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Welcome to Tech Beyond Gender Talks, where we delve into the inspiring journeys of women and gender-diverse individuals in the technology sector. Through engaging conversations, we uncover their achievements, challenges, lessons learnt and insights into the unique experiences of women and gender-diverse professionals navigating the tech industry. Join us as we explore their stories, experience their journey and celebrate their contibutions.
57 Episodes
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In this episode, Principal Architect Andrea Magnorsky joins us to explore the power of systems thinking — and why it matters now more than ever. With over two decades of experience spanning game development, architecture strategy, and functional programming, Andrea shares how she brings clarity to complexity.We talk about:What systems thinking actually is (with pigs and wolves!)How to make better architectural decisions with decentralised practicesAddressing systemic bias in techThe importance of active listening and meta-thinking in leadershipWhy decision-making is at the heart of good architectureIf you’ve ever wondered how to zoom out, connect the dots, and bring coherence to chaos — this episode is for you.
In this final episode of the Tech Beyond Gender podcast for 2025, host Meena Satishkumar speaks with Chetna Chaudhari, Delivery Manager for Data & Analytics at Fidelity Life, about her journey from growing up in a small village in India to building a successful technology career across two very different countries.Listen to Chetna's inspiring and heart warming story of her journey and real insignts into how to make the transition in tech from India to NZ smoother. #techbeyondgender #womenintech #MigrantInTech#speakingup #leadershipjourney
In this inspiring episode of the Tech Beyond Gender Podcast, Meena Satish Kumar sits down with Julia Bower — Co-Founder & CTO of Fractional Directory — to unpack her remarkable journey from failing high-school computer studies to leading one of APAC’s fastest-growing fractional talent platforms.Whether you’re a woman in tech, an aspiring founder, a parent navigating career transitions, or someone curious about fractional work and portfolio careers — this episode is packed with honesty, humour, and insight.Watch us on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4yFsHvanuZ8AwfSoSaZNPd?si=jySlPiJ3ShmEdNmXv80Tyw&nd=1&dlsi=c8432d2077754168Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tech-beyond-gender-talks/id1749944130Youtube: @TechBeyondGender
What happens when quantum computing, brain-like AI, and neurobiology come together?In this episode of Tech Beyond Gender, host Meena Satishkumar sits down with two extraordinary women:Dr. Helena Bahrami, AI & Machine Learning Lead Expert pioneering quantum-inspired models for neurodegenerative diseases, and Noor Syed, CTO for Health at Microsoft New Zealand.Together, they take us on a journey that is equal parts scientific, visionary, and deeply human.From the complexity of dementia and the future of drug discovery to digital twins and personalized medicine, Dr. Helena explains how quantum-powered models could shrink a 12-year drug development cycle into hours — and why data access, ethics, and equitable healthcare matter more than ever.Noor brings an industry lens: how platforms like Microsoft Azure enable safe research environments, responsible AI, and secure collaboration at global scale.This is a mind-stretching, heart-opening episode about the future of healthcare, the emergence of quantum AI, and the importance of keeping technology rooted in human values.If you're curious about the next big leap after generative AI — this episode is your gateway.Watch us on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4yFsHvanuZ8AwfSoSaZNPd?si=jySlPiJ3ShmEdNmXv80TywApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tech-beyond-gender-talks/id1749944130Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TechBeyondGender
After facing unimaginable loss, Priya Mathur rebuilt her life and career with courage and conviction. From starting as a young data engineer in India to becoming the Head of Enterprise Data at Fidelity Life in New Zealand, Priya’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and leadership grounded in empathy.In this inspiring conversation with host Meena Satishkumar, Priya opens up about:Navigating life as a migrant woman in techBalancing motherhood and career growthThe power of education and financial independenceFinding purpose through community and governance rolesHow data and AI are shaping the future of leadershipA powerful reminder that even in the face of adversity, you can rise, lead, and inspire others to do the same.
