Leading Women in Tech Podcast

Discover the shifting dynamics of today’s tech job market for women. Learn why traditional strategies may cost you valuable time and how to adapt effectively. Dive into the impact of AI and US elections on hiring practices. Uncover the myths that hold many back and gain actionable insights on intentional job hunting. Explore an eight-step recipe for success, networking tips, and the importance of resilience in your search. Empower yourself with strategies to highlight leadership skills and build genuine connections.

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

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

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

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

You don’t need permission to lead. Real leadership starts in your mindset — not in your job description. If you're ready to break free from "employee thinking" and step into the career growth you deserve, this episode is your blueprint. In this episode, I explore the subtle but powerful leadership mindset shifts that will help you stand out at work, grow your influence, and accelerate your career — especially as a woman in tech. From breaking out of reactive mode to owning ambiguity and thinking beyond your paycheck, we’re diving into 7 key mindset shifts that help you think like a leader instead of just doing the job. "Leadership isn't about a job title. It's about how you approach your work, how you solve problems, and how you add value every single day." — Toni Collis What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How to think like a leader — not just another employee 7 powerful leadership mindset shifts to help you stand out and move up Why “just doing your job” is keeping you stuck — and what to do instead The difference between reactive employees and strategic leaders Career growth strategies for women in tech who want more influence and impact How to stop waiting for direction and start driving innovation Why letting go of tasks is a leadership skill — not a weakness The leadership thinking that reduces burnout and increases fulfillment And more Ready to make the shift from employee to leader? Hit play and start building the leadership mindset that opens doors — for you and those around you. **Useful links** If you are ready to uplevel your career, get unstuck or you are simply ready to unlock those leadership time-management techniques then join us in my monthly career & leadership coaching program exclusively for women in tech: https://www.tonicollis.com/academy  Catch the show notes, and more details about today's episode here: https://tonicollis.com/episode252 Check us out on Youtube. Join the Leading Women in Tech community in Slack where we discuss all-the-things for women’s tech leadership, covering everything from early-career leadership to C-level executives.

What if the only thing standing between you and the career you dream of… is the belief that you're not ready yet? Far too many brilliant women delay bold moves, silenced by doubt or the weight of invisible barriers. In this powerful episode, Elisabeth Bykoff—seasoned consultant, startup leader, and now founder—opens up about the 10 game-changing lessons she wishes she knew two decades ago. From navigating bias in male-dominated industries and silencing self-doubt, to building a strong network of mentors and allies, Elisabeth shares the candid truths behind her leadership journey, the confidence she had to cultivate, and the bold decisions that changed everything. “If you are thinking about making a change, do it. Find help and support. Don't be afraid.” — Elisabeth Bykoff What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why confidence is a career skill—and how to build it before you feel ready How Elisabeth navigated bias and found allies in male-dominated spaces The critical role of mentorship and allyship for women in leadership Her advice to her younger self—and how it can accelerate your growth What it takes to confront self-doubt and make high-stakes career moves How she transitioned from corporate operator to first-time founder The mindset shifts that helped her stop second-guessing and start owning her path And more! Navigating doubt doesn’t mean eliminating it—it means moving through it with power and purpose. 🎙️ Let’s chat about breaking barriers and making bold career moves. If you’re a woman navigating leadership—or aspiring to—this episode is your blueprint for moving forward with confidence. **Useful links** Connect with today’s guest and sponsor, Elisabeth: Visit Boxsy:   https://www.boxsy.io  https://www.linkedin.com/company/boxsy Connected with Elisabeth on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elisabethbykoff  Elisabeth’s current read: Mythos: The Greek Myths Retold by Stephen Fry 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/episode251  Check us out on Youtube. Join the Leading Women in Tech community in Slack where we discuss all-the-things for women’s tech leadership, covering everything from early-career leadership to C-level executives.

What if change is the moment you’ve been preparing for as a leader? The best leaders don’t just survive change—they harness it to propel themselves and their teams forward. In a world where change is constant, your ability to lead through it isn’t just valuable—it’s vital. How you respond to change can either reinforce trust, inspire action, and spark innovation… or leave your team drifting. In this episode, I unpack why change isn’t something to dread—but something to embrace. You'll discover how to recognize resistance (in yourself and others), reframe your mindset around change, and develop leadership strategies that help your team navigate uncertainty with clarity and confidence. Whether you're facing a small shift or a major transformation, “leading through change” is an essential skill for every modern leader. "If you're not leading through change, you're not leading." – Toni Collis What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why leading through change is a defining leadership skill The difference between task-focused thinking and visionary leadership How to recognize and respond to resistance in yourself and your team Why empathy, clear communication, and calm confidence matter more than ever during transitions How to maintain team morale and momentum by celebrating progress An exercise to identify your current mindset around change and how to reframe it And more Think about your current or upcoming season of change—big or small. Are you seeing only the problems, or are you looking for the growth potential? Grab a notebook, reflect on your mindset, and join me in exploring how to lead with resilience and purpose through every transition. **Useful links** If you are ready to uplevel your career, get unstuck or you are simply ready to unlock those leadership time-management techniques then join us in my monthly career & leadership coaching program exclusively for women in tech: https://www.tonicollis.com/academy  Catch the show notes, and more details about today's episode here: https://tonicollis.com/episode250 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.

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!  

Are you experiencing subtle burnout without even knowing it? The discussion highlights how burnout often manifests quietly, through fatigue, cynicism, and dwindling joy. Key indicators include emotional signs that go unnoticed, physical symptoms, and behaviors that reveal underlying issues. The podcast debunks the myth that burnout signifies weakness—it's often a sign of enduring too much without support. Listeners are encouraged to recognize these signals and adopt practical strategies for recovery, emphasizing the strength found in seeking help.