Build Your Brave Career for Women in Tech

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 Nicole@TrickSteinbach.comYou 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 Nicole@TrickSteinbach.comYou 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 Nicole@TrickSteinbach.comYou 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 Nicole@TrickSteinbach.comYou 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 Nicole@TrickSteinbach.comYou 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 If you are an established woman in tech who is creating results and making an impact at work so your workload and stress just keep growing but promotions and salary bumps remain a distant dream, it is time for change. Listen, we all know the tech industry has dramatically changed. It's time your career approach did too. You don't need cookie-cutter programs or dusty advice from outdated playbooks, because what works for tech bros, won't work for you. You need individualized, bespoke support to build your brave career. One that reflects who you are as a woman in tech. I invite you to explore career coaching with me. Get all the details, including prices and client results, at TrickSteinbach.com.You can stress less, work less, and earn more. You've already earned it. Let's make it happen.

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 Nicole@TrickSteinbach.comYou 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 Nicole@TrickSteinbach.comYou 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 If you are an established woman in tech who is creating results and making an impact at work so your workload and stress just keep growing but promotions and salary bumps remain a distant dream, it is time for change. Listen, we all know the tech industry has dramatically changed. It's time your career approach did too. You don't need cookie-cutter programs or dusty advice from outdated playbooks, because what works for tech bros, won't work for you. You need individualized, bespoke support to build your brave career. One that reflects who you are as a woman in tech. I invite you to explore career coaching with me. Get all the details, including prices and client results, at TrickSteinbach.com.You can stress less, work less, and earn more. You've already earned it. Let's make it happen.

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 Nicole@TrickSteinbach.comYou 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 If you are an established woman in tech who is creating results and making an impact at work so your workload and stress just keep growing but promotions and salary bumps remain a distant dream, it is time for change. Listen, we all know the tech industry has dramatically changed. It's time your career approach did too. You don't need cookie-cutter programs or dusty advice from outdated playbooks, because what works for tech bros, won't work for you. You need individualized, bespoke support to build your brave career. One that reflects who you are as a woman in tech. I invite you to explore career coaching with me. Get all the details, including prices and client results, at TrickSteinbach.com.You can stress less, work less, and earn more. You've already earned it. Let's make it happen.

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 Nicole@TrickSteinbach.comYou 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 If you are an established woman in tech who is creating results and making an impact at work so your workload and stress just keep growing but promotions and salary bumps remain a distant dream, it is time for change. Listen, we all know the tech industry has dramatically changed. It's time your career approach did too. You don't need cookie-cutter programs or dusty advice from outdated playbooks, because what works for tech bros, won't work for you. You need individualized, bespoke support to build your brave career. One that reflects who you are as a woman in tech. I invite you to explore career coaching with me. Get all the details, including prices and client results, at TrickSteinbach.com.You can stress less, work less, and earn more. You've already earned it. Let's make it happen.

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 Nicole@TrickSteinbach.comYou 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 If you are an established woman in tech who is creating results and making an impact at work so your workload and stress just keep growing but promotions and salary bumps remain a distant dream, it is time for change. Listen, we all know the tech industry has dramatically changed. It's time your career approach did too. You don't need cookie-cutter programs or dusty advice from outdated playbooks, because what works for tech bros, won't work for you. You need individualized, bespoke support to build your brave career. One that reflects who you are as a woman in tech. I invite you to explore career coaching with me. Get all the details, including prices and client results, at TrickSteinbach.com.You can stress less, work less, and earn more. You've already earned it. Let's make it happen.

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 Nicole@TrickSteinbach.comYou 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 If you are an established woman in tech who is creating results and making an impact at work so your workload and stress just keep growing but promotions and salary bumps remain a distant dream, it is time for change. Listen, we all know the tech industry has dramatically changed. It's time your career approach did too. You don't need cookie-cutter programs or dusty advice from outdated playbooks, because what works for tech bros, won't work for you. You need individualized, bespoke support to build your brave career. One that reflects who you are as a woman in tech. I invite you to explore career coaching with me. Get all the details, including prices and client results, at TrickSteinbach.com.You can stress less, work less, and earn more. You've already earned it. Let's make it happen.

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 Nicole@TrickSteinbach.comYou 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 If you are an established woman in tech who is creating results and making an impact at work so your workload and stress just keep growing but promotions and salary bumps remain a distant dream, it is time for change. Listen, we all know the tech industry has dramatically changed. It's time your career approach did too. You don't need cookie-cutter programs or dusty advice from outdated playbooks, because what works for tech bros, won't work for you. You need individualized, bespoke support to build your brave career. One that reflects who you are as a woman in tech. I invite you to explore career coaching with me. Get all the details, including prices and client results, at TrickSteinbach.com.You can stress less, work less, and earn more. You've already earned it. Let's make it happen.

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