2B Bolder Podcast : Career Insights for the Next Generation of Women in Business & Tech

Career strategist Tina Cella pulls back the curtain on what really works in today's challenging job market. From her success at Sixth Sense (growing the company from 150 to 1300 people) to founding Unicorn Career Compass, Tina brings invaluable insights on standing out and landing opportunities when competition is fierce.The traditional job hunt is broken. Sending applications into the void and hoping for a response simply doesn't cut it anymore. Tina reveals why treating your job search like a strategic sales process with multiple touchpoints is the game-changer most candidates miss. "Multi-threading" your approach by connecting with various people at target companies demonstrates exactly the skills employers crave.Beyond tactical advice, Tina addresses deeper challenges like ageism ("overqualified" is her least favorite word) and the struggle to pivot careers. She shares practical wisdom on leveraging AI tools, optimizing your LinkedIn presence, and maintaining a positive mindset when rejection feels overwhelming.Perhaps most powerfully, Tina reminds us that finding your authentic voice is the ultimate career superpower. "Own your story, own your value, own your voice. Your voice is your power," she emphasizes. Whether you're currently job-hunting or simply want to strengthen your professional position, this conversation offers actionable strategies for confidently navigating today's market.Are you ready to stop feeling rejected and start standing out? Listen now to discover how to become the unicorn candidate companies can't ignore.Support the showWhen you subscribe to the podcast, you are supporting our work's mission, allowing us to continue highlighting successful women in a variety of careers to inspire others helping pay our wonderful editor, Chris, and helping me in paying our hosting expenses. 🎉

Daggy Lacey's life reads like a Hollywood script, yet her remarkable journey from refugee to tech pioneer is 100% real. In this captivating conversation, Daggy shares how fleeing Latvia as a one-year-old set her on an unexpected path toward breaking unimaginable barriers in the technology industry.With disarming candor, Daggy reveals how she became the first female programmer at Burroughs Corporation based on a $25 monthly salary difference—a decision that led to a series of glass-ceiling-shattering achievements. She recalls the moment when her boss confessed they'd never hired a female programmer before, explaining the battery of special tests she had to pass simply because of her gender.The stories flow like chapters in an adventure novel: being blocked from presenting in Japan because "women cannot address business meetings" only to have executives later fly to meet her; founding her own technology company in 1991 that employed remote workers before the World Wide Web existed; and her unforgettable boardroom showdown with a notoriously difficult chairman where her boldness carried the day.Most compelling is Daggy's definition of boldness itself—speaking out for your cause, refusing to back down when challenged, and maintaining unwavering belief in your solution. At 81, still running her international technology company, she delivers a powerful message for women considering careers in tech: "Don't be afraid. You can do anything you want if you commit yourself to it."What truly makes Daggie's story shine is hearing how her leadership transformed careers. After publishing her book "The Wall Falls, a Woman Rises," former employees reached out to share how working with her 35 years ago changed their lives—a testament to the lasting impact of authentic, bold leadership.Ready for a dose of inspiration and practical wisdom from a true pioneer? This episode delivers exactly that. Share your thoughts after listening—we'd love to hear which part of Daggie's journey resonates most with you.Resources: Daggie's websiteThe Wall Falls, a Woman Rises, a Memoir: How a U.S. Tech Entrepreneur Broke the Glass Ceiling and Helped Modernize LatviaSupport the showWhen you subscribe to the podcast, you are supporting our work's mission, allowing us to continue highlighting successful women in a variety of careers to inspire others helping pay our wonderful editor, Chris, and helping me in paying our hosting expenses. 🎉

