252: How to Think Like a Leader Instead of Just Another Employee
You don’t need permission to lead. Real leadership starts in your mindset — not in your job description. If you're ready to break free from "employee thinking" and step into the career growth you deserve, this episode is your blueprint. In this episode, I explore the subtle but powerful leadership mindset shifts that will help you stand out at work, grow your influence, and accelerate your career — especially as a woman in tech. From breaking out of reactive mode to owning ambiguity and thinking beyond your paycheck, we’re diving into 7 key mindset shifts that help you think like a leader instead of just doing the job. "Leadership isn't about a job title. It's about how you approach your work, how you solve problems, and how you add value every single day." — Toni Collis What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How to think like a leader — not just another employee 7 powerful leadership mindset shifts to help you stand out and move up Why “just doing your job” is keeping you stuck — and what to do instead The difference between reactive employees and strategic leaders Career growth strategies for women in tech who want more influence and impact How to stop waiting for direction and start driving innovation Why letting go of tasks is a leadership skill — not a weakness The leadership thinking that reduces burnout and increases fulfillment And more Ready to make the shift from employee to leader? Hit play and start building the leadership mindset that opens doors — for you and those around you. **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/episode252 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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251: 10 Lessons I Wish I Knew 20 Years Ago: Elisabeth Bykoff’s Advice for Women in Leadership
What if the only thing standing between you and the career you dream of… is the belief that you're not ready yet? Far too many brilliant women delay bold moves, silenced by doubt or the weight of invisible barriers. In this powerful episode, Elisabeth Bykoff—seasoned consultant, startup leader, and now founder—opens up about the 10 game-changing lessons she wishes she knew two decades ago. From navigating bias in male-dominated industries and silencing self-doubt, to building a strong network of mentors and allies, Elisabeth shares the candid truths behind her leadership journey, the confidence she had to cultivate, and the bold decisions that changed everything. “If you are thinking about making a change, do it. Find help and support. Don't be afraid.” — Elisabeth Bykoff What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why confidence is a career skill—and how to build it before you feel ready How Elisabeth navigated bias and found allies in male-dominated spaces The critical role of mentorship and allyship for women in leadership Her advice to her younger self—and how it can accelerate your growth What it takes to confront self-doubt and make high-stakes career moves How she transitioned from corporate operator to first-time founder The mindset shifts that helped her stop second-guessing and start owning her path And more! Navigating doubt doesn’t mean eliminating it—it means moving through it with power and purpose. 🎙️ Let’s chat about breaking barriers and making bold career moves. If you’re a woman navigating leadership—or aspiring to—this episode is your blueprint for moving forward with confidence. **Useful links** Connect with today’s guest and sponsor, Elisabeth: Visit Boxsy: https://www.boxsy.io https://www.linkedin.com/company/boxsy Connected with Elisabeth on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elisabethbykoff Elisabeth’s current read: Mythos: The Greek Myths Retold by Stephen Fry 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/episode251 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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250: Leading Through Change
What if change is the moment you’ve been preparing for as a leader? The best leaders don’t just survive change—they harness it to propel themselves and their teams forward. In a world where change is constant, your ability to lead through it isn’t just valuable—it’s vital. How you respond to change can either reinforce trust, inspire action, and spark innovation… or leave your team drifting. In this episode, I unpack why change isn’t something to dread—but something to embrace. You'll discover how to recognize resistance (in yourself and others), reframe your mindset around change, and develop leadership strategies that help your team navigate uncertainty with clarity and confidence. Whether you're facing a small shift or a major transformation, “leading through change” is an essential skill for every modern leader. "If you're not leading through change, you're not leading." – Toni Collis What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why leading through change is a defining leadership skill The difference between task-focused thinking and visionary leadership How to recognize and respond to resistance in yourself and your team Why empathy, clear communication, and calm confidence matter more than ever during transitions How to maintain team morale and momentum by celebrating progress An exercise to identify your current mindset around change and how to reframe it And more Think about your current or upcoming season of change—big or small. Are you seeing only the problems, or are you looking for the growth potential? Grab a notebook, reflect on your mindset, and join me in exploring how to lead with resilience and purpose through every transition. **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/episode250 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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249: The Preparation Playbook: How to Prepare for Senior Leadership in Tech with Chaitra Vedullapalli
Could your next big career move be one preparation habit away? Most people plan for leadership—but the ones who actually get there prepare differently. In this episode, Chaitra Vedullapalli—tech executive, entrepreneur, and President of Women in Cloud—breaks down what it really takes to rise into senior leadership roles like VP or GM in the tech world. From building business acumen to learning how to self-advocate without losing your authenticity, Chaitra shares the preparation playbook that helped her lead transformative initiatives and open economic access for thousands of women. Whether you're early in your leadership path or preparing for your next big leap, this episode will give you the tools to show up like you're already in the role. “Leadership isn't a title. It's a state of readiness. You have to prepare. You have to position yourself as a contributor for driving transformation. You show up.” — Chaitra Vedullapalli What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why planning and preparing are not the same—and which one actually gets you promoted How to develop business acumen and build strategic relationships Ways to leverage your network and become a rock of trust How to practice authentic self-advocacy without feeling like you're "too much" The power of socializing your ideas before you get to the meeting Daily leadership habits that quietly build influence and compound over time What it means to position yourself as VP or GM material—and how to prove it And more! What’s in your Preparation Playbook? This episode is your invitation to think bigger—and act bolder. What habits, relationships, and mindset shifts are still missing from your leadership journey? If you’ve been wondering how to bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be—this is where you start. **Useful links** Connect with today’s guest and sponsor, Chaitra: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chaitrav/ Chaitra’s current read: The Holy Grail of Investing by Tony Robbins, Christopher Zook 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/episode249 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 supported by Gldn Agency.. Thank you Gldn for helping to bring Leading Women in Tech to this community!
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248: Recognizing the Signs: Identifying Early Indicators of Burnout
Are you silently burning out—and don’t even realize it? Burnout isn’t always loud. Sometimes, it’s the quiet fatigue, the creeping cynicism, or the missed moments of joy that tell the real story. Whether you're a woman in tech leadership, or someone simply trying to do it all, this episode is your wake-up call. I’m breaking down the early emotional, physical, behavioral, cognitive, and workplace signs of burnout—and more importantly, how to address them before they lead to long-term damage. Plus, I debunk the myth that burnout means you’re not strong enough—it actually means you’ve been strong for too long without support. "Burnout is not a reflection of your abilities or your worth. It is a signal that something needs to change." – Toni What You’ll Learn in This Episode: What burnout really is—and why it's not just stress The 3 emotional indicators of burnout that often go unnoticed The physical symptoms your body uses to signal burnout How your behavior may be quietly telling you something’s wrong Cognitive signs like decision fatigue and imposter syndrome How burnout shows up in your work and personal life Why pushing harder might actually be the problem Practical strategies for recognizing and reversing burnout And more! Feeling off but can’t quite put your finger on it? If you've been pushing through, this episode invites you to slow down and listen. Because sometimes the strongest thing you can do is stop ignoring the signs. **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/episode248 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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