Build Your Brave Career for Women in Tech

Listen, this episode might sting a little—and that's exactly the point. If you're a woman in tech who treats feedback like a personal attack instead of career fuel, I'm talking directly to you.I've watched with horror as more women have become timid about giving feedback and defensive about receiving it. This pattern is quietly cutting your career growth at the knees while multiplying your stress.Here's what I know: You wouldn't coddle your code, your product, or your project when it needs iteration. So why are you being so precious about feedback on your own performance?In this episode, I'm drawing a hard line between toxic workplace BS (which is NOT what we're discussing) and the constructive, developmental, growth-oriented feedback that is actual career generosity. The kind you need to actively seek out, receive with curiosity, and use strategically.Here's what I cover:Why feedback is the accelerated growth engine in tech—and why your career needs the same iterative approach as your codeThe brutal truth about how women are held to higher performance standards (backed by research since the 1970s)Why your defensiveness is far more damaging than the original feedback ever wasHow leaders are watching for your response to feedback—not your perfectionWhy you must stop optimizing for likability and start optimizing for clarity and effectivenessThe mindset shift that changes everything: feedback is data, not identityConcrete examples of professional feedback versus unhelpful criticismWhy avoiding giving feedback makes you unclear and untrustworthy (not nice)I also share real feedback my clients recently received and how they made it mean something totally different than what was actually said.The women who enjoy their careers and reach their goals aren't the ones who never get criticism. They're the ones who are seen improving over time—in line with their values, purpose, and boundaries.Bravery isn't just about bold moves. It's about sitting still in a moment of critique and choosing your growth instead of your ego.Your Next Steps:Separate the feedback from what your brain tells you. Make feedback a monthly habit. Seek feedback from your critics. Give yourself 24 hours. Stop optimizing for likability. Related Episodes Importance of Specific Feedback in Career GrowthAggressive or Just Direct? Navigating Feedback as a Woman in TechE85: How to Deal with Unspecific Career Feedback to Build Your Skills, Relationships, Career, and SalaryConnect with Me:You can be a woman in tech and enjoy your career. When you build the skill of bravery, you will stress less, work less, and then earn more. Check out the following resources designed to help you thrive in your career: Check out my websiteJoin my mailing list for more insights, opportunities, and inspirationConnection with me on LinkedIn

Listen in as I respond to the generous and conflicting feedback that you sent about my last episode, "Bravery in the Meantime." Your feedback was the full range responses—positive, relieved, dismissive, and angry. I share your feedback and also offer my own thoughts on what comes next for us all. What You'll Hear:Four buckets of listener feedback, from validating to challengingMy vulnerable response to criticism about privilege, systemic change, and individual copingAn invitation: What can Nicole create to support you in building your brave career?Key Takeaway:What you want to reject because it threatens you might be exactly what you need to work on right now.Mentioned in This Episode:Previous episode: "Bravery in the Meantime: How to Use a Tough Career Phase for Long-Term Success"Past episodes: "The Glass Floor" and "Recognizing Toxic Career Surroundings"Connect with Nicole:You can be a woman in tech and enjoy your career. When you build the skill of bravery, you will stress less, work less, and then earn more. Check out the following resources designed to help you thrive in your career: Check out my websiteJoin my mailing list for more insights, opportunities, and inspirationConnection with me on LinkedIn

Building your brave career isn't always about leaping, insisting, disrupting. Sometimes it means staying with intention using. This moment to calm your nervous system, build your skills and inner strength, enhance your financial safety and deepen your real life, your hobbies and your interests, and the most important relationships.Building your brave career is sometimes about bravery in the meantime.Listen to this episode for concrete examples of how to use a difficult career phase to build your long-term career without stressing out, burning out, or limiting your goals. More Links:Check out my websiteJoin my mailing list for more insights, opportunities, and inspirationConnection with me on LinkedInDetailed TranscriptRight now, most women in tech are in a career phase that isn't quite what they expected. I mean, sure some of my clients and some fellow women in tech are moving abroad. Accepting promotions or lowering their stress by working fewer hours, traveling less, taking on less emotional labor. Yes, that is true.What is also true is that most of my clients, and many women in tech, are in a career phase that kind of sucks. They've been laid off with no warning, passed over for deserved, and sometimes even promised promotion, or they're stuck working with people they don't respect on products that aren't quality at companies that don't seem to care. They're watching executives and shareholders, and investors take far more than they could ever create.Because here's a brave truth: it's rough out there for a lot of women in tech, quite frankly, for a lot of everyone. And maybe that's you, and if it is, keep listening.By the end of this episode, you'll have a few ways to build the skill of bravery in your meantime. Even if you're in a job, that kind of sucks. Right now, you may be feeling ignored, stressed, lost, angry, stuck. You may feel held down by bad management and tough, real economic realities, but you're still showing up for work.Maybe you're biting back your sarcasm, your boredom, maybe even your hope. You are watching the cost of everything rise: food, clothing, housing, schooling, everything. It feels threatening. You're saving, but it never feels like enough. And you know that guy who does less and does it poorly is still earning more than you.You want to grow, be bold, create your next career phase, but you've also survived three layoffs in two years. Your friends are struggling, your mentors are struggling. You look around and it feels like just about everyone is struggling.You keep wondering what's right for me right now? Is there anywhere safe anymore? In the tech industry, we often celebrate the bravery of quitting, founding, leaping, reinventing. We talk about moving fast and breaking things, but sometimes the bravest thing, the best Next thing is choosing to stay. Choosing to stay at a job, that kind of sucks because it gives you the stability you need this month and the next.It helps you rest, build skills, activate your network, and deepen your personal relationships. Yeah, it kind of sucks and you can use this phase.You can use this phase to be your phase of bravery. In the meantime, crafting the foundation you need for that next clear leap. That might be exactly the type of bravery you need right now.Now, before I go any further, I wanna be really clear the rest of this episode is not for you. Or anyone. If you are in a truly unsafe environment, if you're being abused, bullied, harassed, or just frankly not paid, these tips are not for your situation. You need to protect yourself, and you need to seek support.What I'm about to share is for women in tech who are stressed, overworked, underpaid, and trying to stay afloat and craft a future in a very tough season.Today we're talking about how staying, how choosing bravery in the meantime can support your next career and life phase. None of what I'm about to say will help a toxic or abusive situation. Okay?If work feels draining. And it's impacting your life. This is your time to focus on bravery. In the meantime, it's about making conscious choices to build the habits and the skills you need for lowering your stress, for managing your time better. For most of you, that means working less. And setting yourself up in the future for greater income.Because you have built, expanded your sense of self, you've made yourself more valuable on the market. These are tiny habits that remind you of who you are, what you want, and why you matter.This might mean staying quieter in meetings, doing the minimum necessary for success in your role.Pay attention to what I just said : you're still going to meet success for your role. You're going to achieve. Not gonna overachieve you are not gonna extremely achieve. You're going to achieve and do the minimum necessary for achievement in your role.Maybe this means you're gonna be asking fewer questions and listening even more carefully to what is not being said.You're gonna be tracking your time more consciou