In episode #122, discover the inspiring journey of Ria Cheruvu, a prodigious AI architect at Intel, who challenges the status quo with her groundbreaking work from a young age. Ria's incredible story takes us through her accelerated academic achievements and dedication to security, privacy, and fairness in AI systems. We explore her passion for the convergence of neuroscience and cognitive computing and her advocacy for women in STEM, showcasing how she is shaping the future of technology with her innovative mindset.Ria shares her inspiring journey as a young AI architect at Intel. She offers insights into her career path, the importance of mentorship, and the evolving landscape of AI. She encourages women in tech to overcome challenges, embrace growth, and leverage community support while exploring opportunities in this transformative field.Here are some topics covered:• Ria's journey from a high school prodigy to an AI architect at Intel• The significance of mentorship and community in overcoming challenges• Exploring AI's intersection with neuroscience and technology• Ria's focus on security, privacy, and fairness in AI systems• Encouragement for young women to pursue careers in STEM• The necessity of communication, confidence, and rest as key skills• Recommended resources for learning about AI• The potential of AI to reshape career opportunities and ethical considerationsTune in to gain a deeper understanding of building a career in AI, where both technical and non-technical skills are essential.   AI resources for AI enthusiasts:Ria’s Profile linkedin.com/in/ria-cheruvu-54348a173Websitesscholar.harvard.edu/riacheruvu (Portfolio)researchgate.net/profile/Ria_Cheruvu (Portfolio)riacheruvu.github.io (Portfolio)https://riacheruvu.medium.comhttps://m.youtube.com/@riacheruvu555 Leaders to followFei-Fei LiYejin ChoiSebastian RaschkaTom Yeh - AI By Hand - https://aibyhand.substack.comRia’s courses https://www.pluralsight.com/authors/ria-cheruvu-53https://www.udacity.com/course/discovering-ethical-AI--cd13462https://www.udacity.com/course/data-analyst-nanodegree--nd002Support the showWhen you subscribe to the podcast, you are supporting our work's mission, allowing us to continue highlighting successful women in a variety of careers to inspire others helping pay our wonderful editor, Chris, and helping me in paying our hosting expenses. 🎉

On episode #121, join me as I sit down with Alyssa Pollack, a well-known and respected entrepreneur who has navigated the corridors of corporate giants and the fast-paced lanes of tech startups. Alyssa takes us on her journey from her early days at Walgreens to her transformative role in launching Uber Eats and ultimately onto co-founding Fello, a startup tackling the loneliness epidemic with a groundbreaking peer-to-peer model. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience and the impact of pushing one's boundaries in pursuing personal and professional growth.Throughout my conversation with Alyssa, we discussed her startup life, which was filled with exhilarating challenges and unparalleled rewards. Discover how she helped scale Uber Eats into a multi-billion-dollar enterprise by staying relentlessly customer-focused and resilient in the face of obstacles. Alyssa generously shares her strategies for building self-confidence and asserting value in high-stakes environments, especially for women striving to make their mark. She also shares her approach to leadership and compensation strategies, emphasizing the importance of self-recognition, leveraging personal strengths, and advocating for fair compensation in the entrepreneurial world.Alyssa offers invaluable insights into the significance of nurturing supportive networks and securing financial backing. Learn her secrets for building robust business foundations and fostering transparent relationships with mentors and investors. We also touch on the importance of energy management and maintaining passion over the long haul. This episode is brimming with actionable advice and inspiration, perfect for anyone looking to carve out their path in business and tech. Don’t miss this captivating exploration of empowerment, entrepreneurship, and the pursuit of meaningful connections.Support the showWhen you subscribe to the podcast, you are supporting our work's mission, allowing us to continue highlighting successful women in a variety of careers to inspire others helping pay our wonderful editor, Chris, and helping me in paying our hosting expenses. 🎉

Episode #120 Female CEOs are growing in numbers but still quite rare, so it was a real honor to have Lisa Spellman, the newly appointed CEO of Cornelis Networks,on the show. As a well-respected industry tech leader, Lisa shares her inspiring journey from her tenure at Intel, driving innovative technology, where she championed AI workloads and tirelessly advocated for women in tech. Now leading Cornelis Networks, she champions the appeal and value of network performance optimization as a critical next frontier in computing. With a diverse career spanning finance, marketing, and technical sales, Lisa’s unique perspective is a masterclass in leadership and growth.Listen to Lisa candidly discuss the multifaceted challenges of leading in the tech industry. She cites team culture, trust, and collaboration as cornerstones for creating a positive work environment. She also reflects on her nonlinear career path and emphasizes the importance of thoughtful communication and the balance between being respected and liked. Gain insights into how she navigates high-pressure decision-making, takes calculated risks, and leverages a strong network of peers for support.During the interview, we also touched on the influential role of mentorship and advocacy for women in tech. Lisa sheds light on the pervasive issue of unconscious bias and offers practical strategies for women aiming for equitable wages. She passionately discusses forming inclusive teams and the necessity of bold, self-reflective career choices. As Lisa shares her thoughts on balancing work and personal life in high-stakes roles, she encourages embracing bold decisions and ensuring one's career aligns with personal aspirations. Anyone passionate about leadership and technology should tune in and gain valuable insights and inspiration. Resources:Lisa Spelman on LinkedInCEO Cornelis NetworksSupport the showWhen you subscribe to the podcast, you are supporting our work's mission, allowing us to continue highlighting successful women in a variety of careers to inspire others helping pay our wonderful editor, Chris, and helping me in paying our hosting expenses. 🎉

