under the hood" work looks like ◾ Rest is a prerequisite for success, not a reward for it — and how that belief shapes team culture ◾ Hyper-responsibility: the high-achiever trait that makes everything your fault ◾ Observe, don't absorb — and Toni's version, hold, don't carry ◾ The client story: the boss's bad mood that had nothing to do with her ◾ Moving from hyper-responsible to "response-able": pause, clarify, build the internal boundary system ◾ The honest truth: this pattern comes back under stress — and that's okay ◾ Worst advice Yana ever received (from another coach): "you need to put on an act" ◾ Best advice: if you believe things will work out, you see opportunities — if not, you see obstacles Useful Links Connect with today's guest, Yana Carstens, on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/yanacarstens/) and sign up for her monthly newsletter at https://realignandthrive.com/newsletter. Ready to learn to coach — for your self-coaching, your leadership toolkit, or a business of your own? Ignite Coach Academy is open for enrollment. Doors close September 11: https://tonicollis.com/ignite-coach-academy This episode was sponsored by our guest, Yana Carstens. Thank you Yana for helping to bring Leading Women in Tech to this community!  

This week Ivy Slater, host of Her Success Story, chats with her guest, Ann Cloyd. The two talk about building a technology solutions company from the ground up, the importance of authentic leadership and long-term relationships in business, and navigating the challenges and surprises of being a woman leader in the tech industry—all while delivering innovative IT services and fostering a supportive, growth-oriented culture at Deep Tech. In this episode, we discuss: How Ann Cloyd transitioned from audio engineering into owning a technology solutions company, recognizing her knack for business and relationship-building along the way. What challenges Ann faced as a woman leader in a male-dominated tech industry, and what surprised her most about the journey, such as the lack of women applicants and unexpected joys like revisiting construction job sites. When support systems, friends, mentors, and family come into play, sharing ideas out loud helps shape and validate the next steps in business growth. Why trusting herself and being authentic, choosing blue jeans and a blazer instead of conforming to a more traditional image—helped Anne build stronger client relationships and business growth. How Deep Tech's approach of meeting clients where they are, rather than pushing predetermined solutions, builds long-term trust and value. Ann Cloyd is the Owner and CEO of DeepTech, a technology solutions provider renowned for its over 25-year commitment to client success. What began in 1999 as a focus on hands-on technology support has blossomed into a partnership model, positioning DeepTech as the integral technology partner for over 200 businesses. As the proud owner of a woman-led enterprise,  Ann Cloyd  is deeply invested in fostering diversity and empowering women within the Information Technology space, frequently sharing her insights at Women in Tech events and actively engaging in continuous industry learning. She leads a dedicated team of over 30 professionals, driven by the belief that the pursuit of the right solution fundamentally drives real results for their loyal client base. As the Owner and CEO of DeepTech, a New York City-based Technology Solutions Provider,  Ann Cloyd  brings over 25 years of proven expertise in delivering reliable, technology-driven solutions that foster business growth. Since founding DeepTech, her mission has been to cultivate lasting client relationships, serving not just as a vendor, but as a dedicated business partner, a comprehensive technology department, and a trusted strategic advisor. Ann Cloyd's journey in the tech industry began in 1999 with hands-on implementation, evolving into a leadership role focused on strategic business development. As the proud head of a woman-owned business, she is deeply committed to advancing women in IT, championing diversity and inclusivity, and frequently shares her insights at Women in Tech events. Her dedication to continuous learning is evident through her active participation in industry conferences, peer networks, and professional development initiatives. Today,  Ann Cloyd leads a talented team of over 30 professionals, supporting a growing client base of more than 200 organizations nationwide, some of whom have been trusted partners for over two decades. On a personal level, her passion for gardening profoundly influences DeepTech's culture, cultivating an environment rooted in growth, meticulous care, and attentiveness. This philosophy, along with core values of client-first service, leading with kindness, and unwavering honesty, guides her leadership and fosters genuine connections within her team and with every client. Website: https://deeptechinc.com/ Social Media Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anncloyd/      

Recorded live at Shopify's DotDev, this special is two sessions in one. First, Ben Sehl walks Karl and Taylor through the future of Liquid: why the language is being reshaped for the agentic era, the new Partials tag that replaces the section rendering API, arrays and Booleans finally landing, agents.md and design.md guidance, and the Tailwind partnership. Then we sit down with three Shopify Build Award winners, Sammy of Discount Kit, Harel of EasyTeam, and Emili of Zapiet, to talk about what it actually takes to win, betting early on POS, building for Sidekick, and what's next.SponsorsEasy Apps (Sage of FI): https://easyapps.io/Shopify Supply Dev Mode Collection: https://shopify.supply/ (15% off your first order with code LIQUID)Subscribe to Liquid WeeklyDon't miss out on expert insights and tips. Subscribe to Liquid Weekly for more content like this: https://liquidweekly.com/Find the Guests OnlineBen Sehl (Shopify): https://x.com/benjaminsehl, https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminsehl/Sammy, Discount Kit: https://x.com/SammyIsseyegh, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sammyisseyegh/Harel, EasyTeam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harel-ishay/Emili, Zapiet: https://x.com/EmiliHorncastle, https://www.linkedin.com/in/emili-m-horncastle-2b8482231/ Timestamps(00:00) Cold open(02:05) Live at DotDev: intro(02:52) Ben Sehl and the future of Liquid(05:22) Back to the Future: why the direction shift(10:53) Why now: building for the agentic era(14:38) Craft vs productivity, and keeping DX at the core(16:42) Guidance and feedback: agents.md, design.md, and theme check(23:22) Partials: replacing the section rendering API(32:47) The Tailwind partnership(35:07) Arrays, Booleans, and the three-parser saga(41:13) Meet the Build Award winners: Discount Kit, EasyTeam, Zapiet(43:49) Their paths to winning and what sets each app apart(50:15) Zapiet's new physical store in a historic UK market town(53:25) Harel on betting early on Shopify POS(55:00) Sammy on building a Sidekick extension for Discount Kit(56:36) Emili on community, the epic party, and women in tech(1:00:21) What's next: UCP, POS, Shop Split, and Zapiet Eats(1:04:50) Wrap-upResourcesDotDev: https://dotdev.shopify.com/ Ben's article on Liquid: https://x.com/benjaminsehl/status/2079633466581258469?s=20

Fluent Fiction - Italian: Rise of Innovation: Elisa's Spirited Pitch in Milano Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/it/episode/2026-08-04-07-38-20-it Story Transcript:It: Nel cuore di un'estate calda, il sole bruciava forte sulle finestre del moderno incubatore di startup a Milano.En: In the heart of a hot summer, the sun blazed strongly on the windows of the modern startup incubator in Milano.It: Le pareti erano un mix di grigio e bianco, con scritte motivazionali in ogni angolo.En: The walls were a mix of gray and white, with motivational writings in every corner.It: Aria frizzante riempiva lo spazio, carica di eccitazione e ambizione.En: The air inside was vibrant, filled with excitement and ambition.It: Giovani menti si aggiravano veloci tra open space e tavoli da riunione.En: Young minds quickly moved between open spaces and meeting tables.It: Elisa era lì, al centro dell'attenzione.En: Elisa was there, at the center of attention.It: Lei era una giovane imprenditrice, il viso illuminato da un sorriso che nascondeva un mare di ansia.En: She was a young entrepreneur, her face lit up by a smile that hid a sea of anxiety.It: Aveva lavorato duramente al suo progetto di app, un'idea innovativa che prometteva di rivoluzionare il modo di gestire la vita quotidiana.En: She had worked hard on her app project, an innovative idea that promised to revolutionize the way of managing daily life.It: Ma ora l'attendeva la sfida più grande: presentare il suo lavoro a un gruppo di investitori.En: But now the biggest challenge awaited her: presenting her work to a group of investors.It: Mentre guardava Marco e Giovanni, i suoi colleghi e amici, Elisa respirò profondamente.En: As she looked at Marco and Giovanni, her colleagues and friends, Elisa took a deep breath.It: Marco, il suo fedele sostenitore, le sussurrò: "Puoi farcela."En: Marco, her faithful supporter, whispered to her, "Puoi farcela."It: Giovanni, più silenzioso ma altrettanto fiducioso, le diede un incoraggiamento con un segno della testa.En: Giovanni, quieter but equally confident, gave her encouragement with a nod.It: L'atmosfera nella sala conferenze era elettrica.En: The atmosphere in the conference room was electric.It: C'erano altri concorrenti, ognuno con il proprio sogno di successo.En: There were other competitors, each with their own dream of success.It: Tra di loro, un altro giovane imprenditore con un progetto simile al suo.En: Among them, another young entrepreneur with a project similar to hers.It: Ma Elisa aveva deciso di affrontare la situazione con una strategia peculiare.En: But Elisa had decided to face the situation with a peculiar strategy.It: Avrebbe puntato sugli aspetti unici della sua app.En: She would focus on the unique aspects of her app.It: Sarebbe stata onesta, mostrando la sua passione e competenza.En: She would be honest, showing her passion and competence.It: Quando iniziò a parlare, la paura si insinuò nella sua mente.En: When she began to speak, fear crept into her mind.It: Ma Elisa ricordò le notti passate a perfezionare il progetto.En: But Elisa remembered the nights spent perfecting the project.It: Ogni esitazione si dissolse gradualmente, sostituita da un discorso fluido e appassionante.En: Every hesitation gradually dissolved, replaced by a fluid and passionate speech.It: Parlando dei benefici della sua app, della semplicità del suo design, e della rivoluzione che prometteva, Elisa sentì crescere una nuova energia dentro di sé.En: Speaking of the benefits of her app, its simple design, and the revolution it promised, Elisa felt a new energy growing inside her.It: Poi, l'investitore più anziano della sala alzò una mano.En: Then, the oldest investor in the room raised a hand.It: "Signorina Elisa," disse, "come intende affrontare le possibili sfide tecniche che potrebbero rendere il suo progetto difficile da realizzare?"En: "Miss Elisa," he said, "how do you intend to address the possible technical challenges that might make your project difficult to realize?"It: Il cuore di Elisa batté forte.En: Elisa's heart beat strongly.It: Era il momento della verità.En: It was the moment of truth.It: Con una calma sorprendente, prese un respiro e spiegò in dettaglio le soluzioni che aveva già considerato, supportate da dati concreti e piani ben studiati.En: With surprising calm, she took a breath and explained in detail the solutions she had already considered, supported by concrete data and well-thought-out plans.It: Parlò con una precisione che impressionò gli investitori, dissipando ogni dubbio.En: She spoke with a precision that impressed the investors, dispelling any doubts.It: Alla fine della presentazione, un applauso riempì la sala.En: At the end of the presentation, applause filled the room.It: Gli occhi di Elisa brillavano, non più per l'ansia, ma per una soddisfazione intensa.En: Elisa's eyes shone, no longer with anxiety, but with intense satisfaction.It: Aveva superato la sua paura e dimostrato il suo valore.En: She had overcome her fear and proven her worth.It: Mentre usciva dalla sala, Marco e Giovanni le si avvicinarono, complimentandosi calorosamente.En: As she left the room, Marco and Giovanni approached her, warmly congratulating her.It: "Eri fantastica!"En: "You were fantastic!"It: esclamò Marco.En: exclaimed Marco.It: Giovanni aggiunse con un sorriso: "Sapevo che ci saresti riuscita."En: Giovanni added with a smile, "I knew you would do it."It: Elisa sorrideva, sentendosi leggera come l'aria estiva fuori.En: Elisa smiled, feeling as light as the summer air outside.It: Aveva guadagnato nuova fiducia nelle sue capacità e sapeva che d'ora in poi avrebbe affrontato ogni sfida con lo stesso coraggio.En: She had gained new confidence in her abilities and knew that from now on, she would face every challenge with the same courage.It: La sua avventura era appena iniziata, e il futuro prometteva meraviglie.En: Her adventure had just begun, and the future promised wonders. Vocabulary Words:heart: il cuoresummer: l'estatesun: il solewindows: le finestreincubator: l'incubatorewalls: le paretimotivation: la motivazionecorner: l'angoloexcitement: l'eccitazioneambition: l'ambizioneminds: le mentientrepreneur: l'imprenditriceanxiety: l'ansiachallenge: la sfidainvestors: gli investitorisupporter: il sostenitoreconference room: la sala conferenzecompetitors: i concorrentistrategy: la strategiafear: la paurabenefits: i beneficidesign: il designrevolution: la rivoluzioneenergy: l'energiatruth: la veritàcalm: la calmasolutions: le soluzionisatisfaction: la soddisfazionecourage: il coraggioadventure: l'avventura

