In the podcast interview series DisruptHers, women leaders in tech candidly share hard-won advice, discuss the issues shaping our world and their industries, and compare career trials and triumphs. Each week the series guides interviewees through new topics from unconscious bias and next gen STEM, to practical advice for women taking the next step in their careers. This program is co-sponsored by Future of Women in Tech and Winston & Strawn who believe that amplifying women’s voices is the only way to move forward.
DisruptHers Host:
Marti Grimminck
Founder & CEO – INTERNATIONAL CONNECTOR
& THE FUTURE OF WOMEN IN TECH
Leading in a Crisis: Women in Tech on 2020’s Unique Challenges and Opportunities
Kalpana Chandrasekhar, COO – BITEABLE
Susannah Torpey, Partner – WINSTON & STRAWN
Jackie Yuen, President – AUSTRALIAN AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, SF
Our first episode, Leading in a Crisis: Women in Tech on 2020’s Unique Challenges and Opportunities, addresses the challenges working women have faced in 2020, including COVID-19 and the new WFH reality; systemic racial and gender inequality at work and in our society at large; and concerns about the election, the loss of RBG and how women’s interests will be served by our country’s leadership.
So, what happens next? Some argue we will see a significant number of women dropping out of the workforce. Others say technology’s ability to create more flexible work arrangements and better tools for staying connected and to raise visibility for women’s contributions will help maintain the important progress we’ve made.
Episode 2: Breaking the Ladder: How Non-Linear Career Paths Guide Women from Jobs They “Should Have” to Professions They Love
Sheryl Falk, Partner – WINSTON & STRAWN
Dawn McIntosh, Project Manager – NASA AMES RESEARCH CENTER
In our second episode, Breaking the Ladder: How Non-Linear Career Paths Guide Women from Jobs They “Should Have” to Professions They Love, we examine the winding journey to professional success, including the importance of tracking and touting personal achievements, how to identify self-imposed obstacles, and choosing between technical and managerial roles.
Episode 3: Career Makers: How Changing the Role of Mentors from Idol to Ally is Improving the Career Trajectories of Women in Tech
Angela Johnson, Senior Litigation Counsel – UBER / Founder & Co-CEO – COALITION OF BLACK EXCELLENCE
Danielle Williams, Partner – WINSTON & STRAWN
Cheryl Contee, Founder & CEO – DO BIG THINGS
In our third episode of disruptHers, we discuss how to find a mentor who embodies your idea of success, address the Superwoman narrative, define what to expect from a mentor/mentee relationship, and explore the importance of championing yourself.
Episode 4: 150% Perfect: How Unconscious Bias in the Workplace Leads to Unrealistic Personal and Professional Standards for Women
Amanda Richardson, CEO – CODERPAD
Pauline Fetaui, General Manager – RIVER CITY LABS / Founder – CheeHoo / Co-host – Splash of Colour
In our fourth episode, we discuss the link between racial and gender bias, tips for addressing unfair treatment in real time, the stigma of motherhood, and learning when to fix a poor work environment and when to leave.
Episode 5: Defying Tech Bubble Boundaries: Why Widening the STEM Career Pipeline is Vital to the Long-term Success of Women in Tech
Danielle Coleman, Litigation Counsel – VMWARE / Advocate for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Tory See, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility – VIASAT
Laura Franco, Trade Mark and Brand Attorney – WINSTON & STRAWN
In our fifth episode, we discuss the importance of recruiting women outside of tech hubs and large cities, the personal prerequisites for imposter syndrome, how to work against stereotype threats, and steps companies can take to retain talented women.
Episode 6: Superwoman Had Help: How Creating Strong Communities & Normalizing Delegation Will Galvanize the Next Generation of Women in STEM
Dr. Ruchi Shah, Resident Physician – UCSF / Founder & CEO – MOSQUITOES BE GONE
Saranya Raghavan, Associate Attorney – WINSTON & STRAWN
In our sixth episode, we discuss why powerful women should be more vocal about their accomplishments, the flawed model of “having it all,” developing multiple careers, and owning your interests in a professional setting.
Episode 7: Good Trouble: Why Breaking Societal Norms Will Put More Women in Leadership Positions
Kathi Vidal, Managing Partner – WINSTON & STRAWN SILICON VALLEY
Adriane Brown, Board Member – EBAY, AXON, PACIFIC SCIENCE TRUST / Venture Partner – FLYING FISH VENTURES
In our seventh episode, we discuss the power of dignity, the fun of defying expectations, viewing leadership through the male gaze, and competing from a position of power.
Episode 8: Joining Forces: Why Powerful Male Allies’ Self Reflection and Support Are Invaluable to Elevating Women’s Voices in the Workplace
Adam Day, Head of Technology + Media Americas – TELSTRA
Micheal Elkin, Vice Chairman & Partner – WINSTON & STRAWN
In our eighth episode, we discuss how men can create multifaceted opportunities for women, the riptides of covert sexism, diversity’s effect on the bottom line, and the dramatic impact of mentorship.
