Leading Women in Tech Podcast

What if the only thing standing between you and the career you dream of… is the belief that you're not ready yet? Far too many brilliant women delay bold moves, silenced by doubt or the weight of invisible barriers. In this powerful episode, Elisabeth Bykoff—seasoned consultant, startup leader, and now founder—opens up about the 10 game-changing lessons she wishes she knew two decades ago. From navigating bias in male-dominated industries and silencing self-doubt, to building a strong network of mentors and allies, Elisabeth shares the candid truths behind her leadership journey, the confidence she had to cultivate, and the bold decisions that changed everything. “If you are thinking about making a change, do it. Find help and support. Don't be afraid.” — Elisabeth Bykoff What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why confidence is a career skill—and how to build it before you feel ready How Elisabeth navigated bias and found allies in male-dominated spaces The critical role of mentorship and allyship for women in leadership Her advice to her younger self—and how it can accelerate your growth What it takes to confront self-doubt and make high-stakes career moves How she transitioned from corporate operator to first-time founder The mindset shifts that helped her stop second-guessing and start owning her path And more! Navigating doubt doesn’t mean eliminating it—it means moving through it with power and purpose. 🎙️ Let’s chat about breaking barriers and making bold career moves. If you’re a woman navigating leadership—or aspiring to—this episode is your blueprint for moving forward with confidence. **Useful links** Connect with today’s guest and sponsor, Elisabeth: Visit Boxsy:   https://www.boxsy.io  https://www.linkedin.com/company/boxsy Connected with Elisabeth on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elisabethbykoff  Elisabeth’s current read: Mythos: The Greek Myths Retold by Stephen Fry 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/episode251  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.

What if change is the moment you’ve been preparing for as a leader? The best leaders don’t just survive change—they harness it to propel themselves and their teams forward. In a world where change is constant, your ability to lead through it isn’t just valuable—it’s vital. How you respond to change can either reinforce trust, inspire action, and spark innovation… or leave your team drifting. In this episode, I unpack why change isn’t something to dread—but something to embrace. You'll discover how to recognize resistance (in yourself and others), reframe your mindset around change, and develop leadership strategies that help your team navigate uncertainty with clarity and confidence. Whether you're facing a small shift or a major transformation, “leading through change” is an essential skill for every modern leader. "If you're not leading through change, you're not leading." – Toni Collis What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why leading through change is a defining leadership skill The difference between task-focused thinking and visionary leadership How to recognize and respond to resistance in yourself and your team Why empathy, clear communication, and calm confidence matter more than ever during transitions How to maintain team morale and momentum by celebrating progress An exercise to identify your current mindset around change and how to reframe it And more Think about your current or upcoming season of change—big or small. Are you seeing only the problems, or are you looking for the growth potential? Grab a notebook, reflect on your mindset, and join me in exploring how to lead with resilience and purpose through every transition. **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/episode250 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.

Could your next big career move be one preparation habit away? Most people plan for leadership—but the ones who actually get there prepare differently. In this episode, Chaitra Vedullapalli—tech executive, entrepreneur, and President of Women in Cloud—breaks down what it really takes to rise into senior leadership roles like VP or GM in the tech world. From building business acumen to learning how to self-advocate without losing your authenticity, Chaitra shares the preparation playbook that helped her lead transformative initiatives and open economic access for thousands of women. Whether you're early in your leadership path or preparing for your next big leap, this episode will give you the tools to show up like you're already in the role. “Leadership isn't a title. It's a state of readiness. You have to prepare. You have to position yourself as a contributor for driving transformation. You show up.” — Chaitra Vedullapalli   What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why planning and preparing are not the same—and which one actually gets you promoted How to develop business acumen and build strategic relationships Ways to leverage your network and become a rock of trust How to practice authentic self-advocacy without feeling like you're "too much" The power of socializing your ideas before you get to the meeting Daily leadership habits that quietly build influence and compound over time What it means to position yourself as VP or GM material—and how to prove it And more!   What’s in your Preparation Playbook? This episode is your invitation to think bigger—and act bolder. What habits, relationships, and mindset shifts are still missing from your leadership journey? If you’ve been wondering how to bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be—this is where you start.   **Useful links** Connect with today’s guest and sponsor, Chaitra: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chaitrav/  Chaitra’s current read: The Holy Grail of Investing by Tony Robbins, Christopher Zook 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/episode249  Check us out on Youtube. Join the Leading Women in Tech community in Slack where we discuss all-the-things for women’s tech leadership, covering everything from early-career leadership to C-level executives. This episode was supported by Gldn Agency.. Thank you Gldn for helping to bring Leading Women in Tech to this community!  