Fluent Fiction - Korean: Breaking Barriers: Jisoo's Bold Eco-Entrepreneurial Journey Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ko/episode/2026-08-04-22-34-01-ko Story Transcript:Ko: 지금은 여름.En: It was summer.Ko: 해가 환하게 빛나는 오후, 창문 밖으로 햇살이 가득 쏟아지던 날이었다.En: On an afternoon when the sun shone brightly, sunlight poured in through the window.Ko: 스타트업 인큐베이터 내부는 활기로 가득했다.En: Inside the startup incubator, the atmosphere was filled with energy.Ko: 큰 유리창을 통해 들어오는 햇빛이 광장 안을 밝히고 있었다.En: Sunlight streaming through the large glass windows lit up the entire space.Ko: 지수는 마음속에서 부풀어 오르는 설렘과 긴장감으로 손에 든 자료를 다시 한번 쓸어넘겼다.En: Jisoo ran her fingers over the documents she held once more, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness swelling in her heart.Ko: 지수는 젊은 기업가였다.En: Jisoo was a young entrepreneur.Ko: 그녀의 목표는 친환경 기술로 세상을 바꾸는 것이었다.En: Her goal was to change the world through eco-friendly technology.Ko: 지금껏 피치에 대해 연습을 많이 했지만, 오늘만큼 중요한 날은 없었다.En: Although she had practiced her pitch many times, there had never been a day as important as today.Ko: 그녀의 마음속에는 가족의 농장을 돕고자 하는 강한 동기가 도사리고 있었다.En: In her heart lay a strong motivation to help her family's farm.Ko: 그러나 경쟁은 치열했다.En: However, the competition was fierce.Ko: 곳곳에서 새로운 혁신 아이디어가 잇달아 발표되었고, 지수의 자신감은 흔들리기도 했다.En: Everywhere, new innovative ideas were being presented in succession, and Jisoo's confidence occasionally wavered.Ko: 옆에는 민호가 있었다.En: Beside her was Minho.Ko: 그는 지수의 옛 친구이자 이번 행사에서의 경쟁자였다.En: He was an old friend of Jisoo and a competitor at this event.Ko: 민호는 그녀의 개인적인 사연을 알고 있었기에, 지수는 긴장할 수밖에 없었다.En: Since Minho knew her personal story, Jisoo couldn't help but feel nervous.Ko: 하지만 그녀는 결단했다. 자신의 프로젝트에 대해 솔직하게 이야기하기로.En: But she made a resolution: to speak honestly about her project.Ko: 지수는 발표 시작과 함께 그녀의 가족 농장 이야기를 꺼내기 시작했다.En: As her presentation began, Jisoo started sharing the story of her family's farm.Ko: “저희 가족은 오랜 세월을 농업에 종사해 왔어요,” 지수가 말했다.En: "My family has been engaged in agriculture for many years," Jisoo said.Ko: “친환경 기술은 농업의 미래입니다.En: "Eco-friendly technology is the future of agriculture.Ko: 이 기술은 우리가 환경을 보호하면서도 생산성을 높일 수 있도록 도와줍니다.”En: This technology helps us protect the environment while also increasing productivity."Ko: 모두가 집중해서 그녀의 이야기를 들었다.En: Everyone was focused on her story.Ko: 그런데 갑자기, 기술적인 문제가 발생했다.En: But suddenly, a technical problem occurred.Ko: 컴퓨터 화면이 깜빡이며 그녀의 자료를 보여주지 않았다.En: The computer screen flickered and failed to show her data.Ko: 상황은 최악이었다.En: It was the worst situation.Ko: 하지만 지수는 당황하지 않았다.En: Yet, Jisoo did not panic.Ko: 그녀는 곧바로 대처하기 시작했다.En: She immediately began to address the issue.Ko: “실제로 지금 보실 수는 없지만, 제가 직접 설명해드리겠습니다,” 지수는 침착하게 말했다.En: “I may not be able to show you directly right now, but I'll explain it myself,” Jisoo said calmly.Ko: 그 순간 모든 사람의 시선이 그녀에게 쏠렸다.En: In that moment, all eyes were on her.Ko: 그녀의 진심 어린 이야기와 능숙한 설명은 청중의 감동을 불러일으켰다.En: Her sincere story and skilled explanation moved the audience.Ko: 발표를 마쳤을 때, 방 안에 있는 이들이 박수를 보냈다.En: When she finished her presentation, those in the room applauded.Ko: 투자자 중 한 명이 다가와 지수에게 말했다. “저희가 당신의 아이디어에 투자하고 싶습니다.”En: One of the investors approached and said to Jisoo, "We would like to invest in your idea."Ko: 지수는 기쁘면서도 놀랐다.En: Jisoo was both happy and surprised.Ko: 그녀는 방금 전까지의 긴장감을 잊고 밝게 웃었다.En: She forgot all the nervousness she had felt just moments before and smiled brightly.Ko: 민호가 다가와 말했다. “정말 대단했어, 지수.En: Minho came up to her and said, "That was truly amazing, Jisoo.Ko: 앞으로 함께 협업할 기회가 있길 바래.”En: I hope we have the opportunity to collaborate in the future."Ko: 이제 지수는 자신감을 얻었다.En: Now, Jisoo gained confidence.Ko: 그녀는 진실한 이야기가 얼마나 중요한지를 깨달았다.En: She realized how important a genuine story was.Ko: 지수는 자신의 능력을 믿으며 미래의 새로운 도전에 나섰다.En: Believing in her abilities, she embraced new challenges for the future.Ko: 인큐베이터 밖으로 나가면서, 여름의 따뜻한 햇살이 지수의 등을 환하게 비추고 있었다.En: As she stepped outside the incubator, the warm summer sun shone brightly on Jisoo's back. Vocabulary Words:sunlight: 햇살incubator: 인큐베이터entrepreneur: 기업가pitch: 피치motivation: 동기fierce: 치열한wavering: 흔들리는competitor: 경쟁자resolution: 결단agriculture: 농업eco-friendly: 친환경productivity: 생산성technical problem: 기술적 문제flickered: 깜빡이다calmly: 침착하게sincere: 진심 어린applauded: 박수를 보냈다invest: 투자하다amazing: 대단한collaborate: 협업하다confidence: 자신감genuine: 진실한embraced: 나섰다challenges: 도전brightly: 환하게filled: 가득running her fingers: 손에 든 자료를 쓸어넘기다engaged: 종사하다address: 대처하다explanation: 설명

The best careers rarely follow a straight line. They evolve through curiosity, calculated risks, unexpected opportunities, and the courage to keep moving forward, even when the destination isn't clear.In this episode of the 2B Bolder Podcast, host Mary Killelea sits down with Tracey Miller, co-owner and Managing Partner of 9iFX, an award-winning creative visual studio that helps some of the world's most recognizable brands tell unforgettable stories through visual effects, animation, immersive experiences, and cinematic storytelling.But this conversation isn't just about visual effects—it's about building a career with intention, embracing uncertainty, and creating opportunities instead of waiting for them.Tracey shares the unconventional path that led her from backpacking through South America at 18 to graduating into the 2008 financial crisis, launching an entrepreneurial venture, earning a Fulbright Scholarship to complete her MBA in Madrid—in Spanish—and ultimately co-founding 9iFX with her husband. Her journey is a powerful reminder that resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to take thoughtful risks often lead to the most rewarding careers.Mary and Tracey also explore what it really takes to grow a creative business—from balancing entrepreneurship with marriage and leadership to hiring employees, building client relationships, and navigating the realities of running a studio in an industry that's constantly evolving.The conversation also dives into one of today's biggest topics: AI and the future of creativity. Tracey shares her perspective on how artificial intelligence is changing visual storytelling, where it creates new opportunities, and why human creativity, taste, collaboration, and craftsmanship remain essential. Together, they discuss the growing importance of originality, copyright, client trust, and creating work that genuinely connects with people.Whether you're building your career, considering entrepreneurship, leading a creative team, or wondering how AI will reshape the future of work, this episode offers practical insights and inspiration for embracing change with confidence.In this episode, you'll discover: Why the most fulfilling careers are rarely linear  How curiosity and calculated risk create unexpected opportunities  What it really takes to build a successful creative business  Lessons from partnering with your spouse while growing a company  Why the best visual effects are often the ones you never notice  How great storytelling creates emotional connection  The opportunities—and challenges—AI is bringing to creative industries  Why human judgment, creativity, and craftsmanship still matter  Advice for women considering entrepreneurship or their next bold career move  What it means to build a career you couldn't have predicted, but wouldn't trade for anything If you've ever questioned whether you're on the "right" career path, this conversation is a reminder that some of the best opportunities come from following your curiosity, saying yes to the unknown, and trusting yourself to figure it out along the way.

Heather McCalleyMS, College of Arts and Sciences, 2011CERT, College of Arts and Sciences, 2011More InformationYellowhammer News - UAB forensics team DarkTower leaves criminals with nowhere to hideDarkTower - homepageLinkedIn - Heather McCalleyLinkedIn - International Women's Day post (Gary Warner)

Fluent Fiction - Hebrew: From Tech Dreams to Social Impact: Naomi's Bold Pivot Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/he/episode/2026-07-24-22-34-01-he Story Transcript:He: בצל המגדלים הזכוכיתיים באזור הטכנולוגי של תל אביב, צעידה מהירה של נאומי, יזמת טכנולוגיה צעירה, לוותה במחשבות עמוקות.En: In the shadow of the glass towers in the tech district of Tel Aviv, the brisk walk of Naomi, a young tech entrepreneur, was accompanied by deep thoughts.He: זה היה יום קיץ חם, והשמש הקופחת לא הייתה הדבר היחיד שהיא הרגישה על כתפיה.En: It was a hot summer day, and the blistering sun was not the only thing she felt on her shoulders.He: נאומי הזיעה לא רק מחום הקיץ אלא גם מלחץ הפגישות החשובות שהמתינו לה.En: Naomi was sweating not just from the summer heat, but also from the pressure of the important meetings that awaited her.He: העיר רחשה בפעילות יום יומית, אך האווירה הייתה שונה.En: The city buzzed with daily activity, but the atmosphere was different.He: היה זה ט' באב, יום של זיכרון ואבל בעם היהודי.En: It was Tisha B'Av, a day of remembrance and mourning in the Jewish tradition.He: נאומי עצרה לרגע, חשבה על משמעות היום הזה, ועל מה שהיא באמת רוצה מעבודתה.En: Naomi paused for a moment, reflecting on the meaning of this day, and on what she truly wanted from her work.He: שאלה בעיניה: האם אני רודפת אחרי הצלחה אישית בלבד?En: The question in her eyes: Am I chasing only personal success?He: איך אני יכולה להשפיע באמת על החברה?En: How can I truly impact society?He: במשרד הנוח שבבניין הגבוה, נאומי נפגשה עם שני שותפים פוטנציאליים - אריאל, גבר חביב ובעל ניסיון רב, ומרים, צעירה אנרגטית שהסכימה עם חשיבות השינויים שתעשיית הטכנולוגיה יכולה להוביל.En: In the comfortable office in the tall building, Naomi met with two potential partners - Ariel, a friendly and experienced man, and Miriam, an energetic young woman who agreed on the importance of the changes the tech industry could lead.He: בזמן שהמזגן במשרד נלחם כנגד החום החיצוני, האווירה הייתה מעט מתוחה.En: While the office air conditioner battled against the external heat, the atmosphere was somewhat tense.He: נאומי החלה את מצגת החברה שלה בקול בטוח, אך לבה לא היה שלם.En: Naomi began her company presentation in a confident voice, but her heart was not at ease.He: בתוך תוכה, היא הרגישה הד קריאה לשילוב השפעה חברתית חיובית בחדשנות הטכנולוגית.En: Deep inside, she felt an echo of a call to integrate positive social impact with technological innovation.He: עתה, בזמן הפגישה הקריטית הזו, תפסה ההחלטה המשמעותית.En: Now, during this critical meeting, the significant decision took hold.He: האם להישאר עם התוכנית המקורית או להתאים אותה להשראת היום המדובר?En: Should she stick to the original plan or adapt it inspired by the significance of this day?He: ברגע השיא של הפגישה, נאומי עצרה, נשמה עמוקות, והחליטה לחשוף את מחשבותיה הכנות.En: At the climax of the meeting, Naomi paused, took a deep breath, and decided to reveal her honest thoughts.He: היא סיפרה על רצונה לשלב ערכים חברתיים במיזם שלה, להרמוניה בין הצלחה כלכלית לשיפור חברתי.En: She spoke about her desire to integrate social values into her venture, seeking harmony between economic success and social improvement.He: אריאל ומרים הקשיבו בריכוז, ובסיום דבריה, רגע של שתיקה חדר למשרד.En: Ariel and Miriam listened intently, and at the end of her words, a moment of silence filled the office.He: לאחר מספר שניות, אריאל חייך.En: After a few seconds, Ariel smiled.He: "נאומי, אני מתרשם מהכנות שלך", הוא אמר.En: "Naomi, I am impressed by your honesty," he said.He: "יש לך חזון אמיתי.En: "You have a true vision.He: נשמח לשתף פעולה ולתמוך במיזמים שמטרתם השפעה חברתית חיובית".En: We'd be happy to collaborate and support initiatives aimed at positive social impact."He: מרים נוסף הנהנה באישור, והתחייבה בתמיכתה.En: Miriam added a nod of approval and committed her support.He: נאומי יצאה מהמשרד עם חיוך רחב.En: Naomi left the office with a wide smile.He: היא הבינה סוף סוף - היא יכולה לשלב בין שאיפותיה המקצועיות לערכיה האישיים.En: She finally understood - she could merge her professional aspirations with her personal values.He: היא חשה בהקלה ובאמונה מחודשת ביכולותיה לשנות, והרגישה שהיא מצאה את הדרך הנכונה עבורה ולעסק שלה.En: She felt relieved and renewed confidence in her ability to make a change and felt she had found the right path for herself and her business. Vocabulary Words:shadow: צלblistering: הקופחתentrepreneur: יזמתpressure: לחץbuzzed: רחשהremembrance: זיכרוןmourning: אבלpaused: עצרהreflecting: חשבהchasing: רודפתpotential: פוטנציאלייםexperienced: בעל ניסיוןenergetic: צעירה אנרגטיתindustry: תעשייתsignificance: משמעותintegrate: לשלבinnovation: חדשנותcritical: קריטיתreveal: לחשוףharmony: הרמוניהapproval: אישורcollaborate: לשתף פעולהinitiatives: מיזמיםcommit: התחייבהaspirations: שאיפותrelieved: הקלהconfidence: אמונהmerge: לשלבrenewed: מחודשתpath: הדרךBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/fluent-fiction-hebrew--5818690/support.