In this special episode of Tech Beyond Gender, host Meena Satishkumar is joined by Noor Syed and Rob Lonie from Microsoft, and Diksha Sandhu from the University of Auckland, for a powerful cross-generational conversation on gender equity in technology.Together they explore what it really means to move from diversity to true inclusion, the unseen barriers women face from school to senior leadership, and how mentorship, allyship, and curiosity can change the game.From Noor’s insights on inclusion, to Rob’s reflections on allyship and parenting, to Diksha’s honest university experiences, this episode is a heartfelt look at the pipeline problem — and what it takes to create real change in tech.🎙️ Hosted by: Meena Satishkumar🎧 Featuring: Noor Syed, Rob Lonie, and Diksha Sandhu💬 Produced by: Tech Beyond Gender#TechBeyondGender #WomenInTech #DiversityAndInclusion #Allyship #MentorshipMatters #BreakingBarriers #FutureOfTech #GenderEquity #STEMInclusion #RepresentationMatters #Leadership #NewZealandTech #EmpowerHer #InclusiveInnovation
In this episode of Tech Beyond Gender, Meena Satishkumar sits down with Ambica Dixit, Principal Partner for Data, AI, and Robotics at VedArc. With a career spanning India, the US, and New Zealand, Ambika shares her inspiring journey from childhood curiosity in STEM to leading data-led transformation and intelligent automation.She opens up about:Breaking into IT during the outsourcing boom of the early 2000sHer transition from teaching computers to strategic tech leadershipPioneering AI-driven solutions in both legacy and modern systemsAdvocating for responsible AI with pillars of security, trust, and inclusivityThe myths around AI “replacing jobs” and why she sees it as a creator of opportunitiesWhether you’re curious about digital transformation, the future of AI, or the values that sustain global leadership, this conversation will leave you motivated and informed.#TechBeyondGender #AI #ResponsibleAI #WomenInTech #DigitalTransformation #Leadership #InclusionInTech #Robotics #DataScience #TechPodcast
In this milestone 50th episode of Tech Beyond Gender, host Meena Satishkumar sits down with Ankita Dhakar, co-founder of Capture the Bug—a community-powered cybersecurity platform redefining penetration testing for modern digital teams.Ankita shares her inspiring journey from growing up in Jaipur, India, to moving to New Zealand as an international student, and ultimately becoming an “accidental founder” in the cybersecurity space—despite not having a computer science background. She opens up about the challenges of being a migrant woman in tech, the resilience it takes to build networks from scratch, and her belief that “success is best when it’s shared.”In this conversation, Ankita discusses:The inspiration behind founding Capture the Bug and disrupting traditional pen testing.The hurdles and unique strengths of being a migrant woman entrepreneur in New Zealand.How consistency, patience, and community have shaped her leadership.Her vision for the future of cybersecurity, including AI-driven autonomous pen testing.Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a migrant professional, or simply curious about cybersecurity innovation, Ankita’s story offers powerful lessons in resilience, purpose, and believing in yourself.#TechBeyondGender #PodcastEpisode #50thEpisode #CyberSecurity #PenTesting #CaptureTheBug #Innovation #TechForGood #WomenInTech #WomenFounders #DiversityInTech #InclusionMatters #BreakingBarriers#Leadership #Resilience #Consistency #StartupLife #MigrantVoices
Vicky Twomey-Lee, EuroPython Fellow and founder of PyLadies Dublin, joins host Meena Satishkumar to reflect on nearly two decades of shaping inclusive tech communities. From growing up in Ireland and discovering her love for technology, to building safe spaces for women and underrepresented groups, Vicky shares candid insights on representation in tech, navigating burnout, and sustaining grassroots movements. She also offers her perspective on AI-generated code, the power of mentorship, and her creative projects that blend coding, games, and maker culture.#TechCommunity #WomenInTech #DiversityInTech #InclusiveTech #TechForGood #CommunityBuilding #Python #PyLadies #EuroPython #CodingCommunity #OpenSource #RepresentationMatters #Mentorship #Advocacy #STEMDiversity #LeadershipInTech #Podcast #TechPodcast #Inspiration #TechBeyondGender