Let's get real about the challenges we face as women in tech—especially as right-wing, anti-woman movements gain ground around the world and in our industry. I share why it’s more important than ever to speak up, get involved, and “get on a boat” toward justice—whether your boat is advocating for equal healthcare, LGBTQI rights, or community building.You matter. Your voice matters. And your bravery—at work and in life—will shape our collective future. If you’re feeling stressed, numb, or just looking for a reminder that you’re not alone in these tough times, this episode is especially for you.Call to action: After you listen, choose your “boat”—find a cause, no matter how small, and get involved. And if this episode helped you, please share it with a friend who needs a little encouragement today. Together, we’re braver.Link to We Can Do Hard Things: The New Era: LOVE, FURY, FREEDOM More Links: Check out my websiteJoin my mailing list for more insights, opportunities, and inspirationConnection with me on LinkedIn

I dive into how every industry is now a tech industry. We bust the myth that "tech jobs" only live inside traditional tech companies and that you are trapped in the "traditional" tech industry. I share eye-opening job growth stats across diverse sectors and offer practical steps for women in tech who want less stress, more freedom, and similar or perhaps even more pay, without sacrificing your skills or ambition.Curious about how you can use your tech talents in new industries with better working conditions and much closer to your interests and purpose? Listen in, take note of where you feel that spark of interest, and get ready to build your brave career.Call to action: If something in this episode sparks your curiosity, reach out to someone in that industry for a chat, update your materials, and start exploring your next brave move!Here are the global growth projections for tech-related jobs across industries in the next five years:Healthcare – 20%Sources: BLS, AMIA (American Medical Informatics Association)Retail – 25%Sources: Statista, BLSFinance & Insurance (FinTech) – 30%Sources: Finextra, BLSManufacturing – 22%Sources: Robotics Industries Association (RIA), BLSAerospace & Defense – 15%Sources: BLS, Aerospace Industries AssociationTelecommunications – 18%Sources: BLS, CompTIAGovernment / Public Sector – 25% (varies by country)Sources: BLS, U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO)Education – 18–35% (esp. online learning)Sources: BLS, EDUCAUSEReal Estate – 30%Sources: National Association of Realtors (NAR) Extension, StatistaConstruction – 20%Sources: BLS, GlobalEnergy – 25%Sources: BLS, GlobalTransportation & Logistics – 22%Sources: StatistaHospitality & Tourism – 20%Sources: StatistaMedia & Entertainment – 25%Sources: StatistaPharmaceuticals – 18%Sources: StatistaProfessional Services – 28%Sources: StatistaAutomotive – 30%Sources: StatistaLegal Services – 22%Sources: StatistaAgriculture – 30%Sources: StatistaMining – 25%Sources: StatistaFood & Beverage – 25%Sources: Statista👉 Did you feel a spark reading through that list? That spark matters. It’s your signal to explore industries that align with your interests, values, and lifestyle while still leveraging your tech expertise.

I'm popping back into your feed to celebrate a milestone: SIX YEARS of helping women in tech build the skill of bravery to stress less, work less, and then earn more. In this episode, I build upon the last episode (link below). Then I share how I applied the Build Your Brave framework - clarity, momentum, accountability - to make a bold move in my own career. I also talk about the opportunities that still exist for women in tech who are willing to bravely leave behind what doesn’t serve them and intentionally build the careers—and lives—they truly want.Want to take control of your career and build your bravery? Dive in, listen now, and reach out if you’re ready to work together or want to join my waiting list for coaching. Reference resources: Bravely Bejeweled: Reflections on a Year of Loss & My Choice to Allow 2025 E62: Build Your Brave Framework 2.0Join the waiting list or schedule your three hour intensive: email me at [email protected] can be a woman in tech and enjoy your career. When you build the skill of bravery, you will stress less, work less, and then earn more. Check out the following resources designed to help you thrive in your career: Check out my websiteJoin my mailing list for more insights, opportunities, and inspirationConnection with me on LinkedIn

2024 was a year of immense challenges, transformation, and growth. In this deeply personal episode of Build Your Brave Career, I reflect on the losses, lessons, and connections that defined my year—and how they’re shaping my approach to 2025.I also share two key updates for 2025: I am pausing new episodes temporarily to allow space for reflection and recalibration. I promise new episodes are coming. I will not be onboarding new coaching clients in early 2025. Join my email list to stay up-to-date. What’s Inside This Episode:A candid reflection on the highs and lows of 2024, including lessons learned from loss and transformation.My choice to focus on an intention over traditional goals, with “allow” as the guiding word for 2025.Two important updates for 2025. Questions to Reflect On:What was your most significant experience in 2024?What is your intention for 2025?To submit your question for me to answer on an upcoming episode, send me an email at [email protected] You can be a woman in tech and enjoy your career. When you build the skill of bravery, you will stress less, work less, and then earn more. Check out the following resources designed to help you thrive in your career: Check out my websiteJoin my mailing list for more insights, opportunities, and inspirationConnection with me on LinkedIn

Do you ever feel stuck while pursuing your career goals? In this episode, I dive into a common lie we face as women in tech: the implicit or explicit responsibility to make your growth easy for everyone else. Many ambitious women in tech find themselves at a crossroads—a point where pursuing their career goals seems daunting and when met with resistance, often leads to a withdrawal from growth. Through a representative client story about asking the tough questions, facing discomfort head-on, and making powerful decisions for her career trajectory, you'll learn:The importance of prioritizing your growthThe reality that transformation always impacts others One approach to navigating important but uncomfortable conversationsSteps to stop making it easy for everyone else and start focusing on youTo submit your question for me to answer on an upcoming episode, send me an email at [email protected] can be a woman in tech and enjoy your career. When you build the skill of bravery, you will stress less, work less, and then earn more. Check out the following resources designed to help you thrive in your career: Check out my websiteJoin my mailing list for more insights, opportunities, and inspirationConnection with me on LinkedIn

You are always on the job market. Always. Understanding and practicing is a cornerstone of building a brave career. Whether you’re thriving in your current role, facing uncertainty, or anything in between, this episode will equip you with the mindset and strategies to stay ready for any opportunity or challenge.Drawing from listener feedback on episode 126, we’re revisiting this topic with a clearer structure and actionable insights, including:Why being "on the market" doesn’t mean a full-time job hunt.How to navigate today’s dynamic tech landscape, from layoffs to AI-driven transformations.Five actionable steps to stay job-ready without burnout, including mindset shifts, keeping your collateral updated, and building authentic relationships.Tune in to discover how small, steady actions can make a big impact on your career resilience, growth, and joy.Resources Mentioned:Episode 126: The Mindset Shift: Understanding That You’re Always on the Job MarketSchedule your free consultationTo submit your question for me to answer on an upcoming episode, send me an email at [email protected] can be a woman in tech and enjoy your career. When you build the skill of bravery, you will stress less, work less, and then earn more. Check out the following resources designed to help you thrive in your career: Check out my websiteJoin my mailing list for more insights, opportunities, and inspirationConnection with me on LinkedIn

What would change if you chose to see adversities not as tests, but as confirmation of your decisions, values, and goals? This episode will help you explore an option for shifting your perception so that you stress less, work less, and then earn more as a woman in tech. I share two specific stories and one call to action to help you challenge the idea of adversity as a "test" so that you can decide if you want to shift towards perceiving adversity as an opportunity to be confirmed. 1. A personal story 2. A client’s storyKey Takeaways:Shift from "test" to "confirmation" to transform how you view adversity.Bravery isn't about being perfect—it's about being human and learning from the process.Mindset shifts can lead to better boundaries, more energy, and greater career alignment.Reframing challenges can help you stress less and create opportunities for growth.To submit your question for me to answer on an upcoming episode, send me an email at [email protected] can be a woman in tech and enjoy your career. When you build the skill of bravery, you will stress less, work less, and then earn more. Check out the following resources designed to help you thrive in your career: Check out my websiteJoin my mailing list for more insights, opportunities, and inspirationConnection with me on LinkedIn

