Curious about what it takes to balance tech leadership with personal authenticity?

In this episode of "Women in Tech Trailblazers," Tiffany Benitez and Jordan Franklin introduce you to Danyel Bischoff-Forsyth, the innovative CTO at Seven Brew Coffee. With over 33 years in the tech industry, including 28 years at Hallmark Cards and 5 at Tyson Foods, Danyel’s journey is packed with valuable insights.

Danyel’s path in tech began in high school, where her interest in programming first took root. As her career evolved, she embraced various roles, each contributing to her rich experience in the industry. Danyel underscores the importance of being true to oneself, both at work and at home. She believes that to be effective and comfortable in what you do, you have to bring your authentic self to every aspect of your life.

One of the major challenges Danyel addresses is the balancing act between career and family. She talks about the necessity of setting clear boundaries early on, comparing it to giving someone 100 bucks and then asking for 30 back because you decided to set boundaries later. This practice has helped her manage both her professional responsibilities and personal commitments without feeling overwhelmed.

Danyel also emphasizes the importance of knowing your values and being deliberate in your career choices. Additionally, she highlights the role of strong support networks and mentoring in overcoming industry challenges and advancing in your career.

Here are the key takeaways:

(2:20) What happens when authenticity takes center stage?

(4:30) How do gender roles sabotage career growth?

(6:06) Is networking the ultimate career catalyst?

(8:54) Can setting boundaries prevent burnout?

(12:16) How do authenticity and leadership intersect?

(15:35) The synergy of vulnerability and leadership

(18:55) The power of reverse and peer mentoring

(19:37) What role do women-only organizations play?

(22:59) How can the gender gap in tech be addressed?

(26:19) Overcoming self-doubt in career applications

Take a moment to reflect on Danyel’s insights and think about how you can apply them to your own tech career with authenticity and balance. What actions will you take to support women in tech?

Be sure to share this episode with a friend juggling a tech career and family life. For more insights, tune in now!

About Danyel Bischoff-Forsyth

Danyel Bischoff-Forsyth is a technology leader with over 30 years of experience. She has led large transformation projects for public and private organizations in many industries. Danyel worked 28 years at Hallmark Cards, five years at Tyson Foods, and is now the CTO at Seven Brew Coffee.

She holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, an MBA, and a Doctorate in Organizational Change and Leadership from the University of Southern California. Her doctoral research focused on increasing the number of women in executive technology leadership roles. Danyel is also a board member at NETZRO, SBC, an organization working to eliminate food waste. Outside of her career, she is a mother of six and a grandmother of two.

Connect with Danyel:

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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.

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.

Hello, everyone! Welcome to another episode of "Women in Tech Trailblazers," where today, Tiffany Benitez and Jordan Franklin are thrilled to sit down with the brilliant Devayani Supekar. Devayani is a champion of bridging gender gaps in tech, bringing a rich background in engineering and leadership from her impactful career at Walmart.

Today, she dives into the essence of authenticity in tech, sharing personal stories that spotlight her journey from an electronics engineer to a senior program manager. Her commitment to diversity and inclusion isn't just a part of her job—it's a passion that drives her every initiative.

Devayani also unpacks the power of mentorship and its pivotal role in her career. She stresses that effective mentorship involves more than guidance—it's about empowering others to explore their paths and discover their strengths. Reflecting on her experiences, Devayani shares how she has navigated tricky situations where stereotypes about gender roles have surfaced, advocating for equality and respect in every interaction.

Throughout the discussion, Devayani addresses the importance of continuous learning and staying updated with industry trends, which she sees as crucial for personal and professional growth. She highlights the significance of finding one's tribe and creating mentoring circles, even if it means starting one when none exists.

Here are the key takeaways:

(2:27) How does being authentic help you belong?

(7:09) The importance of people skills in tech

(7:46) Are we showing the next generation their options?

(9:26) How to handle unconscious bias?

(13:49) Can saying no hurt your career?

(16:12) How to find the right mentor?

(17:22) The role of authenticity in successful mentorship

(19:16) Choosing between one-on-one and group mentoring

(20:51) How can you teach kids about mentorship?

(23:31) The power of knowing your impact

(26:06) Are you keeping up with industry trends?

(27:01) Can advocacy lead to personal growth?

(28:37) Why don't women apply for certain jobs?

Devayani's journey and insights inspire us all to embrace our true selves and support one another through mentorship and advocacy. She encourages everyone in tech to be a part of the change that fosters diversity and inclusion.

Tune in now to get inspired and think about how you can make a difference in creating an inclusive environment in tech. Remember, it starts with being authentic and supportive. Don't forget to subscribe and share this episode to spread the word about making tech a better place for everyone.

About Devayani Supekar

Devayani Supekar is a Senior Program Manager at Walmart Marketing with a background that includes roles as an Analytics Manager for Supply Chain and a Product Manager for Walmart Global Tech. Originally from India, she pursued her Master's degree at the University of Texas at Dallas. She actively supports diversity and inclusion initiatives at Walmart, serving as Vice-Chair on an Employee Resource Group, and is a board member for the Northwest Arkansas Women’s Shelter. Devayani is deeply involved in her Northwest Arkansas community through various volunteer efforts.

Connect with Devayani:

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.