From a Woman to a Leader

You've been reading the books. Taking the courses. Telling yourself you'll start when you know enough, when the timing is right, when you feel ready. But what if all that preparation is actually what's keeping you stuck? In this episode, I talk with Virginia Frischkorn , a serial entrepreneur who started her first company at 24 without a plan, without knowing what she was doing, and built it into one of the top 50 event planning companies in the world. She then ran four businesses at once, lost her father overnight, and had to completely rethink what she was building and why. Virginia and I get into the real stuff, what it actually takes to go from idea to action, how she scaled from $500K to $5M events using systems and documentation, and why the "overnight success" you see on LinkedIn is almost always years of quiet, unglamorous work. What you'll get from this episode: Why "just start" is real advice, not a cliché, and what it actually looks like in practice How systems and documentation took Virginia from trading time for money to scaling her business The relationship-building strategy that helped her cultivate a pipeline of referrals Why everything takes longer than you think, and why that's not a reason to wait How losing her father forced her to ask the question most of us avoid: Why am I building this? About Virginia Frischkorn:Virginia is the founder of Party Trick, a platform that helps people plan gatherings by telling them what to do, when to do it, and how to do it. Before Party Trick, she built a luxury event production company recognized by Vogue and Martha Stewart, and scaled from boutique weddings to multi-million dollar brand activations. She's a mom of two, splits her time between Aspen and New York, and gets up at 3:30 AM to build software because she believes connection is what matters most. Connect with Virginia:Party Trick: https://partytrick.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/virginiatfrischkorn/ Book mentioned: The Mom Test by Rob Fitzpatrick: https://www.momtestbook.com/ Connect with Limor:Website: https://limorbergman.com/podcast/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/limorbergman/Substack: https://limorbergman.substack.com YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@LimorBergman

As women in tech, we often feel pressure to prove we belong. To know everything. To have all the answers. To speak only when we’re 100% sure. But I think that the real leadership skill isn’t knowing everything or having all the answers… Is it asking powerful questions In this solo episode, I’m sharing why asking questions is one of the most underutilized leadership skills and how it can completely transform the way you lead. You’ll hear real stories from my career: Challenging an architect’s design without creating defensiveness Addressing team conflict with curiosity instead of judgment Building authority as a new engineering manager in the US We’ll talk about: Why women hesitate to ask questions How questions lower defensiveness and build ownership How curiosity creates collaboration instead of conflict Why leadership is about guiding thinking, not having answers If you’re ready to stop proving and start leading with confidence, this episode is for you. 🎧 Listen on the Podcast Hub: limorbergman.com/podcast 📚 Subscribe on Substack: https://limorbergman.substack.com/ 🎥 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LimorBergman 💬 Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/limorbergman/

Most women hesitate to ask questions, fearing it might make them seem less competent. But what if I told you that asking the right questions is actually one of the most powerful leadership skills you can develop?  In this episode, I chat with Nisreen Cain, a former Google engineering leader turned computer science professor, about her journey and her groundbreaking insights on curiosity. Nisreen shares her personal stories of navigating leadership as a woman in tech, facing doubts, and internalizing the need to know everything.  We dig into how curiosity challenges our ego, builds trust, and transforms how we lead teams without needing to control.  You'll discover practical ways to ask better questions, create psychological safety, and promote independence in your team, all while feeling confident in your authority. If you're tired of feeling stuck or insecure about asking for help, this episode will help you.  You’ll learn how curiosity can elevate your leadership, open doors for growth, and help you lead with more ease and authenticity. Plus, my simple questions framework will give you immediate tools to practice today. Whether you're in tech, leadership, or just want to show up more confidently, understanding and harnessing curiosity will change the game for you.  Ready to unlock your full potential?  Hit play now and start leading with curiosity because that's where real power begins. About Nisreen: Nisreen Cain is a Computer Science professor bridging industry and academia to help professionals navigate the AI era. After 25 years in technology leadership spanning corporate giants like Google to startups like Propel and Babel Street, she now brings real-world experience into the classroom, and academic curiosity into industry practice. Throughout her career journey, from engineer to VP to professor, Nisreen discovered that curiosity is essential. It opens conversations, reveals new possibilities, creates space for creativity, and helps teams move forward with confidence. She's learned that staying curious about yourself, your team, and your challenges is what creates genuine connection and builds high-performing teams. This bridge between worlds shapes her teaching today. Nisreen works with tech professionals, organizations, and women in leadership to build practical AI strategies that align with their values and goals. She's passionate about empowering women in tech and leadership to question assumptions, communicate their value clearly, and lead with authenticity instead of perfection. Beyond her professional work, Nisreen is a community activist who continues to advocate for equity and inclusion of women and minorities in engineering and leadership across STEM/CS fields. Connect with Nisreen: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nisreencain/ Instagram: @nisreencain Newsletter: https://beyondthebinary.substack.com About Limor Bergman Gross Limor Bergman Gross is a former Director of Engineering turned executive coach for women in tech. She helps ambitious women grow their confidence, influence, and leadership without burnout or pretending to be someone they’re not. Podcast hub: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://limorbergman.com/podacst⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Substack: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://limorbergman.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/limorbergman/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@LimorBergman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Stop Waiting to Feel Ready I wasted years waiting. Waiting to feel more confident. Waiting to feel more ready. Waiting for someone to give me permission. And while I was waiting, other people were raising their hands. In this solo episode, I share the part of my story I didn’t always say out loud, how waiting slowed my career, what finally changed, and what I now see again and again in the women I coach. If you are capable, responsible, and quietly frustrated that your growth isn’t matching your effort, this episode is for you. We’ll talk about: • The hidden cost of waiting • Why confidence doesn’t come first • How to know if you’re growing or just staying comfortable • What actually creates momentum in your career This is personal. And it might feel uncomfortably familiar. 🎧 Listen now on your favorite platform 📩 Join my Substack for deeper reflections: https://limorbergman.substack.com/ 🌐 Podcast hub: https://limorbergman.com/podcast/

