The Tech Girl

Gertrude Chilufya

Hosted by Gertrude Chilufya, The Tech Girl Podcast is a space for curious minds at the intersection of technology, product thinking, and culture. Through candid conversations with industry leaders, creators, and change-makers, we explore: What it means to build inclusive technologyThe real stories behind AI literacy & adoption, product strategy, and developer experienceHow personal identity shapes how we show up and thrive in tech It’s part tech talk, part career therapy always grounded, always bold. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. How to center accessibility & human experience in AI product design with Torin Ellis

    APR 9

    How to center accessibility & human experience in AI product design with Torin Ellis

    What if the biggest problem in AI product design isn’t the model but the data? On this episode of The Tech Girl Podcast, host Gertrude Chilufya sits down with diversity strategist and Ngoma founder Torin Ellis to explore why building trustworthy AI starts with centering the lived experiences of people with disabilities. Torin shares how his background in DEI and HR analytics led him to a powerful realization: AI trust is a data problem before it’s a model problem. Together, they unpack how exclusion from training data creates blind spots in AI systems and why the disability community is often overlooked despite being one of the most marginalized groups in the workforce. From LLM hallucinations and abstention failures to the risks AI poses in hiring, healthcare, finance, and autonomous vehicles, this conversation challenges organizations to rethink how they design and deploy technology. Torin breaks down why synthesized data isn’t a silver bullet, how prompt specificity and chain-of-thought guidance impacts outcomes, and why companies must ask a simple but critical question: “Who’s missing?” This episode reframes inclusion not just as a moral imperative, but also as fiduciary, legal, and reputational risk management in the age of AI. Connect with Torin Ellis: Website: www.ngoma.io LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/torinellis/ Podcast Produced by:LeTroy Gardner & Mario Washington | Fourcast Media | pushplaypods.com #TechGirlPodcast #ArtificialIntelligence #AIethics #DisabilityInTech #AccessibilityMatters #ResponsibleAI #FutureOfWork #DiversityInTech #AITrust #TechPodcast

    58 min
  2. The Future of Workplace Culture with Whitney K. Simon

    APR 1

    The Future of Workplace Culture with Whitney K. Simon

    Welcome to another episode of the Tech Girl Podcast! Host Gertrude Chilufya sits down with culture strategist and Anchor & Flow founder Whitney K. Simon to explore the true power of the diversity dividend in today’s workplaces. Whitney shares how her career in PR across the U.S. and U.K. shaped her perspective on race, identity, privilege, and context. Why she launched her consultancy Anchor & Flow to help organizations balance stability (“anchors”) with adaptability (“flow”) in their workplace culture. The conversation dives into the growing backlash around DEI and the gap between corporate trainings and real change. Whitney explains why meaningful progress requires uncomfortable conversations, accountability, and practical action beyond performative gestures. From reverse mentoring and generational tensions to the limitations of one-size-fits-all diversity strategies, this episode offers candid insights and actionable ideas for leaders and employees alike. Whitney also shares how individuals especially those without formal authority can still create impact through community, dialogue, and consistent action. If you’re passionate about building inclusive workplaces that actually work, this episode is a must-listen. Connect with Whitney: Website: https://anchorandflow.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/whitneyksimon/ Podcast Produced by: LeTroy Gardner & Mario Washington | Fourcast Media https://pushplaypods.com #TechGirlPodcast #DiversityDividend #DEI #WorkplaceCulture #Leadership #Inclusion #TechPodcast #WomenInTech #DiversityInTech #FutureOfWork #AnchorAndFlow #Podcast

