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In Part 1 of this two-part series, I sit down with Thalia Brown, the founder of Authentic Discussion—a pioneering learning platform using research-based tools, podcasts, virtual reality, and AI to tackle gender equity and workplace challenges in tech and cybersecurity.

Drawing on years of experience as a diversity practitioner and recruiter, Thalia shares how her mission-driven business is helping candidates overcome imposter syndrome, anxiety, and emotional bias in hiring.

We explore the persistent barriers women face in tech, from being labeled “risky bets” to having their emotional fitness unfairly scrutinized.

Our conversation also dives into the rapid adoption of AI, the risks of bias, and why practical, human-centered solutions are needed now more than ever.

We discuss generational shifts in tech, the importance of authentic community, and how cultural exposure shapes career paths.

If you’re passionate about diversity, equity, and closing gender gaps in tech, this episode is for you.

Connect with us:

Thalia Brown: https://www.LinkedIn.com/in/thaliabrown

Dawn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnbutler1/

Support the show

Hey, listeners and tech enthusiasts! 🌟 If you've been enjoying our podcast and finding value in the insights shared, we'd love your support. You can:

• Take a moment to share this podcast with someone who might benefit from our discussions.
• Submit the interest form if you’d like to be a guest, join a panel, or participate in live coaching.
• Let us know how we're doing. We’d love to hear from you.
• Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.
• If you’re in a position to support financially, consider supporting the show via the "Bytes of Kindness" Tip Jar, or Buy Me a Coffee. This podcast is a self-funded and my way of giving back, especially to underrepresented voices in tech and cybersecurity.

Your support keeps us going and growing. Thanks for being part of this journey and our community!

Looking for mentorship? Let's talk about what you need and how I may be able to help: Mentor Moments Lightning Session

The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and not reflective of any employer.

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In Part 2 of our change management series, with my guest, Shanayla Sweat, we explore why performative change efforts often fall short and how genuine leadership commitment is key to lasting transformation.

Shanayla highlights the critical role of soft skills in change management, emphasizing the need for leaders to truly listen and respond to employee needs like flexibility, autonomy, and better benefits.

We also discuss the broader societal tensions between individualism and community, underscoring the power of human connection and trust in overcoming challenges.

Additionally, we dive into the challenges of building deep expertise in today’s gig economy, the growing skills gap, and the importance of balancing technical and interpersonal skills for professional success.

Whether you’re a leader, change manager, or professional navigating evolving workplaces, this episode offers valuable insights to foster authentic change and skill development.

Connect with us:

Shanayla Sweat: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanayla-sweat

Dawn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnbutler1/

Support the show

Hey, listeners and tech enthusiasts! 🌟 If you've been enjoying our podcast and finding value in the insights shared, we'd love your support. You can:

• Take a moment to share this podcast with someone who might benefit from our discussions.
• Submit the interest form if you’d like to be a guest, join a panel, or participate in live coaching.
• Let us know how we're doing. We’d love to hear from you.
• Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.
• If you’re in a position to support financially, consider supporting the show via the "Bytes of Kindness" Tip Jar, or Buy Me a Coffee. This podcast is a self-funded and my way of giving back, especially to underrepresented voices in tech and cybersecurity.

Your support keeps us going and growing. Thanks for being part of this journey and our community!

Looking for mentorship? Let's talk about what you need and how I may be able to help: Mentor Moments Lightning Session

The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and not reflective of any employer.

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In Part 1 of this two-part series, we dive into the world of change management in technology and cybersecurity with Shanayla Sweat, who has journeyed from software quality assurance to leading organizational transitions.

Discover why effective change management is crucial for successful tech adoption, how storytelling and authentic communication drive real change, and why human resistance is often overlooked in the rush toward AI and cloud-based solutions.

We also unpack the hidden risks of AI reliance and cloud dependency, and discuss how true leadership means building trust, not manipulating outcomes.

Shanayla shares candid stories from the field—what works, what doesn’t, and why change managers are essential but often underutilized.

If you’re navigating digital transformation, tech rollouts, or just want to understand the human side of tech change, this episode is for you.

Connect with Us:

Shanayla: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanayla-sweat

Dawn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnbutler1/

Support the show

Hey, listeners and tech enthusiasts! 🌟 If you've been enjoying our podcast and finding value in the insights shared, we'd love your support. You can:

• Take a moment to share this podcast with someone who might benefit from our discussions.
• Submit the interest form if you’d like to be a guest, join a panel, or participate in live coaching.
• Let us know how we're doing. We’d love to hear from you.
• Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.
• If you’re in a position to support financially, consider supporting the show via the "Bytes of Kindness" Tip Jar, or Buy Me a Coffee. This podcast is a self-funded and my way of giving back, especially to underrepresented voices in tech and cybersecurity.