Fluent Fiction - Danish: From Doubt to Drones: Freja's Triumph at Tech Expo Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/da/episode/2026-07-24-22-34-01-da Story Transcript:Da: Solen skinnede klart over København, da Freja tog det første skridt ind i den moderne konferencecenter.En: The sun shone brightly over København as Freja took the first step into the modern conference center.Da: Bygningen strakte sig mod himlen med sine glasvægge, som spejlede byens dynamiske puls.En: The building stretched toward the sky with its glass walls, reflecting the city's dynamic pulse.Da: Indenfor summede mennesker fra hele verden af teknologisk energi, mens de diskuterede de nyeste fremskridt og idéer.En: Inside, people from around the world buzzed with technological energy as they discussed the latest advancements and ideas.Da: Freja var nervøs, men også spændt på, hvad dagen havde i vente.En: Freja was nervous but also excited about what the day held in store.Da: Hun havde arbejdet i måneder på sit projekt – en innovativ drone, der kunne hjælpe landmænd med at optimere deres afgrøder.En: She had worked for months on her project—an innovative drone that could help farmers optimize their crops.Da: Det var hendes chance for at skinne i den konkurrenceprægede teknologiverden.En: This was her chance to shine in the competitive technology world.Da: Jonas og Kasper, hendes kolleger og nære venner, var med for at støtte hende.En: Jonas and Kasper, her colleagues and close friends, were there to support her.Da: "Du kan gøre det, Freja," sagde Jonas opmuntrende, mens de gik gennem de travle gange.En: "You can do it, Freja," said Jonas encouragingly as they walked through the busy halls.Da: Freja indtog sin plads ved sin stand, da hun opdagede, at der var et teknisk problem med hendes præsentationsudstyr.En: Freja took her place at her stand when she discovered a technical problem with her presentation equipment.Da: Skærmbilledet flimrede, og dronen reagerede ikke som planlagt.En: The screen flickered, and the drone was not responding as planned.Da: Desperat prøvede Freja at fikse det selv.En: Desperate, Freja tried to fix it herself.Da: Hun var bange for, at hvis hun bad om hjælp, ville hun fremstå svag.En: She was afraid that if she asked for help, she would appear weak.Da: Mens minutterne tikkede væk, bemærkede Kasper hendes frustration.En: As the minutes ticked away, Kasper noticed her frustration.Da: "Freja, nogle gange er det klogere at samarbejde.En: "Freja, sometimes it's wiser to collaborate.Da: Lad os hjælpe," foreslog han venligt.En: Let us help," he suggested kindly.Da: Freja tøvede og overvejede, hvad der var bedst.En: Freja hesitated and considered what was best.Da: Med et dybt åndedrag besluttede hun sig.En: With a deep breath, she made her decision.Da: "Okay, lad os gøre det sammen," svarede hun og lod sine venner træde til.En: "Okay, let's do it together," she replied and allowed her friends to step in.Da: Sammen arbejdede de hurtigt og fik udstyret til at fungere.En: Together, they worked quickly and got the equipment functioning.Da: Endelig stod Freja klar til at præsentere.En: Finally, Freja was ready to present.Da: Hun trak vejret dybt og trådte frem for publikum.En: She took a deep breath and stepped in front of the audience.Da: Med klar stemme begyndte hun at forklare sin idé.En: With a clear voice, she began to explain her idea.Da: Publikum fulgte interesseret med, og skeptikerne i rummet blev langsomt overbevist.En: The audience listened intently, and the skeptics in the room were slowly convinced.Da: Til slut, da dronen svævede fejlfrit hen over publikum og demonstrerede sine egenskaber, brød salen ud i applaus.En: In the end, as the drone flawlessly hovered over the audience, demonstrating its features, the room erupted in applause.Da: Freja smilede, varm af lettelse og stolthed.En: Freja smiled, warm with relief and pride.Da: Hendes projekt var en succes, og hun havde vist, hvad hun kunne.En: Her project was a success, and she had shown what she was capable of.Da: Efter præsentationen kom flere deltagere hen til hende med tilbud om samarbejde.En: After the presentation, several participants approached her with offers of collaboration.Da: En anerkendt ingeniør fra en stor virksomhed komplimenterede hendes arbejde og inviterede hende til at deltage i en kommende projektgruppe.En: A renowned engineer from a large company complimented her work and invited her to join an upcoming project group.Da: Freja følte sig mere sikker end nogensinde før.En: Freja felt more confident than ever before.Da: Hun havde overvundet sin tvivl og havde lært, at det var okay at bede om hjælp.En: She had overcome her doubts and learned that it was okay to ask for help.Da: Endnu vigtigere, hun havde bekræftet sin plads blandt de mest innovative tænkere i branchen.En: More importantly, she had confirmed her place among the most innovative thinkers in the industry.Da: Med sommerens varme brise udenfor vidste hun, at denne dag i København var begyndelsen på en ny og spændende rejse.En: With the summer's warm breeze outside, she knew that this day in København was the beginning of a new and exciting journey. Vocabulary Words:shone: skinnedeconference: konferencestretched: straktedynamic: dynamiskeadvancements: fremskridtnervous: nervøsinnovative: innovativoptimize: optimerecompetitive: konkurrenceprægedeencouragingly: opmuntrendeflickered: flimrededesperate: desperatresponding: reageredehesitated: tøvededecided: besluttedefunctioning: fungereintently: interesseretskeptics: skeptikernehovered: svævedeapplause: applausrelief: lettelsepride: stolthedcollaboration: samarbejderenowned: anerkendtconfirmed: bekræftetovercome: overvundetdoubts: tvivlthinkers: tænkereindustry: branchenjourney: rejse

AB sits down with Carrie Palin, Cisco's Chief Marketing Officer, for a spirited conversation on a variety of topics, from her journey as a marketing leader across several tech giants, to the skills she looks for when building an incredible organization, to how AI is positively reshaping the marketing landscape and customer outcomes.

You're delivering. You're the one your team relies on, the one who steps up, the one whose reviews are consistently strong. People call you invaluable, dependable, a safe pair of hands. And yet when the conversations that matter happen, the succession discussions, the stretch assignments, the rooms where the next senior appointment gets decided, you're not in them. Someone else is being talked about as a future leader while you're being talked about as a great performer. In this episode of Leading Women in Tech, Toni Collis breaks down the gap between the leadership you're delivering and the leadership you're being credited with, and gives you the practical system for closing it. Not by working harder, and not by becoming someone you're not, but by changing the signals that build how you're seen.   What's covered: ➡️  Perception is a system, not a verdict — why the two stories you tell yourself ("the system is broken" or "something is wrong with me") both keep you stuck, and the third story that actually gives you something to do ➡️  The four perception gaps — the language gap, the visibility gap, the signal gap, and the narrative gap, and how to diagnose which one is costing you most ➡️  Why your best work has no name on it — drama is visible by default, prevention is invisible by default, and what to do about it if your leadership style is prevention ➡️  Helper signals versus leader signals — the behaviors that made you indispensable may be teaching people you're a support function, and the three-signal swap one client used to change how her VP described her within a quarter ➡️  The one-line leadership narrative — could your boss's boss finish the sentence "she's the person you go to when…"? Why choosing your story matters and how to write it ➡️  Is your mindset holding you back? — the three beliefs that stop capable women doing this work, including an honest conversation about the double standard and why contribution signals don't trigger it the way dominance signals do ➡️  Where to start this week — the diagnosis, the one signal change, and the one conversation that accelerates everything   Being seen as a leader isn't a personality transplant. It's a set of consistent, honest signals about the leader you already are. You've been doing the hard part for years. This is letting it be seen.   Useful links Book a complimentary strategy call with Toni: tonicollis.com/lets-chat   Related episodes ⏹️  Episode 264 — Why You're Not Getting Promoted (Even When You're Overperforming): https://tonicollis.com/leading-women-tech/264-why-youre-not-getting-promoted   ⏹️  Episode 228 — Mastering Your Value: Strategies to Stop Underselling Yourself: https://tonicollis.com/leading-women-tech/228-not-getting-promoted-heres-the-one-thing-you-need-to-stop-doing  ⏹️  Episode 112 — The Problem With Not Blowing Your Own Trumpet: https://tonicollis.com/leading-women-tech/112-if-you-dont-openly-celebrate-your-achievements-who-will  ⏹️  Episode 276 — Busy ≠ Valuable: How to Prioritize Work That Gets You Promoted: https://tonicollis.com/leading-women-tech/276-busy-not-valuable-how-to-prioritize-work-that-gets-you-promoted ⏹️  Episode 286 — Executive Presence for Women in Tech: https://tonicollis.com/leading-women-tech/286-executive-presence-for-women-in-tech ⏹️  Episode 290 — The Promotion Gap in Tech: https://tonicollis.com/leading-women-tech/290-women-in-tech-promotion-gap  

Send us Fan MailWhat does it take to be a tech CEO and what path leads a person there?Sharon Lynch is CEO of Modus Create, a global consulting company that helps organizations modernize legacy systems, build digital products, and deploy AI‑driven solutions.Sharon graduated from Washington State University's management information systems program in the Carson College of Business, one of the first alums with an MIS degree. Sharon was also in the WSU Honors College and a university-wide sorority leader. Washington State Magazine editor Larry Clark talks with Sharon about how her experiences at WSU led her to the tech industry. She also discusses what it means to be a woman in a tech leadership role, giving back to WSU and students, and the importance of critical thinking in this time of rapid change with AI.Support the show______________________________________________________________________________Want more great WSU stories? Follow Washington State Magazine:        LinkedIn @Washington-State-Magazine        Bluesky @wastatemagazine.bsky.social        X (formerly Twitter) @wsmagazine        Facebook @WashingtonStateMagazine        Instagram @WashingtonStateMagazine        YouTube @WashingtonStateMagazine        Email newsletterHow do you like the magazine podcast? What WSU stories do you want to hear? Let us know.Give to the magazine

AB sits down with Carrie Palin, Cisco's Chief Marketing Officer, for a spirited conversation on a variety of topics, from her journey as a marketing leader across several tech giants, to the skills she looks for when building an incredible organization, to how AI is positively reshaping the marketing landscape and customer outcomes. 

Welcome to Episode 260 of the Unsecurity Podcast!Join hosts Brad Nigh and Megan Larkins as they sit down with special guest Mea Yang, an Information Security Consultant at FRSecure.The conversation explores the pipeline problem from multiple angles — from early interest and industry perception to hiring bias, retention challenges, and the lack of women in leadership. They unpack how cybersecurity teams can move beyond the “cookie-cutter” hiring mindset and build stronger defenses through broader experience, better culture, and more intentional growth opportunitiesDiscover insightful discussions on:The current state of women in cybersecurity and the industry's talent shortage.Cultural expectations and barriers affecting the progression of women in tech fields.The importance of diversity in cybersecurity teams for enhanced problem-solving and defense.Strategies for increasing female representation and retention in cybersecurity roles.Whether you're in the industry or just interested in the topic, this episode is packed with valuable perspectives and actionable insights. Don't miss out on this important conversation about inclusiveness and growth in the tech world! Tune in to expand your understanding and join the conversation on creating a more inclusive cybersecurity industry.Be sure to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more insightful episodes.#UnsecurityPodcast #Cybersecurity #WomenInTech #DiversityInTech #Inclusion #FRSecureWe want to hear from you!Reach out at unsecurity@frsecure.com and follow us for more:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/frsecure/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frsecureofficial/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/frsecure/BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/frsecure.bsky.socialAbout FRSecure:https://frsecure.com/FRSecure is a mission-driven information security consultancy headquartered in Minneapolis, MN. Our team of experts is constantly developing solutions and training to assist clients in improving the measurable fundamentals of their information security programs. These fundamentals are lacking in our industry, and while progress is being made, we can't do it alone. Whether you're wondering where to start or looking for a team of experts to collaborate with you, we are ready to serve.

