STEM in Stilettos – Empowering Female Founders to Dominate the Digital Market

ZofiaRennea Morales
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Philosophy
  • Updated Biweekly

Step into the world of "STEM in Stilettos," where the Female Founders don their stilettos and lead the way in conquering the ever-evolving landscape of innovation! Join us on an enlightening journey where female tech pioneers rewrite the rules, push boundaries, and redefine what it means to be a leader in the fast-paced tech landscape. From honing pitching skills to driving pioneering advancements, our trailblazing tech titanesses, coding queens and visionaries fearlessly navigate the digital frontier with elegance, determination, and a hint of sophistication. Unleash your fearless founder as we delve into the heart of innovation, , revealing secrets, strategies, and tales that empower and inspire. Whether you're a visionary founder, a tech aficionado, or a pioneering supporter, this is your domain to flourish, revolutionize, and shape the tech sphere in your unique way. Are you ready to embrace the challenge, shatter stereotypes, and lead the charge in shaping the future of tech? Listen Notes

  1. 6d ago

    30 Years in Tech: Reinvention, Blockchain, and the Future of AI

    What does it take to stay ahead in technology for more than 30 years? And how do you keep reinventing yourself as the industry changes around you? In this episode of STEM in Stilettos, Zofia Morales sits down with Medha Parlikar, CEO and CoFounder of Verq and one of the leading women in blockchain. From building computers in her basement in the 1980s to launching the Casper blockchain and working across SaaS, AI, big data, and health technology, Medha shares the twists and turning points behind her remarkable career. They explore her journey into blockchain, the future impact of AI and emerging technology, what it's like to be a female engineering executive, and how she balanced an ambitious career with raising a family—including stepping away from her career for five years. You'll walk away inspired to embrace reinvention, navigate career pivots with confidence, and build a lasting career in a constantly changing tech landscape. --------------------------------- Discover your #1 leadership pitfall here: leadershippitfallquiz.com --------------------------------- Guest Bio: Medha Parlikar is the CEO and CoFounder of Verq. Medha has more than 30 years of experience and is considered one of the top women in blockchain. As the CTO and Co-Founder of CasperLabs, she was responsible for building and launching the Casper blockchain, an innovative enterprise focused protocol. Her journey into technology began in the 1980's, building computers in the basement. Before blockchain, she spent 2 decades delivering production SaaS software for large companies including Adobe, Omniture and Avalara. Medha excels in compliance, big data, AI and blockchain. She is using these talents to help self funded employers gain clarity into their health plans, by supporting their brokers give them the much needed reporting that employers need. Connect with Medha Here: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/mparlikar/ X - https://x.com/MParlikar LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mparlikar/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/medhaparlikar/ Free Gift - If you are a benefits administrator at self funded company, Email us at info@verqhealth.com for a free plan analysis. We will tell you where your self funded plan is exposing you to risk. Mention the podcast in your email. --------------------------------- Host Bio: Zofia Morales, a former Fortune 100 data center manager turned leadership coach and business entrepreneur, brings a wealth of experience and strategic insight to her role as a transformational guide. With a background in science and business and a passion for empowering women, Zofia is dedicated to helping female tech founders and entrepreneurs break through barriers and achieve success on their own terms. Connect with Zofia Here: Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@STEMinStilettos LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/zofiamorales/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/zofiarennea.morales/

