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Leading Women in Tech Podcast (Toni Collis)

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28 May 2024202: Hacking Your Brain: The Neuroscience of Being a Great Leader with Dr. Hayley Nelson00:46:59

Let’s talk neuroscience (and leadership, of course)!

 

Join me for this enlightening conversation with Dr. Hayley Nelson, a passionate neuroscientist and professor, who dives deep into the intricacies of how our brains operate and the neuroscience of being a great leader. 

In this episode, Dr. Hayley shares her personal journey, detailing how overcoming a traumatic experience led her to pursue a career in neuroscience, despite having other early ambitions. We discuss the difference between the brain and the mind, how to rewire our brains to change our outlook, and embracing resistance as a crucial part of creating lasting change in mindset or habits. We dive into the mindset of optimism vs. toxic positivity, instilling an effective mindset in your team, productivity insights from a neuroscience perspective, and embracing & managing neurodivergent team members. 

Ready to learn how neuroscience can transform your approach to leadership and personal growth?

Let’s go to the show!

We dive into:

  • Dr. Hayley’s journey to becoming a neuroscientist professor
  • A look at negativity from the neuroscience perspective
  • Leading through challenges: optimism vs. toxic positivity
  • The neuroscience behind effective mindset
  • Her advice for encouraging an effective mindset in your team
  • Productivity & motivation in the workplace
  • Embracing and managing neurodivergence and individuality in your team members
  • And more

 

**Useful links**

 

23 Jan 2024184: The Critical Mistakes You Need to Avoid in the 2024 Job Market00:25:11

The job hunt has changed, my love.

If you’re looking for a job in 2024, it might be time for an action plan specific to today’s market to set you apart from the competition. 

Let’s talk about what you need to know to succeed in your job hunt this year!

In this episode, I’m sharing the 7 most critical mistakes to avoid in the 2024 job market to make sure you get what you want and don’t miss out on any dream opportunities. 

Ready to stand out and land that next role?

Let’s go to the show!

I dive into:

  • 7 critical mistakes you need to avoid in this year’s job market
  • Tech industry 2024 job market updates
  • Interview do’s & dont’s
  • Is your resume ready?
  • Networking tips to help you meet your job hunt goals
  • 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/episode184 
  • 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.

 

20 Dec 2022130: 10 Ways to Shine When You Take on a New Leadership Role00:20:01

Are there any leadership skills you need/want to work on going into the new year? Not sure where your weak spots are? (It’s okay, today’s episode can help!)

Let’s talk about the 10 different ways you can elevate your leadership, improve your skills, and really shine in your role this year!

In today’s episode, I’m sharing 10 ways to shine when you take on a new leadership role & how you can use these to build a better team and identify the leadership areas that need improvement so you can go into 2023 with the confidence and ability to make it the best year ever!

Ready to really shine in your leadership this year?

Let’s go to the show!

I dive into:

  • 10 ways to shine when you take on a leadership role
  • The KEY to better, more thoughtful decisions (that will have your team fully onboard!)
  • One core leadership attribute you should NEVER stop utilizing
  • Why I want you to work on these 3 things every day
  • Limiting potential v. using your team well (and how to make the switch)
  • 3 BONUS tips around mindset to help you sparkle in your new role
  • And more

 

**Useful links**

31 Jan 2023135: Does Your Style Impact Your Ability to Lead with Melanie Lippman00:40:07

Does what we wear as women really matter? My guest today has a lot to say on the matter and is sharing some new tools for your toolbox that might be worth investigating.

Let’s talk about your style and its impact on your ability to lead!

In today’s episode, I invite Image Consultant Melanie Lippman to talk to us about this (sometimes controversial) topic and how your personal brand & image can help you succeed as a woman in a male-dominated field. 

Ready for the practical tools you need to walk into any room with confidence and achieve greatness in your career?

Let’s go to the show!

We dive into:

  • How your personal style could be impacting your leadership
  • Answering the question - is clothing & style just another burden for us to bare as women?
  • Finding alignment between your wardrobe and goals and how this can help you uplevel your career
  • The concrete steps you can take TODAY to use your closet as a toolkit for advancing your career
  • Melanie’s favorite mindset tip to help you as a woman in a male-dominated field
  • And more

 

**Useful links**

This week’s episode is kindly supported by our guest, Melanie Lippman. We greatly appreciate the support she is giving us as it helps us bring you this podcast every week.

07 Mar 2023140: Is Quiet Quitting a Bad Thing?00:30:20

“Quiet quitting” is trending…but what is it really?

Let’s talk about quiet quitting and what it really means for us as individuals and leaders in the workplace. 

In today’s episode, I’m exploring the quiet quitting concept and how you can positively navigate it in your career. I dive into the pros & cons, the signs to look out for, and how to lead you/your team if you think this trend is becoming a barrier or block to your leadership. 

Ready to have a conversation around effort, boundaries & the way we think about work?

Let’s go to the show!

I dive into:

  • Quiet quitting - good or bad?
  • Toxic leadership behavior & its impact on this trend
  • Exploring your own boundaries at work
  • The positive lessons of the quiet quitting concept
  • What to do if you think you/your team is quiet quitting (and how to recognize it)
  • And more

**Useful links**

20 Jun 2023155: How to Get Started in Your Thought Leadership Journey with Claire Mason00:39:27

Is it necessary to develop your thought leadership if you want to go further in your career? (The answer is most likely yes, my love!)

Let’s talk about why you should be focusing on thought leadership & how you can get started in making it a part of your career strategy. 

In today’s episode, I invite Thought Leadership Publicist, Claire Mason, to share her passion & strategies for helping you get your voice out there & how to become more visible so you can make a bigger impact. We discuss what thought leadership really is, why it matters so much for your career, and some of Claire’s BIGGEST TIPS to help you get started on your thought leadership journey.

Ready to see the results in your career that you’ve been dreaming of?

Let’s go to the show!

We dive into:

  • How thought leadership can actually uplevel your leadership journey & career!
  • Getting visible - do we need to share our personal lives as much as the business side?
  • The commonalities between thought leadership & personal branding (and some misunderstandings to avoid)
  • What to do if you are a reluctant poster, but want to get more visible online
  • 3 TOP TIPS for getting started in your thought leadership journey
  • And more

 

**Useful links**

 

This episode was sponsored by our guest, Claire Mason. Thank you Claire for helping to bring Leading Women in Tech to this community!

 

18 Apr 2023146: How to Effectively Transition From Peer to Boss00:25:33

Congratulations, you’re the boss! (But now what?)

Let’s talk about the complicated transition from being a peer - to being the boss!

In today’s episode, I discuss the internal promotion transition, the biggest blocks to avoid, and how you can navigate this shift and come out to the other side as an extraordinary, standout leader. 

Ready for the tools you need to effectively transition from peer to boss?

Let’s go to the show!

I dive into:

  • The unique challenges of an internal promotion vs. starting at a new company
  • When to communicate your vision & strategy (and why this is so important)
  • Dealing with friends in the workplace as the new boss
  • What I want you to be really cautious with in your 1st month
  • Tackling resentment with the employee(s) who didn’t land your role
  • Why change management needs to start day one
  • And more

 

**Useful links**

20 Feb 2024188: Personal Boundaries for Professional Success00:36:10

Boundaries underpin our professional success and can determine longevity in our careers. Are yours in the right place?

Let’s talk about personal boundaries for professional success.

In today’s episode, I discuss why developing boundaries is so crucial for our tech careers, what happens when we don’t maintain them, and how to create a boundary toolkit of your own to ensure you’re mitigating burnout and building a sustainable leadership career that you love. 

Ready to set your priorities at work, and learn the magic of boundaries? 

Let’s go to the show!

I dive into:

  • Personal boundaries and their role in our professional success
  • Gender differences in workplace boundaries and burnout
  • Examples of setting boundaries at work
  • Setting physical & emotional boundaries
  • Avoiding burnout through boundary-setting
  • How to build your own boundaries toolkit
  • And more

 

**Useful links**

28 Mar 2023143: The Role of Community in Your Leadership Journey with Ghaz Samandari00:34:32

From humanitarian work to leadership coaching, this week’s guest, Ghaz, is an incredible force for amplifying women’s voices in the workplace & championing the role of community in the leadership journey. 

Let’s talk about how you can use the tools of building a community & honoring the deep humanity in yourself and your team to thrive in your career!

In today’s episode, I invite Ghaz Samandari Ph.D., Team and Culture Change Coach & founder of 9Paths, to share her wisdom on the role of community in your leadership journey - why it isn’t simply team building, the organizational benefits it provides, and how to center the human experience in your leadership so you can foster safety & success in your team. 

Ready to learn more about why community is a necessity & how to build more of it?

Let’s go to the show!

We dive into:

  • Ghaz’s background - leaving Iran and her passion for increasing access for women & girls to healthcare
  • Community as a necessity in the workplace (and how it differs from team-building)
  • The BIGGEST benefits of creating a great community in an organization
  • How burnout & a health crisis led to her career transition
  • Powerful leadership tools: coaching and naming
  • How you can better amplify underheard voices at work
  • Ghaz’s TOP TIPS for fostering psychological safety at work
  • And more

 

**Useful links**

This episode was sponsored by our guest, Dr. Ghaz Samandari. Thank you Ghaz for helping to bring Leading Women in Tech to this community!

21 Feb 2023138: Being a Great Discussion Facilitator00:17:29

Did you know that every great boss you’ve ever had most likely had great facilitation skills? 

Let’s talk about being a great discussion facilitator & why strengthening this skill will uplevel your ability to lead and set you up for executive success!

In today’s episode, I’m diving into what makes a great facilitator, why you need this skill to achieve success in your leadership career, and how to effectively facilitate so that your team feels heard & empowered to make decisions, solve problems, and reach their goals!

Ready to add facilitation to your leadership toolkit?

Let’s go to the show!

I dive into:

  • What makes a great facilitator & how to develop these skills
  • When you should be facilitating more than leading
  • How to effectively facilitate a discussion at work so you & your team see results
  • Why you need to be an interrupter as a facilitator (and my favorite tip to help!)
  • My BIGGEST mindset tip to help you become an amazing discussion facilitator
  • 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 
07 Nov 2023175: Respect as a Workplace Asset with Gena Cox00:43:04

What is at the center of your inclusion efforts, my love?

Let’s talk about how focusing on respect can propel your organization and team to their highest potential! 

In today’s episode, I invite Dr. Gena Cox, trained organizational psychologist and executive strategist & coach, to have an important conversation about leadership and the power of respect as a workplace asset. 

Ready for the heart-centered approach to inclusion that you’ve been searching for? 

Let’s go to the show! 

We dive into:

  • Gena’s career journey to organizational psychology
  • Why she focuses on respect as a KEY outcome
  • The challenges of the immigrant experience in the workplace 
  • A VITAL leadership solution to bridging inclusion gaps
  • The practical reasons we should focus on DEI in our organizations 
  • Respect - the 3 components & its importance as a corporate value
  • And more

 

**Useful links**

31 Oct 2023174: What to do when you inherit an underperformer00:24:52

Inheriting an underperforming team member is definitely a challenge, but don’t be discouraged - it is manageable!

Let’s talk about what to do when you inherit an underperformer.

In today’s episode, I’m diving into this true leadership topic and giving you my TOP TIPS for effectively managing your new team member so you can do what is best for your team and organization. 

Ready to explore some performance improvement tools and the skills you need to make the best leadership decisions possible?

Let’s go to the show!

I dive into:

  • The MOST IMPORTANT things you need to know about inheriting an underperformer
  • Tackling problems quickly with your new team member
  • Dealing with gossip and holding off judgment
  • The importance of the observation stage & why documenting everything is vital
  • My TOP TIPS for an effective PIP (performance improvement plan) - and why this needs to be a last resort!
  • How to know if exiting the team member is the next necessary step
  • And more

 

**Useful links**

17 Oct 2023172: When You Need to Let People Go00:31:09

One of the toughest things we are called to do in our leadership careers is to let somebody go from our team. And even though doing this very thing can be necessary to move us, our teams & our organizations forward - we can sometimes put it off for too long.

Let’s talk about how to know when it’s time to let someone go. 

In today’s episode, I’m discussing the decision to let someone go, the mindset behind this decision, and the tools you need to make sure you’re doing it at the right time so you can achieve the most successful outcomes for you and your team. 

Ready to take on this leadership challenge with more confidence?

Let’s go to the show!

I dive into:

  • How to know when it’s time to let someone go (and why it’s important to get the timing right!)
  • The leadership mindset tools you need when making the decision to fire someone
  • Assessing performance vs. technical abilities
  • You’ve decided to let someone go, now what?
  • My TOP TIPS for delivering the bad news
  • How to handle the rebuilding phase and help your team recover from the loss
  • And more

 

**Useful links**

10 Oct 2023171: Why Executives Need to Hear Their Team More with Jenn Gionfriddo00:33:53

If you really want to improve your leadership, it’s time to LISTEN UP my love…

Let’s talk about why executives need to hear their team more!

