The Real Women in Tech

Igor & Shivam
  • 5.0 (2)
  • CAREERS

"The Real Women in Tech" is dedicated to discussing real stories from women across various roles, functions, and seniority in the tech industry. While there are many podcasts out there, our unique approach lies in our group discussions. Igor, brings his extensive world-wide coaching experience, and I, Shivam, will share my lived experiences as a real woman in Tech. Together we will share our radically candid observations, aiming to foster honest conversations that address the challenges women face and celebrate the significant progress we've made. We want to steer away from scripted success recipes, and engage in brutally honest dialogues.

  1. 5D AGO

    Navigating the Jungle Gym of Leadership: Insights from Tiffany To, EVP Atlassian

    Send a text This episode features a candid conversation with Tiffany To, Executive Vice President of Atlassian Products and Platforms, about her non-linear career in tech, the evolving landscape for women leaders, and what it really takes to build courageous teams. Shivam and Igor unpack how risk-taking, failure, and experimentation shape meaningful careers, while Tiffany shares specific stories about listening to internal signals, choosing unconventional paths, and leveraging her perspective as a woman in tech to drive change. Together, they explore why psychological safety is the foundation for innovation, how leaders can create “safe-to-fail” environments, and the critical role of mentorship, coaching, and continuous learning in becoming the kind of leader others want to follow. Sound bites  "You don't have to conform as much, especially when you’ve earned the right to bet on yourself.""You learn so much more about yourself from the risks that don’t work out than from the ones that do.""You have to read your internal signals; your body often knows before your brain catches up." Chapters  00:00 Introduction to Tiffany Ko and Her Journey 01:16 Tiffany's Non-Linear Career Path 07:56 The Evolution of Women in Tech 11:48 Redefining Success: The Pyramid Analogy 18:53 Lessons from Early Career Experiences 22:32 Navigating Systemic Challenges in Technology 23:41 Building New Product Categories 28:15 The Dynamics of Experimentation and Courage 29:41 Creating Psychological Safety for Innovation 36:11 Women in Leadership and Risk-Taking 38:15 Learning from Failures and Personal Growth 40:50 Resources for Personal and Professional Development Featured Topics & Insights The Career Pyramid: Why starting broad across regions (like Japan and China) and functions builds the best leadership foundation. Systems of Work: Moving beyond "raw technology" to help customers realize a clear ROI through AI-powered workflows. Internal Signals: Why high achievers need to stop focusing solely on "winning" and start listening to what brings them joy. Leadership Resources: Tiffany’s top picks include Brené Brown’s Dare to Lead and The Knowledge Project podcast.

    45 min

  2. JAN 31

    Navigating the Currents with Authenticity and Courage : Leadership Insights from Jill Wilson

    Send a text Summary In this conversation, Jill Wilson shares her unique journey from finance and healthcare to becoming a senior director at Google. She discusses the challenges and learnings from her transition, the importance of values in decision-making, and how she embraces risk in her leadership style. Jill emphasizes the significance of small wins, building confidence, and the role of frameworks in leadership. She also reflects on her experiences as a woman in tech, navigating expectations, and the legacy she aims to leave behind. Takeaways Jill Wilson's journey is marked by unexpected opportunities and transitions.Leadership is about authenticity and finding one's unique style.Embracing risk is essential for growth and innovation.Small wins are crucial for building confidence and momentum.Frameworks can be helpful but should not replace deep thinking.Authentic leadership involves learning from others while being true to oneself.Women in tech face unique challenges but can navigate them with openness.Comparison can hinder personal achievement and joy.Taking time for strategic thinking is vital for effective leadership.Legacy is about defining personal success on one's own terms. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Jill Wilson's Journey 01:47 Transitioning from CEO to Director at Google 07:39 Core Values and Leadership Philosophy 09:53 Embracing Risk and Bold Decisions 12:49 The Importance of Incremental Wins 19:31 Building Confidence and Autonomy 24:03 Frameworks vs. Authentic Leadership 26:36 Frameworks That Stick 27:50 Defining Authentic Leadership 32:23 Embracing Uniqueness in Leadership 33:43 Strategizing Amidst Busyness 37:45 Navigating Expectations as a Woman in Tech 40:18 Building a Diverse Network 46:22 Legacy and Personal Achievement

    49 min

  3. JAN 1

    Three Decades of Trailblazing: Sarah Clatterbuck’s Evolution as a Tech Leader across Yahoo, LinkedIn, and Google

