Hey Trailblazers! Tiffany and Jordan are back with an episode that’s going to shift the way you think about leadership, mindset, and owning your story. This week, we sat down with Uma Subramanian, founder of Limitless Leaders and former Microsoft powerhouse, to talk about what it really means to be limitless in your career.

Uma walks us through her early days trying to blend in at Microsoft and how hiding her strengths actually held her back. That didn’t last long, though. Once she dropped the mask and embraced her full self, things started to shift. “Your work doesn’t speak for itself. You have to speak for it.” That one hit hard. And trust us, she has plenty more where that came from.

We dig into how mindset plays a major role in what you allow yourself to do or dream of doing. Uma breaks down the shift from scarcity to abundance and how that mental pivot helped her lead big projects and build global teams. She also shares a moment that changed everything, and it involves walking her dog and realizing, “Wait. I’ve been limitless all along.” She even shares her 5S formula to get there: See, Serve, Stretch, Shine, Sustain.

Of course, we couldn’t end the convo without touching on mentorship. Uma credits her success to the mentors who helped her rise and the support system that kept her grounded. “If you don’t shape your own narrative, someone else will,” she says, and that’s a reminder we all need.

Here are the key takeaways:

(2:11) Embracing authenticity and dropping the mask

(3:59) Why bold voices in tech matter

(4:57) The urge to constantly change ourselves to fit in

(5:49) Uma’s mindset journey inspired by Think and Grow Rich

(8:41) Limitless leadership and why it’s available to everyone

(12:16) Why advocating for your own work matters

(13:13) Owning what’s in your control in a challenging system

(16:11) How to stop thinking small

(18:11) Uma’s 5S framework for becoming limitless

(24:16) How networks carry impact forward

(25:18) Why networks only work when you show up and invest

(27:18) The missing link in community growth

So what would happen if you stopped waiting and started owning it? Hit play to find out how to lead with purpose, stretch outside your comfort zone, and finally realize you’ve been limitless the whole time. Subscribe and share this one with someone who needs a confidence reset. Let’s go, Trailblazers.

About Uma Subramanian

Uma Subramanian is the Founder and CEO of The Limitless Leaders, where she helps mid-career tech professionals grow into strong, effective leaders. She brings over two decades of experience, including 20 years at Microsoft. Uma designs coaching programs focused on leadership mindset, communication, and strategic growth. She is certified in executive coaching, behavioral analysis, and advanced leadership training.

Connect with Uma:

LinkedIn

Website

About Tiffany Benitez & Jordan Franklin

Tiffany Benitez leads Data Governance at Compass Group USA, ensuring data quality, integrity, and compliance across all business units. She is passionate about driving data excellence and advancing women in tech and STEM.

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.

Welcome back, Trailblazers. Today’s episode hits different. Tiffany Benitez and Jordan Franklin are joined by certified leadership coach Lisa Stryker, who’s here to talk about the moments most people skip in their highlight reel, confusion, redirection, and the stretch between doing the work and actually leading.

Lisa opens up about entering full-time work later than most, getting handed a high-visibility role, and feeling totally lost in it. That experience led her to a deeper question: Why is it so hard to go from being a great contributor to a confident leader? The answer turned into a mission. “I wanted to be a leader so badly. I just had no idea what that really meant.”

We dig into authenticity, not the filtered version, but the one rooted in values and intention. Lisa explains how understanding who you are at your core helps you lead from a place that’s real, even when you’re not feeling your best. And if you’ve ever heard that voice saying “don’t brag”, this episode is a must. Lisa reclaims the word with her BRAG method, Boldly Recognize Achievement and Growth, and gives practical ways to advocate for your work without sounding, well, annoying.

You’ll also hear why visibility matters just as much as mentorship, and why stretch roles, even the ones you don’t feel fully ready for, are where real growth lives. “Don’t think you’re wrong just because they disagree with you,” Lisa says. That one’s a gut check.