In today’s episode, I invite senior leader & champion of the data world, Jenn Gionfriddo, to have an important conversation about why listening is so essential as an executive skill, the difference between listening and acquiesing, and the practical ways you can get better at really hearing what you need to from your team. 

Ready to take a look at how much you’re really listening to your team?

Let’s go to the show!

We dive into:

  • Jenn’s journey to running a data governance organization
  • Exploring how the skill of listening can uplevel your leadership
  • The KEY things you can do to be a better listener
  • Listening vs. Acquiescing
  • The negative impacts of not listening to your team (and how to know if you need to do some work here)
  • What “listen up” means to Jenn - and identifying ALL the pieces of listening
  • And more

 

**Useful links**

11 Jul 2023158: Unleashing Team Performance: The Power of Simple Coaching Approaches00:28:20

Do you believe in the power of coaching? (If not, I’m ready to convince you, my love!)

Let’s talk about how even the simplest coaching approaches can unlock the enormous potential of your team!

In today’s episode, I’m diving into the fascinating world of team performance and how leveraging coaching can really elevate your team’s performance. I discuss the value of coaching in the workplace, some of the fundamental coaching approaches you can use, and ways to overcome the challenges that can come up when incorporating coaching into your team dynamics. 

Ready to bring this powerful journey to your team?

Let’s go to the show! 

I dive into:

  • The power of coaching to unleash your team’s highest performance
  • KEY aspects of coaching & their value in the workplace
  • A useful breakdown of some fundamental coaching approaches so you can implement them with your team
  • Common challenges when incorporating coaching into team dynamics (and how to face them!)
  • And more

 

**Useful links**

29 Aug 2023165: The Role of Coaching for Women in Tech Leadership with Helen Fanucci, Megan Walsh, and Kathryn Vandiver00:59:10

Whether your goal is to become a better leader, to become a coach full-time, or to use coaching alongside your leadership in business and in life - this one’s for you!

Let’s talk about how training to be a coach can uplevel your tech leadership.

In today’s episode, I invite three powerful tech leaders, Helen Fanucci, Megan Walsh, and Kathryn Vandiver, to share their experiences with training to be coaches, why they decided to do it, and how they’re leveraging this skill in their leadership & personal lives. 

Ready to hear more about how coaching can truly impact your leadership & career?

Let’s go to the show!

We dive into:

  • Training as a coach and what it can do for your leadership
  • Understanding when to hold space vs. solve a problem
  • The powerful RNF Framework - and what it can do for your team!
  • Some of the BIGGEST changes they’ve seen in themselves as a result of training as coaches
  • Coaching vs. mentoring vs. teaching
  • The #1 piece of advice you need to hear if you’re on the fence about adding coaching to your toolkit (x3!)
  • And more

 

**Useful links**

14 Feb 2023137: Salary Negotiation 101 with Claudia Miller00:42:07

Are you negotiating what you’re really worth at the job offer and/or promotion stage of your career?

Let’s talk about negotiation as a fundamental part of your leadership toolkit!

In today’s episode, I’m delighted to be joined by Claudia Miller, career coach for women in tech & champion for women looking to land fulfilling jobs at the senior level. We discuss building a case for promotion, developing high-value skills so you can get paid more, and how you can leverage salary negotiations & build a strategy that truly uplevels your career!

Ready to dive into salary negotiation 101 & the tools you need for success in your leadership journey?

Let’s go to the show! 

We dive into:

  • How you can apply business strategy to landing your next big role or uplevel in your career
  • Creating a career success log - what it’s for & why you need one!
  • Steps you can take to improve your salary & compensation negotiations
  • Why you might want to STOP being humble at work
  • Building the high-value skills you need to get paid more in your career
  • Where to start and some practical steps to help you build a case for promotion
  • Claudia’s favorite mindset TIP to help you leverage salary negotiations to uplevel your leadership & become more strategy-based in your career
  • A very special FREEBIE to help you with your next salary negotiation
  • And more

 

**Useful links**

19 Dec 2023180: Why Women-Led Companies Generate More Unicorns with Manuela Seve00:40:05

Are you working towards becoming a founder one day? If you want to start your own company but feel some resistance towards taking the first step, this one’s for you, my love!

Let’s talk about why women-led companies are more successful and the important things to consider before going all-in on chasing your dreams.

In today’s episode, I invite Co-founder & CEO of Alphaa.io, Manuela Seve, to discuss her journey to founding her own company. We discuss why female-led companies generate more unicorns, some of the things to ask yourself if you’re considering starting your own company, and the important first steps you can take right now toward becoming a female founder.

Ready to knock down some of those barriers to starting your own company?

Let’s go to the show!

We dive into:

  • Manu’s career journey to becoming a Founder & CEO
  • Her BIGGEST lessons from becoming a female founder
  • The powerful catalyst that had her redefining success in her life & business
  • Manu’s BEST advice for becoming a female founder
  • Why women-led companies generate more success
  • How to remove the blocks, get off the fence, and go all-in on becoming a female founder
  • And more

 

**Useful links**

30 Apr 2024198: Mindfulness in Leadership: Cultivating Presence00:21:16

Mindful leadership is powerful leadership! 

Let’s talk about the power of mindfulness and how cultivating presence in your leadership will benefit your professional journey. 

In today’s episode, I dive into the important role mindfulness plays in leadership development and elevating your executive presence - and how to cultivate it! I explore how key elements of executive presence such as adaptability, strategic vision, and confident communication can be improved through mindfulness, and the practical steps you can take toward more presence in these areas to become a more mindful leader. 

Ready to use mindfulness to elevate your executive presence and transform your leadership?

Let’s go to the show!

I dive into:

  • How to improve your leadership & executive presence through mindfulness
  • The elements of executive presence and how mindfulness plays a role in each
  • Learning to deal with negative/constructive feedback in a better way
  • The practical steps you can take to become a more mindful leader
  • One of the MOST important, but underrated, tools of a leader
  • 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/episode198
  • 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.
11 Jun 2024204: Bounce-Back-Ability: Mastering the Art of Resilience as a Leader with Angie Read00:41:52

In this episode, I have the privilege of speaking with Angie Read, a remarkable woman who spent 25 years in corporate communications, navigating the complexities of big tech and other industries. Known for her extraordinary resilience, Angie faced a life-altering challenge at 46 when she suffered a massive ischemic stroke. Despite her determination to return to work after just a few months of rehab, Angie found herself battling debilitating anxiety and depression.

Join us as Angie bravely revisits her journey through a career that lacked fulfillment, her mental health crisis after her stroke, and how she navigated being laid off. She sheds light on recognizing the signs of a physical or mental health crisis, understanding the true cost of perfectionism, and why it shouldn't be worn as a badge of honor.

Ready to learn how Angie transformed her adversities into a powerful story of resilience and discover valuable lessons on managing stress, anxiety, and perfectionism in leadership?

Let’s go to the show!

We dive into:

  • Angie’s career journey including the story of her stroke and how it ignited her passion for helping stroke survivors reclaim their confidence
  • The intense anxiety and depression she faced upon returning to work and her subsequent disability leave due to mental health
  • Angie’s biggest lessons around career success and identity
  • Mental health & resilience: health crisis prevention and recovery
  • Strategies for managing stress and “the superwoman complex”
  • Returning to work: emotional regulation and cultivating a leadership brand
  • And more

**Useful links**

12 Mar 2024191: Are You Staying in Your Lane? with Julie Tschida Brown00:37:07

Do you have dreams that seem out of reach or outside the traditional path your education or experience should lead you?

If you have dreams of being in the boardroom, achieving a senior leadership role, or you’re already there but keep getting shut down or shut out, this episode is for you. 

This week, I invite Financial Capital Executive in HR, Julie Tschida Brown, to talk to us about whether or not you should “stay in your lane” and how to properly understand and contribute to the business you’re in so you can reach your highest career goals. 

Ready to step OUT of your lane and into the boardroom?

Let’s go to the show.

We dive into:

  • Julie’s journey to a career in HR
  • Landing any role, even with a non-traditional background
  • Making an impact in support functions of business (HR, IT, marketing, etc.)
  • Staying in your lane at work - is it important?
  • Leading in the boardroom vs. on the executive team
  • Authenticity & self-trust in leadership 
  • And more

**Useful links**

 

This episode was sponsored by our guest, Julie. Thank you, Julie, for helping to bring Leading Women in Tech to this community!

 

27 Feb 2024189: Ethics, AI, and Being a Woman in Tech in 2024 with Sonal Shah00:34:26

It’s time for an important discussion about AI and the role we need to be playing in 2024 as women in the tech industry. 

In today’s episode, I invite Sonal Shah, Barclays Vice President, coach, and author of Amazon bestseller “She Chose Tech”, to discuss her non-traditional background and journey to tech and how you can leverage allies, mentors & sponsors to thrive in your tech leadership career. We dive into topics like closing the gap for women in tech and how to tackle the current AI leadership problem in our industry. 

Ready for the resiliency tools you need to thrive during the surge of AI and break barriers as a woman in this male-dominated industry?

We dive into:

  • Sonal’s non-traditional background and journey to the tech industry and senior leadership
  • The lack of diversity in AI leadership
  • Closing the gap for women in tech
  • How to play the long game of sponsorship
  • The power of networking to overcome a non-traditional background
  • And more

 

**Useful links**

 

This episode was sponsored by our guest, Sonal. Thank you, Sonal for helping to bring Leading Women in Tech to this community!

 

22 Aug 2023164: Exploring Your Calling: Is Coaching the Next Addition to Your Leadership Career?00:23:15

We’ve been exploring the idea of coaching for a while on the podcast, but this week we’re wrapping it up with an episode on taking action!

Let’s talk about exploring your calling and asking yourself - is coaching the next addition to my leadership career?

In today’s episode, I dive into how to take action whether you’re exploring coaching, considering its application in your current role, or looking to start a new career! I’m sharing the power of the coaching tool, what the journey to becoming a coach might look like for you, and some of the most important pieces to consider along the way. 

Ready to dig a bit deeper and explore coaching as a possible calling?

Let’s go to the show!

I dive into:

  • Exploring coaching as a possible calling - and taking action!
  • What to consider if you’re thinking about becoming a coach
  • Mentoring vs. coaching vs. teaching
  • What training to be a coach could look like for you!
  • One of the MOST IMPORTANT facets of coaching
  • Choosing the right coaching program for YOU
  • And more

 

**Useful links**

18 Jul 2023159: Supporting Yourself as a New Parent in the Workplace with Rachel Morris00:38:03

Whether you’re preparing to go on maternity leave, you’re currently on leave, or you’re getting ready to return to work - it’s normal to feel a bit of overwhelm, or even panic. (But it doesn’t have to be that way, my love!)

Let’s talk about some of the best ways you can support yourself as a new parent in the workplace. 

In today’s episode, Rachel Morris, maternity coach and founding partner of Motion Learning, joins me to discuss parenting, the world of work, and how to mesh the two. We discuss navigating the 3 phases of becoming a new mother in the workplace, and the helpful & actionable tips you need to set yourself up for a successful return to work. 

Ready to treat this as a new start that will actually set you up for the lit-up career you dream of?

Let’s go to the show!

We dive into:

  • The 3 phases of becoming a new parent in the workplace - and navigating them to set yourself up for success!
  • Why Rachel suggests you treat your return to work as a new start
  • Her TOP TIPS for staying in control of your career during your time off
  • Cultural pressures around returning to work after having a baby
  • Advice to help you make the case to get parental coaching in your workplace
  • And more

 

**Useful links**

 

This episode was sponsored by our guest, Rachel. Thank you Rachel for helping to bring Leading Women in Tech to this community!

20 Aug 2024214: Why You Need to Learn to Leap as a Leader with Kris Baker00:35:36

In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Kris Baker, the president of leading sports tech company Demosphere. Kris's journey to success is anything but a straight line—it's a series of bold leaps and reinventions that have led her to where she is today. Her zigzag career path, filled with setbacks, misfires, and missteps, has not hindered her success but rather fueled it.

Kris shares how she has identified and acted on opportunities with courage, stepping away from toxic environments and making purposeful decisions that have been fundamental to her growth and resilience. We explore the importance of embracing a zigzag career journey, understanding how these leaps can shape your leadership and personal career path.

Whether you’re feeling trapped in your career or looking for inspiration to take control and reinvent yourself - tune in to learn how to navigate your own zigzag path to success and take crucial leaps of faith to become a stronger, more resilient leader.

