Leading Women in Tech Podcast

When someone asks you how you're doing, what do you say?
 
If you answered "I'm fine" before you'd even finished reading that question — this episode is for you.
 
Burnout in high-performing women in tech leadership rarely looks like collapse. It looks like going through the motions. Like numbness. Like resentment that arrives out of nowhere and exhaustion that's become so normal you've stopped registering it as a warning sign.
 
In this episode, Toni breaks down why burnout hits women in tech leadership differently, the three patterns she sees most in her coaching work, and what burnout-proof leadership actually means — strategically, not just in a "take more baths" sense.
 
This isn't about slowing down. It's about building leadership that doesn't require you to run on empty to function.
 
What you'll hear in this episode:
◾ Why high-performing women are often the last to identify as burned out — and the specific compounding factors that make burnout in tech leadership different
◾ The three burnout patterns Toni sees most in coaching: the silent spiral, the conflict-avoidant overgiver, and the high-performer in denial
◾ What burnout-proof leadership actually requires — structural protection, a perceptual shift, and leadership identity recalibration
◾ The mistake that keeps women stuck in burnout cycles even when they're actively trying to recover
◾ Four practical first steps you can take this week, even if you're already running on empty
 
For a limited time, the Burnout to Balance Toolkit is completely free — self-paced audio training, workbook, and an optional four-week reset plan, designed for women in tech leadership who need something concrete right now. Available free for two weeks from release, or until the first 200 downloads. Get it at tonicollis.com/burnout-to-balance.
 
Links mentioned in this episode:
◾ Burnout to Balance Toolkit (free for limited time): tonicollis.com/burnout-to-balance/ 
◾ Episode 216 — Understanding and Overcoming Burnout with Lindsay, Jen, and Allison: https://tonicollis.com/leading-women-tech/216-understanding-and-overcoming-burnout-insights-from-leading-women-in-tech-with-lindsay-jen-and-allison/

You don't need a perfect career plan to succeed in tech.

In this episode of Leading Women in Tech, I sit down with Sarah Walker, Chief Executive of Cisco UK & Ireland, to talk about women in tech leadership, non-traditional career paths, AI in the workplace, and why backing yourself matters more than ticking every box.

Sarah didn't follow a traditional route into tech. She didn't leave school with perfect results. She didn't move to London (despite being told she should). And she certainly didn't have a 20-year career plan mapped out.

Yet today, she leads one of the most influential tech organisations in the UK and Ireland.

In this conversation, we explore:
◾ Women in tech leadership and representation
◾ Career advancement for women in tech without a rigid plan
◾ How to become a leader in tech without ticking every box
◾ Leadership mindset and backing yourself before you feel ready
◾ AI in the workplace and how it unlocks human potential
◾ Why social mobility and regional leadership matter
◾ Sustainable leadership and authenticity at the top

If you've ever questioned whether you "fit" the mould of a tech executive — this episode will change how you see your path.
🔗 Connect with Sarah Walker on LinkedIn
🔗 Learn more about Cisco UK & Ireland
👉 Ready to design your path to executive leadership?
Book a Strategy Call: https://tonicollis.com/lets-chat
This episode was sponsored by our guest, Sarah Walker at CISCO. Thank you Sarah for helping to bring Leading Women in Tech to this community!

Executive Leadership for Women: From Tactical to Strategic
You've mastered being a leader.
But executive leadership for women is not just the next step up.
It's a completely different game.
In this episode of Leading Women in Tech, we unpack why tactical excellence alone won't get you promoted — and what actually signals executive readiness.
If you've ever been told:
"You're doing great."
"Keep going."
"You're almost there."
"We just need to see a bit more."
This episode is for you.
We explore:
Why women not getting promoted in tech is often a positioning issue
The difference between management and executive leadership
How gender bias in tech leadership shapes perception
Navigating bro culture in tech without losing yourself
Executive presence for women — and why it's about credibility, not charisma
Why sponsorship matters more than merit
A practical 90-day roadmap to reposition yourself strategically


Executive leadership for women is not about becoming louder.
It's about raising your altitude.
 
**Useful links**
Listen to Episode 286: Executive presence is about how you are experienced in the room.
 
Ready to Make the Shift?
If you're ready to transition from management to leadership at executive level — but need clarity on your perception gap —
Book a Strategy Call: 👉 https://tonicollis.com/lets-chat
Because executive leadership for women is not reserved for a personality type.
It is built.
And you are closer than you think.

In this conversation, Adelina Peltea, CMO at USERCENTRICS shares her unique journey to C-level Leadership for women in tech, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's strengths and the realities of leadership roles. She discusses the significance of communication, empowerment, and the impact of presence in leadership. Adelina also introduces her meditation method, Inner Sanctuary, and explores the responsible use of AI in decision-making. The discussion concludes with advice for personal growth and reflection on one's career path.
 
Takeaways
◾ Adelina's journey to CMO was unconventional and early.
◾  Understanding your strengths is crucial for career success.
◾ C-level roles require a significant presence and responsibility.
◾ Communication is key in empowering teams and making decisions.
◾ Meditation can be a powerful tool for leaders.
◾ AI should be used responsibly and with critical thinking.
◾ Follow your passion to maintain energy in your career.
◾ Reflecting on your journey is essential for growth.
◾ Empower others while maintaining responsibility for outcomes.
◾ Enjoy the journey and be open to adjustments in your path.
 
**Useful links**
◾ Connect with today's guest and sponsor, Adelina Peltea:
      ▢ UserCentrics: https://usercentrics.com/
      ▢ Connect with Adelina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adelinapeltea/ 
      ▢ Find out more about Adelina's work in wellness for leaders and get her book:                        https://www.verdawellnessclub.com/
 
This episode was sponsored by our guest, Adelina Peltea. Thank you Adelina for helping to bring Leading Women in Tech to this community!

The women in tech promotion gap is real—but it's not random. High-performing women in tech are still being overlooked for leadership roles, even as they deliver exceptional results. In this episode of Leading Women in Tech, we dive into the gender bias in tech leadership, the shift in workplace culture, and the strategic moves you need to close the gap—without losing yourself.
Why are women in tech not getting promoted at the same rate as their male peers? The answer isn't about competence; it's about perception, positioning, and politics. We'll explore:
The promotion gap in the tech industry and why it persists, especially at Director-to-VP transitions.
How executive presence for women and leadership visibility can shift how you're perceived.
The difference between mentorship and sponsorship—and why the latter is critical for advancement.
Navigating bro culture in tech without compromising your authenticity.
Sustainable executive leadership: How to build influence capital without burning out.
This episode is for you if: 
✔ You're a Passed-Over High-Performer delivering results but not seeing advancement. 
✔ You're a Strategically Focused On Rising, and getting ready to step into executive leadership—but need a roadmap. 
✔ You refuse to trade ambition for comfort or shrink in the face of pushback.
Key Takeaways:
Promotion is a strategic game. Hard work alone won't close the gap—you need positioning, visibility, and sponsorship.
Executive presence isn't about personality—it's about framing your work in business impact language.
Sponsorship > Mentorship. Advocates in high places are your ticket to the next level.
Cultural shifts don't have to derail your ambition. Learn to navigate gender bias in tech leadership with composure and strategy.
Resources Mentioned:
Promotion Readiness Scorecard – Assess how you're perceived by leadership.
Lit Up Leadership Academy – Join the next cohort to build your influence capital.
Ready to close the women in tech promotion gap strategically? Book a Strategy Call and let's design your roadmap to leadership.