Work Self vs. Authentic Self: Finding Balance

In this episode, Mollie and Claire interview Sara Wachter-Boettcher, a leadership coach, speaker, and author who is the CEO of Active Voice, a company focused on creating bold leaders and better workplaces in design and tech. The conversation covers:

• Sara's career journey and transition from consulting to founding Active Voice
• The challenges faced by product teams and designers in balancing their values with business priorities
• The importance of setting boundaries and maintaining a sense of identity beyond one's job
• Fostering psychological safety within teams
• Advice for newcomers entering the tech industry amidst ongoing changes and uncertainties.

(01:08) - Guest Introduction

Sara is introduced as the guest, and her background as a leadership coach, speaker, author, and CEO of Active Voice is highlighted.

(02:17) - Sara's Career Journey

Sara shares her career journey, starting as a web writer, transitioning into content strategy and UX work, building a team at an agency, and eventually moving into consulting.

(04:09) - Founding Active Voice

Sara discusses the motivation behind founding Active Voice, stemming from her observations of people struggling to find their voice and power within organizations.

(06:31) - Work-Life Balance and Identity

The conversation explores the challenges of maintaining a healthy work-life balance, the tendency to wrap one's identity around work, and the importance of separating personal identity from professional roles.

(10:23) - Navigating Gender Biases

Sara shares her experiences navigating gender biases in the workplace, the double standards women face in tech, and strategies for asserting oneself while maintaining authenticity.

(16:33) - Fostering Psychological Safety

The discussion focuses on fostering psychological safety within teams, the role of leaders in creating a safe environment for vulnerability, and the importance of open communication and setting boundaries.

(21:21) - Work Pressures in the Tech Industry

Sara addresses common challenges faced by individuals in the tech industry, such as the pressure to prioritize metrics over human-centered values, the dissonance between personal beliefs and organizational priorities, and the need for self-awareness and boundary-setting.

(28:48) - Sara's Biggest Challenges in the Workplace

Sara reflects on her challenges, including setting boundaries, communicating effectively, and building mutually beneficial working relationships.

(34:47) - Advice for Newcomers to Tech

Sara offers advice for newcomers entering the tech industry, emphasizing the importance of accepting change, maintaining a sense of identity beyond work, and finding ways to express personal values both within and outside of one's job.