AI is already shaping who gets noticed, who gets hired, and who gets promoted. The question is: are you ready for what's next?In Episode 160 of the 2B Bolder Podcast, I sit down with Leigh Felton, President and Chair of the AI for Job Security Foundation and former leader of Responsible AI Enablement at Microsoft, for a conversation that goes far beyond artificial intelligence. We explore how to build a career with intention while the rules of work continue to evolve.Leigh shares her non-linear career journey and the turning points that came from staying open to unexpected opportunities. We also get practical with a 30-60-90 day approach that starts with listening, moves into pattern recognition, and ends with testing meaningful improvements. Whether you're starting a new role, stepping into leadership, or making a career pivot, this framework can help you build confidence without feeling like you need to have all the answers on day one.We also pull back the curtain on what an executive Chief of Staff really does, how influence is built behind the scenes, and why authentic leadership is far more powerful than trying to fit a leadership mold.Then we dive into one of the most important conversations facing professionals today: responsible AI, AI literacy, and AI bias. Leigh explains why no AI system is completely unbiased, why it's critical to question AI-generated outputs rather than blindly accept them, and what every professional can do to become a more informed and responsible user of AI.If you're wondering how AI will impact your career, how to stay relevant as technology reshapes the workplace, or how to lead with confidence through change, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

For most data leaders, governance feels like the thing standing between them and progress. Bharathi Rajan, Vice President of Digital, AI, and Data at Swire Coca-Cola, joins Cindi Howson to share how she built the data foundation powering a $3 billion supply chain operation. She breaks down how to turn data quality into a business accelerator, get ahead of demand signals, and build the foundation every AI initiative actually depends on. Key Moments: Building a Data Foundation Across a $3B Supply Chain (06:39): The starting point wasn't strategy. It was figuring out where the data was, who had it, and how to get it into the hands of actual decision-makers. Reframing Data Governance (10:22): Governance is the foundation that makes better decisions possible. Bharathi shares how education and relationship-building drove the mindset shift at Swire Coca-Cola. AI as an Enablement Factor (11:50): Bharathi reframes AI as a tool for operational efficiency and more impactful work, not a headcount threat. Building the Plant of the Future (14:41): A new $475 million Colorado facility gives Swire Coca-Cola a rare chance to design data and AI infrastructure from scratch. The Skills That Will Matter Most in an AI World (17:58): Bharathi breaks down what she tells young people and aspiring data leaders about building a career that AI can't replace. Key Quotes: “Governance is not red tape. It is important. If you want to make decisions with the right data, you need to have governance. You have to have that quality data flowing in.” - Bharathi Rajan “If you're passionate about something and then you know how to use technology to enable that, that makes the difference.” - Bharathi Rajan “AI, it's an enablement factor for us internally as to how can I help the enterprise really grow, create operational efficiencies, but also have people do more impactful work.” - Bharathi Rajan Mentions Swire Coca-Cola to Build $475 Million Bottling Plant in Colorado Springs, CO DataIQ100:  The most influential people in data and AI 2025 AI Women Power List Honorees The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins Guest Bio Bharathi Rajan is a results-driven and experienced Chief Data Officer and AI strategist.  In her current role as Vice President Digital, AI & Data at Swire Coca-Cola, USA, Bharathi has saved multi-millions by adopting new tech stack and bringing in capabilities critical for Enterprise growth and performance. While consistently leading innovation and enabling AI & data literacy, Bharathi consecutively drives data and systems architecture confluence across the enterprise. Prior to joining Swire Coca-Cola, USA, Bharathi operated as a Senior Director of Operations in Data and Infrastructre for three years, focusing on Enterprise Reporting and Analysis (ERA), where she was specifically hired for her distinctive capabilities in data strategy, cloud migration, and creative efficiencies.  Bharathi is currently ranked #3 DataIQ100 North America for 2026. She has attended several panel discussions, in Emory University, Women in Tech, AI & Manufacturing and DataIQ. In 2026, Bharathi delivered a keynote on Data Leader as the Transformation Architect at the DataIQ summit. Additionally, Bharathi has spoken at various summits like Microsoft Ignite, Databricks, AI&Data summit and Snowflake summit over the years. Bharathi is also a mentor with WLDA Ventures and Women Tech Council. Hear more from Cindi Howson here. Sponsored by ThoughtSpot.

There's a room you're not yet in. Maybe it's a literal room — the board meeting, the investor briefing, the conversation at the level above yours where decisions get made that shape your organization and your career. Maybe it's more of a concept — the level of credibility where people seek out your perspective rather than just your report. Where you're consulted, not just informed. Becoming a trusted advisor to a board is one of those topics that sounds like it belongs to a specific career stage. But the behaviors, habits, and communication patterns that make someone genuinely valuable at board level are not developed the week before you need them. They're built over years — and the leader who starts now will be genuinely ready when the moment comes. In this episode of Leading Women in Tech, Toni Collis breaks down exactly what board-level credibility looks like, how it's built, and what you can start doing right now — wherever you are in your career. This is for you if:   ➡️  You're the leader actively working toward the C-suite who knows the board relationship is her frontier ➡️  You're the woman considering fractional work, NED roles, or an encore career — and who needs to understand how to position herself for board-level advisory work ➡️  You're the Director or VP who's not thinking about boards yet — and who is going to leave this episode with the most immediately actionable content, because the seeds of board credibility are planted years before the harvest What's covered: ➡️  What being a trusted advisor actually means — and why the conventional picture is wrong. Boards don't want information providers. They want people who help them think. ➡️  What boards actually want from an advisor — the real version, not the official one. Five specific capabilities that make someone genuinely valuable in a board context, including pattern recognition, intellectual honesty under pressure, and executive listening ➡️  The communication shift that changes everything — stop leading with the what and start leading with the so what. The four-part trusted advisor structure that works in any high-stakes senior room ➡️  How to build the relationships that create board-level credibility — including why most people start too late, how to be useful before you make an ask, and why making your thinking visible is one of the most effective career investments available to you ➡️  What you can start doing right now — five specific behaviors for the earlier-career listener that compound into board-level credibility over time. Including reading the rooms above yours, practicing strategic language in every meeting you're already in, and volunteering for board-visible work ➡️  The fractional and encore career dimension — how to translate your experience into board language, how to be findable for the right roles, and how to build the portfolio of evidence that boards and fractional hiring organizations are actually looking for   Whether you want the C-suite, a non-executive director role, a fractional career, or you just want to be the kind of leader who gets consulted rather than just informed — this episode gives you the framework.   Further listening (related episodes) ⏹️  Episode 286 — Executive Presence for Women in Tech: https://tonicollis.com/leading-women-tech/286-executive-presence-for-women-in-tech ⏹️  Episode 292 — From Tactical to Strategic: The Unspoken Rules for Women Stepping Into Executive Leadership: https://tonicollis.com/leading-women-tech/291-c-level-leadership-for-women-in-tech ⏹️  Episode 238 — Thinking Like an Executive: From Firefighter to Strategist: https://tonicollis.com/leading-women-tech/238-thinking-like-an-executive-from-firefighter-to-strategist ⏹️  Episode 241 — Thinking Like an Executive: Setting Priorities as an Executive: https://tonicollis.com/leading-women-tech/241-thinking-like-an-executive-setting-priorities ⏹️  Episode 236 — Thinking Like an Executive: Cultivating Your Executive Presence: https://tonicollis.com/leading-women-tech/236-thinking-like-an-executive-cultivating-executive-presence ⏹️  Episode 291 — C-Level Leadership for Women in Tech: What It Really Takes to Thrive: https://tonicollis.com/leading-women-tech/291-c-level-leadership-for-women-in-tech ⏹️  Episode 256 — No More Crickets: The Networking Strategy That Lands Jobs in 2025: https://tonicollis.com/leading-women-tech/256-networking-strategy-lands-jobs ⏹️  Episode 284 — Am I Ready to Be a Fractional Leader?: https://tonicollis.com/leading-women-tech/am-i-ready-for-fractional/ ⏹️  Episode 288 — How to Position Yourself as a Fractional Leader: https://tonicollis.com/leading-women-tech/288-fractional-leadership-positioning/ ⏹️  Episode 289 — How Fractional Leaders Actually Get Hired: https://tonicollis.com/leading-women-tech/289-how-fractional-leaders-get-hired/   Book a complimentary strategy call: tonicollis.com/lets-chat

If you've ever been told to "be more strategic" with no explanation of what that actually means — this episode is for you.Limor Bergman Gross spent 20+ years leading engineering organisations across continents before making the leap to executive leadership herself. Now she coaches ambitious women in tech to do the same. In this conversation, she gets real about the patterns that keep talented women stuck — people-pleasing, hiding achievements, staying rigidly inside their job description — and shares the practical strategies that actually work.We also dig into what it looks like to expand (not just "break out of") your comfort zone, how to say no without using the word no, and why protecting your time and energy isn't selfish — it's strategic. Whether you're climbing toward a promotion or trying to lead more sustainably, there's something here for you.Key Topics How Limor broke through from first-line manager to executive — and what "be more strategic" really meansIntroverts, permission-seeking, and taking initiative without going rogueExpanding vs. "stepping outside" your comfort zone: – the reframe  Why you should say yes first and figure it out laterWhat leaders can do to create inclusive spaces for quiet people Patterns Limor sees holding women in tech back — and how to shift themHow to say no without the word "no" — a practical scriptWhy overcommitting is bad for your employer tooIt's not just how much you do — it's what you do and the impact it createsLimor's closing message to every introvertAbout Limor Bergman GrossLimor is a former Director of Engineering with 20+ years in tech, having led engineering teams across continents. She now coaches ambitious women in tech into leadership roles and speaks globally on leadership, influence, and visibility. She is also the host of the From a Woman to a Leader podcast.

Recorded live at SocialWest 2026 in Calgary, Jessica Lortie, Head of Marketing at Toast, joins host Lindsay Smith to dig into one of the most persistent and underreported gaps in the Canadian tech and marketing industries.Toast is a tech HR firm dedicated to closing gender gaps in the sector, working with organizations to diversify their hiring pipelines and running a community platform that gives women in tech the belonging, sponsorship, and psychological safety that workplaces often fail to provide.Jessica shares the data behind a pay gap that tripled between 2016 and 2024, why masculine-coded job titles are quietly filtering women out before they even apply, how Toast's Champions Program is training men to advocate for women in the workplace, and why community might be the most underrated career acceleration tool available to women in tech right now.The gap is real. The data is clear. And the playbook for closing it is already being written.

In this powerful episode of SEE Change, we welcomed back the Founder and CEO of Technovation, Tara Chklovski, for a conversation about the staggering reality facing today's youth with the rapid acceleration of AI and how our education system is not structured in a way to keep up with the rate of change. AI is fundamentally rewriting the future of work and Tara and the team at Technovation are on a mission to fill the gap by preparing the next generation to lead, innovate, and solve real-world community issues through technology. For over 10 years, Technovation has been in the technology and AI space, long before it came into the mainstream. In their model, learners use AI and technology to create solutions to real world problems they care about, guided by lessons that teach them resilience, problem-solving, and adaptability, as well as coding, AI, and entrepreneurship skills. Under her leadership, Technovation has grown into a global movement, empowering over 450,000 total participants across 120+ countries!  Tune in to hear about their incredible work and the future that they are building!This is one episode that you do not want to miss!!!About Tara Chklovski: Tara Chklovski is the visionary founder and CEO of Technovation  which is now the world's largest AI & tech-accelerator for girls, and also the world's largest women-in-tech community (300,000+). A former aerospace engineer, she transitioned from her PhD studies to dedicate her career to bridging the gender gap in STEM fields.About R. Seelaus & Co., Inc.R. Seelaus & Co., Inc. was founded in 1984 by Richard Seelaus, originally as a municipal bond broker-dealer. The firm has since become a certified women's business enterprise ("WBE") and has grown into a full-service financial firm that is mission driven in its commitment to creating more opportunities for women in the financial services. R. Seelaus & Co., Inc. and its subsidiaries offer investment advisory, asset management, capital markets, brokerage, fixed income and equity trading, institutional sales, leveraged finance and insurance services. The R. Seelaus & Co., LLC subsidiary is a broker dealer registered with the SEC and member of FINRA, and the subsidiary Seelaus Asset Management, LLC, is an SEC Registered Investment Advisor ("RIA"). With various fixed income trading desks and more than seventy professionals, both entities serve individuals, families, public and private companies, non-profit organizations, and institutional investors. The firm has offices in NJ, CT, New Jersey, Connecticut, Illinois, South Carolina, and Massachusetts.For more information about R. Seelaus & Co., and its subsidiaries visit www.rseelaus.com