In this warm and insightful episode of Tech Beyond Gender I sit down with Pip Klenner a seasoned leader with nearly three decades in the tech world to explore how people processes and technology come together to drive real transformationFrom her unexpected start in IT to leading complex change initiatives Pip shares candid stories about the moments that shaped her leadership style the art of translating between business and tech teams and the importance of emotional intelligence in building trust and connection We dive into challenges like unconscious bias why women often hold back from applying for roles and how organisations can create truly inclusive culturesPip also reflects on her key lessons from transformation projects how she maintains resilience during tough times and why she believes valuing diversity is the single most important trait for future tech teams Whether you are in tech or leading change in any industry this conversation is a masterclass in human centred leadership#TechBeyondGender #WomenInTech #Leadership #DiversityAndInclusion #PeopleFirst #TechLeadership #Transformation #EmotionalIntelligence #CareerGrowth #InclusiveLeadership #ChangeManagement #BridgingTheGap #BiasInTech #WomenLeaders #FutureOfWork
In this thoughtful episode of Tech Beyond Gender, Meena Satishkumar speaks with Mahimi Fernando, Engineering Team Lead at Xero, whose career journey from Sri Lanka to New Zealand is shaped by courage, curiosity, and continuous growth.Mahimi shares how she uses structured reflection techniques like journaling and mindfulness to navigate challenges, overcome self-doubt, and support others. From her first failure in automation testing to building high-performing teams and studying psychology, Mahimi offers a deeply human approach to leadership—anchored in purpose and empathy.This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to lead with clarity, trust themselves more, and build inclusive, thoughtful teams in tech.#MindfulLeadership #WomenInTech #TechBeyondGender #SelfAwareness #ResilientLeadership #GrowthMindset #DiversityInTech #LeadershipWithPurpose #PsychologyInTech #ImposterSyndrome #InclusiveTech #ReflectivePractice #JournalingForGrowth
Barbara Gruber’s path from journalist in Germany to engineering manager in New Zealand is a powerful story of grit, reinvention, and courage. In this episode, she shares how she overcame language barriers, broke into tech with no prior experience, and handled rejection with resilience. We dive into her early struggles, cultural adaptation, and the leadership lessons she now brings to the table—always direct, always empathetic. A must-listen for career changers, migrant professionals, and women in tech.#WomenInTech #ChallengingTheOdds #CareerPivot #MigrantVoices #TechLeadership #InspiringJourneys #Reinvention #TechBeyondGender #Resilience #BoldMoves
Geri Ellis unpacks what it truly takes to lead through transformation in today’s tech landscape. From the accelerating impact of AI to aligning enterprise strategy, tech, and workforce planning, Geri shares practical insights for creating agile, future-ready organisations. A must-listen for anyone serious about meaningful, sustainable change in tech.#LeadingTransformation #AILeadership #FutureOfWork #TechStrategy #WomenInTech #EnterpriseAgility #DigitalLeadership #TechBeyondGender
In this deeply reflective episode, Meena Satishkumar speaks with Macushla Howell, Head of Data at New Zealand Post, about the life-changing impact of taking a bold career break. Macushla shares what inspired her year-long sabbatical across Europe, including walking the 780km Camino de Santiago with her young family, and how the experience rewired her approach to leadership, self-awareness, and success.Together, they explore what it means to lead with intention, the strength in stillness, and the value of being present. Whether you're considering a pause, navigating burnout, or simply seeking inspiration to live and lead with more purpose—this episode is a must-listen.#TechBeyondGender #WomenInTech #LeadershipJourney #CareerBreak #MindfulLeadership #IntentionalLiving #CourageToPause #DiversityInTech #InspiringWomen #CaminoStories #WorkLifeReflection
In this powerful episode of Tech Beyond Gender, Meena Satishkumar is joined by Kaushiki Roy — a program manager with over 30 years of experience across tech, policy, and public service in New Zealand. From an unexpected start in technology to navigating health challenges, Kaushiki shares how purpose, learning, and a strong personal value system helped her thrive as a migrant woman of colour.She opens up about the importance of building a personal brand, dealing with the tall poppy syndrome, staying curious, and aligning career choices with what truly matters. Whether you're early in your career or a seasoned professional, this conversation will leave you feeling grounded, inspired, and empowered.#TechBeyondGender #WomenInTech #MigrantVoices #Resilience #LeadershipWithHeart #PurposeDrivenCareer #PersonalBranding #DiversityInTech #EmpathyInLeadership #LifelongLearning #InclusionMatters #NZTech #WomenOfColourInTech #VisibilityMatters
