Working In Tech

On this episode of #WorkingInTech, we're talking to Devonie Nelson. Devonie began her cybersecurity journey in 2022 while pursuing a Master’s in Security Management at the University of Houston-Downtown. With no technical background, she overcame challenges and discovered her passion for the field. Through mentorship and involvement in organizations like Black Girls Hack and Women in Cybersecurity, Devonie is committed to helping minorities and first-generation students navigate their paths into STEM. Devonie will share her story of breaking into cybersecurity, insights from her journey, and advice for anyone starting their own tech career. 𝕏 CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIALS 𝕏 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/juwonthetechie/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/JuwonTheTechie Threads: https://www.threads.net/@juwonthetechie IG: https://www.instagram.com/juwonthetechie/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juwon-io/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@juwonthetechie CONNECT WITH DEVONIE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devonie-nelson/ CHAPTERS 0:00 - Intro 1:10 - Breaking into Tech in 2025 4:00 - Using Resources and Self-learning 10:05 - Choosing the Path in Tech 12:10 - Seeing it’s Possible 15:55 - Getting the First Job 23:00 - LinkedIn 28:30 - Handling Stress 30:20 - Tips for Mastering Cybersecurity 32:45 - Finding a Mentor 35:20 - Questions to ask a Mentor 42:15 - Keeping up with the News 44:00 - The Different Roles in Cybersecurity 47:15 - Coding in Cybersecurity 48:08 - Certifications 54:15 - Network Engineering 55:11 - Department of Defense Certifications 57:10 - Earning Potential 1:03:00 - IT Support Roles as a Path 1:04:40 - Final Words 1:05:00 - Conclusion

On this episode of #WorkingInTech, we're talking to Eno Akpan. Eno is a Solution Architect with a background in biomedical and software engineering. After starting her career at Goldman Sachs, she transitioned into biomedical research before finding her place in the tech world. Eno brings a unique blend of technical skills and strategic thinking, bridging business needs and technology solutions. In this episode, Eno will share her journey into tech, how she made her career transitions, and the insights that have shaped her success. Don’t miss it! 𝕏 CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIALS 𝕏 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/juwonthetechie/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/JuwonTheTechie Threads: https://www.threads.net/@juwonthetechie IG: https://www.instagram.com/juwonthetechie/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juwon-io/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@juwonthetechie CONNECT WITH ENO LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eno-akpan/ CHAPTERS 0:00 - Intro 1:00 - Breaking into Tech 6:02 - Learning Journey 12:50 - Getting the First Role 16:17 - Leaving Goldman Sachs 17:15 - Switching Roles in Tech 23:50 - Toolsets 31:25 - What is DevOps? 33:00 - How to Become a DevOps Engineer 34:55 - DevOps Tools 36:00 - Continuous Learning 37:10 - Building a Support System 41:20 - Experience in Multiple Roles 47:48 - Earning Potential 50:00 - Mentorship and Networking 54:10 - Advice for Newbies 55:42 - Final Words 56:30 - Conclusion

On this episode of #WorkingInTech, we're talking to Walner Dort. Walner is a Senior Product Manager at Microsoft with a strong background in engineering, team leadership, and product operations. He leads work on Defender for APIs and DevOps Security as part of the Customer Engineering (CXE) team, focusing on customer adoption, product updates, and feedback-driven improvements. Walner is skilled in product leadership, roadmapping, research, and cross-functional collaboration. Known for his analytical approach, he consistently delivers solutions that align with business goals. Walner will share insights from his career, tips for thriving in product management, and advice for driving innovation and collaboration in tech. CONNECT WITH ME: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/juwonthetechie/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/JuwonTheTechie Threads: https://www.threads.net/@juwonthetechie IG: https://www.instagram.com/juwonthetechie/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juwon-io/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@juwonthetechie CONNECT WITH WALNER: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/walnerdort/ Substack: walner.substack.com CHAPTERS 0:00 - Intro 1:00 - Breaking into Tech 6:00 - Networking at Events 9:46 - Working at Microsoft 11:38 - Product Engineering vs Product Management 18:15 - Getting into Cybersecurity 24:00 - How to Learn Cybersecurity 25:35 - API & DevOps 29:15 - Getting Better at Interviews 40:20 - Self-learning 47:05 - Finding Mentors 51:25 - Is Product Saturated? 53:35 - Details vs Big Picture 56:10 - Building a better Life with Tech 58:40 - Why Macro-thinking? 1:00:20 - Salary Progression 1:01:50 - Final Words 1:03:20 - Conclusion