Mahua Chakuvati, Sales & HR Tech Leader, dives deep into her unique definition of bravery, sharing how core values like acceptance, humility, gratitude, and honesty have propelled her forward in a remarkable career spanning sales, business applications, operations, and people management.Listen in for unique value definitions and how Mahua puts them into action: choose radical acceptance of realitypractice daily humilityshow gratitude in every situation, also adversityconsistently act with honesty. Ignoring the call to define your own values, your unique definition, and how you put them into action can lead to a growing cycles of stress, dissatisfaction, and overwork. Particularly in situations that increase your risk of adopting negative behaviors that don't align with who you want to be in your career and life. Connect with Mahua Chakuvati on LinkedIn.Related podcast episodes: Accountability: Circles of Control Career Tip: Stop Making What Other People Do & Say About YouClarity: Self-Concept Who Do I Need to Become to Enjoy My Career?To submit your question for me to answer on an upcoming episode, send me an email at [email protected] can be a woman in tech and enjoy your career. When you build the skill of bravery, you will stress less, work less, and then earn more. Check out the following resources designed to help you thrive in your career: Check out my websiteJoin my mailing list for more insights, opportunities, and inspirationConnection with me on LinkedIn

We're diving into a brave, empowering topic: the strength and freedom that come with choosing to allow others to disliked you. Yes, you heard that right! As women in tech, we're often conditioned to seek approval and avoid conflict, but embracing the reality that not everyone will like us is a powerful step for our careers.In this episode, I share examples, including a personal story, to illustrate how being disliked can actually be a sign you're on the right career grwoth track. This episode is designed to challenge you and inspire self-reflection on your values and the company you keep.Take a few minutes after listening to identify who you wouldn't want to praise you because their values don't align with yours. Write it down and keep it handy for those moments of self-doubt.To submit your question for me to answer on an upcoming episode, send me an email at [email protected] can be a woman in tech and enjoy your career. When you build the skill of bravery, you will stress less, work less, and then earn more. Check out the following resources designed to help you thrive in your career: Check out my websiteJoin my mailing list for more insights, opportunities, and inspirationConnection with me on LinkedIn

Kim Bennett, CEO of AtlasGuru.com joins to share a range of powerful insights relevant to those who aim to build a strengths-based career. Kim shares her journey from a comfortable corporate job in digital marketing to becoming an entrepreneur. We discuss the long road to entrepreneurship, the challenges of leaving a secure position, and the rewarding experiences of leading a strengths-focused, tech-driven business. Kim emphasizes the importance of understanding and leveraging one's strengths to make impactful career choices.We also delve into the value of tools like the Strengths Finder, the power of clarity, momentum, and accountability, and how brave decisions can shape a fulfilling career. Plus, Kim reveals her remarkable brave role model – Martha Stewart – and the profound influence Martha has had on her professional path.Learn more about Atlasguru.com Connect with Kim Bennett, CEO of Atlasguru.comTo submit your question for me to answer on an upcoming episode, send me an email at [email protected] can be a woman in tech and enjoy your career. When you build the skill of bravery, you will stress less, work less, and then earn more. Check out the following resources designed to help you thrive in your career: Check out my websiteJoin my mailing list for more insights, opportunities, and inspirationConnection with me on LinkedIn

Can you love your colleagues enough to let them experience the consequences of their behavior?Women in tech are great at solving problems. But sometimes we leap in to protect others from their errors and shoulder burdens that aren’t ours. It slows down our careers and increases our stress. This episode unpacks how stepping back, setting boundaries, and trusting others to handle their responsibilities empowers not just your colleagues but also yourself. You’ll hear real-world strategies to navigate these situations with courage, kindness, and clarity.Key Takeaways:How societal conditioning impacts women in tech.Why rescuing others is not the same as being a team player or leader.The power of discomfort as a catalyst for growth.How respecting others’ growth creates space for your own.To submit your question for me to answer on an upcoming episode, send me an email at [email protected] can be a woman in tech and enjoy your career. When you build the skill of bravery, you will stress less, work less, and then earn more. Check out the following resources designed to help you thrive in your career: Check out my websiteJoin my mailing list for more insights, opportunities, and inspirationConnection with me on LinkedIn

You matter. Especially during difficult events: Choosing to bravely recognize and believe in your inherent worth is brave. Deciding that your voice deserves to be heard, that your dreams, goals, career, relationships, and money matter is brave. Getting and staying involved in building the community, career, life, and world you desire is brave.This week I address the emotional fallout after the most recent US elections. This is a dedicated brave space for women in tech who are grappling with emotions ranging from sadness to anger, fear, and betrayal. Wherever you are, know that your feelings are valid and that you matter.I share some of two of the quotes helping me through this time: “It is possible to commit no mistakes and still lose. That is not a weakness. That is life.” -Star Trek “I never lose. I either win or I learn.” -Nelson MandelaI also share a small slice of how my family's past drives my commitment to making brave choices for a better future.This episode is a powerful reminder to embrace your inherent worth, your right to feel, and your right to take up space in the world. Remember: you matter.Call to Action: If you found this episode valuable, please share the Build Your Brave Career podcast with a friend. You can be a woman in tech and enjoy your career. When you build the skill of bravery, you will stress less, work less, and then earn more. Check out the following resources designed to help you thrive in your career: Check out my websiteJoin my mailing list for more insights, opportunities, and inspirationConnection with me on LinkedIn

Bravery doesn’t have to be hard. In fact, bravery in your career as a woman in tech can be simple, nurturing, collaborative, and even easy.For women in tech who often feel that being brave at work means facing monumental stress, this episode will give you a fresh and empowering perspective.Through two unique client stories, I illustrate how bravery may start in moments of discomfort but end with greater confidence, ease, and more personal and professional growth. Bravery can include speaking up in meetings, asking more questions, setting boundaries, and expecting you get the respect, visibility, and pay you deserve. This episode serves as a guide for you to redefine bravery in a modern, holistic way, and taking action that brings you closer to your goals and dreams.To submit your question for me to answer on an upcoming episode, send me an email at [email protected] can be a woman in tech and enjoy your career. When you build the skill of bravery, you will stress less, work less, and then earn more. Check out the following resources designed to help you thrive in your career: Check out my websiteJoin my mailing list for more insights, opportunities, and inspirationConnection with me on LinkedIn

Let’s explore the profound impact fairy tales have had on our professional lives, especially as women in tech. Most of us have grown up with stories of women waiting for their Prince Charming or Knight in Shining Armor. While most of us have shed this mentality in our personal lives, its residual effects can still hold us back in our careers as we wait for the perfect boss, recruiter, mentor, or sponsor. I delve into my own experience of waiting for a "professional prince charming" which led to a stagnating project and career slow down. As you listen reflect on your own career: are you waiting for someone to notice you, promote you, or solve your problems?The key takeaway is that you are in control of your professional journey. Whether it’s setting boundaries, investing in yourself, or creating opportunities, it's up to you to stop waiting and start taking decisive action.To submit your question for me to answer on an upcoming episode, send me an email at [email protected] can be a woman in tech and enjoy your career. When you build the skill of bravery, you will stress less, work less, and then earn more. Check out the following resources designed to help you thrive in your career: Check out my websiteJoin my mailing list for more insights, opportunities, and inspirationConnection with me on LinkedIn