We dive into:

  • Kris’s zigzag career journey and how it has fueled her success
  • Taking leaps of faith and creating purposeful goals that are right for YOU
  • Culture, leadership, and toxicity
  • Kris’s insights on career development and job searching strategies
  • Exploring the zig-zag approach to your career
  • And more

 

**Useful links**

 

This episode was sponsored by our guest, Kris Baker of Demosphere. Thank you Kris for helping to bring Leading Women in Tech to this community!

 

05 Dec 2023178: How to Lead and Retain High Performers00:20:08

Can you imagine the extraordinary things that would be possible if you were leading your ideal team?

Let’s talk about how to lead and retain high-performers!

In today’s episode, I discuss the unique characteristics of high-performers, effective strategies to engage & motivate them, and how to create an environment where high-performers can truly thrive. 

Ready to build a team that is entirely high-performance moving forward?

Let’s go to the show!

I dive into:

  • The hallmarks of a high performer & how to attract and keep them
  • Leadership traits you need to focus on to keep high-performers on your team
  • How to avoid your high-performer feeling neglected or taken for granted
  • Why you need to be willing to give your high-performer growth opportunities
  • The BIGGEST challenges to leading high-performers
  • How you should lead differently with a high-performer vs. a low-performer
  • 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/episode178 
  • 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.
17 Jan 2023133: Tackling the Elephant in the Room: Being Assertive as a Woman in Tech with Courtney Johnston00:39:49

A lot of us have confidence when we’re young - to go for the goal, say the thing we’re thinking, and be who we are - but somewhere along the way (especially for young women) that assertiveness & confidence gets shut down. 

So, how do we get that confidence back, navigate it without falling into the gender stereotype trap, and use it to become even better leaders? 

Let’s talk assertiveness on this week’s show!

In today’s episode, I invite the amazing Courtney Johnston, SVP & Product Manager at Verituity, to share her passion for technology, product management, and leadership. We’re talking about what it means to be an assertive woman in tech and how you can navigate this in your career to uplevel your leadership, build better teams, and reach your goals! 

Ready to learn more about assertiveness and its role in your executive presence?

Let’s go to the show!

We dive into:

  • Courtney’s career journey and why a small company with a great culture is so important to her
  • The connection between your physical presence & your leadership (and how this has shifted with more remote work environments)
  • Her BEST advice for solving problems that other people are NOT seeing!
  • How assertiveness & executive presence are linked
  • One of the apparent differences between being assertive & aggressive (and why we need to shut this down!)
  • How confidence, presence & gender stereotypes play a role in building thriving teams
  • Courtney’s FAVORITE networking tip
  • And more

 

**Useful links**

23 Apr 2024197: Getting Started With Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion with Jacqui Barrett00:52:12

If you’re interested in being a leader that promotes a sustainable, enjoyable, and nurturing work environment, prioritizing equity, diversity, and inclusion is a must.

In today’s episode, I invite Jacqui Barrett, CEO of Wider Thinking, to share her inspiring career journey and passion for fostering inclusive workplaces and driving organizational change. We dive into an important discussion on equity diversity and inclusion (EDI) and share actionable insights on creating nurturing work environments, implementing strategies like flexible working arrangements to promote diversity, and overcoming burnout as we strive to apply EDI in our careers.

Ready to explore why EDI is essential for organizational success and leave inspired to build a more inclusive and equitable workplace?

Let’s go to the show!

We dive into:

  • Jacqui’s career journey and her story of experiencing cronyism
  • Practical insights for creating more equitable, diverse, and inclusive work environments
  • Flexible working as a gateway to more diversity in the workplace
  • The important difference between equity and equality
  • Tips for overcoming burnout while championing EDI initiatives
  • And more

 

**Useful links**

27 Aug 2024215: ​​Practical Tips for Building Executive Presence: What Really Works For Us As Women In Tech00:38:48

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.
14 May 2024200: Celebrating Women in Tech, Beating the Burnout, and Letting Go of Needing to Be Like the Men in the Room with Lindsay Kulzer, Allison Williams, and Jennifer Peters00:54:36

Ready to dive into the empowering journeys of three extraordinary women in tech?

In today’s episode, I invite three amazing women I have the honor of supporting to dive into their experiences, insights, and triumphs through the lens of executive coaching. Lindsay, Allison, and Jennifer candidly share their motivations for seeking executive coaching, its transformative impact on their professional development, and powerful career lessons around overcoming imposter syndrome, burnout, gender bias, and more. We explore the pivotal moments that led them to join The Lit Up Leadership Academy, the biggest successes they've achieved, and the one thing they wish they had known about themselves a decade ago.

Join us to uncover the importance of embracing one's identity, confronting self-doubt, and cultivating resilience in the face of adversity - you don’t want to miss these valuable leadership insights & strategies! 

We dive into:

  • The highlights and lowlights from their three incredible tech careers
  • Why they joined the Lit Up Leadership Academy
  • Some of their biggest academy successes: empathy, celebration, and finding alignment
  • Effectively dealing with imposter syndrome and self-doubt in career transition
  • Lessons on kindness and empathy in leadership, pushing tech boundaries, and external validation
  • And more

 

**Useful links**

27 Jun 2023156: The Art of Saying No00:34:24

Calling all my recovering people-pleasers who struggle with saying NO…this one’s for you, my loves! 

Let’s talk about “the art of saying no” and how it can elevate your leadership & career. 

 In this episode, I’m talking all about saying no (something I’ve struggled with so much in my life & career!) and the most important things I’ve learned along the way to help you break the patterns that are holding you back from career success. 

 Ready for the tips you need to say no with grace & confidence so you can say YES to the things that are going to move the needle in your career?

Let’s go to the show!

I dive into:

  • Learning “the art of saying no” so you can elevate your leadership & career
  • Why you might need to say NO to your own ideas
  • How imposter syndrome might be holding you back from saying “no” - and how to tackle this
  • The MOST common examples of saying “yes” to the wrong things
  • My favorite TIPS for saying “no” with grace & confidence
  • Determining the right things to say YES to
  • And more

 

**Useful links**

04 Oct 2022119: Changing the Corporate Landscape for the Better Through Our Individual Action with Brooke Taylor00:35:57

Struggling to find success AND joy in your career? It might be time to develop a new relationship with work & success. 

(Because the truth is, my love, success is NOT a destination - it’s a feeling!)

 

Let’s talk about the “Success Wound” and the role it might be playing in your leadership and career. 

In today’s episode, I invite career coach for conscious female leaders, Brooke Taylor, to dive into this powerful idea of the “Success Wound”, how it could be holding you, your team & your organization back from TRUE success, and the ways you can contribute to changing the corporate landscape for the better. 

 

Ready to let go of the baggage and define success on your own terms?

Let’s go to the show! 

 

We dive into:

  • Brooke’s career history and discovering what success means to her
  • The Success Wound - what it is & healing from it!
  • Some of the factors in sexual harassment going unaddressed in the workplace
  • Brooke’s corporate life, history with addiction, and her recovery
  • The #1 reason people left their jobs during the pandemic
  • How to identify your own success wound so you can find true success in your career
  • Brooke’s BEST mindset tip to help you in your leadership journey
  • And more

 

**Useful links**

  • Find out more and sign up for the Women’s Empowerment Summit at: https://offers.moiralethbridge.com/women-leader-empowerment-summit 
  • Find out more about today’s guest Brooke Taylor at:
  • If you are ready to uplevel your career, and get a boost (and a salary bump) by shortcutting your way to success, find out more about Toni’s Coaching at:

https://tonicollis.com/workwithtoni 

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.

21 Mar 2023142: Taming Your Inner Critic00:28:19

Do you ever hear a negative voice in the back of your head? You know the one.

 The voice that nags you when you look in the mirror or when you’re presenting at work. The voice that doubts who you are, your accomplishments, or that you can even achieve your dreams?

This is an attack by your inner critic, my love! Let’s talk about how I can help you tame it.

In today’s episode, I’m diving into your inner critic, how it could be holding you back, and some of my favorite ways to help you tame it so you can avoid it getting in the way of your career success. 

Ready to learn more about your inner critic and the tools you need to quiet it down? 

Let’s go to the show!

I dive into:

  • The inner critic & my favorite tools to help you tame yours
  • My hot take on the inner critic as a catalyst for better performance (hint: I don’t agree!)
  • What happens when we try to fight our inner critical voice (and what to do instead)
  • My favorite tools to help you recognize when your inner critic is kicking in
  • The relationship between imposter syndrome & your inner critic (they are NOT one and the same)
  • A core executive presence technique to help you build self-awareness
  • The data you need to help you make a “trigger plan” & why I suggest having one
  • Reframing & my favorite ways to do it with your inner critic
  • And more

 

**Useful links**

10 Jan 2023132: Setting Your 2023 Career North Star00:34:46

Do you have resolutions for the new year? 

Maybe you’ve already planned out your health, money & mindset goals for 2023. Still, I want to talk about a topic that doesn’t get discussed often enough around goals for the new year - professional career-related resolutions.

Let’s talk about how to reevaluate your career goals and vision (and why finding your career North Star will be the vital piece!)

In this episode, I’m taking you through some steps to setting your own 2023 career North Star so you can see the most significant impact and results in your career this year. 

Ready to find your guiding light and start taking more aligned action toward it?

Let’s go to the show!

I dive into:

  • How to set your own 2023 career North Star so you can see bigger results this year! 
  • Why we should care about our career North Stars if we want to see real progress toward our goals in 2023
  • Examining how well your personal & business North Stars align (and if they need to!)
  • How the journey to reaching your goals can help you figure out if your North Star is the right vision for YOU
  • A mindset tip to help you navigate changes in your vision 
  • And more

 

**Useful links**

11 Apr 2023145: How to Build Your Career Strategy with Julia Holian00:38:48

Are you focusing enough on career strategy, my love?

Let’s talk about how you can build a successful career strategy - and use it to land your next dream role!

In today’s episode, I invite career strategist and interview coach, Julia Holian, to share some of her favorite tips and tools for building a career strategy that will elevate your leadership and help you gain the confidence, agility, and networking skills you need in your tech career. 

Ready to dig in & build a career strategy that will take you to the next level?

Let’s go to the show!

We dive into:

  • Career strategy - what it really is, and why you need one!
  • Why you need to network your way to an executive role
  • The elements of career strategy and which one will help you navigate bumps in the road in your career
  • How confidence & career strategy are linked
  • Why developing your professional brand is essential for your career trajectory
  • The #1 piece of advice Julia has for you, my lovely woman in tech!
  • And more

 

**Useful links**

23 Jul 2024210: Is Entrepreneurship the Right Next Step For You? with Alex Batdorf00:48:05

In this episode, we take a slight detour from our usual leadership discussions to explore the world of entrepreneurship!

I’m joined by serial entrepreneur Alex Batdorf, who dives into valuable insights from her entrepreneurial journey and her passion for supporting women on the same path. She shares some startling statistics about women in entrepreneurship, useful tips about funding, access to resources, and networking, and the most important things to consider before you leap into entrepreneurship. 

Join us for an honest discussion about the path of entrepreneurship - the pros and cons of seeking venture capital, why Alex believes you don't need a business school degree to become a successful entrepreneur, and whether entrepreneurship is the right path for you. 

We dive into:

  • Alex’s entrepreneurial career journey
  • Surprising stats on women in entrepreneurship: funding and success
  • Access to resources for women entrepreneurs
  • Three factors to successful networking for women entrepreneurs
  • Exploring your “why” for entrepreneurship 
  • The most important things to consider before you embark on an entrepreneurial journey
  • Funding options in entrepreneurship: venture capital & bootstrapping strategies
  • And more

 

**Useful links**

20 Sep 2022117: Being the Only Woman in the Room: Executive Leadership Discussion00:47:57

We’re back for part 2 of our special 3-part series on being the only woman in the room!

 

Because, yes - being the only woman in the room can be tough. 

 

BUT it can also get better!

 

This week, Micha and I invite a panel of four extraordinary women in tech to join us for an executive leadership discussion. We dive deeper into this important issue and discuss the benefits and opportunities of “being the only woman”, some of our BEST tips and advice for excelling as women in tech, and a quickfire question round to give you some powerful insights you can use to uplevel your leadership and career. 

Ready for things to get better? (It is SO possible, my love.)

 

Let’s go to the show! 

We dive into:

  • A quick look at our amazing panel & their achievements (this will inspire you)
  • The opportunities to being the only woman in the room - yes, you read that right!
  • Our FAVORITE TIPS for excelling in your career as a woman in tech (or any other marginalized group)
  • The BEST (and worst) advice these powerful and amazing ladies have been given
  • Shining a light - who is inspiring them right now
  • The BIGGEST mindset shifts you can make to uplevel your career as a woman in tech
  • And more

 

**Useful links**

https://tonicollis.com/workwithtoni 

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.

