From a Woman to a Leader

Limor Bergman Gross

Welcome to 'From a Woman to a Leader,' a podcast dedicated to discussing women's unique challenges in tech leadership and providing actionable tips to help overcome those challenges and grow your career in the tech industry. In each episode, I will speak with successful women in tech who have navigated the industry and come out on top, sharing their stories, insights, and advice for other women looking to do the same. Whether you're just starting out in your tech career or a seasoned professional looking to take the next step, this podcast is for you.

  1. Thriving Under Pressure: Managing Anxiety in Ambitious Women with Denise G Lee

    5 DAYS AGO

    Thriving Under Pressure: Managing Anxiety in Ambitious Women with Denise G Lee

    Do you ever find yourself overthinking, people-pleasing, or feeling like anxiety is running the show? You’re not alone, and you don’t have to stay stuck there. In this powerful episode of 'From a Woman to a Leader,' I sit down with Denise G. Lee, a Healing and Leadership Coach, writer, and host of The Introverted Entrepreneur Podcast, to explore how ambitious women can overcome anxiety, people-pleasing, and the fears that prevent us from asking for what we deserve. Denise knows firsthand what it’s like to build a career while dealing with emotional wounds and self-doubt. Through her own transformation, she has developed practical strategies that help leaders overcome fear, regain confidence, and lead with clarity. 🎧 In this episode, you’ll learn: ✅ The hidden link between people-pleasing and burnout (and how to break the cycle) ✅ Simple but powerful practices to calm anxiety in high-pressure moments ✅ How to stop overthinking and start asking for what you want—whether it’s a promotion, a raise, or new opportunities ✅ Why saying no is often the most generous and empowering choice you can make ✅ How healing old patterns can unlock your next level of leadership This conversation is for every woman who has ever second-guessed herself, downplayed her worth, or felt trapped by fear. Denise’s insights will help you shift from anxious and overextended to calm, clear, and confidently in charge of your path. 🎧 Hit play if you’re ready to stop letting fear and anxiety call the shots—and start leading with strength, resilience, and self-trust. 👩‍💻 Want more support to grow as a leader? 📥 Download my free guide: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://limorbergman.com/careersteps/⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📰 Get weekly tips & insights: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://limorbergman.com/newsletter/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ready to get promoted without burnout? 👉 Join the waitlist for the Strategic Influence & Executive Presence Accelerator: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://limorbergman.com/accelerator⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📲 Stay Connected 🌐 Podcast hub: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://limorbergman.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🔗 LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/limorbergman⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📸 Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@limorbergman⁠⁠⁠ ▶️ YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠@LimorBergman⁠⁠⁠ About Denise G. Lee Denise G. Lee is a Healing and Leadership Coach who helps leaders and entrepreneurs turn personal struggles into professional breakthroughs. Through her own journey of overcoming fears, self-doubt, and toxic patterns, Denise discovered that true leadership requires emotional resilience, clarity, and healing. She writes extensively on these topics at deniseglee.com/blog and shares her insights on The Introverted Entrepreneur Podcast. 🔗 Connect with Denise: Exclusive Insights: https://info.deniseglee.com/learnwithdenise Website: https://deniseglee.com Blog: https://deniseglee.com/blog

