Women in Technology Podcast

What happens when deep curiosity meets customer-centered innovation? In this episode, Candice Charlton, Vice President Solutions Architect, Maximus, discusses how truly understanding the customer journey can unlock smarter innovation, stronger leadership, and more meaningful technology outcomes. Candice shares what it really means to be a solution architect—and why the best solutions aren’t just technically sound, but rooted in empathy, trust, and purpose. From working with health clients to aligning cross-functional teams around customer outcomes, she offers a behind-the-scenes look at how strategy, design, and human insight come together to create lasting impact. A self-proclaimed introvert, Candice reveals how curiosity has become her superpower—helping her ask better questions, challenge assumptions, and influence decisions even when she’s the only woman in the room. She also reflects on navigating exclusionary spaces, building confidence, and using soft skills to break through complexity and drive collaboration.

In this episode, we’re joined by Jennie Blumenthal, CEO of Corporate Rehab Leadership, former PwC Partner, bestselling author, and strategic advisorwho helps leaders and organizations scale smarter in the Age of AI — without losing their humanity. Jennie’s work sits at the intersection of leadership, neuroscience, and artificial intelligence. Through her Corporate Rehab framework and her signature Growth Zone model, she helps leaders navigate big transitions. 

In this episode, we explore a slightly different aspect of the tech industry – tech marketing! Lexy Sheets is the Director of Marketing at Presidio Federal, responsible for leading brand growth and building awareness, strategic market positioning, and generating business demand. Tune in to hear Becky and Lexy discuss the process and challenges of developing a brand, the importance of saying yes, and how the little things are, truly, the big things. Take a listen, get inspired, and rise from the classroom to the boardroom!

What does it take to trust your voice—especially when the work you’re called to do feels bigger than you? We sit down with Celina Mattocks to talk about the experiences that shaped her path to the TEDx stage—and the inner work that made it possible. Celina shares her journey through tech and consulting, where her background in communications and organizational development helped her understand not just systems and data, but the very human ways people respond to change. We explore the internal conversations so many women in tech know well—Am I enough? Do I belong here?—and how those questions evolve as careers, confidence, and courage grow. From leading large-scale change initiatives to leaving corporate life to build Lead Live Learn, Celina opens up about taking risks, facing fear, and translating something as intangible as confidence into something you can design, teach, and scale. She also takes us behind the scenes of her TEDx experience—how the idea emerged, the discipline of shaping it, and what it taught her about taking up space and trusting her voice in real time.Listen to Celina's TedX talk here: https://youtu.be/bQOa1ryhrwk?si=qQk6ysvb_fSKkQxc

What does it really take to grow a company and grow people at the same time? In this episode, we’re joined by Janel Merritt, Chief Operating Officer of Public Sector Solutions Group (PS2G), to unpack what she calls the modern COO playbook — one rooted in innovation, workforce development, and intentional growth. With more than 20 years of experience in technology and digital transformation, Janel leads national and international expansion across public sector, healthcare, and energy. She shares the real challenges these industries are facing today and the strategies organizations are using to meet the moment.

Rakshana Balakrishnan, Cloud infrastructure Product Manager at OracleIn this episode, we’re joined by Rakshana Balakrishnan, Principal Product Manager at Oracle Cloud Infrastructure and we explore the evolving role of product management in today’s fast-moving, GenAI-powered tech landscape. She shares tips on what it takes to be a product manager today, and provides sound ideas for claiming your seat at the table.

Guest: Liz Anthony, Formerly Managing Director, Federal Market, Maximus, now an advisorLiz talks about how marketing is the connector between insights and impact. She is a big believer in linking sales, technology and marketing together and how differentiation is only possible if you do those things well. In this episode, Liz dives into why marketing is a strategic force, not just a support function — especially in complex environments like the federal market.

In this episode, we chat with a woman who is determined to pass on her knowledge and experiences to support others following in her footsteps – after immigrating to the US from Iraq over 20 years ago, Sairan Aqrawi received her Master’s degree in Engineering and is now the Design Coordinator Team lead for the Washington Metro Silver Line Project. Tune in to hear Becky and Sairan discuss muting the clutter, what it really means to live “the American Dream,” and uncovering "Your Core Genius." Take a listen, get inspired, and rise from the classroom to the boardroom!

In this episode, we chat with a passionate advocate for diversity, empathy, and responsibility in tech – Kathleen Mitford is the Corporate Vice President of Global Industry Marketing at Microsoft, empowering customers across industries to solve challenges and unlock opportunities with the Microsoft Cloud. From working in fashion on the East Coast to tech on the West Coast, Kathleen has made some big moves in her time – tune in to hear her and Becky discuss supporting partnerships, responsible AI, and the necessity of a killer pair of pink stilettos. Take a listen, get inspired, and rise from the classroom to the boardroom!

