Stories of women letting go to get ahead
Why, when, and how to reinvent your career.
Lauren Strayhorn: How to Get Comfortable with the Startup Founder Identity
Lauren Strayhorn is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Notedd, a digital media company that helps women of color stay informed, connected, and authentically themselves. Lauren left a consulting career in a big four firm to become a Founder and entrepreneur. We talk about Lauren’s motivation to make that pivot and, as a self-proclaimed introvert, what it’s like stepping into the high-visibility role of Founder. Lauren also shares what Black women are missing in the media and Corporate America and how Notedd is building a coalition of players ready to change.
Sophia Matveeva: The Non-Techie Tech Founder
Sophia Matveeva is the CEO & founder of Tech for Non-Techies, an education company and consultancy helping corporates upskill their teams for digital transformation and teaching non-technical innovators how to bring their ideas to life. Sophia’s career has had twists and turns–from PR to private equity to entrepreneurship. We talk about finding the “connecting thread” across your career, why women so frequently ignore their greatest strengths, and what helps non-techies get into the Tech world.
Mari-Anne Chikerema Chiromo: Career pivots and entrepreneurship as a single mom
Mari-Anne Chikerema Chiromo has built a dynamic career spanning big law firms, big tech, big 4 consultancy and also entrepreneurship. Her career path is fluid, but her mission is steadfast: as a single mom, to build a legacy and future opportunity for her son. Mari-Anne and I talk about her identity as a single mom, immigrant, and woman of color and its impact on her career and decision to launch entrepreneurial side hustles. Plus why the corporate world can be exhausting for people who are visually different and what advice she has for those who feel fed up.
Mai Ton — If You Can’t Find It, Build It
Mai Ton built a successful career as the go-to HR leader for growth startups. But when her daughter started questioning why she was always the only woman and woman of color in the room, she committed to working with diverse leaders and work cultures. If you can’t find it, build it. Today Mai is the Chief People Officer at Kickstarter and still coaches leaders as part of her own consulting business. She also wrote the book Come Into My Office: Stories from an HR Leader in Silicon Valley. It’s her mission to level the playing field for her daughter and other children entering the workforce over the next decade.
Ellen Rice Chever — Becoming a DEI&A game changer
Ellen Rice Chever pivoted her career as a healthcare consultant to become a D&EIA leader and podcast host. I talk with Ellen about the importance of aligning your career with your lived experiences, how being “the only” in the room motivated her career pivot, and why working moms have it so hard today. Ellen also shares her top advice for women and underrepresented groups trying to build their best possible career.