Leading Women in Tech Podcast

In a world that often celebrates the loudest voices, quiet, thoughtful leadership can be an incredible asset. If you're not comfortable with being in the limelight, that’s okay—embracing your natural introversion could be your secret to success.  Join me in this episode as I explore how being an introverted leader can enhance productivity, boost team morale, and give you informal influence without changing who you are. We’ll dive into the unique strengths of introverts, debunk common misconceptions, and share strategies for thriving as an introverted leader, in an extroverted world.  Ready to embrace your natural leadership style and thrive at work?  Let’s go to the show! I dive into: Understanding introversion and extroversion - which one are you? Introvert communication and leadership styles Debunking the most common misconceptions about introverts Strategies to help you thrive in your introverted leadership style My recipe for effective networking as an introvert And more   **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/episode223 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 this episode, I talk with Chief Product Officer Poornima Farrar about the challenges in tech recruitment and how HR needs to evolve to better support organizations. Poornima shares how her career journey has been shaped by HR, emphasizing the importance of embedding HR more deeply within teams while using data-driven strategies to drive success. We explore how the current recruitment process is failing both candidates and companies, and Poornima offers her insights on passive talent pools and innovative approaches to help fix this. We also dive into Poornima’s advice for women in product roles and the value of embracing cross-functional opportunities to grow in tech.  Join us for these helpful insights on where tech is falling short and how the combination of people and data can help us pave the way for the future of work. We dive into: Poornima’s career journey highlights & lowlights How HR has shaped her career and its strategic role in tech Where tech is failing us The biggest recruitment challenges (and the solutions!) Advice for women in product and embracing cross-functional roles And more   **Useful links** Connect with today’s guest and sponsor, Poornima: https://www.linkedin.com/in/spfarrar/   http://www.rival-hr.com    https://www.facebook.com/TheRivalHR/  Poornima’s current read: Yellowface by R.F. Kuang 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/episode222  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 ready to challenge the misconception that leadership requires being loud, or always in the spotlight? The truth is, quiet leadership can be even more powerful, with authenticity at its core. If you're a naturally quiet person, know that this doesn't limit your potential—it enhances it. In this episode, I dive into the myths around loud and quiet leadership, showing how leaning into your natural tendencies can make you a more authentic, impactful leader. Join me to explore the unique and powerful techniques of quiet leadership and how in the end, the best leaders are those who embrace their true selves, and in your quietness lies the power to inspire greatness in others. I dive into: The strength of quiet leadership: debunking the myth that leaders need to be loud to be effective Understanding introversion/extroversion in quiet leadership Essential qualities of the quiet leader The biggest challenges and opportunities for quiet leaders How to nurture more calmness in your leadership The role of quiet leaders in team dynamics And more **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/episode221 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 this episode, I’m joined by Vanessa Jupe, CEO and founder of Leva, a company dedicated to supporting mothers in the workplace. Vanessa shares her insights on the challenges new moms face, from identity loss to the cognitive and emotional impacts of motherhood, and the feelings of loneliness that often come with it. We discuss how to normalize conversations about what happens when someone has a child and explore holistic support systems for new parents, including mental health resources, lactation support, career coaching, and more. Vanessa also highlights the high rate of women leaving the workforce within a year of having a baby and the economic impact on companies. Ready to discover how organizations can better support new moms to thrive at work and learn practical strategies for balancing career and motherhood? Join us. We dive into: Normalizing conversations about the impact of motherhood on workplace morale and performance Holistic support systems for new parents: mental health resources, lactation support, nutrition, career coaching, and sleep The measurable benefits of companies supporting new moms Addressing gender bias and the importance of supporting non-birthing parents and all caregivers in the workplace Practical tips for new moms, including the importance of community, flexibility, and creating a re-entry plan after maternity leave And more   **Useful links** Connect with today’s guest, Vanessa Jupe: https://www.levaapp.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/levaapp/ https://www.instagram.com/leva.app/ https://www.youtube.com/@leva-app/ Vanessa’s current read: National Park Mystery Series 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/episode220 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.