12 Sep 2023167: The State of Women in Tech and Cybersecurity in 2023 and What We as Leaders Can Be Doing about It with Lynn Dohm00:39:08

If you’re ready to bust through the glass ceiling & take your rightful place as a lit-up leader in the tech industry (or help others do the same) - this one’s for you, my love!

Let’s talk about the state of women in tech & cybersecurity, and what we as leaders can be doing about it.

In today’s episode, I invite Executive Director of Women in Cybersecurity (WICYS), Lyyn Dohm, to share her experience as a leading woman in tech and how she successfully navigates leading with inclusion, equity & allyship.

Ready to find out what you can do as a leader to actually move inclusion efforts forward? 

Let’s go to the show!

We dive into:

  • Lynn’s career journey & experience in cybersecurity
  • KEY findings from the WICYS State of Inclusion Assessment
  • Why we should STOP obsessing about policy to address DEI (and what to do instead!)
  • Utilizing mentorship if you’re experiencing exclusion in your tech leadership career
  • What to do now if you’ve done all the right things, but you’re still not advancing!
  • And more

 

**Useful links**

 

This episode was sponsored by our guest, Lynn. Thank you Lynn for helping to bring Leading Women in Tech to this community!

 

26 Mar 2024193: Learning to Look at Failure Differently with Lydia Bai00:33:19

Failure can be a fascinating contributor to our career success or career hurdles - and it’s determined by the way we look at it. 

Let’s talk about failure and learning to look at it differently.

In this week’s episode, I invite recovering investment banker and life coach, Lydia Bai, to discuss failure, how her toxic relationship with achievement impacted her ability to thrive at work, and how burnout, imposter syndrome, motivation, and self confidence can all be linked to the way we perceive our failure. 

Ready to shift how you see the failures in your career so you can use them for good?

Let’s go to the show. 

We dive into:

  • Lydia’s upbringing and hyper-focus on achievement
  • The catalyst for the big shift in her career journey
  • Failure: the gap between expectation and reality
  • The 2 biggest sources of burnout for women in the workplace
  • Exploring failure as a perception
  • The link between fear of failure and imposter syndrome
  • Three things to evaluate the next time you fail
  • And more

**Useful links**

This episode was sponsored by our guest, Lydia. Thank you Lydia for helping to bring Leading Women in Tech to this community!

 

24 Jan 2023134: The Storming, Forming, Norming, and Performing Cycle and What This Means For Your Team00:20:43

Managing your team’s performance is one of your most important tasks (and can often become a big challenge too). Understanding the psychological stages of group development and leading them through these stages effectively can be the KEY to achieving great team performance. 

Not sure how to do that? I got you, my love!

Let’s talk about performance and how to use the storming, forming, norming & performing cycle to help your team achieve positive & impactful results!

In today’s episode, I’m diving into this 4-phase framework to help you understand group formation and the stages your team is going through so you can effectively lead them through ANY challenge that comes up. 

Ready to help your team work together and move through these stages with ease?

Let’s go to the show!

I dive into:

  • The 4-phase framework of Storming, Forming, Norming & Performing and how to use it to lead your team to better productivity and performance
  • Some of the negative aspects of team behavior you’ll see in phase 2 (and how to lead effectively during this phase)
  • How to move from the “storming” to “norming” phase faster
  • What to do if your team is regressing or stuck in one phase
  • My mindset tip to help you deal with team problems (and what to consider first!)
  • And more

 

**Useful links**

19 Sep 2023168: Cooperation as a Leadership Trait00:18:07

Imagine if your team was able to combine their skills & efforts toward common objectives with complete alignment and harmony. (Wouldn’t that be beautiful?)

Let’s talk about cooperation as a leadership trait!

In today’s episode, I discuss cooperative leadership, how to develop these skills in you (and your team!) to see more positive outcomes, and the core principles you can use to build collaborative teams that will increase their output & productivity beyond what you can imagine!

Ready to be the leader who values every voice and fosters cooperative behavior & collective success?

Let's go to the show!

I dive into:

  • Cooperative leadership - what it is & how to develop these skills!
  • Healthy & unhealthy tension in teams
  • The difference between cooperation & compliance
  • Multi-developmental cooperation
  • The BIGGEST benefits of cooperative leadership
  • 3 steps to building your cooperative leadership skills
  • And more

 

**Useful links**

30 May 2023152: How to Give Feedback00:32:59

If you’re on your way to becoming an executive (that’s you, my love), now’s the time to get better at giving feedback. 

Let’s talk about how to give proper feedback so you can foster growth & success in your team, organization & your own career!

In today’s episode, I’m diving into the very important responsibility of providing feedback as a leader and how to create a culture of feedback in your team & organization. I share the 5 BIGGEST feedback mistakes to avoid, why informal feedback is your secret weapon, and the practical ways you can get better at this skill to help your team grow and thrive. 

Ready to get more comfortable with giving feedback?

Let’s go to the show!

I dive into:

  • How to give proper feedback to foster growth & success in your team
  • The different types of feedback - and why they matter!
  • 5 IMPORTANT feedback mistakes I want you to avoid
  • How to give constructive feedback that actually helps
  • What to do AFTER delivering feedback
  • And more

 

**Useful links**

02 Jan 2024181: The Importance of the Open Door with Trina Martin00:36:43

How can we help to break the barriers between underrepresented groups and executive leadership?

Let’s talk about the importance of the open door. 

In today’s episode, I invite CEO, author, and speaker, Trina Martin, to share her experience as a founder, woman of color, and champion for changing the future of leadership. We discuss people pleasing, scarcity mindset, and how we can break barriers and open the door to help each other reach the top.

Ready to change leadership for the better?

Let’s go to the show!

We dive into:

  • Trina’s diverse career background and journey to founding her professional development firm
  • Breaking the barriers to the top for women and other underrepresented groups
  • How you can be a better ally in your leadership career
  • The ways people-pleasing could be holding you back
  • Holding onto your feminine energy as you rise to higher-level roles
  • Her best advice to help you release the mindset of scarcity
  • And more

 

**Useful links**

09 Jul 2024208: Creating an Environment Where Women Thrive with Michele Cober00:36:52

What does it really take to create a healthy and thriving workplace culture?

Let’s talk about how we as leaders can create an environment where women can thrive!

In this episode, I invite multi-faceted woman in tech, Michele Cober, to share her insights on workplace culture, how leaders can identify and cultivate the right environment, and the significant impact this has on overall culture and individual well-being at work. 

Join us for the practical strategies you can use to show up more authentically at work and transform your workplace culture for the better. 

We dive into:

  • Michele’s career journey: from the opera to becoming a big tech lawyer
  • Career pivots, identity, and managing outside judgment
  • The keys to a well-adjusted work culture
  • Using your leadership role to encourage a healthy workplace
  • The signs of a great workplace culture
  • Showing up authentically and the cost of “fitting in”
  • Networking and changing culture from any leadership level
  • And more

**Useful links**

13 Feb 2024187: Are You Being Passive-Aggressive at Work?00:23:47

Are you being passive-aggressive at work?

Let’s talk about passive-aggressive behavior and its role in our careers as we grow and develop in our leadership. 

In today’s episode, I discuss examples of passive-aggressive behavior in the workplace, what we need to be doing as leaders to prevent the damage this can cause, and helpful strategies for understanding and navigating this dynamic in your career.

Ready for the tools you need to shift from passive aggression at work to more trust, morale, and overall productivity? Join me for this one.

I dive into:

  • Avoiding passive-aggressive behavior at work
  • Reasons why we see passive-aggressive behavior coming out in leaders (and how to avoid this)
  • What to do if you’re struggling with passive-aggressive behaviors in your own leadership
  • My favorite tool for managing emotions at work
  • And more

 

**Useful links**

07 May 2024199: From Glass Ceiling to Glass Microphone: How Women Can Break Through Communication Barriers in Tech Leadership00:27:27

The glass ceiling concept is well known in the world of work, especially in male-dominated fields like tech. But what about its lesser-known counterpart - the glass microphone?

Many of us have felt the frustration of not being heard or taken seriously, our ideas dismissed before we can fully express them. This glass microphone barrier can hurt our career advancement and lead to stress and burnout. 

Let’s talk about how you can break through this communication barrier in your tech leadership!

In today’s episode, I explore how to recognize the presence of the glass microphone and why honing your communication skills is crucial as a woman in tech. From strategies for thinking on your feet to navigating gender biases in communication, I give you practical tips to break the glass microphone and ensure you are heard at work. 

I dive into:

  • How to know if you are dealing with a glass microphone
  • Gender biases in communication and why you need to make sure to “take the credit” in your career
  • The 3 KEYS to breaking the glass microphone
  • Communication must-haves for women in tech: tailoring communication, my “think on your feet” formula, 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/episode199
  • 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.

 

01 Nov 2022123: Creating a Culture That Lifts Everyone Up with Jen Paxton00:36:16

Did you know that you can contribute to improving culture in the tech industry?

You absolutely can, my love! Let’s talk about the practical things you can do daily to create an extraordinary culture that lifts everyone up.

This week, I invite Jen Paxton, VP of People at Smile, HR/recruitment leader, and co-founder of Jamyr, to talk about people operations and how to create better cultures. Whether you’re a leader or head of people (like Jen!), this episode is gold if you want to foster a great culture of feedback, build great communities, and have a team that is working FOR you rather than against you. 

Ready to build connections and relationships with people that will serve you, your organization, and your leadership career?

Let’s go to the show!

We dive into:

  • Jen’s career journey and passion for facilitating people ops in organizations
  • Transitioning from a support role to becoming a founder - why now, and how she did it!
  • The BIGGEST differentiator between tech and other industries when it comes to people operations
  • What you can do to make a positive impact if you’re seeing toxicity play out in your workplace (and how to know if it’s time to leave)
  • Jen’s TOP TIPS to improve the culture experience for your team
  • How you can leverage the people ops department in your organization to uplevel your leadership
  • Her BEST negotiation advice if you’re considering an offer right now (and why you want to leverage THIS)
  • And more

 

**Useful links**

  • Find out more about today’s guest, Jen Paxton, and connect with her:
  • If you are ready to uplevel your career, and get a boost (and a salary bump) by shortcutting your way to success, find out more about Toni’s Coaching at:

https://tonicollis.com/workwithtoni 

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.

15 Aug 2023163: What It Really Means to Be an Inclusive Anti-racist Leader in 2023 with Annie Gichuru00:46:46

You know how passionate we are around here about representation and inclusivity!

Let’s talk about what it really means to be an inclusive anti-racist leader this week on Leading Women in Tech! 

In today’s episode, I invite my racial equity coach & consultant, Annie Gichuru, to have an incredibly important conversation around representation through the racial justice lens and what we as leaders need to change to meet the needs of our community and organizations. 

Ready to take a look at your anti-racism and bring more inclusivity to your leadership?

Let’s go to the show!

We dive into:

  • Annie’s journey to becoming a racial equity coach
  • The level of safety needed to do this work & how white fragility can play a role
  • Anti-racism: why “not being racist” isn’t enough
  • Where we’re going wrong as a culture with organizations & the DEI component (and what to do about it)
  • How companies can get started on the anti-racist journey
  • Practical TIPS you can start using TODAY to build a more equitable & diverse team
  • And more

 

**Useful links**

25 Apr 2023147: Why You Need a Plan for Your First 90 Days in a New Role with Kelly Bristol and Megan Walsh00:38:27

Whether it’s a promotion or a new job or project, having a plan & setting the tone early will be KEY to finding success in your new role. 

Let’s talk about the plan you need for transitioning into your new role, my love - especially in those first 90 days!

In today’s episode, I invite two amazing women from the Lit Up Leadership Academy, Kelly Bristol and Megan Walsh, to discuss transitioning, and in particular, how to prepare for & navigate your first 90 days in a new role. 

Ready for the game-changing insights you need to plan for your next transition?

Let’s go to the show!

We dive into:

  • A framework to help you prepare for the first 90 days in a new role so your leadership can shine!
  • Kelly & Megan’s career journeys to senior leadership
  • Why Megan didn’t want to go into people management (and what changed)
  • Leaning into strategic planning for your next transition
  • Kelly & Megan’s TOP TIPS to help you thrive when starting a new role
  • How your stakeholders can play a role in your career transition strategy
  • Setting expectations for your first 90 days & how to navigate “fitting into a box” in your new role
  • And more

 

**Useful links**

18 Jun 2024205: Vulnerability in Leadership: Breaking Down Barriers00:31:31

Do you want to boost team productivity, retention, and innovation while fostering an environment where your team feels comfortable being their authentic selves?

Let’s talk about embracing vulnerability in leadership and how this openness can help you create stronger connections with your team and peers.

In this episode, I dive into the critical role of vulnerability in demonstrating a strong executive presence and fostering genuine connections within your teams. I explore what it truly means to be vulnerable, ways you can embrace more openness in your leadership, and how giving yourself and your team permission to be vulnerable will lead to a stronger work environment.

