Happy Thanksgiving, Trailblazers. Today’s episode flips everything. Kasturi and Sapna take over the mic and put Tiffany exactly where she never expected to be, right in the center of the questions. And trust me, she answers in ways you have never heard from her before.

The conversation opens with the heart behind her mission. Tiffany talks about the people who shaped her journey and the people she wishes she had along the way. When she admits, “I wished I had women who walked that journey with me,” you understand instantly why she shows up so fiercely for others.

From there, the room shifts. They talk about confidence, first impressions, and what it feels like to walk into spaces where women are still the minority. Tiffany shares the moment she stopped shrinking herself and says, “I can no longer show up as the watered-down version of what you need.” And that one stays with you long after.

Of course, these three cannot sit together without laughing. We hear about books, travel, the unicorn tattoo, the lioness energy, and the tiny rituals Tiffany uses to protect her peace. It feels like you are sitting at the table with them.

Here are the key takeaways:

(3:37) Why mentorship shaped Tiffany’s entire path

(7:13) Strong woman energy and first impressions

(9:20) Showing up without shrinking

(11:29) The ripple effect of doing good

(21:02) Finding small pockets to recharge

(25:05) Breaking old rules for the next generation

(32:48) Creating a table when one doesn’t exist

(35:30) Structure, growth, and intentional community

(36:24) The rise of new chapters

(38:52) Making one person feel seen

If you want a Thanksgiving episode that warms you up and still shakes something awake inside you, this is the one to listen to. It is honest, it is fun, and it is the closest you will ever get to seeing the real story behind the woman who built this community.

About Kasturi Joglekar

Kasturi Joglekar is a Product Manager in Walmart’s finance technology space and serves on the Board of NWA GirlGang. She is also known as KJ, a confidence coach who supports people in strengthening their self-belief and personal presence. Kasturi works closely with the Women in Tech Trailblazers community and often partners with Tiffany on conversations that uplift women in tech. She lives in Bentonville with her family and enjoys quiet moments with chai and a book.

Connect with Kasturi:

Linkedin

Website

About Sapna Ramachandran

Sapna Ramachandran is the Vice President of People at Engine, a data science company. She serves on the Advisory Board for Women in Tech Trailblazers and has supported the community since its early days. Sapna’s work centers on building teams and guiding talent across technical roles. She often collaborates with Tiffany and other leaders to create spaces for meaningful conversations in tech. She lives in Northwest Arkansas and enjoys connecting with people over food, ideas, and shared experiences.

Connect with Sapna:

Linkedin

About Tiffany Benitez

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.

Connect with Host:

Tiffany’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 for anyone who’s ever felt stuck, burned out, or stressed about not being “up enough” in their career. Kim Lanphear, CEO of Apparo, joins Tiffany Benitez, and this conversation hits differently. It’s honest, real, and filled with the kind of insight you wish someone had shared years ago. From Citibank to theater management to serving over 1200 nonprofits, Kim’s path is anything but linear, and that’s exactly where the magic lives.

Right out of the gate, Kim breaks down what authentic leadership actually looks like in real life. And it’s not polishing your wins. “Authenticity is about integrity and transparency… being willing to be vulnerable builds trust,” she says. We don’t hear that enough, but it’s exactly what we need more of in leadership.

Then comes the part that will make every career-driven listener stop and think. We talk about the career jungle gym, why growth isn’t always “up,” and why some of the best moves are sideways. Kim reminds us that “A lot of opportunities happen when you explore new roles, not just move up the career ladder but grow sideways, climb around, and focus on personal and intellectual growth.” Not knowing what’s next doesn’t mean you’re lost. It might mean you’re finally paying attention.

And if you’ve ever questioned whether your title, skills, or seat at the table “measure up,” Kim drops the kind of advice you’ll want to repeat. She talks about advocating for her title change from Executive Director to CEO, not for ego, but because sometimes people only open doors when they recognize a title, not the person behind it. This episode makes you rethink how you show up, how you advocate, and how you lead.

Here are the key takeaways:

(4:59) Integrity, transparency, and authenticity

(7:03) The value of sideways career moves

(8:22) Why shame keeps us stuck

(11:28) Skills over ladders for real growth

(12:35) The truth about reaching the C suite

(13:39) Your career changes with your life

(16:08) When a title change opens doors

(17:49) Showing up as a peer, not a guest

(19:52) Focus on brand, not perception

(20:47) Follow what interests you next

(22:36) Let go of the ladder myth

(26:15) How to tell if company values are real

(30:47) It’s okay to move sideways

If you're ready to stop obsessing over the ladder and start owning the jungle gym, this one’s for you. Tune in, get inspired, and share this episode with someone who needs a permission slip to explore what’s next.

