Leading Women in Tech Podcast

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: 👉 tonicollis.com/resume-guide Ready to connect with today's guest? Find Nicole online at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-bugenske-46165958/  Learn more about Robert Half Recruitment at: https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en   

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

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!  

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: https://www.tonicollis.com/lets-chat 📌 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.

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: https://www.tonicollis.com   **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!  

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 → https://tonicollis.com/whats-holding-you-back 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. https://tonicollis.com/whats-holding-you-back ⏱️ 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  

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: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leila-kassner-3a2b4a19/  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!  

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 → https://tonicollis.com/scorecard 🗓 Book a free strategy call with Toni → https://tonicollis.com/lets-chat  

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: https://blindinsight.comLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/jackiepeters 📖 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: https://www.tonicollis.com/lets-chat  👩‍💻 Show notes & more: https://www.tonicollis.com/episode269  💬 Join the free Slack community for women in tech: https://www.tonicollis.com/slack  #WomenInTech #TechLeadership #FounderMindset #PrivacyByDesign #StartupLeadership #JackiePeters #LeadingWomenInTech  

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 Promotion Readiness Scorecard  (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.

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: We'll Prescribe You a Cat by Syou Ishida Join the Leading Women in Tech community in Slack where we discuss all-the-things for women's tech leadership, covering everything from early-career leadership to C-level executives.

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:  👉 https://www.tonicollis.com/lets-chat  

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:  http://mywebar.com http://openway.ai https://www.facebook.com/aibelova/ 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: https://www.tonicollis.com/academy  Catch the show notes, and more details about today's episode here: https://tonicollis.com/episode265  Check us out on Youtube. Join the Leading Women in Tech community in Slack where we discuss all-the-things for women's tech leadership, covering everything from early-career leadership to C-level executives.  

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: 👉 tonicollis.com/scorecard  

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: https://www.tonicollis.com/lets-chat You don't have to do this alone. 🚀 **Useful links** Connect with today's guest and sponsor, Emily Dinu:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilydinu/ www.numinouscap.com  Emily's current read: Trauma and the Unbound Body: The Healing Power of Fundamental Consciousness by Judith Blackstone Join the Leading Women in Tech community in Slack 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 Gld PR. Thank you GldPR for helping to bring Leading Women in Tech to this community!  

Want to speak up at work—without risking your reputation or your sanity? In this episode, we're diving into one of the most uncomfortable (and essential) leadership skills: how to disagree with your boss professionally. Whether you're navigating power dynamics, trying to avoid "yes culture," or just want to be heard in meetings—this episode gives you the mindset, strategy, and scripts you need. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Preparing for difficult conversations with clarity Using respectful dissent to earn trust Handling pushback with emotional intelligence When to stand your ground and when to align How to recover if things get tense Becoming the kind of leader whose voice makes a difference If you've been biting your tongue to keep the peace, this episode will help you protect your energy and your integrity. You'll also discover how to contribute to a culture where respectful dissent is welcomed—so you can speak up and create psychological safety for others. 🔗 Ready for support navigating tough conversations and building your leadership presence? Book a FREE strategy session with me: 👉 https://www.tonicollis.com/lets-chat 🎧 Mentioned Episode: → The Art of Being Professionally Blunt (highly recommended before this one!) 💬 Let me know in the comments:What's one disagreement you've been avoiding?

What if the smartest thing you could do as a leader... was make yourself unnecessary?  In an era where AI is changing how we work and lead, tech executive Amber Winter proves that success isn't about working harder—it's about working smarter.  From her start as a marketing coordinator to becoming CEO in just eight years, Amber shares how she's used continuous learning, smart delegation, and artificial intelligence to lead high-performing teams without burning out. In this episode, she opens up about what it really takes to scale your leadership while staying human in a tech-driven world.  "Relationships are your superpower." — Amber Winter Amber reminds us that even with AI on your side, people still matter most. What You'll Learn in This Episode: How Amber uses AI tools to scenario-plan, prioritize, and problem-solve on the fly Her "tour of duty" approach to leadership—and why it's a game-changer for growth What she learned from creating AI agents for her teams (and trying to make herself unnecessary) A real talk moment that taught her the power of clear, human-centered communication The career path that took her from coordinator to CEO to CRO—without following a traditional roadmap Why treating people as individuals (not resources) leads to stronger results How AI can help uncover blind spots, support strategic thinking, and prep leaders for tough conversations  ✨ Want to lead smarter, not harder? Start by reflecting on how you show up—and where AI   can amplify your strengths. 🎧 Listen now and discover how modern leadership can be both high-tech and deeply human.  **Useful links** Connect with today's guest and sponsor, Amber Winter from SuiteDynamics: W:  www.suitedynamics.io  LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/amberrwinter  Amber's current read: How To Raise Successful People: Simple Lessons for Radical Results by Esther Wojcicki 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: https://www.tonicollis.com/academy  Catch the show notes, and more details about today's episode here: https://tonicollis.com/episode261  Check us out on Youtube. Join the Leading Women in Tech community in Slack 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 guest, SuiteDynamics. Thank you Amber and SuiteDynamics for helping to bring Leading Women in Tech to this community!  

