Leading Women in Tech Podcast

Toni Collis
  • 4.7 (11)
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Leading Women in Tech Podcast

A podcast discussing how to create the next generation of women leaders in the tech industry, helping you succeed on your terms and being the leader you want to be. On this podcast, we explore the techniques, tips and strategies you can use to become a standout leader. To give you the time and credibility to focus on what you love doing instead of justifying yourself every moment along the way. I’ll be sharing with you my best insights designed to make success not just simple, but inevitable. Whether you are on your way to the CSuite, an emerging leader or a budding Entrepreneur, this is the podcast you need to become a Lit-Up Leader and turn your tech passion into the career you love. For free online resources for your tech leadership journey go to: https://tonicollis.com/

  1. 1D AGO

    Struggling to Be Heard? Master Leadership Communication Strategies and Coach Upwards

    Are you struggling to feel heard in meetings and frustrated by misaligned conversations with your boss or team? In a world where 70% of workplace mistakes stem from communication breakdowns, your voice isn't just a tool—it's your leadership superpower. But if you’re not using it effectively, you risk misalignment, micromanagement, and stalled progress. In this episode, I dive into the strategies you need to master leadership communication, coach upwards, and navigate challenging workplace dynamics. You'll hear about Sarah, a leader who transformed her relationship with a micromanaging boss through proactive updates, clear expectations, and boundary-setting. Plus, I break down practical tools to handle pushback, communicate with confidence, and build trust with your team. "Mastering communication isn't just about speaking up, it's about truly understanding and empathizing and adapting to the needs of those around you." What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The root cause of communication gaps—and how to bridge them How to proactively update your boss to reduce unnecessary check-ins The key to setting clear expectations and owning your autonomy Practical strategies for handling pushback with confidence The role of empathy and active listening in leadership And more Want to improve your leadership communication and coach upwards with confidence? Tune in now! **Useful links** If you are ready to uplevel your career, get unstuck or you are simply ready to unlock those leadership time-management techniques then join us in my monthly career & leadership coaching program exclusively for women in tech: https://www.tonicollis.com/academy  Catch the show notes, and more details about today's episode here: https://tonicollis.com/episode243  Check us out on Youtube. Join the Leading Women in Tech community in Slack where we discuss all-the-things for women’s tech leadership, covering everything from early-career leadership to C-level executives.

    33 min

  2. MAR 18

    Turning Imposter Syndrome into Your Secret Weapon

    Struggling with imposter syndrome? You’re not alone. Many high-achievers experience self-doubt, but what if imposter syndrome wasn’t a weakness—but a hidden strength? In this episode, I explore how to reframe imposter syndrome as your superpower and how this surprising tool can help you with career growth, resilience, and innovation. Learn how to shift your mindset, overcome perfectionism, and use imposter syndrome to fuel success rather than fear. Whether you're dealing with self-doubt at work, in leadership, or in creative pursuits, these strategies will help you turn imposter syndrome into an advantage. I dive into: 5 ways to turn your imposter syndrome into a superpower Facing avoidance, self-criticism, and self-doubt The power of curiosity in overcoming imposter syndrome Perfectionism: How to use it without letting it control you How imposter syndrome fosters diverse perspectives and innovation Building resilience through imposter syndrome  Practical steps to overcome imposter syndrome And more Start seeing imposter syndrome as a tool for success rather than a limitation. Tune in and start turning doubt into your greatest advantage!   **Useful links** If you are ready to uplevel your career, get unstuck or you are simply ready to unlock those leadership time-management techniques then join us in my monthly career & leadership coaching program exclusively for women in tech: https://www.tonicollis.com/academy  Catch the show notes, and more details about today's episode here: https://tonicollis.com/episode242 Check us out on Youtube. Join the Leading Women in Tech community in Slack where we discuss all-the-things for women’s tech leadership, covering everything from early-career leadership to C-level executives.

    39 min

  3. MAR 11

    Thinking Like an Executive: Setting Priorities as an Executive

    Have you ever wondered how executives spend their time? Early in our careers, it’s easy to assume they just sit in meetings and make decisions from the sidelines. But as you move up, you quickly realize that great leadership isn’t about doing individual tasks—it’s about setting the vision, making strategic decisions, and enabling your team to execute effectively. In today’s episode, I break down what high-performing executives actually spend their time on and how you can start thinking like one—whether you're an aspiring leader or already in an executive role.   I dive into: Why strategic thinking—not tactical execution—is the most valuable skill an executive can develop The strategic pause and how stepping back can empower your team to solve problems independently The key differences between strategy and tactics, with three essential questions to shift your mindset How to empower your team by delegating effectively, setting clear boundaries, and fostering autonomy Why many executives struggle with letting go of control, and practical steps to build trust in your team How to audit your time using the 30%-60%-10% rule to focus more on high-impact work and avoid burnout And more   **Useful links* If you are ready to uplevel your career, get unstuck or you are simply ready to unlock those leadership time-management techniques then join us in my monthly career & leadership coaching program exclusively for women in tech: https://www.tonicollis.com/academy  Catch the show notes, and more details about today's episode here: https://tonicollis.com/episode241 Check us out on Youtube. Join the Leading Women in Tech community in Slack where we discuss all-the-things for women’s tech leadership, covering everything from early-career leadership to C-level executives.