Executive Summary: Most women leaders know AI could accelerate their careers—but don't know where to start. Executive coach Sabrina Braham and author Barry O'Reilly reveal the Traits, Tasks, and Tools framework that eliminates AI paralysis, builds confidence in unfamiliar leadership roles, and helps women leaders AI career growth into bigger opportunities—starting this week. Quick Takeaways: 69% of women say AI has opened new career pathways—but only for those who start using it now (ANSR Women in Tech Report, 2026). The Traits, Tasks, Tools framework reveals how to match AI to the way you personally do your best work. Use AI to pressure-test your thinking—never to hand over your judgment. That distinction changes everything. Asking AI "What questions should I be asking as a VP?" instantly elevates your perspective without years of experience. The worst thing you can do in a time of AI uncertainty is nothing. You must be in it to learn it. You know you should be using AI. You've heard the urgency, seen the headlines, maybe even opened ChatGPT, stared at that blinking cursor—and quietly closed the tab. Here's what I want you to know: that moment of hesitation doesn't mean you're behind. It means you haven't yet found your entry point. I'm Sabrina Braham, executive leadership coach (MA, MFT, PCC) with 30+ years of experience, and host of the Women's Leadership Success Podcast—top 1.5% globally with over 950,000 downloads. I coach senior women leaders at Stanford, Ernst & Young, Autodesk, and across the tech industry. And one of the most common things I hear from directors, VPs, and C-suite executives right now is: "I don't know where to start with AI." New research backs this up: Chief and The Harris Poll surveyed 1,000+ senior women leaders in 2026 and found that while 85% are active players in their organization's AI strategy, the approach matters enormously. The leaders who get ahead aren't the ones who automate the most—they're the ones who build human capability alongside AI. And according to the ANSR Women in Tech Report 2026, 69% of women who do engage with AI report it opens entirely new career pathways in product strategy, transformation leadership, and AI governance. In this episode of the Women's Leadership Success Podcast, I welcome back Barry O'Reilly—author of Artificial Organizations: Build Better Judgment, Speed, and Results with Machine and Human Intelligence, keynote speaker at Gartner's CFO Conference, and one of the most sought-after AI leadership advisors in the world. Since our last conversation, Barry has been traveling globally—observing how leaders at every level are (and aren't) adapting to AI. His findings are equal parts sobering and energizing. This is Part 1 of a two-part series. Here, we focus on women leaders using AI for personal growth, confidence, and career advancement. In Part 2, we go deeper into how AI can transform your strategic thinking and decision-making as an executive leader. Why Women Leaders Are Paralyzed at the AI Starting Line After keynoting Gartner's CFO Conference and spending months in leadership rooms across North America, Barry reports seeing the same pattern everywhere: hesitation. "People don't really know where to start," he says. "They constantly hear about new tools arriving in the market. They hear that everything they were meant to do last week is no longer the right thing to do this week. And it all leads to hesitation—which, counterintuitively, is the worst possible response." I know this directly from my coaching practice. I've spoken with women leaders who are brilliant, accomplished, and deeply capable—who are also avoiding AI entirely because they don't know what to do first. And I understand it, because I was there too. When I first started exploring AI, I treated it as if it were smarter than me—as if whatever it said must be right. That mindset kept me small. What changed? Doing the exercises in Barry's book. Going through them shifted me from intimidated observer to active director. Now, AI is my servant—I correct it, challenge it, redirect it. My creative and analytical output has genuinely expanded as a result. "Counterintuitively, the worst thing you can do when there's uncertainty is do nothing. Because you don't learn anything." — Barry O'Reilly This matters especially for women in tech, where the stakes are already high. The ANSR 2026 report found that despite women producing 43% of the world's female STEM graduates, only 14% hold C-suite seats. The gap isn't pipeline—it's systems. AI fluency is rapidly becoming one of those systemic differentiators. The women who build it now will have compounding advantage; those who wait will face a steeper climb. My Leading Before You're Ready playbook is built on exactly this truth: you don't wait to feel fully prepared. You use every available tool—coaching, community, AI—to think and show up at the level you're stepping into. The Traits, Tasks, and Tools Framework: The Smarter Way to Start with AI Most people approach AI for women leaders career growth backwards. They hear about a tool, jump into it, hunt for something useful to do, get mediocre results, and conclude AI isn't for them. Barry's Traits, Tasks, and Tools framework—one of the most referenced frameworks in Artificial Organizations—completely resequences this. The problem: "Most people with this technology just jump straight into the tool. They try to figure out a task to use it for. And only if ever do they ask themselves how they actually do their best work." That backwards approach locks you into the tool's opinions about how work should be done—which may have nothing to do with how you create your best thinking. Trait-First: Start With How YOU Do Your Best Work Before you open any AI tool, answer honestly: When do I do my best thinking? Are you a talker? Your best ideas emerge in conversation and dialogue. Are you a writer? You process and synthesize by putting things on paper. Are you a visual thinker? You need diagrams, maps, and frameworks to see clearly. Do you need solitude and quiet to generate insight, or energy and people? Barry's personal discovery here is instructive. Dyslexic and self-described as a D-student in English literature, he'd spent years trying to write like he imagined writers wrote—sitting quietly, composing prose. "I drank a lot of wine and sat by a lot of fires, but I didn't create much content." Once he recognized that his natural trait was talking, everything changed. He hired a journalist to interview him conversationally, used transcription to capture the output, and went from blank pages to 10,000 words of book content in roughly three hours. That's not a productivity hack. That's a trait-matched workflow—and it's what women leaders using AI for career growth need to build for themselves. Task-Next: Where Does Your Leadership Create the Most Value? Once you know your traits, identify the tasks where you create outsized value. Not the email and calendar management—the strategic work that shapes your team, your organization, and your career trajectory. This might be: Synthesizing complex information into clear executive recommendations Preparing for high-stakes meetings and presentations Developing your team's thinking and capability Building strategic scenarios and options for decision-making Crafting your executive narrative for visibility and advancement Tool-Last: Find What Matches Both Your Traits and Your Tasks Only now do you select tools. Barry matched his "talker" trait and "content creation" task to meeting co-pilots and transcription tools. For women leaders with different trait profiles: If you're a talker preparing for board presentations: Use voice-to-text capture combined with a generative AI to structure and refine your speaking points. Tools like Otter.ai for capture and Claude or ChatGPT for synthesis are a natural combination. If you're a writer preparing strategic memos: Use AI as a sophisticated thinking partner—share your draft, ask it to steelman the opposing view, and challenge every assumption. If you're a visual thinker: Use AI to generate frameworks and then render them in tools like Miro or Canva. Ask AI to "map this decision as a 2x2 matrix" and then build on what it generates. How AI Builds Leadership Confidence in Unfamiliar Territory This is the angle I brought to this conversation that Barry told me he'd never considered—and it's at the heart of what I see women leaders needing most right now. A director gets promoted to VP. A leader's company downsizes and she inherits three departments overnight. A high-potential executive gets tapped for a stretch role she doesn't feel prepared for. These are the moments when imposter syndrome spikes, when visibility feels risky, when the gap between who you are today and who the role requires feels widest. I asked Barry: "How can women leaders use AI to build their confidence in these transitions?" Here's how he frames the three levels of AI impact: Level 1 – Productivity: You bolt AI onto your existing workflow. Emails are faster, documents generate quicker. Real but modest—5 to 10% improvement. Level 2 – Performance: You use AI to pressure-test your thinking and challenge your mindset before high-stakes situations. Your judgment improves, and better decisions follow. Level 3 – Executive Presence: AI offloads cognitive load by capturing conversations, tracking decisions, and surfacing context. You arrive at every meeting calm, prepared, and fully present. This is where careers accelerate—and where women leaders using AI for career growth unlock the biggest competitive advantage. My own experience makes this concrete. I started using AI to help reorganize a storage shed—asking it to help me think through what goes where, what organization system would work best. After three days of working on it together, AI said to me: "You're getting better at this." And the following week, when I had a larger project,...

Today's episode was recorded in partnership with flaconi, Germany's leading online destination for beauty and fragrance. And it's one of those conversations that reminded me why I love doing this podcast so much.We're sitting down with Alicia Lindner, who runs a third-generation family business in the beauty industry called Annemarie Börlind. But this conversation is about so much more than a brand story. We talk about growing up surrounded by the scent of plant oils and flowers drifting out of a laboratory in the Black Forest and what it means to carry a legacy without turning it into something rigid.We also talk about sibling leadership, building and growing the brand independently, the spirit of the Schwarzwald, and the beauty industry as it looks today. But also about very human things. Like why skipping lunch is never a good idea and why the forest can be the best mentor when everything feels a bit too loud.This episode is thoughtful and honest. Alicia became an immediate star of the show. Please tune in and enjoy the energy that this episode will give you!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 ★

AI sales is often framed as replacement. Swetha Puvvada sees it differently: the real opportunity is using AI to remove the busy work so sellers can get back to listening, understanding pain, and having better conversations. Swetha is Head of Product & Growth at Teameight, an AI SaaS company building an augmentation platform for sales teams. We talk about product, GTM, customer feedback, career growth, mountaineering, and how she went from early-career intern to owning product and go-to-market inside a startup.  We also discuss: • Why AI should augment sales instead of replacing sellers  • How Teameight helps ramp new sellers faster • Why negative customer feedback is useful when it is specific • What makes someone a good salesperson • How Swetha moved from internship to Head of Product and GTM • Why younger talent needs broader product and systems thinking • How mountaineering teaches trust, risk, and preparation  • Being one of the few women in tech and mountaineering • Why taking opportunities matters more than waiting for permission  Swetha links LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/swetha-puvvada/ Teameight: https://www.teameight.ai/ Jason links https://linktr.ee/admin

A rugby World Cup winner walks into a room full of people who defend networks for a living. Maggie Alphonsi joins me to talk about breaking barriers, leading with your strengths, and what changed the day athletes stopped waiting for the back page and started telling their own stories.

What happens when you do everything "right"—build a successful brand, hit your business milestones, and fulfill all your societal labels—but still wake up feeling like something essential is missing? In this episode of More Than Graphics, Danielle is flying solo (with a silent but present Priscilla backing her up in the tribe!) to dig deep with TedX speaker, strategic advisor, and host of the Get Out of the Damn Jar podcast, Sarah Khan.Sarah shares her powerful framework on friction—not as something to run away from, but as the exact heat, resistance, and support you need to ignite your true self. The duo breaks down how high-achieving women, particularly minority women in tech and creative industries, often mute their inner voices to fit corporate or cultural molds, and how to safely navigate the discomfort of choosing a strategic reset. From intentional business boundaries to the realization that "you are not what you do," this conversation is a blazing fire built to help you come home to yourself.Key Takeaways from This Episode:The Definition of Friction: Friction isn't just discomfort; it is the necessary surface tension that allows us to climb higher.The Traps of Conformity: Why we filter our authentic truths in pursuit of approval, safety, or control—and how true perfectionism is an illusion that sanitizes our spark.Separate Your Worth from Your Work: Breaking down why we respond to "Who are you?" with our roles (mother, CEO, teacher) rather than our intrinsic identities.Protecting Your Peace vs. Extinguishing Your Environment: Practical strategies for implementing business boundaries (like scheduling time delays on communications) to honor your personal life truths.The Evolution of Self: Giving yourself the ultimate freedom to change your mind, pivot your strategy, and evolve.0:00 – Welcome to Season 8 of More Than Graphics!0:18 – Show Intro: Danielle sets the stage for today's theme—Friction.1:31 – Introducing Strategic Advisor & Flame Thrower Sarah Khan.3:42 – Sarah's Climbing Wall Analogy: Redefining Friction as Support.6:52 – How Filters and "Homogeneity" Nueter Our Personal Brands.13:16 – Uncovering Your Reality: The Core Question Most Women Fail to Answer.15:00 – The Exhaustion of Successful Women & Fitting into Corporate Boxes.20:21 – Quick-Fire Guest Q&A: A 6-Week Renovation That Took 6 Months.23:18 – Recharging the Creative Battery: Sarah's Secret Sauce (Coloring and Sticker Books!).24:00 – Coming Home: What It Means to Be 16 Again, But Actually Love Yourself.FOLLOW SARAH KHAN:https://instagram.com/sarahkhanoutloudhttps://facebook.com/sarahkhanoutloudhttps://getouttathedamnjar.buzzsprout.comFOLLOW MTG & CO-HOSTS IG⁠mtgthepodcast.com⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/mtgthepodcast⁠⁠https://facebook.com/mtgthepodcast⁠https://instagram.com/simplycicely⁠⁠https://instagram.com/themeetcuteco⁠⁠https://instagram.com/octanedesigns

There's a quiet crisis running through IT leadership that nobody names in the meeting: the certainty that you're in over your head, and that any minute now, someone's going to find out. It comes with the job. And for women in tech, there's a second layer underneath.In this episode of The Catalyst, from Softchoice, a World Wide Technology Company, host Katey Teekasingh sits with three women who've lived imposter syndrome from every altitude: an IT director who wasn't the first pick for her role, a five-time CTO who argues the field itself is the problem, and an MIT scientist who built a whole technology field while the engineering world dismissed her work — then won one of its highest honors.Their answers about how to lead through doubt without faking it will reframe what most IT leaders quietly carry.Key takeawaysWhy getting promoted for being the best engineer sets you up to feel like a fraud — and why it's structural, not personalThe second layer of doubt women in tech describe — the “merit, or a box to check?” question that follows them into every roomHow a top scientist reacted to winning one of engineering's highest honors (hint: her first thought was “is this a scam?”)Three different strategies for leading through uncertainty — without pretending it isn't thereGuest credentialsRosalind Picard, ScD — Founder and Director of the Affective Computing Research Group at the MIT Media Lab; co-founder of Empatica and Affectiva; 2026 recipient of the IEEE Medal for Innovations in Healthcare Technology.Meri Williams — Chief Technology Officer at Pleo; five-time CTO across fintech, retail, banking, and biotech; previously scaled the team that built GOV.UK at the UK's Government Digital Service.Julie Szaj — Director of Organizational Change Management at Washington University; 25+ years across education, learning design, and technology leadership.About Our SponsorThis episode is brought to you by HP, in partnership with Softchoice. HP helps organizations shape the future of work with AI-powered solutions across devices, printing, and services. Learn more at https://www.softchoice.com/technology-partners/hpHashtags#TheCatalyst #Softchoice #HP #ITLeadership #ImposterSyndrome #WomenInTech #CTO #DigitalTransformation #MidMarketITShow Notes & ResourcesConnect with our guests:Rosalind Picard — MIT Media Lab Affective Computing Group: media.mit.edu/groups/affective-computingMeri Williams — Pleo: pleo.ioJulie Szaj — Washington University in St. Louis: wustl.eduReferenced in the episode:Affective Computing (1997) by Rosalind Picard — the founding text of the fieldIEEE Medal for Innovations in Healthcare Technology — 2026 recipient: Rosalind PicardEmpatica — wearable health technology co-founded by Picard: empatica.comLearn more about HP's partnership with Softchoice: https://www.softchoice.com/technology-partners/hpThe Catalyst by Softchoice is the podcast dedicated to exploring the intersection of humans and technology. 