Burnout is a pressing issue, especially in the tech industry, impacting career and personal well-being. Learn to recognize early signs and differentiate between chronic stress and ambition. Discover practical strategies to recharge and navigate social interactions, whether you're an introvert or extrovert. Explore the interplay between workplace stress and personal relationships, emphasizing the importance of early intervention. Leadership plays a crucial role in fostering a supportive environment that prevents burnout and enhances diversity.

If you've ever felt like you don't quite fit in or don't look like those around you, today’s guest will inspire you to recognize that your differences are not just an asset—they're the key to your extraordinary leadership potential.  In this episode, I invite Cheryl Johnson, the Chief Product and Technology Officer at Betterworks, to share how she found remarkable success by embracing what makes her different. Cheryl refers to her unique qualities as the "magic in her misfit," and her story is a powerful reminder that standing out can be your greatest strength. We explore her journey to becoming Chief Product and Technology Officer at Betterworks, highlighting key lessons from her time at Amazon and her transition into leadership. She discusses overcoming burnout, embracing her uniqueness, and the power of being a "misfit" in leadership. As Cheryl shares her experiences, you'll discover how being different makes you successful, especially in a world where companies constantly seek ways to differentiate. We dive into: Cheryl’s career journey to becoming Chief Product and Technology Officer at Betterworks Embracing your uniqueness and the power of being a "misfit" in leadership Overcoming burnout and finding balance in high-pressure environments The importance of authenticity, adaptability, and leading with humility And more **Useful links** Connect with today’s guest, Cheryl: W: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylporro W: https://www.betterworks.com Cheryl’s current read: New Happy by Stephanie Harrison 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/episode218  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, Cheryl Johnson. Thank you Cheryl for helping to bring Leading Women in Tech to this community!  

Job hunting can be a daunting rollercoaster, especially for women in tech. This discussion covers practical strategies for navigating today's competitive landscape, including tailored resumes and the importance of networking. Learn how to adapt to AI filters and master your job applications with effective tips. Delve into the shifting job market influenced by recessions and layoffs, and discover how tech impacts global crises. Plus, uncover mindset strategies for resilience during your job search. Get ready to empower your career!

Join Lindsay, a tech veteran with personal insights on burnout, Jen, a leading pro in the field sharing her experiences, and Allison, a thoughtful voice discussing challenges unique to women in tech. They dive into the realities of burnout, including personal stories, recognizing its signs, and coping strategies. Explore topics like the impact of micromanagement, the role of leadership in fostering supportive environments, and the importance of self-awareness and community in overcoming stress. Prepare for invaluable advice and relatable anecdotes!

Dive into the essential elements of executive presence and why they matter for women in tech. Discover how to balance confidence and humility while mastering body language and mindful communication. Explore realistic strategies to foster an impactful presence, avoiding the pitfalls of arrogance. Learn from personal anecdotes and client experiences, highlighting the power of feedback and self-reflection. This discussion emphasizes authentic leadership and the importance of psychological safety within teams for enhanced career advancement.

In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Kris Baker, the president of leading sports tech company Demosphere. Kris's journey to success is anything but a straight line—it's a series of bold leaps and reinventions that have led her to where she is today. Her zigzag career path, filled with setbacks, misfires, and missteps, has not hindered her success but rather fueled it. Kris shares how she has identified and acted on opportunities with courage, stepping away from toxic environments and making purposeful decisions that have been fundamental to her growth and resilience. We explore the importance of embracing a zigzag career journey, understanding how these leaps can shape your leadership and personal career path. Whether you’re feeling trapped in your career or looking for inspiration to take control and reinvent yourself - tune in to learn how to navigate your own zigzag path to success and take crucial leaps of faith to become a stronger, more resilient leader. We dive into: Kris’s zigzag career journey and how it has fueled her success Taking leaps of faith and creating purposeful goals that are right for YOU Culture, leadership, and toxicity Kris’s insights on career development and job searching strategies Exploring the zig-zag approach to your career And more   **Useful links** Connect with today’s guest and sponsor, Kris Baker: Follow Demosphere:  W: www.demosphere.com,  LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/demosphere-inc/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/demosphere IG: https://instagram.com/demosphere  Follow Kris:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristbaker/ Kris’ book recommendations:  The Purpose of Your Life by Carol Adrienne Dare to Lead by Brené Brown 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/episode214  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, Kris Baker of Demosphere. Thank you Kris for helping to bring Leading Women in Tech to this community!