Ever wonder what it would be like to be a Tech Influencer? Tune in to be inspired by the incredible journey of Danielle Hern, better known as @TechieDani, who sheds light on her transition from her corporate 9-5 role at Intel to becoming a full-time content creator who has flexibility and full creative license in her life now.  As a tech influencer with over half a million followers, Dani reveals the catalyst for discovering her passion for smart home technology content. Her story shows how passion, authenticity and the knack for making complex tech accessible can turn a simple creative outlet into a flourishing career.Join us as we get an insider's view of the often-unseen world of content creation. Dani shares the nitty-gritty of producing tech content, from product testing to the art of scripting engaging videos. Balancing her role as a part-time stay-at-home parent, she discusses the challenges of growing a personal brand and the potential for expanding her team. Despite the hurdles, Dani expresses gratitude for the flexibility and unique opportunities the creator life offers, especially when it comes to family time.Explore the ever-evolving landscape of influencer marketing, especially within the tech industry. Dani dives into her experiences with major tech brands, emphasizing the importance of maintaining audience trust while navigating brand collaborations. The conversation also touches on the emotional aspects of content creation and setting boundaries to ensure mental well-being. Dani's insights into leveraging personal uniqueness and the supportive nature of the content creator community offer invaluable takeaways for aspiring creators.Resources: ·       Dani on TikTok·       Dani on Instagram·       Dani on YouTube·       Dani on X·       Dani on Facebook·       Shop Dani’s Recommended ProductsSupport the showWhen you subscribe to the podcast, you are supporting our work's mission, allowing us to continue highlighting successful women in a variety of careers to inspire others helping pay our wonderful editor, Chris, and helping me in paying our hosting expenses. 🎉

What if self-doubt could be your greatest ally in pursuing a life of meaningful impact? That's a hint of insight you'll gain from my conversation with Penny Locaso, a groundbreaking behavioral scientist and impact expert. On episode #118 of the 2B Bolder Podcast, Penny shares her inspiring journey from a successful career in the oil and gas industry to founding HackingHappyco, which is a testament to the power of bold decisions and authenticity. She shares how leaving a long-term relationship and corporate job led her to redefine success through personal fulfillment and impact, all while single-handedly raising her son.Penny opens up about the pesky persistence of self-doubt and how it often masquerades as fear in moments that don't actually pose any threat. Drawing from her experiences, like delivering a TED Talk and securing a book deal, Penny illustrates the importance of taking bold steps and forging relationships outside one's comfort zone. The shift from a corporate giant like Shell to entrepreneurship required her to unlearn certain habits and embrace adaptability, shedding light on how corporate skills can hinder and propel a successful business journey and emphasizing the importance of self-awareness.Penny provides invaluable strategies for building a personal brand with resilience and micro bravery. We explore the realities of entrepreneurship as a numbers game, where facing rejection is par for the course, but persistence and alignment with one's goals lead to true impact. Penny's candid reflection on setbacks is a powerful reminder that perseverance is the cornerstone of meaningful change. Join us to uncover how embracing risk and resilience can lead to greater impact and personal fulfillment.Alongside her entrepreneurial endeavors, Penny is the published author of Hacking Happiness, a contributor to the Harvard Business Review, a passionate yoga teacher, a faculty member at the esteemed Singularity University, and a student completing her Graduate Diploma in Psychology.Tune in to be inspired and gain valuable insights from one woman to another.Support the showWhen you subscribe to the podcast, you are supporting our work's mission, allowing us to continue highlighting successful women in a variety of careers to inspire others helping pay our wonderful editor, Chris, and helping me in paying our hosting expenses. 🎉

What happens when you blend years of corporate experience with an unyielding commitment to personal growth? Karla Blanco joins us on episode #117 of the 2B Bolder podcast to share her journey from an aspiring attorney to a leader in diversity and inclusion at Intel. Her story is filled with unexpected turns and valuable lessons, and Karla’s insights into embracing change and resilience are invaluable for anyone looking to advance in their career. Family influences and personal challenges shaped her path, and she speaks candidly about navigating the phasing out of Intel's factory operations in Costa Rica (2014), highlighting the resilience it took to overcome such hurdles.Karla’s global career has spanned continents and inspired many, leading her to write a bestselling book and develop a workshop on career advancement. Her passion for self-awareness and strategic planning shines through as she shares how she built a board of advisors to guide her journey. Karla’s anecdotes, from learning to embrace feedback to growing as a TED Talk speaker, underline the power of cultural adaptability. She reminds us that public speaking is a skill that even introverts can master and that having a supportive network can open doors to unexpected opportunities.In our discussion, we also explore being the CEO of your life and career. Karla and I discuss the significance of defining your purpose and aligning it with your brand. Through personal stories, including a practical exercise on assessing one’s brand, we emphasize the role of resilience and the importance of values such as commitment and transparency. Karla’s insights into diversity, equity, and inclusion underscore its necessity for innovation in today’s business world. This episode will inspire you to take charge of your life and career path.Support the showWhen you subscribe to the podcast, you are supporting our work's mission, allowing us to continue highlighting successful women in a variety of careers to inspire others helping pay our wonderful editor, Chris, and helping me in paying our hosting expenses. 🎉

