Leading Women in Tech Podcast

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.

Wondering if it’s time to leave your job, launch your business, or finally take that big leap? In this powerful episode, I talk with Mary Rombaut, startup founder and working mom of three, about how to overcome fear, escape toxic work environments, and take bold, intentional steps in your career. Within just 12 months, Mary made two major career changes while raising young children—and built her company Recommenda to help entrepreneurs make smarter marketing tech decisions. We explore how to let go of what’s no longer serving you, how to balance career and personal life, and how to move forward with clarity and confidence. Whether you're a leader, entrepreneur, or simply at a crossroads in your professional journey, this conversation will challenge you to face your fears—and take action. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How to recognize fear and self-doubt as the biggest barriers to career growth How to leave a toxic job without guilt—and why job tenure isn’t always a strength Mary’s mindset and system for managing time and energy while launching a startup Why mission-driven leadership and intentional career moves matter more than ever How to ask for help, build your village, and lean into support as a leader Advice for new entrepreneurs and leaders considering their next big career step The importance of self-belief, personal investment, and strategic decision-making How to balance being a parent, professional, and startup founder without burning out And more! “Fall into your fears. You have to own them—you have to acknowledge them. The sooner you start falling into them, the growth and the amazing achievements are really going to start.” – Mary Rombaut    What's Stopping You From Taking the Next Step? Listen now and start taking action on your next bold move-–and share with a friend who’s stuck in indecision or dreaming about something bigger.   **Useful links** Connect with today’s guest and sponsor, Mary: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-rombaut-ed-d-363bb621 Reommenda: www.yourrecommenda.com R-Squared Solutions: www.r-squaredsolutionsllc.com  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@yourrecommenda  Mary’s current read: The Six Wives of Henry VIII by Alison Weir 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/episode247 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.

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!  

Feeling overlooked in meetings? Discover how effective communication can empower your leadership. Learn about strategies to bridge communication gaps and set clear expectations. Hear a case study of a leader who transformed a micromanagement dynamic through proactive updates. Uncover practical tools for handling pushback with confidence and the crucial role of empathy in fostering trust. Mastering communication isn't just about speaking; it’s about understanding and adapting to the needs of those around you.

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!