2 L.I.T. Chicks (Leaders In Tech)

twolitchickspodcast

”2 L.I.T. Chicks” is a podcast series that showcases Leaders In Tech (L.I.T). Each episode features inspiring stories of pioneering women or allies who are breaking boundaries and shaping the future of technology. Tune in to hear honest conversations, insightful interviews, and empowering narratives that motivate, educate, and inspire the next generation of leaders in tech.

  1. May 6

    S3, Ep14: Reflections on AI, Leadership & Paying It Forward | #2litchicks

    We did it, y'all!   Season 3 is officially in the books! In this special season finale of the 2 LIT Chicks Podcast, your girls Alicia and Fern slide back into the studio (live and in person!) to reflect on twelve unforgettable episodes of giving it back and paying it forward. From veterans turned tech leaders to PhDs, pageant queens, project management powerhouses, and cybersecurity SHEroes, this season was a full-on masterclass in leadership, legacy, and showing up authentically.   We're recapping every guest who blessed us this season: Eddie Bright reminding us "AI won't replace you, but someone using AI will," Kenny Claytor's starting five and legacy lessons, Renard and Amir from Black Belts in Boardrooms on discipline and judgment as your real edge, Megan Lee on science, pageantry and honoring Henrietta Lacks, Veena Somareddy turning AR/VR into healing, the now-official Dr. Saki Milton with Dr. Jennifer Simpson on excellence without burnout, Samuel Davis and Chris Berry on IQ + EQ, Dr. Laura Jones putting cybersecurity in kids' hands, Dee Maddox calling us to walk in our purpose, Tina Helton on why cybersecurity is everybody's job, Tiffany Martin proving inclusive design is a strategic advantage, and Chakita Holmes (our #1 video of the season) on project management as the most transferable skill out there.   Whether you're a screen-ager, mid-career pivoter, or seasoned executive, this finale is a love letter to leaders at every level. Big thanks to our amazing guests, our Hello Studios team, and YOU for rocking with us all season long. Season 4 is loading…   Listen, like, and subscribe at 2 LIT Chicks Podcast — and remember: stay curious, stay bold, and always stay lit.   Chapters: 00:00 Welcome Back — Wrapping Up Season 3 00:55 Eddie Bright: AI Won't Replace You, But Someone Using It Will 07:00 Kenny Claytor: Your Starting Five & Building Legacy Now 12:00 Renard & Amir: Discipline, Judgment & Black Belts in the Boardroom 14:15 Megan Lee: Science, Pageantry & Honoring Henrietta Lacks 21:00 Veena Somareddy: When AR/VR Innovation Meets Purpose 22:45 Dr. Saki Milton & Dr. Jennifer Simpson: Do The Work 27:30 Samuel Davis & Chris Berry: IQ Meets EQ 29:15 Dr. Laura Jones: Cyber Kai, Techy Guy & Knowing Your Craft 35:30 Dee Maddox: Stop Waiting — Walk In Your Purpose 39:15 Tina Helton: Cybersecurity Is No Longer Optional 43:30 Tiffany Martin: Inclusive Design Is The Strategic Advantage 48:00 Shakita Holmes: The Project Management Powerhouse 50:30 Season 3 Lessons: AI, Discipline, Leadership & Legacy 54:00 Stay Curious, Stay Bold, Stay Lit   ✅ Follow us on Instagram! @2litchickspod   😎 We’re on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernjohnson/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/amakaye/   @TwoLITChicksPodcast #givingback   #2LitChicks #2LitChicksPodcast #StayLit #SeasonFinale #Season3Recap #GiveItBackPayItForward #BlackWomenInTech #WomenInLeadership #WomenInSTEM #BlackWomenLead #WomenInTechnology #LeadershipPodcast #TechPodcast #PodcastersOfColor #BlackPodcasters #AIandLeadership #FutureOfWork #DisciplineOverHype #LegacyBuilding #YourNetworkIsYourNetWorth #Mentorship #VeteransInTech #Cybersecurity #ProjectManagement #InclusiveDesign #STEMEducation #HenriettaLacks #PayItForward #DallasPodcast #HelloStudios

    55 min
  2. Apr 22

    S3, Ep13: What They Don’t Tell You About Success In Your Twenties ft. Libby Wright | #2LitChicksPodcast