    1h 6m
  3. Leading without losing your technical edge with Phoena Pang

    MAR 25

    Leading without losing your technical edge with Phoena Pang

    The Tech Girl Podcast host, Gertrude Chilufya sits down with, Phoena Pang VP Global Partnerships at Mintegral and product lead for Gaming Performance Ads, to unpack what it truly takes to transition from individual contributor to impactful leader while staying rooted in your technical identity. From a childhood fueled by curiosity and Lego builds to leading cross-functional teams across the Americas, Phoena shares how asking the right questions, embracing adaptability, and delivering real results helped her earn trust and build influence in high-stakes environments. The conversation explores: ✨ The natural evolution from coding to client-facing leadership ✨ Overcoming skepticism when leading experienced peers ✨ How to maintain technical credibility in business-driven roles ✨ Why curiosity is the ultimate career accelerator Phoena’s journey is a masterclass in bridging technical expertise with strategic leadership and proof that stepping into leadership doesn’t mean stepping away from your technical foundation. Connect with Phoena Pang: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phpang/ Podcast Produced by LeTroy Gardner & Mario Washington | Fourcast Media pushplaypods.com #TechGirlPodcast #DiversityDividend #WomenInTech #TechLeadership #EngineeringCareer #CareerGrowth #Google #ProductLeadership #STEMCareers #ProfessionalDevelopment

    42 min
  4. Why accessibility is smart for business with Angela Fowler

    MAR 19

    Why accessibility is smart for business with Angela Fowler

    What if accessibility isn’t just compliance but a competitive advantage?  Welcome to another episode of the Tech Girl Podcast! Host Gertrude Chilufya sits down with Angela Fowler, blind accessibility consultant and founder of Real Life Access, to unpack why inclusion is more than compliance, it’s smart business. After navigating wildly inconsistent online experiences, Angela built her company to help organizations move beyond surface-level fixes and embrace holistic accessibility. From screen reader-friendly code and labeled buttons to closed captions and uncluttered retail spaces, she explains how inclusive design benefits everyone and why accessible websites often rank higher in search because search engines crawl code just like screen readers do. The conversation also dives into why industries like banking lead while government lags, how adversarial messaging hurts progress, and why developer and MBA programs must prioritize accessibility education. Angela shares insights on service-dog training, fake service animals, merit-based hiring, and why “check-the-box” diversity hires ultimately fail businesses and people alike. This conversation challenges leaders to see accessibility as both a human responsibility and a strategic advantage. 🔗 Connect with Angela: Website: www.reallifeaccess.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-fowler-a11y/ Podcast Produced by LeTroy Gardner & Mario Washington | Fourcast Media. Listen & subscribe: pushplaypods.com #TechGirlPodcast #TheDiversityDividend #AccessibilityMatters #InclusiveDesign #WomenInTech #Leadership #BusinessStrategy #FourcastMedia

    1 hr
  5. What real inclusion looks like with Antonia Rice

    MAR 11

    What real inclusion looks like with Antonia Rice

    What does true inclusion look like when you’ve led in the military, lived across cultures, and challenged tech’s status quo?  In this episode of The Tech Girl Podcast, host Gertrude Chilufya sits down with Antonia Rice, diversity and inclusion advocate, localization leader, former U.S. Air Force linguist, and global culture bridge-builder. From flying in F-15 fighter jets to leading localization and DEI initiatives in tech, Antonia shares a powerful, nuanced perspective on leadership, merit, inclusion, and what it really takes to create equitable workplaces. In this candid conversation, they unpack: ✨ Transitioning from the military to tech ✨ Navigating leadership as a woman in male-dominated spaces ✨ The reality behind corporate DEI vs. genuine inclusion ✨ Why feedback (even uncomfortable feedback) is a gift ✨ Neurodiversity, cultural context, and communication in global teams Antonia challenges organizations to move beyond performative diversity and toward cultures where discomfort sparks growth, feedback is welcomed, and inclusion is practiced not just posted. This episode is bold, honest, and deeply necessary. Podcast Produced by LeTroy Gardner & Mario Washington | Fourcast Media 🌐 pushplaypods.com #TechGirlPodcast #DiversityDividend #WomenInTech #DEI #Leadership #InclusionMatters #TechCulture #Neurodiversity #GlobalLeadership #CareerGrowth

    1h 16m
  6. Beyond the Buzzwords: What Inclusion Really Looks Like at Work with Stephen Burrell

    FEB 11

    Beyond the Buzzwords: What Inclusion Really Looks Like at Work with Stephen Burrell