On this episode of #WorkingInTech, we’re talking to Wes Jones, a seasoned Wireless Solutions Consultant with over six years in telecommunications, working with industry leaders like AT&T and T-Mobile. Wes has built his career helping businesses optimize through custom connectivity solutions, from fiber to wireless. Currently pursuing an MBA with a focus on Data Analytics, Finance, and Entrepreneurship, Wes is adding even more depth to his work. Today, he’ll share his journey in telecom, insights on driving business growth through connectivity, and tips for building a successful tech career. 𝕏 CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIALS 𝕏 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/juwonthetechie/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/JuwonTheTechie Threads: https://www.threads.net/@juwonthetechie IG: https://www.instagram.com/juwonthetechie/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juwon-io/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@juwonthetechie CONNECT WITH WES LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wes-jones-783517241/ CHAPTERS 0:00 - Intro 1:10 - Discovering Sales and Tech 8:00 - Who is a Solutions Consultant? 14:50 - Getting an MBA 17:10 - What’s Next? 18:38 - A Day In The Life 21:40 - Winning and Losing in Sales 24:00 - Mentoring 27:50 - Teamwork 29:18 - Fiber Networking 36:20 - “Everyone is in Sales” 45:03 - Securing the First Role 48:24 - Courses, Books, & Learning 50:10 - Salary Progression 53:44 - Interview Prep 55:35 - Potential of Growth in the Industry 57:50 - Networking 1:00:04 - Final Words 1:01:00 - Conclusion

On this episode of #WorkingInTech, we're talking to Zalyia Grillet, a UX Conceptual Creative with over 11 years of experience transforming user experiences for Fortune 500 companies like Deloitte Digital, General Electric, and Salesforce. Recognized on platforms like Beyoncé’s site and People of Color in Tech, Zalyia has shaped her career at the intersection of ethnomusicology, UX, and behavioral science. As the founder of TechUnleashed, Zalyia leads a community of Black creatives in tech, combining her passions for music, fashion, and art with mentorship to uplift others. She consults with organizations like RVATech and Black Girls in Cyber to make tech more inclusive. Zalyia will share her journey as a UX visionary, her insights on building inclusive tech spaces, and advice for blending creativity with tech to make a real impact. 𝕏 CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIALS 𝕏 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/juwonthetechie/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/JuwonTheTechie Threads: https://www.threads.net/@juwonthetechie IG: https://www.instagram.com/juwonthetechie/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juwon-io/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@juwonthetechie CONNECT WITH ZALYIA LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zgrillet/ Website: http://zgrillet.co/ CHAPTERS 0:00 - Intro 1:00 - Choosing UX 12:40 - Finding a Community 18:30 - Finding a Purpose 24:20 - The First Role 31:45 - Keys to Understanding UX 35:41 - Challenges of being in UX 41:35 - Salary Progression 47:50 - Getting in on the Ground Floor 51:15 - Career Progression 53:15 - AI & UX 54:45 - TechUnleashed 57:00 - Final Words 58:41 - Conclusion

The #WorkingInTech series follows the career journeys of thriving professionals, unpacking their stories to turn lessons learned into practical tips to help you make winning career moves. In this episode of #WorkingInTech, we’ll be talking to Kanika Tolver, CEO, founder of Career Rehab, LLC, and an experienced product manager. Through her company, Kanika helps clients transform their careers with coaching programs, webinars, events, and digital resources designed to help them reach their career goals. Kanika, featured on platforms like CNN, CNBC, and Black Enterprise, is also the author of the acclaimed book *Career Rehab: Rebuild Your Personal Brand and Rethink the Way You Work*. Tune in to hear Kanika’s insights on career coaching, her experience as a product manager, and actionable advice on building a personal brand that empowers you to take control of your career path. 𝕏 CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIALS 𝕏 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/juwonthetechie/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/JuwonTheTechie Threads: https://www.threads.net/@juwonthetechie IG: https://www.instagram.com/juwonthetechie/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juwon-io/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@juwonthetechie CONNECT WITH KANIKA LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kanikatolver/ Website: http://kanikatolver.com/ Career Rehab: http://careerrehabacademy.com/ CHAPTERS 0:00 - Intro 1:00 - Helping People Break into Tech 2:35 - Why Tech? 6:30 - First Job in Tech 10:45 - Interviewing 14:44 - Questions to Ask the Interviewer 17:55 - From Developer to Product Manager 21:25 - Continuous Learning 27:45 - ServiceNow 35:55 - Certifications 44:40 - Public vs Private Sector 49:38 - Salary Progression 51:55 - Salary Negotiation 1:01:55 - Learning and Teaching 1:04:50 - Final Words 1:06:45 - Conclusion

This week, Rachel Alexander, AI Innovation Lead at Clario, shares her journey from managing at Hertz to leading AI in biotech. She discusses the importance of internal networking and mentorship for career transitions. Rachel highlights how to implement AI solutions effectively while balancing innovation with quality. She also explores unconventional job search strategies and the significance of practical experience in tech. Plus, she offers tips on crafting an engaging resume and navigating AI career paths.