In this groundbreaking episode I dive deep into the dynamics of the glass ceiling and the glass floor, specifically focusing on how men in tech can play a pivotal role in fostering inclusive workplaces. With detailed statistics and compelling arguments, I highlight why inclusive cultures are essential for financial growth, innovation, and overall business success.I unpack the metaphors of the glass ceiling and glass floor, exploring how systemic barriers impact career advancement for underrepresented groups. Through five actionable strategies, I guide men on how to leverage their positions of power to break these barriers, creating a more equitable tech industry.For all my women in tech, this episode is also for you. It is a gift and call to action ll to stop self-blame and recognize the invisible systems you navigate. Learn what you can do to advocate for yourself and others.20 stats for why inclusive leadership matters for the business and your career: 1. Higher Financial Performance: Companies with more women in leadership positions are 25% more likely to have above-average profitability. (McKinsey, 2020)2. Increased Innovation: Diverse companies are 1.7 times more likely to be innovation leaders in their industry. (Josh Bersin Research, 2020)3. Greater Revenue from Innovation: Firms with inclusive teams are 45% more likely to report improved market share and capture new markets. (Center for Talent Innovation, 2013)4. Better Decision-Making: Inclusive teams make better business decisions up to 87% of the time. (Cloverpop, 2017)5. Improved Team Performance: Diverse teams outperform individual decision-makers 66% of the time. (Cloverpop, 2017)6. Higher Employee Retention: Inclusive workplaces have a 50% lower employee turnover rate than less inclusive companies. (Deloitte, 2017)7. Higher Return on Equity (ROE): Companies in the top quartile for gender diversity on executive teams were 21% more likely to experience above-average profitability. (McKinsey, 2020)8. Enhanced Company Reputation: 67% of job seekers consider diversity an important factor when evaluating companies and job offers. (Glassdoor, 2020)9. Increased Employee Engagement: Companies with higher diversity scores have 2.3 times higher employee engagement levels. (Gartner, 2018)10. Reduced Turnover Costs: Replacing an employee costs 33% of their annual salary; inclusivity reduces turnover, leading to substantial cost savings. (Work Institute, 2021)11. Faster Problem Solving: Diverse teams solve problems faster than cognitively similar people. (Harvard Business Review, 2016)12. Better Customer Understanding: Companies with more diverse management teams have 19% higher revenue due to innovation. (BCG, 2018)13. Market Performance: Ethnically diverse companies are 36% more likely to outperform competitors in market share. (McKinsey, 2020)14. Increased Workforce Productivity: Inclusive companies are 1.4 times more likely to outperform less inclusive organizations in terms of productivity. (Deloitte, 2017)15. Reduced Absenteeism: Inclusive cultures see absenteeism rates drop by 75%. (Deloitte, 2017)16. Lower Legal Risks: Companies that foster inclusivity face fewer discrimination claims and lower associated costs. (EEOC, 2020)17. More Competitive Talent Pool: 78% of companies that prioritize diversity attract top talent more easily. (PwC, 2017)18. Improved Company Sustainability: Firms with more diverse boards of directors are more likely to prioritize sustainability and environmental goals. (Harvard Business Review, 2019)19. Higher Customer Loyalty: Diverse teams are better equipped to understand and cater to a broader customer base, leading to increased customer loyalty. (Gartner, 2018)20. Better Performance During Crises: During the COVID-19 pandemic, companies with more women in leadership roles outperformed their peers. (Fortune, 2020)To submit your question for me to answer on an upcoming episode, send me an email at [email protected] can be a woman in tech and enjoy your career. When you build the skill of bravery, you will stress less, work less, and then earn more. Check out the following resources designed to help you thrive in your career: Check out my websiteJoin my mailing list for more insights, opportunities, and inspirationConnection with me on LinkedIn

Listen in for strategies to deal with inappropriate, confidence-undermining questions in the workplace. These strategies, phrases, and mindset can be used for any behavior that crosses professional norms, strengthens the patriarchy, and permits misogyny to grow. Listener question: “When I call off sick, one of the men consistently asks me if I am pregnant. I want it to stop. What can I do?”What You'll Learn:Tools and attitudes for responding to invasive questions.How to push back directly and collect support from your colleagues.Real-life examples and effective phrases to use.How to accept offered help in an empowered wayFacing down misogyny in the workplace is not easy. You will most likely feel anxious or may also face pushback. Please continue to remind yourself that temporary discomfort will pass—and it is nothing compared to the lifelong regret of allowing disrespect to go unchecked.You are not alone. Your bravery matters—not just for you, but for all of us.When we as women in tech choose to be brave together, we reshape the tech industry for everyone.To submit your question for an upcoming episode, send me an email at [email protected] can be a woman in tech and enjoy your career. When you build the skill of bravery, you will stress less, work less, and then earn more. Check out the following resources designed to help you thrive in your career: Check out my websiteJoin my mailing list for more insights, opportunities, and inspirationConnection with me on LinkedIn

Listener question: My colleague doesn’t trust my skill. What do I do? Many women in tech face the drama: dealing with colleagues who don’t trust your skills. If you’ve ever felt sidelined in meetings, excluded from important emails, or observed others taking over your responsibilities, this episode is for you.In this episode, we cover the important internal work you must undertake to address disrespectful colleagues. Then I offer practical advice for how to get specific about when and how you are being undermined so that you can evaluate the situations objectively.I also guide you through initiating crucial conversations with your colleague, setting clear expectations, and confronting the situation head-on.Conflict is necessary for growth and better working relationships, and I provide strategies to navigate these difficult discussions effectively.Remember, as women in tech, we often face unique challenges, but by confronting these issues proactively, we can build the careers we deserve.Mentioned episode: How People Pleasing Can Hurt Your Career and How to Fix ItTo submit your question for me to answer on an upcoming episode, send me an email at [email protected] can be a woman in tech and enjoy your career. When you build the skill of bravery, you will stress less, work less, and then earn more. Check out the following resources designed to help you thrive in your career: Check out my websiteJoin my mailing list for more insights, opportunities, and inspirationConnection with me on LinkedIn

Listener question: I know I'm a direct person, but I'm being told I'm aggressive. How do I know the difference? I have personal experience with this topic in two different different ways and suggestions of how to navigate them: First, you need to ask for specific examples of situations in which you were labeled “aggressive.” Then, you need to explore what type of discomfort you want to choose: shifting your communication or allowing others to feel discomfort. Finally, you get to decide who you want to be in each situation, including changing your situation. To submit your question for me to answer on an upcoming episode, send me an email at [email protected] can be a woman in tech and enjoy your career. When you build the skill of bravery, you will stress less, work less, and then earn more. Check out the following resources designed to help you thrive in your career: Check out my websiteJoin my mailing list for more insights, opportunities, and inspirationConnection with me on LinkedIn

Listener question: I have been waiting for a promotion. I am ready. What do I do now? Let’s discuss how to not just wait for a promotion but to actively communicate and advocate for yourself.First, you need to tell our boss directly that you want a promotion, ask them if they support you, and then listen carefully to their response. Then, you must create a specific plan based on your goals, your manager’s response, and the form of brave career you are building. To submit your question for me to answer on an upcoming episode, send me an email at [email protected] can be a woman in tech and enjoy your career. When you build the skill of bravery, you will stress less, work less, and then earn more. Check out the following resources designed to help you thrive in your career: Check out my websiteJoin my mailing list for more insights, opportunities, and inspirationConnection with me on LinkedIn