n Episode 39, we sit down with Pooja Kokatnur, Engineering Lead at BNZ, who shares a deeply personal and inspiring journey through the tech industry. From growing up in a multicultural household in Dubai to carving out a meaningful career in New Zealand, Pooja reflects on the challenges of self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and the subtle biases women of colour continue to face in tech.She talks about the power of mentorship, what it means to lead with authenticity, and why staying true to your personality is a strength—not a liability. Pooja also opens up about key turning points in her career, including moments where speaking up made all the difference and where being overlooked led her to become a better advocate for others.This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating their early career, stepping into leadership, or simply trying to find their voice in a fast-moving industry.#WomenInTech#TechLeadership#AuthenticLeadership#SelfBelief#MentorshipMatters#WomenOfColourInTech#DiversityInTech#InclusionInTech#EmpathyInLeadership#TechBeyondGender#CareerGrowth#SpeakUp#BiasInTech#LeadWithKindness#RepresentationMatters
In this powerful episode of Tech Beyond Gender, Viji—Head of Sales for TCS Asia-Pacific—shares her transformative journey from a shy, academically driven girl in conservative South India to a confident, empathetic leader in global tech. She opens up about the inner battles of self-doubt, breaking out of her comfort zone, and how parenting a neurodivergent child reshaped her outlook on leadership and inclusion.Packed with lessons on self-belief, resilience, and redefining what it means to lead with heart, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating change, challenge, or career reinvention.#TechBeyondGender #WomenInTech #LeadershipJourney #EmpoweredLeadership #DiversityAndInclusion #Neurodiversity #ResilientLeadership #CareerGrowth #SelfBelief #BreakingBarriers #SalesLeadership #InspiringStories
In this inspiring conversation, Dr. Anish Dua, a distinguished academic and social advocate, shares his remarkable journey from academia to leading a movement against gender discrimination in India.We explore how collective action transformed societal attitudes toward daughters over the last 20 years, the real meaning of spirituality in modern leadership, and how love and compassion—not confrontation—drive true change.Dr. Dua also offers practical wisdom on overcoming workplace biases, balancing logic and emotion, and building a more inclusive and peaceful culture at work and in life.Tune in for powerful reflections on how inner growth leads to outer impact.#GenderEquality #WorkplaceCulture #CompassionateLeadership #SocialChange #InclusionMatters #MindfulLeadership #PositiveChange #DiversityAndInclusion #WomenInTech #TransformationalLeadership #InnerPeaceOuterImpact #TechBeyondGender
Susan Needham, Senior Manager of Data Governance at Auckland City Council, joins us for a heartfelt and insightful conversation about her three-decade journey in data and analytics — a path shaped not only by professional experience but also by her recent discovery of being neurodiverse.From growing up on a Waikato dairy farm to working across sectors like telco, banking, and government, Susan shares how ADHD, dyslexia, and mild autism have influenced her thinking, focus, and ability to simplify complex data into stories that make sense.We talk candidly about neurodiversity in the workplace, misconceptions that need to go, and how organisations can do more to harness the unique strengths of neurodiverse professionals. Whether you’re in tech, data, or leadership — or simply want to understand how our minds shape our work — this episode will challenge and inspire.#Neurodiversity #DataGovernance #WomenInTech #ADHDAwareness #DyslexiaAwareness #AutismAcceptance #TechLeadership #InclusionMatters #NeurodiverseVoices #DiversityInTech
In this inspiring episode of Tech Beyond Gender, Suzanne Holland, GM of Strategy, Architecture and Planning at Genesis Energy, shares candid reflections from her 27+ year journey in tech. From solving problems with code to leading enterprise-wide transformations, Suzanne opens up about what it means to lead authentically, build trust, and empower others.She speaks powerfully about the hidden pressures women place on themselves, the importance of visible role models, and how sponsors—not just mentors—can accelerate careers.Tune in for practical wisdom, honest truths, and a refreshing take on what it really means to thrive in tech leadership—without doing it all.#WomenInTech #AuthenticLeadership #TechBeyondGender #DiversityInTech #LetGoOfSuperwoman #LeadershipJourney #InclusiveTech #MentorshipMatters #Empowerment #CareerGrowth #TechTransformation
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