249: The Preparation Playbook: How to Prepare for Senior Leadership in Tech with Chaitra Vedullapalli

Could your next big career move be one preparation habit away?

Most people plan for leadership—but the ones who actually get there prepare differently. In this episode, Chaitra Vedullapalli—tech executive, entrepreneur, and President of Women in Cloud—breaks down what it really takes to rise into senior leadership roles like VP or GM in the tech world.

From building business acumen to learning how to self-advocate without losing your authenticity, Chaitra shares the preparation playbook that helped her lead transformative initiatives and open economic access for thousands of women. Whether you're early in your leadership path or preparing for your next big leap, this episode will give you the tools to show up like you're already in the role.

“Leadership isn't a title. It's a state of readiness. You have to prepare. You have to position yourself as a contributor for driving transformation. You show up.” — Chaitra Vedullapalli

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why planning and preparing are not the same—and which one actually gets you promoted
• How to develop business acumen and build strategic relationships
• Ways to leverage your network and become a rock of trust
• How to practice authentic self-advocacy without feeling like you're "too much"
• The power of socializing your ideas before you get to the meeting
• Daily leadership habits that quietly build influence and compound over time
• What it means to position yourself as VP or GM material—and how to prove it
• And more!

What’s in your Preparation Playbook?

This episode is your invitation to think bigger—and act bolder. What habits, relationships, and mindset shifts are still missing from your leadership journey?

If you’ve been wondering how to bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be—this is where you start.

**Useful links**

• Connect with today’s guest and sponsor, Chaitra:
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chaitrav/ 
• Chaitra’s current read: The Holy Grail of Investing by Tony Robbins, Christopher Zook
• If you are ready to uplevel your career, get unstuck or you are simply ready to unlock those leadership time-management techniques then join us in my monthly career & leadership coaching program exclusively for women in tech: https://www.tonicollis.com/academy 
• Catch the show notes, and more details about today's episode here: https://tonicollis.com/episode249 
• Check us out on Youtube.
• Join the Leading Women in Tech community in Slack where we discuss all-the-things for women’s tech leadership, covering everything from early-career leadership to C-level executives.

This episode was supported by Gldn Agency.. Thank you Gldn for helping to bring Leading Women in Tech to this community!