Here are the key takeaways:

(2:13) The authenticity equation

(3:23) Managing emotions in leadership

(4:23) From doer to leader

(8:39) Being right isn’t always popular

(10:37) Brag = boldly recognize achievement and growth

(11:31) Speak on it or stay invisible

(13:14) Stealth promotion over self-promotion

(17:05) Authenticity is holding the line

(19:25) Stop playing safe with promotions

(20:58) Hiring for potential, not perfection

(22:46) Finding mentorship the organic way

(25:54) When mentorship isn’t the right fit

(27:24) From comparison to claiming influence

So if you’ve ever played small, waited to be picked, or second-guessed your impact, this one’s for you. Tune in, take notes, and let this conversation push you toward your next bold move!

About Lisa Stryker

Lisa Stryker is an executive coach and the founder of Stryker Coaching & Communications. She works with mid and senior-level professionals to help them move from behind-the-scenes roles into visible leadership positions. With a background in corporate communications and over 25 years of experience, she supports clients through one-on-one coaching and group training. Lisa is certified by The Life Coach School, the John Maxwell Team, DISC, and DDI.

Connect with Lisa:

LinkedIn

About Tiffany Benitez & Jordan Franklin

Tiffany Benitez leads Data Governance at Compass Group USA, ensuring data quality, integrity, and compliance across all business units. She is passionate about driving data excellence and advancing women in tech and STEM.

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.

Hey Trailblazers! Tiffany and Jordan are in the house with an episode that hits you right in the moment between where you are and where you want to be. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Is this it?” or “What if I want more?” then this conversation with Kelli Schutrop is calling your name.

Kelli has taken more than one leap, and no, we’re not talking about a small title change. She’s walked straight into uncertainty, swapped industries, roles, and even her entire career model. But here’s the kicker, she didn’t do it with all the answers. She did it by asking better questions. Like, “What would a brave person do in this moment?” and “Is this still the right space for me?”

We get into that awkward space no one talks about: when things are going well on paper, but something inside says it’s time to shift. And let’s be honest, women are taught to sit still and wait for permission. Kelli’s not about that life. “You don’t win anything you don’t ask for,” she tells us, and her journey proves it.

From starting something that didn’t exist to launching a full-blown business because no job could match the fire she had, Kelli shows how to move through fear and into alignment. She even breaks down how she built a sales strategy using insight and content, not cold calls. No gimmicks. Just clarity and value.

Here are the key takeaways:

(2:34) Authenticity across all spaces

(8:05) Facing the unknown

(11:27) Crossroads and new beginnings

(14:07) Embracing change fearlessly

(16:00) The power of asking

(19:44) Aligning desires with business needs

(20:10) Misalignment isn't failure

(22:25) The value of mentorship

(24:14) Collaborating for success

(25:18) Choosing bravery

So… what would you do if you weren’t afraid of outgrowing your current path? Hit play, and let Kelli’s story crack something open. Let’s get into it.

About Kelli Schutrop

Kelli Schutrop is the CEO and founder of Thoughtful Resound, a consultancy offering fractional sales and marketing leadership to B2B companies. She helps businesses grow revenue through strategic marketing, consultative sales, and thought leadership. Kelli is also a LinkedIn Learning instructor and co-host of the Full Cup Collective podcast. She has led marketing functions, supported startups, and advised leaders across industries.

Connect with Kelli:

LinkedIn

About Tiffany Benitez & Jordan Franklin

Tiffany Benitez leads Data Governance at Compass Group USA, ensuring data quality, integrity, and compliance across all business units. She is passionate about driving data excellence and advancing women in tech and STEM.

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.

Hey Trailblazers! Today’s episode is all about impact without ego. Tiffany Benitez and Jordan Franklin are back with a powerful conversation featuring Steve Eanes, a tech sales leader who lives and breathes real allyship. From a childhood hustle selling newspapers and candy to 25 years of crushing quotas in tech, Steve’s journey is more than a career path. It’s a mindset shift.

Steve opens up about what authenticity means when it’s not just a buzzword. His take? “The only true gift you have to offer is yourself.” But here’s the twist. He says authenticity also means showing up better every day, not using it as an excuse to stay stagnant. For anyone in leadership, sales, or tech, this is the kind of real talk you don’t hear enough.