Your support keeps us going and growing. Thanks for being part of this journey and our community!

Looking for mentorship? Let's talk about what you need and how I may be able to help: Mentor Moments Lightning Session

The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and not reflective of any employer.

Send us a text

In this solo reflection, I share a powerful reframe on what it really means to thrive — especially when you're navigating transitions, uncertainty, or moments when clarity feels out of reach.

Inspired by a recent PowerToFly session and the wisdom of Elizabeth Weingarten, this episode gently challenges the idea that thriving means having it all figured out. Instead, you’ll be invited to recognize the strength it takes to keep going — one step at a time — and to trust that motion, not perfection, is evidence of your growth.

Whether you're between roles, rebuilding after a life shift, or simply unsure of your next move, this episode offers encouragement, affirmation, and a reminder:
✨ You are not behind.
✨ You are not broken.
✨ You are in motion — and that, my friend, is thriving.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• A grounding reminder about how we define “thriving”
• Why it’s okay to not have all the answers
• How to notice and honor your progress
• A journaling prompt to help you reflect on your own thriving journey

Mentioned in this episode:

• How to Fall in Love with Questions by Elizabeth Weingarten
• PowerToFly community session on navigating uncertainty
• An invitation to the Courage to Elevate cohort for women navigating transition

Support the show

Hey, listeners and tech enthusiasts! 🌟 If you've been enjoying our podcast and finding value in the insights shared, we'd love your support. You can:

• Take a moment to share this podcast with someone who might benefit from our discussions.
• Submit the interest form if you’d like to be a guest, join a panel, or participate in live coaching.
• Let us know how we're doing. We’d love to hear from you.
• Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.
• If you’re in a position to support financially, consider supporting the show via the "Bytes of Kindness" Tip Jar, or Buy Me a Coffee. This podcast is a self-funded and my way of giving back, especially to underrepresented voices in tech and cybersecurity.

Your support keeps us going and growing. Thanks for being part of this journey and our community!

Looking for mentorship? Let's talk about what you need and how I may be able to help: Mentor Moments Lightning Session

The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and not reflective of any employer.

Send us a text

In today’s bite-sized episode of Bytes, Bits & Brilliance, we explore one powerful leadership question: Do you know how important it is to know your people?

Whether you lead a team, manage projects, or mentor others, the truth is this —people don’t leave companies, they leave managers. And retention starts with relationship.

In under 10 minutes, I break down:

• 3 reasons why knowing your team deeply matters
• 3 practical ways to build meaningful connections
• The link between empathy, psychological safety, and retention
• Why human-centered leadership is a must-have in tech (and beyond)

You’ll walk away with insight you can apply today — to lead better, connect deeper, and cultivate stronger team dynamics.

🎧 Listen now, share with a leader who needs this, and don’t forget to rate and review the show!

Find me on LinkedIn: Dawn

Join the Courage to Elevate Waitlist

This program is designed to help professional women step into more clarity, confidence, and purpose-equipping you with tools to communicate authentically and powerfully in any setting.

By joining the waitlist, you’ll be the first to receive:
✔️ Early access when enrollment opens
✔️ Special pricing and exclusive bonuses
✔️ The full scoop on what’s included

Support the show

Hey, listeners and tech enthusiasts! 🌟 If you've been enjoying our podcast and finding value in the insights shared, we'd love your support. You can:

• Take a moment to share this podcast with someone who might benefit from our discussions.
• Submit the interest form if you’d like to be a guest, join a panel, or participate in live coaching.
• Let us know how we're doing. We’d love to hear from you.
• Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.
• If you’re in a position to support financially, consider supporting the show via the "Bytes of Kindness" Tip Jar, or Buy Me a Coffee. This podcast is a self-funded and my way of giving back, especially to underrepresented voices in tech and cybersecurity.

Your support keeps us going and growing. Thanks for being part of this journey and our community!

Looking for mentorship? Let's talk about what you need and how I may be able to help: Mentor Moments Lightning Session

The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and not reflective of any employer.

Send us a text

In this Quick Bytes of Brilliance episode, I unpack insights from a recent ISC2 article on non-traditional paths into cybersecurity — and share a heartfelt reflection on the realities women still face, from systemic bias to pay inequity to being underestimated despite our qualifications.

This episode is for every woman carving her own way in cyber and beyond. Tune in for truth, encouragement, and a powerful reminder of who you are.

**************************************

Connect with me on LinkedIn ➾ here

ISC2 Article 👉🏽 here

🎯 Ready to rise? Join the Courage to Elevate cohort - waitlist here.