Listener Question: Is it ethical for me to accept a job that's one or two layers below the job I had before all of the layoffs when so many other people are also struggling to land a job? Let’s tackle a listener's question about the ethics of accepting a job below their previous level during these mass layoffs. First, I share why my answer is a strong, unequivocal “YES.” Then I share additional insights from a variety of women across the tech industry.Key takeaways:It's not your responsibility to fix systemic issues caused by corporate decisions.There's no shame in taking a job to pay your bills while building your brave career.Accepting a role below your previous level can offer benefits like reduced stress and a chance to reset your mindset.We must have the security and maturity to celebrate each other's successes in landing a job during these tough times.Use the reality that every role is temporary and you can embrace the opportunity to rediscover joy at a different level.To submit your question for me to answer on an upcoming episode, send me an email at [email protected] can be a woman in tech and enjoy your career. When you build the skill of bravery, you will stress less, work less, and then earn more. Check out the following resources designed to help you thrive in your career: Check out my websiteJoin my mailing list for more insights, opportunities, and inspirationConnection with me on LinkedIn

Listener Question: I'm in a "safe job" but this "safe job" is so boring. What do I do? Let’s work through a career dilemma: feeling bored at a "safe" job right in a time of mass lay-offs. In this episode I share actionable strategies to navigate boredom and rediscover engagement in your career.First, I urge a reevaluation to ensure your current situation is as secure as you think. Then, we examine the root of your boredom. It might not be what you think it is: it is essential to differentiate between genuine disengagement and your unexpected response to reduced stress.Finally, I explore practical ways to stay stimulated, both in and outside of your job. To submit your question for me to answer on an upcoming episode, send me an email at [email protected] can be a woman in tech and enjoy your career. When you build the skill of bravery, you will stress less, work less, and then earn more. Check out the following resources designed to help you thrive in your career: Check out my websiteJoin my mailing list for more insights, opportunities, and inspirationConnection with me on LinkedIn

We dive into an often-overlooked aspect of building a successful career: embracing positive emotions. Many women in tech find it challenging to celebrate achievements or feel joy without spiraling into anxiety or fear.I unravel this misunderstanding of bravery and highlight the importance of experiencing the full range of emotions in your career journey through the Build Your Brave Framework and a specific client example. If you often find yourself consumed by doubt or fear after a success, this episode offers the insights and tools you need to practice feeling positive emotions without discomfort.To submit your question for me to answer on an upcoming episode, send me an email at [email protected] can be a woman in tech and enjoy your career. When you build the skill of bravery, you will stress less, work less, and then earn more. Check out the following resources designed to help you thrive in your career: Check out my websiteJoin my mailing list for more insights, opportunities, and inspirationConnection with me on LinkedIn

This is an important, timely, and short message just for my US audience, particularly if you have the right to vote in the United States Call to action: join us at Women in Tech for Harris. US Election Day is November 5, 2024. This election is about so much more than politics. It's about our industry’s future as well as our careers and lives as women in tech. Many important topics are on our ballots: Health careClimate changePolitical system Health of our democracy Paid parental leaveLGBTQI+ plus rightsOverall social justiceMilitary interventions International laws Indigenous rightsGun controland many, many more.I urge you to reflect on the policies, the candidates, and your own dreams, goals, experiences, and what you want from your brave career as a woman in tech. This is our opportunity and it is our time. Our votes. Our voices. I welcome you to join Women in Tech for Harris.Join the live, virtual event in September.Tiktok, Women in Tech for Harris Facebook, Women in Tech for Harris Instagram, Women in Tech for Harris Linkedin, Women in Tech for Harris

Listener Question: How do I make networking suck less? Sometimes networking really does suck and it always sucks where you aren’t networking in a way that suits your goals and personality. In this episode, I share how you can tailor your approach and make networking more enjoyable. Listen in for my opinion on why your mindset is crucial, how modern networking isn’t what you think it is, and why you have to choose what to complain about.You need to find a unique way of networking that aligns with your personality, interests, and goals. I provide examples of how my clients have successfully built their professional networks in ways that work for them.Lastly, I emphasize the importance of being proactive in establishing and maintaining relationships, and how it directly impacts your career growth and opportunities.To submit your question for me to answer on an upcoming episode, send me an email at [email protected] can be a woman in tech and enjoy your career. When you build the skill of bravery, you will stress less, work less, and then earn more. Check out the following resources designed to help you thrive in your career: Check out my websiteJoin my mailing list for more insights, opportunities, and inspirationConnection with me on LinkedIn

Listener Question: How do I stay motivated when it's been months since I was laid off and I've not gotten a single offer? How do I remember that I'm really good at my job when it's been months and I haven't even gotten a single offer?I know it's tough to stay motivated and confident in your skills when facing rejection or a lack of offers. To help you stay strong, I share a simple yet brave technique: define who you are and what makes you great at your job. Write it down and say it to yourself in the mirror every day. I also suggest engaging in creative freelance/contract/fractional work, attending networking events, sharing vulnerably with others, and uplifting fellow women in tech. Together, we can support and encourage each other during this challenging time.Your call to action: Take a few minutes today to write down your strengths and unique value. Say them out loud to yourself. If you know a woman in tech who could use some encouragement, reach out and remind her how amazing she is. Small acts of bravery and kindness can make a big impact right now.To submit your question for me to answer on an upcoming episode, send me an email at [email protected] can be a woman in tech and enjoy your career. When you build the skill of bravery, you will stress less, work less, and then earn more. Check out the following resources designed to help you thrive in your career: Check out my websiteJoin my mailing list for more insights, opportunities, and inspirationConnection with me on LinkedIn

I returned to Yo Canny’s podcast Girl, Take the Lead to discuss the book Quit, The Power of Knowing When to Walk Away, by Annie Duke.Yo and I covered a lot of powerful topics about quitting, so our conversation is available in two parts. Feedback was so positive and powerful that we released these two episodes on the Build Your Brave Career podcast feed as well.Rethinking Grit: Embracing the Quit with Nicole Trick Steinbach PART 1 of 2Yo and I explored these themes:The difference (and overlap) of Grit vs QuitHow intersectional identities impact Quit vs GritWhen women stay too long and a simple scale to identify if it is time for you too move onThe metaphor of ‘Whispers, Missals, & Bricks’ of being called to change The transformative power of the mindset “At the Moment Manager”Rethinking Grit: Embracing the Quit with Nicole Trick Steinbach PART 2 of 2Yo and I explored these themes:Goals and outcomes, and how generations do it differentlySunday Scaries and choosing to stress lessHow I am a sorta “Quit Coach”What kill criteria is and a story from my clientYo’s amazing quote of being “In Love with my own Self-Importance”Choosing the battles worth having for the growth you wantThe infamous “Ant Story”Yo’s top three takeaways are:In our culture we see grit as a virtue and quit as a vice. Per Annie Duke: “Success does not lie in sticking to things. It lies in picking the right thing to stick to and quitting the rest.”Any decision is made under some degree of uncertainty – we don’t have crystal balls and new information will always reveal itself.External validation increases the escalation of commitment. Fear of how others will view us if we quit is usually overblown.My key takeaway is how important building the bravery to establish and then craft the habit of quitting -- places, relationships, habits, and jobs -- as a woman in tech is to ensuring that you never, ever quit yourself. Ever. Related Episodes:The book Quit has been so instrumental to me and my coaching clients, that I also created a related Build Your Brave Career podcast episode: The Brave Act of Quitting: Recognizing the Right Time to Walk Away from GoalsYo Canny was also a guest on my podcast, listen to her episode here: The Power of Personal Brands: Yo Canny’s Insights on Crafting a Compelling, Authentic Brand for Career Satisfaction E146For more information on how you can build your brave:Check out my websiteJoin my mailing list for more insights, opportunities, and inspirationConnection with me on LinkedIn

