Synching Up by Out in Tech NY

Out in Tech NY
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**Synching Up: Conversations at the intersection of tech, identity, and innovation** This series highlights the unique intersection of identity, expertise, and innovation, focusing on how LGBTQ+ professionals bring distinct perspectives to their fields. It will explore: - Human-Centered Tech - Breaking Barriers - Future Gazing

  1. Apr 15

    You Are Not Your Skills: Identity in the Age of AI

    In this episode of Synching Up, Jake sits down with Sunny Israni — CTO & Co-Founder of Lightswitch, Columbia Business School professor, and AI educator — to unpack one of the most human questions in tech today: what happens to our identity when AI reshapes the skills we’ve built our lives around? From trading floors to startups to classrooms, Sunny shares how his own definition of identity has evolved — from where he worked, to what he could do, to the impact he creates. Together, they explore the growing divide in AI adoption, the emotional weight of feeling “replaced,” and why the future may belong to those who embrace curiosity, humility, and reinvention. This conversation moves beyond hype and fear, offering a grounded but optimistic perspective on how AI is not just disrupting work — it’s redefining how we see ourselves, what we value, and what we’re capable of building. Links from the Synch: Lightswitch Sunny's Forbes Article (Where Is AI Heading Next? Back To Basics With Traditional Businesses) Sunny's Socials: Sunny Says Yes - Sunny's YouTube Channel Sunny's Personal Website LinkedIn X Instagram TikTok Jake's Socials: LinkedIn SoundOff - Jake's Music App

    48 min

  2. Jan 14

    Building Advocacy Beyond Pride: A Conversation with Shane Lukas

    What happens when a teenage volunteer at Planned Parenthood witnesses ACT UP's graphic design revolution and decides to build a career at the intersection of creativity and activism?
 In this episode of Synching Up, Jake sits down with Shane Lukas, creative strategist and owner of A Great Idea, who's spent 25 years proving that design isn't just about aesthetics—it's a tool for resistance and social change.
 They discuss: How working with Planned Parenthood taught him that storytelling could create space for dignity and recognitionThe brutal truth about platform powerLeadership advice that hits hard: when others shine, you shine tooWhy Power Beyond Pride means thinking about all the values—not just one—that make queer communities powerful agents of change From grassroots organizing to working with healthcare and education partners nationwide, Shane's story is about merging purpose with strategy and recognizing the fullness of people in every interaction.
 Show Notes A Great IdeaShane's WebsiteShane’s LinkedIn Jake’s LinkedInPower Beyond Pride PodcastShane's First TED TalkShane's Upcoming book: "The Advocacy Advantage" (late 2025/early 2026)

    41 min

  3. 12/17/2025

    From Crypto to Civic Tech: Shruti Gupta on Reclaiming Politics and Finding Herself

    What happens when a software engineer leaves crypto behind to build something that actually improves civic life?

In this episode of Synching Up, Jake sits down with Shruti Gupta, founder of Pollsee, a new platform aiming to democratize lobbying and bring everyday people into conversations with local governments.

 They discuss: Why local elections feel so out of reach—and how Pollsee is changing thatHow Shruti navigated coming out, camping solo, and launching a company all in one yearWhat she learned from a co-founder breakup and why solo building is both freeing and lonelyAnd how being queer and brown shapes her role as a civic tech founder From potholes to policy proposals, Shruti’s story is one of bold pivots, quiet courage, and building the tools we wish we had. ⸻ Show Notes Shruti’s LinkedInPollseeOut in Tech Mentorship ProgramOut in Tech UOut in Tech DiscordGirls Who Code

    45 min

  4. 12/10/2025

    Nonlinear on Purpose: Mentorship, Internships, and Finding Your Spotlight with Brian Kirn

    What do you get when you blend performer, educator, and nonprofit strategist into one career? In this episode of Synching Up, Jake sits down with Brian Kirn, a former teacher, working actor, and nonprofit leader at America On Tech, to explore how internships, access, and identity intersect. They discuss: Why early access to tech internships mattersHow being queer and Midwestern shaped Brian’s leadership styleAnd how the performing arts prepare you for corporate life more than you’d expect From St. Louis to NYC, from Spanish teacher to hand model (yes, really), Brian’s journey reminds us that the nonlinear path is often the most impactful. Show Notes: Be Our Next Podcast GuestBrian's LinkedInBrian's InstagramJake's LinkedInAmerica On TechOut in Tech UOut in Tech DiscordBrainStation Digital Marketing Bootcamp