  2. Sep 21

    Storytelling in an AI-slop Age

    Are you a female founder struggling to distill your decades of experience into a cohesive narrative or figure out how to balance ethics with digital storytelling? Join Zofia Morales on STEM in Stilettos for a riveting discussion with Katherine Tuominen, a marketing strategist and founder of CatalystBrand Strategy. They will dive into the art of storytelling in an AI-driven world, uncovering the secrets to impactful brand narratives and ethical marketing strategies. In this episode, Katherine Tuominen shares insights on transforming your brand's story, avoiding AI slop, and the power of storytelling authenticity in an age of digital noise. Uncover how to balance integrity in your brand's narrative while navigating the complexities of regulated industries. Key Takeaway: Listeners will gain actionable strategies to craft compelling brand stories and engage audiences authentically in the digital realm. --------------------------------- Discover your #1 leadership pitfall here: leadershippitfallquiz.com --------------------------------- Guest Bio: Katherine Tuominen is a marketing strategist, publicist, and Founder of CatalystBrand Strategy, an award-winning global PR & Communications Agency that has supported more than 116 brands across health, wellness, technology, and regulated industries. With a background spanning luxury retail and film with Fox and Warner Bros., she specializes in governance-first communications that help founders build long-term credibility. Her clients have been featured in Marie Claire, Fast Company, and Women's Health, and her keynote "Ethical Marketing Is Not an Oxymoron", challenges the idea that integrity and performance are at odds. Connect with Katherine Here: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-tuominen Instagram - http://instagram.com/catalyst_brandstrategy FREE Gift - Want to amplify your thought-leadership through credible speaker opportunities that pay you for your keynote? Discover our free database of over 1000+ events accepting applications. https://app.notion.com/p/1000-Health-Wellness-Speaker-Opportunities-Media-Awards-9d8ba70150c7459a9b7afa9d11f1d129?assetsVersion=23.13.20260608.1420 --------------------------------- Host Bio: Zofia Morales, a former Fortune 100 data center manager turned leadership coach and business entrepreneur, brings a wealth of experience and strategic insight to her role as a transformational guide. With a background in science and business and a passion for empowering women, Zofia is dedicated to helping female tech founders and entrepreneurs break through barriers and achieve success on their own terms. Connect with Zofia Here: Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@STEMinStilettos LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/zofiamorales/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/zofiarennea.morales/

  3. Sep 14

    Why Smart, Empathetic Women Get Trapped, and How AI Can Set Them Free

    Have you ever doubted your own instincts or wondered how smart, capable women can end up trapped in toxic situations? In this episode of STEM in Stilettos, Zofia Morales sits down with Dr. Lisa Turner, a PhD engineer and creator of forensic AI tools that expose invisible patterns of coercive control. Lisa reveals why intelligence and empathy don't always protect women from manipulation, how grooming patterns show up in relationships and workplaces, and how AI can help make those patterns visible. They also explore the hidden mental load many women in STEM carry—and its connection to burnout and imposter syndrome. You'll walk away with a better understanding of invisible control and practical ways to trust your instincts, recognize red flags, and protect your energy. Tune in and learn how seeing the pattern can be the first step to breaking free. --------------------------------- Discover your #1 leadership pitfall here: leadershippitfallquiz.com --------------------------------- Guest Bio: Dr. Lisa Turner is the founder of CETfreedom and the creator of a suite of forensic AI tools that make invisible control, coercive dynamics and toxic patterns visible across workplaces, relationships, coaching spaces and spiritual communities. She is the Rational Mystic, a rare combination of a PhD in Mathematical Modelling and machine learning with more than 20 years of consciousness and transformation work. Groomed and held under coercive control as a teenager, she went on to become one of only three women in an engineering cohort of more than 120, worked as a production engineer, then spent two decades decoding the hidden algorithms of manipulation and healing. When AI arrived, she realised she could teach it to see the patterns most people miss. A TEDx speaker and a TechRound Top 50 Women in Tech and Startups 2026 honouree, her forensic tools, including Validate, are now drawing interest from NHS trusts, domestic abuse charities and HR organisations. Connect with Dr. Lisa Here: X - @drlisaturner LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/liturner/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/drlisaturner/ OptIn URL - https://cetfreedom.com Free Gift - Mental Load AI reveals the invisible labour you are carrying, the endless mental to-do list that lives on no one's radar but yours. In a few minutes it maps what you are actually holding, so you can finally see it, name it and start setting it down. A free AI tool from Dr. Lisa Turner. Use code MLOAD100 at checkout for 100 percent off. https://cetfreedom.com/load/ --------------------------------- Host Bio: Zofia Morales, a former Fortune 100 data center manager turned leadership coach and business entrepreneur, brings a wealth of experience and strategic insight to her role as a transformational guide. With a background in science and business and a passion for empowering women, Zofia is dedicated to helping female tech founders and entrepreneurs break through barriers and achieve success on their own terms. Connect with Zofia Here: Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@STEMinStilettos LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/zofiamorales/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/zofiarennea.morales/

