Women Disrupting Tech

Burnout doesn't happen because people work too hard. It happens because half their work is invisible.In this episode of Women Disrupting Tech, I talk with Jamie Albaum, co-founder of Kellotime, a platform that helps organizations understand how their teams actually spend their time. We explore how invisible labor — the operational work, coordination, and care tasks that keep companies running — quietly builds up inside teams and contributes to burnout and structural bias.Jamie explains how unmeasured workload distorts promotions, recognition, and retention, and why founders who want to build sustainable companies need to understand the gap between assumed workload and real workload.This episode is for female founders, startup leaders, and women in tech who want to understand how invisible labor creates burnout before it's too late.What you'll learn in this episode:Why burnout often starts in the gap between assumed workload and real workloadHow time tracking helps founders identify overload before it becomes a crisisWhat data reveals about gendered labor patterns inside teamsWhy invisible labor shapes promotions, recognition, and retentionHow workload visibility improves pricing, fundraising, and project planningChapters:02:10 The Birth of Kello Time: Addressing Burnout in Organizations05:03 Understanding the Importance of Timekeeping07:55 Cultural Implications of Invisible Labor10:54 The Impact of Burnout on Employee Engagement13:49 Identifying Patterns of Burnout Across Organizations16:55 The Role of Data in Shaping Workplace Culture19:51 Kello Time's Unique Approach to Timekeeping22:45 The Gender Dynamics of Invisible Labor25:35 Kello Time's Functionality and Benefits 28:27 Strategic Resource Management with Kello Time31:19 Building Trust and Avoiding Micromanagement34:25 Cultural Shifts and Employee Wellbeing37:33 Recognizing Signs of Employee Disengagement40:24 The Importance of Open Communication43:22 Encouraging Time Off for Better Productivity46:31 Implementing Sabbatical Policies for Employee Retention49:35 Advice for Founders on Managing Workloads52:16 The Invisible Labor of Fundraising55:14 Practicing Public Speaking as a Founder58:17 Connecting with Jamie and Kello TimeConnect with Jamie Albaum and Kellotime:Jamie Albaum on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiealbaum/Website: https://www.kellotime.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kellotimeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kello_time/🎧 Listen to Women Disrupting Tech on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube.👉 Subscribe for more conversations with women building sustainable tech companies.

Starting a tech company is hard. Starting one during a war requires a different kind of resilience.In this episode of Women Disrupting Tech, I talk with Oryna Starkina, founder and CEO of Starksoft, a mobile development company she built during the pandemic and has kept running through the war in Ukraine. We explore how distributed teams create operational resilience, why the pandemic was actually a "golden window" for tech startups, and how Oryna turned her natural anxiety into a risk management advantage.This episode is for female founders, women in tech, and entrepreneurs building companies in uncertain times who want to understand how resilience is both a business architecture and a personal practice.What you'll learn in this episode:* Why 2020 was an opportunity window for tech, not just a crisis• How a distributed team structure keeps a company running during power outages and war• Why working with SMEs provided more stability than enterprise clients during crisis• How naturally anxious founders can leverage overthinking as scenario planning• Why physical routines break the "thinking loop" and create space for better decisions• What's shifting for women in tech leadership roles in Ukraine — and why it's likely permanentChapters: 02:05 Navigating Crisis: The Birth of Starksoft04:49 Building a Resilient Business Model07:56 Client Relationships and Support During Turbulence10:29 Overcoming Personal Challenges: Anxiety and Imposter Syndrome13:26 Networking and Attracting Clients16:16 The Role of Routine in Managing Anxiety18:58 Mindfulness and Focus Through Physical Activity22:01 Leveraging Overthinking for Business Success24:52 Coping with Uncertainty in a War Zone30:49 Impact of War on Workforce Dynamics35:09 Women in Tech: Rising Opportunities39:52 Long-Term Changes in Female Entrepreneurship41:55 Lessons from Uncertainty: Insights for Founders44:16 Preparing for the Unknown: Practical Strategies48:43 Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: Realizations and GrowthMore about the episodeCheck the show notes for magic moments, practical takeaways and insights.More about Oryna Starkina and StarksoftConnect with Oryna Starkina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arastark/ Learn more about Starksoft: https://www.starksoft.online/🎧 Listen to Women Disrupting Tech on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube. 👉 Subscribe for more conversations with women building the future of tech.