I dive into:

  • The power of vulnerability as a leadership skill
  • Vulnerability client stories: making mistakes & work/life balance
  • The harm of inauthentic vulnerability
  • Balancing vulnerability and authority as women in leadership
  • How vulnerability can help you avoid the cycle of stress and burnout
  • Reframing vulnerability as a strength: self-compassion & boundary setting
  • 2 actions to help you start building your authentic vulnerability TODAY
  • 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/episode205
  • 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.
19 Mar 2024192: Leadership Lessons From My Dad00:26:25

Today, I want to share a very special and personal episode with you as I honor my dad and tell you about the powerful impact he had on me and others, and how these leadership lessons can bring insight to your own life and leadership journey. This is a somewhat unusual episode — after all, we don’t normally talk about men on this show. And my Dad was certainly not in Tech! But I hope this episode inspires you with new ideas, and new ways of thinking, as well as a few ways to learn from those around you even if they aren’t intending to ‘teach’ you in any form.

I dive into:

  • My dad’s biggest leadership lessons
  • The power of patience and what it can achieve
  • How my dad felt about the growth mindset
  • Why I consider my dad to have been a feminist
  • 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/episode192
  • 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.

 

05 Mar 2024190: Trauma in the Workplace: What It Is and What You Can Do About It00:35:50

What is workplace trauma, and what can you do about it?

Let’s talk about workplace trauma, how it affects us and our teams, and what organizations and leaders need to know to support themselves and others through it. 

We often associate trauma with more obvious experiences such as car crashes, the loss of a loved one, or something far worse. However, the sad reality is that trauma is a universal workplace phenomenon and needs to be acknowledged. In today’s episode, I discuss the 4 main contributors to workplace trauma, exploring the symptoms you might see in yourself or your team, and how to respond as a leader to prioritize your and your team’s well-being. 

I dive into:

  • Workplace trauma: what it is, and what you can do about it
  • The 4 main contributors to trauma in the workplace
  • Identifying potential trauma as a leader to make a positive impact
  • Emotional resilience and control: differing experiences of workplace trauma
  • 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/episode190 
  • 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.
01 Aug 2023161: Building Diversity of Thought in the Workplace with Masha Sharma00:37:54

Why is a diverse workplace such an important goal to achieve?

Let’s talk about diversity in the workplace, how you can be part of building it, and why you should!

In today’s episode, I invite executive, entrepreneur & tech thought leader, Masha Sharma, to share her wisdom on DEI, how she turned lowlights in her career into opportunities, and embracing adversity to build more diversity in the workplace. 

Ready to learn more about DEI and how to improve your workplace & career?

Let’s go to the show!

We dive into:

  • Building diversity in the workplace - how to do it and why we should
  • Masha’s career journey and learning to embrace adversity to find success
  • Where we get it wrong when building diversity of thought in the workplace (and how to fix it!)
  • How her company, Avenue One, is doing DEI differently
  • Masha’s favorite mindset tip
  • And more

 

**Useful links**

 

This episode was sponsored by our guest, Masha Sharma. Thank you Masha for helping to bring Leading Women in Tech to this community!

 

25 Oct 2022122: Getting Comfortable with Negotiation00:21:17

Negotiation. (I know, even reading the word can bring some discomfort).

But no matter how you feel about it, great negotiation skills are a KEY to making sure you get what you need at work (and in life)!

So, whether negotiation stirs some major anxiety, or you’re simply looking to uplevel your skills - this one’s for you. 

In today’s episode, I’m sharing my favorite tips & tools to help you get more comfortable with negotiation so you can get the things that you want. Ready to grab that senior-level position, get that well-deserved salary bump, or start negotiating deals like the amazing leader you are? 

Let’s go to the show! 

I dive into:

  • My TOP 4 tips to improve your actual negotiation skills
  • One KEY tactic in negotiating a salary bump
  • Creating a successful preparation process for any negotiation
  • A few things to remember that are true for ALL negotiations
  • My favorite mindset tip to help you with your next negotiation
  • And more

 

**Useful links**

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.

03 Jan 2023131: Why We Need to Stop Being Mentors as Women in the Workplace with Bailey Showalter00:32:54

Are you a mentor or are you a champion?

Join us for the answer to that (and more!) as we kick off this year talking about careers, mentorship & upleveling your leadership! 

In today’s episode, I invite tech leader & strategist, Bailey Showalter, to share her amazing insights on why women need to stop being mentors (I know it’s a little controversial, but stick with us!) and the real, tangible things that actually help people get hired into leadership roles. 

Ready for the resume, mentorship & career transition goodies you need to make this year your best one yet?

Let’s go to the show!

We dive into:

  • Bailey’s career journey and some powerful insights on what really helps people get hired
  • Why you DO NOT have to start at the bottom of the ladder in your new role
  • One of the hardest shifts to make as a leader - and why you need to do it
  • How to shift THIS unhelpful trend in hiring to get a leg up on your competitors
  • The pros and cons of mentoring & how to be a champion v. a mentor
  • TOP TIPS for writing a better resume as a leader
  • Bailey’s #1 piece of advice if you’re considering your next leadership career move this year
  • And more

 

**Useful links**

26 Sep 2023169: Why Leadership Today Needs Hard Skills, Soft Skills, and AI-Enabled Skills with Sallyann Della Casa00:37:47

Calling all my motivated tech leaders & aspiring female founders!! This one’s for you, my loves.

Let’s talk about why you should consider a combination of hard, soft & AI-enabled skills when developing your leadership toolkit!

In today’s episode, I invite the founder & CEO of Gleac, Sallyann Della Casa, for a powerful conversation on achieving your biggest tech goals. We discuss how she created the first marketplace in the world that actually allows us to use AI & human ingenuity as a service (amazing, right?) and how to position yourself to do big things too!

Ready to create your own journey to tech leadership?

Let’s go to the show!

We dive into:

  • Sallyann’s career journey and surprising background before tech
  • Her BIGGEST tips for aspiring female founders
  • Finding success in the tech industry - and exploring how Sallyann achieved her patent!
  • How to turn your background into an asset for your next big career move (even if you don’t think you have the exact skills, degree, etc.)
  • The shift to AI - will you be replaced?
  • Sallyann’s #1 piece of advice if you’re considering a pivot or becoming a founder
  • And more

 

**Useful links**

 

This episode was sponsored by our guest, Sallyann! Thank you Sallyann for helping to bring Leading Women in Tech to this community!

 

16 Apr 2024196: The Cost of Constant Hustle: Avoiding Burnout in Leadership00:26:18

It’s time to shift the narrative, to recognize that being in a perpetual state of hustle isn’t the key to success - it’s a catalyst for burnout. 

In today’s episode, I explore the cost of constant hustle and why, contrary to popular belief, it’s not the path to greatness in your leadership career. Join me as I disprove the myths surrounding overwork and dive into solutions, from realistic goal setting to the importance of delegation and healthy boundaries. 

Ready for the actionable leadership steps you can take to combat burnout and foster a healthier, more sustainable work environment?

Let’s go to the show!

I dive into:

  • The high cost of constant hustle culture
  • Debunking the myths around the culture of overwork and hustle
  • The consequences of dismissing downtime and self-care
  • Signs and symptoms of burnout in your leadership
  • Practical strategies for preventing hustle and burnout
  • 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/episode196
  • 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.
04 Jul 2023157: How to Shine in a Crisis with Margaret Hermes00:38:00

Most people don’t realize this, but how you respond in a crisis can actually make or break your career. 

Let’s talk about how to shine in a crisis so you can elevate your leadership skills and build the standout career you desire! 

In today’s episode, I invite Chief Operating Officer at Avant, Margaret Hermes, to have an important conversation about crisis management. We dig into the mindset & strategy tools you need to shine in a crisis and why crises can actually be good for our careers. (Yes, it’s true!)

 Let’s face it, work crises are inevitable - are you ready to shine during the next one?

Let’s go to the show! 

We dive into:

  • Margaret’s career journey & building her ability to really shine in a crisis
  • The planning, strategy & mindset tools you need to stand out as an amazing leader in your next crisis at work
  • Typical crisis behavior (and ways to uplevel your own)
  • Why crises are actually good for our careers!
  • And more

 

**Useful links**

 

This episode was sponsored by our guest, Margaret Hermes. Thank you Margaret for helping to bring Leading Women in Tech to this community!

 

15 Nov 2022125: The Power of Reframing as a Leader in Tech with Lia Garvin00:39:06

The ability to reframe is a powerful tool. Did you know you can actually use it to become a better leader?

Let’s talk about the power of reframing and how you can shift your perspective to have a bigger, more positive impact on your team & career! 

In today’s episode, I invite leadership coach, author, and keynote speaker, Lia Garvin (aka The Queen of Reframing), to share the practical ways you can use the art of reframing in your career to shift your thoughts, insights, and ideas to feel more optimistic about your work - and become a better leader. 

Ready for the tool you need to help you and your team break through to that next level?

Let’s go to the show!

We dive into:

  • Lia’s career journey - leaving Google & the weeds of the corporate world to launch her consulting business (and why she loves working with teams in tech)
  • What reframing is, and some examples of how to use this tool in your career
  • How to use the lens of empathy to actually solve your problems faster!
  • Lia’s TOP TIPS to help improve your team’s overall performance
  • How to shape the narrative of your work - and why this will help you gain more traction
  • Why Lia thinks THIS could be the worst advice for your future career trajectory
  • And more

 

**Useful links**

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.

16 May 2023150: Holding Difficult Conversations00:30:37

Are you dreading another difficult conversation at work? We’ve all been there! While plenty of executive conversations can be upbeat and collaborative, having uncomfortable conversations is simply part of the high-level leadership role. 

You need to be prepared and confident going into these conversations if you want them to be successful. (If you’re not feeling that way, don’t worry my love. I’ve got you covered!)

Let’s talk about how you can approach uncomfortable or difficult conversations to set yourself apart as a standout leader (and actually further your career)!

In today’s episode, I dive into holding difficult conversations, how to develop this essential skill for your leadership toolkit, and how to actually use these conversations for your own growth & development. 

Ready for the shift you need to start having these conversations successfully & with ease?

Let’s go to the show!

I dive into:

  • My favorite ways to successfully prepare for your next tough conversations at work
  • How great executive leaders view difficult conversations - and how this shift can uplevel your career
  • Why you should be prepared to talk about these conversations in your next interview
  • Examining your fear of uncomfortable conversations (and how to practically work through it)
  • Preparing a successful mindset for your next difficult conversation
  • How you can use my executive presence technique to help tackle fear
  • And more

 

**Useful links**

13 Dec 2022129: Crossing the Chasm: Moving From Management Into Leadership with Nidhi Gupta00:39:03

Is there a difference between management and leadership? Yes, my love! And how you navigate this difference and show up in your leadership career is massively important to have more influence and impact at work. 

Let’s talk about crossing the chasm, moving from management into leadership!

In today’s episode, I invite engineering executive and cofounder of SheTO, Nidhi Gupta, to dive into this concept and talk to us about her extraordinary work in engineering and her passion for accelerating the careers and networks of women. 

Ready for the tools you need to shift from simply managing your people to leading them powerfully and authentically?

Let’s go to the show! 

We dive into:

  • Nidhi’s career journey and the work she’s doing with engineering leaders
  • 3 steps to moving across the chasm from management to leadership
  • The pressure as women to show up 100% every day (is it the same for men?)
  • Her take on the KEY differences between management and leadership
  • How to evaluate your influence to make the shift from management to true leadership
  • Why you need to become a salesperson (and how to do it without that icky feeling)
  • Politics in the workplace, and some of the other unique challenges we face as women in leadership
  • And more

 

**Useful links**

14 Nov 2023176: The Role Of Our Subconscious Mind In Our Careers with Amira Alvarez00:40:59

Can you get better results in your career by shifting your leadership perspective?

Let’s talk about the role of the subconscious mind in our careers.

In today’s episode, I invite visionary leader, entrepreneur, and former woman in tech, Amira Alvarez, to share her inspirational work helping women get intentional about their choices so they can get what they deserve in their careers (whether it’s a dream role or a dream salary)! We dive into how she utilized the lowlights in her career to propel her forward, how your subconscious mind plays a role in your leadership, and how you can shift your leadership perspective to see big results.

Ready to step into your full leadership potential?

Let’s go to the show!

We dive into:

  • Amira’s career journey and her BIGGEST learnings from the lowlights
  • The role of the subconscious mind in your leadership and how it plays a role in your boundary-setting
  • Desires vs. goals, and exploring what you truly want
  • Breaking down the 3 components of The Law of Compensation so you can get the salary you deserve!
  • And more

 

**Useful links**

 

23 May 2023151: Embracing Your Femininity as a Leadership Trait with Annie Raygoza00:32:24

Your femininity is a leadership advantage, my love - not something you need to get rid of!

