Tech in the Right Direction

How Flexibility Will Change the Future of the Workforce

Brea Starmer founder of Lions and Tigers, a marketing and strategy consultancy, shares her story of how she identified a need as a senior consultant, started her own business in 2018, and now serves customers including Microsoft and Google. Discussing the importance of courage, fearlessness and authenticity, Brea also dives into her flexible freelance model, a concept that unlocks a talent pool that previously was inaccessible and fulfills the desire for a healthy work-life balance. Later, Brea and Jennifer talk about what the future of work will be, as well as the challenges women in technology face every day, including Brea’s personal experience with pregnancy discrimination. Listen in and don’t miss this featured episode!

How to Overcome Adversity as a Minority in the Tech Industry

This week we welcome Alison Chung, founder and President of TeamWerks, a Chicago-based technology consulting firm with a growing specialty practice in computer forensics. Finding her passion for technology during college, Alison never looked back no matter the challenges she faced being a woman in technology. Listen in as Alison shares how she overcame the daunting feeling and fear she experienced and the importance of mentorship, validation and positive reinforcement.

A Woman’s Journey from the Casino Industry to one of the World’s Largest Tech Companies

This week Heather Doran, a Las Vegas native shares her story of how at 16, she started her career in the Casino industry gaining business experience throughout high school and college, working for MGM Resorts for 10 years, and enduing up at Microsoft. She discusses the culture change she experienced when going from the casino industry to the tech industry, the imposter syndrome that she struggled with, and the amazing women who inspired her at Microsoft. Join us as we dig into the importance of authenticity, mindfulness and balance, as well as some discussion on the issue of inequality in the tech industry.

COVID-19 and Working from Home: The New Normal

This week we are joined by Kate Lister, a well-recognized thought leader and president of a research-based consulting firm. Recently, Kate has written about her perspective on how COVID-19 will affect the way people work and has been published in the New York Times, Washington Post, Newsweek and more. Listen in to be a part of a discussion on how companies have been responding to the ‘new normal’ of working from home and the pros and cons of working remote. From productivity, disaster readiness, and retention to struggling to recreate water cooler culture and preventing loneliness, Kate and Jennifer touch on all aspects of working remote on a personal, professional, technical and environmental level.

The Advice I Would Give My Younger Self

This week, we are joined by global technology leader, investor, and advocate for advancement of women in the workplace, Harini Gokul. Harini was raised in India and came to America to further her education, receiving her MBA from Vanderbilt University. Join us as Harini shares her thoughts on being a woman in technology and her positive outlook on the progress within the industry surrounding diversity and inclusion. She shares the lessons she’s learned throughout her career and the four areas she believes are essential for success.

Navigating a New Path

After a great first season of Tech in the Right Direction, we’re excited to announce some upcoming changes. Tech in the Direction will now focus solely on host Jennifer Didier’s passion: Women in Tech. As a woman in technology herself, Jennifer has always been passionate about helping guide and mentor other women and young girls to explore the world of technology and what it has to offer. With only 26% of computing jobs being held by women and that number continuing to decline over the years, Jennifer is committed to doing her part in closing the gender, pay, and culture gap in the tech industry. Join us in our initiative to turn ideas into action and create opportunities for women and girls to advance in tech, and tune in every Tuesday for a new episode!

How to Land Your Dream Job by Getting Uncomfortable

This week on Tech in the Right Direction we start off talking with full stack web developer and technical trainer Jenna Beckett. Jenna began her career in construction management but eventually found herself in a bootcamp to become a developer. After a few years in the field she returned to bootcamps, but this time as a trainer helping others learn as she did and helping them enter the tech field. Listen in to hear Jenna’s views on taking the ‘non-traditional’ route into technology, why she doesn’t believe four-year degrees should be a requirement in the tech industry, and when certifications are most valuable.

How to Land Your Dream Job by Getting Uncomfortable…and Being Human!

This week, IT Business Analyst Caitlin Knox joins us to share her journey into technology. Working in Hospitality, studying Political Science, then returning to Hospitality, Caitlin continually explored her skill sets. Taking a leap of faith, with no experience in the tech industry, she found a job as a Tech Assistant. See how Kaitlin uses her ‘humanness’ to stand out and hear her inspiring story of being a rookie in tech while pushing herself to be one of the first complex users of Power BI.Later, we have a guest in our Next Gen Tech Segment, high schooler Sarah Hole. Getting her start in technology in just third grade when she had her first experience with code, Sarah found the abilities it gave her magical and she hasn’t looked back ever since. Holding multiple Microsoft Certifications, being a part of a competitive robotics team and showing great interest in cyber security, Sarah discusses the problems she experiences with technology and the incredible support system she’s developed.