Burnout isn't about working too hard. It's about working against yourself.In this episode of Women Disrupting Tech, I talk with Alice Pavin, a Business and Life Coach for female founders navigating the gap between external success and internal alignment. We explore what happens when everything looks perfect on paper, but something still feels off — and what it takes to listen to the whisper before it becomes a shout.This episode is for women in tech, female founders, and entrepreneurs who are building at high intensity but wondering if there's a more sustainable way forward.What you'll learn in this episode:Why burnout is misalignment, not just overworkHow to use your heart as a compass and your mind as an execution toolWhat morning routines actually do for flow state and nervous system regulationHow to practice heart-centered decision-making before investor meetingsWhy silence is uncomfortable — and why it's essential for growthWhat microdosing can and can't do as a tool for self-connectionChapters 02:00 Introduction to Wellbeing and Entrepreneurship03:12 The Whisper of the Body05:02 Spiritual CV and Inner Balance08:32 The Power of Silence14:12 Mind vs. Heart: Finding Balance18:29 Signs of Imbalance and Body Communication21:28 Practicing Heart-Centered Living28:59 Morning Routines for Flow State30:37 Breathwork for Heart Connection32:26 Heart-Centered Visualization Exercise42:23 Understanding Microdosing and Its Benefits50:14 Microdosing Protocols and Practices58:58 Integrating Microdosing with Personal Development1:03:52 Empowering Female Founders in Investment ConversationsAbout this episode📰 Read the show notes: https://womendisruptingtech.blog/2026/02/26/episode-141/ 🔗 Connect with Alice Pavin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicepavin 🎧 Listen to Women Disrupting Tech on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube. 👉 Subscribe for more conversations with women building the future of health and tech.

What if women's health is not a niche, but infrastructure?In this episode of Women Disrupting Tech, I talk with Ida Tin, the woman who coined the term FemTech and co-founder of Clue, one of the world's leading women's health apps. Together, we unpack why innovation in women's health has stalled, what a missing data set is costing us, and why fixing it may be the highest-return investment in the global economy.This episode is for women in tech, femtech founders, and investors who believe women's health deserves to be treated as foundational infrastructure — not a funding afterthought.What you'll learn in this episode:Why continuous hormonal data is the missing layer in women's healthHow the "leaky pipeline" metaphor reframes health as an economic issueWhat it takes to raise conviction capital as a female founder in FemTechWhy Europe has a unique opportunity to lead in gender-informed healthcareHow to use the "imaginary empty chair" framework for ethical data designWhat Ida learned from taking Clue through FDA clearance as the world's first data-driven birth controlChapters: 02:00 The Journey to Femtech04:56 Clue: Revolutionizing Women's Health07:56 The Importance of Men's Understanding in Women's Health10:22 The Need for Hormonal Data11:17 Challenges in Hormonal Monitoring14:20 The Societal Impact of Women's Health17:22 Women's Health as Societal Infrastructure20:04 Investing in Women's Health23:15 The Future of Gender-Informed Healthcare26:23 Europe's Opportunity in Women's Health28:39 The Interconnection of Health and Environment29:24 Innovations in Health Monitoring31:07 Understanding Hormonal Health31:55 Transformations in Women's Health33:55 The Importance of Data in Women's Health34:25 The Femtech Assembly: A Movement for Change37:49 Building a Cohesive Femtech Community40:28 Data Privacy in Femtech45:24 Reframing Women's Health as an Opportunity52:56 Advice for Female Founders in Health TechMore information and links to connect🔗 Connect with Ida Tin on LinkedIn. 🔗 Learn more about FemTech Assembly on LinkedIn or Substack.📰 Check out the show notes for magic moments and insights from the episode.🎧 Listen to Women Disrupting Tech on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube. 👉 Subscribe for more conversations with women building the future of health and tech.