Today I am celebrating 5 years of being in business! Listen in for my celebrations, failures, and personal growth since 2019. At the end, I share a very special offer for you!If you complete the exercise below and share it with me over email by August 23, 2024, I'll reward you with a 10% coupon on the coaching package of your choice to be used by August 30, 2024. Click here to get the details about my coaching offers. 1. what do you celebrate from the last five years in your career? (in other words, what went well?)2. how did you struggle and fail in the last five years? (in other words, what didn't go well?) 3. how did you grow as a person in the last five years? (in other words, who did you become?) Related Content Links: over 100 one-on-one coaching clients who have created over 3 million in new income and benefitsover 125 speaker engagements with more than 100,000 audience membersnearly 200 Build Your Brave Career podcast episodes, becoming one of the top 10% global podcastsover 300 emails to this list with insights, suggestions, and resourcesRelated Podcast Episodes: Make Marketing Suck Less with Michelle Mazur, How Messaging Wins When Life Sucks with Nicole Trick-SteinbachJess Johnson - EFT for Calming the Central Nervous System Extraordinary Women Radio with Kami Guildner; Nicole Trick Steinbach – Helping Women in Tech Build their BraveJenn Kurtek: Unexpected Global Woman in Tech, Entrepreneurship, Relocations, and Nomad LifeFor more information on how you can build your brave:Check out my websiteJoin my mailing list for more insights, opportunities, and inspirationConnection with me on LinkedIn

I returned to Yo Canny’s podcast Girl, Take the Lead to discuss the book Quit, The Power of Knowing When to Walk Away, by Annie Duke.Yo and I covered a lot of powerful topics about quitting, so our conversation is available in two parts. Feedback was so positive and powerful that we released these two episodes on the Build Your Brave Career podcast feed as well.Rethinking Grit: Embracing the Quit with Nicole Trick Steinbach PART 1 of 2Yo and I explored these themes:The difference (and overlap) of Grit vs QuitHow intersectional identities impact Quit vs GritWhen women stay too long and a simple scale to identify if it is time for you too move onThe metaphor of ‘Whispers, Missals, & Bricks’ of being called to change The transformative power of the mindset “At the Moment Manager”Rethinking Grit: Embracing the Quit with Nicole Trick Steinbach PART 2 of 2Yo and I explored these themes:Goals and outcomes, and how generations do it differentlySunday Scaries and choosing to stress lessHow I am a sorta “Quit Coach”What kill criteria is and a story from my clientYo’s amazing quote of being “In Love with my own Self-Importance”Choosing the battles worth having for the growth you wantThe infamous “Ant Story”Yo’s top three takeaways are:In our culture we see grit as a virtue and quit as a vice. Per Annie Duke: “Success does not lie in sticking to things. It lies in picking the right thing to stick to and quitting the rest.”Any decision is made under some degree of uncertainty – we don’t have crystal balls and new information will always reveal itself.External validation increases the escalation of commitment. Fear of how others will view us if we quit is usually overblown.My key takeaway is how important building the bravery to establish and then craft the habit of quitting -- places, relationships, habits, and jobs -- as a woman in tech is to ensuring that you never, ever quit yourself. Ever. Related Episodes:The book Quit has been so instrumental to me and my coaching clients, that I also created a related Build Your Brave Career podcast episode: The Brave Act of Quitting: Recognizing the Right Time to Walk Away from GoalsYo Canny was also a guest on my podcast, listen to her episode here: The Power of Personal Brands: Yo Canny’s Insights on Crafting a Compelling, Authentic Brand for Career Satisfaction E146For more information on how you can build your brave:Check out my websiteJoin my mailing list for more insights, opportunities, and inspirationConnection with me on LinkedIn

During the summer of 2024, I am re-running the most popular client conversations based on downloads, shares, and direct feedback. Make sure to catch a career update at the end of each episode. Susanne Mueller, leader, global traveler, and innovative Project Management and Enablement Professional, joins us to share her brave career story of crafting a mindset to accomplish a major life goal: a year-long sabbatical. Susanne and I have a decade-plus relationship that has shifted many times from colleagues, to coach-client, to friends.She shares how she was able to release the expectations of others in her career so that she could pursue the experiences that set her soul on fire, with the help of mentors, friends, and coaching. Choosing to release society's expectations -- and other people's opinions -- allowed her to craft a career and life phase that you had dreamt about for many years. Tune in to hear about her powerful journey and how coaching has helped her decide that she can do whatever she wants. Hot topics from this conversation:Introducing SusanneSusanne’s brave story towards the decision to take extended time off and travel the world Susanne’s brave role models and the effect they had on her lifeHow coaching supported Susanne in the process of living her life in the way she desired vs. what was expected of herConnect with Susanne on LinkedInOriginal episode: E88: Susanne Mueller - Embracing Freedom & Releasing Career Expectations, Management Sabbatical, Global Travel, and Women in Tech (Client)For more information on how you can build your brave:Check out my websiteJoin my mailing list for more insights, opportunities, and inspirationConnection with me on LinkedIn

During the summer of 2024, I am re-running the most popular client conversations based on downloads, shares, and direct feedback. Make sure to catch a career update at the end of each episode. Amanda Burma, a powerful sales engineer within growing start-ups, my client, and my friend, shares her brave story about finding a career she loves while also thriving with a brain that includes ADHD and learning disability. Listen in to how Amanda is choosing to shift her assumptions and behavior to support her own growth, hold better boundaries, work less with more impact, and leverage the superpower of neurodiversity for herself and others. Amanda shares her process for how she identified where she thrives and how she continues to ensure that she grows. We finish off the episode with Amanda’s perspective on how coaching has changed her daily experience.Spoiler Alert: Grateful tears at the end of this episode. Connect with Amanda Burma on LinkedIn Original episode: E80: Amanda Burma - Why Neurodiversity is a Superpower, Being a Great Sales Engineer, Asking Questions and Taking Action for Career Growth (Client)Related Episodes: How to Run Your Career Effectively What Can We Learn from Doing Something Scary Build Your Brave Framework 2.0For more information on how you can build your brave:Check out my websiteJoin my mailing list for more insights, opportunities, and inspirationConnection with me on LinkedIn