    Send a text In this conversation, Sarah Clatterbuck, a seasoned engineering leader with over 30 years of experience in tech, shares her journey at major companies such as Google, LinkedIn, and Yahoo. She discusses her recent decision to take a break from her career, her thoughts on leadership, the importance of authenticity, and the cultural differences she experienced after moving to Zurich. Sarah also reflects on the impact of COVID-19 on team dynamics and the challenges of executive leadership. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Sarah Clatterbuck 01:13 Navigating Career Transitions 05:03 The 30-Year Career Arc 08:36 Transitioning into Engineering 12:21 Growth at LinkedIn 16:33 Challenges of Executive Leadership 19:25 Leaning Out: A New Perspective 21:11 Moving to Zurich: A New Chapter 24:31 Cultural Differences in Leadership 25:22 Building Culture During COVID 28:59 Authenticity in Leadership 32:20 Leaving the Google Bubble

    39 min

  4. 11/08/2025

    Navigating the Hard Tech Era with Alana Karen

    Send a text In this engaging conversation, Alana Karen discusses her journey in the tech industry, the challenges of the Hard Tech Era, and the emotional shifts she has experienced over the years. She emphasizes the importance of sticking to one's principles, navigating workplace dynamics, and the evolving role of AI in the workforce. Alana also shares insights from her new book, a guide for individuals navigating the complexities of the tech world today. Takeaways Principles are only meaningful when adhered to during inconvenient times. The Hard Tech Era is characterized by a shift in company values and in how employees are treated. Emotional shifts in the tech industry have led to a loss of trust among employees. Feedback should be viewed as a gift, even if it's unwanted. Breakups with companies can be emotionally challenging and require time to heal. Having a plan B is essential in today's unpredictable job market. AI is not a direct threat to all jobs, but it will change the nature of work. Employees need to take agency over their careers and decisions. The tech industry is experiencing a resurgence of entrepreneurial spirit due to AI. Alana's new book offers group therapy for those navigating changes in the tech industry. Sound bites "Do you still want it?" "It's a breakup with a company." "You need to have a plan B." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Journey with Alana Karan 02:02 Principles and the Hard Tech Era 08:09 Navigating Change in Tech 12:36 The Evolution of the Tech Industry 17:17 Trust and Disappointment in Tech 22:04 Feedback as a Gift 30:03 Emotional Reactions and Personal Growth 30:23 Navigating Breakups with Companies 35:34 Staying Layoff Ready 44:08 The Impact of AI on Employment 55:04 Empowering Change Through Alana's Book Substack - https://www.alanakaren.com/newsletter Latest Book - https://www.alanakaren.com/books#hardtech Buy the latest book - https://www.alanakaren.com/preorder |  LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanakaren/  Website - https://www.alanakaren.com/

    53 min

  5. 09/25/2025

    Fearless Journeys: Building Confidence with Divya Mowar

    Send a text In this inspiring episode of "The Real Women in Tech," we sit down with Divya Mowar, a trailblazer in the tech industry and a champion of women's empowerment. From her beginnings as the first female engineer on a male-dominated factory floor to leading automation at Google, Divya shares her journey of building confidence and overcoming fear. Discover how she uses her platform to empower others, the role of authenticity in her success, and her advice on tackling the fear of failure. Tune in to learn how Divya's story can inspire you to embrace your own path with courage and confidence. Takeaways Divya's journey showcases the importance of taking risks in career choices. She emphasizes the need for women to support each other in male-dominated fields. Divya's role at Google involves automating logistics to improve efficiency. She believes in the power of community building through pageants. Divya's pageants focus on inclusivity and empowering women from diverse backgrounds. She highlights the importance of authenticity in personal and professional life. Divya discusses the challenges of balancing work and community involvement. She shares insights on facing fears and building confidence. Divya encourages others to find their passion and pursue it wholeheartedly. She advocates for the importance of social interaction in the workplace. Sound bites "I want to make a difference." "Hard work always pays off." "I am the same person today." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Divya Mohar's Journey 01:53 Navigating Mechanical Engineering as a Woman 04:19 Role at Google: Automation and Logistics 10:09 Challenges and Triumphs in Career 10:47 Empowering Women Through Pageants 17:38 From Competitor to Organizer: Leading Pageants 21:50 Connecting Personal and Professional Growth 23:41 Balancing Personal and Professional Life 24:50 Navigating Multiple Personas 26:14 The Importance of Authenticity 27:16 Creating Community at Work 30:53 The Challenge of Belonging 31:35 Socialization in the Workplace 35:07 Facing Fears and Building Confidence 38:30 Advice on Confidence and Authenticity 43:02 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

