85 episodes

Black Tech Unplugged, hosted by Deena McKay, is a podcast that shares the authentic stories of Blacks in tech. Not only do you learn the stories of individuals in tech, but you learn about their successes, failures, resources and most importantly the skills you need in your toolkit to be successful in tech. Each episode is meant to inspire, motivate, and empower those in tech or looking to get into the industry.

Black Tech Unplugged Black Tech Unplugged by Deena McKay

    • Technology
    • 5.0 • 92 Ratings

Black Tech Unplugged, hosted by Deena McKay, is a podcast that shares the authentic stories of Blacks in tech. Not only do you learn the stories of individuals in tech, but you learn about their successes, failures, resources and most importantly the skills you need in your toolkit to be successful in tech. Each episode is meant to inspire, motivate, and empower those in tech or looking to get into the industry.

    (Ep. 083) Venture Capital (VC) Unplugged with Kelli Jones

    (Ep. 083) Venture Capital (VC) Unplugged with Kelli Jones

    On this episode of Black Tech Unplugged, host Deena McKay sits down with the remarkable Kelli Jones, co-founder and general partner for Sixty8 Capital.

    They discuss Kelly's journey in tech, her work as a VC, and the importance of emotional intelligence in the industry. Plus, Deena shares some valuable resources for improving emotional intelligence.

    This is the last episode of the season, so catch up on all the previous episodes before the new season starts in 2024. Happy listening!

    Watch the full video interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/4AeclPdrmhk?si=n5IKRoKBeNddh1Fn

    Full show notes (with links and resources): https://blacktechunplugged.com/2023/11/16/ep-083-kelli-jones-unplugged/

    Connect with Kelli:
    • LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellinikole
    • Twitter | https://twitter.com/kellinikole
    • Be Nimble Co website | https://www.benimbleco.com
    • Sixty8 Capital website | https://www.sixty8.capital/

    • 46 min
    (Ep. 082) ThinkChicago Unplugged with Trenton Dunn

    (Ep. 082) ThinkChicago Unplugged with Trenton Dunn

    On this episode of Black Tech Unplugged, host Deena McKay interviews Trenton Dunn, the program manager for Think Chicago at World Business Chicago.

    This live podcast episode was recorded at GET Exploration, an event that showcased Chicago-based tech professionals and companies.

    Trenton discusses his role in attracting and retaining STEM talent through events like Think Chicago Lollapalooza. He also shares insights on Chicago's tech industry.

    Don't miss this unique and informative conversation!

    Connect with Trent & ThinkChicago:
    • Trent's LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/trentonrd/
    • Think Chicago Website | www.thinkchicago.net
    • ThinkChicago Instagram |https://www.instagram.com/think_chicago
    • ThinkChicago Linkedin | https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/thinkchicago/
    • Think Chicago Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/thinkchicago

    Full show notes here: https://blacktechunplugged.com/2023/10/31/ep-082-trenton-dunn-unplugged

    • 36 min
    (Ep. 081) Quality & Testing in Tech Unplugged with Vernon Richards

    (Ep. 081) Quality & Testing in Tech Unplugged with Vernon Richards

    On this episode of Black Tech Unplugged, host Deena McKay interviews Vernon Richards, a UK powerhouse in the tech industry. Vernon shares his journey from testing video games to becoming a senior expert quality engineer at a health tech company.

    He discusses the importance of quality and testing in building better products and delivering effective services. Vernon also provides valuable advice and resources for testers or those interested in pursuing a career in testing. Tune in to gain insights from Vernon's 20-plus year career in tech.

    Full show notes at: https://blacktechunplugged.com/2023/10/21/ep-081-vernon-richards-unplugged/

    Connect with Vernon:
    • LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/vernonrichards/
    • Twitter | https://twitter.com/TesterFromLeic
    • Bluesky | https://bsky.app/profile/testerfromleic.bsky.social

    • 45 min
    (Ep. 080) The Atlanta Tech Ecosystem Unplugged with Ariel Lopez

    (Ep. 080) The Atlanta Tech Ecosystem Unplugged with Ariel Lopez

    In this episode of Black Tech Unplugged, host Deena McKay, chats with Ariel Lopez.