Most AI companies are built to scale fast. Melissa Solis built hers to last.In this episode of Women Disrupting Tech, I talk with Melissa Solis, founder and CEO of Inbenta, about AI leadership, customer-centric AI, inclusive leadership, and what it really takes to build an AI company that creates long-term value.Melissa has spent three decades leading AI companies through rapid industry change while prioritizing trust, inclusion, and sustainable growth. She brings a grounded perspective shaped by lived experience in environments that don’t always change on their own.This episode is intended to help female tech entrepreneurs and AI leaders who are building for the long term.In this episode, we explore:• How to build an AI company that prioritizes customer trust over quick wins• How AI is shifting access and opportunity beyond traditional credentials• What inclusive AI leadership looks like in practice• Why gratitude matters as a leadership choice• Why DEI policies don’t work without respect• What “building your own table” means in practiceChapters:02:25 Journey to CEO: Melissa Solis’ Path05:18 Inbenta: Transforming Data into AI Solutions08:03 The Importance of Customer Partnership in AI11:05 Challenges in Data Management and Deployment13:43 AI’s Role in Accessibility and Education16:39 Earning Recognition vs. Receiving It: A Discussion on DEI25:26 Creating a Fair Workplace: The Future of Leadership27:48 Building Your Own Table30:53 The Importance of Open Conversations32:32 Merit Over Background35:17 The Power of Gratitude in Leadership42:16 Surrounding Yourself with Support46:52 Leaving a Legacy and Empowering OthersMore information and links to connect:Blog and show notes: https://womendisruptingtech.blog/2026/02/12/episode-139/ Connect with Melissa Solis on LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/melissa-solis-3532302aLearn more about Inbenta: https://www.inbenta.com/ 🎧 Listen to more Women Disrupting Tech episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube.👉 Follow for more conversations with leaders building the future of AI and tech.

In this episode of Women Disrupting Tech, I talk with Philipp Omenitsch, co-founder of Sequel, creator of PitchLeague.ai and The Founder Files, and former startup CTO, about what actually gets funded in venture capital.Philipp has analyzed 17,000+ pitch decks through the Founder Files. This conversation cuts through fundraising advice and looks at patterns in the data.You'll learn:- Why prior startup experience is such a strong funding signal.- How investors think about risk, scale, and returns.- What pitch decks really need to do at early stages.- How technical ownership and team signals build trust.- Why pay gaps also affect who gets to invest.We also explore Philipp's work at Sequel, where professional athletes invest in startups, and what that reveals about pay gaps, investing power, and who gets to allocate capital in venture capital.Whether you're raising your first round or building toward it, this episode helps you understand the funding system you're stepping into with data, not just advice.Chapters:01:52 – Introduction to Philipp Omenitsch and Sequel04:31 – Democratizing access to venture capital07:09 – Barriers to accessing venture capital10:09 – The Founder Files and pitch deck analysis12:45 – Gender disparities in startup funding15:36 – The importance of prior experience18:09 – Investment decisions in venture capital20:30 – The impact of diverse founding teams23:08 – The importance of diversity in startups26:01 – Leveraging data for female founders28:47 – The role of technical co-founders30:41 – Investing in female founders32:03 – Communication styles of female founders33:40 – Key components of a successful pitch deck34:58 – Empowering athletes in investment decisions37:33 – The performance mindset of athletes 40:04 – Lessons from startup experiences 44:13 – Building successful pitch toolsMore information and show notes Connect with Philipp on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philippomenitsch/Read about key lessons, magic moments and practical takeaways in the show notes: https://womendisruptingtech.blog/2026/02/05/episode-138/