  4. Sep 7

    The Next Chapter Advantage: Making a Mid-Career Shift Without Starting Over

    Are you a female founder in tech facing the dilemma of whether to make a mid-career shift but unsure where to start? Do you feel stuck or uncertain about your next steps in the fast-paced tech industry?  Join Zofia Morales on STEM in Stilettos as she sits down with Laurie Swanson, career coach and founder of InspiHER Tech, to explore strategies for navigating mid-career transitions in tech and leveraging your experience to thrive in the digital market. Discover how to recognize the signs that you're ready for a change, avoid common pitfalls, and position your wisdom as a valuable asset in tech's competitive landscape. Listeners will learn valuable insights on recognizing the right time for a mid-career shift, overcoming ageism in tech, and positioning their experience as an asset rather than a hindrance. --------------------------------- Discover your #1 leadership pitfall here: leadershippitfallquiz.com --------------------------------- Guest Bio: Laurie Swanson's career journey has taken her from software engineer to technology recruiter, software sales professional, CEO of a successful tech recruiting firm, and ultimately founder of InspiHER Tech and Career Alchemy Academy, a career coaching and community for women connected to tech. Laurie inspires differently ambitious women in tech to unlock clarity and confidence by using a variety of practical career tools paired with creativity, mindset practices, and Spiritual Intelligence. Laurie brings a fresh, unconventional perspective, guiding her clients to uncover insights, explore new possibilities, and take differently ambitious action in their careers. She has supported thousands of people through career pivots, confidence-building, and leadership growth by tapping into the practical and the magical through logic, curiosity, imagination, and inner wisdom. Laurie can be reached at Laurie@inspiHERtech.com or visit her website at www.inspiHERtech.com. Connect with Laurie Here: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Laurie1226 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurieswansoncareercoach/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/inspihertech Opt-in URL - https://inspihertech.com/career-blog/ Schedule a call with Laurie: https://calendly.com/inspihertech/discovery-session-45 What Stage of a Career Change are you in? Take this quiz to find out: https://inspihertech.com/career-quiz/ Sign up for InspiHERations in Your Inbox newsletter: https://inspihertech.com/career-blog/ Watch Laurie's Video on Why People Really Hate Their Jobs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5e9hq_B6xU --------------------------------- Host Bio: Zofia Morales, a former Fortune 100 data center manager turned leadership coach and business entrepreneur, brings a wealth of experience and strategic insight to her role as a transformational guide. With a background in science and business and a passion for empowering women, Zofia is dedicated to helping female tech founders and entrepreneurs break through barriers and achieve success on their own terms. Connect with Zofia Here: Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@STEMinStilettos LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/zofiamorales/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/zofiarennea.morales/

  5. Aug 31

    When Doing the Work Isn't Enough: Your Leadership Turning Point

    Are you doing the work, taking on more responsibility, and still wondering why you're not being recognized as a leader? Are you waiting to be noticed instead of stepping forward and claiming your authority? In this episode of STEM in Stilettos, Zofia Morales sits down with leadership coach and People & Culture expert Shirley Sutton to unpack the gap between doing leadership and being recognized for it.  Shirley shares why talented women - especially in STEM and tech—can get overlooked despite their expertise, how personal branding shapes leadership visibility, and what it takes to stop waiting to be chosen and start leading on your own terms. You'll walk away with practical shifts to build your confidence, strengthen your personal brand, and step into greater visibility and influence - without waiting for permission. Tune in to discover your own leadership turning point. --------------------------------- Discover your #1 leadership pitfall here: leadershippitfallquiz.com --------------------------------- Guest Bio: Shirley Sutton is a leadership coach and People & Culture leader with a background in talent, recruitment and HR, where she has spent years identifying and developing high-potential leaders inside corporate and enterprise organisations. She is the creator of the Managers to Leaders program, helping managers get unstuck and step into leadership roles in just 90 days. Through her signature Authority Shift method focused on leadership mindset and personal brand, she helps high performers stop waiting to be recognised and start leading with confidence, clarity, and influence. Connect with Shirley Here: Facebook - https://facebook.com/shirleysutton Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/@AscendlyCareerCoach LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shirleysutton/ Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/ascendlycareercoach Opt-in URL - https://ascendly.online/contact-us/ FREE Gift - Grab my free Personal Branding Mini Checklist, a quick, practical guide to help high-performing women identify the gaps between their competence and their visibility. In just a few minutes, you'll pinpoint exactly where you're being overlooked and get clear, actionable steps to start building the authority and recognition you've already earned.  https://ascendly.online/personal-branding-checklist/ --------------------------------- Host Bio: Zofia Morales, a former Fortune 100 data center manager turned leadership coach and business entrepreneur, brings a wealth of experience and strategic insight to her role as a transformational guide. With a background in science and business and a passion for empowering women, Zofia is dedicated to helping female tech founders and entrepreneurs break through barriers and achieve success on their own terms. Connect with Zofia Here: Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@STEMinStilettos LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/zofiamorales/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/zofiarennea.morales/

