Leading Women in Tech Podcast
For ambitious women ready to rise, lead, and thrive — without burning out. Are you delivering results… but still waiting to be seen as a true leader? Tired of performance reviews with praise — but no promotion? Hosted by Dr. Toni Collis, executive coach for women in tech, this podcast is your go-to leadership toolkit. Whether you're a rising Director, lone female VP, or overextended operator tired of being overlooked — you're in the right place. Each week, Toni shares real-world leadership strategies, career advancement frameworks, and executive presence tools to help you: ✅ Build strategic visibility ✅ Communicate like a trusted exec ✅ Navigate politics with integrity ✅ Advocate for yourself (without overworking) ✅ Lead with confidence, clarity, and influence You’ll also hear powerful interviews with women who’ve paved the way — and candid conversations on the unspoken challenges women face in male-dominated industries. ✨ If you're ready to go from “she’s great” to “she’s the obvious next Exec” — hit follow.
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292: From Tactical to Strategic: The Unspoken Rules for Women in Tech Stepping Into Executive Leadership
03/17/2026
292: From Tactical to Strategic: The Unspoken Rules for Women in Tech Stepping Into Executive Leadership
Executive Leadership for Women: From Tactical to Strategic You’ve mastered being a leader. But executive leadership for women is not just the next step up. It’s a completely different game. In this episode of Leading Women in Tech, we unpack why tactical excellence alone won’t get you promoted — and what actually signals executive readiness. If you’ve ever been told: “You’re doing great.” “Keep going.” “You’re almost there.” “We just need to see a bit more.” This episode is for you. We explore: Why women not getting promoted in tech is often a positioning issue The difference between management and executive leadership How gender bias in tech leadership shapes perception Navigating bro culture in tech without losing yourself Executive presence for women — and why it’s about credibility, not charisma Why sponsorship matters more than merit A practical 90-day roadmap to reposition yourself strategically Executive leadership for women is not about becoming louder. It’s about raising your altitude. **Useful links** Listen to Episode 286: Ready to Make the Shift? If you’re ready to transition from management to leadership at executive level — but need clarity on your perception gap — Book a Strategy Call: 👉 https://tonicollis.com/lets-chat Because executive leadership for women is not reserved for a personality type. It is built. And you are closer than you think.
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291: C-Level Leadership for Women in Tech: What It Really Takes to Thrive With Adelina Peltea
03/10/2026
291: C-Level Leadership for Women in Tech: What It Really Takes to Thrive With Adelina Peltea
In this conversation, Adelina Peltea, CMO at USERCENTRICS shares her unique journey to C-level Leadership for women in tech, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's strengths and the realities of leadership roles. She discusses the significance of communication, empowerment, and the impact of presence in leadership. Adelina also introduces her meditation method, Inner Sanctuary, and explores the responsible use of AI in decision-making. The discussion concludes with advice for personal growth and reflection on one's career path. Takeaways ◾ Adelina's journey to CMO was unconventional and early. ◾ Understanding your strengths is crucial for career success. ◾ C-level roles require a significant presence and responsibility. ◾ Communication is key in empowering teams and making decisions. ◾ Meditation can be a powerful tool for leaders. ◾ AI should be used responsibly and with critical thinking. ◾ Follow your passion to maintain energy in your career. ◾ Reflecting on your journey is essential for growth. ◾ Empower others while maintaining responsibility for outcomes. ◾ Enjoy the journey and be open to adjustments in your path. **Useful links** ◾ Connect with today’s guest and sponsor, Adelina Peltea: ▢ UserCentrics: ▢ Connect with Adelina on LinkedIn: ▢ Find out more about Adelina’s work in wellness for leaders and get her book: https://www.verdawellnessclub.com/ This episode was sponsored by our guest, Adelina Peltea. Thank you Adelina for helping to bring Leading Women in Tech to this community!
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290: The Promotion Gap in Tech: Leading Powerfully When the Culture Pushes Back
03/03/2026
290: The Promotion Gap in Tech: Leading Powerfully When the Culture Pushes Back
The women in tech promotion gap is real—but it’s not random. High-performing women in tech are still being overlooked for leadership roles, even as they deliver exceptional results. In this episode of Leading Women in Tech, we dive into the gender bias in tech leadership, the shift in workplace culture, and the strategic moves you need to close the gap—without losing yourself. Why are women in tech not getting promoted at the same rate as their male peers? The answer isn’t about competence; it’s about perception, positioning, and politics. We’ll explore: The promotion gap in the tech industry and why it persists, especially at Director-to-VP transitions. How executive presence for women and leadership visibility can shift how you’re perceived. The difference between mentorship and sponsorship—and why the latter is critical for advancement. Navigating bro culture in tech without compromising your authenticity. Sustainable executive leadership: How to build influence capital without burning out. This episode is for you if: ✔ You’re a Passed-Over High-Performer delivering results but not seeing advancement. ✔ You’re a Strategically Focused On Rising, and getting ready to step into executive leadership—but need a roadmap. ✔ You refuse to trade ambition for comfort or shrink in the face of pushback. Key Takeaways: Promotion is a strategic game. Hard work alone won’t close the gap—you need positioning, visibility, and sponsorship. Executive presence isn’t about personality—it’s about framing your work in business impact language. Sponsorship > Mentorship. Advocates in high places are your ticket to the next level. Cultural shifts don’t have to derail your ambition. Learn to navigate gender bias in tech leadership with composure and strategy. Resources Mentioned: – Assess how you’re perceived by leadership. – Join the next cohort to build your influence capital. Ready to close the women in tech promotion gap strategically? and let’s design your roadmap to leadership.
