Bytes, Bits & Brilliance: Career Insights and Inspiration

Courageous Daring Wonderful You, LLC

Bytes, Bits & Brilliance: Career Insights and Inspiration is your guide to building a thriving, long-lasting career.  This season, we’re diving into both the technical and human elements of a thriving career—exploring career strategy, leadership, and the evolving mindsets that fuel success, alongside deeper dives into cutting-edge technology tools, emerging industry trends, and critical technical skills.  With a mix of expert conversations and personal reflections, this season is about equipping you with the insights, strategies, and inspiration to move forward with clarity, confidence, and purpose. Join us as we decode the wisdom of those who’ve forged their own paths and gain the insights you need to shape yours. The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and not reflective of any employer.

  1. HÁ 16 H

    Using Our Voices: Reclaiming Power, Presence, and Purpose

    Send us a text In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Bytes, Bits & Brilliance, host Dawn Butler invites listeners into a heart-to-heart about what it truly means to use our voices — especially as Black women in Cybersecurity and Tech leadership. Dawn shares her journey from silence to self-advocacy, from fighting invisible internal battles to boldly standing up for fairness, equity, and representation. With emotional depth and practical wisdom, she unpacks how fear, culture, and corporate dynamics can silence us — and how faith, courage, and community can help us speak again. Listeners will walk away inspired and equipped to use their voices in their careers, relationships, and communities — not just to be heard, but to create change. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: What “using your voice” really means in leadership and in lifeHow silence can become an internal fight we don’t even realize we’re losingThe spiritual and emotional transformation that happens when we start speaking upPractical ways to use your voice at work, in meetings, and in your communityWhy representation and visibility matter for Black women in cybersecurityHow public speaking can amplify your influence and open unexpected doorsPlus: Dawn shares how you can work with her to find your voice, build confidence, and step onto stages — both in your life and at tech conferences where your story and expertise deserve to be heard. Learn more here Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnbutler1/ Support the show Hey, listeners and tech enthusiasts! 🌟 If you've been enjoying our podcast and finding value in the insights shared, we'd love your support. You can: Take a moment to share this podcast with someone who might benefit from our discussions. Submit the interest form if you’d like to be a guest, join a panel, or participate in live coaching. Let us know how we're doing. We’d love to hear from you. Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. If you’re in a position to support financially, consider supporting the show via the "Bytes of Kindness" Tip Jar, or Buy Me a Coffee. This podcast is a self-funded and my way of giving back, especially to underrepresented voices in tech and cybersecurity. Your support keeps us going and growing. Thanks for being part of this journey and our community! Looking for mentorship? Let's talk about what you need and how I may be able to help: Mentor Moments Lightning Session The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and not reflective of any employer.

    43min

  2. 27 DE OUT.

    Strategic Skills Shift: Pivoting to Technical Account Manager and Advanced Customer Success Roles (AI-Audio Overview)

    Send us a text The Customer Success Manager (CSM) role has emerged as a critical strategic business function in the technology industry, particularly within SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) companies. But what does a CSM actually do, and how can your existing professional experience launch you into this growing field? When I was laid off and started exploring options for my next role, a few people suggested customer success and I realized I'd heard about the role but didn't know much about it, why they said it was a viable option based on my work history, and how to pivot. In this episode, we clarify why Customer Success is considered a vital technology profession. Unlike traditional, reactive Customer Service, CS is proactive—it's a long-term strategy focused on ensuring customers achieve their desired outcomes and maximizing sustainable proven profitability for the company. CSMs directly influence business outcomes by driving customer retention, upsell, and cross-sell. We dissect the top 5 essential skills—like communication, problem-solving, and relationship building—that are highly transferable and make this pivot possible. We also explore advanced roles that experienced professionals can target, such as Technical Account Manager or Implementation Manager. If you are ready to pivot into a revenue-generating function in the modern tech sector, tune in for your actionable roadmap! Support the show Hey, listeners and tech enthusiasts! 🌟 If you've been enjoying our podcast and finding value in the insights shared, we'd love your support. You can: Take a moment to share this podcast with someone who might benefit from our discussions. Submit the interest form if you’d like to be a guest, join a panel, or participate in live coaching. Let us know how we're doing. We’d love to hear from you. Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. If you’re in a position to support financially, consider supporting the show via the "Bytes of Kindness" Tip Jar, or Buy Me a Coffee. This podcast is a self-funded and my way of giving back, especially to underrepresented voices in tech and cybersecurity. Your support keeps us going and growing. Thanks for being part of this journey and our community! Looking for mentorship? Let's talk about what you need and how I may be able to help: Mentor Moments Lightning Session The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and not reflective of any employer.

