

Leading Women in Tech Podcast
Toni Collis
For ambitious women ready to rise, lead, and thrive — without burning out.
Are you delivering results… but still waiting to be seen as a true leader?
Tired of performance reviews with praise — but no promotion?
Hosted by Dr. Toni Collis, executive coach for women in tech, this podcast is your go-to leadership toolkit. Whether you're a rising Director, lone female VP, or overextended operator tired of being overlooked — you're in the right place.
Each week, Toni shares real-world leadership strategies, career advancement frameworks, and executive presence tools to help you:
✅ Build strategic visibility
✅ Communicate like a trusted exec
✅ Navigate politics with integrity
✅ Advocate for yourself (without overworking)
✅ Lead with confidence, clarity, and influence
You’ll also hear powerful interviews with women who’ve paved the way — and candid conversations on the unspoken challenges women face in male-dominated industries.
✨ If you're ready to go from “she’s great” to “she’s the obvious next Exec” — hit follow.
Are you delivering results… but still waiting to be seen as a true leader?
Tired of performance reviews with praise — but no promotion?
Hosted by Dr. Toni Collis, executive coach for women in tech, this podcast is your go-to leadership toolkit. Whether you're a rising Director, lone female VP, or overextended operator tired of being overlooked — you're in the right place.
Each week, Toni shares real-world leadership strategies, career advancement frameworks, and executive presence tools to help you:
✅ Build strategic visibility
✅ Communicate like a trusted exec
✅ Navigate politics with integrity
✅ Advocate for yourself (without overworking)
✅ Lead with confidence, clarity, and influence
You’ll also hear powerful interviews with women who’ve paved the way — and candid conversations on the unspoken challenges women face in male-dominated industries.
✨ If you're ready to go from “she’s great” to “she’s the obvious next Exec” — hit follow.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 9, 2024 • 28min
182: Beyond Resolutions: Transformative Annual Planning for the Visionary Woman in Tech
January offers a unique opportunity for a fresh start beyond personal resolutions, my love. Let’s talk about making a strategic and transformative annual plan for your professional journey! In today’s episode, I want to help you take advantage of the “fresh start effect” and give you the tools you need to plan for your professional future as a visionary woman in tech. Whether you’re planning for an even better year in a career that already lights you up, or you’re ready to take the journey towards finding a job you LOVE, this one’s for you. Ready for a lit-up career of big plans & big celebrations? Let’s go to the show! I dive into: The “Fresh Start Effect” and how it can help you achieve your 2024 goals How to avoid the pitfall of concurrent goals (and other challenges you need to look out for!) Why your North Star is vital to the annual planning process My TOP TIPS for realistic planning as a visionary - and what to avoid! Should we continue planning when we’re in burnout? 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/episode182 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.

Jan 2, 2024 • 37min
181: The Importance of the Open Door with Trina Martin
How can we help to break the barriers between underrepresented groups and executive leadership? Let’s talk about the importance of the open door. In today’s episode, I invite CEO, author, and speaker, Trina Martin, to share her experience as a founder, woman of color, and champion for changing the future of leadership. We discuss people pleasing, scarcity mindset, and how we can break barriers and open the door to help each other reach the top. Ready to change leadership for the better? Let’s go to the show! We dive into: Trina’s diverse career background and journey to founding her professional development firm Breaking the barriers to the top for women and other underrepresented groups How you can be a better ally in your leadership career The ways people-pleasing could be holding you back Holding onto your feminine energy as you rise to higher-level roles Her best advice to help you release the mindset of scarcity And more **Useful links** Connect with today’s guest Trina Martin: W: https://trinalmartin.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trina-l-martin/ Trina’s current read: Disruptive Thinking: A Daring Strategy to Change How We Live, Lead, and Love by T.D. Jakes 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/episode181 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.

