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.

Have you ever found yourself utterly exhausted, disconnected from your work, and questioning whether you can keep going at this pace? If so, you're far from alone. Burnout isn't just another form of stress - it’s a widespread issue that can have serious consequences on both your career and your personal well-being. In this episode, I break down what burnout truly is, how to catch the warning signs early, and most importantly, share practical strategies to help you recharge and rediscover the passion that burnout tends to steal.

We’re here to do more than just survive - we’re here to thrive. Let’s get to the show and take on burnout together!

I dive into:

• The symptoms and impact of burnout on your career and personal life
• How burnout leads to social withdrawal, procrastination, and long-term effects on your immune system and sleep patterns
• The difference between chronic stress and ambition, and how to recognize early signs of burnout
• Practical strategies for managing stress and burnout before it becomes overwhelming
• The critical role of leadership in preventing burnout in teams, ensuring sustainable growth, and fostering diversity and inclusion
• 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/episode219
• 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.

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!

Are you feeling the strain of job hunting? You're not alone. This is a hard job market, but I’m here to help you navigate this challenging landscape with practical tips, my best advice, and the proven strategies that will help you survive the job market rollercoaster this year.

I dive into the current demand for AI expertise, key strategies for navigating today’s job market, including how to tailor your resume and cover letter for AI filters, and the mindset tips to keep you focused and resilient. l examine the shifting job market, from recessions and rebounds to the effects of widespread layoffs. What lessons can we learn from past boom and bust cycles? And what role does the tech industry play in global crises like climate change and AI advancements?

Whether you're adapting to AI or refining your job search approach, this episode is packed with insights to help you stay persistent and strategically position yourself to land the job you’re after this year. Don’t miss it!

I dive into:

• Proven strategies for navigating the job market rollercoaster
• The shifting job market: recessions, layoffs, and rebounds
• Lessons from boom and bust cycles
• Tech’s role during global crises
• Mindset tips for your job search
• Presenting your experience: considering AI filters and tailoring resumes and cover letters
• Balancing quality and quantity in your job applications
• 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/episode217
• 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 special episode, I invite Lindsay, Jen, and Allison back to the show to dive into the raw reality of burnout, particularly for women in tech. We share our personal experiences, uncovering how burnout manifests in our careers and lives, and discuss the various ways we cope—sometimes successfully, sometimes not. From recognizing the signs to understanding the causes like micromanagement, we explore the complexities of burnout and the lessons we learn along the way.

We also dig into strategies for tackling burnout, from self-awareness to mindfulness practices, and discuss the crucial role of leadership in creating supportive environments. Ready for the insight and encouragement you need to approach burnout in a healthier, more effective way?

Let’s go to the show!

We dive into:

• Understanding and overcoming burnout as a woman in tech
• Lindsay, Jen, and Allison’s career backgrounds and coaching support needs
• Causes and signs of burnout
• Strategies to tackle burnout: what works & what doesn’t
• Leadership’s role in preventing burnout
• And more
  

**Useful links**

• If you’d like to let go of your self-doubt, don’t forget to check out my free course ‘Ditch The Self Doubt’.
• 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/episode216
• 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 today’s episode, I explore the critical link between executive presence, confidence, and the fine line between confidence and arrogance for women in tech. I break down the three key components of executive presence - appearance, communication, and gravitas - and how to leverage these pillars to build genuine confidence without falling into the trap of arrogance.

I also discuss strategies to enhance your executive presence through body language, mindful communication, and self-awareness. With real-world examples and insights, you'll learn how consistent self-examination and inviting feedback can elevate your leadership style, why executive presence is crucial for career advancement, and practical tips for cultivating it to help you flourish and thrive at work.

I dive into:

• The three crucial components of executive presence
• How the pillars of executive presence can help you build effective confidence
• Using body language, communication & mindfulness as a female leader in tech
• How to avoid the “arrogance trap” when developing your confidence
• Client case studies: communicating with confidence and clarity
• The relationship between gravitas and confidence
• 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/episode215
• 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.