Let’s talk about how embracing your femininity can really deliver for you as a leader. 

In today’s episode, I invite Annie Raygoza, Director of Client Services at Clear Digital, to share her passion for women being women in the workplace. We dig into how femininity is truly a leadership advantage, the cultural shifts we’re seeing in the workplace as a result of more women in leadership, and how to get more vulnerable in your career and become a better ally for other women on your way to the top. 

Ready to find out how far your femininity can take you?

Let’s go to the show! 

We dive into:

  • Annie’s career journey lowlights & highlights
  • Embracing your femininity as one of your most POWERFUL leadership tools
  • How you might be sacrificing your femininity to gain traction (and why you want to stop!)
  • The ways you can use allyship to build yourself and others up in the workplace
  • Annie’s BEST advice to help you to lean into your femininity and achieve your next career goal
  • And more

 

**Useful links**

 

This episode was sponsored by our guest, Annie Raygoza. Thank you Annie for helping to bring Leading Women in Tech to this community!

25 Jun 2024206: What You Really Need to Hear to Advance Your Career with Valerie Drew00:37:48

Let’s talk about what you need to hear to advance your career!

In this episode, I invite the spectacular Valerie Drew, an amazing woman and tech leader at a Fortune 500 company, to share her journey of continuous promotion and the skills that made it possible. We dive into her valuable insights on taking on tough projects, learning continuously, and advocating for yourself to avoid complacency, as well as how to leverage your communication skills, learn from mistakes, and navigate gender bias to better your leadership career. 

Ready for the insights, inspiration, and tools to advance your career with confidence and purpose?

Let’s go to the show!

We dive into:

  • Valerie’s career journey of continuous promotion (and how she did it!)
  • Dynamic leadership, communication, and self-trust
  • Practical tips for navigating gender bias in your leadership career
  • The secret sauce for regular career promotion
  • Multi-tasking, advocating for higher pay, and seasonal planning
  • Navigating mistakes and taking calculated risks
  • And more

 

**Useful links**

 

25 Jul 2023160: Using Coaching as a Leader to Elevate Your Team00:18:41

Is your leadership toolkit missing something?

Let’s talk about why coaching should be part of your leadership skillset - and how it can help you elevate your team & their potential!

In today’s episode, I discuss why coaching is so powerful for your team, how to integrate it into your leadership strategy, and the 2-part framework you can use to see BIG shifts in your team dynamics & success.

Ready to use coaching in your leadership journey?

Let’s go to the show!

I dive into:

  • Using coaching as a leadership tool to elevate your team
  • Coaching in the context of professional development
  • My 2-part coaching framework and how you can use it to be a better leader & get BIG results from your team
  • Coaching your team while supporting individual development
  • Fostering belonging & motivation through the skill of coaching
  • 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/episode160
  • 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.
08 Aug 2023162: How Coaching Makes You a Better Leader00:23:10

Coaching is not just about your team doing better, it’s about what happens inside of YOU.  

Let’s talk about what happens when you start using coaching in your leadership & how it actually makes you better at what you do!

In today’s episode, I dive into the impact of coaching on YOU, some practical ways you can become a better leader, and why this is one skill you don’t want to overlook in your career. 

Ready to coach your way to being a better leader?

Let’s go to the show!

I dive into:

  • What the skill of coaching is doing for YOU, and as a result, your leadership!
  • How to “self-coach” through things like imposter syndrome & other limiting beliefs
  • The BIGGEST reasons why having a coach is a total non-negotiable in my career
  • How to use my “Reverse Neutral Forward” framework to uplevel your leadership
  • My mindset tip to help you when you’re team is frustrating you
  • And more

 

**Useful links**

28 Feb 2023139: Enjoying the Journey: How to Climb the Leadership Ladder and Thrive as You Do with Tracy Crossley00:30:33

Do you know what isn’t talked about enough, my love? How to actually enjoy the journey to the c-suite. 

Let’s talk about how to climb the leadership ladder - and thrive as you’re doing it!

In today’s episode, I invite extraordinary coach, Tracy Crossley, to share her insights on leadership, mindset, and the practical steps you can take to feel more empowered as you enjoy the journey to breaking that glass ceiling!

Ready for the tools you need to make climbing the leadership ladder easier?

Let’s go to the show!

We dive into:

  • Tracy’s career journey and getting into entrepreneurship as a kid
  • Attachment theory and its relationship to our careers as women in tech
  • How overachieving may be holding you back from climbing the corporate ladder
  • Unconscious bias v. Unhelpful conditioning - which one is holding you back?
  • The self-determination theory & how it can help you uplevel your career
  • Tracy’s 3 steps to help you feel more empowered at work and thrive on your way to the c-suite!
  • And more

 

**Useful links**

08 Nov 2022124: How Positive Psychology Can Make You a Better Leader00:29:59

Part of your role as a leader is to care about your team’s performance, right? What if I told you there’s a proven way to build a happier and more optimistic team, and by extension, better performance?

Let’s talk about how positive psychology can make your team sparkle, and make YOU a better leader!

In today’s episode, I’m diving into positive psychology - what it is, its role in the workplace, and my TOP 7 TIPS for using it to build flourishing, enjoyable & productive teams and to uplevel your own leadership. 

Ready for the positive psychology techniques you need to become a better leader?

Let’s go to the show!

I dive into:

  • Positive psychology - what it really is & how you can use it to uplevel your career
  • 7 TIPS to help you roll out positive psychology in your daily leadership
  • Institutional positive psychology and its role in leadership & workplace culture
  • Helping your team build happiness and optimism (learned optimism is a thing, my love!)
  • And more

 

**Useful links**

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.

30 Jul 2024211: Leading with Impact: Practical Insights and Strategies for Women in Tech00:38:03

It’s important to understand that because of our industry, we as tech leaders, particularly as women, need to do things a little bit differently.

Let’s talk about tech leadership's unique and specific attributes to help you thrive in your leadership role.

In this episode, I dive into how to navigate and thrive in the tech industry and address the common barriers female tech leaders face - and some practical strategies to overcome them. Join me for insights on today’s tech landscape, gender dynamics in leadership, technical expertise vs. soft skills, and more.

Ready to navigate these challenges together and make a lasting impact in the tech world?

Let’s go to the show!

I dive into:

  • The unique challenges that tech leaders are facing today
  • Gender dynamics & the factors to consider to become a successful female leader in tech
  • The delicate balance between technical expertise and soft skills
  • Gender bias, social conditioning, and work-life balance for women in leadership
  • Strategies for communication and team management in the tech industry
  • Emulating men: why it doesn’t work and what to do instead!
  • 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/episode211
  • 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.

 

13 Aug 2024213: The Art of Authentic Executive Presence for Women00:28:23

Have you ever been advised to improve your executive presence, only to be left wondering what that truly means? Or perhaps you've tried to emulate the behaviors of your male colleagues, only to find it doesn't quite work for you? You're not alone.

Let’s talk about the art of authentic executive presence for women.

In today’s episode, I explore the unique challenges women face in developing executive presence and clarify what it genuinely means to embody this leadership skill. I give you practical tips to help you cultivate an authentic presence that commands respect, influence, and enhances your ability to navigate the workplace with confidence and authenticity.

Ready to cultivate a powerful executive presence, earn respect, drive your career forward, and find fulfillment in your professional journey?

Let’s go to the show!

I dive into:

  • The intricate balance of navigating executive presence as women in tech
  • Strategies for balancing self-promotion with humility, and navigating risk-taking, competition, confidence, and communication as women in leadership
  • Understanding gender dynamics in emotional restraint and empathy in the workplace
  • Defining authentic executive presence
  • How executive presence intertwines with your personal brand
  • Client case study: improving executive presence
  • 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 

06 Aug 2024212: The Power of Uncomfortable Conversations in Business with Shauna Garner00:33:11

In this powerful episode, we dive deep into the world of risk-taking and the essential conversations that come with it. Join us as we explore the remarkable journey of Shauna Garner, who transitioned from aspiring medical doctor to President of a leading tech company. She shares her story of embracing the unknown and the pivotal role of uncomfortable conversations in driving success.

Ready for valuable insights and practical advice on how to hold space for risks to become a powerful and visionary leader?

Let’s go to the show!

We dive into:

  • Shauna’s career journey from medicine to tech
  • The benefit of taking risks in our careers
  • Taking risks on behalf of your organization
  • Handling uncomfortable conversations: team communication and engagement during risky changes
  • Shauna’s insights on formidable leadership, growth, and forgiveness
  • And more

**Useful links**

  • Connect with today’s guest and sponsor, Shauna Garner
    • W: https://valhallan.com/
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valhallanesports/
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/valhallan/
  • Shauna’s current read: Your Next Five Moves 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/episode212 
  • 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.
14 Mar 2023141: Creating a Career That You Love as a Woman in Tech with Trish Damkroger00:36:24

Confidence, support & boundaries - are you getting what you need at work?

Let’s talk about how to create a career that you love as a woman in tech!

In today’s episode, I invite my dear friend, mentor, and SVP at Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Trish Damkroger, to talk to us about her career journey, her incredible work with HPC & supercomputing, and her favorite advice and tools for elevating your leadership. 

Ready to learn more about the mindset & strategy you need to thrive at work?

Let’s go to the show!

We dive into:

  • Trish’s career journey, finding her sweet spot & her executive position at Hewlett Packard Enterprise
  • What HPC/supercomputing is all about - and why she’s so passionate about it!
  • Her secret sauce for keeping her head above water in a male-dominated industry
  • Evaluating your boss/peers/network for drains & toxicity and some TIPS for creating healthy boundaries at work if you don’t want to leave your job
  • Trish’s confidence toolkit - and how to build yours
  • Her TOP advice to help you land sponsors & your next leadership role!
  • And more

 

**Useful links**

13 Jun 2023154: The Two Sides of Layoffs: How to Pick Yourself Up After a Layoff (And Do It Well)00:37:20

Whether you’re the one being laid off or you’re the leader given the task of laying off team members - this will definitely be a stressful time. But don’t worry my love, because there are ways to navigate this situation with confidence & grace, no matter what side you’re on!

Let’s talk about the two sides of layoffs, the tools you need to navigate them effectively, and what you can do afterward to keep momentum in your career. 

In today’s episode, I’m sharing my favorite tools & tips around the layoff process, what you should avoid, how to manage the harder bits, and the most important ways you can pick yourself up so you can treat this as a growth moment in your career. 

Ready to find a path forward after a layoff?

Let’s go to the show!

I dive into:

  • Handling layoffs effectively, from both sides!
  • How to deal with the initial news so you don’t make things worse
  • What to be especially cautious about as a leader during this time
  • Practical tips for having the layoff conversation as the manager
  • Important steps to take AFTER the layoffs
  • My favorite tools to help you pick yourself up after being laid off (you’re not alone, my love!)
  • And more

 

**Useful links**

06 Feb 2024186: Embracing Your Differences As A Woman In Tech with Shikha Bajaj00:33:09

Are you walking in your full color at work?

Let’s talk about embracing your differences as a woman in tech!

In today’s episode, I invite Vice President and Digital Business Transformation Leader, Shikha Bajaj, to talk to us about “owning your color” and how you can show up as who you really are at work (and succeed and thrive while doing it). We dive into mentorship, breaking barriers, and lifting each other up our way to the top.

Ready to show up as the best version of yourself in your career?

Let’s go to the show!

We dive into:

  • Shikha’s upbringing in India and journey into tech and mentorship
  • The mentorship program she started during Covid
  • Building connection & trust in a mentor/mentee relationship
  • Navigating the fine line between embracing your executive presence and becoming like the men in the room
  • How to own/embrace “your color” & find fulfillment in your career
  • And more

 

**Useful links**

 

This episode was sponsored by our guest, Shikha Bajaj. Thank you Shikha for helping to bring Leading Women in Tech to this community!

 

16 Jul 2024209: The Power of Tech Leadership Coaching: Strategies for Success00:29:22

Is coaching something you need right now?

Let’s demystify coaching and make sure you have the kind of support you need as a female leader in tech!

In this episode, I dive into the power of tech leadership coaching to help you determine if it's what you need now, in the future - or not at all! I explore the unique challenges and opportunities faced by leaders in this industry, how coaching can develop your leadership skills specifically for the fast-paced and innovative tech environment, and the factors to consider when seeking coaching as a woman in tech, such as the rapid innovation cycle, team dynamics, and more. 

Join me for this important discussion on leading as a female at work, how leadership coaching can play a role in your success, and answering the crucial question: Is coaching something you need right now?

