Tech Talent Today By cover art

Tech Talent Today

By: Jodi K Mayer
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  • Summary

  • If you are looking for fresh ideas and inspiration on how to propel your tech career to the next level this is the show for you. TTT is conversations with IT leaders. Hear about the challenges they face and how they overcome them. Learn how IT leaders build their teams and help them grow to the next level. Learn about leadership in the IT space and how you can advance your career in IT. Your host is Jodi Kulek Mayer, President of Clearmont Technologies. She has 25+ years in IT Staffing and Search.
    Jodi K Mayer
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Episodes
  • Charting a Course for Women in IT with Vinti Luthra, Ep #32

    Charting a Course for Women in IT with Vinti Luthra, Ep #32
    Mar 5 2024

    Join us for a special celebration of International Women's Day as we sit down with the remarkable Vinti Luthra, a tech industry veteran with over 25 years of experience, currently leading solution delivery and operations for a global imaging solutions firm. Listen in as Vinti shares her compelling journey from software developer to senior manager, reflecting on pivotal career moments, including her initial foray into tech against traditional expectations and her transition from hands-on coding to strategic business roles. As we stroll down memory lane, Vinti and I, friends for over 15 years, exchange anecdotes that showcase personal growth and the evolution of the tech landscape, especially for women carving out their paths in this dynamic sector.

    You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in…

    0:00:08 - Women Setting Expectations in Relationships
    0:02:28 – Choosing Technology as a Career
    0:08:11 - Work-Life Balance as Life Changes
    0:13:09 – Choosing a Mentor
    0:18:07 - The Changing Normal

    “I asked for it to be a male mentor just because I always wanted to see their perspective, because I knew what women's perspective was. I wanted to see from their point of view what women would need to do differently, or what we are doing differently, that we need to do similar to the majority people in workforce. So, I made a conscious choice to have a male mentor. “ – Vinti Luthra

    This conversation is not just a walk through Vinti's career but also an exploration of the broader issues facing women in tech today. Tune in as we discuss the unexpected downturn in women's participation in STEM fields and how the pandemic has reshaped the work-life equation, presenting both hurdles and new avenues for women in the industry. Vinti's advice to women eyeing a future in IT is underscored by the dynamic nature of tech careers, the potential for work-life harmony, and the rewarding financial opportunities. Our reflection on International Women's Day rounds out the conversation, focusing on the necessity for honesty and assertiveness in professional settings, and the transformative power of mentorship. Don't miss this inspiring dialogue that celebrates and advocates for women's achievements and continuous progress in technology.

    Resources:

    Women In Tech Statistics – Editor’s Choice: https://explodingtopics.com/blog/women-in-tech#women-in-tech-stats

    Women in tech statistics: The hard truths of an uphill battle: https://www.cio.com/article/201905/women-in-tech-statistics-the-hard-truths-of-an-uphill-battle.html

    About International Women’s Day: https://www.internationalwomensday.com/About

    Connect with Vinti Luthra

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/vintiluthra/

    Connect with Tech Talent Today host Jodi Kulek Mayer:

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodikulekmayer/

    https://clearmonttech.com/
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    25 mins
  • Managing IT Talent in Hybrid Work with Luigi Pedalino, Ep #31

    Managing IT Talent in Hybrid Work with Luigi Pedalino, Ep #31
    Feb 6 2024

    Join us for a dynamic conversation with Luigi Pedalino, VP of Product Delivery at a leading national insurance firm, as we delve into the complexities of managing IT talent in today's ever-changing hybrid workplace. Luigi shares practical experiences and strategies for addressing challenges, from fostering camaraderie to ensuring effective training, in an era where traditional office settings are no longer the norm. We explore industry trends, the impact of office mandates on IT decisions, and the crucial role of human connection in remote settings.

    You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in:

    0:02:09 - Challenges of Remote Work
    0:13:07 - Balancing Self-Interest and Community
    0:21:53 - Empowering Women in Engineering
    0:26:24 - Qualities and Success in Interviews
    0:31:39 - Value of Formal Education
    0:36:05 - Building Relationships in Hybrid Job Environment

     “I really think that what it comes down to is people generally don't like conflict, and what I value is critical thinking. When you're in a room and everyone is agreeing, you actually need to step back and ask yourself is this a good thing? And what I tell my staff all the time is I don't need you to agree with me all the time. I actually want you to poke holes at my assumptions, because what I find is, when everyone is agreeing, it's like they may be looking at one side of the problem”.- Luigi Pedalino

     Adapting to the Hybrid Workplace

    Luigi discusses how his team navigated the transition to flexible work arrangements, balancing the benefits of in-person interactions with the convenience of remote work. We tackle the emergence of diverse working styles, relationship dynamics, and the hurdles of mentorship in a digital communication landscape. 

    Challenges and Opportunities in Remote Work

    Explore the nuances of remote work and communication challenges in a text-heavy world. Luigi shares insights on the importance of in-person interactions, celebrating achievements, and fostering a sense of community. We touch on 'proximity bias' and its impact on career opportunities, along with the journey of training junior talent. 