Why do so many international hires look great on paper, only to leave within a year? In this episode of Women Disrupting Tech, we look at why international hiring fails without proper relocation and what a real soft landing looks like in practice.My guest is Judith Roetgering, managing director of Rehive People. After more than 16 years in global fashion and founding a recruitment and relocation agency, she now helps startups and scaleups relocate and onboard international talent so they actually stay.In this conversation, we talk about:• How to get your legal setup and sponsorship in place before you fall in love with an international candidate• Why switching your internal language and habits is non-negotiable if you want international hires to feel included• What happens around the six to nine-month mark after a move, and why that is the moment many companies forget to support• How AI can take over admin so there is more time for the human side of relocation, from housing stress to family questionsIf you are a founder, hiring manager, or investor building global teams, this episode will help you see international hiring not as a transaction, but as something you design from the first forecast to the first working day.Connect with Judith Roetgering:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judithroetgering/Rehive People: https://www.rehivepeople.com/

AI implementations rarely fail because of the technology. They fail because of people, incentives, fear, and organizational blind spots.In this episode of Women Disrupting Tech, I talk with Sophia Zitman, Director of AI Projects at Kickstart AI, about what actually makes AI work in real organizations. From starting with the why instead of the tech, to navigating politics, resistance, and design choices that determine whether AI ever makes it to production.This conversation is for founders, operators, and leaders who want to move beyond AI hype and build systems that are useful, ethical, and adopted.Follow Women Disrupting Tech for more conversations like this.In this episodeWhy humans, not technology, cause most AI failuresHow to design AI around real organizational goalsWhy resistance is often a signal, not a blockerWhat founders underestimate about AI infrastructureHow AI can lower the barrier to building companies and accessing educationChapters:01:23 Why most AI strategies fail in practice04:23 Sophia Zitman and building AI that delivers value11:13 The real reason AI projects break down17:33 Designing AI around people and workflows23:38 When politics derail even good AI projects32:23 What successful AI implementation looks like47:08 AI as an advantage for startups and founders56:53 AI as an equalizer and building inclusive techConnect with Sophia Zitman:Sophia Zitman on LinkedIn.Support the podcast:Subscribe on SubstackFollow the podcast on SpotifyFollow the podcast on Apple PodcastsFollow the podcast on YouTube

In this episode of Women Disrupting Tech, Valerie Hirschhauser explains why following the startup playbook often leads to founder burnout, hustle culture as a system glitch, and how founders can build a sustainable business without sacrificing their well-being.We talk about hustle as a coping mechanism, why being busy often replaces making real progress, and how profit can act as oxygen for impact instead of undermining it. This conversation is for founders who wonder whether working harder is really the path to success, and who are looking for a more sustainable way to build.Inside this conversation:- Why hustle is often a system glitch, not a lack of ambition- How burnout shows up long before founders stop functioning- Why intuition belongs in leadership and boardroom decisions- How energy management beats time management- Why profit can act as oxygen for impact, not a compromise- What changes when founders reclaim agency over their choicesChapters:02:20 Valerie Hirschhauser's journey and the search for freedom in tech05:11 Debunking the illusion of hustle culture for founders08:07 The invisible impact of burnout on tech founders11:10 Strategies for navigating the modern startup landscape13:50 The role of mentorship and support for female founders16:49 Addressing double standards for women in entrepreneurship19:26 Rethinking investment expectations and VC relationships22:22 Why energy management beats time management for leaders25:27 Cultivating worthiness, balance, and self-belief in STEM32:45 How to choose agency over autopilot in your career35:41 Balancing purpose and profitability in a sustainable business39:17 Why hustle is not a sustainable business strategy45:34 How location and environment influence work-life integration48:43 Making leadership development accessible for women in tech51:25 Leading from the heart: Combining empathy and strength55:09 The role of trust and investor support in startup success57:52 Building inclusive and stronger founder ecosystemsConnect with Valerie Hirschhauser: Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeriehirschhauser/The OneMillionWomen Website: https://www.onemillion-women.com/