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289: How Fractional Leaders Actually Get Hired
02/24/2026
289: How Fractional Leaders Actually Get Hired
How fractional leaders get hired isn’t random — but it does follow a very different logic than most people expect. If you’ve been having good conversations, receiving positive signals, and still not seeing those conversations turn into paid work, this episode will help you understand what’s really happening on the hiring side. In this episode, we step out of the leader’s perspective and into the mindset of the organisation making the decision — because fractional leadership hiring doesn’t follow a traditional job search or sales process. Instead, hiring happens when recognition, trust, and timing align. In this episode, we explore: Why fractional leadership opportunities don’t follow a linear funnel The difference between visibility and recognisability The three conditions that consistently lead to fractional leadership hiring Why timing matters more than effort How trust is built before a hiring decision is ever made Why so many capable leaders get stuck in “almost” conversations This episode is for senior women in tech who: Are fractional-ready but not yet chosen Are getting interest, but not conversion Want to stop guessing — without resorting to hustle or salesy tactics Listen if you want to: Understand how fractional hiring decisions are actually triggered Feel calmer and more in control of the process Make your leadership easier to recognise and hire Next steps: Book a Strategy Session (Positioning + Hiring Clarity) 👉 https://tonicollis.com/lets-chat Continue listening to the Fractional Series: Chat to me to learn more about the Fractional Accelerator: 👉 https://tonicollis.com/lets-chat
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288: How to Position Yourself as a Fractional Leader: Fractional Leadership Positioning Explained
02/17/2026
288: How to Position Yourself as a Fractional Leader: Fractional Leadership Positioning Explained
Fractional leadership positioning is one of the most misunderstood — and most important — parts of building a successful fractional career. In this episode Toni breaks down why so many senior women struggle to gain traction in fractional roles, how positioning differs from full-time leadership, and what it really means to be hired for judgement rather than execution. Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode ⏹ Why experience alone doesn’t translate into fractional opportunities ⏹ The difference between employee positioning and fractional leadership positioning ⏹ Why fractional leaders are hired for judgement, not capacity ⏹ The most common positioning mistakes that keep leaders invisible ⏹ How to pressure-test your own positioning without “selling yourself” ⏹ What comes next if you want to move from interest to paid fractional work What’s coming next In next week’s episode, we’ll go one step further and explore how fractional leaders actually get hired — what genuinely leads to opportunities, and what doesn’t. Want support with your positioning? If this episode highlighted gaps or uncertainty around how you’re currently positioned, you can book a free strategy session or fractional leadership positioning audit — here: 👉 https://tonicollis.com/lets-chat
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287: The Next Leadership Gap: Women, AI Readiness, and Emerging Technology with Kendra MacDonald
02/10/2026
287: The Next Leadership Gap: Women, AI Readiness, and Emerging Technology with Kendra MacDonald
If women don’t experiment with AI now, we risk hard-coding today’s leadership gaps into tomorrow’s technology. In this episode I’m joined by Kendra MacDonald, CEO of Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, to explore the intersection of women in leadership, AI readiness, representation, and emerging technology. This conversation goes beyond theory. It tackles the real risks and opportunities facing women leaders as AI, climate tech, and other emerging technologies reshape how leadership works — and who gets to shape the future. In this episode, we discuss: ◾ Why representation in leadership matters more than ever in emerging tech ◾ How AI adoption in the workplace can either reduce or reinforce gender bias ◾ Why women’s hesitation to experiment with AI is a leadership issue — not a technical one ◾ What it takes to lead confidently in male-dominated industries like tech and ocean innovation ◾ How leadership pipelines for women are shaped early — at work, at home, and through education ◾ The role of experimentation, confidence, and visibility in closing the leadership gap Kendra shares her own journey — from stepping away from STEM early in life to leading large-scale innovation and commercialisation — and offers practical insight into how women leaders can engage with AI and emerging tech without needing to be technical experts. If you care about: ✔ women in tech leadership ✔ AI readiness for leaders ✔ gender diversity in leadership ✔ bias in AI algorithms ✔ emerging and sustainable technology this episode is for you. If you’re ready for your next level explore how to strengthen your leadership clarity, visibility, and career trajectory by booking a discovery call via the link in the description. **Useful links** Connect with today’s guest and sponsor, Kendra MacDonald: ◾ W: ◾ Substack: This episode was sponsored by our guest, Kendra MacDonald. Thank you Kendra for helping to bring Leading Women in Tech to this community!
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286: Executive Presence for Women in Tech
02/03/2026
286: Executive Presence for Women in Tech
If performance were enough, more women in tech would already be promoted. They’re not. In this episode of Leading Women in Tech, Toni Collis breaks down executive presence for women in tech — what it actually means, why being good at your job isn’t enough at senior levels, and how leaders are really evaluated when promotion, influence, and trust are on the line. This episode is for high-performing women who’ve been told they need “more executive presence” — without ever being given clarity on what to change. You’ll learn why executive presence is not about confidence theatre or personality, why women are often misread at senior levels, and how to build leadership presence without changing who you are. In this episode, you’ll learn: ◾ Why performance alone doesn’t create executive presence ◾ What executive presence for women in tech really looks like at senior levels ◾ How leaders are evaluated on judgement, framing, and decision-making ◾ Why executive presence is harder for women (and how bias actually shows up) ◾ The difference between confidence and leadership presence ◾ Practical ways to build executive presence without becoming someone else 🔗 Resources & Links ◾ Book a free strategy call: https://tonicollis.com/lets-chat ◾ Learn more about Toni Collis: https://tonicollis.com
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285: How an Unconventional Career Path Can Become Your Greatest Strength in Tech Leadership with Lisa Ferrante-Walsh
01/27/2026
285: How an Unconventional Career Path Can Become Your Greatest Strength in Tech Leadership with Lisa Ferrante-Walsh
If you’ve ever worried that an unconventional career path in tech leadership might hold you back — that your background isn’t “technical enough,” linear enough, or traditional enough — this episode will fundamentally challenge that belief. In this conversation, Toni Collis is joined by Lisa Ferrante-Walsh, SVP of Engineering at Native Instruments, whose career journey spans music, computer science, engineering leadership, mergers and acquisitions, and even stepping into an acting CTO role. Lisa’s story is a powerful example of how a nonlinear career path in tech can become a strategic advantage rather than a liability. Toni & Lisa discuss what it really takes to move from individual contributor to people leader, how to lead engineering teams through M&A without losing trust or momentum, and why executive confidence, decision-making, and visibility matter even more when your background doesn’t fit the “expected” mould. This episode is essential listening if you’re a woman in tech navigating a career transition into senior leadership, leading through organizational change, or questioning whether you truly belong at the executive table. Connect with today’s guest and sponsor, Lisa Ferrante-Walsh on LinkedIn: This episode was sponsored by our guest, Lisa Ferrante-Walsh. Thank you Lisa for helping to bring Leading Women in Tech to this community!
