From a Woman to a Leader

Have you ever struggled to navigate a difficult conversation or build trust in the workplace?  Do conflicts leave you frustrated and unsure of how to move forward?  This episode holds the key. Join me, Limor Bergman Gross, as I sit down with Dr. Julie Pham, TEDx speaker, bestselling author, and founder of CuriosityBased.  Together, we uncover the transformative power of curiosity—not just as a trait, but as a skill you can practice every day. Julie shares her proven strategies for: ✅ Turning conflict into connection. ✅ Building authentic trust with colleagues and leaders. ✅ Using curiosity to enhance workplace relationships and tackle difficult conversations head-on. With her unique blend of personal stories, practical tools, and actionable insights, Julie explains how curiosity can become your superpower for navigating challenges, negotiating effectively, and building stronger relationships in your career. Whether you’re looking to resolve conflicts, foster collaboration, or simply improve your communication skills, this episode will leave you inspired and ready to take action. 👉 Listen now and discover how to transform your approach to work and life through the power of curiosity. About Dr. Julie Pham: Dr. Julie Pham is the founder and the CEO of CuriosityBased, which helps people practice curiosity in the world, starting in the workplace. She is the author of the #1 Amazon New Release and Bestseller 7 Forms of Respect: A Guide to Transforming Your Communication and Relationships at Work and a TEDx Speaker. She is an award-winning leader who applies her community-building experience to strengthening teams.  Dr. Pham has worked as a journalist, a historian, a tech industry marketer, and a nonprofit executive. Dr. Pham got her “real-life MBA” by running her family’s Vietnamese-language newspaper, Người Việt Tây Bắc. She earned her PhD in history at Cambridge University as a Gates Cambridge Scholar and graduated magna cum laude from UC Berkeley, where she studied history.  Check out her talk, What are the 7 Forms of Respect: https://youtu.be/ervnpZaFQo0?si=2nmQQ1BKuYpFf9dA Website: http://www.curiositybased.com Book website: http://www.formsofrespect.com Personal Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/juliepham2   Company Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/curiositybased/ YouTube: youtube.com/@curiositybased Company TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@curiositybased Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curiositybased/  Two of Dr. Julie’s articles: How to Write a Proposal to Get a Job You Love: YouTube - https://youtu.be/RqcNkYlPfK4?si=KSNzytuO6UOtOwmI, HBR -  https://hbr.org/2023/04/how-to-write-a-job-proposal-and-land-the-role-you-want  6 Tips to Get a Job You Love: YouTube - https://youtu.be/d-ZngoN2Bio?si=qOUQ6zI1KiBwZEwo, Detailed blog post - https://curiositybased.com/6-tips-on-how-to-get-a-job-you-love/ 

In this episode of From a Woman to a Leader, I sit down with leadership expert Daria Rudnik to tackle one of the biggest challenges in the workplace: managing up. If you’ve ever struggled to build a strong relationship with your boss—especially one who’s different from you—this conversation is packed with insights just for you! Daria shares practical strategies for building trust, aligning with your manager’s goals, and creating influence without having to be the loudest in the room. Whether you’re navigating a challenging boss or simply looking to strengthen your current manager relationship, Daria’s tips on managing up will give you the confidence to take charge of this critical dynamic. Tune in to learn: Why managing up matters for your career growth How to build trust with your boss—even if they’re tough to connect with Simple ways to clarify expectations and add value without overstepping Daria’s personal story on handling a difficult manager and how it shaped her approach to leadership This episode is all about empowering you to improve your workplace relationships and thrive in your career. Don’t miss it—and be sure to share with anyone who could benefit from Daria’s amazing advice! About Daria: Ex-Deloitte, former Chief People Officer for Tech and Telecom companies with 15+ years of international executive experience. Team and Leadership coach specializing in leadership development and team effectiveness for remote and hybrid teams. Board member for the World Ethics Organization and Founder of an EdTech Startup Aidra.AI Follow Daria on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariarudnik/ Visit her website: https://aidra.ai/