In this episode of Women Disrupting Tech, I talk with Carolina Bongers, founder of Jungle the Bungle.Carolina is building a language learning app for children aged two to eight that makes learning feel like play. Her ambition goes far beyond vocabulary. As she puts it: “We’re not teaching words, we’re unlocking worlds.”We talk about how being raised bilingual shaped her optimism and problem-solving mindset, why fun is not optional when it comes to learning, and how Jungle the Bungle removes the idea of right and wrong answers to keep children curious and engaged.We also explore her nuanced view on screen time. Children are using screens anyway, so the real responsibility lies in offering content that helps them learn responsibly. Carolina shares how she validated her idea in an unexpected way by first writing children’s books, why interest came from schools and libraries rather than parents, and what she learned from crowdfunding. Including how asking for money became easier once she saw it as inviting people into a shared success.We close with her advice to founders. Build things that are intuitive. Assume your users have very little headspace. And when in doubt, design with the simplicity of a two to eight-year-old in mind.Listen to episode 134 of Women Disrupting Tech on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube.Chapters02:05 Introduction to Jungle de Bungle04:47 The Power of Bilingualism07:36 Creating Engaging Educational Content09:58 Addressing Screen Time Concerns12:36 Fun and Effective Learning Methods15:39 Transitioning from Books to Apps18:25 Adapting for Schools and Educational Needs21:06 Future Growth and Expansion Plans23:46 Crowdfunding and Community Engagement26:42 Lessons Learned and Overcoming Challenges29:40 Vision for the Future of Jungle de BungleLinks & resources🗞️ Show notes: https://womendisruptingtech.blog/2026/01/08/episode-134/ 🌍 Jungle the Bungle: https://www.junglethebungle.com📲 Download the Jungle The Bungle from the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/nl/app/jungle-the-bungle-talen-app/id1571784582📲 Download the Jungle The Bungle from the Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.junglethebungle.app2

What does it take to build a sustainable career in tech? Simone Mink shares how learning, leadership, and boundaries shaped her journey at Mendix.In this episode of Women Disrupting Tech, I speak with Simone Mink, Head of Portfolio Management at Mendix, about building a career in tech without a predefined path. We talk about agency, agility, and bouncebackability, and about what happens when resilience quietly turns into burnout.Follow Women Disrupting Tech for more conversations about building careers and companies in tech without losing yourself.Chapters02:26 - From Leisure Management to Tech Leader 05:17 - The Journey of Learning to Code 08:08 - Transitioning Roles at Mendix 11:02 - Pitching Yourself. The Art of Self-Advocacy 16:12 - Embracing Uncertainty and ADHD 24:49 - Navigating Challenges in HR Management 30:47 - Lessons from Burnout and Resilience 37:37 - Resilience and Boundaries 39:08 - Graciousness Towards Oneself 43:24 - The Importance of Exercise 45:11 - Navigating Hormonal Changes 46:47 - Current Role and Responsibilities 52:25 - AI's Role in Decision Making 57:00 - Change Management and Accountability 01:00:44 - Driving Change Through Positivity 01:03:27 - The Power of Communication 01:07:19 - Addressing Bias in AIConnect with Simone Mink.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonemink-keynotespeaker-unlimitedgrowthmindset/Website: https://www.simonemink.comLearn more about Mendix.Website: https://www.mendix.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mendix/

What if promoting people on merit is the easiest way to get more women into boardrooms?In this episode of Women Disrupting Tech, I’m joined by Tiffany Aude and Yoana Leusin, founders of Impowr, a coaching platform for ambitious women in male-dominated industries. We unpack why women leave tech before reaching leadership, how promotion decisions are shaped by perception rather than performance, and what founders and leaders can change to build workplaces where women can actually thrive.We talk about objective hiring, incentives that motivate diverse teams, the role of mindset and self-advocacy, and why allyship is not theory but action taken at the right moment. This conversation is for founders, leaders, women in tech, and allies who want to move beyond good intentions and design better systems.Chapters00:03:08 Personal Journeys and Career Paths00:08:15 The Impact of Gender Dynamics in the Workplace00:12:43 The Dynamics of Competition in Corporate Environments00:20:24 The Promotion Paradox00:26:56 Legislative Changes and Their Impact on Gender Equality00:29:01 The Business Case for Gender Equality00:37:17 The Impact of Job Descriptions on Diversity00:39:24 Creating Inclusive Interview Structures00:41:33 Building a Supportive Workplace Culture00:43:35 Strategies for Empowering Women in Tech00:50:07 Creating Inclusive Work Environments00:51:54 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Building Confidence00:55:09 Tools for Enhancing Self-Worth and Negotiation Skills01:02:00 The Role of Male Leaders in Supporting Women01:09:19 The Future of Gender Equality in the WorkplaceConnect with Tiffany, Yoana, and ImpowrTiffany Aude on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffany-aude-05a251158/Yoana Leushin on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/yoana-leusin/Impowr website https://www.impowr.coImpowr on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/impowr8Impowr on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/impowr.co/Read the Blog on SubstackIn-depth reflections, key takeaways, and behind-the-scenes insights from this episode are available on Substack: https://womendisruptingtech.substack.com/