    46 min

  5. 12/03/2025

    The ROI of Authenticity: Angela Earl on Leading Out Loud

    What happens when you come out in your 40s after building a 20-year career in tech? In this episode of Synching Up, Angela Earl shares her powerful story of self-discovery, reinvention, and leadership. From navigating coming out as a queer woman in the midst of a high-powered marketing career, to unpacking the true ROI of inclusion and authenticity at work, Angela offers wisdom, wit, and tangible insight into what it means to lead with empathy and edge. We talk vulnerability, trust, burnout, Carol Dweck, LinkedIn panic attacks, and why sometimes the most courageous thing you can do is just show up. Whether you’re out, coming out, or still figuring it out — this episode is for you. Angela’s LinkedInJake's LinkedIn⁠Angela’s first book: Significant Women: Leaders Reveal What Matters MostMindset by Carol DweckUncloseted MediaOut in TechHRC - Coming Out Day Resources

    46 min

  6. 11/19/2025

    Direct, Not Harsh: How to Communicate with Confidence and Care with Jarryd Boyd

    What does it mean to communicate clearly without losing kindness - or yourself? In this episode of Synching Up, Jake sits down with Jarryd Boyd, a senior communications leader and certified coach, to unpack the real power of clarity in work and life. They explore why queer professionals often overexplain, how directness differs from harshness, and how simple frameworks like “clear is kind” can change your personal and working relationships, leadership style, and self-care practices. With insights on conflict, coaching, emotional marketing, and generational communication shifts, this is a candid and practical conversation for anyone trying to be understood - and stay grounded. Links and References: ⁠Jarryd’s LinkedIn⁠⁠Jarryd's Website⁠⁠Jake's LinkedIn⁠⁠Join Out in Tech

    47 min

  7. 11/12/2025

    Empathy by Design: Queer Perspectives on Digital Accessibility with Kai Wong

    In this episode of Synching Up,  Jake sits down with Kai Wong (she/they), Principal of Digital Accessibility at Teladoc Health and contributing author to Inclusive Design for Accessibility. Together, they unpack what digital accessibility really means—beyond checklists and compliance—and how Kai’s lived experience as a neurodivergent, non-binary, queer AAPI professional fuels their advocacy. From hiring with empathy to designing for inclusion, Kai shares why accessibility is essential to good UX, legal protection, and discoverability—and how embracing identity can be a superpower in the tech world. Plus, we talk about their book journey, the burnout realities of advocacy work, and the magic of weird friendships (shoutout to Pokémon Go!). Whether you’re new to accessibility or deep in the work, this episode will leave you feeling empowered, seen, and inspired to do better by design. Links and References: Inclusive Design for Accessibility AxeCon (free accessibility conference) Kai Wong’s LinkedIn Jake Tenenbaum’s LinkedIn Out in Tech Virtual Community Our Pokémon Go Trainer Codes Kai: 752861053459 Jake: 200519292777

    36 min

  8. 11/05/2025

    Showing Up: Brendon Hawkins on Art, Technology, and Community Accountability

    In this season two premiere of Synching Up, we sit down with Brendon Hawkins — a transdisciplinary artist and technical product manager working at the intersection of editorial, emerging technologies, and queer identity. Brendon walks us through a deeply reflective timeline, from fashion photography to fine art to cybersecurity and product innovation. We explore how their identity as a Black, queer, American professional informs their creative approach to both art and tech — and how cycles of tension and transformation have guided their personal and professional pivots. Along the way, we talk about showing up for community, the parallels between art critique and product management, and what it means to build with accountability in times of social and political unrest. Episode links and references below: Brendon Hawkins’ Website/PortfolioBrendon Hawkins' InstagramNeri Oxman - Krebs Cycle of CreativityJake Tenenbaum's LinkedInJoin Out in TechBe a Guest on the Podcast

    47 min
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**Synching Up: Conversations at the intersection of tech, identity, and innovation** This series highlights the unique intersection of identity, expertise, and innovation, focusing on how LGBTQ+ professionals bring distinct perspectives to their fields. It will explore: - Human-Centered Tech - Breaking Barriers - Future Gazing

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