Black Tech Unplugged

Hosted by Black Tech Unplugged by Deena McKay

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Apr 2024

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About the show

Black Tech Unplugged, hosted by Deena McKay, is a podcast that shares the authentic stories of Blacks in tech. Not only do you learn the stories of individuals in tech, but you learn about their successes, failures, resources and most importantly the skills you need in your toolkit to be successful in tech. Each episode is meant to inspire, motivate, and empower those in tech or looking to get into the industry.

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60 recent

April 22, 202434 min

(Ep. 086) RenderATL Unplugged with Justin E. Samuels

On episode 086 of Black Tech Unplugged, Deena chats with Justin E. Samuels, the visionary entrepreneur behind Render Atlanta Conference and a senior engineer at Intuit Mailchimp. We delve into the upcoming RenderATL event, discussing conference tracks, special guests, and even sharing a discount code for listeners. Justin also shares insights on his journey in tech, balancing work, entrepreneurship, and family, highlighting his commitment to diversity and innovation in the industry. Connect with Justin: • Website | Renderatl.com (Discount Code: 'BTU') • Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/thugdebugger • Twitter | https://twitter.com/thugdebugger

April 13, 202452 min

(Ep. 085) Importance of Tech Community Unplugged with Gabrielle Crevecouer

Welcome to episode 85 of the pod! This episode features Gabrielle or maybe you know her as NoWaySheCodes, a tech-savvy girlie with a passion for coding and content creation. She has a degree in Computer Science and a knack for breaking down complex tech concepts. Gabbie has navigated her way through the ever-evolving landscape of technology. On this episode we discuss: * Why having a community in tech is reaally REALLY important and how Gabbie is creating space for women in tech * We discuss tech role transitions because the woman went from technical evangelist to software engineer to her current role as a product manager for the NBA * We discussed how to navigate bad managers and not let the mediocre management stop your bag or your career * Lastly she shares the best advice that she’s received so far due time being in tech Watch the full video interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7Q6ABtWXbPs Full show notes for this episode can be found here: https://blacktechunplugged.com/2024/04/15/ep-085-importance-of-tech-community-unplugged-with-gabrielle-crevecouer/ Connect with Gabbie: • Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/nowayshecodes • Twitter | https://twitter.com/nowayshecodes

March 26, 202457 min

(Ep.084) How to Transition and Thrive in Tech Unplugged with Lisa G

I'm excited to announce the new season of Black Tech Unplugged is now live! On this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Lisa G, a seasoned technologist with over 20 years of experience in the industry. We delved into her thriving career in tech, her journey from software engineering to product management, and her insights on the current tech landscape. Some of the key takeaways from our conversation: - Lisa shares her journey in the tech industry, from software engineer to product manager - Learn how she thrived in tech for over 20 years and her tips for staying ahead of the trends - Discover how You Are Tech can help you navigate the tech ecosystem and thrive in the industry. Listen to the full episode on Black Tech Unplugged and hear Lisa's authentic story in tech!

November 16, 202346 min

(Ep. 083) Venture Capital (VC) Unplugged with Kelli Jones

On this episode of Black Tech Unplugged, host Deena McKay sits down with the remarkable Kelli Jones, co-founder and general partner for Sixty8 Capital. They discuss Kelly's journey in tech, her work as a VC, and the importance of emotional intelligence in the industry. Plus, Deena shares some valuable resources for improving emotional intelligence. This is the last episode of the season, so catch up on all the previous episodes before the new season starts in 2024. Happy listening! Watch the full video interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/4AeclPdrmhk?si=n5IKRoKBeNddh1Fn Full show notes (with links and resources): https://blacktechunplugged.com/2023/11/16/ep-083-kelli-jones-unplugged/ Connect with Kelli: • LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellinikole • Twitter | https://twitter.com/kellinikole • Be Nimble Co website | https://www.benimbleco.com • Sixty8 Capital website | https://www.sixty8.capital/

October 31, 202336 min

(Ep. 082) ThinkChicago Unplugged with Trenton Dunn

On this episode of Black Tech Unplugged, host Deena McKay interviews Trenton Dunn, the program manager for Think Chicago at World Business Chicago. This live podcast episode was recorded at GET Exploration, an event that showcased Chicago-based tech professionals and companies. Trenton discusses his role in attracting and retaining STEM talent through events like Think Chicago Lollapalooza. He also shares insights on Chicago's tech industry. Don't miss this unique and informative conversation! Connect with Trent & ThinkChicago: • Trent's LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/trentonrd/ • Think Chicago Website | www.thinkchicago.net • ThinkChicago Instagram |https://www.instagram.com/think_chicago • ThinkChicago Linkedin | https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/thinkchicago/ • Think Chicago Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/thinkchicago Full show notes here: https://blacktechunplugged.com/2023/10/31/ep-082-trenton-dunn-unplugged