About Kim Lanphear

Kim Lanphear is the CEO of Apparo, a nonprofit that connects Charlotte-area nonprofits with technology and business expertise. She has spent over 25 years in leadership roles across finance, arts, and nonprofit sectors, including time at Citibank. Under her leadership, Apparo has supported more than 1200 nonprofits through partnerships with 250 companies and shifted to a pro bono model to make tech support accessible. Kim holds degrees from Duke University and Southern Methodist University and has been recognized as one of Charlotte’s Most Admired CEOs and Most Influential Women.

Connect with Kim:

LinkedIn

About Tiffany Benitez

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.

Connect with Host:

Tiffany’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.

How many times have your palms gone sweaty as you sat in a room full of men, wondering if your voice even belonged there? This is where today’s episode begins.

Hey Trailblazers, welcome back. Today, Tiffany takes us into a story that starts in a Walmart conference room, twelve engineers, all men, one young woman fresh out of college, trying to figure out where she fits. That woman was Andrea Shoppach.

Andrea shares how those early days shaped everything. She talks about the pressure to mirror the culture around her, the golf outings, the happy hours, and the moment she realized authenticity was not an accessory in her career but the foundation. As she puts it, “Authenticity is knowing what you are grounded in and what your foundation is”. She did not force herself to fit. She built her own way forward.

In this episode, Tiffany and Andrea talk openly about comparison and why it creeps in even when we think we are past it. Andrea admits how easy it was to look sideways and wonder why someone else got the opportunity she hoped for. But instead of chasing someone else’s pace, she made a choice to define her own. Her journey is about alignment.

They also dig into the quiet practices that have shaped Andrea’s leadership. Morning reflection. Gratitude. Writing things down not to perform for others but to stay clear for herself. She shares how internal work became the reason she could lead confidently on the outside.

Here are the key takeaways:

(2:43) What authenticity actually means

(7:24) Being the only woman on a 12-man tech team

(8:19) When asking for flexibility is denied

(10:32) Why discomfort is the entry point to growth

(12:24) Focusing on your true north

(13:27) Letting go of comparison

(15:01) Pivoting without losing confidence

(16:37) The power of gratitude routines

(18:28) Turning setbacks into setups

(22:11) Your impact is bigger than you think

If you have ever been the only one in the room or wondered if your difference is a disadvantage, this conversation will shift your perspective. It is more than about competing. It is about building a life and career that reflects who you truly are. And Andrea shows us what that looks like in action. Tune in now!

About Andrea Shoppach

Andrea Shoppach is the Vice President of Information Security Services at Walmart Global Technology. She started her career as a software engineer and has held multiple leadership roles across the organization. She is an advocate for women in technology and serves on advisory and research boards in Arkansas. Andrea is also a small business owner with her husband and is active in the local community and faith initiatives.

Connect with Andrea:

LinkedIn

About Tiffany Benitez

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.

Connect with Host:

Tiffany’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 everyone! Tiffany Benitez here with another episode of Women in Tech Trailblazers. Today’s conversation is all about purpose, authenticity, and the power of community. Our guest, Tyler White, brings an incredible mix of stories and lessons from his journey as a leader in tech recruiting and beyond.

Tyler opens up about finding his place in the tech world and how serving others helped him discover his own purpose. “Helping others created who I was instead of me seeking who I was,” he shares. His perspective on leadership is refreshing and challenges us to think about success in a whole new way.

We also dig into the people side of tech. Tyler shares what he looks for when connecting candidates with opportunities and why true potential is often hidden between the lines. It is a conversation about more than just jobs. It is about seeing people for who they really are and giving them the chance to shine.

Tyler also speaks about allyship and the importance of standing up for women in tech. His story of using his network to help someone get noticed shows how we can all play a part in breaking barriers and driving progress. “Without someone fighting alongside you, it can be hard to move forward,” he reminds us.

Here are the key takeaways:

(5:17) Discovering purpose through serving others

(11:20) Why curiosity and action set candidates apart

(12:46) Breaking out of the boxes women are forced into

(14:31) Why passions outside work matter in interviews

(18:04) Advocating for women and opening hidden doors

(24:07) The coffee meeting strategy that lands jobs

(27:01) Building a brand by staying true to yourself

(33:53) Creating a life you never want to end

(35:33) Defining your niche and planting your flag

This episode will leave you inspired to take action in your own sphere of influence. Tune in, share this conversation, and think about the ways you can create space for others to succeed. Because when we lock arms, we all move forward together.