We also get into the messy, overlooked side of allyship. Steve drops a gem that hits hard: “Life’s not 50/50. It’s 100/100.” That means showing up for others without waiting for payback. Whether it’s bringing someone into the room, introducing them to your network, or simply amplifying a voice that’s been ignored, Steve breaks down how small actions can shift entire careers.

And yes, mindset matters. Steve gets real about surviving stage three cancer and how that changed everything. He explains how choosing to see two hours ahead at a time kept him grounded, focused, and deeply connected to others. That mindset now fuels the way he mentors, supports, and builds relationships across the tech world.

Here are the key takeaways:

(3:29) Authenticity and continuous growth

(7:09) Allyship and active listening

(8:03) Bias, agenda-free action, and connection

(10:18) Intentionality vs agenda

(14:06) Practical allyship through connection

(16:42) Turning obstacles into stepping stones

(22:02) Power of choosing a mindset

(23:56) Mentorship through real action

(26:27) Intentional networking that works

(28:51) Creating space for others

(29:51) The power of asking “What can I do for you?”

So what does it look like to show up for others without an agenda? How do you create opportunity just by being consistent? Tune in, share with a friend, and maybe ask yourself one thing by the end of this episode: Who have you pulled into the conversation lately?

About Steve Eanes

Steve Eanes is an Account Director at Digital Realty, where he supports enterprise clients across North and South Carolina with cloud and data center solutions. With over 28 years in tech sales, he has built a reputation for strong client relationships and consistent performance. He is also a Certified Go-Giver Speaker and Coach. A cancer survivor of 24 years, Steve brings a mindset of service and resilience to both his work and community.

Connect with Steve:

Linkedin

About Tiffany Benitez & Jordan Franklin

Tiffany Benitez leads Data Governance at Compass Group USA, ensuring data quality, integrity, and compliance across all business units. She is passionate about driving data excellence and advancing women in tech and STEM.

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.

Hey Trailblazers! Tiffany Benitez and Jordan Franklin here with a powerful new episode of "Women in Tech Trailblazers." Today, we’re talking all about community, conflict, and what it really means to rise together with our guest, Jessica Uranga, Executive Director of Beautiful Lives. If you’ve ever felt torn between being kind and being competitive, this one’s for you.

Jessica’s story starts with a global lens, from growing up as a missionary kid to leading a team of over 50 women in a space built on trust, growth, and servant leadership. But what really stands out is how she navigates the messy parts. No degree. No straight path. Just a commitment to showing up, learning forward, and creating space for others. “I was created with purpose. I have purpose. And I’m meant to live with great purpose,” she says. And trust us, she means it.

We also get into the real stuff. Workplace conflict. Imposter syndrome. That feeling of “Do I really belong in this room?” Jessica shares how intentional community, celebrating others, and letting go of toxic competition changed the way she leads and lives. “When I build her up, it doesn’t diminish who I am. It builds me up too.”

If you’ve ever felt like you were on the outside looking in or wondering if you’re qualified enough, this conversation will meet you where you are. Jessica’s story reminds us that success isn’t about having the perfect resume; it’s about showing up with integrity, investing in others, and letting your purpose speak louder than your fear.

Here are the key takeaways:

(3:15) Authenticity living on purpose

(4:53) Petty energy self-awareness

(6:43) Culture core values team connection

(8:43) Making space for new voices

(9:34) Hiring through values

(10:30) Power of being seen

(11:09) Choosing the right circle

(13:22) Leading without a degree

(16:55) Open-handed leadership

(18:41) Taking the first step

(20:55) Growth through generosity

(21:42) Finding the right networks

(23:51) Legacy mindset

So what’s one step you can take today to build others up instead of sizing them up? Tap play, share this episode with someone who needs the reminder, and get ready to shift your mindset. The next version of you might just be one brave “yes” away.

About Jessica Uranga

Jessica Uranga is the Executive Director at Beautiful Lives Thrift Boutique, where she leads a team focused on community and purpose-driven work. She grew up in Mexico and spent years traveling internationally with Youth With A Mission. Jessica and her husband live in Northwest Arkansas with their five children. Outside of work, she enjoys life on their hobby farm growing elderberries and spending time with family.