In this episode, we kick off the summer with a woman who has truly done it all! Susan Maly is the Founder and CEO of Maly Strategies, helping small technology and professional services businesses scale and grow through strategy, operations, and coaching services. From the US Air Force, to Harvard, to the Netherlands, Susan has mastered discipline, focus, and the art of the follow-through. Tune in to hear Susan and Becky discuss finding clarity, establishing supportive communities and leadership, and how leaps of faith aren’t so scary after years of honesty and preparation. Take a listen, get inspired, and rise from the classroom to the boardroom!Check out some of Susan's resources from Maly Strategies! Strategy Made Simple Newsletter 5 Tools for Your Strategy Toolkit Maly Strategies website

In this episode, we celebrate Mother’s Day and moms everywhere with an extra special podcast guest who hits close to home. Dr. Dianne Schneider is not only the Program and Policy Lead for Performance Management at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) – she’s also the mother of our very own podcast host! Tune in to hear Dianne and Becky discuss competency testing, transitioning from working inside to the home back into the workforce, and how everything truly happens for a reason. Take a listen, get inspired, and rise from the classroom to the boardroom!

In this episode, we welcome Mars' Vice President of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Nici Bush! Nici is a member of the global Mars Leadership Team with oversight of Research and Development (R&D), and in her nearly three decades at Mars, she has served on the Global Chocolate Leadership Team, spearheaded the enterprise “Future of Work” program, and driven an inclusion and diversity intervention within Mars’ supply chain – not to mention her time as the Global Head of Supply, where she was responsible for worldwide Chocolate Operations across 28 factories in 15 countries! Tune in to hear Nici and Becky discuss leveraging your network, establishing your core beliefs, balancing your emotional and technical intelligence, and… Twix? Take a listen, get inspired, and rise from the classroom to the boardroom!

In this episode, we continue on our cybersecurity kick with architect and evangelist Micki Boland! Micki is a global cybersecurity warrior with Check Point Software Technologies Office of the CTO, working to immerse cybersecurity in all aspects of business and ensure the highest level of data security. Tune in to hear Micki and Becky discuss the gritty basics of cyber, the necessity of intrapreneurship, and how our livelihoods really do depend on top-notch cybersecurity tactics. Take a listen, get inspired, and rise from the classroom to the boardroom!

In this episode, we chat with a cyber visionary and all-around inspiration: Deb Golden! Deb is the US Cyber & Strategic Risk Leader at Deloitte, leading a team of over 8,000 professionals solving the cybersecurity problems of today and preventing the ones of tomorrow – all while putting her purpose into practice by creating opportunities in STEM and cyber fields for women and those from diverse and unconventional backgrounds. Tune in to hear Deb and Becky discuss grit factors, fostering professional ecosystems, anticipating your next step, and staying calm in the chaos. Take a listen, get inspired, and rise from the classroom to the boardroom! 

In this episode, we chat with a powerful force in the DC STEM community: Kristie Grinnell! Kristie is the Chief Information Officer at DXC Technology, leading business transformation, defining IT strategy for new digital capabilities, and improving overall IT environment performance – all while being chair of the Capital CIO Advisory Board and serving on the WiT STEMforHER Advisory Board. Tune in to hear Kristie and Becky discuss hustle culture, finding a workplace that fits your values, and the importance of paying success forward to the next generation. Take a listen, get inspired, and rise from the classroom to the boardroom! 

In this episode, we chat with the 2022 WiT Rising Star Leadership Award winner: Jessica Maloney! Jessica is the Vice President of DHS Operations at Sev1Tech, a large-scale modernization and digital transformation partner helping government and commercial organizations fully harness the power of technology and engineering. Tune in to hear Jessica and Becky discuss making it in Washington, DC, succeeding outside of your comfort zone, and the importance of building yourself (and your career) from the ground up. Take a listen, get inspired, and rise from the classroom to the boardroom!

In this episode, we chat with a powerhouse from the cyber-security sector: Rita Marty! Rita is the Vice President of Network Security at AT&T, leading security strategy and development for AT&T network services and cyber defense initiatives. Tune in to hear Rita and Becky discuss all things cyber-security, the many ways of finding and fostering diversity within one company, and how life truly begins at the end of your comfort zone. Take a listen, get inspired, and rise from the classroom to the boardroom!

In this episode, we chat with Linda Tong, the COO of Webflow - the leading visual development platform for building a professional web presence without code. Tune in to hear Linda and Becky discuss Linda’s major career pivots (from investment banking, to Google, to a startup, to… the NFL?), maintaining an innovative culture, and not being afraid to “bet big” on yourself. Take a listen, get inspired, and rise from the classroom to the boardroom! Find out more about Linda's work at Webflow here. 

In this episode, we chat with our own President of Women in Technology – Ms. Amber Hart! Amber is the Co-Founder and Co-Owner of The Pulse of GovCon, a woman-owned advisory firm dedicated to the empowerment of Federal Government Contractors. Tune in to hear Becky and our fearless WiT leader discuss imposter syndrome, playing to your own strengths, and being “baptized by fire.” Take a listen, get inspired, and rise from the classroom to the boardroom! Find out more about Amber's work at The Pulse of GovCon, and look into WiT volunteering opportunities.  Content warning: Sexual harassment and eating disorders are discussed in this episode. 

In this episode, we chat with Lisa Shea Mundt – the winner of the 2022 Women in Technology President’s Award! Lisa is the Co-Founder of The Pulse of GovCon, LLC – a small research and advisory firm that works with companies who contract with the federal government. Tune in to hear Lisa and Becky chat about training, negotiation, and why you should be asking yourself “if not for me, then for who?” Take a listen, get inspired, and rise from the classroom to the boardroom! Find out more about Lisa's work at The Pulse of GovCon, and join us at WiT Accelerate(Her) programming.