Have you ever sugarcoated feedback to avoid hurting someone's feelings? Or avoided a tough conversation because it just felt too uncomfortable? In this episode of Leading Women in Tech, I'm diving into how to be professionally blunt—the leadership communication skill that will help you be more respected, more effective, and build high-performing teams with less confusion and more trust. What You'll Learn in This Episode:  Why we default to vague or "nice" communication The high cost of avoiding direct conversations What professional bluntness actually looks like (hint: it's not rudeness) How to give feedback at work with clarity and kindness Language you can use to be clear without being harsh Mindset shifts to expand your emotional capacity as a leader The ripple effect of clarity in leadership communication And more! If you're ready to stop sugarcoating, speak with confidence, and develop powerful direct communication in leadership—this one's for you. Check out episode 245 on passive-aggressive leadership tendencies and how to shift them: https://tonicollis.com/episode245 👇 PLUS: Want help implementing this in your leadership style? 💬 Book a free strategy call with me to explore how executive coaching can help you develop your voice, lead with clarity, and elevate your influence: 👉 https://tonicollis.com/lets-chat  ✨ If you found this helpful, hit the like button, subscribe, and share this with another woman in tech leadership who's ready to level up their communication.  

Are you missing the strategic blind spots that could unlock your next big move? What if the key to leveling up your leadership wasn't in working harder—but in thinking more strategically?   In this episode, we sit down with serial entrepreneur and strategy expert Ashley Wright, who shares how to spot the hidden gaps that slow teams down—and how to shift from reactive mode to confident, forward-thinking leadership.   With stories from her time at General Mills, launching an AI-driven startup in the green industry, and guiding founders through major pivots, Ashley brings a rare mix of big-picture vision and tactical insight. Whether you're leading a team or building your own thing, this episode will help you lead with clarity, context, and purpose.   "You can either live your life trying to make someone else's dream happen, or live it trying to make yours happen." — Ashley Wright   What You'll Learn in This Episode: How to identify strategic gaps before they become roadblocks What "Why me? Why now?" means—and why every founder needs to answer it How to make confident decisions from a place of opportunity, not fear The role of AI in niche industries (and why humans still matter) How to lead diverse teams with authenticity and clear deliverables What it looks like to play to win instead of playing catch-up The mindset shift that turns early-stage chaos into long-term clarity   🎧 Loved Ashley's insights? Take 5 minutes to reflect: Where are the strategic gaps in your work or team?   **Useful links** Connect with today's guest, Ashley Wright: Connect with Ashley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleywright3/  Follow Plantista:  On Indiegogo: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/plantista-fire-wise-ai-landscapes-for-all#/  Web: https://plantista.ai/ On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/getplantista/  Ashley's current read:  Secrets of the Sprakkar: Iceland's Extraordinary Women and How They Are Changing the World by Eliza Reid  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: https://www.tonicollis.com/academy  Catch the show notes, and more details about today's episode here: https://tonicollis.com/episode259  Check us out on Youtube. Join the Leading Women in Tech community in Slack where we discuss all-the-things for women's tech leadership, covering everything from early-career leadership to C-level executives.  

Ever freeze mid-sentence in a meeting? Start rambling when challenged? Or walk away thinking, "Why didn't I speak up?" You're not alone. This episode is going to be your go-to toolkit for navigating those high-pressure moments with more clarity and confidence. In this episode, I unpack what pressure really does to high-achieving women — and more importantly, how to coach yourself through it in real time, even when your heart is racing and your voice feels like it's vanished. If you've ever wanted to feel more grounded, more articulate, and more in control under fire, this one's for you. "Leadership isn't about what you say out loud, it's about what you say to yourself before you open your mouth." — Toni Collis What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why freezing, rambling, or going silent is NOT a sign of incompetence How to interrupt the "pressure spiral" before it derails your confidence Micro self-coaching tools — no journaling required Shifting from reactive to grounded leadership in high-stakes situations How to apply my "Hold, Don't Carry" method so you stop replaying every meeting in your head Using the Say It Like a Leader script pack to pair inner clarity with outer confidence And more! This is for you if: You've ever walked out of a meeting replaying every word You freeze, clam-up and worry about speaking up You get frustrated when interrupted or dismissed You want to build executive presence without faking it You're navigating pressure, visibility, or senior rooms and want to show up powerfully — even when interrupted, dismissed, or put on the spot   **Useful links** Download the free companion guide: Say It Like a Leader: https://tonicollis.com/sayitlikealeader Want to learn more about the concept of Hold Don't Carry? Listen to Episode 195: Hold Don't Carry with Lindsay White here: https://tonicollis.com/episode195  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: https://www.tonicollis.com/academy  Catch the show notes, and more details about today's episode here: https://tonicollis.com/episode258 Check us out on Youtube. Join the Leading Women in Tech community in Slack where we discuss all-the-things for women's tech leadership, covering everything from early-career leadership to C-level executives.