What does it take to sell tech products for Google? Listen to find out. The #WorkingInTech series follows the career journeys of thriving tech professionals. We unpack their career stories to turn lessons learned into useful tips to help you make winning career moves. On this episode of #WorkingInTech, we're talking to Khalil Simmons. Khalil is a digital marketing professional with over 5 years of experience at Google. As an Account Strategist, he partners with advertisers to develop strategic, data-driven approaches that scale their businesses and deliver exceptional results. Passionate about sales and customer development, Khalil has helped countless businesses achieve transformative growth. He began his career at General Mills, managing the convenience business in Florida, before transitioning to the tech world at Google. Khalil will share his journey from traditional retail to digital marketing, insights on crafting innovative solutions for clients, and advice for succeeding in the fast-paced world of digital advertising. 𝕏 CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIALS 𝕏 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/juwonthetechie/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/JuwonTheTechie Threads: https://www.threads.net/@juwonthetechie IG: https://www.instagram.com/juwonthetechie/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juwon-io/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@juwonthetechie CONNECT WITH KHALIL LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khalil-l-simmons-0411/ CHAPTERS 0:00 - Intro 2:35 - Why Sales? 7:24 - Landing a job at Google 16:45 - Learning Sales Skills 27:15 - The Role of Account Executive 40:00 - Building Relationships 42:45 - Salary in Tech Sales 46:39 - Going from Sales to Tech Sales 53:50 - Finding a Mentor 1:00:30 - Building SPARK CONNECT 1:02:14 - Final Words 1:04:50 - Conclusion

Tech is a team effort, and knowing how to nurture multi-functional teams is what leads to great products. On this episode of #WorkinginTech, we're talking to Anjuan. Anjuan is a seasoned software development leader with over two decades of experience. At companies like Accenture and Deloitte, as well as several startups, he's excelled at shipping features customers love while managing healthy teams. Passionate about sharing knowledge, Anjuan is an energetic speaker who presents at conferences, universities, and corporations worldwide. He covers topics including leadership, diversity and inclusion, and effective software development practices. Anjuan will share his journey leading development teams, his approach to blending corporate rigor with startup agility, and advice for delivering impactful software while nurturing strong teams. 𝕏 CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIALS 𝕏 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/juwonthetechie/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/JuwonTheTechie Threads: https://www.threads.net/@juwonthetechie IG: https://www.instagram.com/juwonthetechie/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juwon-io/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@juwonthetechie CONNECT WITH ANJUAN LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anjuan/ Website: http://www.anjuansimmons.com/ Twitter: http://twitter.com/anjuan Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/anjuan CHAPTERS 0:00 - Intro 1:00 - Why Tech? 4:08 - Gaming Inspiring Tech Careers 7:05 - Breaking into Tech12:17 - Learning and Building with People25:50 - Job Search Experience32:40 - Learning Data35:35 - What Makes a Great Resume?44:29 - Salary Progression49:19 - Doing it Without a Degree53:15 - Hiring the Best Candidates59:20 - Final Words1:01:39 - Conclusion

Passionate about technology since childhood, Zaakirah has impacted numerous individuals and companies across various tech fields. As a cancer survivor and PCOS warrior, she brings a unique perspective to her work. Zaakirah will share her journey in HealthTech and photography, keys to empowering entrepreneurs of color, and advice for turning personal challenges into professional strengths. 𝕏 CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIALS 𝕏 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/juwonthetechie/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/JuwonTheTechie Threads: https://www.threads.net/@juwonthetechie IG: https://www.instagram.com/juwonthetechie/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juwon-io/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@juwonthetechie CONNECT WITH ZAAKIRAH LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zaakirahmuhammad/ CHAPTERS 0:00 - Intro 1:20 - Why Tech? 3:40 - Using Photography as a Tool 6:10 - Branding Specialist 8:00 - Finding Flexibility 11:10 - Storytelling and Networking 36:20 - Speaking at TedX 42:11 - Unconventional Paths 44:30 - Building Resilience 45:20 - Traveling to Africa 48:04 - Business and Tech 50:50 - Building Confidence 53:17 - Building a Brand 54:30 - Final Words 56:55 - Conclusion