Dec 19, 2023 • 40min
180: Why Women-Led Companies Generate More Unicorns with Manuela Seve
Are you working towards becoming a founder one day? If you want to start your own company but feel some resistance towards taking the first step, this one’s for you, my love! Let’s talk about why women-led companies are more successful and the important things to consider before going all-in on chasing your dreams. In today’s episode, I invite Co-founder & CEO of Alphaa.io, Manuela Seve, to discuss her journey to founding her own company. We discuss why female-led companies generate more unicorns, some of the things to ask yourself if you’re considering starting your own company, and the important first steps you can take right now toward becoming a female founder. Ready to knock down some of those barriers to starting your own company? Let’s go to the show! We dive into: Manu’s career journey to becoming a Founder & CEO Her BIGGEST lessons from becoming a female founder The powerful catalyst that had her redefining success in her life & business Manu’s BEST advice for becoming a female founder Why women-led companies generate more success How to remove the blocks, get off the fence, and go all-in on becoming a female founder And more **Useful links** Connect with today’s guest, Manuela (Manu) Seve: https://www.alphaa.io/ https://www.instagram.com/manuseve/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/manuseve/ Manu’s current read: Book: have a book club. Just finished Zen Mind/Beginners Mind. Great starter for Zen Buddhism. Alan Watts lectures - on audible. New book: a course in miracles. Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind: Informal Talks on Zen Meditation and Practice by Shunryu Suzuki A Course in Miracles by Helen Schucman Alan Watts Lectures on Audible 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/episode180 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.

Dec 12, 2023 • 24min
179:The Sunday Scaries
You know the feeling…as the weekend winds down, a sense of unease creeps in and casts a shadow over your last precious hours of relaxation. This feeling is referred to as the “Sunday Scaries”, and today we’re talking about the ways to overcome it! In today’s episode, I’m exploring the Sunday Scaries, why they pose such a challenge to our well-being, and most importantly - how to conquer them! Ready to ditch the dread of returning to work and move into healthy anticipation instead? Let’s go to the show! I dive into: Determining if the Sunday Scaries are affecting you or your team The MOST COMMON causes of the Sunday Scaries Why the effects of this Sunday dread can be a hindrance to building an effective team What you can do about your Sunday Scaries & how to help your team overcome it too! Why “staying for your team” can be problematic Learning to hold pressure vs. knowing when to release it 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/episode179 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.

Dec 5, 2023 • 20min
178: How to Lead and Retain High Performers
Can you imagine the extraordinary things that would be possible if you were leading your ideal team? Let’s talk about how to lead and retain high-performers! In today’s episode, I discuss the unique characteristics of high-performers, effective strategies to engage & motivate them, and how to create an environment where high-performers can truly thrive. Ready to build a team that is entirely high-performance moving forward? Let’s go to the show! I dive into: The hallmarks of a high performer & how to attract and keep them Leadership traits you need to focus on to keep high-performers on your team How to avoid your high-performer feeling neglected or taken for granted Why you need to be willing to give your high-performer growth opportunities The BIGGEST challenges to leading high-performers How you should lead differently with a high-performer vs. a low-performer 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/episode178 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.

Nov 21, 2023 • 25min
177: What to Do When You Inherit a Crisis
Whether you join a new team, get a promotion, or find yourself in a company restructure, at some point, you might find yourself cleaning up someone else’s mess. How are you going to handle inheriting this crisis, my love? In today’s episode, I’m diving into another important crisis management topic: what to do when you inherit a crisis. I discuss how to diagnose the issue, the biggest traps to avoid as you navigate it, and the practical tools you need to manage the crisis and come out the other side with improved team performance and trust. Ready to grow your resiliency & uplevel your leadership with this next challenge? Let’s go to the show! I dive into: Properly diagnosing & addressing an inherited business crisis Practical leadership tips for handling a crisis in your first 90 days 2 of the BIGGEST traps to avoid when tackling an inherited crisis Immediate action vs. the long-term fix: identifying & accounting for your natural problem-solving tendencies Tracking your progress toward the end goal What to do as the crisis begins to resolve (and what to avoid) 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/episode177 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.

