A podcast discussing how to create the next generation of women leaders in the tech industry, helping you succeed on your terms and being the leader you want to...
242: Turning Imposter Syndrome into Your Secret Weapon
Struggling with imposter syndrome? You’re not alone. Many high-achievers experience self-doubt, but what if imposter syndrome wasn’t a weakness—but a hidden strength? In this episode, I explore how to reframe imposter syndrome as your superpower and how this surprising tool can help you with career growth, resilience, and innovation. Learn how to shift your mindset, overcome perfectionism, and use imposter syndrome to fuel success rather than fear. Whether you're dealing with self-doubt at work, in leadership, or in creative pursuits, these strategies will help you turn imposter syndrome into an advantage. I dive into: 5 ways to turn your imposter syndrome into a superpower Facing avoidance, self-criticism, and self-doubt The power of curiosity in overcoming imposter syndrome Perfectionism: How to use it without letting it control you How imposter syndrome fosters diverse perspectives and innovation Building resilience through imposter syndrome Practical steps to overcome imposter syndrome And more Start seeing imposter syndrome as a tool for success rather than a limitation. Tune in and start turning doubt into your greatest advantage! **Useful links** 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/episode242 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.
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241: Thinking Like an Executive: Setting Priorities as an Executive
Have you ever wondered how executives spend their time? Early in our careers, it’s easy to assume they just sit in meetings and make decisions from the sidelines. But as you move up, you quickly realize that great leadership isn’t about doing individual tasks—it’s about setting the vision, making strategic decisions, and enabling your team to execute effectively. In today’s episode, I break down what high-performing executives actually spend their time on and how you can start thinking like one—whether you're an aspiring leader or already in an executive role. I dive into: Why strategic thinking—not tactical execution—is the most valuable skill an executive can develop The strategic pause and how stepping back can empower your team to solve problems independently The key differences between strategy and tactics, with three essential questions to shift your mindset How to empower your team by delegating effectively, setting clear boundaries, and fostering autonomy Why many executives struggle with letting go of control, and practical steps to build trust in your team How to audit your time using the 30%-60%-10% rule to focus more on high-impact work and avoid burnout And more **Useful links* 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/episode241 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.
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240: Breaking Barriers: How Cultural Identity Drives Innovation in STEM Leadership with Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya
In this episode, I sit down with Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya, a trailblazing STEM leader, engineer, and advocate for diversity in STEM. From her early years in Nigeria to her leadership role in the U.S. energy sector, Adaeze shares how she navigated challenges, broke barriers, and turned her cultural identity into a powerful asset for innovation and leadership. We explore the role of mentorship, representation, and community in career success, along with her mission to uplift African women in STEM. Whether you're an aspiring engineer, a STEM professional, or a leader looking to foster diverse perspectives, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. We dive into: Adaeze’s career journey from Nigeria to leadership in the U.S. energy sector Overcoming challenges as an African woman in STEM How cultural identity plays a powerful role in innovation and leadership The importance of mentorship and community in professional growth How she founded African Women in STEM and her vision for global impact A real-world example of using cultural perspectives to resolve project conflicts Actionable advice for aspiring STEM leaders And more "Your Leadership Readiness Checklist" is a free resource designed to help ambitious professionals ensure all aspects of their careers are aligned. https://link.africanwomeninstem.com/LeadingWomenInTechPodcast **Useful links** Connect with today’s guest and sponsor, Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya: Website address: https://africanwomeninstem.com/ LinkedIn URL: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adaeze-iloeje-udeogalanya/ Instagram URL: https://www.instagram.com/africanwomenin_stem/ Check out Adaeze’s ‘Leadership Readiness Checklist’: https://link.africanwomeninstem.com/LeadingWomenInTechPodcast Adaeze’s current read: Be your future self now by Dr Benjamin Hardy 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/episode240 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, Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya. Thank you Adaeze for helping to bring Leading Women in Tech to this community!
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239: The Hidden Power of Sales: Why Every Executive Needs to Understand The Sales Org in 2025 with Colleen Watson
Sales aren’t just for salespeople—they play a crucial role in the success of every part of an organization. In this episode, I sit down with extraordinary sales leader Colleen Watson to explore why every executive, regardless of department, needs to understand the sales function for leadership effectiveness and long-term business growth. Whether you’re directly in sales or not, this conversation will change the way you think about leadership, influence, and driving business success. Join us! We dive into: How sales impacts every part of an organization and drives executive alignment Why a consistent sales methodology benefits leaders across all departments The most common misconceptions about sales—and why they’re wrong How cross-functional collaboration with sales strengthens business strategy The role of personality and communication styles in effective sales and leadership And more **Useful links** Connect with today’s guest and sponsor, Colleen: https://go.sandler.com/watson/ Colleen’s current read: Be Your Future Self Now: The Science of Intentional Transformation by Benjamin P. Hardy The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins 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/episode239 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.
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238: Thinking Like an Executive: From Firefighter to Strategist
Thinking like an executive means moving from reactive to strategic leadership, making confident decisions, and focusing on long-term impact. In part two of my series on executive mindset, I’m shifting from how executive presence feels to what you do when you embody it. I explore the story of Sarah, a Director of Engineering who went from constant firefighting to executive thinking—and earned a promotion in just eight months. You'll learn how to embrace strategic pauses, delegate effectively, and develop the confidence to make high-impact decisions. Plus, I break down the shift from being a problems person to a solutions-driven leader. If you're ready to stop putting out fires and start leading with vision, this episode is for you! I dive into: Shifting from reactive to strategic leadership: stop firefighting and start thinking long term Building authentic confidence to delegate and tackle imposter syndrome Thinking bigger: making high impact decisions with long term ROI in mind Ideas vs. problems vs. solutions: becoming a solutions-driven leader And more **Useful links** 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/episode238 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.
A podcast discussing how to create the next generation of women leaders in the tech industry, helping you succeed on your terms and being the leader you want to be.
On this podcast, we explore the techniques, tips and strategies you can use to become a standout leader. To give you the time and credibility to focus on what you love doing instead of justifying yourself every moment along the way. I’ll be sharing with you my best insights designed to make success not just simple, but inevitable.
Whether you are on your way to the CSuite, an emerging leader or a budding Entrepreneur, this is the podcast you need to become a Lit-Up Leader and turn your tech passion into the career you love.
For free online resources for your tech leadership journey go to: https://tonicollis.com/
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