    Ariel is the Founder and CEO of Knac, a hiring platform that reduces bias in the application process and a known tech mover in Atlanta. On this episode we discuss Atlanta's booming tech ecosystem, the city's connection to capital, and Ariel's previous career as a career coach and tech recruiter.

    Also, Ariel offers valuable advice on navigating a tech career during challenging times.

    Tune in to hear Ariel's insights on the future of work and making the job search more human.

    Full show notes at: https://blacktechunplugged.com/2023/10/02/ep-080-ariel-lopez-unplugged/

    Connect with Ariel:
    • LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariel-lopez/
    • Twitter | https://twitter.com/ArielLopez__
    • Instagram | https://www. instagram.com/ariellopez__xo
    • Personal website | www.arieldlopez.com
    • Knac | www.knac.io

    • 48 min
    (Ep. 079) Agile and Process Improvement Unplugged with Shayna Atkins

    (Ep. 079) Agile and Process Improvement Unplugged with Shayna Atkins

    On episode 079 of Black Tech Unplugged, I chat with Shayna Atkins, founder of AtkCo and a product development expert.

    AtkCo is a process improvement firm that helps customers with innovative product design, management, training, and managed services.

    Shayna and I discuss agile and its significance in the tech industry, her work in driving innovation and workforce development, how to be seen in the workplace, and why it's important to be known in the workplace.

    Like what you hear? Leave a written review of the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/black-tech-unplugged/id1244622242

    Full show notes for this episode: https://blacktechunplugged.com/2023/09/12/ep-079-shayna-atkins-unplugged/

    Connect with Shayna & AtkCo:
    • Atkco Inc Contact Page | atk.co/contactus
    • Atkco Inc Career Page | atk.co/careers
    • Linkedin | https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaynaatkins
    • Instagram | https://instagram.com/shaynaatkins

    • 47 min
    (Ep. 078) FinTech Unplugged with Solo Funds Co-Founder Rodney Williams

    (Ep. 078) FinTech Unplugged with Solo Funds Co-Founder Rodney Williams

    In this episode of Black Tech Unplugged, host Deena McKay welcomes Rodney Williams, founder of Solo Funds, to discuss the peer-to-peer lending platform and its mission to provide an alternative to payday loans. Rodney shares how Solo Funds connects individuals with lenders and has redefined access to capital for over 1.5 million users. Tune in to learn more about this innovative approach to community finance.

    Find out more about Solo Funds: https://solofunds.com/

    Get the Solo Funds App via the Apple Store (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/solo-funds-lend-borrow/id1270164837) or Google Play (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.solofunds&hl=en_US&gl=US&pli=1)

    Full show notes for this episode: https://blacktechunplugged.com/2023/08/29/ep-078-rodney-williams-unplugged/

    Write an Apple Podcast review for the show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/black-tech-unplugged/id1244622242

    • 38 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
92 Ratings

92 Ratings

DaNIeLLe* ,

LOVE

I’m in a career shift in my mid thirties, so when I were searching podcasts on Scrum Master info, I stumbled upon this podcast. I LOVE her voice and it’s great I’ve found my own community as a black woman shifting from the Business side to maybe dabbling in tech. I’m addicted to every episode, and I’ve binged them all so far! Do you mind talking more about Scrum Masters? You are awesome!

Tomscarb ,

Love this show

I have subscribed to Deena McKay’s Black Tech Unplugged since 2019, and it is one of my favorite podcasts. I always learn something new with each episode, and Deena’s interviews never disappoint. I really want to highlight Episode 68 from this week. Deena’s advice is pertinent to people in the IT career path at all levels. Looking forward to your future shows and thank you!

debintech1108 ,

Interesting Guests

I really enjoy this podcast. I get really excited whenever a new one pops up. I find the guests work directly in the industry and give an unfiltered inside look into their path to success. I highly recommend this podcast if you are navigating the tech workplace or have a desire to work in tech.

Top Podcasts In Technology

All-In with Chamath, Jason, Sacks & Friedberg
All-In Podcast, LLC
Lex Fridman Podcast
Lex Fridman
Hard Fork
The New York Times
No Priors: Artificial Intelligence | Machine Learning | Technology | Startups
Conviction | Pod People
TED Radio Hour
NPR
Acquired
Ben Gilbert and David Rosenthal

You Might Also Like