Leading Women in Tech Podcast

In times of uncertainty and change, how do we lead in a way that keeps people at the center? With shifting workplace dynamics, evolving leadership expectations, and constant pressure to adapt to the high-tech world, it’s easy to get caught up in the mechanics of leadership and forget the human side of it. In this conversation, I sit down with Jen Croneberger, an expert in relational leadership, to talk about what it really takes to build strong, connected teams. She introduces her BRAVE methodology—belonging, resilience, authenticity, vulnerability, and empathy—and shares why these qualities are more important than ever. We dig into the realities of leadership today—how AI is changing the way we work and why technology can enhance efficiency, but it can’t replace human connection. From navigating tough conversations to balancing performance with people, this episode is packed with insights for leaders who want to show up with confidence and heart. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why relational leadership is more important than ever How to build a workplace culture based on trust, inclusion, and belonging The BRAVE methodology and how it strengthens leadership effectiveness How AI is impacting leadership and decision-making—and what it can’t replace How to lead teams through change, uncertainty, and ethical challenges Why human skills—like empathy and emotional intelligence—are the new hard skills And more! "Human skills are the new hard skills. The best leaders prioritize connection, trust, and emotional intelligence to build thriving teams." – Jen Croneberger How are you bringing humanity into your leadership? Share your thoughts and subscribe for more expert insights on leadership, team performance, and workplace culture.   **Useful links** Connect with today’s guest and sponsor, Jen Croneberger: Website: https://thehli.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/humanleadershipinstitute  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jencroneberger/  Jen’s current read: The Pivot Year by Brianna Wiest 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/episode246 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 sponsored by our guest, Jen Croneberger. Thank you Jen for helping to bring Leading Women in Tech to this community!  

Could your leadership style be unintentionally sabotaging your team's success? Leadership isn’t just about giving orders—it’s about fostering trust, respect, and open communication. But what if your well-meaning approach is actually damaging team morale and productivity without you even realizing it? In this eye-opening episode, I reveal the 9 subtle yet destructive passive-aggressive leadership behaviors that could be eroding your team's effectiveness. Learn how these hidden habits affect workplace dynamics and gain practical strategies to shift from indirect communication to authentic, impactful leadership. "Passive-aggressive behaviors are not inherent. They aren't something we absolutely have to have, but we all have them because the world we live in often models them for us." - Toni What You'll Learn in This Episode: The 9 most common passive-aggressive leadership traits How indirect communication weakens team dynamics The true emotional and professional cost of passive-aggressive behavior Actionable strategies to improve leadership communication How to build a culture of trust, transparency, and collaboration And more! After listening, take the self-reflection challenge—identify one passive-aggressive habit in your own leadership style and commit to changing it. Share your insights with me on LinkedIn or Instagram.   **Useful links** Grab my free passive-aggressive cheat sheet: https://www.tonicollis.com/stopbeingpassive 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/episode245  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 what separates a great founder from a great CEO? Or how some startups seem to move effortlessly while others struggle to find their footing? In this episode, I sit down with Leslie Fine, Managing Partner at Enjoy The Work, to unpack the transition from founder to CEO. Leslie shares hard-earned lessons from her own journey—starting in academia and moving into startup leadership—and reveals the essential skills every aspiring CEO needs. From mastering the rhythm of a startup to navigating fundraising and leadership challenges, this episode is packed with insights for women in tech who are ready to take the leap into leadership. "Every CEO was a first-time CEO once. Leadership is a craft. It's a learnable skill. People talk about leadership like it's some mystical quality that you either have or you don't, but it's something you can learn and improve." – Leslie Fine What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The key differences between a founder and a CEO—and why mastering both is crucial The three pillars of leadership every startup CEO must develop How to set clear goals and lead with accountability Why understanding the rhythm of a startup is essential for scaling successfully The five major phases of a startup and how to act stage-appropriately How to decide if venture capital is the right fit for your business The three main jobs of a CEO that define long-term success After listening to this episode, take a moment to reflect: Are you operating as a founder or truly stepping into the role of a CEO? Write down the three biggest leadership skills you need to develop to take your startup to the next level. Share your insights with us on LinkedIn or Instagram, and tag me—I’d love to hear your takeaways! **Useful links** Connect with today’s guest and sponsor, Leslie Fine: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lfine Website: enjoythework.com Enjoy The Work:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/etw-advisors/ https://x.com/EnjoyTheWork Leslie’s current read: Quit by Annie Duke 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/episode244  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 sponsored by our guest, Leslie Fine of Enjoy The Work. Thank you Leslie for helping to bring Leading Women in Tech to this community!  

Are you struggling to feel heard in meetings and frustrated by misaligned conversations with your boss or team? In a world where 70% of workplace mistakes stem from communication breakdowns, your voice isn't just a tool—it's your leadership superpower. But if you’re not using it effectively, you risk misalignment, micromanagement, and stalled progress. In this episode, I dive into the strategies you need to master leadership communication, coach upwards, and navigate challenging workplace dynamics. You'll hear about Sarah, a leader who transformed her relationship with a micromanaging boss through proactive updates, clear expectations, and boundary-setting. Plus, I break down practical tools to handle pushback, communicate with confidence, and build trust with your team. "Mastering communication isn't just about speaking up, it's about truly understanding and empathizing and adapting to the needs of those around you." What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The root cause of communication gaps—and how to bridge them How to proactively update your boss to reduce unnecessary check-ins The key to setting clear expectations and owning your autonomy Practical strategies for handling pushback with confidence The role of empathy and active listening in leadership And more Want to improve your leadership communication and coach upwards with confidence? Tune in now! **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/episode243  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.