"She's already feeling that pressure of, I need to be as performant as my male colleagues. But to add on to that, she's struggling with ADHD symptoms, autism symptoms, sensory overload… that forces neurodivergent women in tech to be extremely high-functioning to the point of exhaustion", says Amirtha Sureshbabu. Amirtha joins this episode of Autism Stories to discuss being software engineer and how being a neurodivergent women impacts that experience.  To learn more Amirtha visit https://www.instagram.com/amirthasureshbabu/https://www.instagram.com/amirthasureshbabu/If you could subscribe on your favorite listening platform we would really appreciate that. If you are looking for customized coaching by autistics for autistics then visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.autismpersonalcoach.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.  If you would be interested in being interviewed on Autism Stories or would like to be a sponsor send an email to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hello@autismpersonalcoach.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Thank you to TR Sun for their song “All Good” on todays episode.  if you would like to follow along or if your like me and seeing the lyrics make listening to music more accessible to you then check them out here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bitly.cx/6Ib2⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thank you very much to Amy Scurria for her opera piece "Inside" at the end of the episode. To learn more about Amy please visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amyscurria.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ .

It's been a busy month for Missie Smith, assistant professor of industrial and systems engineering. First, she was named as one of Business Alabama's Women in Tech for 2026. Then, she was awarded an NSF CAREER Award for her work in augmented reality. Now, she's the next guest on the #GINNing Podcast. Just imagine how far her career is going after this…

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: From Towering Heights: Lijuan Climbing Her Path to Success Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-06-12-07-38-19-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 丽娟站在上海塔的底部，抬头望着这座高耸入云的建筑。En: Lijuan stood at the base of the Shanghai Tower, looking up at this towering building that soared into the clouds.Zh: 塔的玻璃反射出晚春的阳光，闪闪发光。En: The glass of the tower reflected the late spring sunlight, sparkling brightly.Zh: 今天是端午节，上海的街道上到处都能看到粽子和五彩绳。En: Today is the Dragon Boat Festival, and on the streets of Shanghai, zongzi and colorful strings were everywhere.Zh: 丽娟心里有些紧张，因为她即将去见她的哥哥志浩。En: Lijuan felt a bit nervous because she was about to meet her brother Zhihao.Zh: 志浩是一家科技公司的高管，他的办公室在上海塔的顶层。En: Zhihao is a senior executive at a tech company, and his office is on the top floor of the Shanghai Tower.Zh: 在家人眼中，志浩总是成功的象征，这让丽娟倍感压力。En: In the eyes of the family, Zhihao has always been a symbol of success, which added pressure on Lijuan.Zh: 丽娟刚刚大学毕业，渴望在上海找到一份工作，证明自己的能力。En: Having just graduated from college, Lijuan was eager to find a job in Shanghai to prove her own capabilities.Zh: 尽管丽娟觉得和哥哥比肩是件难事，但她决心抓住机会。En: Although Lijuan felt that matching her brother's achievements was challenging, she was determined to seize the opportunity.Zh: 在志浩的安排下，她参加了塔顶的一个科技会议，希望能结识到一些行业的前辈。En: Arranged by Zhihao, she attended a tech conference at the top of the tower, hoping to connect with some industry veterans.Zh: 塔内现代化的装潢，简约而又繁忙，不少人在忙着交流科技创想。En: The modern decor inside the tower was both simple and busy, with many people engaged in exchanging tech ideas.Zh: 会议上，每个人都在讨论着最新的科技创新。En: During the conference, everyone was discussing the latest technological innovations.Zh: 丽娟走进一个房间，里面正举行着一个临时的交流活动。En: Lijuan entered a room where an impromptu networking event was being held.Zh: 有人突然叫她上台做简短的自我介绍，这让丽娟心跳加速。En: Someone suddenly called her to the stage for a brief self-introduction, which made her heart race.Zh: 丽娟深吸了一口气，走上台前。En: Taking a deep breath, Lijuan walked to the front of the stage.Zh: 她向大家介绍了自己的专业和兴趣，并说起了她对科技的热爱。En: She introduced her major and interests to everyone and spoke about her passion for technology.Zh: 虽然声音有点颤抖，但她坚持说完了自己的话。En: Although her voice trembled a bit, she insisted on finishing her speech.Zh: 难以置信的是，一个潜在的雇主对她的话很感兴趣。En: Incredibly, a potential employer was very interested in what she said.Zh: 他之后主动找丽娟交谈，并向她提供了一个实习机会。En: He later approached Lijuan and offered her an internship opportunity.Zh: 这次机会对丽娟来说，是对她能力的肯定。En: This opportunity was an affirmation of her abilities for Lijuan.Zh: 当她离开上海塔时，丽娟感到一种从未有过的坚定。En: As she left the Shanghai Tower, Lijuan felt a sense of determination she had never felt before.Zh: 她明白，自己不用再和哥哥比较，而是可以走出自己的道路。En: She realized that she no longer needed to compare herself with her brother but could instead pave her own path.Zh: 丽娟对未来充满了希望，心里默默地笑了。En: Lijuan was filled with hope for the future, silently smiling to herself.Zh: 今天在塔顶，她不仅克服了自己的恐惧，也找到了自信和奋斗的方向。En: Today at the top of the tower, she not only overcame her fears but also found confidence and a direction for her efforts. Vocabulary Words:towering: 高耸入云soared: 高耸sparkling: 闪闪发光colorful strings: 五彩绳nervous: 紧张symbol: 象征pressure: 压力capabilities: 能力seize: 抓住opportunity: 机会conference: 会议veterans: 前辈modern decor: 现代化的装潢engaged: 忙着technological innovations: 科技创新impromptu: 临时的networking event: 交流活动self-introduction: 自我介绍passion: 热爱trembled: 颤抖incredibly: 难以置信potential: 潜在的employer: 雇主affirmation: 肯定determination: 坚定compare: 比较pave: 走出path: 道路overcame: 克服confidence: 自信

Show Summary:    Mudita Khurana — Tech Lead at Airbnb and the person who always says, “I got this” No Password Required Season 7: Episode 6 - Mudita Khurana   Mudita Khurana is a Tech Lead for Automated Tooling and Vulnerability Management at Airbnb, where she focuses on building modular, scalable security systems in an era of rapidly evolving AI threats. Before Airbnb, she spent nearly a decade in security roles across Accenture, Meta, and PwC, making bold career pivots along the way, including turning down a PwC return offer to join Facebook's product security team. In this episode, Mudita shares her journey from a family of doctors in India to Carnegie Mellon and into the heart of Big Tech security. She discusses what it means to thrive as a non-traditional engineer in a deeply technical field, why she stepped back from management to get closer to the work, and how she thinks about building security tooling that won't be obsolete in three months. Jack Clabby and co-host Kayley Melton, recording live from Tampa B-Sides at the University of South Florida, talk with Mudita about imposter syndrome, AI's curveballs for security teams, leadership without a leadership title, and the importance of community in staying on top of a field that never stops moving. She also reflects on what great mentorship looks like early in a career and why clarity, ownership, and consistency are the leadership qualities she keeps coming back to. In the Lifestyle Polygraph, Mudita firmly plants her flag in the Harry Potter universe as Hermione, explains why Deadpool doesn't qualify as a superhero, debates gym vs. nature as a reset strategy, and reveals her dream remote work base: a high-altitude Buddhist mountain town in the Himalayas.   Follow Mudita on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muditakhurana/     In this episode: Mudita shares her unconventional path into cybersecurity, highlighting the importance of mentorship and curiosity (0:25 - 1:37) The significance of mentorship, especially Vandana Verma, in her career development (2:26 - 4:00) Transition from management to technical IC roles and why staying close to technical work matters (9:29 - 10:23) The influence of her education at Carnegie Mellon and how it broadened her problem-solving skills (6:23 - 7:41) Navigating imposter syndrome and embracing challenges as growth opportunities (3:26 - 5:29) How AI is changing cybersecurity strategies—building modular, layered systems for agility (15:31 - 16:26) The importance of community, trust, and consensus in cybersecurity decision-making (17:06 - 17:47) Mudita's favorite places for remote work and balancing planning with spontaneity in travel (23:01 - 24:13) Her personal approach to wellness, exercise, and resets during busy days (21:32 - 22:36) Her unique perspective on superhero characters, favorite places, and cultural roots (18:54 - 19:36, 25:19 - 26:21) Timestamp Highlights: (00:25) Mudita's 10-year journey into cybersecurity starting from India (02:26) Mentorship's critical role in her growth and her admiration for Vandana Verma (09:29) Transition from management back to technical roles and why staying close to the work matters (15:31) How AI fosters layered, modular security systems for faster adaptation (17:06) The importance of community and trusted information sources in security (21:32) Reset routines—gym versus nature hikes—and staying grounded during busy days (25:19) Leh, Ladakh: Mudita's ideal remote work location nestled in Himalayan beauty Resources & Links: Vandana Verma - Influential mentor in cybersecurity ThreatLocker - Supporter of this podcast Cyber Florida – The Mother Ship

Aimee Rickabus is an entrepreneur, author, and podcast host dedicated to redefining women's leadership. Author of The Manage Her and host of the podcast by the same name, Aimee highlights how the invisible labor women perform every day translates into systems thinking, problem solving, and leadership skills that transform business and community. Aimee is also CEO of Tomahawk Information Solutions, a woman- and minority-owned technology company and value-added reseller of hardware, software and services for Fortune 500s and co-founded Mohawk Network Solutions with her husband. A mother of six and lifelong advocate for women, she inspires audiences to see their potential not just as professionals, but as whole, powerful individuals.