About Tyler White

Tyler White is the Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at Cisco Ascent and a Strategic Account Manager at Akkodis. He also co-hosts the podcast Timeout with Leaders. Originally from Texas and later raised in Arkansas, Tyler’s early experiences shaped his drive to build meaningful connections and help others succeed. Today, he focuses on creating opportunities and making a lasting impact through his work and community efforts.

Connect with Tyler:

LinkedIn

About Tiffany Benitez

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.

Connect with Host:

Tiffany’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! Tiffany Benitez is here with another episode of Women in Tech Trailblazers, and today’s conversation is all about making space for what really matters. Our guest, Haleh Shoa, is the founder and CEO of Picturli, a company that takes the chaos of scattered photos and turns it into a secure, meaningful digital archive.

Haleh’s journey started with her own family memories and a desire to bring order to them. What began as scanning photos during her downtime in advertising grew into a thriving business. Along the way, she discovered how technology can connect generations and keep legacies alive. “I believe memories are treasures worth protecting,” she shares.

Haleh takes us behind the scenes of her career, from breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry to learning how to stand in her power. She gets candid about the biases she faced and how she learned to trust her instincts. “You have to be clear about your needs and not give everything away hoping for approval,” she says.

Decluttering comes up in surprising ways, too. Haleh talks about the clutter we carry in our minds, on our devices, and in our schedules. She shares how building systems and being intentional with time can change everything, especially as a leader with a vision.

Here are the key takeaways:

(2:11) Standing in your power and setting boundaries

(5:34) Redefining what it means to work in tech

(8:19) Navigating bias and finding your people

(11:51) Limiting beliefs that show up in business

(13:26) The clutter that keeps leaders stuck

(17:18) Why community matters and how to find yours

(20:07) The best advice for creating a life of abundance

By the end of this episode, you will see why decluttering is about so much more than a clean space. It is about creating room for clarity, purpose, and legacy. Tune in, get inspired, and start thinking about what you need to clear out to lead with intention.

About Haleh Shoa

Haleh Shoa is the founder and CEO of Picturli, a company that helps families, businesses, and individuals organize and digitize their photo collections. With a background in advertising and over 27 years of experience leading large projects and teams, she brings her expertise to preserving memories and creating secure, searchable photo archives. Haleh’s mission is to help people protect their personal histories and share them with future generations.

Connect with Haleh:

LinkedIn

About Tiffany Benitez

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.

Connect with Host:

Tiffany’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, Tiffany Benitez sits down with someone who is shaping the future of technology in a big way. Meet Stephanie Cheney, a product leader who has built her career by bridging the worlds of business and AI.

Stephanie’s story begins with a teenage love for coding and takes us through a winding path that includes entrepreneurship, a leap into software engineering, and ultimately leads to innovative AI projects. Her journey is proof that you do not need a perfect plan to succeed. “You don’t have to be an engineer in the age of AI,” she says. “Just start.”

We also get real about the challenges women face in tech. Stephanie shares how she has navigated rooms where she was often the only woman present and how important it is not to let those moments silence your voice. Instead of trying to blend in, she has learned to bring her own perspective to every conversation.

When it comes to AI, Stephanie offers a fresh take on why women are uniquely equipped to thrive. The skills that make great leaders, like giving context, building connections, and thinking strategically, are the same skills needed to guide AI forward. This is not just about learning new tools; it is about shaping what comes next.

Here are the key takeaways:

(3:13) Embracing who you are in the age of AI

(3:50) Why fitting into boxes holds women back

(6:14) Upskilling without starting over

(8:35) The risks women must start taking

(10:13) The real challenge of being the only woman in the room

(12:42) Why women are natural AI leaders

(14:28) The AI roles women should claim right now

(16:57) The future belongs to cross-functional skills

(19:31) The need for community and connection in tech

(22:40) Stop overthinking and just start

Stick around until the end because Stephanie’s advice on building community and staying ahead of rapid change is something every listener needs to hear. Subscribe, share this episode, and think about the bold step you can take today to prepare for tomorrow.