    33 min
  2. How to Break Free From the Boxes Holding You Back with Betsy Pepine

    12 AUG

    How to Break Free From the Boxes Holding You Back with Betsy Pepine

    Ever feel like you’re living in a box, confined by expectations, titles, and rules you never agreed to? In this empowering episode of From a Woman to a Leader, I sit down with Betsy Pepine - best-selling author of Breaking Boxes, Wharton MBA, and powerhouse entrepreneur—to discuss what it truly takes to break free from the limits holding you back. Betsy has built multiple award-winning businesses, been recognized by The Wall Street Journal as one of the top real estate leaders in the U.S., and founded a nonprofit that supports at-risk families. But her most important work? Learning how to dismantle the invisible boxes that kept her from living life on her own terms. Together, we examine the fears, mindsets, and “shoulds” that hold women back, and the practical steps to regain your freedom, confidence, and purpose. 🎧 In this episode, you’ll learn: ✅ The 3 fears that keep women trapped in boxes, and how to overcome them ✅ How to spot when a box has stopped serving you (and when to step out) ✅ Why fear of failure is one of the biggest mental traps - and how to reframe it ✅ Daily habits to build resilience and embrace discomfort ✅ How to redefine success so it actually fits your life - not someone else’s version ✅ The mindset shifts that turn scary change into empowering opportunity This conversation will inspire you to question the rules you’ve been living by, honestly assess what’s no longer working, and take bold steps toward the career and life you truly desire. 🎧 Hit play if you’ve ever thought, “There has to be more than this” or if you’re ready to finally break your own boxes. 👩‍💻 Want more support to grow as a leader? 📥 Download my free guide: ⁠⁠⁠https://limorbergman.com/careersteps/⁠⁠⁠ 📰 Get weekly tips & insights: ⁠⁠⁠https://limorbergman.com/newsletter/⁠⁠⁠ Ready to get promoted without burnout? 👉 Join the waitlist for the Strategic Influence & Executive Presence Accelerator: ⁠⁠⁠https://limorbergman.com/accelerator⁠⁠⁠ 📲 Stay Connected 🌐 Podcast hub: ⁠⁠⁠https://limorbergman.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠ 🔗 LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/limorbergman⁠⁠⁠ 📸 Instagram: ⁠⁠@limorbergman⁠⁠ ▶️ YouTube: ⁠⁠@LimorBergman⁠⁠ About Betsy Pepine Betsy Pepine is a best-selling author, serial entrepreneur, and founder of Pepine Realty, consistently recognized as one of the top-producing real estate companies in the U.S. Endorsed by Barbara Corcoran, Dave Ramsey, and Glenn Beck, Betsy also owns a title company, real estate school, and property management brokerage. Passionate about giving back, she founded Pepine Gives, a nonprofit helping families facing housing insecurity. 🔗 Connect with Betsy: Website: https://www.betsypepine.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/betsypepine Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betsypepine

    30 min
  3. How to Stay in the Workforce Without Burning Out: The Truth About Women Juggling It All with Kathryn Sollmann

    5 AUG

    How to Stay in the Workforce Without Burning Out: The Truth About Women Juggling It All with Kathryn Sollmann

    Ever feel like something has to give: your career, your kids, your sanity? In this empowering episode of From a Woman to a Leader, I sit down with Kathryn Sollmann, career coach, speaker, and author of The 4 Jobs Club, to talk about what no one tells you about staying in the workforce without burning out. Kathryn has coached thousands of women navigating caregiving, ambition, and identity while raising two daughters, juggling elder care, and building a 30+ year career across corporate and entrepreneurial roles. Together, we delve into the invisible labor women carry, the real cost of stepping out of work, and how top women leaders manage it all (hint: it’s not about throwing money at the problem, it’s about project managing your life like a boss). 🎧 In this episode, you’ll learn: ✅ What the “4 jobs” are, and why most women are doing them all ✅ Why leaving the workforce isn’t always the answer (even when it feels like it) ✅ How to rethink support at home and stop carrying it all yourself ✅ What senior women do differently to make work fit their lives ✅ Why financial independence matters more than ever—and how to protect it ✅ How to say “no” with grace, ask for help without guilt, and stay in the game This episode is a must-listen for any woman who’s wondering, “Can I really keep doing this?” The answer is yes—but not without a mindset shift, support system, and a few sanity-saving strategies. 🎧 Hit play if you’ve ever thought about leaving your job to survive the juggle, or if you’re determined to keep your career and your life intact. 👩‍💻 Want more support to grow as a leader? 📥 Download my free guide: ⁠⁠https://limorbergman.com/careersteps/⁠⁠ 📰 Get weekly tips & insights: ⁠⁠https://limorbergman.com/newsletter/⁠⁠ Ready to get promoted without burnout? 👉 Join the waitlist for the Strategic Influence & Executive Presence Accelerator: ⁠⁠https://limorbergman.com/accelerator⁠⁠ 📲 Stay Connected 🌐 Podcast hub: ⁠⁠https://limorbergman.com/podcast⁠⁠ 🔗 LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/limorbergman⁠⁠ 📸 Instagram: ⁠@limorbergman⁠ ▶️ YouTube: ⁠@LimorBergman⁠ About Kathryn Sollmann Kathryn Sollmann is a career coach, speaker, and author of The 4 Jobs Club and Ambition Redefined. She’s on a mission to keep women working—for long-term financial security and personal fulfillment. As the founder of The 4 Jobs Club and a Fair Play facilitator, Kathryn helps women across all life stages navigate caregiving, work, and self-worth with grace and grit. 🔗 Connect with Kathryn: LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathrynsollmann⁠ Website: ⁠https://www.kathrynsollmann.com⁠

