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Join us on this episode of the "Tech Inspired" as we catch up with Emmanuelle David, one of the first Hidden Figures Award winners from 2020. Emmanuelle, now the Executive Director at eSpace within EPFL, has had an incredible journey over the past four years, and we're excited to dive into her story. 

She discusses her current role at EPFL, where she combines her passion for sustainability and space technology, overseeing projects and fostering a vibrant student community. Emmanuelle also introduces eSpace's initiative of creating online courses on various space-related topics. These courses are free to audit, open to everyone, and can be started at any time and completed at the student's own pace. You can check them out here.

We explore Emmanuelle’s early inspirations, including how a childhood fascination with the Apollo 13 mission led her to pursue a career in space engineering. From studying aerospace engineering in France and Germany to working with major space organisations like the German Aerospace Center and the European Space Agency, Emmanuelle shares her path and the key moments that shaped her career. She also offers insights into the challenges and rewards of working in a male-dominated field and the importance of resilience and adaptability in the aerospace industry.

For those curious about the aerospace field, Emmanuelle provides valuable advice on entering the industry, emphasising that there are opportunities for everyone, not just those with technical backgrounds. She touches on the future of space sustainability and the ethical considerations that come with it, reflecting on the need for careful management of space activities to ensure the long-term usability of outer space.

Don't miss this fascinating conversation with a true pioneer in the aerospace industry. Follow Emmanuelle on LinkedIn to connect and learn more about her work, and stay updated with eSpace by following their page as well. Listen now to learn more about Emmanuelle's work and her vision for the future of space exploration and sustainability.

Join us on a new episode of the Tech Inspired podcast where we catch up with Anais Salson, the vibrant Head of Partnerships at 42 Lausanne and last year’s audience favourite at the Hidden Figures Award. Anais shares her unconventional journey into the tech world, from her studies in political sciences and the pivotal moments that steered her towards technology as a powerful tool for solving real-world problems. 

She discusses her role at 42 Lausanne, a revolutionary coding school that promotes a tuition-free, peer-learning environment aimed at anyone eager to delve into programming. She emphasises her mission of making education accessible and reflects on her role in nurturing partnerships that support diverse student success.

Anais also reflects on her entrepreneurial ventures and her insights from a global exploration of education's future, which eventually led her to her current role in Switzerland. Her story is a testament to the power of adaptability, networking, and never losing sight of one’s purpose, even when transitioning from an entrepreneur to an employee.

For anyone curious about the non-linear paths that can lead to impactful careers in tech, or looking to understand how diverse experiences can enrich the tech industry, this episode offers a wealth of inspiration and advice. Anais' journey underscores the importance of embracing change, pursuing purpose with passion, and the role of education in transforming lives.

Tune in to discover more about Anais' work and her views on the future of technology and education. It’s an episode filled with valuable insights for anyone aspiring to make a difference in the tech world or anyone simply interested in the transformative power of technology and education.

Follow Anais on LinkedIn to connect and learn more about her work, and stay updated with the latest from 42 Lausanne by following their page as well.

Meet Viola Sini on the latest episode of the Tech Inspired podcast - Information Security Officer at the Swiss Post and a passionate volunteer for ISACA SheLeadsTech. Viola shares her unique journey from a marketing intern at IBM to a leader in cybersecurity. Discover how a background in languages and translation paved the way for her career in technology, and the events that led her to the forefront of information security.

In this episode, Viola discusses the crucial role of curiosity and communication in tech, highlighting her mission to make the digital world safer and more understandable for everyone. She offers insights into the challenges and rewards of working in IT audit and information security, including the importance of staying updated on emerging technologies like AI and supply chain management. Viola's story is a testament to the non-linear paths that can lead to fulfilling careers in tech, emphasising the value of lifelong learning and adaptability.

Viola also sheds light on the evolving landscape of IT security, stressing the need for "security by design" and the ethical considerations in technology development. She envisions a future where social engineering and digital deception become even more sophisticated, underscoring the importance of critical thinking and scepticism online. Her perspective is a call to action for diverse talents to contribute to creating safer digital environments for all.