Nov 14, 2023 • 41min
176: The Role Of Our Subconscious Mind In Our Careers with Amira Alvarez
Can you get better results in your career by shifting your leadership perspective? Let’s talk about the role of the subconscious mind in our careers. In today’s episode, I invite visionary leader, entrepreneur, and former woman in tech, Amira Alvarez, to share her inspirational work helping women get intentional about their choices so they can get what they deserve in their careers (whether it’s a dream role or a dream salary)! We dive into how she utilized the lowlights in her career to propel her forward, how your subconscious mind plays a role in your leadership, and how you can shift your leadership perspective to see big results. Ready to step into your full leadership potential? Let’s go to the show! We dive into: Amira’s career journey and her BIGGEST learnings from the lowlights The role of the subconscious mind in your leadership and how it plays a role in your boundary-setting Desires vs. goals, and exploring what you truly want Breaking down the 3 components of The Law of Compensation so you can get the salary you deserve! And more **Useful links** Connect with today’s guest, Amira Alvarez: W: www.theunstoppablewoman.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theunstoppablewomanwithamiraalvarez/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alvarezamira Join Amira’s Retreat in 2024: The Exquisite Life Plan Event Listen to The Unstoppable Woman podcast: https://theunstoppablewoman.com/listen/ Amira’s current read: The Masculine in Relationship: A Blueprint for Inspiring the Trust, Lust, and Devotion of a Strong Woman, by G.S. Youngblood 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/episode176 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.

Nov 7, 2023 • 43min
175: Respect as a Workplace Asset with Gena Cox
What is at the center of your inclusion efforts, my love? Let’s talk about how focusing on respect can propel your organization and team to their highest potential! In today’s episode, I invite Dr. Gena Cox, trained organizational psychologist and executive strategist & coach, to have an important conversation about leadership and the power of respect as a workplace asset. Ready for the heart-centered approach to inclusion that you’ve been searching for? Let’s go to the show! We dive into: Gena’s career journey to organizational psychology Why she focuses on respect as a KEY outcome The challenges of the immigrant experience in the workplace A VITAL leadership solution to bridging inclusion gaps The practical reasons we should focus on DEI in our organizations Respect - the 3 components & its importance as a corporate value And more **Useful links** Connect with today’s guest Gena Cox W: https://www.genacox.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genacox/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/genacoxphd/ Check out Gena’s Book Leading Inclusion. Gena’s current read: The Mirrored Door by Ellen Taaffe 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/episode175 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.

Oct 31, 2023 • 25min
174: What to do when you inherit an underperformer
Inheriting an underperforming team member is definitely a challenge, but don’t be discouraged - it is manageable! Let’s talk about what to do when you inherit an underperformer. In today’s episode, I’m diving into this true leadership topic and giving you my TOP TIPS for effectively managing your new team member so you can do what is best for your team and organization. Ready to explore some performance improvement tools and the skills you need to make the best leadership decisions possible? Let’s go to the show! I dive into: The MOST IMPORTANT things you need to know about inheriting an underperformer Tackling problems quickly with your new team member Dealing with gossip and holding off judgment The importance of the observation stage & why documenting everything is vital My TOP TIPS for an effective PIP (performance improvement plan) - and why this needs to be a last resort! How to know if exiting the team member is the next necessary step And more **Useful links** Want to learn more about your first 90 days in a new role? Check out Episode 148: Your First 90 Days in a New Role 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/episode174 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.

Oct 24, 2023 • 40min
173: Becoming a Technical Leader Without Learning to Code with Schlaine Hutchins
Does it feel like there’s only one path to landing your dream role? (hint: there are actually many, my love!) Let’s talk about becoming a technical leader with the skills that actually light you up! In today’s episode, I invite Global Information Security Leader & coach, Schlaine Hutchins, to share her unique journey into cybersecurity and how she became a tech leader - without learning to code! We dive into self-doubt & self-belief, managing vs. leading, and how to be better allies to women of color while creating our own unique paths to success. Ready to carve your own way to tech leadership? Let’s go to the show! We dive into: Schlaine’s unique career journey to cybersecurity leadership How you could be restricting your own career path - and what to do instead! Normalizing self-doubt and working towards more self-belief in your life and career The difference between management and leadership - and why we need both Inclusivity in the tech industry & how we can be better allies #1 piece of advice if you’re looking to pivot in your career And more **Useful links** Connect with today’s guest, Schlaine Hutchins: W: https://www.tlifecoachllc.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/schlainehutchins/ Schlaine’s current read: Parable of the Talents by Octavia E. Butler 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/episode173 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.