If your strategy feels heavy, outdated, or too complicated to actually use, this episode will change the way you think about building and growing your company.In episode 131 of Women Disrupting Tech, I sit down with Dorit Roest, founder of Strategy Sprint Company, to explore why the best strategies are simple, agile, and aligned with your original purpose. Dorit shares how founders lose momentum when their personal and business goals drift apart, and how a strategy that fits on a post-it can help you reset your focus fast.We cover:• Why founders feel off-track and how to realign with your original why• The Zoom Out method for spotting real opportunities and threats• The Battery Check: time, money, energy• Why courage expands your ambition• The visualization exercise that unlocks long-term direction• How to design goals that stay flexible as your reality changesThis conversation is practical, honest, and full of tools you can apply today to build a strategy that actually works.Chapters:02:20 Dorit Roest's Entrepreneurial Journey 05:24 The Role of Entrepreneurship in Solving Global Issues 08:16 Aligning Personal and Business Goals 11:13 The Importance of Agility in Strategy 14:09 Simplifying Strategy for Modern Businesses 17:16 Zooming Out: Understanding the Bigger Picture 20:24 Addressing Global Challenges as Entrepreneurs 23:14 Mapping Opportunities and Threats 26:14 The Battery Check: Assessing Personal and Business Energy 29:09 Prioritizing Time, Money, and Energy 32:02 Lessons from the Past Year 43:33 Navigating Maternity Leave and Business Growth 46:05 The Unique Challenges of Women Entrepreneurs 48:09 Innovative Leadership and Team Management 50:47 Encouraging Ambition and Risk-Taking 52:18 Visualization Techniques for Goal Setting 58:40 Aligning Personal and Professional Goals 1:03:11 The Importance of Alignment in Success 1:07:13 Simplifying Goals and Accountability 1:12:20 Building Supportive Networks for Female Founders Connect with Dorit:Website: https://www.strategysprint.company/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doritroest/Connect with Strategy Sprint Company:Website: ⁠https://www.strategysprint.company/⁠LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/doritroest/⁠Read the show notes on the blog.

In this episode, Andrea Cristancho shows how founders can turn stress into a source of clarity instead of chaos. We talk about pattern interrupts, wellbeing as a leadership skill, and a simple 10-second breathing practice you can use any time your mind starts to spin.Andrea Born-Christancho has built companies across Mainland China, South Africa, and Switzerland, and her work helps founders understand what their bodies are telling them so they can lead with more intention and less overwhelm.Chapters02:30 Andrea's Journey to Entrepreneurship and Health Coaching 05:35 The Impact of Burnout on Leadership 08:20 Wellbeing as a Foundation for Success 12:01 Integrating Wellbeing into Leadership 16:32 Managing Guilt and Prioritizing Self-Care 23:42 The Role of Pattern Interrupts in Daily Life 33:22 How Leaders Can Support Teams in Building Routines 37:41 Breathing Techniques for Better Focus 40:13 The Breathing Exercise 44:13 Stress as a Friend, Not the Enemy 49:45 The Role of Men in Supporting Women in LeadershipConnect with AndreaWebsite: https://www.andreacristancho.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreaborncristancho-impactstrategyconsultant/Connect with host Dirkjan HupkesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dirkjan-hupkesSubscribe to the Women Disrupting Tech NewsletterSubstack: https://womendisruptingtech.substack.comRead the full blog for this episodehttps://womendisruptingtech.blog