About Stephanie Cheney

Stephanie Cheney is the Product Director at Dualboot Partners, where she works with companies to integrate AI into product development and strategy. With over 20 years of experience across startups, venture studios, and consulting, she has led teams and built tools that streamline product delivery. She is also the co-founder of Flourished, an AI-driven insights platform for creatives. Stephanie focuses on helping businesses and individuals adapt and grow in the changing world of technology.

Connect with Stephanie:

LinkedIn

About Tiffany Benitez

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.

Connect with Host:

Tiffany’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! Get ready for a conversation that hits different. Tiffany Benitez sits down with Saima Khan, Senior Vice President of Healthcare Digital at Compass Digital, to talk about what authenticity and inclusion actually look like when you are living it out in tech.

Saima takes us back to the dot-com era and walks us through her journey to leading large-scale healthcare technology today. Along the way, she unpacks the questions so many of us wrestle with. How do you keep your confidence when you are the only woman in the room? What happens when you stop waiting to feel ready and step forward anyway?

Representation also takes center stage in this episode. Saima shares how one female CEO changed the trajectory of her career. “There’s just so much power in seeing someone that looks like you and talks like you.” Her story proves why visibility is not optional; it is essential.

The conversation gets practical, too. Inclusion here is not a slogan; it is action. Saima talks about the real moves leaders can make, from amplifying overlooked voices to building women in tech groups that keep people engaged and growing. If you want to see allyship in action, this episode lays it out.

Here are the key takeaways:

(2:48) The power of authenticity and inclusion

(7:12) Starting out in tech during the dot-com boom

(13:17) Why representation changes everything

(14:31) The impact of seeing women in leadership

(16:57) What real inclusion looks like at the table

(18:21) Creating space and building diverse teams

(22:14) Mentorship that actually works

(26:32) Final advice: don’t be afraid to be yourself

By the end, you will find yourself thinking about the spaces you sit in and the voices you invite in.

Tune in to hear Saima’s take on authenticity, mentorship, and legacy, and discover how to lead in a way that truly changes the room.

About Saima Khan

Saima Khan is the Senior Vice President of Healthcare Digital at Compass Digital, where she oversees digital transformation across the healthcare sector. She has more than 20 years of experience in healthcare technology, including her role as Chief Technology Officer of Clinical Solutions at Premier Inc. Saima also serves as the executive sponsor of Compass Digital’s Women in Tech initiative, supporting mentorship, leadership development, and community programs across North America. Outside of work, she is a yoga instructor and an advocate for wellness, balance, and community.

Connect with Saima:

LinkedIn

About Tiffany Benitez

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.

Connect with Host:

Tiffany’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.

“I might just keep feeling invisible if I don’t speak.” That thought ran through Amanda Di Dio’s mind in a pivotal meeting, and she decided to speak.

On Women in Tech Trailblazers, Tiffany Benitez talks with the co-founder of Optimistic Design about the real work of finding your voice and using it. Our guest has led high-performing teams, partnered with big names like the Gates Foundation, and built a reputation for translating complex challenges into clear, actionable strategies.

Amanda shares how empathy and curiosity guide her leadership, and why she believes creating safe, human-centered spaces should be as valued as any technical milestone.

She reflects on breaking into tech at a time when everything was moving fast, from the first wave of mobile apps to new ways of delivering software. Along the way came lessons in navigating personalities, building trust, and knowing when to step forward.

Amanda also opens up about the quiet expectation for women to carry extra emotional labor and the impact of hearing, “You don’t need to take that on.” That one sentence, she says, was a turning point.

Here are the key takeaways:

(2:21) Breaking “move fast” mindset

(7:16) The value of speaking both business and tech

(15:50) The meeting that changed everything

(19:49) The ripple effect of using your voice

(21:55) The power of reaching out to strangers

(24:09) Why most jobs are filled through relationships

(25:22) One small moment can change someone’s value

If you have ever felt like your ideas were overlooked or your voice was not being heard, this conversation will give you the push to speak up. Press play, take the leap, and pass it along to someone who needs the reminder.

About Amanda Di Dio

Amanda Di Dio is the co-founder of Optimistic Design with over 12 years of experience in education, healthcare, technology, and social impact. She works at the intersection of product strategy, design research, and implementation, turning complex challenges into clear plans. Amanda has partnered with organizations such as the Gates Foundation and Renaissance Learning to create solutions grounded in real-world needs, fostering collaboration and keeping people at the center of the work.

Connect with Amanda:

LinkedIn

About Tiffany Benitez

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.

Connect with Host:

Tiffany’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.