Leading Women in Tech Podcast

In this episode, I'm joined by business transformation and AI expert Charlene Li for an insightful conversation on embracing AI and rethinking leadership to disrupt the status quo. Charlene shares her career journey and stresses the need for leaders to embrace AI, not just for efficiency, but to foster bold innovation. We discuss the current wave of layoffs, often due to mismanagement and a lack of disruptive thinking, and how AI can help leaders as we shift focus to asking the right questions and driving meaningful change. We also explore using AI as a coach, practical advice for creating your own personal AI strategy, and building an organizational culture that thrives on innovation. If you're ready to rethink disruption and lead with a growth mindset, this episode will inspire you to run toward change rather than avoid it! We dive into: Charlene's career journey and experience with disruption The power of AI in leadership and how it can free leaders to focus on high-level tasks Layoffs and mismanagement in today's business environment The #1 thing Charlene tells people starting to work with AI How to create a personal AI leadership strategy The inevitable nature of disruption: how to prepare for it and why you should Using AI as a coach and the importance of fostering an innovative organizational culture And more **Useful links** Connect with today's guest and check out her books at: W: http://charleneli.com LI: https://linkedin.com/in/charleneli FB: https://facebook.com/charleneliauthor Charlene's current read: How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie 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/episode225 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, we're diving into the concept of encore careers with special guest Michelle Prince, executive coach and author of "Creating Your Encore Career". Together, we explore why your career shouldn't end when you reach a certain age or financial milestone. Instead, this is the perfect time to transform, redefine your purpose, and make a lasting impact by leveraging the skills you've developed over your career journey. Michelle shares insights from her book, guiding us through the importance of bringing your gifts to the world in new and meaningful ways. We discuss her career journey, how balancing family, career, and personal ambitions requires resilience and agility, and her practical advice on creating your own opportunities, regardless of age. If you're nearing retirement or simply curious about what your next chapter could look like, this episode is packed with actionable advice on how to redefine what retirement means to you and chart a path that feels purposeful and fulfilling. We dive into: Michelle's powerful career journey What encore careers are and why they matter How to be your own opportunity catalyst Strategies for planning your encore career and overcoming challenges like ageism and stereotypes Financial considerations for your next phase of life And more **Useful links** Connect with today's guest and sponsor, Michelle Prince: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-prince-dm https://www.linkedin.com/company/mprince-consulting Michelle's current read: The Women by Kristin Hannah 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/episode224 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 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!