    What does inclusion really look like when it moves beyond buzzwords and into lived experience? Welcome to another compelling episode of The Tech Girl Podcast, hosted by Gertrude Chilufya, continuing the season-long theme “The Diversity Dividend.” In this episode, Gertrude sits down with Stephen Burrell, leadership coach, DEI consultant, keynote speaker, and Vice President of the Brotherhood for Professionals of Color. With a career spanning elite athletics, coaching, and global DEI leadership across Europe, Stephen brings a deeply personal and practical perspective on what it takes to build workplaces where people truly belong. In this conversation, Stephen shares insights on: Why diversity without inclusion falls short- How emotional intelligence and cultural understanding shape better leadersThe power of community and allyship in underrepresented spacesNavigating identity, belonging, and leadership in global workplacesWhy inclusion is a daily practice and not a one-time initiativeThis episode is an honest, thought-provoking dialogue for leaders, professionals, and changemakers who want to move from intention to impact in the evolving world of work. Tune in, reflect, and join the conversation. Connect with Stephen Burrell:- Website: https://www.stephenburrell.com/- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/burrellstephen/ Podcast Produced by: LeTroy Gardner & Mario Washington Fourcast Media — pushplaypods.com

    1 hr
  7. Dr. Syreeta Bond: From Delaware to Dubai — Unleashing Your Inner Bad Bitch

    FEB 4

    Dr. Syreeta Bond: From Delaware to Dubai — Unleashing Your Inner Bad Bitch

    Discover the inspiring journey of Dr. Syreeta Bond on this episode of The Tech Girl Podcast hosted by Gertrude Chilufya! A powerhouse motivational speaker, award-winning global project management expert, and passionate AI advocate, Dr. Bond shares her incredible rise from Delaware to Dubai. Dive into her empowering philosophy from her book “Unleash Your Inner Bad Bitch” and learn how resilience, self-advocacy, and authenticity can transform your career in tech and leadership. From meditation and self-care routines to using AI for personal and professional efficiency, this episode is packed with gems to help you thrive in any environment. Don’t miss out on a powerful conversation about navigating minority experiences in tech, building community, and embracing your power unapologetically. Tune in, take notes, and level up your mindset and career! 🔗 Connect with Dr. Bond: Website: https://www.drsyreetabond.com/ Get Unleash Your Inner Bad Bitch.: Amazon Link LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/syreetarios YouTube: youtube.com/user/biggyrlclothingPodcast Produced by LeTroy Gardner & Mario Washington | Fourcast Media pushplaypods.com#TechGirlPodcast #GertrudeChilufya #DrSyreetaBond #WomenInTech #AI #Leadership #ProjectManagement #Empowerment #Motivation #CareerGrowth #Resilience #SelfAdvocacy #Authenticity #TechCareers #MindsetMatters #GlobalWomenInTech

    59 min
  8. AI, Recruitment & the Future of Work with Hung Lee

    JAN 29

    AI, Recruitment & the Future of Work with Hung Lee

    What happens when AI meets recruitment and who gets left out (or pulled forward)? Welcome to another powerful episode of The Tech Girl Podcast, hosted by Gertrude Chilufya! This week, Gertrude sits down with Hung Lee, renowned recruiter, industry expert, and curator of some of the most trusted insights in global recruitment. In this eye-opening conversation, Hung breaks down why recruitment is far deeper than most people realize, sharing his journey from practitioner to respected thought leader. Together, they explore how AI is transforming hiring, from automation and efficiency to the real implications for inclusion, diversity, and representation. The discussion also dives into: The opportunities and risks AI brings to recruitmentHow diversity drives better innovation and decision-makingThe impact of EU AI policy on global hiring practices The rise of remote recruitment and what it means for the future of workConnect with Hung Lee: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hunglee/ Podcast Produced by:LeTroy Gardner & Mario Washington | Fourcast Media🌐 pushplaypods.com #techgirlpodcast #Recruitment #AIInRecruitment #Inclusion #DiversityInTech #FutureOfWork #Innovation #TechTalk #GertrudeChilufya #HungLee

    48 min
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About

Hosted by Gertrude Chilufya, The Tech Girl Podcast is a space for curious minds at the intersection of technology, product thinking, and culture. Through candid conversations with industry leaders, creators, and change-makers, we explore: What it means to build inclusive technologyThe real stories behind AI literacy & adoption, product strategy, and developer experienceHow personal identity shapes how we show up and thrive in tech It’s part tech talk, part career therapy always grounded, always bold. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Gertrude Chilufya
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Gertrude Chilufya
  • Show Website
    The Tech Girl