    16min

  3. 20 DE OUT.

    Empathy at Work: How Kindness is Rewiring the Workplace

    Send us a text What does it really look like to lead with empathy in industries that reward output over openness?  In this refreshingly honest episode, I share my personal journey from environments lacking compassion to intentionally creating micro-cultures of belonging, trust, and meaningful feedback.  Drawing on the powerful McKinsey article, “It’s Cool to Be Kind: The Value of Empathy at Work,” I’ll break down actionable takeaways using the starburst method.  Whether you’re an emerging leader, a tech veteran, or someone paving the way for greater representation, discover why empathy is your superpower, how you can break the “performance-over-people” cycle, and what happens when kind leadership is contagious. Get in Touch: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnbutler1/ Support the show Hey, listeners and tech enthusiasts! 🌟 If you've been enjoying our podcast and finding value in the insights shared, we'd love your support. You can: Take a moment to share this podcast with someone who might benefit from our discussions. Submit the interest form if you’d like to be a guest, join a panel, or participate in live coaching. Let us know how we're doing. We’d love to hear from you. Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. If you’re in a position to support financially, consider supporting the show via the "Bytes of Kindness" Tip Jar, or Buy Me a Coffee. This podcast is a self-funded and my way of giving back, especially to underrepresented voices in tech and cybersecurity. Your support keeps us going and growing. Thanks for being part of this journey and our community! Looking for mentorship? Let's talk about what you need and how I may be able to help: Mentor Moments Lightning Session The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and not reflective of any employer.

    26min

  4. 13 DE OUT.

    Mentors, Soft Skills & Mindset: A Cybersecurity Story (Guest: Aaleyah Evans)

    Send us a text Is leadership just for those in corner offices?  Not so fast. Meet a Bahamian computer scientist, Aaleyah Evans,  whose early career in cybersecurity and academia challenged every stereotype—proving that relatability, mentorship, and mistakes are the real fuel for future leaders. Listen in for honest stories about building confidence, tackling mistakes head-on, and the power of company-led mentorship to inspire the next wave of tech talent. If cybersecurity sounds all code and no people, this episode will flip that script—showing how soft skills, digital literacy, and a commitment to lifting others can shape the future. Aaleyah leaves us with the ultimate challenge: “If not now, when? If not you, who?” Connect with us: Dawn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnbutler1/ Aaleyah: LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaleyah-s-evans/ Cybergirl IG: https://www.instagram.com/cybergirl_security Support the show Hey, listeners and tech enthusiasts! 🌟 If you've been enjoying our podcast and finding value in the insights shared, we'd love your support. You can: Take a moment to share this podcast with someone who might benefit from our discussions. Submit the interest form if you’d like to be a guest, join a panel, or participate in live coaching. Let us know how we're doing. We’d love to hear from you. Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. If you’re in a position to support financially, consider supporting the show via the "Bytes of Kindness" Tip Jar, or Buy Me a Coffee. This podcast is a self-funded and my way of giving back, especially to underrepresented voices in tech and cybersecurity. Your support keeps us going and growing. Thanks for being part of this journey and our community! Looking for mentorship? Let's talk about what you need and how I may be able to help: Mentor Moments Lightning Session The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and not reflective of any employer.