Connect with Jessica:

Linkedin

About Tiffany Benitez & Jordan Franklin

Tiffany Benitez leads Data Governance at Compass Group USA, ensuring data quality, integrity, and compliance across all business units. She is passionate about driving data excellence and advancing women in tech and STEM.

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.

Hey Trailblazers! You know when an episode feels more like a movement? That’s exactly what you’re in for today. Tiffany Benitez and Jordan Franklin are sitting down with La’Ron Louis, a global DEI (Diversity, equity, and inclusion) leader who’s not just doing the work but living it every single day. If you’ve ever felt unseen in your career or wondered what it really takes to drive inclusion beyond the surface, this one’s for you.

La’Ron takes us back to the start. His story isn’t just powerful; it’s deeply personal. La' Ron shared, "And as a black gay man, I often felt. My voice wasn't heard, even in my family, I didn't feel seen, oftentimes. And then when I saw that happening to others, I would use my loud voice and personality to stand up and advocate for those individuals without fear."

So what did he do? He used that same voice to make sure others could be heard. “I find a way or I make one,” he says. And that mindset launched a career built on advocacy, strategy, and heart.

We get into what corporate America often gets wrong about DEI. Performative efforts, box-checking, and surface-level statements don’t move the needle. La’Ron breaks down how real change happens through inclusive leadership, psychological safety, and using data to tell stories that matter. “It either is or it isn’t. The data doesn’t lie,” he shares.

Of course, we’re talking about mentorship too. But not just the formal kind. La’Ron explains the difference between mentorship and sponsorship and why sometimes the most powerful advocates are the ones speaking your name when you’re not in the room. You’ll walk away thinking differently about how you show up for others and how you build your own support network.

Here are the key takeaways:

(3:09) Authenticity & showing up unapologetically

(6:09) Overcoming leadership barriers & hearing “no”

(7:17) Manifestation & persistence

(10:32) Rethinking inclusion metrics

(13:18) What makes "DEI" black and white?

(15:46) Living dei in real time

(21:15) Mentorship vs. sponsorship & advocacy

(25:01) Finding your people in the industry

(27:24) Making more deposits or withdrawals?

This episode brings insight, big energy, and conversations that stay with you. Want to know what legacy La’Ron is building and why he thinks every person, not just the DEI leader, is part of the movement? You’ll have to tune in. Subscribe, share, and stay with us for more real talk and trailblazing voices.

About La’Ron Louis

La’Ron Louis is a Global DEI leader with experience leading inclusion strategies across Fortune 500 companies. He has designed programs focused on learning, talent development, and workplace belonging across regions, including AMER, EMEA, and APAC. La’Ron partners with organizations and academic institutions to support DEI education and engagement. He holds certifications from Yale and the University of South Florida and currently resides in Atlanta.

Connect with La’Ron:

Linkedin

About Tiffany Benitez & Jordan Franklin

Tiffany Benitez leads Data Governance at Compass Group USA, ensuring data quality, integrity, and compliance across all business units. She is passionate about driving data excellence and advancing women in tech and STEM.

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.

Hey Trailblazers! Today’s episode is one you don’t want to miss. Tiffany Benitez and Jordan Franklin are in conversation with Ambika Saklani Bhardwaj, a powerhouse in data and analytics who’s now diving deep into generative AI. From working in finance operations to leading in retail tech, Ambika’s journey is anything but ordinary.

She walks us through the moment she realized she didn’t want to do repetitive work forever. “I wanted to do something innovative and unique,” she says. That desire led her to data science and then to Walmart, where she’s shaping cutting-edge AI solutions. Her path is a masterclass in pivoting with purpose and trusting your instincts.

We get real about challenges, too. Ambika talks about the learning curve of switching industries and the pressure of proving yourself. Even if she didn’t always feel the sting of bias directly, she knows it exists. “Your skills are your best weapon,” she shares. It’s a reminder that the right knowledge opens doors that bias tries to shut.

Of course, we get into Gen AI. This is her playground now, and she explains how it’s changing the game for everyone, especially women in tech. From productivity boosts to personal learning paths, this tech isn’t just for coders. She also drops a reality check on ethics and privacy that we all need to hear.