    What happens when a corporate tech executive trades a Microsoft career for a role leading one of the largest Boys & Girls Clubs in the country? In Episode 13 of the 2 L.I.T. Chicks Podcast, Fern and Alicia McKay sit down with Libby Sailor Wright, President & CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta, for a powerful conversation about purpose-driven leadership, running a nonprofit like a business, and preparing today's youth for tomorrow's workforce.   Libby pulls back the curtain on how nonprofits are hiring business leaders, how AI is shifting productivity behind the scenes, and why grit is a stronger predictor of success than IQ.   The conversation also tackles the growing shift from college readiness to workforce development, and why Atlanta ranks 50 out of 50 for economic mobility — and what her team is doing to change that.   If you care about leadership, legacy, youth development, tech careers in the nonprofit sector, or simply what it takes to build something meaningful, this episode is a must-listen.   💡 We talk about: The joy factor: chasing pennies vs. chasing dimes, and why hearing kids laugh beats any corner office Food insecurity, summer programming (7 AM–7 PM), and full wraparound services Why grit, hope, and ambition scales may predict success better than IQ The college prep vs. workforce readiness shift and what it means for first-gen students   Chapters: 00:00 Cold Open: The Intern Who Flubbed the Offer 01:40 Atlanta, Dallas, and the Full-Circle Move Back Home 04:05 Running a Nonprofit Like a Business With a Heart 06:15 The Second Graders Who Cleared Libby's Calendar 09:40 My Club Hub: Building the Tech Backbone 13:00 BGCMA By the Numbers: 8,000 Members, 408 Employees 15:55 Is Gen Z Ready for the Real World? 19:45 Inside Out University: Teaching Kids to Regulate Emotions 23:35 Latchkey Kids, Teen Crime & the Year of the Youth 28:15 AI in the Nonprofit World: Productivity Over Programming (For Now) 32:00 The NASCAR Driver Who Learned to Race on a Video Game 35:00 The Shift from College Prep to Workforce Readiness 39:15 Libby's Legacy Moment: Her Father's Inner-City Vision 44:30 Five Firehouse Questions With Libby 46:15 Stay Curious, Stay Bold, Stay LIT   ✅ Follow us on Instagram! @2litchickspod   😎 We’re on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernjohnson/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/amakaye/   @TwoLITChicksPodcast #givingback   #BoysAndGirlsClubsOfMetroAtlanta #NonprofitCEOLife #WorkforceReadinessAtlanta #CorporateToNonprofitPivot #YouthDevelopmentLeadership #2LITChicks #BlackWomenInLeadership #PodcastForWomen #MentorshipMatters #LegacyBuilders

    47 min
  3. Feb 25

    S3, Ep 12: Ethics and Regulation for Future Tech Leaders feat. Renard Henry and Amir Khawaja

    This episode of 2 LIT Chicks features a powerhouse collaboration with Renard and Amir, the hosts of the Black Belts and Boardrooms podcast.   Combining the discipline of martial arts with the high-stakes world of corporate leadership and technology, this conversation explores how to remain calm under pressure, the ethical landscape of AI, and why "soft skills" are the ultimate career accelerator.   💡 We talk about: Martial Arts in the Boardroom The Ethics of AI The Power of Relationships The "Cotton Gin" Effect Skills for the Future     Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction to 2 LIT Chicks & Guests 01:50 - The Origin of Black Belts and Boardrooms 03:32 - Stress Inoculation: How Martial Arts Builds Better Leaders 05:50 - Leadership vs. Management: Transitioning from IC to Leader 07:45 - Networking Advice for the 20-30 Generation 10:05 - The Skill of Salesmanship in Tech 12:15 - Financial Literacy: The Missing Piece for Young Professionals 13:30 - The AI Revolution: Helper or Replacement? 15:45 - Ethics, Autonomy, and the Future of Society 18:45 - Why Government Regulation Always Lags Behind 22:15 - Historical Patterns: Technology and Social Impact 26:25 - The Future of Human Interaction in a Digital World 27:38 - The Dunning-Kruger Effect & Critical Thinking 29:40 - The Worst Career Advice Renard Ever Received   ✅ Follow us on Instagram! @2litchickspod   😎 We’re on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernjohnson/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/amakaye/   @TwoLITChicksPodcast #givingback   #BlackBeltsAndBoardrooms #TechLeadership #MartialArtsMindset #SoftSkillsInTech #CorporateDiscipline #Podcast #LeadershipDevelopment #FutureOfWork #AI #ProfessionalGrowth

    42 min
  4. Feb 18

    S3, Ep 11: Bringing Your FULL SELF to Work, with Kenny Claytor | #2litchickspodcast