    40min

  5. 6 DE OUT.

    The Alignment Revolution: Turning Layoffs and Setbacks into Opportunity (Guest: Jessica Cumming)

    Send us a text What happens when your “perfect job” doesn’t fit?  In this electrifying episode, meet a former tech pro, Jessica Cumming, who battled layoffs and glass ceilings—then flipped uncertainty into unstoppable growth. Hear how she turned misalignment at Dell into a launchpad for transformation, chose purpose over comfort, and built a coaching career grounded in bold action and realignment. We dive into the importance of: Taking time to truly reflect before transitioning careersBuilding networks and identifying transferable skillsConsidering financial runways beyond survivalAligning your career choices with your personal values and legacyExpect hacks for surviving layoffs, tips for building networks that work, and a mindset shift that will empower your own career leap. Connect with us: Dawn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnbutler1/ Jessica: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicacumming04/ Support the show Hey, listeners and tech enthusiasts! 🌟 If you've been enjoying our podcast and finding value in the insights shared, we'd love your support. You can: Take a moment to share this podcast with someone who might benefit from our discussions. Submit the interest form if you’d like to be a guest, join a panel, or participate in live coaching. Let us know how we're doing. We’d love to hear from you. Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. If you’re in a position to support financially, consider supporting the show via the "Bytes of Kindness" Tip Jar, or Buy Me a Coffee. This podcast is a self-funded and my way of giving back, especially to underrepresented voices in tech and cybersecurity. Your support keeps us going and growing. Thanks for being part of this journey and our community! Looking for mentorship? Let's talk about what you need and how I may be able to help: Mentor Moments Lightning Session The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and not reflective of any employer.

    47min

  6. 29 DE SET.

    Breaking In Without Burning Out: One Woman’s Path Into Cybersecurity, One Connection at a Time (Guest: Sofi Rodriguez)

    Send us a text What does it take to pivot from a 24-year career in caregiving to a thriving path in cybersecurity?  In this inspiring episode, we sit down with a former nanny and caregiver, Diana Sofi Rodriguez, originally from Peru, who shares her remarkable journey of reinvention.  She opens up about how skills like patience, organization, and empathy became powerful assets for a cybersecurity career and how faith and perseverance played a central role in her growth. From graduating top of her class in a cybersecurity bootcamp to volunteering at tech events and building authentic networking relationships, she reveals strategies anyone can apply when navigating a career transition.  She also reflects on her immigrant experience, her strong identity rooted in her Peruvian heritage, and the influence of her mother’s resilience at 87 years old. If you’re looking for encouragement during your career pivot or need fresh motivation for your job search, this conversation is packed with wisdom, faith-driven confidence, and practical strategies for thriving. Connect on LinkedIn: Sofi: linkedin.com/in/diana-sofía-rodríguez Dawn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnbutler1/ Support the show Hey, listeners and tech enthusiasts! 🌟 If you've been enjoying our podcast and finding value in the insights shared, we'd love your support. You can: Take a moment to share this podcast with someone who might benefit from our discussions. Submit the interest form if you’d like to be a guest, join a panel, or participate in live coaching. Let us know how we're doing. We’d love to hear from you. Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. If you’re in a position to support financially, consider supporting the show via the "Bytes of Kindness" Tip Jar, or Buy Me a Coffee. This podcast is a self-funded and my way of giving back, especially to underrepresented voices in tech and cybersecurity. Your support keeps us going and growing. Thanks for being part of this journey and our community! Looking for mentorship? Let's talk about what you need and how I may be able to help: Mentor Moments Lightning Session The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and not reflective of any employer.

    41min

  7. 22 DE SET.