Are you silently burning out—and don’t even realize it? Burnout isn’t always loud. Sometimes, it’s the quiet fatigue, the creeping cynicism, or the missed moments of joy that tell the real story. Whether you're a woman in tech leadership, or someone simply trying to do it all, this episode is your wake-up call. I’m breaking down the early emotional, physical, behavioral, cognitive, and workplace signs of burnout—and more importantly, how to address them before they lead to long-term damage. Plus, I debunk the myth that burnout means you’re not strong enough—it actually means you’ve been strong for too long without support. "Burnout is not a reflection of your abilities or your worth. It is a signal that something needs to change." – Toni What You’ll Learn in This Episode: What burnout really is—and why it's not just stress The 3 emotional indicators of burnout that often go unnoticed The physical symptoms your body uses to signal burnout How your behavior may be quietly telling you something’s wrong Cognitive signs like decision fatigue and imposter syndrome How burnout shows up in your work and personal life Why pushing harder might actually be the problem Practical strategies for recognizing and reversing burnout And more! Feeling off but can’t quite put your finger on it? If you've been pushing through, this episode invites you to slow down and listen. Because sometimes the strongest thing you can do is stop ignoring the signs.   **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/episode248  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.  

Wondering if it’s time to leave your job, launch your business, or finally take that big leap? In this powerful episode, I talk with Mary Rombaut, startup founder and working mom of three, about how to overcome fear, escape toxic work environments, and take bold, intentional steps in your career. Within just 12 months, Mary made two major career changes while raising young children—and built her company Recommenda to help entrepreneurs make smarter marketing tech decisions. We explore how to let go of what’s no longer serving you, how to balance career and personal life, and how to move forward with clarity and confidence. Whether you're a leader, entrepreneur, or simply at a crossroads in your professional journey, this conversation will challenge you to face your fears—and take action. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How to recognize fear and self-doubt as the biggest barriers to career growth How to leave a toxic job without guilt—and why job tenure isn’t always a strength Mary’s mindset and system for managing time and energy while launching a startup Why mission-driven leadership and intentional career moves matter more than ever How to ask for help, build your village, and lean into support as a leader Advice for new entrepreneurs and leaders considering their next big career step The importance of self-belief, personal investment, and strategic decision-making How to balance being a parent, professional, and startup founder without burning out And more! “Fall into your fears. You have to own them—you have to acknowledge them. The sooner you start falling into them, the growth and the amazing achievements are really going to start.” – Mary Rombaut    What's Stopping You From Taking the Next Step? Listen now and start taking action on your next bold move-–and share with a friend who’s stuck in indecision or dreaming about something bigger.   **Useful links** Connect with today’s guest and sponsor, Mary: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-rombaut-ed-d-363bb621 Reommenda: www.yourrecommenda.com R-Squared Solutions: www.r-squaredsolutionsllc.com  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@yourrecommenda  Mary’s current read: The Six Wives of Henry VIII by Alison Weir 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/episode247 Check us out on Youtube. Join the Leading Women in Tech community in Slack where we discuss all-the-things for women’s tech leadership, covering everything from early-career leadership to C-level executives.

In times of uncertainty and change, how do we lead in a way that keeps people at the center? With shifting workplace dynamics, evolving leadership expectations, and constant pressure to adapt to the high-tech world, it’s easy to get caught up in the mechanics of leadership and forget the human side of it. In this conversation, I sit down with Jen Croneberger, an expert in relational leadership, to talk about what it really takes to build strong, connected teams. She introduces her BRAVE methodology—belonging, resilience, authenticity, vulnerability, and empathy—and shares why these qualities are more important than ever. We dig into the realities of leadership today—how AI is changing the way we work and why technology can enhance efficiency, but it can’t replace human connection. From navigating tough conversations to balancing performance with people, this episode is packed with insights for leaders who want to show up with confidence and heart. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why relational leadership is more important than ever How to build a workplace culture based on trust, inclusion, and belonging The BRAVE methodology and how it strengthens leadership effectiveness How AI is impacting leadership and decision-making—and what it can’t replace How to lead teams through change, uncertainty, and ethical challenges Why human skills—like empathy and emotional intelligence—are the new hard skills And more! "Human skills are the new hard skills. The best leaders prioritize connection, trust, and emotional intelligence to build thriving teams." – Jen Croneberger How are you bringing humanity into your leadership? Share your thoughts and subscribe for more expert insights on leadership, team performance, and workplace culture.   **Useful links** Connect with today’s guest and sponsor, Jen Croneberger: Website: https://thehli.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/humanleadershipinstitute  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jencroneberger/  Jen’s current read: The Pivot Year by Brianna Wiest 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/episode246 Check us out on Youtube. Join the Leading Women in Tech community in Slack where we discuss all-the-things for women’s tech leadership, covering everything from early-career leadership to C-level executives. This episode was sponsored by our guest, Jen Croneberger. Thank you Jen for helping to bring Leading Women in Tech to this community!  