Have you ever wondered why so many capable, talented women find themselves stuck in mid-level roles, even after following every piece of conventional career advice? Today’s episode is one you absolutely cannot miss. I’m thrilled to be joined by the incredible Susan Colantuono — an internationally renowned speaker, TED Talk sensation, and founder of Be Business Savvy. Her TED Talk, “The Career Advice You Probably Didn’t Get,” has been watched over 4.5 million times, changing perspectives for women around the world. In this powerful conversation, Susan and I dive into what she calls the “Missing 33%” — a critical ingredient for career success that no one tells women about. It’s the skill set that goes beyond confidence, networking, and personal branding, and it’s what women need to stand out and soar in their careers. Susan breaks down business, financial, and strategic acumen, revealing why these skills are key to breaking through the glass ceiling. We discuss real-life strategies for women to move from “I’m getting nowhere” to “I’m well on my way.” If you’ve ever felt like you’re spinning your wheels or like there’s something missing from your advancement strategy, this episode will be a game-changer. Tune in to discover: Why traditional advice isn’t enough to get women into senior leadership. The missing skills that can help you finally break through to top leadership roles. Practical steps to develop a leadership brand that positions you as a top candidate. If you’re ready to stop spinning and start soaring, join us for an unforgettable conversation that could redefine your career path. Susan Colantuono is an internationally renowned expert on closing the leadership gender gap, an author, speaker and mentor/coach.  She discovered, developed and introduced to the world a definition of leadership and 4 keys that have transformed women’s leadership development and initiatives to close the leadership gender gap. In 2002, Susan established the Women’s Institute for Leadership at Bryant University and presented Leadership Mastery programs for women until 2010. In 2004, she founded Leading Women on a B2C model. In 2015 it shifted strategy delivering unique leadership development programs for women and gender dynamics programs for managers at global clients including Verizon, DHL, onSemi, Nokia, Amgen, Campbells and many others across a range of industries.  In 2019, with a goal of spreading her actionable insights to women around the world without access to leadership development resources, she and Michelle Redfern launched the Lead to Soar network- an online global community of ambitious women committed to developing their leadership skills and advancing in their careers.  Susan has published numerous articles on leadership and is the author of two other books. Her cutting edge insights have been featured in Time, AdAge, CNBC, Forbes, CBS, Duke University’s Dialogue magazine, numerous podcasts and other media outlets. An in-demand speaker, Susan has spoken to business audiences from every continent.  Follow Susan on LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/susancolantuono/⁠ Visit her website: ⁠https://www.bebusinesssavvy.com/⁠ Listen to her TED Talk: ⁠https://www.ted.com/talks/susan_colantuono_the_career_advice_you_probably_didn_t_get?subtitle=en⁠ 

Have you ever felt held back by imposter syndrome or stuck in a burnout cycle?  In this episode, I’m joined by Dagna Bieda, an engineer turned career coach, who reveals how to reprogram your mental “code” for success.  Dagna shares her unique “Brain Refactor” approach to help ambitious professionals like you debug the negative thought patterns that keep you from achieving your true potential. We talk about breaking free from imposter syndrome, overcoming burnout, and mastering the art of effective communication. Whether you’re aiming for a leadership role, struggling to gain recognition, or just want to thrive in your tech career, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to transform your mindset and career. 🔑 Tune in to discover: How to recognize and rewire self-limiting beliefs that sabotage your career growth. The secret to developing an “assertive communication” style that boosts confidence and impact. Dagna’s personal story of burnout and how she rebuilt her career by shifting her mental programming. Real-world examples of how her clients have used the “Brain Refactor” to overcome imposter syndrome and land skip-level promotions. Ready to optimize your mind for success?  Press play and start transforming your career today!  Don’t forget to share, subscribe, and leave a review if this episode resonates with you!  About Dagna Dagna Bieda is an engineer-turned-career coach with over a decade of coding experience and more than four years of coaching under her belt. She specializes in helping engineers in tech—whether in software, AI/ML, data, DevOps, QA, or beyond—reach their full potential by reprogramming the most critical code of all: the one in their minds. Having transitioned from programming computers to coaching ambitious professionals, Dagna brings a unique, empathetic approach to her coaching practice. She’s not just a coach—she’s someone who has been in their shoes and knows firsthand the challenges of navigating the tech industry. Her clients range from early-career professionals to experienced CTOs, with backgrounds spanning from self-taught developers and Bootcamp graduates to PhDs and military veterans. Dagna’s proven approach has helped her clients achieve a variety of goals, from getting promoted and landing new roles to negotiating higher salaries and stepping into executive leadership positions. Her focus is on breaking through mental barriers like imposter syndrome and burnout to unlock greater confidence and career success. With Dagna’s support, engineers across the globe are transforming their careers and achieving results they once thought were out of reach. Learn more about Dagna: https://www.themindfuldev.com/ Follow Dagna on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dagnabieda/