    33 min

  4. MAR 4

    Breaking Barriers: How Cultural Identity Drives Innovation in STEM Leadership with Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya

    In this episode, I sit down with Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya, a trailblazing STEM leader, engineer, and advocate for diversity in STEM. From her early years in Nigeria to her leadership role in the U.S. energy sector, Adaeze shares how she navigated challenges, broke barriers, and turned her cultural identity into a powerful asset for innovation and leadership. We explore the role of mentorship, representation, and community in career success, along with her mission to uplift African women in STEM. Whether you're an aspiring engineer, a STEM professional, or a leader looking to foster diverse perspectives, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. We dive into: Adaeze’s career journey from Nigeria to leadership in the U.S. energy sector Overcoming challenges as an African woman in STEM How cultural identity plays a powerful role in innovation and leadership The importance of mentorship and community in professional growth How she founded African Women in STEM and her vision for global impact A real-world example of using cultural perspectives to resolve project conflicts Actionable advice for aspiring STEM leaders And more "Your Leadership Readiness Checklist" is a free resource designed to help ambitious professionals ensure all aspects of their careers are aligned. https://link.africanwomeninstem.com/LeadingWomenInTechPodcast **Useful links** Connect with today’s guest and sponsor, Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya: Website address: https://africanwomeninstem.com/ LinkedIn URL: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adaeze-iloeje-udeogalanya/ Instagram URL: https://www.instagram.com/africanwomenin_stem/ Check out Adaeze’s ‘Leadership Readiness Checklist’:  https://link.africanwomeninstem.com/LeadingWomenInTechPodcast Adaeze’s current read: Be your future self now by Dr Benjamin Hardy If you are ready to uplevel your career, get unstuck or you are simply ready to unlock those leadership time-management techniques then join us in my monthly career & leadership coaching program exclusively for women in tech: https://www.tonicollis.com/academy  Catch the show notes, and more details about today's episode here: https://tonicollis.com/episode240 Check us out on Youtube. Join the Leading Women in Tech community in Slack where we discuss all-the-things for women’s tech leadership, covering everything from early-career leadership to C-level executives. This episode was sponsored by our guest, Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya. Thank you Adaeze for helping to bring Leading Women in Tech to this community!

    41 min

  5. FEB 25

    The Hidden Power of Sales: Why Every Executive Needs to Understand The Sales Org in 2025 with Colleen Watson

    Sales aren’t just for salespeople—they play a crucial role in the success of every part of an organization. In this episode, I sit down with extraordinary sales leader Colleen Watson to explore why every executive, regardless of department, needs to understand the sales function for leadership effectiveness and long-term business growth. Whether you’re directly in sales or not, this conversation will change the way you think about leadership, influence, and driving business success. Join us! We dive into: How sales impacts every part of an organization and drives executive alignment Why a consistent sales methodology benefits leaders across all departments The most common misconceptions about sales—and why they’re wrong How cross-functional collaboration with sales strengthens business strategy The role of personality and communication styles in effective sales and leadership And more **Useful links** Connect with today’s guest and sponsor, Colleen:  https://go.sandler.com/watson/  Colleen’s current read: Be Your Future Self Now: The Science of Intentional Transformation by Benjamin P. Hardy The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins If you are ready to uplevel your career, get unstuck or you are simply ready to unlock those leadership time-management techniques then join us in my monthly career & leadership coaching program exclusively for women in tech: https://www.tonicollis.com/academy  Catch the show notes, and more details about today's episode here: https://tonicollis.com/episode239  Check us out on Youtube. Join the Leading Women in Tech community in Slack where we discuss all-the-things for women’s tech leadership, covering everything from early-career leadership to C-level executives.

    39 min

  6. FEB 18

    Thinking Like an Executive: From Firefighter to Strategist

    Thinking like an executive means moving from reactive to strategic leadership, making confident decisions, and focusing on long-term impact. In part two of my series on executive mindset, I’m shifting from how executive presence feels to what you do when you embody it. I explore the story of Sarah, a Director of Engineering who went from constant firefighting to executive thinking—and earned a promotion in just eight months. You'll learn how to embrace strategic pauses, delegate effectively, and develop the confidence to make high-impact decisions. Plus, I break down the shift from being a problems person to a solutions-driven leader. If you're ready to stop putting out fires and start leading with vision, this episode is for you! I dive into: Shifting from reactive to strategic leadership: stop firefighting and start thinking long term Building authentic confidence to delegate and tackle imposter syndrome Thinking bigger: making high impact decisions with long term ROI in mind Ideas vs. problems vs. solutions: becoming a solutions-driven leader And more   **Useful links**  If you are ready to uplevel your career, get unstuck or you are simply ready to unlock those leadership time-management techniques then join us in my monthly career & leadership coaching program exclusively for women in tech: https://www.tonicollis.com/academy  Catch the show notes, and more details about today's episode here: https://tonicollis.com/episode238  Check us out on Youtube. Join the Leading Women in Tech community in Slack where we discuss all-the-things for women’s tech leadership, covering everything from early-career leadership to C-level executives.