In this episode of the 2B Bolder Podcast, I sit down with Kathryn Kaminsky, a 31-year veteran of PwC and the current Chief Commercial Officer. Kathryn’s passion for serving clients has driven her impressive career, which spans business transformation, complex accounting, regulatory matters, and tech-led innovation. As a trusted advisor, she has led engagement teams to help clients navigate financial reporting and transformation challenges.Throughout the episode, Kathryn shares insights from her leadership journey, including her role in PwC’s Trust Solutions division, where she integrated Audit, ESG, Digital Assurance, and Tax Reporting to help clients build stakeholder trust. She discusses pivotal moments that shaped her career and offers invaluable advice for women seeking leadership roles in male-dominated industries.We dive into the pivotal moments that influenced her decision to pursue a career in accounting and how she navigated her way to becoming Chief Commercial Officer. Kathryn also provides insights on what it means to be a woman in leadership in male-dominated industries and shares advice for women looking to follow in her footsteps.Here are some of the key questions we explore in the episode:"Was there a defining moment or decision early in your career that shaped the path you took to reach your current role as Chief Commercial Officer?""For women looking to build a career similar to yours, especially in leadership positions, what advice would you give them?""How have you balanced the demands of a high-level career with family life as a wife and mother of three? Any advice for women struggling with this balance?""What challenges have you faced as a leader in male-dominated industries, and what strategies can you offer to women trying to navigate similar spaces?""What are the most demanded role opportunities for women and the skills needed?"Kathryn also reflects on how she has embraced networking, the importance of building a support system, and how being “bolder” has influenced her career. She offers actionable advice on staying on top of technological trends and why innovation is key for business success.Tune in to hear Kathryn’s invaluable advice for women aiming for leadership success, her perspective on navigating the complexities of business transformation, and what it means to lead boldly in today’s business world.Listen now to be inspired by Kathryn Kaminsky’s incredible journey and insightful career advice!Support the showWhen you subscribe to the podcast, you are supporting our work's mission, allowing us to continue highlighting successful women in a variety of careers to inspire others helping pay our wonderful editor, Chris, and helping me in paying our hosting expenses. 🎉

In episode #115 of the 2B Bolder podcast, we featured Krista Palmer, a well-respected Technical Program Manager at Google Play. Krista has an impressive career journey, from front-end development to product management to now leading impactful initiatives at one of the largest tech companies in the world. With a degree in Computer Science and a passion for design and technology, she has mastered the art of blending creativity with technical execution to create seamless digital experiences.As the founder of CX with Kris, Krista is committed to empowering professionals, especially women, to break into technical program management roles. Her dedication to mentoring others and helping professionals in career transitions has made her a go-to expert in the industry. Krista opens up about her career evolution, from coding to leading high-level technical programs, and the pivotal moments that shaped her professional path.Krista also shares invaluable insights into her day-to-day role at Google Play, highlighting the importance of collaboration, problem-solving, and vision in tech. For those curious about the intersection of design and technology, Krista provides a fresh perspective on how the two worlds combine to enhance our digital lives.Krista reflects on her journey, discussing how she tackles challenges like self-doubt and her strategies for staying resilient. She offers practical advice on personal branding, goal setting, and the importance of mentorship—especially in a male-dominated industry like tech.Whether you're a seasoned professional looking for career inspiration or considering a shift into technical program management, Krista’s story is a must-listen. Tune in for an inspiring episode filled with actionable insights, and discover how Krista is shaping the future of tech—one program at a time.Resources:Your Guide to a Technical Program Management CareerKrista Palmer on LinkedIn CX With Kris Support the showWhen you subscribe to the podcast, you are supporting our work's mission, allowing us to continue highlighting successful women in a variety of careers to inspire others helping pay our wonderful editor, Chris, and helping me in paying our hosting expenses. 🎉