Gina Schinkel's founder career didn’t follow the straight line to being a founder. She built Driftawave and Leaderwave by choosing the world over the ladder and learning how travel, culture, and leadership shape each other. In this episode, we explore the power of workations, generous leadership, and what happens when you stop choosing one path and start integrating all the roads you’ve walked. Listen to episode 129 of Women Disrupting Tech on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube.Chapters:03:43 Gina Schinkel's Journey to Driftawave and Leaderwave 06:12 The Intersection of Travel and Technology 09:09 Cultural Insights: Returning to the Netherlands 11:55 The Benefits of Team Retreats and Workations 14:20 Creating Connections: The Role of Workations in Team Dynamics 17:22 Navigating Remote Work and Office Mandates 19:55 Exploring Workation Locations and Experiences 22:52 The Evolution of Workations: Beyond Just Work 24:50 Workations and Startup Success: Attracting Talent 27:43 Measuring Success: KPIs for Workations 30:45 The Future of Work: AI's Role in Business 33:24 Leadership Trends and the Role of AI 35:09 Diversity and Inclusion in Work Culture 37:42 Building Trust and Connections in Business 47:32 Empowering Women in Tech 1:02:18 Closing the Funding Gap for Female Founders Links:Learn more about the episode on the blogConnect with Gina on LinkedInLearn more about DriftawaveLearn more about LeaderwaveFollow Women Disrupting Tech on Substack

What if feeling good about yourself was a precondition for being a good ally?In this episode, Salmaan Sana shares how allyship connects leadership, emotional health, and inclusion. A former medical student turned leadership facilitator, he explains why vulnerability matters, how overcompensation can repair old imbalances, and how small, human moments can drive real change.Listen to learn how men can become more effective allies for women in tech—starting with awareness, compassion, and action.🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.Chapters03:00 - Journey into Healthcare and Leadership10:30 - The Role of Medical Education in Leadership20:06 - Understanding Allyship and Its Importance31:45 - Men's Vulnerability and Emotional Health51:32 - Practical Steps to Become an Ally59:04 - Closing the Funding Gap for Female FoundersLinksYou can connect with Salmaan on LinkedIn or via his website.You can learn more about the episode on Substack.You can connect with host Dirkjan Hupkes on LinkedIn.

In this episode, Settly CEO Marieke van Iperen shares how her upbringing in a hippie community shaped her view on leadership, and how she built a fast-growing startup that combines business growth with human connection. We explore how relocation can drive inclusion, what founders can learn from impact investors, and why belonging is a business outcome, not a soft value.Whether you’re a founder, people leader, or HR professional, this episode will help you build inclusive, globally connected teams.Chapters00:00 - Intro 03:00 Journey to Becoming a CEO 04:16 Hippie Roots and Startup Culture 05:36 Bootstrapping and Values in Business06:51 Cultural Intelligence in Hiring 12:15 Navigating COVID-19 Challenges 15:16 Geopolitical Challenges in Expansion 17:16 Overview of Settly and Its Services 19:44 Impact of Government Policies on Business 24:59 Changing Perspectives on Immigration 28:38 Creating Safe Spaces in Companies 44:02 Men’s Role in Inclusivity 45:02 - New Features and Closing Thoughts Links:Connect with Marieke on LinkedIn.Learn more about Settly on the websiteGet free access to Tenant Hub here (Dutch companies only)Follow Women Disrupting Tech on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube for weekly episodes.