    In Episode 11, we sit down with Army veteran, tech sales executive, husband, father, servant leader, and storyteller Kenny Claytor — and baby, the gems were GEM-ING.   From sharpshooter precision to corporate leadership discipline, from building transferable skills to branding yourself beyond your job title, Kenny breaks down what it really takes to transition, pivot, and build legacy.   We touched on the military mindset, entrepreneurship fads versus grit, AI in staffing, resume strategy, relationship capital, and why your “starting five” matters more than your LinkedIn title.   This episode is about authenticity, discipline, faith, hustle, and making sure what you build lasts longer than your paycheck. Stay lit, y’all.   💡 We talk about: Transferable skills from military to corporate America Why discipline and order are career superpowers The importance of your “Starting Five” support system Building relationships vs. transactional networking Resume tips for early-career professionals How AI is reshaping staffing and hiring Branding yourself beyond your job title   Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to Two Lit Chicks  01:00 Meet Kenny Claytor  02:00 23 Years in the Army  03:30 Sharpshooter & Military Discipline  06:00 Staying Motivated in Tough Seasons  08:00 Your “Starting Five” Support System  10:00 From Military to Tech Sales  12:00 Transferable Skills That Matter  15:00 Building Relationships vs Transactions  16:00 Kenny’s Corner & Personal Branding  18:00 Finding Light in Dark Seasons  23:00 Advice for Young Tech Professionals  24:00 Resume Tips That Get Attention  26:00 Using AI to Tailor Your Resume  28:00 Is AI Replacing Recruiters?  30:00 Entrepreneurship: The Truth Behind the Hype  33:00 Social Media, Monetization & Business Skills  36:00 IT Skills & Entrepreneurship  41:00 Lightning Round 🔥  44:00 Stay Lit Closing    ✅ Follow us on Instagram! @2litchickspod   😎 We’re on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernjohnson/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/amakaye/   @TwoLITChicksPodcast #givingback   #TwoLitChicks #StayLit #KennyClaytor #VeteranLeadership #TechCareers #EntrepreneurMindset #AIinBusiness #CareerAdvice #TransferableSkills #FaithAndHustle #PersonalBranding #CorporateLeadership #MilitaryToCorporate #LegacyBuilding

    45 min
  5. Feb 11

    S3, Ep10: Beauty and the Beast: Science and Pageantry ft. Meghan Leak | #2LitChicksPodcast

    What happens when rhinestones meet research? This week on 2 Lit Chicks, Fern and Alicia sit down with the phenomenal Meghan Leak — a clinical research coordinator at UT Southwestern and a longtime beauty pageant competitor — for a conversation that proves women don’t have to choose just one lane.   Megan brings the full duality: STEM brilliance, pageant confidence, and a deep commitment to advocacy for women’s health — especially Black women. From breaking down what clinical research really is (and what it isn’t 👀), to normalizing conversations about our bodies, medical care, and community, this episode is layered, honest, and powerful.   💡 We talk about: Why women (especially Black women) must be part of clinical research How pageantry can be a tool for discipline, confidence, and self-mastery Grief, growth, and navigating life after losing a parent Why being multidimensional is not a flaw — it’s the secret sauce This episode is about showing up fully, asking better questions, advocating for your health, and becoming the hero you needed to see.   Chapters: 00:00 Introduction: Meet Megan Lee Boyd 01:55 Beauty & Brains: Pageantry Meets Science 05:00 Family Legacy, Education & Confidence 08:30 What Is Clinical Research Really? 11:30 Women’s Health, Urology & Breaking Taboos 14:00 Why Black Women Must Be in Research 18:45 Normalizing Medical Conversations 22:00 Pageantry as Discipline & Self-Growth 26:30 Grief, Growth & Knowing When to Pause 31:45 Advice to Her Younger Self 35:40 Lightning Round 41:00 Where to Find Megan & Final Reflections   ✅ Follow us on Instagram! @2litchickspod   😎 We’re on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernjohnson/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/amakaye/   @TwoLITChicksPodcast #givingback   #WomenInSTEM #BlackWomenInMedicine #ClinicalResearchMatters #BeautyAndBrains #WomenHealthAdvocacy #PodcastLife #WomenEmpowerment #PurposeDriven #StayLit #BlackExcellence