In this episode, I sit down with Disha Mukherjee, who has an extraordinary story of resilience, career pivots, and thriving against all odds. After facing life-threatening health challenges and taking on the role of family breadwinner at just 25, Disha made a bold decision to switch from a data analyst to a data engineer—and later, uprooted her life from India to the UK to chase her dreams. But it wasn’t an easy journey. Disha shares how she mastered new skills, networked with over 1,000 people on LinkedIn, and navigated job interviews with top tech companies—ultimately landing her dream role in the UK. Whether you’re considering a career pivot, looking to level up your tech skills, or want to break into a new market, Disha’s story is filled with actionable insights on making career transitions and building the resilience to overcome any obstacle. Tune in to learn how Disha’s relentless drive can inspire you to push past setbacks and transform your own career. This is one you don’t want to miss! Listen now to discover: • How to successfully pivot to a new tech role. • Networking tips that actually work. • Strategies for overcoming personal and professional challenges. Hit play and get ready to be inspired by Disha Mukherjee’s incredible journey! Speaker Bio: Hi! I'm Disha Mukherjee, a Data Engineer at Just Eat Takeaway in London, where I focus on building secure and efficient data pipelines. With over 8 years of experience in data roles across finance, asset management, and tech, I’m passionate about coding, big data, and continuous learning. Outside of work, I'm an advocate for mental health and women’s health issues, particularly raising awareness about IBS and endometriosis. I'm all about striving for excellence and making a positive impact in the tech world.

When I was 8 months pregnant with my second child, I applied and interviewed for my first management position. I doubted my ability to get it, but I did. It wasn’t easy, and it made me realize how challenging it can be to advocate for yourself when the timing seems less than ideal. I’m so excited to share today’s episode with Alex Love, VP of Marketing and Communications at Riva Solutions, who took her career to new heights while just weeks away from welcoming her first child!  Alex’s story is packed with practical advice for navigating promotions during life changes, building a strong case for career growth, and breaking through the biases women face in leadership. We talk about how she built trust with senior leaders, how to be your own biggest advocate, and why it’s crucial to set clear goals—even when life is chaotic. 🎙️ Tune in to learn: 🔑 How to strategically position yourself for promotion 🤝 Why building relationships and trust is key to career advancement 💪 Tips for overcoming career obstacles as a working mom and leader If you’re doubting whether you can grow your career and expand your family, this episode is for you. Alex’s journey will leave you feeling inspired and equipped with actionable strategies to make it happen. Hit play now and get ready to elevate your career! 🎧✨ Incredible resource from Alex - Download her Promotion Justification Template. About Alex: Alex Love is the VP of Marketing and Communications at Riva Solutions, with over 15 years of experience in both private and public sectors. She previously served as Head of Marketing at The Clearing and co-founded Digital District, a nonprofit aimed at fostering innovation in the digital space. Alex holds an MBA from George Washington University and a BA in Political Science and International Relations from Boston University. Outside of work, Alex is a powerlifter, podcast co-host, and proud mom who loves cooking, caring for her house plants, and enjoying family time with her husband, daughter, and rescue pitbull, Zooey. Follow Alex on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexslove/ Visit her website: https://www.alexslove.com/

Are you feeling stuck in your current role and wondering how to move up the career ladder? In this episode, I sit down with Drocella Mugorewera, a former Rwandan member of parliament turned executive leader and diversity consultant. Drocella shares her powerful personal story of resilience and transformation—from overcoming political persecution to becoming a sought-after advocate for women in leadership. But that’s not all—Drocella reveals her Top 3 Secrets every woman must know to break through career barriers, gain visibility, and secure the promotions they deserve. Whether you’re struggling with self-doubt, navigating a male-dominated industry, or just looking for actionable strategies to propel your career forward, this episode is packed with insights and tips that will inspire and empower you. Tune in to discover how to build a strong professional network, become your own advocate, and turn setbacks into opportunities. Don’t miss this chance to learn from Drocella’s journey and walk away with practical steps you can start implementing today! Ready to take control of your career? Hit play now! 🎧 About Drocella Mugorewera Drocella Mugorewera, Founder of the Diversity IN Action Global Movement, is a catalyst for transforming workplaces into thriving environments where employees feel valued and motivated. As a former member of Parliament in Rwanda, she brings a wealth of experience in leadership and policy change to help employers break free from the expensive cycle of hiring and rehiring by empowering them to eliminate employee turnover, save money, and cultivate dedicated brand ambassadors. Her innovative, results-driven strategies foster sustainable workplaces that boost employee engagement, retention, and long-term success. A #1 bestselling author and International speaker, Drocella is also a devoted wife, mother, grandparent, and respected community leader. When she's not championing inclusive leadership, she cherishes time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren, and finds peace in nature's beauty.  Learn more about Drocella from her website: https://www.drocella.com/ Follow Drocella on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drocellamugoreweradia/

