Tech Talent Today Jodi K Mayer

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/



 
 
 

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/
 

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 neur

In this episode, Jodi chats with highly influential leader, expert, and director of analytics Joel Dunahoe, who holds a remarkable two-decade journey of shaping the analytics landscape for Fortune 500 companies and IT organizations.
Get ready for an insightful conversation as Joel delves into the triumphs and challenges of data’s dynamic world, his inspiring approach to cultivating a thriving workplace culture, and the power of networking and support. Plus, discover Joel’s ingenious ‘so-what’ principle, which he utilizes when recruiting new talent and hear his invaluable advice for those aspiring to break into the field of data analytics.
You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in…  
        Creating a workplace culture that prioritizes growth [02:02]         Joel’s professional pathway from finance to becoming director of analytics [04:06]         The evolution of data analytics: Deriving valuable business insights past and present [05:41]         The primary challenges of acquiring and integrating data [08:08]         How to get started: Pursuing a career in data science [12:30]         An introduction to the “So What” principle [16:40]         The importance of storytelling and immediate feedback [18:54]         The value of innate curiosity in the analytic space [20:43]         Onboarding and demand in the data recruitment market [24:11]         The benefits of seeking mentorship by committee [25:26]         Navigating remote work environments and honing skills for virtual interactions [28:10]         Advice on getting started in the data field [31:58] “Curiosity has to be an innate skill set, especially in the analytic space, because there are so many questions that are at the top of mind, not answerable immediately, and you’ve got to go off and figure out how to get that question answered.” – Joel Dunahoe.
Communication, storytelling and curiosity

Throughout the discussion, Joel emphasizes the importance of communication, compelling storytelling and curiosity in the data field. Joel highlights the significance of allowing individuals to present their work while providing immediate feedback to improve their storytelling skills. With insights and examples, Joel’s dynamic approach helps foster continuous team growth and ensures that data-driven insights are always communicated effectively.

Joel also unpacks the driving force of curiosity within the analytics space. Curiosity fuels the drive to find answers to complex questions that may not have immediate solutions. Throughout the discussion, Joel encourages analysts to nurture their curiosity and embrace the ever-evolving nature of the field. With new subject areas, tools, and questions emerging constantly, staying curious is essential for continued success within this fast-paced industry.

Prioritizing Time for Growth:
Do you set aside time to get organized and embrace learning opportunities? We loved hearing how Joel’s team at Covetrus has implemented a unique practice of blocking off Wednesday mornings to dedicate time to personal growth and honing technical skills. This commitment demonstrates the team’s recognition of the importance of staying updated with advancements within their industry.
Resources:
Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room
https://www.amazon.com/Enron-Smartest-Guys-Peter-Coyote/dp/B001AMTTVS
Tableau: Interactive data visualization software company 
https://www.tableau.com/
Data podcast recommendations:
The Analytic Mind: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-analytic-mind/id1541066997
The Data Storytellers: https://www.thedatastorytellers.com/
 
Connect with Joel Dunahoe:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-dunahoe/
https://covetrus.com  

Connect with Tech Talent Today host Jodi Kulek Mayer: 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodikulekmayer/
https://clearmonttech.com/


THANKS FOR LISTENING

Are you ready to unlock sustainable success through inclusion and innovation? Join us as we bust the myths and unveil the power of supplier diversity with esteemed guest and recognized expert Egwu Nwankpah. Egwu is proudly responsible for establishing and maintaining Cushman & Wakefield’s Global Supplier Diversity Strategy and is a vital part of the Procurement function and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion team. With over two decades of rich experience, this masterclass episode is a treasure trove of wisdom.
Egwu highlights the economic benefits of embracing diverse suppliers and their role in driving revenue and increasing profits. He provides invaluable insights on identifying innovative suppliers and reveals how to keep existing suppliers on their toes. From integrating technology to weathering the challenges of uncertain times, this thought-provoking conversation offers valuable lessons for businesses aiming to foster diversity, inclusion, and innovation within their industry and drive their business to new heights of success.
You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in… 
 
Being selected by DiversityPlus magazine for 2023 top 25 Diversity change leaders [01.54] Supplier diversity and ESG strategies in business [03.15] The benefits of teaming with diverse suppliers [05.25] Busting the myths of supplier diversity and breaking through a saturated market [07.22] The value of national and local certifications [14.15] The importance of persistence and moving forward in the face of challenges [19.44] Driving diversity and inclusion in business and keeping an eye on the future [21.56] Embracing the TikTok culture and captivating short attention spans [27.11] Why you should pay attention to ESG reporting [32.38] Egwu’s journey into the DEI space and striking a work-life balance [34.13] It’s time to out-innovate the innovators [39.59]  
“Do not stop. Keep moving. One of the things that I’ve been shown over and over again is that stopping takes more energy than keeping going. And in situations where I have kept moving, kept at it, kept pushing for things, we’ve had great things happen.” – Egwu Nwankpah.
Supplier Diversity: A Catalyst for Profitability

