Leading Women in Tech Podcast

What if the smartest thing you could do as a leader... was make yourself unnecessary?  In an era where AI is changing how we work and lead, tech executive Amber Winter proves that success isn’t about working harder—it’s about working smarter.  From her start as a marketing coordinator to becoming CEO in just eight years, Amber shares how she’s used continuous learning, smart delegation, and artificial intelligence to lead high-performing teams without burning out. In this episode, she opens up about what it really takes to scale your leadership while staying human in a tech-driven world.  "Relationships are your superpower." — Amber Winter Amber reminds us that even with AI on your side, people still matter most. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How Amber uses AI tools to scenario-plan, prioritize, and problem-solve on the fly Her "tour of duty" approach to leadership—and why it's a game-changer for growth What she learned from creating AI agents for her teams (and trying to make herself unnecessary) A real talk moment that taught her the power of clear, human-centered communication The career path that took her from coordinator to CEO to CRO—without following a traditional roadmap Why treating people as individuals (not resources) leads to stronger results How AI can help uncover blind spots, support strategic thinking, and prep leaders for tough conversations  ✨ Want to lead smarter, not harder? Start by reflecting on how you show up—and where AI   can amplify your strengths. 🎧 Listen now and discover how modern leadership can be both high-tech and deeply human.  **Useful links** Connect with today’s guest and sponsor, Amber Winter from SuiteDynamics: W:  www.suitedynamics.io  LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/amberrwinter  Amber’s current read: How To Raise Successful People: Simple Lessons for Radical Results by Esther Wojcicki 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/episode261  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, SuiteDynamics. Thank you Amber and SuiteDynamics for helping to bring Leading Women in Tech to this community!  

Have you ever sugarcoated feedback to avoid hurting someone’s feelings? Or avoided a tough conversation because it just felt too uncomfortable? In this episode of Leading Women in Tech, I’m diving into how to be professionally blunt—the leadership communication skill that will help you be more respected, more effective, and build high-performing teams with less confusion and more trust. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:  Why we default to vague or “nice” communication The high cost of avoiding direct conversations What professional bluntness actually looks like (hint: it’s not rudeness) How to give feedback at work with clarity and kindness Language you can use to be clear without being harsh Mindset shifts to expand your emotional capacity as a leader The ripple effect of clarity in leadership communication And more! If you're ready to stop sugarcoating, speak with confidence, and develop powerful direct communication in leadership—this one's for you. Check out episode 245 on passive-aggressive leadership tendencies and how to shift them: https://tonicollis.com/episode245 👇 PLUS: Want help implementing this in your leadership style? 💬 Book a free strategy call with me to explore how executive coaching can help you develop your voice, lead with clarity, and elevate your influence: 👉 https://tonicollis.com/lets-chat  ✨ If you found this helpful, hit the like button, subscribe, and share this with another woman in tech leadership who’s ready to level up their communication.  

Are you missing the strategic blind spots that could unlock your next big move? What if the key to leveling up your leadership wasn’t in working harder—but in thinking more strategically?   In this episode, we sit down with serial entrepreneur and strategy expert Ashley Wright, who shares how to spot the hidden gaps that slow teams down—and how to shift from reactive mode to confident, forward-thinking leadership.   With stories from her time at General Mills, launching an AI-driven startup in the green industry, and guiding founders through major pivots, Ashley brings a rare mix of big-picture vision and tactical insight. Whether you’re leading a team or building your own thing, this episode will help you lead with clarity, context, and purpose.   "You can either live your life trying to make someone else's dream happen, or live it trying to make yours happen." — Ashley Wright   What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How to identify strategic gaps before they become roadblocks What “Why me? Why now?” means—and why every founder needs to answer it How to make confident decisions from a place of opportunity, not fear The role of AI in niche industries (and why humans still matter) How to lead diverse teams with authenticity and clear deliverables What it looks like to play to win instead of playing catch-up The mindset shift that turns early-stage chaos into long-term clarity   🎧 Loved Ashley's insights? Take 5 minutes to reflect: Where are the strategic gaps in your work or team?   **Useful links** Connect with today’s guest, Ashley Wright: Connect with Ashley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleywright3/  Follow Plantista:  On Indiegogo: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/plantista-fire-wise-ai-landscapes-for-all#/  Web: https://plantista.ai/ On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/getplantista/  Ashley’s current read:  Secrets of the Sprakkar: Iceland's Extraordinary Women and How They Are Changing the World by Eliza Reid  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/episode259  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.  

Ever freeze mid-sentence in a meeting? Start rambling when challenged? Or walk away thinking, “Why didn’t I speak up?” You’re not alone. This episode is going to be your go-to toolkit for navigating those high-pressure moments with more clarity and confidence. In this episode, I unpack what pressure really does to high-achieving women — and more importantly, how to coach yourself through it in real time, even when your heart is racing and your voice feels like it’s vanished. If you’ve ever wanted to feel more grounded, more articulate, and more in control under fire, this one’s for you. "Leadership isn't about what you say out loud, it's about what you say to yourself before you open your mouth." — Toni Collis What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why freezing, rambling, or going silent is NOT a sign of incompetence How to interrupt the “pressure spiral” before it derails your confidence Micro self-coaching tools — no journaling required Shifting from reactive to grounded leadership in high-stakes situations How to apply my “Hold, Don’t Carry” method so you stop replaying every meeting in your head Using the Say It Like a Leader script pack to pair inner clarity with outer confidence And more! This is for you if: You’ve ever walked out of a meeting replaying every word You freeze, clam-up and worry about speaking up You get frustrated when interrupted or dismissed You want to build executive presence without faking it You’re navigating pressure, visibility, or senior rooms and want to show up powerfully — even when interrupted, dismissed, or put on the spot   **Useful links** Download the free companion guide: Say It Like a Leader: https://tonicollis.com/sayitlikealeader Want to learn more about the concept of Hold Don’t Carry? Listen to Episode 195: Hold Don’t Carry with Lindsay White here: https://tonicollis.com/episode195  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/episode258 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 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.