Hi everyone, it’s Limor! I’m thrilled to introduce this week’s guest, Elle Ramel, Chief of Staff and head of Inclusive Partnerships at World Business Chicago. In this episode, we dive deep into some of the biggest challenges facing women and non-binary individuals in tech and entrepreneurship today. 🚀 Elle shares powerful insights on how to navigate investor biases, build strategic networks, and master continuous negotiation to drive your career forward. Her journey—from working in economic development to leading gender equity initiatives in Chicago—is packed with actionable advice for women in tech looking to break through barriers and achieve leadership success. Wondering why women receive only a fraction of the venture capital funding? Or how to flip the script when investors focus on risks instead of potential? Elle doesn’t hold back as we unpack these critical topics and discuss what it really takes to advocate for yourself and grow in a male-dominated industry. Tune in for: 💡 Strategies to overcome investor biases 💡 How to build a strong network of champions 💡 Tips on leveraging mentorship for career growth 💡 The importance of thinking BIG when negotiating Whether you’re a tech professional, entrepreneur, or just looking to become a more confident leader, this episode is for you! 🎧 Listen now and get inspired to take control of your career journey. About Elle: Elle Ramel is the Chief of Staff and Inclusive Partnerships at World Business Chicago and heads up their new Gender Equity Office. Prior to this role, she was the Chicago Director for GET Cities, a city-based initiative to advance women/non-binary individuals in the Chicago tech economy. Before GET Cities, she project managed the redevelopment of the Michael Reese Hospital site for Farpoint Development and worked on the Economic Development team for the Mayor Rahm Emanuel Administration. She completed her bachelor’s at Yale University in Urban Studies and a master’s degree at Cambridge University in Land Economics/Town Planning.  Follow Elle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elleramel/ Learn more about her work: https://worldbusinesschicago.com/

Feeling burned out, stuck, or questioning your career path? You’re not alone. In this episode of From a Woman to a Leader, I’m joined by Victoria Mensch, a tech executive with over 25 years of experience, who has successfully navigated multiple career pivots—from psychology to tech—and overcome burnout along the way. Victoria shares her personal journey of recognizing the signs of burnout and taking bold steps to pivot her career. We dive deep into the practical self-care strategies she uses to maintain energy and balance, all while thriving in high-pressure environments. Whether you’re in tech or any demanding field, this episode offers actionable insights on how to prevent burnout, make career shifts, and bring more harmony into your professional and personal life. In this episode, you’ll learn: • How to identify burnout before it takes over • The keys to making successful career pivots without losing yourself • Practical self-care tips for high-achieving women in tech • How to create work-life harmony that fuels long-term success If you’re a woman in tech or simply striving to balance success with well-being, this episode is packed with the wisdom and tools you need. Press play now and discover how to avoid burnout and thrive in your career. About Victoria: Victoria Mensch, your go-to guru for work-life harmony! She is passionate about empowering high-achievers like you and is on a mission to kick burnout to the curb and show you how success and fulfillment can go hand in hand. Website: http://svexecutive.academy/elevatebeyondsuccess LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-mensch/

In this insightful episode, Ali Wilson shares powerful strategies to help you step out of the shadows and into the leadership roles you deserve. This episode is for you if you’ve ever felt overlooked or undervalued despite your talents. Ali dives deep into the concept of “hidden leaders”—those who possess the emotional intelligence, humility, and capability to lead but often go unnoticed in the workplace. Through her personal journey and extensive experience, Ali offers practical advice for recognizing your own strengths, gaining the confidence to speak up, and making your leadership visible. She explores why high-performers—especially women—often hesitate to claim the recognition they deserve, and how to overcome these barriers. Ali also provides actionable steps to help you negotiate promotions and increase your visibility in any organization. Key takeaways: • How to shift your mindset from self-doubt to self-recognition • Why emotional intelligence and humility make you a stronger leader • The importance of building a supportive community to amplify your leadership potential • Practical steps to ensure your contributions are recognized and rewarded Quote of the episode: “What would you do differently if you knew you were already great at what you do?” The article mentioned in the episode: Why do so many mediocre men rise to the top? https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2019/may/10/why-do-so-many-mediocre-men-rise-to-the-top TedX - Why do so many incompetent men become leaders? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zeAEFEXvcBg About Ali: Alison's journey from chemical engineer to executive coaching has been driven by a passion for unlocking leadership potential in those who may not see it in themselves. In every organisation she has worked with she has come across talented leaders who feel trapped in roles below the level of their capability and ambition. She came to realise that for many, the traits that keep them stuck are the very same traits that ultimately make them exceptional leaders. It's a paradox that harms everyone, leading to organisations where the most capable people are not the decision makers and results are delivered in spite of leadership, not because of it. Alison has developed the Hidden Leaders program to empower these individuals to recognise their talent, amplify their impact and progress to leadership roles where their true potential can be realised Follow Ali on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-wilson-coach/ Empower Your Hidden Leadership: https://www.hidden-leader.co.uk/