What does it mean to make space at the table in tech? Let’s dive in!

Hey, everyone! In this episode of "Women in Tech Trailblazers," Tiffany Benitez and Jordan Franklin sit down with Namrata Collins, a powerhouse at Walmart with over two decades in IT and business. Namrata opens up about her journey from India to the U.S. and the critical role of authenticity in her career.

Ever faced a career setback? Namrata has, and she shares how feedback helped her bounce back stronger. She also introduces the inspiring "Take Five" initiative, a mentorship program designed to create a ripple effect of support and growth.

Namrata emphasizes that tech careers offer stability, growth, creativity, and experimentation. If you enjoy building, experimenting, and pushing boundaries, tech is the place for you. She encourages women to recognize the bias that they might be seen as less technical and to assert their technical skills even more with every opportunity.

Her advice? "Be really good at what you do and share your opinions confidently." She highlights the power of mentorship and the importance of intentionality in making space for others. It's your responsibility and job to make seats at the table for other people. Not everyone gets an invitation to the room, so if you are in the room, make your presence felt.

Here are the key takeaways:

(4:18) Can you bring your whole self to the table?

(7:38) Why tech is the perfect career for creative minds

(9:11) What can you learn from not getting the job?

(11:28) Why do women leave tech by age 35?

(15:03) The double motivation of making decisions for your children

(15:41) The ripple effect of the 'take five' strategy

(19:48) Can tough love from mentors make you a better leader?

(23:27) The secret to making an impact in high-stakes meetings

(23:51) What challenges do first-time leaders face?

(27:20) Can anyone become a mentor if you ask?

(29:08) How crucial is having an opinion for thought leadership?

(30:35) Why collaboration leads to greater success

Reflecting on her journey, Namrata notes that most people, upon introspection, realize how many helped them grow. It's natural to want to give back once we see the role others played in our journey. While you can achieve great things alone, you can achieve more together. Change the narrative, make space for others, and collaborate to create a more inclusive environment.

Tune in to hear Namrata's valuable insights and be inspired to make a difference in your career.

Enjoying the podcast? Subscribe and share with a friend. Let’s create more space at the table together!

About Namrata Collins

Namrata Collins is the Group Director of Workforce Management Technology and Services at Walmart Stores Inc. With 20 years at Walmart, she has led major digital transformation and people leadership initiatives in IT and business. Namrata is an advocate for diversity, active in community work for women's and children's causes, and holds a Six Sigma Black Belt. She lives in Bentonville with her family and enjoys travel and family time.

Connect with Namrata:

Linkedin

About Tiffany Benitez & Jordan Franklin

Tiffany Benitez leads IT Applications at Tyson Foods, focusing on Product & Agile methodologies and promoting the advancement of women in tech and STEM areas.

Jordan Franklin, CEO of Gumption and Stratice, is revolutionizing the job market with behavioral AI, making talent acquisition efficient. For three years, she's been celebrated as a top staffing influencer.

Connect with Hosts:

Tiffany’s LinkedIn

Jordan’s LinkedIn

Disclaimer

This podcast is for informational purposes only. The content should be taken as something other than professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with professionals regarding specific situations or concerns.