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284: Am I Ready to Be a Fractional Leader?
01/20/2026
284: Am I Ready to Be a Fractional Leader?
If the idea of going fractional feels exciting and terrifying at the same time — you’re not alone. In this episode of Leading Women in Tech, we explore what fractional leadership really looks like for senior women who want more autonomy, impact, and alignment — without blowing up their careers. This episode is for you if: ◾You’re curious about fractional work but worried about legality, stability, or time ◾You’ve been asked to “advise” startups or former colleagues — informally and often unpaid ◾You want meaningful, senior-level work without the full-time corporate trap ◾You’re wondering if a portfolio or fractional career could be a smart next step Rather than hype or hustle culture, this conversation focuses on clarity. You’ll learn: ◾What fractional leadership actually is (and what it isn’t) ◾The three most common starting points women have when exploring fractional work ◾How to explore fractional leadership safely alongside a full-time role ◾The real fears women have — about contracts, confidence, pricing, and visibility — and how to address them ◾Why most fractional experiments fail (and how to avoid those mistakes) ◾How to test fractional work intentionally, without quitting or burning bridges This episode is not about deciding everything today. It’s about understanding what’s possible — so you can make your next move with confidence. 🎯 Next step: If this episode resonates and you’d like to talk through your own fractional career options, you can book a complimentary strategy session with me to design your own fractional career right here:
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283: Leading in a Male-Dominated Industry, Leveraging AI, and Building Ethical Impact as a CEO with Shelley Copsey
01/13/2026
283: Leading in a Male-Dominated Industry, Leveraging AI, and Building Ethical Impact as a CEO with Shelley Copsey
What does it really take to lead in a male-dominated industry — and build an AI-driven company grounded in trust, ethics, and human impact? In this episode of Leading Women in Tech, I’m joined by Shelley Copsey, CEO & Co-Founder of FYLD — a fast-growing, AI-powered platform transforming how frontline teams in infrastructure and utilities make decisions, stay safe, and improve productivity in real time. Shelley brings over 20 years of experience at the intersection of physical infrastructure, digital innovation, AI strategy, and human transformation, and she shares powerful insights on navigating self-doubt, being underestimated, scaling ethically with AI, and leading teams through rapid change. If you’re a woman in tech, an aspiring executive, or a leader navigating AI transformation, this conversation will elevate how you think about leadership, trust, and impact. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: ⏹ How Shelley went from underestimated early-career consultant to award-winning CEO ⏹ Why traditional male leadership role models don’t work for women — and how she found her own executive presence ⏹ The mindset that helped her secure a CEO role during the height of COVID ⏹ How she builds trust as a CEO — and why hiring with a “presumption of trust” changes everything ⏹ What ethical AI looks like in high-stakes environments (safety, field operations, human risk) ⏹ Why leaders must reimagine every role in the AI era (customer success, operations, engineering & beyond) ⏹ How to bring teams along when they resist AI ⏹ What self-doubt looks like at the CEO level — and how Shelley manages it with clarity and compassion ⏹ The best leadership advice she’s ever received (and the worst!) **Useful links** ⏹ Connect with today’s guest, Shelley: ⏹ Web: https://fyld.ai/ ⏹ Shelley’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelleycopsey/ This episode was supported by Shelley Copsey, CEO of FYLD. Thank you Shelley for helping to bring Leading Women in Tech to this community!
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282: Your 2026 Leadership Roadmap: Plan the Year That Moves Your Career Forward
01/06/2026
282: Your 2026 Leadership Roadmap: Plan the Year That Moves Your Career Forward
Most leaders start the year with good intentions — but by February, meetings, emergencies, and team issues take over. And suddenly, your career is something that just happens to you. In this solo episode of Leading Women in Tech, Toni Collis walks you step-by-step through how to create your 2026 Leadership Roadmap — a clear, strategic plan to move your career forward intentionally, not reactively. This episode is for you if: • You’re working hard but not seeing progression • You feel overworked, under-recognised, or invisible • You’re ready for promotion but not being tapped • You want to stop reacting and start leading strategically You’ll learn: • Why “trying harder” doesn’t create career acceleration • How senior leaders actually plan their growth • The difference between productivity goals and leadership goals • How to define your 2026 North Star • The key visibility, influence, and strategic gaps holding you back • A simple 5-pillar leadership roadmap framework • Why subtraction and boundaries are essential for leadership growth • How to turn your roadmap into a quarterly, sustainable plan This episode bridges mindset → action, helping you design a year that supports the leader you’re becoming — not the role you’ve outgrown. 🎯 If you want support turning this roadmap into real momentum, you can book a discovery call at #LeadershipRoadmap #WomenInTech #LeadershipDevelopment #CareerPlanning #WomenInLeadership #ExecutivePresence #PromotionReady #LeadershipGrowth #StrategicLeadership #LeadingWomenInTech #ToniCollis
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281: The Trust Crisis: How Cybersecurity Became Every Leader’s Job with Karen Kaukol, CMO of Entrust
12/16/2025
281: The Trust Crisis: How Cybersecurity Became Every Leader’s Job with Karen Kaukol, CMO of Entrust