    29 min

  7. FEB 11

    The Missing Leadership Skill: How Facilitation Transforms Modern Leadership with Therese Miclot

    Have you ever wondered what it takes to become a true change agent as a leader? Or how to future-proof your leadership career in 2025 and beyond? In a world where technical skills alone are no longer enough, the ability to facilitate conversations, drive alignment, and unlock the potential of teams has become the missing piece in modern leadership. Today’s guest, Therese Miclot, shares the one skill that sets impactful leaders apart: facilitation. We explore why facilitation is essential for scaling organizations, fostering engagement, and leading with impact—and provide practical tips on the art of inclusive meetings, including how to balance authority and approachability and why great facilitators make the best problem solvers. Whether you're leading a small team or a global organization, facilitation can be your secret weapon for driving change and future-proofing your career. Don’t miss this conversation! We dive into: How facilitation skills can future-proof your career, helping you become a more adaptable, resilient, and sought-after leader in any industry Practical facilitation techniques for removing obstacles and making meetings more productive and inclusive Why self-talk is your hidden leadership nemesis and how it shapes your ability to facilitate effectively The power of trust-building and executive presence—and why the most effective leaders don’t just talk, they activate others through facilitation And more   **Useful links** Connect with today’s guest and sponsor, Therese Miclot:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresemiclot/ https://www.thefacilitationadvantage.com/ https://www.theresemiclot.com/ If you are ready to uplevel your career, get unstuck or you are simply ready to unlock those leadership time-management techniques then join us in my monthly career & leadership coaching program exclusively for women in tech: https://www.tonicollis.com/academy  Catch the show notes, and more details about today's episode here: https://tonicollis.com/episode237 Check us out on Youtube. Join the Leading Women in Tech community in Slack where we discuss all-the-things for women’s tech leadership, covering everything from early-career leadership to C-level executives.   This episode was sponsored by our guest, Therese Miclot. Thank you Therese for helping to bring Leading Women in Tech to this community!

    41 min

  8. FEB 4

    The Executive Mindset Gap Part 1: Why You’re Struggling to Think Like an Executive

    Why do so many of us struggle to “think like an executive”? If you’ve ever felt like you’re not quite hitting the mark, that people aren’t listening to you, or that you’re constantly scrambling, this series is for you. In part 1 of my executive mindset gap series, I dive into the foundation of executive mindset: executive presence. I explore the common misconceptions, the impact of imposter syndrome, and why "faking it" can lead to burnout. Join me to learn how to develop an authentic executive mindset, build self-awareness, and take the uncomfortable actions that will set you apart. And come back for part 2 where I dive deeper with a powerful executive thinking framework! I dive into: Executive presence: the foundation of the executive mindset and how to develop it authentically Overcoming imposter syndrome and second-guessing yourself Adopting a growth mindset, taking uncomfortable action, and dealing with mistakes The power of self-awareness, self-talk, and feedback in leadership And more   **Useful links** If you are ready to uplevel your career, get unstuck or you are simply ready to unlock those leadership time-management techniques then join us in my monthly career & leadership coaching program exclusively for women in tech: https://www.tonicollis.com/academy  Catch the show notes, and more details about today's episode here: https://tonicollis.com/episode236 Check us out on Youtube. Join the Leading Women in Tech community in Slack where we discuss all-the-things for women’s tech leadership, covering everything from early-career leadership to C-level executives.

    35 min
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    4.7
    out of 5
    11 Ratings

    About

    A podcast discussing how to create the next generation of women leaders in the tech industry, helping you succeed on your terms and being the leader you want to be. On this podcast, we explore the techniques, tips and strategies you can use to become a standout leader. To give you the time and credibility to focus on what you love doing instead of justifying yourself every moment along the way. I’ll be sharing with you my best insights designed to make success not just simple, but inevitable. Whether you are on your way to the CSuite, an emerging leader or a budding Entrepreneur, this is the podcast you need to become a Lit-Up Leader and turn your tech passion into the career you love. For free online resources for your tech leadership journey go to: https://tonicollis.com/

    Information

    • Creator
      Toni Collis
    • Years Active
      2020 - 2025
    • Episodes
      100
    • Rating
      Clean
    • Copyright
      © Copyright 2020 Collis-Holmes Innovations
    • Show Website
      Leading Women in Tech Podcast

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