During the summer of 2024, I am re-running the most popular client conversations based on downloads, shares, and direct feedback. Make sure to catch a career update at the end of each episode. Caroline Santinelli, a former teacher and now woman in tech, shares her brave career story of – as Brene Brown says – choosing to ‘belong to herself first.’ Caroline’s story includes moving from burnout-driven medical leave as a teacher, to embracing her innate strengths, choosing her health, and allowing her brave career to move through different phases. At the start of her career transformation, Caroline lost her voice (for real) due to stress, experienced her first panic attack, developed insomnia, kept getting sick with aches and fevers, and finally began having significant nerve pains. Caroline shares how she chose messy, deeply personal work of building her brave, searching out support from professionals. Her first significant step was giving herself permission to take medical leave. Then, over many weeks, she slowly gave herself permission to belong to herself and choose her innate talents. The next big step was allowing others to be disappointed. If you’re ready to learn how to belong to yourself, embrace your innate talents, and break free of the rules and judgments holding you back, this is your episode. Hot topics from this episode:Introducing Caroline Santinelli - educator to business ownerWhat it means to belong to yourself, one step at a time Why it’s important to disappoint others instead of yourselfHow we’ve been indoctrinated to not belong to ourselves“Any woman who chooses to behave like a full human being should be warned that the armies of the status quo will treat her as something of a dirty joke . . . She will need her sisterhood.” ― Gloria Steinem Repeating a lesson until the knowledge breaks through into wisdomRejecting standards that are inhuman and unprofessional, like 24-hour email turn-around time for all emailsCaroline’s brave role models and how women empower women who then empower other womenLearning to lean into your innate talent, listen to the way (not the obstacle), and then allow the open upConnect with Caroline Santinelli on LinkedInOriginal episode: E99: Caroline Santinelli - Embrace Your Innate Talent to Return from Burn-Out & Transform Your Career (Client)For more information on how you can build your brave:Check out my websiteJoin my mailing list for more insights, opportunities, and inspirationConnection with me on LinkedIn

During the summer of 2024, I am re-running the most popular client conversations based on downloads, shares, and direct feedback. Make sure to catch a career update at the end of each episode. Have you ever felt underappreciated and undervalued in your workplace, even after making an effort to ignite change? Jackie Podoll, a Data-Obsessed Senior Analyst with a passion for continuous improvement, and also my client joins us to share a brave career story. Her story focuses on her process of giving herself permission to choose herself, to stop allowing herself to be underappreciated, and then grow her career. In our conversation, Jackie shares how she identified what she actually wanted, how she made small tweaks to re-design the next phase of her life and career, and how she continued her strong financial habits to build financial freedom.Hot topics from this conversation:Introducing Jackie PodollJackie’s deep realization and her choice to leaveJackie’s break and her biggest surpriseJackie’s brave role model and the power of ‘slug life’ How coaching supported Jackie live and work more authenticallyConnect with Jackie Podoll on LinkedIn. Discover “A Purple Life” here. Original episode: E86: Jackie Podoll- Learning to Choose You, Stop Accepting Being Underappreciated and Undervalued, and Grow Your Career (Client)For more information on how you can build your brave:Check out my websiteJoin my mailing list for more insights, opportunities, and inspirationConnection with me on LinkedIn

During the summer of 2024, I am re-running the most popular client conversations based on downloads, shares, and direct feedback. Make sure to catch a career update at the end of each episode. Dora Szasz, a research scientist and my former client, shares how she has chosen to find opportunity in even the most challenging experiences, including sleeping on a mattress in an empty apartment.Dora shares her brave career journey that started in a small Romanian village, continued in Germany and France, and is now rooted in the United States. Listen as Dora shares how she crafted a career that built upon her interests, natural curiosity, and taking risks. Then Dora shares how she has been building the practices of learning to be more kind to herself, improving her sleep, and embracing her hobbies so that she can enjoy her life and career (and kitties) even more. Connect with Dora Szasz on LinkedIn.Original episode: Create Opportunities to Build Your Global Career as Woman in Tech with Client Dora Szasz - E67For more information on how you can build your brave:Check out my websiteJoin my mailing list for more insights, opportunities, and inspirationConnection with me on LinkedIn

The habit of people pleasing has a negative impact on your career. If you’ve recently experienced an unexpected or negative performance evaluation – or been put onto a performance improvement plan (PiP) – this episode is for you!I teach you how to identify if you're caught in the people-pleasing loop and what steps to take to break free. You hear practical tips to recover your performance and return to career growth, using the three parts of the Build Your Brave framework: clarity, momentum, and accountability. Prioritizing others' approval over your own role and results will lead to burnout and negative consequences. Breaking the habit of people-pleasing is challenging, but it's possible with the right support and mindset.This is a big topic, so send your questions and feedback to [email protected]. If you're ready to partner with me in overcoming people-pleasing and transforming your career, I'm here to help.For more information on how you can build your brave:Check out my websiteJoin my mailing list for more insights, opportunities, and inspirationConnection with me on LinkedIn

I consider the Build Your Brave Career podcast our podcast: so send me your questions, guests, and episode suggestions for upcoming episodes! This podcast is an act of love and service for our awesome community of women in tech who are choosing to be less stressed and ending overwork by building the skill of bravery.We know the tech industry and all of our jobs have changed so much since the first episode on Dec 29, 2020. I want to make sure that you are getting what you need and what you want when you spend your precious time with me here at the Build Your Brave Career podcast, so share: Your questions about the skill of bravery, your career growth, balancing being a successful woman in tech and a human who is also a caregiver, building a global career, making decisions, finding a new job and landing a promotion, mindset design, and so much more.Your guest suggestions: your brave role models, your colleagues with an inspirational and brave story, and don’t forget to nominate yourself.Please don’t be shy: no question or guest suggestion is too big or too small.Remember: bravery is a skill, use it to help shape this podcast.For more information on how you can build your brave:Check out my websiteJoin my mailing list for more insights, opportunities, and inspirationConnection with me on LinkedIn

"The best case scenario of bravely leaning in is when you make empowered, conscious, and unique decisions for your one glorious career and life." - Nicole Trick SteinbachListen in for a nuanced conversation about the combination of the “Lean In” concept and the skill of bravery to how you can make choices to build your brave career. First, I discuss what the “Lean In” concept is, exploring both the positive and negative aspects of the approach. Then I dive into three specific, anonymous stories from my clients to personify how the concept can impact your career and life decisions. Use these stories to reflect on your personal and professional priorities and how you can consciously and effectively take action toward your goals. Spoiler alert: The best-case scenario of bravely leaning in is consciously, intentionally, and consistently making brave choices while also building your confidence, resiliency, skills, relationships, and creativity. Use every phase – even the mucky ones – to grow.Hot topics from this episode:Introduction to the Concept of Lean In, strengthen and weaknessesBridging Lean In with Career and Life ChoicesThree Client Stories of leaning in and building the skill of braveryFor more information on how you can build your brave:Check out my websiteJoin my mailing list for more insights, opportunities, and inspirationConnection with me on LinkedIn

“Be yourself and own your strength unapologetically.” - Nupur AggarwalBalancing the courage to pursue your ambitious career goals, in balance with your values and relationships, is a powerful but unexpected pathway to your brave career. Our guest this week is Nupur Aggarwal, an established and global product strategist, joins me for a candid discussion about self-confidence, authenticity, taking risks, and choosing to be true to your inner voice. Nupur shares her story of building a life in India and the US, as an employee at a massive corporation and a start-up founder, and as an ambitious professional and devoted mother, spouse, child, and friend.Together we address the intense complexities of societal pressures and expectations that shape career paths, sharing personal anecdotes and transformative experiences. We explore self-doubt, internalized misogyny, and the generational impact of societal conditioning, stressing the ongoing work necessary to unlearn these narratives. This episode is a heartfelt tribute to the value of facing fears, embracing the unknown, and supporting each other through growth. Tune in for an enlightening dialogue on the shared journey of becoming and celebrating brave.Hot topics from this episode:Emphasizing the importance of being true to oneself, even under societal and personal pressures that affect career decisions.Societal Expectations and Individual Dreams, career paths, family thriving, planning long-term in balance with present-day growth Embracing Risk and New Beginnings, starting a start-up, moving globally, accepting growth jobs, and building confidenceOvercoming Self-Doubt, normalizing feelings, and choosing to build confidence by facing fears and making choicesRelated Resources: Connect with Nupur Aggarwal on LinkedInLearn about Indra Nooyi For more information on how you can build your brave:Check out my websiteJoin my mailing list for more insights, opportunities, and inspirationConnection with me on LinkedIn

