Join us on the Tech Beyond Gender podcast as we sit down with Dr. Michelle Dickinson, nanotechnologist, materials engineer, and co-founder of Nanogirl Labs (www.nanogirllabs.com). From her humble beginnings to becoming a global advocate for diversity in STEM, Dr. Michelle shares her journey of resilience, innovation, and purpose. Discover how her groundbreaking work in nanotechnology shapes the future of medicine and technology, her insights into overcoming gender bias, and her mission to...

Join us as we sit down with Natalia Nam, an AWS DevOps Engineer at Snapper, who shares her inspiring journey from migrating to New Zealand to establishing herself in the tech industry. Natalia discusses overcoming language barriers, building a support system in a new country, and breaking into tech in her 40s. Discover how she forged valuable connections and found mentorship, offering a fresh perspective on resilience, courage, and the power of diverse experiences in technology. Whether...

In this episode of Tech Beyond Gender, we’re joined by Lisa Cooley, Managing Director of BrightSpark Recruitment, a specialist in IT, Data, and Digital recruitment. Lisa shares her insights on fostering diversity and inclusion within tech, from building authentic support networks for new migrants and young graduates to helping companies implement meaningful diversity strategies. She also opens up about the challenges of creating safe, welcoming spaces for women and gender-diverse individuals...

In this powerful episode, Meena Satishkumar, Founder of Tech Beyond Gender, sits down with Dr. Amanda Sterling, award-winning Leadership Consultant and author of The Humane Workplace. Together, they dive deep into the challenges mothers face in leadership, the impact of life cycles on women's careers, and the need for truly inclusive workplaces. Dr. Sterling shares insights from her research on women in leadership, her experiences with technology in building humane work environments, and why...

In this powerful episode of Tech Beyond Gender, Sneha Rao shares her deeply personal journey navigating biases related to gender, ethnicity, and leadership in the corporate world. From confronting stereotypes about Asian women in leadership to overcoming workplace bullying, Sneha offers valuable insights on finding self-worth, building resilience, and challenging bias. She discusses the importance of blind hiring practices, the struggle for recognition, and how organisations can foster...

In this inspiring episode, Nataleigh Elston, Engineering Manager at BNZ, takes us on her journey through the evolving landscape of the tech industry. She candidly discusses the joys and difficulties of balancing a technical career with motherhood, sharing how the transition from full-time work to becoming a parent and back again shaped her career path. Nataleigh reflects on the lack of role models when she was starting out as a mother in tech and the pivotal advice that helped her navigate...

In this episode of Tech Beyond Gender, Sandra Whitehead, Senior Manager for IT Governance at Partners Life, dives deep into the challenges women face in technical leadership roles. Sandra shares insights on why there’s a significant drop in women in tech as they climb the corporate ladder and discusses the societal norms that continue to shape this imbalance. She highlights the need for structural changes, flexible working environments, and the importance of women supporting each other in the...

In this inspiring episode, we kōrero with Kaye Maree Dunn, the co-founder of Āhau, a Whānau Data Platform designed to uplift whānau and iwi by preserving and securely sharing their information and histories. Kaye shares her whakaaro on the systemic challenges faced by Māori communities, particularly how tamariki are often streamed into labour-based jobs rather than being supported to pursue leadership roles and higher education. We dive deep into Kaye’s passion for community-led initiatives...

In this episode of Tech Beyond Gender, we’re joined by Michelle Maxwell, General Manager of Colleague Enablement at BNZ. Michelle shares her inspiring journey from education to the tech sector, proving that it’s never too late to make a career change. She also offers invaluable advice on how to step into leadership roles, regardless of your position, and the importance of building a strong network of mentors, advocates, and sponsors. Whether you're a teacher considering a shift into tech or...

In this episode, Meena Satishkumar sits down with Suz Lingaard, Product Manager for Automation, Pega, and Robotics, to explore her career journey and how she balances leadership roles with the challenges of menopause. Suz shares her pragmatic problem-solving techniques and offers advice on why women should enter the tech sector early if they’re interested. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on resilience, tech leadership, and empowering women in technology. #WomenInTech #TechLeadership...

In this episode of Tech Beyond Gender, Meena Satishkumar is joined by Shruti Sherekar, Digital Strategy Manager at ASB and former Managing Director of Girls in Tech, New Zealand. Shruti shares her journey in the tech industry and dives deep into the strategies for promoting gender equity. From creating spaces where women can thrive to fostering a sense of belonging, Shruti offers powerful insights on how tech companies can better support women and ensure their growth. Tune in to hear Shruti’s...