    45 min

  6. 09/11/2025

    Intentional Journeys: How Jennifer Petoff Reinvented Success in Tech

    Send a text Guest: Jennifer Petoff, Director of Program Management, Google (Site Reliability Engineering) Episode Date: August 30, 2025 Summary: Jennifer Petoff shares her inspiring career path from chemist to Google leader in site reliability engineering. She discusses how intentionality guides her decisions, her passion for travel and door photography, and strategies for balancing personal interests with a thriving career. Jennifer reveals practical approaches for resilience, decision-making, and living life guided by core values. Key Takeaways: Jennifer’s background in chemistry set her up for a unique tech journey.Intentionality is her guiding principle for career (and life) choices.Travel remains a core inspiration and “north star.”She balances work with creative projects like door photography.Time management and prioritization are essential.Open discussions with her husband inform major decisions.Working three days a week helps her focus on personal growth.She believes, “Nothing is irreversible” — especially in careers.Memorable Quotes: “Nothing is irreversible.”Chapters: 00:00 Introduction02:30 Career Journey: Chemistry to SRE05:11 Work-Life Balance Philosophy07:50 Living with Intentionality10:38 Navigating Career Change13:28 Support Systems16:14 Travel & Photography Passion18:56 The Impact of Travel21:42 Finding Motivation24:02 Resources for Living IntentionallyJennifer's treasure trove of links, books, and blogs - https://www.pivotmethod.com/ https://wildcouragebook.com/ Wild Courage career book https://sre.google (resources for people who might want to learn more about SRE, including the full text of all 3 SRE Books Websites - https://reliablepgm.com (professional and career advice, including “how to SRE anything” https://travel.sidewalksafari.com (part-time travel) https://doors.sidewalksafari.com (door photography)

    35 min

  7. 06/28/2025

    Tammy Aguillon's Journey - From acing the Startup hustle to building the Big Tech muscle

    Send a text Summary In this engaging conversation, Tammy Aguillon, a go-to-market leader at Google Workspace, shares her non-traditional journey into tech and sales, emphasizing the importance of women in the industry. She discusses her experiences navigating tech acquisitions, the significance of timing in career moves, and the transition to leadership roles. Tammy highlights the value of mentorship and the role it has played in her career, as well as her transformation in building confidence. The discussion also explores the impact of AI on sales and the necessity of maintaining human connections in a rapidly changing landscape. Finally, Tammy offers insights on establishing routines to maintain sanity in a volatile world, making this a rich and informative episode for anyone interested in career development and the future of sales. Takeaways Tammy's journey into tech was non-traditional and driven by personal exploration.Women in sales bring unique strengths and perspectives to the industry.Navigating acquisitions requires adaptability and resilience.Timing in career moves is crucial, especially for women with family responsibilities.Transitioning to leadership can be accelerated in startup environments.Mentorship is essential for career growth and development.Confidence can be built over time through experience and self-awareness.AI is changing the landscape of sales, but human connection remains vital.Establishing routines can help maintain sanity in a fast-paced world.Personal development is a continuous journey that requires self-reflection. Chapters 00:00 Tammy Aguillon's Journey into Tech and Sales 06:23 Navigating Acquisitions in Big Tech 13:08 Timing and Career Decisions in Tech 17:38 Transitioning from Individual Contributor to Leader 24:24 The Importance of Mentorship and Sponsorship 27:02 Empowering the Next Generation 30:38 The Role of Coaches in Personal Growth 34:42 Women in Sales: Breaking Barriers 36:20 Building Confidence in Sales 39:24 AI's Impact on Sales 44:56 Maintaining Sanity in a Volatile World

    47 min

  8. 05/17/2025

    Fresh Voices in Tech: Insights from Recent Graduates Silpa Ajjarapu & Carla Morral

    Send a text In this episode, we explore the experiences of recent graduates in the tech industry, focusing on their journeys, challenges faced during internships, and the impact of societal changes on their career choices. The conversation highlights the importance of resilience in the face of rejection, the value of university resources, and the evolving landscape for women in tech. Both guests share their aspirations for the future and offer practical advice for navigating the job market. 00:00 Introduction to Recent Graduates in Tech 02:54 Personal Journeys into Tech Careers 05:06 Navigating the Internship Landscape 06:56 Experiencing Rejection and Resilience 09:53 Leveraging University Resources for Success 11:25 Practical Tools for Job Seekers 13:27 Final Thoughts and Advice for Future Interns 20:55 Preparing for Interviews: The Importance of Research 24:21 Women Empowerment: Societal Changes and Career Choices 27:03 Diversity in Tech: The Need for Inclusion 29:51 Career Plans: Navigating the Tech Landscape 34:40 Facing Fears: Women in Leadership and Career Growth Sound Bites "Rejection is never personal.""I learned what doesn't work.""Rejection is redirection."

    40 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

"The Real Women in Tech" is dedicated to discussing real stories from women across various roles, functions, and seniority in the tech industry. While there are many podcasts out there, our unique approach lies in our group discussions. Igor, brings his extensive world-wide coaching experience, and I, Shivam, will share my lived experiences as a real woman in Tech. Together we will share our radically candid observations, aiming to foster honest conversations that address the challenges women face and celebrate the significant progress we've made. We want to steer away from scripted success recipes, and engage in brutally honest dialogues.

Information

  • Creator
    Igor & Shivam
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Real Women in Tech
  • Show Website
    The Real Women in Tech