You don’t need more confidence. You need to stop waiting for it. If you’re a high-performing woman in tech who keeps thinking, “I’ll go for the promotion when I feel ready,” This episode is going to challenge you. Because confidence is not what moves your career forward. Impact is. In this conversation, I sit down with Lisa Zaythik, founding partner at AppsFlyer and Executive Chief of Staff at a 1,300-person global tech company. Lisa has moved across marketing, operations, HR, and the CEO office, often stepping into roles she had never done before. She didn’t wait to feel confident. She focused on the value she could bring. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to grow in your career when you don’t feel ready How to identify the value you bring, even when others seem more experienced How to know if it’s time to grow in your role or move on The difference between being assertive and being perceived as aggressive How to build confidence by taking action, not waiting for it This is for you if you are competent, responsible, and quietly frustrated that your work isn’t translating into growth. If you keep waiting to “feel ready,” someone less prepared will raise their hand before you. Listen now and rethink how you approach career growth, leadership development, and visibility at work. About Lisa Zaythik: Lisa Zaythik is a founding partner at AppsFlyer and currently serves as Executive Chief of Staff. With a background in marketing, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s value proposition, culture, and organizational DNA from its earliest days. Today, at a company of approximately 1,300 employees, Lisa partners closely with the executive team to drive company-wide strategy, guide senior leadership on organizational processes, and continuously evolve AppsFlyer’s culture of “doing well by doing good.” Follow Lisa on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisazaythik/ About Limor Bergman Gross Limor Bergman Gross is a former Director of Engineering turned executive coach for women in tech. She helps ambitious women grow their confidence, influence, and leadership without burnout or pretending to be someone they’re not. Podcast hub: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://limorbergman.com/podacst⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Substack: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://limorbergman.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/limorbergman/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@LimorBergman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