In today’s episode, we’re going deep into one of the most urgent leadership topics of 2025: cybersecurity, AI risk, and the new era of digital trust. This is no longer a technical issue — it’s a leadership issue. I’m joined by Karen Kaukol, Chief Marketing Officer at Entrust, a global leader in identity, security, and trust. Karen brings decades of experience across global payments, financial services, and technology, including senior leadership roles at First Data and Graebel Relocation. Karen has a unique superpower: she translates complex cybersecurity and AI challenges into clear, actionable insight for business leaders. Together, we explore: ⏹ How AI is reshaping cybersecurity — fast ⏹ Why trust is now the #1 competitive advantage for every company ⏹ What leaders (not just CISOs) must understand about AI agents inside their systems ⏹ The new expectations boards have around cybersecurity risk ⏹ Why high performers need to adopt AI tools, not avoid them ⏹ How marketing and communications are being transformed by AI ⏹ How to build a culture of trust, resilience, and cross-functional alignment ⏹ What it really means to lead through a cybersecurity crisis If you’re a senior leader or aspiring executive — especially a woman in tech — this episode will help you build literacy in AI governance, cybersecurity strategy, digital trust, and leadership communication in an environment where the stakes have never been higher. About Karen Kaukol Karen Kaukol is the Chief Marketing Officer at Entrust, leading global marketing, brand, and strategy across a company at the forefront of identity, trust, and security innovation. She previously served as CMO at Graebel Relocation and spent 17 years at First Data (now Fiserv) in senior global marketing leadership roles. She holds an MBA from the University of Minnesota and a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University. Connect with Karen and Entrust: ⏹ https://www.entrust.com/ ⏹ This episode was sponsored by our guest, Karen Kaukol. Thank you Karen for helping to bring Leading Women in Tech to this community!
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280: Silencing the Inner Critic: Rewiring Your Mindset for 2026 Confidence
12/09/2025
280: Silencing the Inner Critic: Rewiring Your Mindset for 2026 Confidence
If you’re ending the year exhausted, mentally overloaded, or stuck in a spiral of self-doubt… this episode is your reset. In today’s conversation, we’re breaking down the inner critic, the mental load of leadership, and why high-performing women struggle most with overthinking, decision paralysis, and confidence dips at this time of year. You’ll learn self-coaching techniques for leaders, practical executive mindset tools, and the exact thought-reframing strategies I use with my clients to help them create clarity before burnout makes the decisions for them. Because you don’t need more confidence going into 2026 — you need more clarity. And this episode will help you build it. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ⏹ Why your inner critic gets louder during year-end cycles ⏹ How burnout affects clarity, decision making, and self-trust ⏹ The neuroscience behind overthinking (and how to interrupt it) ⏹ Self-coaching techniques for leaders you can use right away ⏹ Thought reframing for executives: how to shift fear-based thoughts ⏹ The Neutral Question Reset ⏹ The Thought Ladder Reframe ⏹ The Executive Decision Filter ⏹ How to create decision-making clarity at leadership levels ⏹ The mindset shifts required to lead with confidence in 2026 ⏹ Why clarity → confidence (not the other way around) ⏹ How to prepare your leadership thinking before planning next year Free Leadership Resources Say It Like a Leader Scripts → Promotion Readiness Scorecard → Self-Coaching Toolkit (coming soon!) Connect With Toni LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tonicollis Website: tonicollis.com
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279: Why You’re Still Feeling Stuck (Even Though You’re Overperforming)
12/02/2025
279: Why You’re Still Feeling Stuck (Even Though You’re Overperforming)
Career stagnation isn’t caused by a lack of talent — it’s caused by the wrong strategy. If you’re a high-performing woman in tech who’s STILL feeling stuck (despite delivering more than everyone around you), this episode is going to hit home. In today’s conversation, Master Executive Coach Dr. Toni Collis breaks down why you’re overperforming but overlooked, why hard work stops working at senior levels, and how brilliant women end up trapped in career stagnation even when they’re doing everything “right.” You’ll learn: ✨ Why you’re not getting promoted (even with exceptional performance) ✨ The 4 hidden barriers behind feeling stuck at work ✨ How overperformance creates the Invisible Leader trap ✨ Why leadership visibility matters more than output ✨ The difference between proving your value vs positioning yourself as a leader ✨ The 5 strategic levers that actually get women promoted ✨ How to know if you’ve outgrown your leadership strategy ✨ What to do next if you’re ready to break your career plateau If you’ve been Googling things like “why am I not getting promoted?”, “career plateau,” or “how to get noticed at work,” this episode will give you the clarity and direction you’ve been missing. If This Episode Spoke to You… You’re not stuck because you’re not good enough. You’re stuck because you’ve outgrown your old strategy. And that means you’re closer to your next level than you think. Make sure you’re here next week for our special pre-2026 Episode — Silencing the Inner Critic: Rewiring Your Mindset for 2026 Confidence. We’ll dive into how to shift your self-talk, build unshakeable confidence, and finally stop overthinking your way out of the opportunities you deserve.
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278: When No One Listens — How to Lead When Your Voice Isn’t Heard
11/25/2025
278: When No One Listens — How to Lead When Your Voice Isn’t Heard
Struggling to feel heard at work? You share ideas, offer solutions, repeat yourself — and still nothing lands. Then someone else says the same thing, and suddenly it’s brilliant. You’re not imagining it. Being unheard isn’t a personal flaw — it’s a neuroscience and systems problem. In this episode, Dr Toni Collis unpacks why even great leaders struggle to be heard, and how to change that dynamic without shouting louder or working harder. You’ll learn: ✨ The neuroscience of leadership communication — why some voices carry more weight than others ✨ How bias, bandwidth, and cognitive overload make great ideas disappear ✨ The Outcome – Process – Ask framework to get your message to land ✨ How regulating your nervous system changes how people hear you ✨ Ways to model listening that build trust and influence across your team If you’ve been told to “be more strategic” or “speak up more,” this episode gives you the science-backed tools to be heard, seen, and respected — without changing who you are. Key Takeaways ◾ Being heard is about clarity, calm, and connection, not volume. ◾ Bias and overload affect who gets airtime — but you can shift perception through structure and tone. ◾ Listening is contagious: when you model presence, others follow. Free resource Need help writing your resume? Download my free guide to make resume writing quick, fast, simple & impactful here: .