Could your leadership style be unintentionally sabotaging your team's success? Leadership isn’t just about giving orders—it’s about fostering trust, respect, and open communication. But what if your well-meaning approach is actually damaging team morale and productivity without you even realizing it? In this eye-opening episode, I reveal the 9 subtle yet destructive passive-aggressive leadership behaviors that could be eroding your team's effectiveness. Learn how these hidden habits affect workplace dynamics and gain practical strategies to shift from indirect communication to authentic, impactful leadership. "Passive-aggressive behaviors are not inherent. They aren't something we absolutely have to have, but we all have them because the world we live in often models them for us." - Toni What You'll Learn in This Episode: The 9 most common passive-aggressive leadership traits How indirect communication weakens team dynamics The true emotional and professional cost of passive-aggressive behavior Actionable strategies to improve leadership communication How to build a culture of trust, transparency, and collaboration And more! After listening, take the self-reflection challenge—identify one passive-aggressive habit in your own leadership style and commit to changing it. Share your insights with me on LinkedIn or Instagram.   **Useful links** Grab my free passive-aggressive cheat sheet: https://www.tonicollis.com/stopbeingpassive 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/episode245  Check us out on Youtube. Join the Leading Women in Tech community in Slack where we discuss all-the-things for women’s tech leadership, covering everything from early-career leadership to C-level executives.  

Have you ever wondered what separates a great founder from a great CEO? Or how some startups seem to move effortlessly while others struggle to find their footing? In this episode, I sit down with Leslie Fine, Managing Partner at Enjoy The Work, to unpack the transition from founder to CEO. Leslie shares hard-earned lessons from her own journey—starting in academia and moving into startup leadership—and reveals the essential skills every aspiring CEO needs. From mastering the rhythm of a startup to navigating fundraising and leadership challenges, this episode is packed with insights for women in tech who are ready to take the leap into leadership. "Every CEO was a first-time CEO once. Leadership is a craft. It's a learnable skill. People talk about leadership like it's some mystical quality that you either have or you don't, but it's something you can learn and improve." – Leslie Fine What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The key differences between a founder and a CEO—and why mastering both is crucial The three pillars of leadership every startup CEO must develop How to set clear goals and lead with accountability Why understanding the rhythm of a startup is essential for scaling successfully The five major phases of a startup and how to act stage-appropriately How to decide if venture capital is the right fit for your business The three main jobs of a CEO that define long-term success After listening to this episode, take a moment to reflect: Are you operating as a founder or truly stepping into the role of a CEO? Write down the three biggest leadership skills you need to develop to take your startup to the next level. Share your insights with us on LinkedIn or Instagram, and tag me—I’d love to hear your takeaways! **Useful links** Connect with today’s guest and sponsor, Leslie Fine: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lfine Website: enjoythework.com Enjoy The Work:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/etw-advisors/ https://x.com/EnjoyTheWork Leslie’s current read: Quit by Annie Duke 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/episode244  Check us out on Youtube. Join the Leading Women in Tech community in Slack where we discuss all-the-things for women’s tech leadership, covering everything from early-career leadership to C-level executives. This episode was sponsored by our guest, Leslie Fine of Enjoy The Work. Thank you Leslie for helping to bring Leading Women in Tech to this community!  

Are you struggling to feel heard in meetings and frustrated by misaligned conversations with your boss or team? In a world where 70% of workplace mistakes stem from communication breakdowns, your voice isn't just a tool—it's your leadership superpower. But if you’re not using it effectively, you risk misalignment, micromanagement, and stalled progress. In this episode, I dive into the strategies you need to master leadership communication, coach upwards, and navigate challenging workplace dynamics. You'll hear about Sarah, a leader who transformed her relationship with a micromanaging boss through proactive updates, clear expectations, and boundary-setting. Plus, I break down practical tools to handle pushback, communicate with confidence, and build trust with your team. "Mastering communication isn't just about speaking up, it's about truly understanding and empathizing and adapting to the needs of those around you." What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The root cause of communication gaps—and how to bridge them How to proactively update your boss to reduce unnecessary check-ins The key to setting clear expectations and owning your autonomy Practical strategies for handling pushback with confidence The role of empathy and active listening in leadership And more Want to improve your leadership communication and coach upwards with confidence? Tune in now! **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/episode243  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.

Struggling with imposter syndrome? You’re not alone. Many high-achievers experience self-doubt, but what if imposter syndrome wasn’t a weakness—but a hidden strength? In this episode, I explore how to reframe imposter syndrome as your superpower and how this surprising tool can help you with career growth, resilience, and innovation. Learn how to shift your mindset, overcome perfectionism, and use imposter syndrome to fuel success rather than fear. Whether you're dealing with self-doubt at work, in leadership, or in creative pursuits, these strategies will help you turn imposter syndrome into an advantage. I dive into: 5 ways to turn your imposter syndrome into a superpower Facing avoidance, self-criticism, and self-doubt The power of curiosity in overcoming imposter syndrome Perfectionism: How to use it without letting it control you How imposter syndrome fosters diverse perspectives and innovation Building resilience through imposter syndrome  Practical steps to overcome imposter syndrome And more Start seeing imposter syndrome as a tool for success rather than a limitation. Tune in and start turning doubt into your greatest advantage!   **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/episode242 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.