Here are the key takeaways:

(2:14) Protecting your energy in tech

(4:26) Finding the path that actually fits

(6:18) Learning it all from zero

(8:14) Fighting bias with skill

(10:51) Using Gen AI to win time back

(12:29) Data, ethics, and the real risk

(15:15) The people who make your career move

(18:04) Create a legacy that opens doors

(19:09) The smart human era

(19:45) Know AI or fall behind

So what’s the legacy she wants to leave? “It’s not about who you are. It’s about what you do.” This episode is packed with insights on authenticity, upskilling, mentorship, and how to be the smart human AI doesn’t replace. Tune in, share it with someone in transition, and don’t forget to hit subscribe. You’ll want to keep this one in your back pocket.

About Ambika Saklani Bhardwaj

Ambika Saklani Bhardwaj is a Principal Product Manager at Walmart with over 15 years of experience in financial data and analytics. She has worked across banking and retail, focusing on operations, product management, and analytics. Her current work explores the use of generative AI in retail. Ambika is also involved in building strategies, managing teams, and delivering data-driven solutions.

Connect with Ambika:

Linkedin

About Tiffany Benitez & Jordan Franklin

Tiffany Benitez leads Data Governance at Compass Group USA, ensuring data quality, integrity, and compliance across all business units. She is passionate about driving data excellence and advancing women in tech and STEM.

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.

Hey Trailblazers, Welcome back to Women in Tech Trailblazers. Tiffany Benitez and Jordan Franklin here, and today, we’re diving into the power of data, leadership, and career pivots with Tammy Waggoner. She’s spent over 30 years in finance, sales enablement, and now data strategy, proving that no career path is linear. If you've ever wondered how to use data to make smarter career moves, this one’s for you.

Tammy kicks things off with a real talk on authenticity. “The second you drift from who you are, people can tell,” she says. Staying true to yourself isn’t always easy, especially in a world that pushes you in different directions. But for Tammy, self-awareness has been the key to navigating every career shift with confidence.

We get into the realities of gender bias. Tammy shares a moment where she got promoted but at a lower level than her male predecessor. “It was still a promotion, but not the same title,” she points out. Her takeaway: Speak up! Ask the hard questions. If you don’t, no one else will.

Of course, we can’t talk about career growth without data. Tammy explains how using data can remove emotion from decisions and give you an edge. “Strategy without data is just guessing,” she says. Whether it's tracking industry trends or negotiating salary, the numbers don’t lie.

Here are the key takeaways:

(2:18) Authenticity & self-awareness

(4:08) How a numbers-driven mindset opens doors

(7:40) Rethinking tech careers

(9:20) The future of jobs & automation

(11:11) Gender bias in promotions

(12:22) Speaking up for women in meetings

(14:54) Why are data-driven career choices more powerful?

(16:59) Data vs. emotion in decision-making

(18:58) The do’s and don’ts of LinkedIn engagement

(22:24) Vulnerability & growth

(23:29) Data, decisions & the importance of logic

(25:18) Why leadership is about trust & growth

(26:15) Standing out in a tech-driven world

(27:34) The future of work & role fluidity

This episode is packed with insights on leadership, career strategy, and self-advocacy. How are you using data to shape your next move Tune in, share, and let’s keep breaking barriers. See you next time, Trailblazers.

About Tammy Waggoner

Tammy Waggoner is the VP of CPG & Retail at Nousot, Inc., where she leads strategy, business development, and data analytics initiatives. With over 30 years of experience in finance, program management, and sales enablement, she has worked with companies like Tyson, Hillshire Brands, and Sara Lee.

Her expertise spans process optimization, large-scale transformations, and data-driven decision-making. She is known for problem-solving, cross-functional collaboration, and mentoring teams in sales, finance, and operations.

Connect with Tammy:

Linkedin

About Tiffany Benitez & Jordan Franklin

Tiffany Benitez leads Data Governance at Compass Group USA, ensuring data quality, integrity, and compliance across all business units. She is passionate about driving data excellence and advancing women in tech and STEM.

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.