  6. Aug 24

    Building a Business as a Woman in Dubai

    Are you a female tech founder feeling overwhelmed by the challenges of navigating the male-dominated tech industry and balancing work and personal life?  Join Zofia Morales on "STEM in Stilettos" as she sits down with Cintia Arnhoffer, a Dubai-based entrepreneur, to discuss her journey of leaving Europe to build a business in Dubai and the realities of living and working as a woman in the Middle East.  Learn about the transition from employee to entrepreneur, the misconceptions about Dubai, and practical insights for those considering an international career leap. Listeners will gain valuable insights into building a business in a foreign country, overcoming challenges in a male-dominated industry, and the key differences between European and UAE business culture, empowering them to consider bold career moves outside their comfort zones. --------------------------------- Discover your #1 leadership pitfall here: leadershippitfallquiz.com --------------------------------- Guest Bio: Cintia Arnhoffer is a Dubai-based entrepreneur, real estate advisor, and company formation specialist with more than five years of experience helping international clients establish businesses and invest in the UAE. After building a successful career in Denmark, she relocated to Dubai on her own and now co-owns a real estate brokerage while advising entrepreneurs, investors, and digital business owners on relocating and expanding internationally. She specializes in tax-efficient business structures, UAE residency solutions, and Dubai real estate investments. Through her work, Cintia aims to simplify complex processes and help people make informed decisions about building businesses and creating wealth in one of the world's fastest-growing economies. Connect with Cintia Here: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cintia.arnhoffer LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cintia-arnhoffer-a1a629212/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cintia.dubai.realestate/ Opt-in URL - https://arnhoffer.com/ FREE Consultation - https://calendly.com/cintia-dubairealestateinvest/30min --------------------------------- Host Bio: Zofia Morales, a former Fortune 100 data center manager turned leadership coach and business entrepreneur, brings a wealth of experience and strategic insight to her role as a transformational guide. With a background in science and business and a passion for empowering women, Zofia is dedicated to helping female tech founders and entrepreneurs break through barriers and achieve success on their own terms. Connect with Zofia Here: Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@STEMinStilettos LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/zofiamorales/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/zofiarennea.morales/

  7. Aug 17

    How to Know When It's Time to Leave a Job

    Are you struggling to decipher if it's time to make a career move? Wondering how to navigate the signs that indicate it's time to leave a job?  In this episode of "STEM in Stilettos," join Zofia Morales in a captivating conversation with Dinah Davis, founder of Code Like a Girl, as they delve into the crucial decision-making process of knowing when it's time to move on from a job. Gain insights from Dinah's two decades in tech and learn about the three key criteria she used to make that critical call.  Discover the distinction between giving your all to a job versus crossing the line, the impact of shielding others from stress, and the unexpected duration of recovering from a job. Get ready to learn how to discern the signals hinting at a job change and the importance of setting boundaries early on. Key Takeaway: By listening to this episode, you will gain valuable insights on recognizing the signs indicating it's time to leave a job and learn how to make informed decisions about your career path. --------------------------------- Discover your #1 leadership pitfall here: leadershippitfallquiz.com --------------------------------- Guest Bio: Dinah Davis is the founder of Code Like a Girl, a community for women in tech who are tired of facing it alone and staying quiet about what it's really like. Launched in 2016, it's a place where women don't have to explain why it's hard, don't have to feel gaslit, and can just be themselves, understood, and part of a community they actually want to be in. A former VP of Engineering with a 20-year career spanning software development, cryptography, mobile security, and engineering leadership, Dinah brings both technical depth and hard-won perspective to her work. Code Like a Girl is her primary focus today, where she's building a home for the women shaping the future of technology. Connect with Dinah Here: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dinahdavis/ OptIn URL - https://codelikeagirl.substack.com/subscribe --------------------------------- Host Bio: Zofia Morales, a former Fortune 100 data center manager turned leadership coach and business entrepreneur, brings a wealth of experience and strategic insight to her role as a transformational guide. With a background in science and business and a passion for empowering women, Zofia is dedicated to helping female tech founders and entrepreneurs break through barriers and achieve success on their own terms. Connect with Zofia Here: Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@STEMinStilettos LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/zofiamorales/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/zofiarennea.morales/