    Career Development and Lifelong Learning

     Luigi emphasizes the importance of empathy and critical thinking in today's hybrid work environment. We discuss qualities that make candidates stand out in the hiring process, workplace learning, and the significance of updating skills in a rapidly changing tech landscape. Gain insights into making successful connections when starting a new job remotely.

    Resources:

    UPS to Cut 12,000 Jobs and Mandate Return to Offices Five Days a Week:  https://www.wsj.com/business/earnings/ups-to-cut-12-000-jobs-as-delivery-business-slows-d832f1d2

    Connect with Luigi Pedalino:

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/lpedalino/

    Connect with Tech Talent Today host Jodi Kulek Mayer: 

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodikulekmayer/

    https://clearmonttech.com/

     
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    40 mins
  • Unlock The Hidden Potential of Neurodiversity with Jeff Miller, Ep #30

    Unlock The Hidden Potential of Neurodiversity with Jeff Miller, Ep #30
    Dec 5 2023
    Did you know that over 25% of today’s adult population is neurodiverse? And yet, many businesses continue to miss the opportunity to leverage this untapped talent pool fully. Joining us today is special guest Jeff Miller, proud CEO and founder of Potentia Workforce. Potentia is transforming organizations by enhancing their recruiting and retention metrics. This transformation is achieved through the utilization of the talents of skilled yet often overlooked neurodistinct individuals. Potentia employs their neurodiversity training and recruitment program, STARS, along with their workforce engagement and retention program, EMPOWER. Throughout this discussion, we delve into Jeff's personal understanding of neurodiversity. As the parent of an autistic teenager, Jeff embarked on a quest to comprehend how his son's life would unfold as an adult. Jeff shares the remarkable return on investment that companies experience when hiring neurodiverse individuals, emphasizing that it extends beyond mere hiring. He guides us through the process of creating neurodiversity-friendly workplaces and highlights the tangible results in employee retention. Additionally, Jeff underscores the value of adopting a strength-based approach when onboarding talent. So, if you're ready to elevate your business, hiring, and retention strategies, hit play now and unlock the power of neurodiversity in the workforce. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in…    ·        An untapped talent pool: Connecting organizations to neurodistinct talent [02.53] ·        How companies of all sizes can embrace neurodiversity at work [03.55] ·        The benefits of hiring neurodistinct candidates [05.30] ·        The importance of approaching neurodiversity programs with humility [10.24] ·        How to get connected to NDTC – Potentia’s Neurodiverse Talent Community [15.12] ·        Becoming an ND-friendly organization and the best interview practices for onboarding talent [17.37] ·        How neurodiversity is strengthening organizational cultures [25.00] ·        The strength base approach: Focusing on strengths rather than weaknesses [30.58] “Every city in the world that we’ve seen so far has the same demographic challenge and opportunity, which is lots of underutilized, underserved, highly talented individuals who may not interview well in the traditional sense but could be great employees if you can figure out a way to recruit them, and to manage them effectively.” – Jeff Miller. Supercharge Your Organization (No Matter The Size)  In this episode, Jeff paints a powerful picture of how organizations can supercharge their organization by leveraging a neurodiverse talent pool. Many companies across the globe continue to navigate their way through the “great resignation”, struggling to hire and retain employees. Yet, it’s revealed that neurodistinct employees have an impressive 96% average retention rate, making them a valuable investment for companies. Jeff sheds light on the diverse motivations that drive companies to embrace neurodiversity. Larger companies aim to harness the power of diverse talents, while smaller companies seek solutions to pressing workforce challenges like recruitment and retention. As organizations strive to build diverse and inclusive workplaces, Jeff’s insights emphasize that regardless of a company’s size, embracing diversity is a powerful step forward, supported by a wealth of statistics and insights. Seeing Beyond IT and Panel Interviews Contrary to common assumptions, neurodistinct talent is not limited to IT roles. Potentia has successfully placed candidates in diverse fields such as marketing, HR, and banking. This highlights the immense potential of neurodivergent individuals and the need for companies to consider their abilities across various functions. Did you know that many neurodiverse individuals often conceal their condition or hesitate to disclose it, driven by past negative experiences and fears of professional repercussions? To foster a neurodiversity-friendly environment, companies must take concrete steps. Jeff suggests a shift away from traditional panel interviews, which can heighten anxiety for neurodistinct individuals, in favor of mini projects that replicate work-related tasks. This approach not only provides a more accurate assessment of candidates but also cultivates a welcoming atmosphere, ultimately helping employers find the ideal role for each team member. Tune in to discover how you can create an inclusive and supportive workplace that maximizes neurodiverse potential. Resources:https://www.ohagancareercoaching.com/  Join Potenitia’s NDTC:https://potentiaworkforce.com/potentias-neurodiverse-talent-community/  Listen to the previous Tech Talent Today episode featuring Jim O’Hagan:https://clearmonttech.com/...
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    36 mins
Career Success Economics
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