    25 min
  4. Do You Really Need a Degree to Work in Tech? How to Succeed Without One with Elena Levi

    29 JUL

    Do You Really Need a Degree to Work in Tech? How to Succeed Without One with Elena Levi

    Wondering if you really need a degree to break into tech, or if it’s already too late to start? In this powerful episode of From a Woman to a Leader, I talk with Elena Levi, Director of Product at Voyantis, who proves that hands-on learning, curiosity, and persistence can take you further than a formal degree ever could. Elena never planned to work in tech. Born in Belarus, raised in Israel, and without a computer science degree, she landed her first role in data at 21, and fell in love with it. Today, she leads AI-powered innovation and product strategy, helping companies dramatically increase ROI using predictive analytics and machine learning. Together, we explore how to build a thriving tech career on your own terms, why degrees aren’t the only path to success, and how to navigate bias and burnout while raising a family and growing your impact. 🎧 In this episode, you’ll learn: ✅ How to break into data, product, or AI, even without a tech degree ✅ Why hands-on experience often trumps academic credentials ✅ The truth about hiring biases, junior roles, and how to stand out ✅ Elena’s practical tips for getting started in tech (and what she tells mentees) ✅ How to stay curious, build confidence, and thrive in a fast-moving industry This isn’t just a career story, it’s a refreshing, honest conversation about rewriting the rules, trusting your instincts, and building your own version of success in tech. 🎧 Hit play if you’ve ever questioned whether you’re “qualified enough” or ready to take that next bold step. 👩‍💻 Want more support to grow as a leader? 📥 Download my free guide: ⁠https://limorbergman.com/careersteps/⁠ 📰 Get weekly tips & insights: ⁠https://limorbergman.com/newsletter/⁠ Ready to get promoted without burnout? 👉 Join the waitlist for the Strategic Influence & Executive Presence Accelerator: ⁠https://limorbergman.com/accelerator⁠ 📲 Stay Connected 🌐 Podcast hub: ⁠https://limorbergman.com/podcast⁠ 🔗 LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/limorbergman⁠ 📸 Instagram: @limorbergman ▶️ YouTube: @LimorBergman About Elena Levi Elena Levi is the Director of Product at Voyantis, where she builds groundbreaking AI and machine learning products that drive real impact. With over 14 years of experience in data and product leadership, Elena has worked at startups and scaled companies like AppsFlyer. She is also a dedicated mentor, speaker, and advocate for diversity in tech, helping the next generation of women break into the industry and thrive. 🔗 Connect with Elena LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-levi-data/⁠ Website: ⁠https://www.voyantis.ai/

    41 min
  5. How to Pivot Into Tech Without Experience & Find Your Voice in a Male-Dominated Industry with Lori Crooks

    22 JUL

    How to Pivot Into Tech Without Experience & Find Your Voice in a Male-Dominated Industry with Lori Crooks