Women Leaders Overcome Self-Doubt: The Power Quotient Framework That Changes Everything (2026) Executive Summary: 68% of women in tech experience imposter syndrome, yet most have never been taught to fight it strategically. Former IBM VP Shelmina Babai Abji shares her Power Quotient (PQ) framework — a proven system for silencing the inner critic, amplifying your voice of courage, and advancing your leadership career. Quick Takeaways: 68% of women in tech report imposter syndrome — tech is the most affected industry (Hays, 2025). Your "Power Quotient" (PQ) is the ability to intentionally choose an empowering response over a disempowering one. The voice of fear is doing its job — your job is to feed your voice of courage louder reasons to act. For every 100 men promoted to first manager, only 81 women make the same leap (McKinsey, 2025) — PQ is a competitive differentiator. Showing your worth is a continuous journey of competence, confidence, relationships, and personal branding — not a one-time event. Sixty-eight percent of women in tech experience imposter syndrome. Let that number land. That means more than two out of every three talented, qualified women sitting in engineering meetings, VP offices, and C-suite strategy sessions are secretly wondering if they belong there. And according to a KPMG survey of 750 female executives, 75% of senior women leaders have experienced imposter syndrome at some point in their careers — with 85% saying they believe it's widespread in corporate America. Yet almost no one teaches women what to do about it — strategically, systematically, and permanently. I'm Sabrina Braham, MA, MFT, PCC — executive leadership coach with over 30 years of experience, and host of the Women's Leadership Success Podcast, now with over 950,000 downloads and ranked in the top 1.5% of podcasts globally. In Episode 162, I sit down with Shelmina Babai Abji — TEDx speaker, former IBM Vice President, angel investor, and author of Show Your Worth — for one of the most powerful and practical conversations I've ever had on this podcast. Shelmina grew up in poverty in Tanzania, put herself through school across three countries, walked into a room of 2,000 engineers where no one looked like her, and still became one of the highest-ranking women of color in IBM's history — overseeing teams that generated over $1 billion in annual revenue. Her secret? A framework she calls the Power Quotient. If you're a woman leader in tech or any competitive industry who is battling negative mental chatter, fear of speaking up, or the relentless whisper that says you're not qualified enough — this episode is for you. Why Self-Doubt Is Hitting Women Leaders Harder Than Ever in 2026 The data tells a story that is urgent and personal. A 2025 Hays survey of more than 8,000 professionals found that 68% of women in tech experience imposter syndrome — and that approximately one-third say these feelings grow more intense as their careers advance, not less. Tech is now the single most-affected industry in the entire workforce. This is not a personal failing. It is a structural reality. As Shelmina describes it, when you look around a room and see no one who looks like you, no one who sounds like you, no one who grew up like you — your brain does exactly what it is designed to do: it searches for evidence that you belong, finds little, and generates doubt. "I walked into a room of 2,000 engineers," Shelmina recalls, "and I realized there was not one person that looked like me. Not one person that spoke like me. And I started undermining my own capabilities, underestimating my own worth." The compounding problem is this: according to the McKinsey Women in the Workplace 2025 report, women represent 49% of entry-level employees — yet by the time you reach the C-suite, fewer than 29% of those seats belong to women. For every 100 men promoted to their first manager role, only 81 women make the same leap. The "broken rung" is real, and self-doubt is one of the forces that keeps it broken. The cost of unchecked self-doubt is not just personal — it is organizational. Women who silence themselves in meetings, decline stretch assignments, or step back from promotions because they do not feel "ready" are costing their companies their most strategic asset: authentic, experienced, high-EQ leadership. The good news? Shelmina's own career is proof that the cycle can be broken — and the tool she used is available to every woman listening right now. Introducing the Power Quotient (PQ): Your Most Underused Leadership Asset Most leaders are familiar with IQ (intellectual intelligence) and EQ (emotional intelligence). Shelmina introduces a third: PQ — Power Quotient. "We own the power to intentionally pick an empowering response to a disempowering stimulus, whether that stimulus is internal or external. That's your PQ. And the internal stimulus must be taken care of first, before we can fight the external." This is not a motivational concept. It is a cognitive framework with three operating principles: PQ Principle 1: Recognize the Voice of Fear — Without Obeying It The voice of fear is not your enemy. It is doing exactly what it evolved to do: keep you in your comfort zone. The moment you recognize that the whisper saying "they'll find out you don't belong" is just a voice — not a fact — you reclaim agency over it. Shelmina's turning point came during her first year at a major tech employer. She was sitting in a meeting, holding back an idea. Then she watched someone else state her exact idea — and receive praise for it. "That was the first time I recognized that my ideas do matter," she says. "And once I had that inner victory, everything changed." Try This Now: The next time you catch yourself editing an idea before you say it, ask: "Is this my voice of fear or my voice of courage speaking?" Name it. That naming alone is the beginning of PQ. PQ Principle 2: Feed Your Voice of Courage With Reasons Courage is not the absence of fear. It is acting despite fear — and it grows when you actively give it ammunition. Shelmina calls this "feeding your voice of courage," and it is a deliberate, intentional practice. In her case, the reason was visceral: "If I didn't speak up, they would not extend my visa. My dream of lifting my family out of poverty would be over." That reason was more powerful than her fear. Your reason does not need to be that dramatic — but it does need to be real to you. Effective reasons to feed your voice of courage include: The impact your idea could have on your team or clients The career advancement that depends on your visibility The women who will follow in your footsteps if you blaze this trail The competencies you will build only by speaking up and stretching PQ Principle 3: Make Your Voice of Courage Louder Than Your Voice of Fear This is the practice. Not silencing fear — but systematically amplifying courage until it drowns fear out. "I made my voice of courage louder than my voice of fear," Shelmina says, "by feeding it reasons why I should do something, as opposed to reasons why I shouldn't." This maps directly to what 2026 executive presence research identifies as the core of leadership gravitas: decisiveness under pressure and emotional self-regulation. Leaders who can redirect internal narratives in high-stakes moments are the ones who get promoted, trusted, and retained. How to Show Your Worth Without Waiting to Be Noticed One of the most actionable insights from Shelmina's work is this: showing your worth is not self-promotion. It is a strategic practice of continuously positioning yourself to contribute higher and higher value — and then ensuring the right people have a front-row seat to that contribution. "Show your worth, in the context of my book, is the value you contribute towards the success of your organization," Shelmina explains. "The recognition that I have something to contribute is the beginning of understanding your worth. And then the journey is: how do I continuously position myself to contribute more?" This has four dimensions that mirror 2026's most sought-after leadership competencies: Competencies — continuously building the skills that drive organizational outcomes Confidence — the deep-seated self-trust that comes from doing hard things and surviving them Relationships — intentionally building the four key relationships (boss, peers, mentors, sponsors — covered in Part II) Personal branding — ensuring your value is visible, not just felt Worth is not static. It is not something you either have or you don't. "The more competent you become," Shelmina says, "the higher the value you create." It is a compounding cycle — and it begins the moment you decide your ideas matter. Overcoming Negative Mental Chatter: A Framework for Women in Tech Negative mental chatter — the constant inner voice of "I'm not smart enough, I'll sound stupid, they'll find out" — is the presenting symptom of an unchecked voice of fear. Shelmina identifies it as the single biggest barrier she sees in her work with women leaders, and she is specific about how to address it. Step 1: Externalize It Treat negative mental chatter the way you would treat a notification on your phone: notice it, acknowledge it, then decide whether to engage. The chatter loses power the moment you observe it rather than inhabit it. Step 2: Name the Fear Underneath Is it fear of failure? Fear of judgment? Fear of stepping outside your comfort zone? Fear of being seen as someone who doesn't belong? Naming the specific fear collapses it from a fog into a manageable object. You can work with a named fear. You cannot work with a fog. Step 3: Reframe the Outcome "There is no such thing as failure," Shelmina says. "There are only various degrees of success." Every stretch assignment, every meeting where you spoke up and it didn't land perfectly, every project that didn't go as planned — these are data....

Are you brilliant at your job — but starting to wonder if this is really it? One of the most common and least-talked-about challenges facing senior women in tech is the moment when something needs to change, but you don't know exactly what, and the fear of getting it wrong is keeping you exactly where you are. This is not a "how to find a new job" episode. It is an episode about how to think clearly and strategically about career pivots — before you make a reactive decision you spend the next two years recovering from. Whether you're bored and feeling guilty about it, you know you need to leave but can't see where to go, or you're ready to pivot but don't know where to start — this episode is for you. Keep listening to learn more about:  Why the restlessness you're feeling is not a character flaw — it's a signal worth taking seriously The four types of "something needs to change" — and why getting the diagnosis right is what separates a strategic pivot from a reactive one The full range of options available to you — including internal pivots, functional moves, smaller organisations, fractional leadership, and entrepreneurship A five-step framework for thinking through a career pivot strategically without making a decision from your most exhausted place What's really underneath the fear — and why the identity question is the thing that keeps most women stuck What a good career pivot actually looks like — and the one first step to take this week Whether you're actively planning a change or just starting to sit with the question, this episode will help you think more clearly about what you actually want next.  

Mayase Jere is a human-centred technologist and author with an MBA in Leadership and Innovation. She is a co-founding member of Blacks in Tech Australia, an advocate for Women in Tech, and the creator of The Art of Otherness and Lifehacks from the Baobab, podcasts exploring identity, leadership, and personal growth through African proverbs.Her passion lives at the intersection of technology, culture, and identity, where she uses storytelling to spark connection, challenge narratives, and drive change.

Most people don't fail at sales because they're “bad at sales.” They fail because fear hijacks their brain at the exact moment they need clarity. That's why I loved talking with Maggie Pounds, co-founder of Salescoach Pro, an AI-powered sales training platform that helps sales reps practice real conversations before they ever get on the phone with a real customer. If you've ever frozen, rambled, or felt your heart rate spike during an objection, you'll recognize what she describes: even simulated role play can feel shockingly real, and that realism is what builds true confidence. Maggie shares her unconventional path from urban farming and farmers markets to building an AI product alongside her husband, plus how a simple Thanksgiving dinner conversation with her sister sparked the core idea. We get into what makes effective sales coaching work, why repeated reps matter more than generic advice, and how tailored feedback, scoring, and structured scenarios can improve onboarding and sales enablement without draining a manager's time. We also talk about the practical question everyone asks: why not just use ChatGPT, and what a purpose-built voice role play experience does differently. Beyond the product, Maggie brings a refreshing perspective on AI hype and fear, especially for people who worry they're “behind.” She argues for curiosity, moving slowly, and using technology as a tool to enhance human skill, not replace it. We close with a candid look at intentional living, homeschooling, presence, and giving yourself permission to pause projects in different life chapters, plus what “to be bolder” really means when you listen to yourself and take the next step. If this conversation helps you rethink confidence, sales practice, or building a business that supports your real life, subscribe, share the episode with a friend, and leave a review so more listeners can find the show.

Teesee Murray, a visionary technology executive, is the group president of Turtle & Hughes, and the CEO of Turtle x, a fourth-generation, independent, certified woman-owned enterprise—recognized as one of the nation's top women-led businesses. Teesee drives innovation at the intersection of energy, data centers, and emerging technologies. Known for transforming complex concepts like quantum computing and atmospheric water generation into practical, real-world solutions, Murray combines deep technical expertise with a passion for sustainability and accessibility. With a career defined by breaking barriers for women in tech, she is widely recognized for her ability to unite cutting-edge technology with business strategy, helping organizations reimagine what's possible in a rapidly evolving digital and environmental landscape.

Send us Fan MailYou've tried everything. The clean eating, the 5am gym, the macro tracking, the personal trainer. And for a while — some of it worked. Then it stopped.If you're a high-achieving woman who's hit a wall with your weight and can't figure out why nothing is sticking, this episode is for you. And I'll warn you now: the answer isn't what you've been told.In this episode I'm talking about what's actually behind weight loss plateaus in high-performing women — and why the standard advice keeps failing them. We go into the real physiology of chronic stress and what it does to your hormones, your hunger, and your ability to recover. We talk about the self-abandonment pattern that almost every woman I work with is living inside without realising it. And we get into the identity piece that nobody else is addressing — the reason every plan you start eventually collapses, no matter how good it is.This isn't another episode about calorie cycling or metabolic adaptation. It's the conversation that comes before all of that. The one that actually changes things.If you're done with programmes that treat the surface without going near the root, book a consultation call at HERE and let's talk about what's really going on.

“Every new technology has a hype cycle, so your use case and business rationale must stay the North Star. No flashy AI solution replaces fixing your foundations, processes, and underlying business challenges first.”Katya Lobynko is IT & Data Director at Danone and a digital transformation leader with 15+ years of experience across FMCG and pharma in EMEA and Asia, with expertise spanning commercial operations, data & analytics, conversational AI, and emerging technologies. Before Danone, she spent several years at Sanofi leading innovation and emerging technology initiatives, including helping build the company's conversational AI capability. Katya began her career at Procter & Gamble as a Project Delivery Manager for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, leading global media planning transformation initiatives for the world's largest advertiser, before earning her MBA through the Asia School of Business, a partnership with MIT Sloan School of Management and the Central Bank of Malaysia. Originally from the Russian Far East and now based in Paris after years living and working across Asia and Europe, Katya brings a deeply international, people-centered perspective to conversations about digital transformation, AI, international careers, and women in tech.This conversation is hosted by podcast co-founder and P&G Alum Drew Tarvin, Founder & CEO of Humor That Works. Drew spent six years at P&G leading IT + brand initiatives before turning his background in engineering, improv, and stand-up comedy into a career helping organizations use humor to improve leadership, communication, and workplace culture. He's the author of Humor That Works and his TEDx talk on "the Skill of Humor" has been viewed more than 16 million times.

I sat down with an inspiring Venezuelan-born entrepreneur, Valenttina Griffin, who has made Iceland her home. Through a lively conversation, Valenttina shares her experiences of navigating different cultures, thriving in the tech industry, and her entrepreneurial journey that spans multiple continents. Join us as we explore her insights on leadership, the power of community, and the importance of personal growth. Valenttina’s Journey Across Borders Valenttina's journey began in Venezuela, where she enjoyed a tropical, sun-filled upbringing surrounded by strong women and positive role models. She fondly recalls the freedom of her childhood and notes the cultural contrast when she moved to Norway as an exchange student in the early 2000s. Her adventurous spirit and curiosity led her to embrace this transition. Learning the Norwegian language and culture opened doors for her, eventually helping her adapt quickly when she moved to Iceland. https://youtu.be/O2q2l8V1bdU Save 25% on Your Stay at Center Hotels in Reykjavík The sponsor of this episode is Center Hotels, a collection of nine stylish hotels located throughout downtown Reykjavík. Whether you want to stay close to the harbor, shopping streets, restaurants, nightlife, or some of the city's most iconic landmarks, there's a location that fits your travel style. I've partnered with Center Hotels to offer my audience an exclusive 25% discount when booking directly through their website using the code ATI25 at checkout. The code is valid through May 2026, making it a great opportunity to save on your stay while experiencing some of the most conveniently located hotels in Reykjavík. Adapting to Icelandic Culture Life in Iceland was quite different. Valenttina immersed herself in the local culture, learned the Icelandic language, and embraced the insular lifestyle. She reflects on the warmth of Venezuelan interactions, marked by hugs and close personal contact, contrasting sharply with the reserved nature of Icelanders who value personal space. Yet, the support she received from the Icelandic community has been invaluable, helping her form a deep connection with her new home. Women in Tech: Establishing a Supportive Network* As a woman in the tech industry, Valenttina shares her personal experiences and challenges in navigating a male-dominated field. She is part of Women Tech Iceland, an organization that provides a platform for women to feel safe and share their stories. Valenttina emphasizes the importance of recognition for women in tech and the need for creating role models for future generations. The group facilitates events that foster community support and networking opportunities, bridging the gap between Icelandic and foreign professionals. Cultural Insights and Leadership Challenges Valenttina Griffin discusses the nuances of working in Icelandic companies and how she manages cultural differences. She has witnessed firsthand the challenges of integration for foreign women in the workforce, highlighting language as a significant barrier. Despite these challenges, she credits her success to the Icelandic language skills and cultural understanding, which have helped her build trust and rapport in leadership roles. Valenttina’s Approach to Embracing Personal Growth and Neuroplasticity Beyond her professional achievements, Valenttina is passionate about neuroscience and neuroplasticity. She believes in the power of personal growth and continuously adapting to change. Her advice to women, and to anyone seeking growth, is to love themselves, set healthy boundaries, and not ignore red flags in personal or professional relationships. These principles guide her as she navigates her entrepreneurial journey and raises her family in Iceland. Launching UGrow: Revolutionizing the Service Industry in Iceland Valenttina’s latest venture,  UGrow, focuses on optimizing recruitment processes within the Icelandic service industry. This initiative aims to streamline seasonal hiring, ensuring that both employees and employers are well-matched and meet legal standards. By doing so, Valenttina hopes to improve the experience for foreign workers and support the thriving tourism sector in Iceland. A Vision for a Diverse and Welcoming Iceland Through her work with Women Tech Iceland and You Grow, Valenttina is helping shape a more inclusive and diverse Iceland. She envisions a future where international talent is integrated seamlessly into Icelandic society and where everyone is encouraged to embrace change and growth. This conversation is not only a testament to Valenttina's strength and adaptability but also an inspiration for anyone looking to explore new horizons and make a difference in their communities. Share this with a Friend Facebook Email Threads Let’s Be Social Youtube Instagram Tiktok Facebook