Yasmina Khababi runs Freshtable, a social impact catering company that creates meaningful jobs for highly skilled former refugees by matching their original expertise with new opportunities in the hospitality industry. One meal at a time, she connects sustainability, inclusion, and food accessibility.In this episode you will learn how she built this without investors, how she protects her mind as a sanctuary, and how inclusion in tech can become powerful when you stop waiting for permission.We talk about:00:00 - Introduction to FreshTable and Its Mission02:48 - Connecting Climate Change and Refugee Issues05:52 - The FreshTable Business Model and Its Values08:50 - Empowering Refugees Through Work and Education12:05 - Geographical Luck and Its Impact on Opportunity14:56 - Facilitating Change: The Role of FreshTable17:50 - Accreditation and Career Advancement for Refugees20:52 - Diversity vs. Inclusion in the Workplace24:00 - The Vision for a Sustainable Future26:53 - The Role of the FreshTable Foundation29:38 - Creating a Safe Space for Feedback33:24 - Servant leadership and safe spaces39:14 - Mindset as a Sanctuary45:26 - The Art of Letting Go53:05 - Rest as a Right, Not a Reward55:02 - The Role of Men in Promoting InclusionYasmina’s story is a reminder that inclusion is not mere theory; it is a practice. It is how you lead, rest, and let others grow.Connect with Yasmina Khababi on LinkedIn.Read about the magic moment, practical takeaways for founders, and my notes to self on the Women Disrupting Tech blog.Follow Women Disrupting Tech on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube.

What happens when inclusion stops being a policy and becomes the foundation of a company?In this episode of Women Disrupting Tech, Magali Elhage and Matthijs Welle share how Mews turned diversity, leadership, and technology into a culture where people can be themselves and perform at their best.Chapters03:05 Journey to Mews: Personal Stories of Transformation 05:48 Breaking Barriers: The Struggles of Diversity in Hospitality 08:26 From Traditional to Innovative: The Birth of Mews 11:10 Building a Tech-Driven Hospitality Future 13:55 Inclusion by Design: Creating a Culture of Belonging 16:44 Empowering Voices: The Role of Leadership in Diversity 19:37 The Importance of Storytelling in DEI Initiatives 22:12 Navigating Challenges: The Path to Inclusive Leadership 25:07 Creating Safe Spaces: The Mews Experience 27:44 The Role of Employee Resource Groups in Culture Building 30:40 Parental Leave and Support: Building for the Future33:50 Addressing the Gender Pay Gap: A Long-Term Commitment 36:40 Leveraging AI for Growth and Learning 39:40 The Power of Allyship in Tech 42:17 Reflections on Personal Growth and Performance 45:31 Innovative Tools for Communication and Feedback 48:19 Facing Fears: Embracing Change in Leadership 51:11 Advice for Founders: Building an Inclusive Company 54:19 The Future of Mews: Vision and Strategy🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube.💬 Discover more about this episode in the show notes🌐 Explore Mews: https://www.mews.com🔗 Connect on LinkedIn with Matthijs WelleMagali Elhage❤️ Follow Women Disrupting Tech for more stories on inclusion, innovation, and leadership.

What happens when a former founder becomes an investor and decides to change the system from within? In this episode, Anieke Lamers, Venture Partner at Borski Fund, shares how she is challenging bias in venture capital and backing bold female founders to build a more inclusive startup ecosystem. A former founder herself, Anieke knows both sides of the table. She talks about emotional attachment, burnout, and why founders deserve to be put on a pedestal. You will hear why understanding a fund’s vintage matters, how empathy leads to better investing, and what still needs to change for true equality in venture capital. If you have ever wondered what it takes to invest differently or to keep building when the odds are against you, this episode is for you.Chapters02:40 Journey to Borski Fund05:29 The Role of an Operating Partner08:28 Challenges for Women in Leadership11:26 The Founder-Investor Dynamic14:36 Building Peekabond: A Personal Journey17:26 The Emotional Attachment of Founders20:24 Coaching for Mental Health in Startups23:29 Changing Expectations in Pitching26:18 The Importance of Diverse Teams29:19 Borski Fund’s Mission and Impact32:21 The Slow Progress of Female Founders35:26 The Future of Gender Equality in VC37:57 Bias in Investment Decisions41:16 Selecting the Right VC44:04 The Need for Policy Changes47:01 Celebrating Female Founders49:53 Success Metrics for Borski Fund52:52 The Role of Men in VC55:48 Final Thoughts and Connections🎧 Listen to “How Anieke Lamers Closes the Inequality Gap by Backing Female Founders with Borski Fund” on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube.💬 If this episode made you think differently about startup investing, share it with someone who should hear it.