    Afraid you’re not “qualified enough” to pivot into tech—or to put yourself out there as a leader? In this empowering episode of From a Woman to a Leader, I talk with Lori Crooks, a cybersecurity CEO who proves you don’t need a perfect resume to build a thriving tech career. Lori started out in accounting, had zero cybersecurity experience, and still took a leap into a field where she was often the only woman in the room. Today, she runs her own consulting company helping businesses navigate complex security and compliance challenges. Together, we explore how to break into tech without a technical background, the mindset shifts that help you find your voice in a male-dominated industry, and why stepping out of your comfort zone—yes, even making videos!—can unlock new opportunities. 🎧 In this episode, you’ll learn: ✅ How to pivot into cybersecurity (or any tech field) without starting over ✅ What it really takes to stand out as a woman in a male-dominated space ✅ Simple ways to build visibility and credibility—even if you’re introverted ✅ How to decide if starting your own business or consulting is right for you ✅ Why networking, conferences, and mentorship are game-changers for your growth This isn’t just a career story—it’s an honest, actionable conversation about pushing past fear, saying yes to the unknown, and creating your own path in tech and leadership. 🎧 Hit play if you’re exploring a career change, dreaming of leadership, or need a boost of courage to take your next step. 👩‍💻 Want more support to grow as a leader? 📥 Download my free guide: https://limorbergman.com/careersteps/ 📰 Get weekly tips & insights: https://limorbergman.com/newsletter/ Ready to get promoted without burnout? 👉 Join the waitlist for the Strategic Influence & Executive Presence Accelerator: https://limorbergman.com/accelerator 📲 Stay Connected 🌐 Podcast hub: https://limorbergman.com/podcast 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/limorbergman 📸 Instagram: @limorbergman ▶️ YouTube: @LimorBergman About Lori Crooks Lori Crooks is the Founder & CEO of Cadra, a consultancy specializing in cybersecurity assessments and security management projects. With over two decades of experience in information security, compliance frameworks, and federal regulations, she mentors women in cybersecurity and helps organizations confidently navigate complex security requirements. 🔗 Connect with Lori LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lori-crooks/ Website: https://www.cadra.com/

    26 min
  6. What to Do When You Feel Like an Outsider: A Guide for Women in Leadership with Yesim Gözen

    15 JUL

    What to Do When You Feel Like an Outsider: A Guide for Women in Leadership with Yesim Gözen

    Have you ever felt like you didn’t belong in the room, even after you worked so hard to get there? In this powerful and deeply honest episode of From a Woman to a Leader, I sit down with Yesim Gözen, a former Google executive and tech leader who rebuilt her confidence after moving countries, facing imposter syndrome, and feeling like an outsider in male-dominated rooms. Yesim shares her journey from Turkey to Dublin to London, navigating life, leadership, and identity along the way. We talk about what happens when everything around you changes, and how to find your voice again when you’re no longer sure who you are. 🎧 In this episode, you’ll learn: How to rebuild confidence after a major life or career change What imposter syndrome really feels like at the leadership table How coaching helped Yesim find clarity, courage, and a new purpose Why boundaries are essential for thriving, not just surviving A new perspective on success that doesn’t require burnout This isn’t just about career growth. It’s about owning your story, finding your voice, and knowing you belong. 🎧 Hit play if you’ve ever felt like the only one in the room, or wondered if you’re really cut out for leadership. 👩‍💻 Want more support to grow as a leader? 📥 Download my free guide: https://limorbergman.com/careersteps/ 📰 Get weekly tips & insights: https://limorbergman.com/newsletter/ Ready to get promoted without burnout? Join the waitlist for the Strategic Influence & Executive Presence Accelerator: https://limorbergman.com/accelerator 📲 Stay Connected 🌐 Podcast hub: https://limorbergman.com/podcast 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/limorbergman 📸 Instagram: @limorbergman ▶️ YouTube: @LimorBergman About Yesim Gözen Yesim Gözen is an ICF-accredited executive coach and former Google Cloud executive with 20+ years of experience leading sales and strategy across global tech companies including Oracle and Microsoft. After launching Google Cloud in Turkey, she relocated to Dublin and later London, where she held regional leadership roles. Today, she helps senior women in tech reclaim confidence, overcome imposter syndrome, and lead with authenticity. 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yesim-gozen/

    39 min
  7. How to Grow Your Data Career With Confidence, Clarity & Zero Burnout with Harini Rajagopal

    8 JUL

    How to Grow Your Data Career With Confidence, Clarity & Zero Burnout with Harini Rajagopal

