THE PODCAST

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Innovation | Leadership | Creativity

The podcast that helps women in tech accelerate their influence, step into their dream leadership career and break through the glass ceiling.

Podcast cover image episode 256: No More Crickets: The Networking Strategy That Lands Jobs in 2025

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.

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

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.

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Podcast cover image episode 255 Leading Women In Tech Podcast, Episode 254 - The Invisible Load: Leadership Shouldn’t Cost Your Wellbeing

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

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Leading Women In Tech Podcast, Episode 253 - Standing Her Ground: Sophronia McKenzie on Assertiveness and Leadership in Tech

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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252: How to Think Like a Leader Instead of Just Another Employee

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

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Podcast cover image episode: 251: How to Think Like a Leader Instead of Just Another Employee

251: 10 Lessons I Wish I Knew 20 Years Ago: Elisabeth Bykoff’s Advice for Women in Leadership

What if the only thing standing between you and the career you dream of… is the belief that you’re not ready yet?

Far too many brilliant women delay bold moves, silenced by doubt or the weight of invisible barriers. In this powerful episode, Elisabeth Bykoff—seasoned consultant, startup leader, and now founder—opens up about the 10 game-changing lessons she wishes she knew two decades ago. From navigating bias in male-dominated industries and silencing self-doubt, to building a strong network of mentors and allies, Elisabeth shares the candid truths behind her leadership journey, the confidence she had to cultivate, and the bold decisions that changed everything.

“If you are thinking about making a change, do it. Find help and support. Don’t be afraid.” — Elisabeth Bykoff

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250: Leading Through Change

Could your next big career move be one preparation habit away?

Most people plan for leadership—but the ones who actually get there prepare differently. In this episode, Chaitra Vedullapalli—tech executive, entrepreneur, and President of Women in Cloud—breaks down what it really takes to rise into senior leadership roles like VP or GM in the tech world.

From building business acumen to learning how to self-advocate without losing your authenticity, Chaitra shares the preparation playbook that helped her lead transformative initiatives and open economic access for thousands of women. Whether you’re early in your leadership path or preparing for your next big leap, this episode will give you the tools to show up like you’re already in the role.

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249: The Preparation Playbook: How to Prepare for Senior Leadership in Tech with Chaitra Vedullapalli

Could your next big career move be one preparation habit away?

Most people plan for leadership—but the ones who actually get there prepare differently. In this episode, Chaitra Vedullapalli—tech executive, entrepreneur, and President of Women in Cloud—breaks down what it really takes to rise into senior leadership roles like VP or GM in the tech world.

From building business acumen to learning how to self-advocate without losing your authenticity, Chaitra shares the preparation playbook that helped her lead transformative initiatives and open economic access for thousands of women. Whether you’re early in your leadership path or preparing for your next big leap, this episode will give you the tools to show up like you’re already in the role.

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248: Recognizing the Signs: Identifying Early Indicators of Burnout

Are you silently burning out—and don’t even realize it? Burnout isn’t always loud. Sometimes, it’s the quiet fatigue, the creeping cynicism, or the missed moments of joy that tell the real story.

Whether you’re a woman in tech leadership, or someone simply trying to do it all, this episode is your wake-up call. I’m breaking down the early emotional, physical, behavioral, cognitive, and workplace signs of burnout—and more importantly, how to address them before they lead to long-term damage. Plus, I debunk the myth that burnout means you’re not strong enough—it actually means you’ve been strong for too long without support.

“Burnout is not a reflection of your abilities or your worth. It is a signal that something needs to change.” – Toni

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247: What’s Holding You Back? Mary Rombaut on Solving the Barriers to Your Next Big Step

Wondering if it’s time to leave your job, launch your business, or finally take that big leap?

In this powerful episode, I talk with Mary Rombaut, startup founder and working mom of three, about how to overcome fear, escape toxic work environments, and take bold, intentional steps in your career. Within just 12 months, Mary made two major career changes while raising young children—and built her company Recommenda to help entrepreneurs make smarter marketing tech decisions.

We explore how to let go of what’s no longer serving you, how to balance career and personal life, and how to move forward with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re a leader, entrepreneur, or simply at a crossroads in your professional journey, this conversation will challenge you to face your fears—and take action.

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