Egwu shares essential insight into supplier diversity and how companies can ensure their success. Egwu highlights the pivotal role that supplier diversity plays in driving revenue and profitability for companies and emphasizes that supplier diversity is not merely a charitable initiative but a crucial aspect of a company’s supply chain. By offering fresh perspectives and catering to specific community needs, diverse suppliers can significantly contribute to the overall success of a business.
The Changing Landscape of Business

As we navigate the ever-changing business landscape, Egwu acknowledges the ever-evolving nature of business, exemplifying the shift from selling CDs in the 90s to the dominance of streaming platforms today. Egwu sheds light on the importance of companies staying attuned to technological advancements and changes in consumer behaviors, as the ability to adapt and innovate is crucial in capturing attention and maintaining a competitive edge in today’s fast-paced market. Egwu explores the importance of persistence whilst navigating challenging times and reveals his personal silver lining to the global COVID-19 pandemic, explaining how it has helped him obtain a healthier work-life balance.
Resources:
Cushman & Wakefield:
https://www.cushmanwakefield.com/
https://www.cushmanwakefield.com/en/about-us/diversity-equity-and-inclusion/supplier-diversity
 National Minority Supplier Development Council
https://nmsdc.org/
 Certification for Women-Owned Businesses
https://www.wbenc.org/
Key to abbreviations:
ESG - Environmental, Social & Governance
MNSDC - National Minority Supplier Development Council
WBENC - Women’s Business Enterprise National Council
MBE - Minority Business Enterprise

Are you ready to decode the secret recipe for career success? Sal Shaikh, a man of many hats, is here to unveil all about taking risks, embracing failure and career growth. Sal Shaikh is the VP of Digital and B2B E-commerce Delivery for Covetrus in North America. Sal kindly unveils his guiding mantra of PIE (Performance, Image, and Exposure) and dives deep into how risk-taking, establishing a solid personal brand image, and seizing opportunities to display your hard work is pivotal to personal and professional growth.  
Sal's career has been an exciting amalgamation of roles across different industries. Throughout this episode, Sal candidly shares the importance of mentors, the value of a customer-centric approach, how he navigated the highs and lows of his professional pathway and how you can too. Sal also reveals how individuals can create opportunities for innovation and progress by carefully assessing risks and embracing failure as a learning opportunity. Sal's story is captivating and enlightening, demonstrating the power of his mantra in shaping a successful career.
 
You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in… 
 
An introduction to Sal Shaikh [00.45] Why everyone should seek out a business mentor [03.00] PIE: Sal's business mantra explained [03.34] Be proactive and create time for self-evaluation [07.36] The accidental path to mentorship [10.38] The evolution of Sal's career and transition to Coca-Cola during a recession [17.21] Taking risks and embracing failure [24.30] Embracing opportunities and making tough career decisions [28.59] Career advice: Sal's parting thoughts [41.18]  
"Experimentation and embracing failure are super important in order to grow. If you succeed, you learn something. But if you fail, you learn two things, not only how to succeed but also what not to do next time." – Sal Shaikh.
A Serving of PIE 
Are you ready for the ultimate career advice to help you stand out in a competitive industry? In this episode, Sal serves up his PIE mantra (Performance, Image and Exposure), which has been the compass guiding him throughout his fascinating career journey. By implementing Sal's advice, individuals will soar to success and thrive in the rapidly evolving business world.
Why Everyone Should Seek A Mentor

Have you considered seeking mentorship? Sal unpacks the value of having mentors throughout his career journey and advises individuals to seek mentors who align with their goals and leadership styles. By engaging in skip-level conversations and seeking feedback from mentors and peers, individuals can gain a broader perspective and create opportunities for growth. Sal also emphasizes the importance of delivering feedback to mentors and demonstrating how their valuable advice has been implemented.


Resources:
Mentor, friend and connector Alex Rosenthal:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexmrosenthal
Covetrus - Global Animal Health Company:
https://covetrus.com/
 
Connect with Sal Shaikh:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/salshaikhpmp

Connect with Tech Talent Today host Jodi Kulek Mayer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodikulekmayer/

https://clearmonttech.com/
 
THANKS FOR LISTENING
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