The Tiger Sisters share the keys to collaborative communication.Good marketing communication doesn't just go one way. As the Tiger Sisters know, building a brand is about bringing your audience into the conversation.Cherie and Jean Luo are sisters, tech and finance experts, and co-hosts of the Tiger Sisters Podcast, a show about money, power, and love. Their approach to content creation mirrors how they think about communication: know your audience, stay curious, and embrace feedback. “We often think about our community as the co-producers of our episodes,” Cherie says. “Each episode we put out is like a mini product. Once we put it out, we can get feedback on whether or not people are resonating.”In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, the Tiger Sisters join host Matt Abrahams, sharing how they've built a thriving brand through collaboration — with each other and with their audience. From simplifying complex topics to crafting messages that resonate, the Luo's insights show why the best communication is about healthy back and forth.Episode Reference Links:Jean LuoCherie Brooke LuoTiger Sisters PodcastConnect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (02:34) - The Tiger Sisters Mission (04:10) - Going Viral on TikTok (06:00) - Explaining Complex Topics (07:56) - Learning from the Audience (10:05) - Working as Sisters & Co-Founders (13:05) - Reinventing Careers (14:31) - Family Expectations (16:20) - Personal Branding (18:57) - Teaching Through Storytelling (21:02) - The Final Three Questions (26:23) - Conclusion ********Thank you to our sponsors.  These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost.Strawberry.me. Get 50% off your first coaching session today at Strawberry.me/smartJoin our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

You can spend your whole career waiting to feel “ready,” or you can do what Kellen Gorman did: jump in, learn fast, and let results speak. Kellen is an engineer and advocate at Redgate Software with nearly three decades across databases, cloud, and AI, plus experience at Microsoft, Oracle, and Delphix. Her path into tech starts with a brutal curveball, recovering from five strokes and rebuilding her work life from the ground up, then turning the hardest, least popular tasks into standout opportunities.We get concrete about what career boldness looks like in practice: taking on the database no one wants, refusing to be boxed into a single platform, and staying technical even in an advocacy role by working directly with product teams and customers. Kellen shares why “AI exhaustion” is real, how duct-taped AI features can hurt usability, and how to experiment with generative AI without blowing up your cloud bill. If you're trying to upskill in AI, cloud, or cybersecurity, you'll leave with sane starting points and a clear warning about AI snake oil salesmen.We also talk about visibility and personal branding for women in tech: blogging, books, GitHub, and public problem-solving as proof that travels when you're not in the room. The episode closes with community and support, including the revival of PDX Women in Tech in Portland, and why mentorship alone isn't enough without sponsorship and real networks.Subscribe to this podcast for more conversations on topics that matter to women in tech and business, skills, being in the right rooms, gaining opportunities, confidence, visibility, and meaningful career growth, then share this episode with a friend and leave a review so more women can find it.Resources: DBAKevlar website Kelly's LinkedIn Profile Pdxwit.net

Brent Peterson interviews Namrata Sangani, a QA & Triage champion for Hyva and an Adobe E-commerce Champion. They discuss Namrata's journey in the e-commerce space, her visibility efforts on LinkedIn, and the impact of Hyva on Magento development. Namrata shares insights on the importance of community engagement, the role of women in e-commerce, and the future of  Hyva in the Magento ecosystem.TakeawaysNamrata Sangani is an Adobe e-commerce champion and QA champion for Hyva.She became visible on LinkedIn to share her knowledge and engage with the community.Hyva is revolutionizing Magento development with its performance and ease of use.Quality assurance is a top priority for Hyva, ensuring high standards in their products.Namrata emphasizes the importance of women participating in tech events.The Magento community is seeing a shift towards more open-source contributions.Networking at events like Meet Magento is crucial for professional growth.Hyva's approach allows developers to learn and adopt new technologies easily.Namrata encourages women to showcase their expertise in e-commerce.The future of Adobe Commerce looks promising with ongoing support and development. sound bites"I want women to uplift themselves.""I am active on Instagram as well.""I was a fan of yours since that day."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Namrata Sangani02:41 Journey to Becoming an Adobe Champion05:28 Visibility on LinkedIn and Its Impact08:11 Learning and Adopting Magento and Adobe Commerce10:46 The Revolutionary Impact of Hyva13:14 Quality Assurance and Development in Hyva15:54 Future of Hyva in the Magento Ecosystem18:36 Women in E-commerce Initiative20:59 Outlook for Adobe Commerce and Magento23:49 Closing Thoughts and Networking

Lets talk about what most founders and business owners get wrong when choosing the right Co-Founder.Ariana The Techie is a 15-year tech veteran, 3× startup founder, author, and venture-backed entrepreneur who has raised over $3M in capital. Women in Tech with Ariana explores the real stories behind building in the tech world—from startup life and raising venture capital to the global impact of A.I. and emerging technology. Hear from founders, builders, and innovators shaping the future—and get inspired to build something of your own.Learn more at www.arianathetechie.com/links

Jossie Haynes shares her journey from Princeton at 16 to a 25-year career in software engineering leadership. She discusses the impact of AI on jobs, strategies for women in tech, and how to leverage AI for career growth.Jossie Haines is an executive leadership and career coach for experienced engineering leaders who are already deliveringresults but want greater recognition, influence, and growth — including promotion, expanded scope, and compensation that reflects their impact.With over 25 years in the tech industry, she brings deep, hands-on engineering leadership experience from Apple, Tile, Zynga, and American Express. At Apple, her teams earned a technical Emmy; at Tile, she created the VP of Software Engineering role and scaled the organization by 45% in under five months during COVID; and most recently, she served as a fractional engineering leader atSmartPin, leading engineering and product development from 0 to 1. Her work began with retaining women in tech, and she continues to advocate for women leaders navigating visibility and advancement in male-dominated environments.Get In Touch With Jossie:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jossiemannWebsite: https://jossiehaines.comSpotify Playlist:  https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3jcO2KZvFSU1aHL40XcE9ANewsletter Sign-Up: https://ck.jossiehaines.com

Do you communicate with clarity when the stakes are high — or does your voice go quiet at exactly the moment it matters most? In this episode of Leading Women in Tech, I break down one of the most underrated leadership skills for women in tech: communicating with clarity under pressure. Not when things are calm and you've had time to prepare — but when someone challenges you in front of the leadership team, when an executive asks a question you weren't expecting, or when you can feel the room watching to see how you respond. This is not about confidence. It's not about personality. It's about a conditioned nervous system response — and a set of practical, trainable tools to work with it. In this episode: ⏹  Why communication breaks down under pressure — the real physiology behind the freeze, the ramble, the hedge spiral, and the shutdown ⏹  Why this shows up differently for women in tech — and why "just be more confident" is both wrong and unhelpful ⏹  The reframe that changes everything: clarity under pressure is a trained skill, not a personality trait ⏹  Five practical tools you can start building this week, including the one-sentence anchor, the strategic pause, the pressure-proof redirect, and the high-stakes pre-mortem ⏹  Where to start — a sequenced action plan so you build the skill without overwhelming yourself If you've ever walked out of a meeting thinking "why didn't I just say X?", this episode will tell you exactly why — and exactly what to do about it. Learn more about communication: Episode 243 — Struggling to Be Heard? Master Leadership Communication Strategies and Coach Upwards Ready to work on this in the context of your specific leadership challenges? Book a strategy call: tonicollis.com/lets-chat/   

What does it take to build and lead technology at a global, mission-critical scale? ☁️

For more thoughts, clips, and updates, follow Avetis Antaplyan on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/avetisantaplyan⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠In this episode of The Tech Leader's Playbook, Avetis Antaplyan sits down with Chaitra Vedullapalli, President of Women in Cloud and a global go-to-market strategist who has driven billions in economic impact. Chaitra shares her mission to democratize economic access in an AI driven world, highlighting the reality that while information is abundant, true opportunity remains scarce and unevenly distributed.The conversation dives into her framework for creating economic pathways through careers, entrepreneurship, and leadership, each requiring distinct strategies and operating systems. Chaitra explains how AI is reshaping the value chain by shifting focus from role based work to workflow orchestration, and why leaders must rethink how they position themselves to stay relevant.She introduces the concept of iconic leadership, where success is measured by the ability to create access and multiply opportunities for others. The discussion also covers systemic barriers, especially for women founders, and why infrastructure investments in AI represent one of the biggest long term opportunities.This episode delivers a practical breakdown of leadership, access, and scalable growth in the evolving AI economy.TakeawaysAccess to economic opportunity, not just information, is the real advantage in today's economyConfidence is built through exposure and execution, not personalityThe three pathways are career, founder, and leadership, and each requires a different approachAI is shifting value from role based work to workflow based thinkingLeaders must move from doing to orchestrating and from knowing to decidingIconic leaders create systems that allow others to succeed at scaleIndecision, indifference, and insecurity are the biggest leadership blockersGrowth comes from an investment mindset, not a what's in it for me mindsetCo launch strategies allow companies to scale trust and distribution fasterInfrastructure such as compute, energy, and data is where long term wealth is builtMost people fail because they do not know how to create access for othersSuccess in AI depends on where you sit in the value chain, not just what tools you useChapters00:00 The Access Problem in Today's Economy00:36 Introducing Chaitra Vedullapalli01:22 Origin Story and Early Inspiration03:36 Confidence, Access, and Global Inequality08:57 Why One Path Doesn't Fit All13:19 AI's Impact on Opportunity Distribution19:11 Barriers for Women in Tech and Funding23:39 What Defines an Iconic Leader25:07 Leadership in the Age of AI28:05 The Three Leadership “Diseases”37:12 The Power of Creating Access42:11 Co-Launch Go-To-Market Strategy49:45 Creating vs Competing in Markets50:49 Why AI Infrastructure Wins Long-Term52:12 Signals for Future Investment Opportunities53:50 Books and Influences56:42 Final Advice for Leaders in AIChaitra Vedullapalli's Social Media Link:https://www.linkedin.com/in/chaitrav/https://www.instagram.com/chaivedulla/Chaitra Vedullapalli's Website Link:https://chaitravedullapalli.com/Resources and Links:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.hireclout.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.podcast.hireclout.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/hirefasthireright⁠

Sixteen years later, she still tells this story. She was called into the office of a 6'4" senior executive she barely knew. He sat with his back to the door and said: "You will either make me a very happy man or a very unhappy man." Something in her snapped. She replied: "I was always told I'm not responsible for how other people feel." He slowly turned his chair around with a smile on his face. That one moment became the foundation of a decade-long mentorship. Melissa Dill is Executive Director and Chief Privacy Officer at Kodiak Solutions, and she's spent her career learning, sometimes the hard way, what it actually means to hold onto your personal power when the professional stakes are high. In this episode, she breaks down the real moments that tested her, and the specific tools she built to handle them. You'll learn: What "giving away your personal power" actually means, and how to catch yourself doing it before it costs you What Melissa said to a senior executive that instantly shifted how he saw her, and why most people would have responded the opposite way How she handled a new boss who made every conversation feel like an interrogation, and the scripting technique that got her through it without losing her composure or her job Why a mentor told her "if you're going to swim with sharks, you need to thicken your skin", and what that actually means for women moving into senior leadership How to stop taking feedback personally when your whole identity has been built around being the A student The self-awareness practice that tells you when to speak up and when holding back is the smarter move If you've ever left a difficult conversation beating yourself up, questioning your own judgment, or wondering why you didn't say what you meant, this episode gives you the tools to stop that pattern. About Melissa Dill: Executive Director and Chief Privacy Officer at Kodiak Solutions, Melissa brings decades of experience in technology and healthcare leadership. She is an active mentor to early-career women in tech and a champion of honest, values-driven leadership. Connect with Melissa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-dill-5b55874 How to Reclaim Your Personal Power When Authority Figures Try to Diminish You (with Melissa Dill)

Send us Fan MailCybercrime is evolving faster than most people realize — and AI is accelerating the threat. In this eye-opening episode of Joey Pinz Conversations, Joey Pinz sits down with cybersecurity expert and entrepreneur Catherine Karow to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming scams, fraud, and digital security.From deepfake voice calls to identity theft targeting children and retirees, Catherine shares the real dangers facing families today and what people can do right now to protect themselves. Drawing from her experience in enterprise cybersecurity and her work building the family-focused protection platform Zora Safe, she reveals why everyday users are the most vulnerable and how awareness is the first line of defense.Beyond cybersecurity, Catherine also shares her personal journey — from theater and programming to working on major tech projects and even contributing to initiatives connected with the White House. She opens up about overcoming health challenges, navigating the tech industry as a female entrepreneur, and building technology with purpose.This conversation is packed with practical cybersecurity tips, real-world stories, and powerful insights about resilience, innovation, and protecting the people we love. ⭐ Top 3 Highlights