Struggling with imposter syndrome? You’re not alone. Many high-achievers experience self-doubt, but what if imposter syndrome wasn’t a weakness—but a hidden strength? In this episode, I explore how to reframe imposter syndrome as your superpower and how this surprising tool can help you with career growth, resilience, and innovation. Learn how to shift your mindset, overcome perfectionism, and use imposter syndrome to fuel success rather than fear. Whether you're dealing with self-doubt at work, in leadership, or in creative pursuits, these strategies will help you turn imposter syndrome into an advantage. I dive into: 5 ways to turn your imposter syndrome into a superpower Facing avoidance, self-criticism, and self-doubt The power of curiosity in overcoming imposter syndrome Perfectionism: How to use it without letting it control you How imposter syndrome fosters diverse perspectives and innovation Building resilience through imposter syndrome  Practical steps to overcome imposter syndrome And more Start seeing imposter syndrome as a tool for success rather than a limitation. Tune in and start turning doubt into your greatest advantage!   **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/episode242 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.  

Curious about how executives really allocate their time? Discover the value of strategic thinking over tactical execution. Learn how strategic pauses can empower your team to problem-solve independently. Explore the key differences between strategy and tactics, plus essential mindset shifts for effective delegation. Uncover practical steps to build trust and let go of control. Finally, master your time management with the 30-60-10 rule to focus on high-impact work and avoid burnout. A must-listen for aspiring leaders!

In this episode, I sit down with Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya, a trailblazing STEM leader, engineer, and advocate for diversity in STEM. From her early years in Nigeria to her leadership role in the U.S. energy sector, Adaeze shares how she navigated challenges, broke barriers, and turned her cultural identity into a powerful asset for innovation and leadership. We explore the role of mentorship, representation, and community in career success, along with her mission to uplift African women in STEM. Whether you're an aspiring engineer, a STEM professional, or a leader looking to foster diverse perspectives, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. We dive into: Adaeze’s career journey from Nigeria to leadership in the U.S. energy sector Overcoming challenges as an African woman in STEM How cultural identity plays a powerful role in innovation and leadership The importance of mentorship and community in professional growth How she founded African Women in STEM and her vision for global impact A real-world example of using cultural perspectives to resolve project conflicts Actionable advice for aspiring STEM leaders And more "Your Leadership Readiness Checklist" is a free resource designed to help ambitious professionals ensure all aspects of their careers are aligned. https://link.africanwomeninstem.com/LeadingWomenInTechPodcast **Useful links** Connect with today’s guest and sponsor, Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya: Website address: https://africanwomeninstem.com/ LinkedIn URL: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adaeze-iloeje-udeogalanya/ Instagram URL: https://www.instagram.com/africanwomenin_stem/ Check out Adaeze’s ‘Leadership Readiness Checklist’:  https://link.africanwomeninstem.com/LeadingWomenInTechPodcast Adaeze’s current read: Be your future self now by Dr Benjamin Hardy 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/episode240 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 sponsored by our guest, Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya. Thank you Adaeze for helping to bring Leading Women in Tech to this community!

Sales aren’t just for salespeople—they play a crucial role in the success of every part of an organization. In this episode, I sit down with extraordinary sales leader Colleen Watson to explore why every executive, regardless of department, needs to understand the sales function for leadership effectiveness and long-term business growth. Whether you’re directly in sales or not, this conversation will change the way you think about leadership, influence, and driving business success. Join us! We dive into: How sales impacts every part of an organization and drives executive alignment Why a consistent sales methodology benefits leaders across all departments The most common misconceptions about sales—and why they’re wrong How cross-functional collaboration with sales strengthens business strategy The role of personality and communication styles in effective sales and leadership And more **Useful links** Connect with today’s guest and sponsor, Colleen:  https://go.sandler.com/watson/  Colleen’s current read: Be Your Future Self Now: The Science of Intentional Transformation by Benjamin P. Hardy The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins 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/episode239  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.

Discover how to elevate your leadership from reactive firefighting to strategic thinking. Uncover the story of a Director of Engineering who transformed her approach, gaining a promotion in just eight months. Learn the power of authentic confidence to delegate tasks and tackle imposter syndrome. Explore methods for making high-impact decisions with long-term benefits. Shift your mindset from identifying problems to embracing solutions, as you develop a vision-driven leadership style.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to become a true change agent as a leader? Or how to future-proof your leadership career in 2025 and beyond? In a world where technical skills alone are no longer enough, the ability to facilitate conversations, drive alignment, and unlock the potential of teams has become the missing piece in modern leadership. Today’s guest, Therese Miclot, shares the one skill that sets impactful leaders apart: facilitation. We explore why facilitation is essential for scaling organizations, fostering engagement, and leading with impact—and provide practical tips on the art of inclusive meetings, including how to balance authority and approachability and why great facilitators make the best problem solvers. Whether you're leading a small team or a global organization, facilitation can be your secret weapon for driving change and future-proofing your career. Don’t miss this conversation! We dive into: How facilitation skills can future-proof your career, helping you become a more adaptable, resilient, and sought-after leader in any industry Practical facilitation techniques for removing obstacles and making meetings more productive and inclusive Why self-talk is your hidden leadership nemesis and how it shapes your ability to facilitate effectively The power of trust-building and executive presence—and why the most effective leaders don’t just talk, they activate others through facilitation And more   **Useful links** Connect with today’s guest and sponsor, Therese Miclot:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresemiclot/ https://www.thefacilitationadvantage.com/ https://www.theresemiclot.com/ 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/episode237 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 sponsored by our guest, Therese Miclot. Thank you Therese for helping to bring Leading Women in Tech to this community!