I dive into:

  • Tech leadership coaching: what it is & the factors to consider when tailoring it for women
  • The benefits of leadership coaching in various roles and fields
  • Understanding the importance and impact of having a strategic plan for career advancement
  • Transition coaching: navigating career transitions with the support of coaching
  • Building skills for high-stakes decision-making and interpersonal interactions in your career
  • The unique challenges to consider when coaching female leaders
  • Combating burnout in tech and “the myth of the MBA”
  • 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/episode209
  • 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.
18 Oct 2022121: Building Great Engineering Teams in Tech Companies with Jossie Haines, Kathryn Vandiver, and Sushma Nallapeta00:45:36

Whether you’re in engineering, working alongside engineering teams, or you’re just looking to uplevel your career in tech - I have a treat for you this week, my love! 

Today, I invite three extraordinary and powerful leaders in the tech industry to talk about their unique experiences building great engineering teams. Join us as Jossie, Kathryn & Sushma share their approaches to getting ahead as engineering leaders, and how to build better relationships with these important teams in your own organization. 

Ready to learn more about how engineering interacts with the rest of the organization - and gain some powerful leadership tools along the way?

Let’s go to the show! 

We dive into:

  • How these incredible women became VPs of engineering - and why they do what they do!
  • 4 key metrics you can use to highlight how engineering is moving towards company goals
  • How to make sure the engineering team supports business strategy (even when the rest of the organization may not fully understand what they do!)
  • One VITAL piece to building good communication between engineering and the rest of the organization
  • Their BEST advice to help you on your path to VP!
  • And so much more!

 

**Useful links**

  • Book recommendations:
    • Accelerate: Building and Scaling High Performing Technology Organizations, by Nicole Forsgren, Jez Humble & Gene Kim
    • Team Topologies: Organizing Business and Technology Teams for Fast Flow by Matthew Skelton & Manuel Pais
  • If you are ready to uplevel your career, and get a boost (and a salary bump) by shortcutting your way to success, find out more about Toni’s Coaching at:

https://tonicollis.com/workwithtoni 

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.

05 Sep 2023166: Does Ambition Cause Burnout?00:25:33

Does ambition cause burnout?

Let’s talk about your ambition - and how to navigate the gap between where you are and where you want to be. 

In today’s episode, I discuss “The Ambition Gap” and how it could be leading to burnout in your career journey. I dive into what “The Ambition Gap” is, how your fear/stress plays a role, and the steps you can take to avoid burnout on the way to achieving your biggest goals.

Your ambition is beautiful, my love - ready to fully embrace it?

Let’s go to the show!

I dive into:

  • The Ambition Gap - what it is & how it affects burnout
  • High ambition, good or bad?
  • THREE steps to avoiding burnout in the Ambition Gap
  • Time spent doing vs. thinking
  • A mindset shift you can make to help you embrace your ambition
  • And more

 

**Useful links**

24 Oct 2023173: Becoming a Technical Leader Without Learning to Code with Schlaine Hutchins00:40:03

Does it feel like there’s only one path to landing your dream role? (hint: there are actually many, my love!)

Let’s talk about becoming a technical leader with the skills that actually light you up!

In today’s episode, I invite Global Information Security Leader & coach, Schlaine Hutchins, to share her unique journey into cybersecurity and how she became a tech leader - without learning to code! We dive into self-doubt & self-belief, managing vs. leading, and how to be better allies to women of color while creating our own unique paths to success. 

Ready to carve your own way to tech leadership?

Let’s go to the show!

We dive into:

  • Schlaine’s unique career journey to cybersecurity leadership
  • How you could be restricting your own career path - and what to do instead!
  • Normalizing self-doubt and working towards more self-belief in your life and career
  • The difference between management and leadership - and why we need both
  • Inclusivity in the tech industry & how we can be better allies
  • #1 piece of advice if you’re looking to pivot in your career
  • And more

 

**Useful links**

12 Dec 2023179:The Sunday Scaries00:23:59

You know the feeling…as the weekend winds down, a sense of unease creeps in and casts a shadow over your last precious hours of relaxation.

This feeling is referred to as the “Sunday Scaries”, and today we’re talking about the ways to overcome it! 

In today’s episode, I’m exploring the Sunday Scaries, why they pose such a challenge to our well-being, and most importantly - how to conquer them!

Ready to ditch the dread of returning to work and move into healthy anticipation instead?

Let’s go to the show!

I dive into:

  • Determining if the Sunday Scaries are affecting you or your team
  • The MOST COMMON causes of the Sunday Scaries
  • Why the effects of this Sunday dread can be a hindrance to building an effective team
  • What you can do about your Sunday Scaries & how to help your team overcome it too!
  • Why “staying for your team” can be problematic
  • Learning to hold pressure vs. knowing when to release it
  • 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/episode179
  • 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.
29 Nov 2022127: The Intersection Between Our Social and Corporate Responsibilities as Leaders with Urvashi Bhatnagar00:37:23

Whether we’re talking about social, environmental, or fiduciary responsibilities, there’s a great discussion to be had around the impact of each - and how to lead our teams to prioritize and balance all three! 

It’s time to talk about that triple bottom line. 

In today’s episode, I invite mission-driven strategist & VP of Business Development and Healthcare, Urvashi Bhatnagar, to talk about leadership innovation in the healthcare sector, and everything from the environment and our social equity impact, our required corporate and fiduciary responsibilities, and how we can lead better in all these important areas to help each other - and the world. 

Ready for a fascinating discussion on the intersection between our social and corporate responsibilities as leaders?

Let’s go to the show!

We dive into:

  • Urvashi’s career journey and mission for every company to understand the important responsibility towards human health
  • How considering the social, environmental & fiduciary factors as leaders can benefit your career and team
  • Corporate success & acknowledging the people who drive it - how this has shifted in the last decade
  • The intersection between healthcare sustainability and data analytics & the data-driven approach to “perks”
  • Why the worst & best piece of advice she’s ever been given were both around salary negotiation
  • And so much more

 

 

**Useful links**

 

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.

03 Sep 2024216: Understanding and Overcoming Burnout: Insights from Leading Women in Tech with Lindsay, Jen, and Allison01:06:44

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.

 

21 May 2024201: Negotiating Your Worth: Salary, Recognition, and Opportunities00:32:10

It’s time to seek the rewards you deserve!

Let’s talk about negotiation - a core skill essential for your career success. 

In this episode, I dive into useful strategies for negotiating your worth and how to own your value regarding salary, recognition, and advancement opportunities. I discuss my top tips for negotiating compensation, handling job offers (counter and multiple), and positioning yourself for advancement. But it’s not just the practical tools you need, we’ll dive into the mindset around owning your value, understanding your limits, and overcoming the specific negotiation challenges faced by women in tech, ensuring you can advocate effectively for the compensation and opportunities you deserve. 

Ready for the actionable tips to help you reach your next salary goal or dream role? It’s time to understand your worth and master the art of negotiation. 

Let’s go to the show!

I dive into:

  • Practical strategies for negotiating salary for a new role - or the raise you deserve!
  • A simple, but essential TIP to help you negotiate your worth
  • Considering immediate & long-term goals in your negotiations
  • Navigating recognition and advancement opportunities
  • Effectively handling job offers: counter offers, rejections & multiple offers
  • The mindset of negotiation: exploring your limits and owning your value
  • 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/episode201
  • 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.
27 Sep 2022118: The Upside of Being the Only Woman in the Room with Micha Goebig00:47:26

We’re back for the third and final part of our special 3-part series on being the only woman in the room!

 

Did you know you can actually enjoy being the only woman in the room? (I know this can be triggering because this is NOT the ideal scenario, but there are some silver linings!)

In today’s episode, Micha and I dive into the opportunities that come with being the only woman in the room and how you can shift your thinking around this to start approaching your career as a woman in tech with more optimism. 

Ready to get inspired and leverage some of the opportunities available to you, my love?

 

Let’s go to the show!

We dive into:

  • The BIGGEST opportunities of being the only woman in the room (and how to leverage them)
  • Our surprising “is there a positive side to being the only woman in the room?” poll results
  • The pros & cons of being underestimated as a woman in tech
  • Understanding the difference between “I love being the only woman in the room” vs. “I want to stay the only woman in the room”
  • Being held to a higher standard - and finding the silver lining here!
  • And more



**Useful links**

https://tonicollis.com/workwithtoni 

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.

11 Oct 2022120: Navigating Decision-Making with Executives00:24:28

Ever felt frustrated by an executive decision that you didn’t understand? (I’ve been there, my love!)

Executive decision-making can be difficult to navigate. Whether you’re the executive who is making the decisions, an aspiring executive, or you’re simply working with them - there are ways to improve this process so it works for the entire team (and gets you further in your career)!

In today’s episode, I’m digging into how to better understand what’s driving executive decision-making and the areas to focus on so you can get better at interfacing with them, and even help them make better decisions that work for you! 

Ready to improve cooperation, get rid of the confusion and frustration you’re feeling with your executives, and improve your career?

Let’s go to the show! 

I dive into:

  • What could be driving the executive decision-making in your organization
  • My BEST TIPS for improving the decision-making process (whether you’re an executive, or just aiming to uplevel your career)
  • How to navigate a boss with a lack of confidence & exit strategy
  • The 4 different decision-making styles and how they can help you speak your executive’s language!
  • Some actions steps to take if you want to improve your decision-making as an executive
  • My BIGGEST mindset tip around executive decision-making
  • And more

 

**Useful links**

  • Join the Women Leader’s Empowerment Summit this week: https://bit.ly/wles2022  
  • If you are ready to uplevel your career, and get a boost (and a salary bump) by shortcutting your way to success, find out more about Toni’s Coaching at:

https://tonicollis.com/workwithtoni 

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.

07 Feb 2023136: How Having Boundaries and Structure Gives You Freedom00:25:09

I know setting boundaries and structure in your life and career can feel a bit restricting, but the truth is - it actually sets you free, my love!

Let’s talk about boundaries and structure and how they give you the freedom you need to become the extraordinary leader, senior-level executive, or amazing individual contributor that can have real influence in your organization.

In today’s episode, I’m diving into the ways you can implement more boundaries and structure in your life and career so you can free up your time, energy & capacity for the things that really matter and will move you forward.

Ready to give boundary setting a real go?

Let’s go to the show!

I dive into:

  • How boundaries & structure actually give you freedom!
  • Understanding what boundaries and structure REALLY are
  • What healthy boundaries help us avoid (and why you need them!)
  • The surprising things I put in my schedule & why
  • What to evaluate if you find yourself saying YES too often
  • My favorite mindset tip to help you with your boundaries around decision-making
  • And more

 

**Useful links**

16 Jan 2024183: The Cost of Failure with Debbie Levitt00:43:39

As a business leader, I embrace failure. I encourage my team to try new things and learn from their mistakes. But when does this strategy stop working?

Can failure truly be BAD for business?

Let’s talk about the culture of “fail fast” and if your business or career is paying too high a cost for failure. 

In this episode, I invite Debbie Lovett, MBA and CFO of Delta CX, to challenge our ideas on failure as she dives into the high costs companies are paying for a culture that glorifies failure and ultimately ignores the customers’ needs. 

Ready to understand where failure should be embraced and when it’s bad for business?

Let’s go to the show!

We dive into:

  • Debbie’s career journey to becoming a consultant in the CX and UX space
  • Her unique perspective on empathy in business
  • How stereotyping your customers is hurting them and your business
  • The high costs you could be paying if your company is running on agile, fail-fast cycles
  • Exploring corporate failure vs. personal failure
  • Debbie’s best advice for hitting the brakes on your high failure rate
  • And more

 

**Useful links**

 

This episode was sponsored by our guest, Debbie Levitt. Thank you Debbie for helping to bring Leading Women in Tech to this community!

 

06 Dec 2022128: What to Do When You Mess Up00:25:25

You made a mistake, now what?

Well, first things first - we don’t want to make it worse. And sometimes the feelings that come up when we make a mistake can throw us into a downward spiral that isn’t good for anyone.

So, let’s talk about the practical things you should do when you mess so you can see better outcomes. 

In today’s episode, I’m diving into what you should do when you make a mistake at work and how to manage your emotions & actions to turn your ‘uh-oh’ into a positive experience (yes it’s possible, my love)! 

Want to learn how to be the solutions person - even when you or your team created the problem?

Let’s go to the show!

I dive into:

  • My 5 quick tips to help you take ownership & move forward from a mistake
  • The fastest way to build a great team (and how this applies to your missteps)
  • How your career may suffer if you don’t face up to your mistakes at work
  • The 4 key steps to take when you actually CAN’T solve the problem
  • How to tap into the silver lining of your mess up (yes, there is one!)
  • And more

 

**Useful links**

02 May 2023148: Your First 90 Days in a New Role00:38:28

Those first 90 days in a new role really do matter, my love. It’s VITAL to take ownership over this time to secure a successful transition. 

Let’s talk about the tools you need to have a successful 90 days in your new role!