    43 min
  6. Feb 4

    S3, EP9: I'm Legally Blind & I Build Tech For Everyone | #2LitChicksPodcast

    In this powerful returning episode of 2 LIT Chicks Podcast, we sit down with Tiffany Martin, Founder & CEO of Visio Tech, tech strategist, accessibility advocate, and living proof that resilience plus purpose equals impact.   Tiffany takes us on an unforgettable journey — from launching a tech company inside a hospital room to redefining accessibility, AI ethics, and what leadership looks like in tech spaces that weren’t built with everyone in mind. After losing her sight due to diabetic retinopathy and navigating kidney failure, Tiffany didn’t retreat — she rebuilt, reimagined, and rose.   This conversation is about innovation, faith, community, entrepreneurship, and why accessibility is not an afterthought — it’s good design and good business.   If you’re a student, builder, founder, or anyone trying to figure out how to turn adversity into alignment… this episode is for you.   💡 We talk about: Navigating blindness in a visually obsessed tech industry Why accessibility should be built in from day one The curb cut effect and how inclusive design benefits everyone AI as an assistive tool, not a replacement for thinking   📚 Book Recommendations Mentioned Brave New Words by Sal Khan Unmasking AI by Dr. Joy Buolamwini The AI Mirror by Shannon Vallor   Chapters: 00:00 Introduction & Hospital Room Origin Story  01:00 Welcome to 2 LIT Chicks + Guest Introduction  03:00 Tiffany’s Current Work & Reading Retreat  05:00 Book Recommendations on AI & Ethics  06:40 AI, Students, and Responsible Use  08:30 Accessibility in Tech & The Curb Cut Effect  11:30 Losing Her Sight & Health Journey  15:00 Learning Tech as a Blind Founder  18:30 Sensory Overload & Finding Balance  20:30 Disability, Design, and the Internet  24:00 Entrepreneurship & Early Hustle  27:00 Launching Visio Tech in the Hospital  31:00 Community, Mentorship & Black Women in Tech  34:00 Lightning Round Questions  36:00 Where to Find Tiffany  37:30 Final Reflections & Closing    ✅ Follow us on Instagram! @2litchickspod   😎 We’re on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernjohnson/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/amakaye/   @TwoLITChicksPodcast #givingback   #AccessibleTech #DisabilityInTech #InclusiveDesign #BlindEntrepreneur #TechForGood #WomenInTech #EntrepreneurLife #LeadershipPodcast #BlackWomenLead #PodcastInterview

    38 min
  7. 12/17/2025

    S3, Ep8: Surviving AI as a Project Manager with Chakita Holmes | #2LitChicksPodcast

    In this episode of 2 L.I.T. Chicks, we’re live in the studio with technical program leader Chakita Holmes, a seasoned project and program manager with over 20 years of experience navigating tech, transformation, and leadership.   Chakita shares her non-traditional journey into tech, how transferable skills opened doors she never planned for, and why project management is one of the most powerful and future-proof skill sets in today’s workforce.   From AI and agile methodologies to leadership, community, and evolving with confidence, this conversation is packed with real talk, practical insight, and inspiration for the next generation of Leaders in Tech.   💡 We talk about: How transferable skills from communications, education, and the arts translate into tech careers The evolution of project management from a skill set into a full career path The role of AI in program management and why human insight still matters Agile vs. waterfall and what modern organizations are actually using today Why continuous learning, community involvement, and adaptability are non-negotiable in tech   ✅ Follow us on Instagram! @2litchickspod   😎 We’re on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernjohnson/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/amakaye/   @TwoLITChicksPodcast #givingback   #LeadersInTech #WomenInTech #TechLeadership #ProjectManagementCareers #ProgramManagement #AgileLeadership #TechCareerPaths #AIInTech #Podcast #CareerGrowth #ProfessionalDevelopment #TechPodcast #Leadership #CareerAdvice #LifelongLearning

    43 min
  8. 12/10/2025

    S3, Ep7: Tech Engineering with Samuel and Chris | #2litchickspodcast

    This week on 2 LIT Chicks, Fern and Alicia sit down with two powerhouses from HEL Resources — Chris Berry and Samuel Davis — for a conversation that is equal parts brilliance, heart, and Black excellence.   From software-defined vehicles and AI disruption to military service, mentorship, community impact, and that crucial mindset shift from learning → earning → returning, this episode brings gems on gems. They break down how passion fuels purpose, why the STEM pipeline needs our kids, and how discipline, exposure, and emotional intelligence can change lives.   If you’re a young leader, a tech dreamer, or someone who loves hearing two worlds collide—this episode is your vibe. Stay curious, stay bold, and always stay lit.     💡 We talk about: How HEL Resources grew from a napkin idea to a tech solutions powerhouse The importance of discipline, mentorship, and emotional intelligence for young professionals Military service stories and advice for the next generation considering the Armed Forces AI’s real impact on engineering, validation, IOT, and workforce morale Community service, purpose-driven leadership, and paying it forward ✅ Follow us on Instagram! @2litchickspod   😎 We’re on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernjohnson/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/amakaye/   @TwoLITChicksPodcast #givingback   #BlackExcellenceInTech #WomenInTechPodcasts #STEMLeadership #AIEngineering #VeteransInTech #TechMentorship #SoftwareDefinedVehicles #IOTInnovation #PodcastEpisode #Leadership #CareerGrowth #Motivation #STEMEducation #AI #TechCommunity #Inspiration #PodcastLife #TwoLitChicks

    41 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

”2 L.I.T. Chicks” is a podcast series that showcases Leaders In Tech (L.I.T). Each episode features inspiring stories of pioneering women or allies who are breaking boundaries and shaping the future of technology. Tune in to hear honest conversations, insightful interviews, and empowering narratives that motivate, educate, and inspire the next generation of leaders in tech.