October 18, 202345 min

(Ep. 081) Quality & Testing in Tech Unplugged with Vernon Richards

On this episode of Black Tech Unplugged, host Deena McKay interviews Vernon Richards, a UK powerhouse in the tech industry. Vernon shares his journey from testing video games to becoming a senior expert quality engineer at a health tech company. He discusses the importance of quality and testing in building better products and delivering effective services. Vernon also provides valuable advice and resources for testers or those interested in pursuing a career in testing. Tune in to gain insights from Vernon's 20-plus year career in tech. Full show notes at: https://blacktechunplugged.com/2023/10/21/ep-081-vernon-richards-unplugged/ Connect with Vernon: • LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/vernonrichards/ • Twitter | https://twitter.com/TesterFromLeic • Bluesky | https://bsky.app/profile/testerfromleic.bsky.social

October 3, 202348 min

(Ep. 080) The Atlanta Tech Ecosystem Unplugged with Ariel Lopez

In this episode of Black Tech Unplugged, host Deena McKay, chats with Ariel Lopez. Ariel is the Founder and CEO of Knac, a hiring platform that reduces bias in the application process and a known tech mover in Atlanta. On this episode we discuss Atlanta's booming tech ecosystem, the city's connection to capital, and Ariel's previous career as a career coach and tech recruiter. Also, Ariel offers valuable advice on navigating a tech career during challenging times. Tune in to hear Ariel's insights on the future of work and making the job search more human. Full show notes at: https://blacktechunplugged.com/2023/10/02/ep-080-ariel-lopez-unplugged/ Connect with Ariel: • LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariel-lopez/ • Twitter | https://twitter.com/ArielLopez__ • Instagram | https://www. instagram.com/ariellopez__xo • Personal website | www.arieldlopez.com • Knac | www.knac.io

September 12, 202347 min

(Ep. 079) Agile and Process Improvement Unplugged with Shayna Atkins

On episode 079 of Black Tech Unplugged, I chat with Shayna Atkins, founder of AtkCo and a product development expert. AtkCo is a process improvement firm that helps customers with innovative product design, management, training, and managed services. Shayna and I discuss agile and its significance in the tech industry, her work in driving innovation and workforce development, how to be seen in the workplace, and why it's important to be known in the workplace. Like what you hear? Leave a written review of the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/black-tech-unplugged/id1244622242 Full show notes for this episode: https://blacktechunplugged.com/2023/09/12/ep-079-shayna-atkins-unplugged/ Connect with Shayna & AtkCo: • Atkco Inc Contact Page | atk.co/contactus • Atkco Inc Career Page | atk.co/careers • Linkedin | https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaynaatkins • Instagram | https://instagram.com/shaynaatkins

August 29, 202338 min

(Ep. 078) FinTech Unplugged with Solo Funds Co-Founder Rodney Williams

In this episode of Black Tech Unplugged, host Deena McKay welcomes Rodney Williams, founder of Solo Funds, to discuss the peer-to-peer lending platform and its mission to provide an alternative to payday loans. Rodney shares how Solo Funds connects individuals with lenders and has redefined access to capital for over 1.5 million users. Tune in to learn more about this innovative approach to community finance. Find out more about Solo Funds: https://solofunds.com/ Get the Solo Funds App via the Apple Store (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/solo-funds-lend-borrow/id1270164837) or Google Play (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.solofunds&hl=en_US&gl=US&pli=1) Full show notes for this episode: https://blacktechunplugged.com/2023/08/29/ep-078-rodney-williams-unplugged/ Write an Apple Podcast review for the show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/black-tech-unplugged/id1244622242

August 15, 202348 min

(Ep. 077) Techquity Unplugged with William A. Adams

On this episode of Black Tech Unplugged, host Deena McKay interviews William A. Adams, an award-winning D&I innovator, engineering trailblazer, and philanthropist. With over 35 years of experience in software engineering and as one of the first Black entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley, William shares his journey and accomplishments. He discusses his role as the first technical advisor to the CTO of Microsoft and his creation of the LEAP program, which has revolutionized access to jobs and careers for underserved communities. Tune in to hear William's inspiring story and his insights on techquity. Full show notes here: https://blacktechunplugged.com/2023/08/15/ep-077-william-a-adams-unplugged/ _____________________________________ Vote for the SXSW Panel: https://panelpicker.sxsw.com/vote/134445 _____________________________________ Connect with William A. Adams: • Email: requests@william-a-adams.net • Website | http://william-a-adams.com/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thewilliamaadams • Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/WilliamAAdamsWAAV • Twitter | https://twitter.com/LeapToTech • Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/thewilliamaadams/ • YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@waavstudio9960 ______________________________________ Follow BTU on social: • YouTube | YouTube.com/@blacktechunplugged • Twitter | twitter.com/blktechunplged • Instagram | instagram.com/blacktechunplugged • Facebook |facebook.com/blacktechunplugged • Linkedin | www.linkedin.com/blacktechunplugged • Email | blacktechunplugged@gmail.com