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.

"Leadership isn't about what you say out loud, it's about what you say to yourself before you open your mouth." — Toni Collis

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why freezing, rambling, or going silent is NOT a sign of incompetence
• How to interrupt the “pressure spiral” before it derails your confidence
• Micro self-coaching tools — no journaling required
• Shifting from reactive to grounded leadership in high-stakes situations
• How to apply my “Hold, Don’t Carry” method so you stop replaying every meeting in your head
• Using the Say It Like a Leader script pack to pair inner clarity with outer confidence
• And more!

This is for you if:

• You’ve ever walked out of a meeting replaying every word
• You freeze, clam-up and worry about speaking up
• You get frustrated when interrupted or dismissed
• You want to build executive presence without faking it
• You’re navigating pressure, visibility, or senior rooms and want to show up powerfully — even when interrupted, dismissed, or put on the spot

**Useful links**

• Download the free companion guide: Say It Like a Leader: https://tonicollis.com/sayitlikealeader
• Want to learn more about the concept of Hold Don’t Carry? Listen to Episode 195: Hold Don’t Carry with Lindsay White here: https://tonicollis.com/episode195
• 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/episode258
• 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 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.

“If you're struggling, get help. Learning how to do this well, learning how to interview well, is not something you're taught in school.” — Toni Collis

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why the current job market is unlike anything we’ve seen—and what that means for you
• How US elections and AI have reshaped hiring in tech
• The biggest myths holding women back in their job search
• What kind of leadership is in demand—and how to show you’ve got it
• Practical job hunting strategies tailored for women in tech
• How to navigate applicant tracking systems and stand out from the crowd
• An 8-step “job hunt recipe” to boost your odds of landing the right role
• Networking—that actually works
• Using data to track your job hunt and improve results
• How to build resilience, manage stress, and stay confident through rejection
• And more!

Looking for a better way to navigate your job search?

If you're tired of sending out endless applications with little response, this episode breaks down what’s actually working in today’s market. From mindset to strategy to real-world results, you’ll walk away with clarity on how to move forward—smarter and more effectively.

**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/episode257
• 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 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.

“Networking doesn’t have to take a lot of time. It’s small, consistent action every single day.” — Toni Collis

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why job seekers are hearing crickets in today’s market
• How “micro-networking” fits into a busy schedule—even with a full-time job
• The difference between transactional networking and genuine connection
• How to reframe discomfort around networking and make it part of your leadership identity
• A step-by-step networking recipe for 2025 that actually works
• The powerful role of recruiters and how to build meaningful connections with them
• Tools and systems to stay organized and follow up effectively
• How to use your existing network to create new opportunities
• And more!

Want to take this further?

Try reaching out to just one person today with a genuine message—and track your follow-up. Need a tool? Use a simple spreadsheet or personal CRM to manage your outreach.

**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/episode256
• 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 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.

"You don't have to be a CEO that looks like X. The company will change around you." — Christine Spang

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How to lead when you don’t see yourself as a CEO
• The emotional shift from CTO to CEO
• Why technical expertise isn’t enough—and what to develop instead
• How introverted leaders can thrive without becoming someone they’re not
• The role of coaching and hobbies (like rock climbing!) in building resilience
• How to find clarity in the chaos of leadership
• Advice for aspiring leaders who feel like they’re “winging it”

Want to go deeper?

If this episode resonated with you, consider journaling on this: What story are you telling yourself about the kind of leader you’re not?

Then ask yourself: What if that story isn’t true anymore?

**Useful links**

• Connect with today’s guest and sponsor, Christine:
  • Follow Nylas:
    • Web: https://www.nylas.com/
    • LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/nylas
  • Connect with Christine:
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinespang/
    • X: @spang
• 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/episode255
• 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 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

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• What the “invisible load” is and how it shows up in leadership roles
• Why emotional labor and societal expectations disproportionately affect women in tech
• How systemic bias fuels the pressure to go above and beyond—and why that’s not always the right strategy
• A VP of Engineering’s real-life example of navigating the invisible load
• 5 key reasons this unspoken burden exists
• Why self-care for leaders isn’t optional—it’s essential for sustainable, effective leadership
• 6 practical strategies to lighten your load and reclaim your time, energy, and focus
• How to recognize if you're doing the right things—not just more things

Ready to stop over-functioning and start leading sustainably?

After listening, take a moment to reflect: What are you carrying that’s not actually yours to hold? Then, share this episode with another woman leader who needs to hear this—because you’re not alone in this. Let’s help each other lighten the load.

**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/episode254
• 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.

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

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Assertiveness tips for female leaders in tech
• What building resilience as a woman in tech actually looks like
• Leadership strategies for women navigating high-pressure environments
• How to be taken seriously without compromising who you are
• Signs you’re being dismissed—and what to do about it
• Why support systems matter, and how they evolve over time
• And more!

Let’s keep the conversation going, after listening, ask yourself:

• How are you being more assertive today?
  
• What strategies are helping you get heard and taken seriously?
  
• Are you still leading in a way that feels true to you?

Share your reflections with us using #LeadingWomeninTech, or connect for more conversations and resources that support your growth as a resilient, authentic leader.

**Useful links**

• Connect with today’s guest and sponsor, Sophronia McKenzie:
  • Social Platforms:
    • @iamsophronia
    • @visuEats
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophroniamckenzie/
  • VisuaEats https://www.linkedin.com/company/visueats
• Sophronia’s current read: Your Next Five Moves: Master the Art of Business Strategy by Patrick Bet-David
• 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/episode253
• 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.

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

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How to think like a leader — not just another employee
• 7 powerful leadership mindset shifts to help you stand out and move up
• Why “just doing your job” is keeping you stuck — and what to do instead
• The difference between reactive employees and strategic leaders
• Career growth strategies for women in tech who want more influence and impact
• How to stop waiting for direction and start driving innovation
• Why letting go of tasks is a leadership skill — not a weakness
• The leadership thinking that reduces burnout and increases fulfillment
• And more

Ready to make the shift from employee to leader?

Hit play and start building the leadership mindset that opens doors — for you and those around you.

**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/episode252

• 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.

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

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why confidence is a career skill—and how to build it before you feel ready
• How Elisabeth navigated bias and found allies in male-dominated spaces
• The critical role of mentorship and allyship for women in leadership
• Her advice to her younger self—and how it can accelerate your growth
• What it takes to confront self-doubt and make high-stakes career moves
• How she transitioned from corporate operator to first-time founder
• The mindset shifts that helped her stop second-guessing and start owning her path
• And more!

Navigating doubt doesn’t mean eliminating it—it means moving through it with power and purpose.

🎙️ Let’s chat about breaking barriers and making bold career moves. If you’re a woman navigating leadership—or aspiring to—this episode is your blueprint for moving forward with confidence.

**Useful links**

• Connect with today’s guest and sponsor, Elisabeth:
  • Visit Boxsy:
    • https://www.boxsy.io
    • https://www.linkedin.com/company/boxsy
  • Connected with Elisabeth on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elisabethbykoff
• Elisabeth’s current read: Mythos: The Greek Myths Retold by Stephen Fry
• 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/episode251
• 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.