Support the show

Hey, listeners and tech enthusiasts! 🌟 If you've been enjoying our podcast and finding value in the insights shared, we'd love your support. You can:

• Take a moment to share this podcast with someone who might benefit from our discussions.
• Submit the interest form if you’d like to be a guest, join a panel, or participate in live coaching.
• Let us know how we're doing. We’d love to hear from you.
• Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.
• If you’re in a position to support financially, consider supporting the show via the "Bytes of Kindness" Tip Jar, or Buy Me a Coffee. This podcast is a self-funded and my way of giving back, especially to underrepresented voices in tech and cybersecurity.

Your support keeps us going and growing. Thanks for being part of this journey and our community!

Looking for mentorship? Let's talk about what you need and how I may be able to help: Mentor Moments Lightning Session

The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and not reflective of any employer.

Send us a text

Step back in time and leap forward with us as we celebrate the extraordinary journey of a trailblazing IT trainer, Carol "Lady Ray" Holmes, who has spent four decades breaking barriers, empowering communities, and growing alongside technology itself.

From delivering flyers at 13 to transitioning typist skills to teach basic computer skills, our guest shares her story of resilience, patience, and self-taught mastery-without a college degree.

We dive into her experiences navigating civil rights movements, recessions, and the ever-changing tech landscape, as well as her strategies for handling misogynoir and microaggressions in the workplace.

Discover her “why” for giving back, her recognition by Congress, and the mentors who helped her shatter systemic barriers.

If you’re seeking wisdom on mentorship, handling adversity, and thriving in tech against the odds, this fun yet down-to-earth conversation is for you.

Work Smart, Live Balanced, and Thrive in your Career Journey.

Connect with us:

Carol: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ladyraycomputer-b621769/ | www.ladyraycomputer.net

Dawn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnbutler1/

✨ Join the waitlist for my upcoming coaching cohort: Courage to Elevate​
It’s designed specifically for Women of Color in Tech navigating professional and life transitions who are ready to step into more clarity, confidence, and purpose.

Click here and You’ll be the first to receive:
✔️ Early access when enrollment opens
✔️ Special pricing and bonuses
✔️ The full scoop on what’s included

Support the show

Hey, listeners and tech enthusiasts! 🌟 If you've been enjoying our podcast and finding value in the insights shared, we'd love your support. You can:

• Take a moment to share this podcast with someone who might benefit from our discussions.
• Submit the interest form if you’d like to be a guest, join a panel, or participate in live coaching.
• Let us know how we're doing. We’d love to hear from you.
• Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.
• If you’re in a position to support financially, consider supporting the show via the "Bytes of Kindness" Tip Jar, or Buy Me a Coffee. This podcast is a self-funded and my way of giving back, especially to underrepresented voices in tech and cybersecurity.

Your support keeps us going and growing. Thanks for being part of this journey and our community!

Looking for mentorship? Let's talk about what you need and how I may be able to help: Mentor Moments Lightning Session

The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and not reflective of any employer.

Send us a text

In this episode, I sit down with JT Taylor, the visionary leader behind our non-profit, Black IT Academy (BITA).

JT shares his inspiring journey through the tech industry, from overcoming the glass ceiling without a college degree to embracing leadership roles in customer success management.

We dive deep into the importance of confidence, networking, and continuous learning, especially for underrepresented professionals.

Our conversation explores how balancing professionalism with personal authenticity can open doors, why embracing your true self attracts opportunities, and how building confidence one step at a time can transform your career.

We also discuss the value of humility, asking questions, and speaking up, even about the small things.

Whether you’re just starting out, pivoting, or climbing the tech ladder, this episode is packed with actionable insights for career development, personal growth, and thriving as your authentic self in the global tech landscape.

Reminding you to Work Smart, Live Balanced, and Thrive in your Career Journey.

How to connect with us:

Dawn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnbutler1/

JT: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josetaylor06/

BITA LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/black-it-academy/

BITA Discord: https://discord.gg/yBEM5zjV

Support the show

Hey, listeners and tech enthusiasts! 🌟 If you've been enjoying our podcast and finding value in the insights shared, we'd love your support. You can:

• Take a moment to share this podcast with someone who might benefit from our discussions.
• Submit the interest form if you’d like to be a guest, join a panel, or participate in live coaching.
• Let us know how we're doing. We’d love to hear from you.
• Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.
• If you’re in a position to support financially, consider supporting the show via the "Bytes of Kindness" Tip Jar, or Buy Me a Coffee. This podcast is a self-funded and my way of giving back, especially to underrepresented voices in tech and cybersecurity.

Your support keeps us going and growing. Thanks for being part of this journey and our community!

Looking for mentorship? Let's talk about what you need and how I may be able to help: Mentor Moments Lightning Session

The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and not reflective of any employer.