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277: URGENT UPDATE: What’s Really Happening in the 2025 Tech Job Market (AI, Hiring & Recruiter Insights)
11/18/2025
277: URGENT UPDATE: What’s Really Happening in the 2025 Tech Job Market (AI, Hiring & Recruiter Insights)
AI is changing how people get hired — and it’s happening fast. In this episode of Leading Women in Tech, Dr. Toni Collis sits down with Nicole Bugenske, a recruiter from Robert Half, to unpack what’s really going on in the 2025 tech job market. From fake résumés and AI-generated cover letters to the rise of quiet hiring and risk-averse employers — we’re breaking down what job seekers and hiring managers need to know right now. Learn how to stand out as the human signal in a sea of AI, what recruiters are really looking for, and how to future-proof your career in tech leadership. If you’re applying for jobs, leading a team, or planning your next career move — this episode will help you navigate the new hiring landscape with clarity, authenticity, and strategy. What You’ll Learn How AI-written résumés are flooding the job market (and how recruiters are spotting them) Why 1 in 4 candidate profiles may now be fake — and how hiring managers are adapting What to do when applying through job boards vs. networking directly The truth about quiet hiring and the hidden job market How to show strategic visibility instead of applying to hundreds of roles What makes a candidate a “safe bet” in today’s risk-averse hiring climate Real recruiter insights on résumés, references, and interview trends What hiring looks like for women in tech leadership in 2025 Want to make your résumé stand out — without sounding like a bot? Download my free AI-Powered Résumé Writing Guide to learn how to use AI ethically and effectively to land more interviews: 👉 Ready to connect with today’s guest? Find Nicole online at: Learn more about Robert Half Recruitment at:
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276: Busy ≠ Valuable: How to Prioritize Work That Gets You Promoted
11/11/2025
276: Busy ≠ Valuable: How to Prioritize Work That Gets You Promoted
http://tonicollis.com/how-to-prioritize-work-to-get-promoted/If your calendar is overflowing but your career feels stuck, this episode is for you. You’re not alone in the busyness trap. For so many high-achieving women in tech, doing more has always felt like the way to get ahead — but it’s not what gets you promoted. In this episode of the Leading Women in Tech Podcast, we’re unpacking the truth behind prioritizing impactful work, the hidden gap between performance and promotion, and how to build the kind of executive presence that actually gets noticed. If you’re ready to stop being the go-to person for everything and start focusing on what truly shifts your career — this episode will show you how to lead smarter, not harder. 🔗 Take the free Promotion Readiness Scorecard. Wondering if your work is getting you noticed for the next level? → tonicollis.com/scorecard 💬 Want tailored support? → Book a strategy call with Toni: tonicollis.com/lets-chat 🛠️ Tools & Concepts from the Episode: ◾The CEO Filter — Would the CEO care if I did this? ◾The 90-Day Question — Will this matter in 3 months? ◾The 15-Minute Weekly Priority Reset — Realign your leadership each week ◾The Impact Multiplier — From busy to visible
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275: Leading Without a Title: Michele Doyle on Cross-Functional Influence, AI, and Recognition
11/04/2025
275: Leading Without a Title: Michele Doyle on Cross-Functional Influence, AI, and Recognition
How do you lead with impact—before you ever get the title? In this episode, I sit down with Michele Doyle, VP of Data & Analytics at Senos, to explore what it means to lead from the crossroads of engineering, operations, and strategy. Michele shares her unconventional journey from psychology to tech leadership, how to lead with influence before you're formally given the title, and what it takes to build trust, safety, and innovation in complex teams—especially in non-obvious tech spaces like fermentation. You’ll hear about: ◾How to step into strategic leadership without the title ◾The underestimated power of cross-functional influence ◾Creating psychological safety and generous leadership ◾Real-world AI adoption (in the brewing industry!) ◾Why emotional regulation is the unsung skill of great leaders Whether you're an emerging tech leader or a seasoned exec looking to build empowered teams, this episode will help you lead with confidence, clarity, and real influence. **Useful links** Connect with today’s guest and sponsor, Michele Doyle from Sennos: ◾https://sennos.com/ and Michele’s ◾LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doylemichele/ Michele’s current read: The Murder Bot Series by Martha Wells and Your AI Survival Guide by Sol Rashidi This episode was sponsored by our guest, Michele Doyle, and Sennos. Thank you Michele and Sennos for helping to bring Leading Women in Tech to this community!
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274: How to Stop Overthinking at Work: Tools for Clear, Confident Leadership Decisions
10/28/2025
274: How to Stop Overthinking at Work: Tools for Clear, Confident Leadership Decisions
When was the last time you rewrote an email six times before hitting send? Or spiraled through a decision long after it needed to be made? If you’ve ever been told “you’re overthinking it,” you’re not alone — and you’re not failing. Overthinking at work is often the result of high pressure, perfectionism, and internalized leadership expectations — especially for high-achieving women in male-dominated spaces. But here’s the truth: overthinking isn’t helping you get promoted. It’s quietly chipping away at your executive presence and leadership impact. In this episode, I’ll walk you through: ✅ How to spot overthinking in real time (vs. strategic thinking) ✅ Why smart women overthink — and how to shift that pattern ✅ The 1-1-1 decision tool to stop spiraling and act with clarity ✅ Executive mindset techniques to build trust in your own decisions ✅ Real stories from my clients who shifted from “perfection mode” to promotion This is your leadership reset — a tactical, mindset-rich episode to help you step into Q4 with calm, confident clarity. If you’re ready to build a reputation for decisive, strategic leadership — let’s dive in. If this episode helped you shift your thinking, I’d love to hear from you. Drop a comment, leave a review, or connect on LinkedIn @ToniCollis. 🔗 Mentioned in this episode: Free Strategy Call: 📌 Primary Takeaways: – Overthinking is not a leadership trait — clarity is. – Learn how to reclaim your time and lead with confidence, even in high-stakes moments. – These tools will help you build sustainable leadership strategies and finally get out of your own way.