What if confidence in tech doesn’t have to be loud, aggressive, or look like everyone else? In this episode of From a Woman to a Leader, Limor Bergman Gross sits down with Telle Whitney, a long-time leader and culture-shaper in the tech industry, to unpack why so many capable women still feel overlooked and what it actually takes to change that. Together, they explore how tech culture was built on outdated myths like meritocracy and the “lone genius,” why quiet, introverted leaders are often underestimated, and how women can build confidence, visibility, and influence without pretending to be someone they’re not. This conversation is especially for you if: You do great work, but still feel invisible You’re confident internall,y but don’t fit the loud leadership stereotype You’ve been told to “be more strategic” without clear guidance You want to grow your career without burning out or changing your personality You’ll hear practical insights on sponsorship versus mentorship, how to speak up in loud rooms, how to respond to disrespectful behavior, and why communities like ERGs can be powerful accelerators when done right. About Telle:  Telle Whitney is a senior executive leader, an entrepreneur, an author, and a recognized advocate and expert on women and technology. She has over 30 years of leadership experience and was named one of Fast Company’s Most Influential Women in Technology. She is a frequent speaker on the topic of Women and Technology. She is an accomplished technologist who spent twenty years in the semiconductor industry in Silicon Valley. Telle has been called “a pioneer for the promotion of women technologists” and “one of the most inspirational leaders I have ever known.”  Telle co-founded the Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing Conference in 1994 and was CEO of the non-profit Anita Borg Institute from 2002 to September 2017. She transformed the Institute into a recognized world leader for women and technology.  Before that she served in leadership positions at several semiconductor startups.  She is the author of Rebooting Tech Culture, How to Ignite Innovation and Build Organizations Where Everyone Can Thrive, which explores the practices that executives use to create organizational cultures that are both innovative and inclusive.  She has won numerous awards, including the ACM Distinguished Service Award, an honorary degree from CMU, and an honorary membership of IEEE. In 2024, the REC Foundation recognized her as a STEM Hero. She co-founded the National Center for Women and Information Technology (NCWIT). In 2022, she was elected to the National Academy of Engineering.  Telle serves on the board of AI4All, CMD-IT, and Power and Systems and consults for numerous technology organizations.  Telle holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in Computer Science from the California Institute of Technology and a BS in Computer Science from the University of Utah.  Website: www.TelleWhitney.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/telle-whitney/ About Limor Bergman Gross Limor Bergman Gross is a former Director of Engineering turned executive coach for women in tech. She helps ambitious women grow their confidence, influence, and leadership without burnout or pretending to be someone they’re not. Podcast hub: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://limorbergman.com/podacst⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Substack: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://limorbergman.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/limorbergman/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@LimorBergman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Unlock the secret to creating workplaces where mistakes are celebrated, not punished. Discover how high psychological safety drives innovation, reduces turnover, and boosts team performance even when errors spike. If you're a leader feeling anxious about speaking up or a woman striving to foster trust in your team, this episode is your game-changer. Dr. Amy Edmondson’s groundbreaking research reveals that environments with high psychological safety report more errors but for the right reason. Errors aren't signs of failure; they're opportunities for growth. Francie Jain, CEO of Terawatt, breaks down how safe spaces lead to better processes, happier employees, and massively reduced turnover, saving organizations millions. She shares surprising insights from Google’s top teams, showing how trust and diversity make all the difference, and explains why women excel at fostering this kind of culture. You'll discover: The counterintuitive link between error reporting and safety How leaders can build psychologically safe environments regardless of hierarchy Practical steps to assess and improve your team’s culture The crucial role of diversity and humility in avoiding groupthink Why embracing change and failure unlocks long-term success Ignoring psychological safety risks leads to high turnover, toxic cultures, and missed opportunities for innovation. But when you prioritize trust, you open the door to breakthrough results and happier, more resilient teams. This episode is perfect for managers, founders, and women leaders ready to shift their culture and their impact. With deep expertise at Harvard and real-world success in healthcare and tech, Francie Jain shares how to transform your leadership approach. If you're ready to turn mistakes into momentum and create a workplace where everyone can thrive, hit play now. About Francie Francie Jain is the founder & CEO of Terawatt, a B2B marketplace that helps healthcare organizations reduce turnover through expert-led group coaching. She is committed to transforming how employers understand the relationship between professional development and employee retention.  Before launching Terawatt, she founded West River Partners, a consultancy that raised capital for emerging markets-based equity hedge funds. Francie holds an AB from Princeton University and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, where she refined her expertise in data and analytics to drive strategic decisions. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/franciejain/  Terawatt: https://terawatt.co/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/terawattgroups/ About Limor Bergman Gross Limor Bergman Gross is a former Director of Engineering turned executive coach for women in tech. She helps ambitious women grow their confidence, influence, and leadership without burnout or pretending to be someone they’re not. Podcast hub: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://limorbergman.com/podacst⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Substack: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://limorbergman.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/limorbergman/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@LimorBergman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Technology doesn’t create value on its own. People do. In this episode, Limor sits down with technology executive and fractional CTO Rose Schamberger to talk about the difference between building impressive technology and building solutions that actually matter. They unpack why customers don’t buy tech stacks, why AI initiatives fail without a clear problem to solve, and how leaders can use technology to improve quality of life, not just productivity metrics. This conversation is especially powerful for women in tech who are leading teams, navigating AI pressure from leadership, or trying to balance innovation with humanity. You’ll learn: Why “latest and greatest” technology often misses the mark How to decide when AI actually makes sense and when it doesn’t What human-in-the-loop leadership really looks like How technology can better serve women, moms, and underrepresented groups About Rose Rose Schamberger is a seasoned technology executive with over 25 years of experience in leading global engineering, product, and technology teams across SaaS, manufacturing, and digital transformation. She has successfully driven platform modernization, cloud migrations, and AI innovations that have enhanced performance, reduced costs, and boosted revenue.Known for translating strategy into execution, Rose has managed global teams, large budgets, and navigated post-M&A integrations and growth environments. She holds a B.S. in Computer Science, an MBA, and has executive education in digital strategy, AI/ML, and board readiness. Certified in Kaizen, she is also a former professional athlete and advocates for inclusive leadership and continuous learning. Connect with Rose on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roseschamberger/ About Limor Bergman Gross Limor Bergman Gross is a former Director of Engineering turned executive coach for women in tech. She helps ambitious women grow their confidence, influence, and leadership without burnout or pretending to be someone they’re not. Podcast hub: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://limorbergman.com/podacst⁠⁠⁠⁠ Substack: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://limorbergman.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/limorbergman/⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@LimorBergman⁠⁠⁠⁠