Don't miss this inspiring conversation that bridges the gap between technology and humanity, demonstrating that tech careers are as much about safeguarding our societal fabric as they are about innovation. Listen to the podcast now to gain valuable career advice, insights into the dynamic field of information security, and Viola's vision for a more secure and inclusive digital world.

For those looking to connect with Viola or learn more about her work, her LinkedIn profile is: https://www.linkedin.com/in/viola-sini/



N.B. from Viola: For those keen on staying ahead in the cybersecurity field, Viola recommends the following resources.

English speakers: 


SANS Ouch 


SANS NewsBites 


ISACA SmartBrief on Cybersecurity 



German speakers:  


Inside IT 


Swiss IT Magazine 



 

Today’s episode of "Tech Inspired," welcomes back Akira Brand for an insightful discussion on her continued evolution in the tech industry since our initial conversation in 2022. Having transitioned from opera singing to the tech space before our first interview, Akira has since made significant strides in software engineering and cybersecurity. 



Akira shares her experience moving from developer relations to a more hands-on engineering role, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of building an application security program from scratch. Her story illustrates the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and the unique perspective she brings to tech from her background in the arts. 



Listeners will gain insights into the realities of working in a startup, the value of mentorship, and how to approach problem-solving and project management when you're the only expert in the room. Akira also discusses her involvement in public speaking and open-source projects, emphasizing the benefits of sharing knowledge and learning in public. 



This episode is for anyone interested in the dynamics of career change, the role of women in tech, and the intersection of technical skill and creative problem-solving. Akira's journey is a compelling example of how diverse experiences enrich the tech industry. 



For those looking to connect with Akira or learn more about her work, her LinkedIn profile is provided: Akira's LinkedIn 

In our latest podcast episode, we had a fascinating conversation with Solveig, a dynamic software engineer and AI enthusiast based in Switzerland. We delved into her unexpected journey into tech, the challenges she faced, and her experiences working in both big corporations and startups.

Ever wondered how to break into tech without a traditional background? Solveig's advice is simple: don't be discouraged by job requirements. Apply anyway, even if you feel underqualified. You might be underestimating yourself!

We also discussed the future of AI and its impact on the job market. Worried about AI taking over your job? Solveig's perspective might change your mind. Embrace curiosity, she says. Start experimenting with AI tools, like GPT, and see the possibilities for yourself. And remember, failure is just a stepping stone to learning and growth.

Do you want to know more about Solveig's inspiring journey and her insights into the tech world? Tune in to our latest episode and get ready to be motivated! Are you ready to embark on your tech adventure?

Lerne Simona kennen, Chief Operation Officer bei Textshuttle in Zürich, ein schweizerischer Unternehmen für maschinelle Sprachübersetzung.

Obwohl Simona bereits in der Schule und zu Hause bei den Eltern die ersten Erfahrungen mit Computern sammeln konnte, fehlte ihr doch der direkte Bezug zur Technologie. Dies führte dazu, dass sie sich bei der ersten Berufswahl für eine wirtschaftliche Richtung entschieden. So begann sie ihre Karriere mit einer kaufmännischen Ausbildung.

Nach ein paar Jahren im Beruf, fand Simona neue Interessen und entwickelte sich Richtung Marketing. Sie besuchte die Höhere Fachschule wo sie einen Abschluss in Marketing und Kommunikation. Doch Marketing wurde ihr doch zu einseitig so entschied sie sich, einen Bachelor Abschluss in Digital Business & AI Management machen.

Zu diesem Zeitpunkt hatte sie bereits einige Jahre bei Textshuttle gearbeitet, eine Stelle die ihr dank Zufall und einem guten Netzwerk angeboten wurde. Zu dem Zeitpunkt war Textshuttle ein kleines Unternehmen mit 3 Angestellten. Und obwohl sie noch etwas blauäugig die Stelle angetreten ist, war ihr bewusst, das dies eine einmalige Chance ist etwas neues zu sehen und in einen neuen Bereich einzutauchen.Wie sich Simona dieser Herausforderung gestellt hat und wie sie die Rolle des COO meistert kannst du dir jetzt in dieser Folge von Tech Inspired anhören.

Vernetzt dich mit Simona auf LinkedIn.