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273: Lead with Confidence: Building Teams That Don’t Need You – with Sandy Motley
10/21/2025
273: Lead with Confidence: Building Teams That Don’t Need You – with Sandy Motley
Can your team thrive without you in the room? And what does it really take to lead with confidence in a male-dominated industry? In this episode, I sit down with Sandy Motley, Senior VP at Nokia and former President of Fixed Networks, to talk about what it means to lead a high-performing team without overfunctioning—and how to build trust, autonomy, and strategic impact into your leadership style. We explore: ⏹ How to build a team that doesn’t need you to function ⏹ What executive leadership looks like beyond control and perfectionism ⏹ Why inclusive leadership drives innovation in engineering and telecom ⏹ How to coach your team through conflict instead of fixing everything yourself ⏹ What it means to lead with confidence in male-dominated spaces ⏹ The mindset shift that takes you from tactical manager to strategic exec Whether you’re a VP, a senior IC, or growing into a more strategic leadership role—this episode will challenge how you think about value, visibility, and voice. 📌 Want to step into your executive leadership without burning out? 💡 Explore coaching and resources at: **Useful links** Connect with today’s guest and sponsor, Sandy Motley from Nokia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandra-motley-b116659/ This episode was sponsored by our guest, Sandy Motley from Nokia. Thank you Sandy & Nokia for helping to bring Leading Women in Tech to this community!
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272: Should You Stay, Go, or Redesign Your Role? How to Know When It’s Time to Exit
10/14/2025
272: Should You Stay, Go, or Redesign Your Role? How to Know When It’s Time to Exit
Is It Time to Leave? How to Know If You’ve Outgrown Your Role (Without Burning It All Down) 🔗 Take the free “What’s Holding You Back?” Diagnostic → You’re a high-achiever. You don’t quit easily. But lately… something feels off. Maybe you’re exhausted. Or uninspired. Or quietly wondering if you’ve outgrown your current role—or even the company entirely. In this episode of Leading Women in Tech, we’re digging into the career stagnation signs that high-performing women often ignore. Whether you’re wrestling with golden handcuffs, chronic burnout, or a growing sense that your values no longer align with your leadership path—this is the conversation for you. We’re talking about career alignment, strategic career pivots, and how to realign your leadership journey with what matters most. By the end of this episode, you’ll have: A checklist of signs it’s time to move on Clarity on whether you’re stuck, burned out, or truly misaligned 5 reflection questions to guide your next step A strategic framework to plan your next move—without quitting prematurely How to lead a purpose-driven career evolution What meaningful leadership roles look like after burnout Tips for navigating a strategic career change in tech 🔥 PLUS: Download the brand new free tool: 👉 What’s Holding You Back? A Quick Diagnostic for Women in Tech Uncover if you’re overdue for a pivot, stuck in visibility limbo, or simply misaligned with your current culture. ⏱️ Chapters 0:00 The cost of staying too long 5:06 Signs you’ve outgrown your role 9:53 Career misalignment checklist 12:46 What if you can’t leave yet? 22:58 5 reflection prompts for career clarity 26:31 What to do this week to reclaim control 💡 Ready for more clarity? If you’re tired of doing this alone, executive coaching can help. Book a free strategy call: tonicollis.com/lets-chat
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271: Leaning In: Navigating Leadership, Authenticity, and Growth as Women in Tech with Leila Kassner
10/07/2025
271: Leaning In: Navigating Leadership, Authenticity, and Growth as Women in Tech with Leila Kassner
What does it really take to rise to senior leadership as a woman in tech—without burning out, compromising who you are, or constantly second-guessing your worth? In this episode of Leading Women in Tech, I’m joined by Leila Kassner, COO at Boku, to explore the power of authentic leadership, how to lean in without losing yourself, and what it means to build a career that blends impact, inclusion, and integrity. We cover: Her career journey from entry-level to executive The challenge of being heard in male-dominated rooms How to self-advocate without overworking Lessons in balancing ambition with wellbeing Why emotional intelligence is a leadership superpower The DEI strategies making a real difference at Boku How to speak up, create cultural change, and mentor the next generation Whether you're climbing the career ladder, managing self-doubt, or trying to build a more inclusive culture from the inside—you’ll find both inspiration and practical insight in this conversation. Connect with Leila: Leila’s current read: The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt 👇 Book a free strategy call to explore how executive coaching can help you lead with clarity, confidence, and authenticity: https://tonicollis.com/lets-chat This episode was sponsored by Boku. Thank you Leila and Boku for helping to bring Leading Women in Tech to this community!