  8. Aug 10

    Why Successful Women Burn Out (And How to Prevent It)

    Are you feeling overwhelmed and exhausted, juggling the demands of leadership in the tech industry with your personal life? Do you struggle to recognize the signs of burnout in yourself as a successful female leader?  In this episode of "STEM in Stilettos," Zofia Morales sits down with leadership coach Brittany Canaski to explore why burnout is common among high-achieving women and how to prevent it. From understanding the difference between stress and burnout to practical strategies for protecting your energy, this conversation will empower you to thrive in both your professional and personal life. Join Zofia Morales and Brittany Canaski as they delve into the nuances of burnout, work-life balance, and self-management, offering actionable insights to help you navigate the challenges of leadership in the tech world.  Key Takeaway: By learning to recognize the signs of burnout and implementing practical strategies for self-care and self-management, you can protect your energy, enhance your leadership skills, and achieve sustainable success in both your professional and personal life. --------------------------------- Discover your #1 leadership pitfall here: leadershippitfallquiz.com --------------------------------- Guest Bio: Brittany Canaski is a highly-rated leadership coach and trainer who builds confident leaders and high-performing teams. She loves to specialize working with women in leadership roles who've realized what got them to this point is no longer sustainable. Her coaching expertise blends accountability and adaptability to bring goals to life in a sustainable, realistic way, without the burnout. Brittany has been coaching for six years and has presented at nearly 100 events. She is a graduate of a 12-month ICF-accredited leadership coach training program and holds a Bachelor's degree in Business from Cornell University. Connect with Brittany Here: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HelloVelocityCo/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittany-canaski/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hellovelocityco OptIn URL - https://www.hellovelocity.co/newsletter Free Gift - https://www.hellovelocity.co/burnout What's Causing Your Burnout? Free Guide. Burnout rarely comes from just "working too much." This guide will help you identify the hidden factors contributing to your stress, overwhelm, and exhaustion so you can better understand what actually needs to change. Download the guide and take the first step toward more sustainable leadership, work, and life. --------------------------------- Host Bio: Zofia Morales, a former Fortune 100 data center manager turned leadership coach and business entrepreneur, brings a wealth of experience and strategic insight to her role as a transformational guide. With a background in science and business and a passion for empowering women, Zofia is dedicated to helping female tech founders and entrepreneurs break through barriers and achieve success on their own terms. Connect with Zofia Here: Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@STEMinStilettos LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/zofiamorales/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/zofiarennea.morales/

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Step into the world of "STEM in Stilettos," where the Female Founders don their stilettos and lead the way in conquering the ever-evolving landscape of innovation! Join us on an enlightening journey where female tech pioneers rewrite the rules, push boundaries, and redefine what it means to be a leader in the fast-paced tech landscape. From honing pitching skills to driving pioneering advancements, our trailblazing tech titanesses, coding queens and visionaries fearlessly navigate the digital frontier with elegance, determination, and a hint of sophistication. Unleash your fearless founder as we delve into the heart of innovation, , revealing secrets, strategies, and tales that empower and inspire. Whether you're a visionary founder, a tech aficionado, or a pioneering supporter, this is your domain to flourish, revolutionize, and shape the tech sphere in your unique way. Are you ready to embrace the challenge, shatter stereotypes, and lead the charge in shaping the future of tech? Listen Notes

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