Leadership Archives - Toni Collis

262: How to Disagree with Your Boss and Not Lose Your Job

Want to speak up at work—without risking your reputation or your sanity?
In this episode, we’re diving into one of the most uncomfortable (and essential) leadership skills: how to disagree with your boss in a way that’s grounded in confidence, emotional intelligence, and strategic communication for executives.
Whether you’re navigating power dynamics, trying to avoid “yes culture,” or just want to be heard in high-stakes meetings—this episode gives you the mindset, the frameworks, and the scripts for challenging conversations at work that actually protect your leadership brand.

261: Leading Smarter, Not Harder with Amber Winter

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.

260: How to Be Professionally Blunt (Without Being Rude) | Leadership Communication Skills for Women in Tech

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.

259: From Startup to Strategy: How to Spot Strategic Gaps & Lead with Confidence with Ashley Wright

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.

258: Freeze, Ramble, Go Silent? Coach Yourself in Real Time

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.

257: The Job Market Shift: A Playbook for Landing Your Next Role As A Woman in Tech

Are you wasting precious time in your job search without realizing it?
In today’s volatile job market, especially for women in tech, using the wrong strategies can cost you months of progress—and countless missed opportunities.
Before you polish that resume or fire off another LinkedIn message, hit pause. This episode lays out the real dynamics of today’s job market and gives you a proven playbook to navigate it with clarity, confidence, and intention.
We dig into the tough truths about what’s changed, why old advice doesn’t work anymore, and how women in tech can stand out by leading with strategy and resilience. From AI-filtered resumes to hidden opportunities, we break it all down—so you don’t waste your energy doing the wrong things.

256: No More Crickets: The Networking Strategy That Lands Jobs in 2025

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.

255: What Happens When You Don’t Want the CEO Job… But Take It Anyway – with Christine Spang

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.

254: The Invisible Load: Leadership Shouldn’t Cost Your Wellbeing

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

253: Standing Her Ground: Sophronia McKenzie on Assertiveness and Leadership in Tech

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

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