In today’s episode, I’m diving deep into those first 90 days and giving you SIX KEYS to a successful transition so you can keep momentum, land some early wins & set yourself up for success in your new role (and the rest of your career). 

Ready for the tools you need for a well-planned first 90 days?

Let’s go to the show!

I dive into:

  • Planning for success in your first 90 days in a new role
  • How to collapse the timeline for delivering success (from 12 months to no more than 6!)
  • Gaining support from colleagues during the transition period
  • Why your first recruiter screening is a piece of the 90-day strategy
  • 6 KEYS to thriving in your first 90 days
  • How to navigate early wins (and what to avoid!)
  • A breakdown of what you should be focusing on in months 1, 2 & 3
  • And more

 

**Useful links**

02 Jul 2024207: Evolving Tech Leadership: Navigating Change and Climbing the Ladder00:29:03

How often do you reflect on your leadership approach and if you’re adapting to both your professional growth and the ever-changing world around you?

Let’s talk about the evolution of tech leadership and navigating change while climbing the ladder!

In today’s episode, I dive into the evolving landscape of tech leadership and how your approach needs to transform as you advance in your career. I look at how tech leadership has evolved over the last 25 years, the key factors shaping our tech leadership today (and what you can do to stand out), and my tips for evolving your personal leadership approach as you progress in your career. 

Want to thrive in the fast-paced tech world and ensure your growth keeps pace with the evolving landscape?

Let’s go to the show!

I dive into:

  • Shifting your leadership approach to adapt to your career progression & the evolving tech landscape 
  • Leadership evolution in the tech industry over the last 25 years
  • Tech industry trends: the critical roles of embracing AI and fostering diversity & inclusion
  • TOP TIPS for evolving your leadership effectively alongside your career progression
  • 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/episode207
  • 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.

 

09 Apr 2024195: Hold Don’t Carry with Lindsay White00:37:49

Let’s talk about the powerful approach to leadership - “Hold, Don’t Carry”.

In this episode, HR veteran turned Executive Coach, Lindsay White, joins me to discuss learning to hold space without shouldering undue burdens and how this skill sets great leaders apart. We dive into the nuances of holding emotional space as a leader, cultivating resilience and stamina by “not carrying”, using lead and lag measures effectively, and the roles accountability and delegation hold within the "Hold, Don't Carry" paradigm.

Join us for our top tips on how to implement this approach with self-care and empathy and an insightful discussion on how this leadership skill can uplevel your executive presence. 

We dive into:

  • How to use the “Hold, Don’t Carry” approach to uplevel your executive leadership
  • A breakdown of what it means to “hold” effectively as a leader
  • How to cultivate resilience and stamina by “not carrying”
  • The roles of accountability and delegation in the “Hold, Don’t Carry” approach
  • TOP TIPS to help you practice this skill as an executive leader
  • And more

**Useful links**

21 Nov 2023177: What to Do When You Inherit a Crisis00:24:32

Whether you join a new team, get a promotion, or find yourself in a company restructure, at some point, you might find yourself cleaning up someone else’s mess. 

How are you going to handle inheriting this crisis, my love?

In today’s episode, I’m diving into another important crisis management topic: what to do when you inherit a crisis. I discuss how to diagnose the issue, the biggest traps to avoid as you navigate it, and the practical tools you need to manage the crisis and come out the other side with improved team performance and trust. 

Ready to grow your resiliency & uplevel your leadership with this next challenge?

Let’s go to the show!

I dive into:

  • Properly diagnosing & addressing an inherited business crisis
  • Practical leadership tips for handling a crisis in your first 90 days
  • 2 of the BIGGEST traps to avoid when tackling an inherited crisis
  • Immediate action vs. the long-term fix: identifying & accounting for your natural problem-solving tendencies
  • Tracking your progress toward the end goal
  • What to do as the crisis begins to resolve (and what to avoid)
  • 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/episode177 
  • 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.
03 Oct 2023170: Does It Have to Be Lonely at the Top?00:28:55

Does it really have to be lonely at the top?

Let’s talk about what causes this feeling of loneliness in leadership - and what we can do about it!

In today’s episode, I’m diving into loneliness at the top, why it’s such a common challenge for female tech leaders, and how to make sure it doesn’t slow down your career growth. Ready to ditch the loneliness and step fully into the leader you were born to be?

Let’s go to the show!

I dive into:

  • Does it have to be lonely at the top?
  • The BIGGEST reasons why leaders feel lonely at the top
  • #1 reason that leaders get coaches
  • My TOP TIPS for overcoming leadership loneliness
  • 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/episode170 
  • 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.
06 Jun 2023153: Being an Anti-Oppressive Leader and Leading the Way by Doing Hard Things with Debbie Danon00:48:01

Ready to learn your Rebel ABCs?

Let’s talk about how to become more of a rebel in your leadership and the anti-oppressive leadership skills you need to do the right things - even when they’re hard. 

In today’s episode, I invite leadership coach, expert facilitator, and inclusion specialist, Debbie Danon, to talk to us all about anti-oppressive leadership and how to develop the leadership skills and mindsets you need to spark and sustain positive change in your team and organization. 

Ready to develop some rebel authenticity, balance & courage?

Let’s go to the show!

We dive into:

  • Debbie’s career highlights & lowlights
  • The Rebel ABCs - and why you want to learn them!
  • Being anti-oppressive in your leadership & how this relates to rebel courage
  • Using the 5 A’s of Accountability to spark positive change in the workplace
  • A mindset shift you can make around questions of strategy vs. integrity
  • And more

 

 

**Useful links**

 

This episode was sponsored by our guest, Debbie Danon Thank you Debbie for helping to bring Leading Women in Tech to this community!

 

30 Jan 2024185: Dreaming About Starting Your Own Startup? with Amy Cell00:39:00

Is there something holding you back from getting your company off the ground?

Let’s talk about the startup dream and how to make it a reality!

In today’s episode, I invite HR Consultant Amy Cell to share her wisdom on all things startups! We dive into the KEY considerations if you’re considering your first startup, identifying your fears (and how to avoid them from stopping you), and setting yourself up for the best chance of success. 

Ready to take the journey towards a successful startup?

Let’s go to the show!

We dive into:

  • Amy’s career journey
  • The KEY traits to develop for a successful startup
  • Amy’s TOP TIPS for starting a successful company
  • Getting creative with talent management
  • What I wish I had known about being profit-focused
  • Identifying your founder's “wobbles” & avoiding these blocks
  • Startup funding - is it the only way?
  • And more

 

**Useful links**


This episode was sponsored by our guest, Amy Cell. Thank you Amy for helping to bring Leading Women in Tech to this community!

02 Apr 2024194: Speaking Up: Communicating Complex Ideas Simply00:32:03

Ever found yourself lost in a complex presentation? Maybe you’ve been the presenter and the audience looked a bit confused?

If you want to be an effective senior leader, communicating complex ideas in a simple way is a key skill. 

In this episode, we’re talking about communicating complex ideas with simplicity, the biggest traps to avoid, and the tools and tips to help you overcome this common leadership hurdle. 

Ready to make sure your words are hitting the mark?

Let’s go to the show!

I dive into:

  • How to simplify complex ideas for effective communication
  • Avoiding communication breakdowns in the workplace
  • Mistaking complexity for competence (“sounding clever”)
  • Effective communication across different fields
  • 6 practical tips for conveying your message effectively
  • 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/episode194
  • 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.
22 Nov 2022126: What to Do if You Feel Defensive All the Time00:32:09

Does it feel like you’re constantly defending yourself at work? This can turn into a downward spiral of defensiveness that can be very draining (for you and your team) and unhelpful for your career progress. 

But did you know there are some tested tools and techniques to help you with this? (It’s true, my love - I’ve helped clients with this very thing!) 

Let’s talk about what to do if you’re feeling defensive at work. 

In today’s episode, I’m sharing my biggest takeaways on defensiveness in the workplace - how it manifests in our leadership & teams, the psychology of what’s going on, and my favorite tips for tackling it. 

Ready to break the cycle and feel calmer and happier in your career? 

Let’s go to the show!

I dive into:

  • The defensiveness spiral, what it is & how to shift out of it
  • My favorite tools and techniques for MORE collaboration and LESS defensiveness in your career
  • How unconscious bias & imposter syndrome are related and what to shift here to become less defensive
  • One of the BEST ways to diagnose defensiveness
  • My TOP TIPS to help you deal with difficult colleagues and react better to feedback & bad news
  • Why I want you to prioritize THIS for 1 month to tackle defensive behavior
  • And more

 

**Useful links**

  • If you are ready to uplevel your career, and get a boost (and a salary bump) by shortcutting your way to success, find out more about Toni’s Coaching at: https://tonicollis.com/workwithtoni 

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.

04 Apr 2023144: Time Management and Productivity for Great Leadership00:20:55

Many of us resist time management tactics, but be careful my love! If you’re not being proactive about your time as a leader - your team (and your career) can suffer.

Let’s talk about how to use time management to increase your productivity & effectiveness as a leader and achieve more - without working more!

In today’s episode, I’m sharing my 4 principles of time management for exceptional leaders, how you can use these tools to get your time management back on track, and why improving this leadership skill will be time well spent for your career. 

Ready for the time management and productivity techniques that are going to set you up for long-term success?

Let’s go to the show!

I dive into:

  • Improving your time management skills to uplevel your leadership (and how you can begin today!)
  • My 4 principles of time management for exceptional leaders
  • Why it’s so common to resist time management & why you need to stop
  • How to practice “using your time” so you can get better at it
  • The ONE question I ask all of my clients when we first start working together (and why it might help you STOP wasting time)
  • And more

 

**Useful links**

09 Jan 2024182: Beyond Resolutions: Transformative Annual Planning for the Visionary Woman in Tech00:28:17

January offers a unique opportunity for a fresh start beyond personal resolutions, my love. 

Let’s talk about making a strategic and transformative annual plan for your professional journey!

In today’s episode, I want to help you take advantage of the “fresh start effect” and give you the tools you need to plan for your professional future as a visionary woman in tech. Whether you’re planning for an even better year in a career that already lights you up, or you’re ready to take the journey towards finding a job you LOVE, this one’s for you. 

Ready for a lit-up career of big plans & big celebrations?

Let’s go to the show!

I dive into:

  • The “Fresh Start Effect” and how it can help you achieve your 2024 goals
  • How to avoid the pitfall of concurrent goals (and other challenges you need to look out for!)
  • Why your North Star is vital to the annual planning process
  • My TOP TIPS for realistic planning as a visionary - and what to avoid!
  • Should we continue planning when we’re in burnout?
  • 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/episode182 
  • 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.
04 Jun 2024203: Redefining Success Beyond the Quantity of Work00:22:53

Do you feel you must work crazy hours to get the recognition you deserve?

It’s time to redefine success beyond the quantity of work!

In this episode, I discuss the barrier of the traditional success model, the major pitfalls of quantity over quality, and how you can shift your mindset to redefine success for yourself and your team. I dive into boundary setting, redefining success metrics, and how to escape the burnout cycle by prioritizing high-impact tasks, celebrating wins, and coaching your team to work proactively vs. reactively. 

Ready to find success in the quality of your work and the impact you’re making? 

Let’s go to the show!

I dive into:

  • The pitfalls of the traditional success model: prioritizing quantity over quality at work
  • Coaching yourself and your team through the shift from reactive mode to proactive mode 
  • How the focus on quantity and presenteeism leads to burnout
  • Client case study: from burnout and a possible layoff to a fulfilled VP of Engineering
  • Building a strategy for prioritizing tasks, saying NO, and celebrating wins
  • 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/episode203
  • 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.
09 May 2023149: Why Work Doesn’t Work for Women and What We Can Do About It with Helen Fanucci00:36:02

Is work working for you? 

Let’s talk about what’s wrong in the workplace for us as women, and more importantly - what we can actually do about it. 

In today’s episode, I invite team builder, best-selling author & amazing tech leader, Helen Fanucci, to share her wisdom on where the workplace is failing us as women and ways to make sure we thrive in increasingly hybrid environments. We discuss her best advice to help you navigate male-dominated spaces and the BIGGEST things you can do to remove any obstacles in your way to landing your dream leadership role & building a high-performance team. 

Ready to bust through those blocks and reach your highest leadership potential?

Let’s go to the show!

We dive into:

  • Helen’s career journey, from MIT-trained engineer to sales executive
  • An IMPORTANT TIP to help you actually get what you want in negotiations
  • The secret to delivering high performance from your teams
  • Outcome-based expectations in a hybrid/remote world
  • The KEY leadership skills you need more of if you want to uplevel your career
  • Addressing the gender gap in senior leadership
  • Removing obstacles for female leaders on the way to the C-suite
  • Helen’s FAVORITE mindset tip to help leaders
  • And more

 

**Useful links**

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