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270: When Your Boss Doesn’t Listen: How to Shift from Frustrated to Heard
09/30/2025
270: When Your Boss Doesn’t Listen: How to Shift from Frustrated to Heard
Your boss isn’t listening. You’re delivering results, showing up in meetings, and sharing smart insights — but somehow, it feels like your voice never lands. In this episode of Leading Women in Tech, we’re diving into the deeper reasons why high-performing women are overlooked, unheard, or dismissed — and what to do about it. We’ll explore how to shift perception, develop executive presence, and lead with influence (without becoming someone you’re not). You’ll learn: ✅ The hidden dynamics that cause leaders to tune you out ✅ The performance vs. perception trap (and how to escape it) ✅ Why strategic communication — not more effort — is the answer ✅ Real client stories of turning it around ✅ 5 leadership tools to speak up and be taken seriously ✅ How to self-coach your mindset and energy to be heard If you’ve ever said, “my boss doesn’t listen to me” — this episode is for you. 🧭 Take the Promotion Readiness Scorecard → 🗓 Book a free strategy call with Toni →
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269: Big Vision Without Burnout: How to Lead Without Overwhelm with Jackie Peters
09/23/2025
269: Big Vision Without Burnout: How to Lead Without Overwhelm with Jackie Peters
You don’t need a degree—or a perfect plan—to lead with vision. In this episode, I’m joined by Jackie Peters, startup founder and longtime tech innovator, for a powerful conversation on how to lead boldly, build something meaningful, and move forward—even when you don’t feel 100% ready. With 25+ years of experience across mobile gaming, AI-powered healthcare, and privacy-preserving data analytics, Jackie brings a rare mix of visionary thinking, human-centered leadership, and strategic clarity. We talk about building confidence in uncharted territory, trusting your instincts, and turning complex ideas into user-first innovation. 💡 What You’ll Learn: Why you don’t need credentials to lead powerfully How to turn big vision into practical progress What it means to lead with empathy and clarity Why “privacy by design” matters now more than ever How to build momentum when the roadmap is uncertain The founder mindset: from grit to growth Why leadership starts before you feel ready ✨ This episode is for the bold, the curious, and the women shaping the future of tech on their own terms. 🔗 Connect with today’s guest, Jackie Peters: Website: LinkedIn: 📖 Jackie’s current read: Dogen's Genjo Koan: Three Commentaries by Dōgen, Nishiari Bokusan, Shohaku Okamura, Shunryu Suzuki, Kosho Uchiyama, Sojun Mel Weitsman, Kazuaki Tanahasi, Michael Wenger 📞 Want career support or leadership coaching? Book a free strategy session: 👩💻 Show notes & more: 💬 Join the free Slack community for women in tech: #WomenInTech #TechLeadership #FounderMindset #PrivacyByDesign #StartupLeadership #JackiePeters #LeadingWomenInTech
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268: Boundaries for Women in Leadership: How to Lead Without Burning Out
09/17/2025
268: Boundaries for Women in Leadership: How to Lead Without Burning Out
You’re overdelivering. Everyone relies on you. But you’re exhausted—and no closer to the promotion or recognition you deserve. If you're stuck in overfunctioning, feeling responsible for everyone, or afraid to say no—this episode is your permission slip to lead differently. Join us as we explore how boundaries aren’t just helpful—they’re essential for executive presence, sustainable leadership, and getting recognized at work. You’ll walk away with the mindset shifts, scripts, and practical tools to reclaim your time, your strategic focus—and your path to promotion. 💡 Want to know what’s really holding you back from a promotion? Take the (tonicollis.com/scorecard)— a 3-minute diagnostic to find your biggest gap. In this episode: ✔️ Why women leaders are especially vulnerable to burnout ✔️ The performance vs. potential promotion gap ✔️ How to stop being the team therapist ✔️ 4 signs your boundaries are broken ✔️ Why boundaries = executive presence ✔️ Scripts to say no without guilt or burning bridges The Micro-Boundary Phrases to help you get started: 🗣️ “That sounds important—can I suggest someone better positioned to help?” (👉 Delegates without guilt, empowers others.) 🗣️ “Let me check my priorities and get back to you.” (👉 Buys you time. Signals intentionality, not resistance.) 🗣️ “To give this the attention it deserves, I’ll need to shift the timeline.” (👉 Balances ownership with realism.) 🔥 You’re not failing. You’re just doing too much of the wrong kind of work. Let’s fix that—starting today.
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267: AI, Investment & Impact: Why Women’s Leadership Must Shape the Future with Susan Sly
09/09/2025
267: AI, Investment & Impact: Why Women’s Leadership Must Shape the Future with Susan Sly
What if the key to unlocking the next wave of tech innovation lies in the hands of the entrepreneurs receiving the least funding? There's a fascinating paradox in today's tech landscape: women-led startups are 63% more likely to succeed and have higher chances of becoming unicorns, yet they're receiving less venture capital funding than ever before. This gap represents not just missed opportunities, but untapped potential that could reshape entire industries. In this inspiring conversation, tech entrepreneur and AI pioneer Susan Sly reveals the uncomfortable truths about Silicon Valley's old boys' club and shares her blueprint for change. From deploying AI computer vision at scale to building The Pause—a revolutionary menopause-focused platform—Susan breaks down exactly how women can stop waiting for permission and start reshaping the industry from within. “If you don't like the stats we're sharing, where did you go shopping for that outfit you're wearing? Who designed it? We need to get present to where we're spending our hard-earned dollars—from the apps we download to the brands we're wearing." — Susan Sly What You'll Learn in This Episode: What’s really driving the decline in VC funding for women Simple ways to discover and support women-founded companies in your everyday purchases How perimenopause affects women leaders and why workplace support matters more than ever Practical strategies for breaking into male-dominated tech spaces without playing small Why AI governance desperately needs more women's voices and how to get involved The real reason most medicine is based on data from middle-aged white men and how AI can change this How to leverage crowdfunding platforms and angel investing to support female founders 🎧 Want to explore the companies mentioned in this episode? Visit Susan's website to learn more about The Pause and discover other women-led companies making waves in tech. 💵 Consider how your own purchasing decisions and investment choices can support the change you want to see in the industry. **Useful links** Connect with today’s guest and sponsor, Susan Sly: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/susansly/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/susansly/ X https://x.com/susanslylive Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SusanSlyLive/ Personal Website https://www.susansly.com The Pause Technologies https://www.thepause.ai Susan’s current read: Join the where we discuss all-the-things for women’s tech leadership, covering everything from early-career leadership to C-level executives.