    Cyber Thriver: Breaking Barriers, Building Networks & Uplifting Diversity in Cybersecurity (Guest: Geraldine Okon)

    Send us a text What does it really take to thrive for two decades in cybersecurity—and to blaze a trail for others?  In this episode of Bytes, Bits and Brilliance, I sit down with the powerhouse behind Cyber Thriver, Geraldine Okon, a 20-year cybersecurity pro who rose from computer operator to trusted mentor, connector, and entrepreneur. We dive deep into her unconventional journey—spanning financial services, a forklift company, and beyond—while unpacking the real roadblocks and hidden opportunities in tech today.  We talk about the game-changing power of networking, conference hustle strategies, and the magic of mentorship (especially for women of color).  Plus, you’ll hear her bold vision for using Cyber Thriver to help the next generation access career-defining industry events. Cyber Thriver: www.thecyberthriverr.com Level up your self-advocacy, discover secrets to breaking stereotypes, and learn how a spark of giving back can turn into an industry-wide shift.  If you’re ready for real stories, real advice, and new moves for your own career, this is your episode. Connect on LinkedIn: Dawn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnbutler1/ Support the show Hey, listeners and tech enthusiasts! 🌟 If you've been enjoying our podcast and finding value in the insights shared, we'd love your support. You can: Take a moment to share this podcast with someone who might benefit from our discussions. Submit the interest form if you’d like to be a guest, join a panel, or participate in live coaching. Let us know how we're doing. We’d love to hear from you. Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. If you’re in a position to support financially, consider supporting the show via the "Bytes of Kindness" Tip Jar, or Buy Me a Coffee. This podcast is a self-funded and my way of giving back, especially to underrepresented voices in tech and cybersecurity. Your support keeps us going and growing. Thanks for being part of this journey and our community! Looking for mentorship? Let's talk about what you need and how I may be able to help: Mentor Moments Lightning Session The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and not reflective of any employer.

    35min

  8. 8 DE SET.

    Leading Through the Shift: Human-Centered AI in Tech Transformation

    Send us a text This 20-minute episode dives into the transformative journey of tech leadership in the age of generative AI.  Drawing from My personal reflections and insights from the Google Cloud Generative AI Leader training, it explores how leaders can navigate uncertainty, drive innovation, and empower teams through change.  Whether you're a CTO, product manager, or engineering lead, this episode offers practical strategies and thought-provoking perspectives to help you lead with clarity and confidence. Connect with me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnbutler1/ Support the show Hey, listeners and tech enthusiasts! 🌟 If you've been enjoying our podcast and finding value in the insights shared, we'd love your support. You can: Take a moment to share this podcast with someone who might benefit from our discussions. Submit the interest form if you’d like to be a guest, join a panel, or participate in live coaching. Let us know how we're doing. We’d love to hear from you. Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. If you’re in a position to support financially, consider supporting the show via the "Bytes of Kindness" Tip Jar, or Buy Me a Coffee. This podcast is a self-funded and my way of giving back, especially to underrepresented voices in tech and cybersecurity. Your support keeps us going and growing. Thanks for being part of this journey and our community! Looking for mentorship? Let's talk about what you need and how I may be able to help: Mentor Moments Lightning Session The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and not reflective of any employer.

    27min
Ver tudo (59)

Trailer

Classificações e avaliações

5
de 5
3 avaliações

Sobre

Bytes, Bits & Brilliance: Career Insights and Inspiration is your guide to building a thriving, long-lasting career.  This season, we’re diving into both the technical and human elements of a thriving career—exploring career strategy, leadership, and the evolving mindsets that fuel success, alongside deeper dives into cutting-edge technology tools, emerging industry trends, and critical technical skills.  With a mix of expert conversations and personal reflections, this season is about equipping you with the insights, strategies, and inspiration to move forward with clarity, confidence, and purpose. Join us as we decode the wisdom of those who’ve forged their own paths and gain the insights you need to shape yours. The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and not reflective of any employer.

Informações