In this episode of Tech Beyond Gender, we sit down with Lauren McCormack, Chief Product Officer at Zip.co, to explore the crucial role diversity plays at the leadership table. Lauren shares her insights on why flexibility in the workplace is key to fostering a more inclusive environment and how lived experiences enrich decision-making processes. As a mother to an 11-year-old daughter, Lauren expresses her hopes for a future where gender equity is no longer a discussion point in the tech...

Join us as Tanya Boelema, Head of Architecture for Colleague Enablement and Data at BNZ, shares her inspiring journey in technology. From navigating her career as a single mom to leading in tech, Tanya discusses the importance of balance and the power of a collective voice for women in the industry. Tune in for actionable insights on thriving in both career and home life, and fostering a supportive environment for women in tech leadership. #WomenInTech #TechLeadership ...

Join Meena Satishkumar from Tech Beyond Gender as she sits down with Darryl Munro, Head of Architecture at Silver Fern Farms NZ, to explore his impactful journey as a male ally in the tech industry. Darryl opens up about his dedication to supporting gender equity, empowering women of color, and advocating for LGBTQ professionals. He firmly believes that diverse teams are not just ethically right but are also key drivers of innovation and success in the technology landscape. Tune in to hear...

Join us in this inspiring episode as we sit down with Camy Bhandari, an automation test engineer who migrated from India to New Zealand. Camy shares her personal journey of transition, the challenges she faced, and how these experiences led her to start the NZ Tech Rally. Discover real Kiwi stories, learn valuable strategies, and get practical advice from locals who have adapted and thrived. Tune in to explore how the NZ software industry can rally together to become more resilient for 2025...

Join us for an inspiring episode as Rachel Foong shares her journey as an Asian woman in the New Zealand tech industry. Rachel opens up about the unique challenges she faced, the obstacles she overcame, and the pivotal moments that helped establish her successful career. Discover her insightful perspectives on the evolving landscape of gender diversity in tech and her vision for further improvements. Tune in to hear Rachel's empowering story and valuable advice for creating a more inclusive...

In this illuminating episode, Meena Satishkumar welcomes Jayshree Ravi, the Head of Strategy and Architecture at Lagom, who has been a formidable force in the technology sector for over three decades. Jayshree takes us on a captivating journey through her storied career, shedding light on the unique challenges and triumphs she has experienced as a woman of color in tech. Prepare to be inspired as Jayshree delves into the importance of self-belief and steadfast principles, offering practical...

In this episode of Tech Beyond Gender, host Meena Satishkumar sits down with Kirti Desai, General Manager for Data and Technology, to delve into her journey as a woman and a woman of color in the tech industry. Kirti candidly shares the obstacles she has faced, from breaking through gender and racial barriers to navigating a constantly evolving tech landscape. Listen in as Kirti offers her perspective on how the industry is changing, the importance of diversity and inclusion, and the valuable...

In this enlightening episode of the Tech Beyond Gender Podcast, host Meena Satishkumar sits down with Shirley McIntyre, the GM of Architecture and Tech Strategy. Shirley shares her profound insights on the critical role of diversity and gender parity in the technology sector. Drawing from her extensive experience leading digital strategies at prominent New Zealand organizations, Shirley discusses the importance of diverse perspectives in fostering innovation and achieving strategic...

In this episode, we sit down with Jamie Weddell, a remarkable professional who transitioned from a career as a Chartered Accountant (CA) to becoming a key player in the tech industry. Jamie shares her unique journey, discussing the challenges and triumphs she faced while making the switch. She delves into her passion for technology, the innovative projects she's worked on, and what excites her about the future. Jamie also explains how her experience as a CA has been invaluable in her current...

Join us in this inspiring episode as we dive into Arabella Vennells' remarkable journey in the tech industry. Starting her career in a tech support role, Arabella navigated the challenges and opportunities within the tech world, eventually rising to influential leadership positions. Listen in as she shares her experiences, lessons learned, and valuable insights on career growth, resilience, and the evolving landscape of technology. Whether you're just starting in tech or looking to advance...

In this podcast Sarah Cawsey, GM Data with Auckland Council talks to us about her journey of transitioing into technology and the areas that she is passionate about. She also describes the challenges she faced as part of her transition and the process and work needed to overcome this. #TechIndustry #WomenInTech #GenderEquity #TechJourney #Interview #Inspiration #TechLeadership #HealthTech #CareerInTech #TechInnovators #TechCareers #DiversityInTech ...

Join us in this insightful interview with Noor Syed, Tech Strategist/CTO for health in Microsoft New Zealand. Noor shares her incredible journey in the tech industry, offering a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs she has faced along the way. In this video, Noor discusses: Her pathway into technology and what inspired her to pursue a career in this field. The various roles and experiences that shaped her career, leading to her current position at Microsoft. The gender...