"Your resistance could be your worst enemy, but it could also be your friend. Where you feel the resistance is where you can answer: what do I really want?" — Nicole Trick SteinbachI share my career transformation story, using my Build Your Brave Framework, to answer the question, “What do I really want?” I walk you through how I redefined success and the struggle I faced in finding clarity, taking action that was based on my actual desires, and making a brave career decision that balanced what I wanted and what I needed. Listen in for the pivotal moments and conversations that helped me get more specific as I dove into the resistance and fear I encountered along the way. I detail the importance of seeking support, clarifying career phases, and defining success unique to you as a human. I draw parallels with the experience of my client, Rebecca Walter, and underscore the significance of normalizing the bravery of clarity and accountability in one's career journey.Related Episodes: Unlocking the Build Your Brave Framework for Career Transformation: An Example and Guide to Stress Less, Work Less, and Earn More - E149 Hot topics from this episode:Answering the question "What do you really want?"Redefining Success and Career Goals to Build Your Brave Career Changing definitions of success and career journeys, including career phasesRecognizing the need for professional support and guidance in the career redefinition process, including mentors, coaches, advisors, and role models in navigating career changesEmbracing resistance as a sign of growth and self-discovery to become a catalyst for personal growth and clarityFor more information on how you can build your brave career, reach out to meCheck out my websiteJoin my mailing list for more insights, opportunities, and inspirationConnection with me on LinkedIn

“I had very much been raised with the mindset that the single career was the way that you define success. You pick a job, you stay in that field… [but] I found a bunch of different stuff that I enjoyed. And at one point, in December maybe, you said to me, “Rebecca, you know, you're self-employed now.” And I was like, “Oh, yeah, I guess I am.” - Rebecca WalterRebecca Walter joined us to share her brave career story of redefining career goals, career growth, and skill-building phases can be your path toward a more dynamic and rewarding career path as you choose to shift what success means to you. Rebecca's story includes transitioning from her reliable, long-term career in education into exploring her many skills and goals to arrive at the surprising choice to craft a multifaceted career phase of solopreneurship. She shares her unique experience and process, based on trying and building new skills, exploring her assumptions in decision making, and choosing to develop a new mindset balancing self-permission and real-world constraints. In her process of growth, she identified her desire for breadth and multi-faceted choices to fulfill her personal and professional goals. We discuss the allure and benefits of part-time contracts and freelancing, social jobs like waitressing, and structures that integrate pauses and vacations that balance personal and professional needs.Rebecca is a brave role model who has chosen to build fulfillment in variety, flexibility, and value-based career building. Listen in for two fo her brave role models, two humans from very different generations and for very different reasons. Related episodes: Caroline Santinelli - Embrace Your Innate Talent to Return from Burn-Out & Transform Your Career E99 We can do hard things: Dan Levy’s Good News: No One Knows What They’re Doing Hot topics from this episode:Personal Career Paths: career breadth over depth for a multifaceted careerTransition from education to solopreneurshipRedefining Success: shifting views on what constitutes successTemporary and part-time jobs and their unexpected rewardsFor more information on how you can build your brave:Check out my websiteJoin my mailing list for more insights, opportunities, and inspirationConnection with me on LinkedIn

“Your functional skills are important, but they won't create career growth. Career growth is created via your network. The more time you spend networking, the more your career will grow.” Nicole Trick SteinbachHuman connection, also called networking, is the most important strategic approach to career growth, so this episode covers the foundations for networking: mindset, approach, and implementation details. Most importantly, if you feel scammy while networking, you are doing it wrong. Instead, connect with curiosity and interest as a human, to another human. In short: stop being weird and start being connected. I share some common misconceptions and challenges I hear frequently about networking and how to resolve each of them. Then I offer a step-by-step process to empower you to navigate networking for career growth with authenticity and genuine curiosity, paving the way for sustained career growth.Networking, done right, will cultivate a robust and authentic network, underscoring the transformative impact of human-to-human connections in shaping successful and fulfilling career paths. And that is brave. Hot topics from this episode:Importance of Networking for Career GrowthStatistics on job offers starting with personal connectionsBalancing functional skills and networkingHow to Approach Networking: mindset, obstacles, and long-term thinkingThe interest interview: the mechanics of networkingNurturing professional relationshipsResources:E72: Momentum - Interest Interviews Career Tip for Women in Tech: Interest Interviews for Career Growth - E37 The Power of the Interest Interview for Career Growth into Tech with Jess Tillis Network to Find Truth, Joy and Purpose in Your Life to Grow Your Career from Education into Tech with Ashley Willumitis E61 Realizing Your Deep Inalienable Worth to Grow Your Career with Ashley Willumitis (Client) - E120 For more information on how you can build your brave:Check out my websiteJoin my mailing list for more insights, opportunities, and inspirationConnection with me on LinkedIn

Your willingness, your bravery to imagine who you will be in 30 years is indicative of how willing you are to do the work to become her. - Nicole Trick SteinbachThis week we discuss the importance of imagining and becoming your future self in the context of career growth and transformation. With thought-provoking questions about who you will be in three years, 10 years, and even 30 years, I dive into the significance of bravery and imagination in shaping your career and life.Drawing from my own experiences and those of my clients, I walk you through the importance of envisioning both the "what" and the "who" for your career. I share a specific example so that you can experience the gap between an exclusively ‘what’ goal and a goal that nurtures the who and the what. Sustainable, lucrative career growth and career success demands commitment, time, purpose, and bravery. This episode helps you craft them all. Hot topics from this episode:Importance of imagining who you will be in the futureBecoming Who You Want to Be, personal and client examples Example of a balanced goal: the difference between being just a director and being a fulfilled and balanced directorFor more information on how you can build your brave:Check out my websiteJoin my mailing list for more insights, opportunities, and inspirationConnection with me on LinkedIn

"I wanted to cultivate some happiness in my life because my mind was so stuck in perfectionism and performance, and I didn't do well enough. So I was like, I need some optimism and positivity. So the question is, where did I smile today?" - Melissa RauenThis week we dive into perfectionism and performance anxiety with guest Melissa Rauen. In one year Melissa changed almost every aspect of her life: she got married, bought a house, shifted her career, and transformed her approach to work and life. Melissa shares how she began separating her identity from performance in a way that has been pivotal in both her career and her life. Listen in for how she built simple, regular practices to foster gratitude, lower her stress, reduce her workload, and strengthen her mindset.Then we discuss the growing and demanding opportunities within the multifaceted Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) career tracks. Hot topics from this episode:Exploring the journey of overcoming perfectionism and performance anxiety.Separating identity from performance and daily practices for shift Career opportunities within GRC, compliance, governance, and risk managementConnect with Melissa Rauen on LinkedInRelated Episodes: E51: Marcae Bryant Omosor: Clarity, Purpose and Let the World Catch Up with You; CyberSecurity, Data ProtectionE64: Clarity - Self-Concept DesignFor more information on how you can build your brave career, reach out to meCheck out my websiteJoin my mailing list for more insights, opportunities, and inspirationConnection with me on LinkedIn