Tech Unlocked Grace Macjones

The software engineer (SWE) to product manager (PM) pipeline is strong in 2024 but does that mean it is a sign for YOU to make that transition? If you’ve thought about what it takes to become a product manager then this is the perfect episode for you. In this episode I chat with Cherita Ousley who is a product manager at microsoft about what it take to sucessfully transtion from SWE to PM. She demystifies the role of a PM and gives you keys to unlock a successful career as a PM.
Cherita Ousley is a multi-faceted professional, blending her roles as a fitness coach and product manager in the tech industry. With a strong passion for promoting healthy living, she advocates for wellness through fitness, mindfulness, and spirituality. Cherita believes that a balanced lifestyle, encompassing physical health and emotional intelligence, is essential for personal fulfillment and productivity. Her approach to leadership is marked by kindness, empathy, and a commitment to making a meaningful impact and forging genuine connections.
In this episode we talked about:
how cherita went from kinesiology to software engineering (SWE) if coding boot camps are still worth it in 2024? pros and cons of coding boot camps  the hardest part about transitioning into tech with a non technical SWE background the challenges of working in tech without a CS degree  how to know when it’s time to switch from SWE to PM in your career  what to do before switching to a PM the difference between the mindset of PM vs SWE the day to day lifestyle of a PM  how to build your professional career & network in tech

Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips:
Website: www.techunlocked.co
Instagram: @techunlockedpod
Twitter: @techunlockedpod
TikTok: @techunlockedpod
 
Connect with Grace:
Instagram: @gracemacjonez
Linkedin: Grace Macjones
 
Connect with Cherita: 
Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/cheritaousley
 
PM Resources:
https://www.amazon.com/Cracking-PM-Interview-Product-Technology/dp/0984782818
https://www.youtube.com/@tryexponent
Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com

This is part 2 of a conversation about the future of tech jobs & DEI  with Brenda Darden Wilkerson the current President and CEO of AnitaB.org, a global nonprofit organization that connects, inspires, and strives for greater equality for women and non-binary technologists in business, academia, and government.
In this episode we talk about:
-How to manage your mental health & burn out working in tech
-How Brenda got her current job as a CEO of AnitaB.org
-The importance of being part of tech community 
-How to position yourself for the future of tech jobs/careers
 
Connect with Brenda:
LinkedIn.com/in/Brenda-Darden-Wilkerson
Learn more about Grace Hopper: Grace Hopper Celebration 2024 (GHC 24) will be in Philadelphia, PA on October 8-11 (https://ghc.anitab.org/)
 
Connect with Grace:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones/
 
Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips:
Instagram: @techunlockedpod 
TikTok: @techunlockedpod 
Connect with Grace:
Linkedin: Grace Macjones
 

What is the future of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and tech jobs? Why are tech leaders removing their commitments to DEI? 
In today's episode, Grace chats with Brenda Darden Wilkerson the President and CEO of AnitaB.org, a global nonprofit organization that connects, inspires, and strives for greater equality for women and non-binary technologists in business, academia, and government.
We talk about:
-Why we are seeing more layoffs and its impact on diverse workers
-The future of DEI in tech
-How DEI leaders can innovate in this new tech landscape
-What really happened at Grace Hopper Celebration Conference in 2023 and what to expect at this year's conference.
 
Connect with Brenda:
LinkedIn.com/in/Brenda-Darden-Wilkerson
Learn more about Grace Hopper: https://ghc.anitab.org/
 
Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips:
Website: www.techunlocked.co
Instagram: @techunlockedpod 
Twitter: @techunlockedpod 
TikTok: @techunlockedpod 
Connect with Grace:
Instagram: @gracemacjonez 
Twitter: @gracemacjones 
Linkedin: Grace Macjones
 

We're BACK! Did you miss us? Cause we missed you.
In this solo episoode, Grace shares her thoughts, opinions and perspective about what is currently going on in the tech indurstry with all the layoffs. She provides 3 major keys for tech workers looking to progress in their career duing this unpredictable and unceratin job market. If tech jobs and career are declining in this current job market then what is next? If you're curous to know the answer, then you will enjoy this epsiode. 
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Key Takeaways:
What caused recent tech layoffs and the decline in demand for engineers and other tech workers How Tech workers can create the future instead of being afraid of it The importance of having an idenity outide of your job
3 Ways to have a mission driven tech career
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Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips:
Instagram: @techunlockedpod 
Twitter: @techunlockedpod 
TikTok: @techunlockedpod 
 
Connect with Grace:
Linkedin: Grace Macjones
 

When is the right time for a career change? What valuable soft skills do we take for granted? How can we make the most of our abilities?
 
All of these questions are answered in this week’s episode. Grace chats with Kimberly Hill, who shares her invaluable insights on advancing your career in the fast-paced world of tech.
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Key Takeaways:
The importance of seizing opportunities when they arise, even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone. Embracing new challenges can lead to incredible career growth.
Recognizing when it's time for a career change is a vital skill. Willingness to pivot can open up new horizons and avenues for personal and professional growth.
Finding purpose and passion in your work and personal life is crucial. Kimberly's experiences offer guidance on balancing your career with personal values and interests, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and successful professional journey.

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Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips:
 
Website: www.techunlocked.co
Instagram: @techunlockedpod 
Twitter: @techunlockedpod 
TikTok: @techunlockedpod 
 
Connect with Grace:
 
Instagram: @gracemacjonez 
Twitter: @gracemacjones 
Linkedin: Grace Macjones
 
Connect with Kimberly:
 
Linkedin: Kimberly Hill
Instagram and TikTok: TomeCandles
 
Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
 

What do you do when you’ve been laid off? How do you deal with the financial and mental uncertainty? How do you upskill yourself to pivot into a new role?
 
All of these questions are answered in this week’s episode. Grace chats with her brother David Macjones, who shares his own background and experience with the recent tech layoffs— and most importantly, how to navigate the uncertainty of it all.
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Key Takeaways:
Shifting your mental perspective when dealing with an unexpected layoff to one of optimism and preparation instead of doubt and failure.
Understanding not to take the processes and obligations of Big Tech companies personally.
Learning to survey the landscape of your company and the tech industry as a whole can save you lots of prep time.
Finding a purpose, hobbies, and other streams of revenue outside of your 9-5 is crucial to overall work-life balance.
Prioritize personal values while looking for roles to pivot into. Upskill yourself so that companies have no choice but to value your worth.
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Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips:
 
Website: www.techunlocked.co
Instagram: @techunlockedpod 
Twitter: @techunlockedpod 
TikTok: @techunlockedpod 
 
Connect with Grace:
 
Instagram: @gracemacjonez 
Twitter: @gracemacjones 
Linkedin: Grace Macjones
 
Connect with David:
 
Instagram: @dmacjonez
Linkedin: David Macjones
 
Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com