    How do you grow your data career with clarity, without burning out, selling out, or trying to be the smartest person in the room? In this honest and insightful episode of From a Woman to a Leader, I sit down with Harini Rajagopal, a senior data engineering leader who has done it all: data analyst, data scientist, software engineer, analytics engineer. And now Harini leads high-performing teams with a combination of strategy, empathy, and technical depth. Harini shares her journey of restarting her career in the U.S., navigating the shift from individual contributor to manager, and the lessons she wishes she could share with her 25-year-old self. We talk about what it really takes to grow in a data career, how to choose the right path (even if you’re unsure), and the two surprising skills every data professional needs—one of them is Excel, and the other might just transform how you lead. 🎧 In this episode, you’ll learn: The 4 career paths in data, and how to know which one’s right for youHow to become a leader without losing your technical edgeWhy being strategic means asking, “What happens if we don’t do this?”What it really takes to build trust and lead without micromanagingThe two underrated skills that can fast-track your career growth This is more than a career story; it’s a guide to leading with confidence, curiosity, and clarity at every stage of your tech journey. 🎧 Hit play if you’re exploring a data career path or wondering if leadership is right for you. 👩‍💻 Want more support to grow as a leader? 📥 Download my free guide: https://limorbergman.com/careersteps/ 📰 Get weekly tips & insights: https://limorbergman.com/newsletter/ Ready to get promoted without burnout? ⁠ Join the waitlist⁠ for the Strategic Influence & Executive Presence Accelerator: https://limorbergman.com/accelerator 📲 Stay Connected 🌐 Podcast hub: https://limorbergman.com/podcast 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/limorbergman 📸 Instagram: @limorbergman ▶️ YouTube: @LimorBergman About Harini Rajagopal Harini Rajagopal is a senior data engineering leader with over a decade of experience delivering scalable, cloud-native data platforms across insurance, fintech, and automotive sectors. At AAA Life Insurance, she leads teams that build high-impact data lakes and pipelines using AWS, Snowflake, Airflow, and Terraform. She’s also a speaker, mentor, and advocate for inclusive, high-performing teams. 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hrajagopal/

    41 min
  8. How to Build a Thriving Career Without Sacrificing Motherhood with Tracy Marlowe

    1 JUL

    How to Build a Thriving Career Without Sacrificing Motherhood with Tracy Marlowe

    Can you really build a successful career and be the kind of mom you want to be? In this inspiring and refreshingly honest episode of From a Woman to a Leader, I sit down with Tracy Marlowe—CEO of Creative Noggin, a fully remote ad agency she built in 2008 while breastfeeding her newborn. Today, that agency brings in over $7M a year and is recognized by Adweek as one of the fastest-growing agencies in the world. And here’s the best part? It’s built entirely on flexibility, empathy, and women-first leadership. Tracy shares how she broke away from the hustle-driven agency world to create a company where women can lead, thrive, and show up fully—for their work and their families. 🎧 In this episode, you’ll learn: ✅ How to create a career you love without burning out ✅ Why flexibility isn’t a perk—it’s a power move ✅ What it really takes to build a values-driven company ✅ How to stop hiding the “mom part” of your identity at work ✅ Why modeling ambition for your kids is a gift—not a guilt trip This isn’t just a story of entrepreneurship. It’s a blueprint for building work on your terms—as a woman, as a mother, as a leader. 🎧 Hit play if you’ve ever felt torn between your ambition and your family. 👩‍💻 Want more support to grow as a leader? 📥 Download my free guide: https://limorbergman.com/careersteps/ 📰 Get weekly tips & insights: https://limorbergman.com/newsletter/ 🌟 Ready to get promoted without burnout? ⁠Join the waitlist⁠ for the Strategic Influence & Executive Presence Accelerator: https://limorbergman.com/accelerator 📲 Stay Connected 🌐 Podcast hub: https://limorbergman.com/podcast 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/limorbergman 📸 Instagram: @limorbergman ▶️ YouTube: @LimorBergman About Tracy Marlowe Tracy Marlowe is the founder and CEO of Creative Noggin, a fully remote marketing agency specializing in purpose-driven branding. With over $7M in annual revenue, Tracy’s woman-led company is living proof that a flexible, human-centered workplace is not just good for employees—but great for business. 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-marlowe/ 🌐 Website: https://www.creativenoggin.com/

    33 min

About

Welcome to 'From a Woman to a Leader,' a podcast dedicated to discussing women's unique challenges in tech leadership and providing actionable tips to help overcome those challenges and grow your career in the tech industry. In each episode, I will speak with successful women in tech who have navigated the industry and come out on top, sharing their stories, insights, and advice for other women looking to do the same. Whether you're just starting out in your tech career or a seasoned professional looking to take the next step, this podcast is for you.