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266: AI Leadership Strategy: Stop Dabbling and Start Leading with AI
09/02/2025
266: AI Leadership Strategy: Stop Dabbling and Start Leading with AI
Did you know most teams using AI are actually moving slower? Lots of teams are testing AI tools—but not seeing the payoff. Why? Because tools alone don’t create results. In this episode, I break down what AI-Ready Leadership actually looks like and how to drive real results. You’ll learn how to create an AI Leadership Strategy that drives results, how to avoid the pitfalls of reactive adoption, and how to position yourself as a future-ready leader with AI who can scale output, protect market share, and accelerate your career. I’ll also cover why team sizes will shrink, how to lead with confidence in regulated or hesitant industries, and why embracing AI Productivity Leadership is now part of your credibility as a strategic leader. Whether you’re in marketing, sales, engineering, or preparing for your next promotion — this episode gives you the playbook to lead AI adoption with purpose. 📌 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The gap between AI hype and reality — and how to close it Why AI-driven team acceleration is about leadership, not tools How to embed AI into workflows without losing critical thinking The career edge: talking AI-readiness in promotions and interviews What ethical AI leadership looks like in practice How to shape the future of work instead of waiting for it Are you leading your team into the AI era — or just dabbling? 🕛 The window for proactive AI adoption is closing. Don't wait for the market to force your hand. Book a FREE strategy session with me: 👉
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265: Be Yourself. Believe in Yourself. Build Big Things with Anna Belova
08/26/2025
265: Be Yourself. Believe in Yourself. Build Big Things with Anna Belova
Have you ever felt like you couldn't lead in tech because you didn't come from a technical background? This week's guest, Anna Belova, is living proof that non-technical leaders can build cutting-edge tech companies and thrive in the most technical industries. Anna is a serial entrepreneur and CEO who has built multiple successful companies in AR and AI - including selling over 15 million AR books for kids worldwide and creating one of the leading web XR platforms used by Google and Meta. Her secret? She's never written a single line of code, and she wouldn't have it any other way. In this episode, we dive deep into what it means to lead highly technical teams without a technical background and how to turn perceived weaknesses into creative advantages. “I think it's one of the main powers that I have, because I'm always thinking about products for people who are not geeks or non-technical as well, like me." — Anna Belova What You'll Learn in This Episode: How being non-technical gives you an advantage in creating user-friendly products Why "What if?" is the most powerful question for breakthrough thinking How to lead technical teams when you don't speak their language The mindset shift from "building a unicorn" to "building yourself into someone who can build a unicorn" Why authenticity trumps trying to fit into male-dominated tech culture How to turn doubt into creative power as a woman in tech leadership Ready to embrace your non-technical superpowers? 👉 Connect with Anna Belova on LinkedIn or Facebook to continue the conversation about leading with authenticity in tech. 💬 And share your biggest "What if?" moment with us - we'd love to hear how you're thinking outside the box in your leadership journey. **Useful links** Connect with today’s guest, Anna Belova: https://x.com/AIBelova If you are ready to uplevel your career, get unstuck or you are simply ready to unlock those leadership time-management techniques then join us in my monthly career & leadership coaching program exclusively for women in tech: Catch the show notes, and more details about today's episode here: Check us out on . Join the where we discuss all-the-things for women’s tech leadership, covering everything from early-career leadership to C-level executives.
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264: Why You’re Not Getting Promoted (Even When You’re Overperforming)
08/19/2025
264: Why You’re Not Getting Promoted (Even When You’re Overperforming)
You’re doing all the right things—delivering results, taking initiative, working harder than ever. So why are you still being passed over for promotion? In this episode, I’m breaking down the real reason high-performing women in tech get overlooked for executive roles—and how to shift from being overlooked to being seen as a strategic leader so you can take the next step toward your promotion with clarity and confidence. "Performance doesn't equal promotion. If you're delivering results but still being overlooked, you're playing the wrong game—and it's time to learn how to play like an executive." — Toni Collis What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why performance ≠ promotion (and what does) The 5 executive skills decision-makers are looking for How to shift from “reliable doer” to “strategic leader” Subtle perception gaps that derail your promotion path What to say and do to change how you’re seen in the room 🔍 If you’re not getting promoted, it doesn’t mean you’re not good enough. It doesn’t mean you need to work harder. 💡 It means it’s time to shift how you’re showing up. 🎯 Grab the free Promotion Readiness Scorecard to find out what’s really holding you back: 👉
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263: Breaking Out of Your Comfort Zone: Emily Dinu on Mindset, Grit, and Preparing for Venture Funding
08/12/2025
263: Breaking Out of Your Comfort Zone: Emily Dinu on Mindset, Grit, and Preparing for Venture Funding
Ready to raise venture funding—but wondering if you’re actually ready to lead at that level? In this inspiring and honest conversation, I sit down with Emily Dinu, founder and CEO of Numinous Capital, to explore what VCs really look for—and what kind of leadership mindset shifts are essential to succeed as a founder in today’s market. We go deep on the emotional and strategic prep work that’s required to lead through uncertainty, communicate vision clearly, and move forward with grit and clarity—even when you feel uncomfortable or underqualified. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How to build executive mindset tools to lead with confidence in ambiguity Why clarity often beats charisma in VC pitches The truth about confidence vs. clarity in leadership How to reverse engineer a successful exit What it looks like to lead with values while raising capital The role of decision-making clarity and thought reframing when the pressure’s on 💬 What’s the bold move you’ve been avoiding? 👇 Drop a comment and share: What’s one thing you’re ready to do—even if it scares you? ✨ And if you want support building your founder mindset, strategy, or leadership presence, let’s talk: 📞 Book your free strategy session: You don’t have to do this alone. 🚀 **Useful links** Connect with today’s guest and sponsor, Emily Dinu: Emily’s current read: Join the where we discuss all-the-things for women’s tech leadership, covering everything from early-career leadership to C-level executives. This episode was sponsored by our . Thank you GldPR for helping to bring Leading Women in Tech to this community!
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