You know the move. Something big happens in your life, and you still walk into that meeting as if nothing happened. You lead. You perform. You hold it together. Then you crash later, alone. In this episode, I’m joined by Megan Warren, founder and coach at Extraordinary Lives, and we break down what she calls regenerative leadership: leadership that stops extracting from you and your team, and starts building capacity, trust, and better decisions.  We talk about the real cost of “professional masking,” why teams can feel tension even when nobody says anything, and how to lead when you are not fully resourced without making it messy. What you’ll learn: The difference between vulnerability and oversharing at work What to say when you need support mid-meeting How to reduce tension fast so creativity and problem-solving can happen A practical way to handle prioritization conflict when resources are tight Why self-leadership is the first lever in leadership About Megan Warren Megan Warren is a leadership coach and systems practitioner who helps high-achieving leaders shift from “business as usual” to a more regenerative, sustainable way of leading. Her work focuses on self-leadership, nervous system regulation, and building cultures where trust and real performance can actually grow. She supports individuals and organizations to solve complex problems without burning out in the process.   Connect with Megan: Website: https://meganwarrencoaching.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-warren-coach/ About Limor Bergman Gross Limor Bergman Gross is a former Director of Engineering turned executive coach for women in tech. She helps ambitious women grow their confidence, influence, and leadership without burnout or pretending to be someone they’re not. Podcast hub: ⁠⁠⁠https://limorbergman.com/podacst⁠⁠⁠ Substack: ⁠⁠⁠https://limorbergman.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/limorbergman/⁠⁠⁠ YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@LimorBergman⁠⁠⁠

A lot of women in tech hesitate to step into management for one reason: they think they need to stay the most technical person in the room. In this episode, I’m joined by Cecilia Borg, an experienced CTO and transformation leader (Spotify, King, Oracle, and more)  to break down what engineering leadership actually is and why the “manager = failed developer” myth is so damaging. We talk about the real business value of engineering managers, why the popular “50% coding, 50% managing” model often creates mediocre outcomes on both sides, and how to navigate mismatched expectations across CEOs, product, tech leads, and teams. If you’re a new engineering manager, a senior engineer considering the leap, or a leader who’s tired of unclear expectations, this conversation will give you language, clarity, and practical direction. In this episode, you’ll learn: What engineering managers are really responsible for (delivery, team health, capacity, strategy) How to stay “technical enough” without needing to ship production code Why leadership can feel lonely, and what to do about it How to define expectations before they define you About Cecilia: Cecilia Borg is an experienced CTO and transformation leader with experience from Spotify, gaming company King, Oracle, and many more. She's a DevOps evangelist working with engineers, peers, and leadership to establish a tech culture and organization where people thrive and can innovate. She's on a mission to cross-pollinate the Stockholm tech scene, working as an interim product development leader, advisor, and board member.  Follow Cecilia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cecilia-borg-3a53b5/ Resources site: www.doitanyway.se Engineering Leaders (Sweden): https://www.engineeringleaders.se/ About Limor Bergman Gross Limor Bergman Gross is a former Director of Engineering turned executive coach for women in tech. She helps ambitious women grow their confidence, influence, and leadership without burnout or pretending to be someone they’re not. Podcast hub: ⁠⁠https://limorbergman.com/podacst⁠⁠ Substack: ⁠⁠https://limorbergman.substack.com/⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/limorbergman/⁠⁠ YouTube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@LimorBergman⁠⁠

What if the reason you’re not getting promoted isn’t your performance, but your visibility? In this episode, I sit down with Tamara Jackson, former Vice President at a Fortune 500 financial institution, to talk about what it really takes to rise in a male-dominated environment without burning out or becoming someone you’re not. Tam shares the career habits that helped her hold 13+ roles over 25 years, including the one word she credits most for her growth: coachability. We also talk about how women can stop over-interpreting tone, ask better clarifying questions, and build strategic relationships that create real momentum. And in a powerful turning point, Tam shares why losing her mom in 2023 became the catalyst to leave corporate and build her next chapter. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to adapt communication without shrinking yourself A simple way to ask for feedback that accelerates promotions Why “doing great work” isn’t enough, and what to do instead How introverts can build visibility with one-to-one strategy The mindset shift that helps you stop waiting to be chosen About Tamara: Tamara Jackson is the visionary founder of Beaconship, a platform dedicated to equipping faith-driven leaders to transform industries and tackle global challenges through innovation. She is also the CEO of Lead Reviver, an AI-powered sales reengagement platform that helps businesses and nonprofits unlock the hidden potential of their lead databases. Tamara merges faith, innovation, and purpose to inspire leaders to create lasting impact. Connect with Tamara: LinkedIn: Tamara Jackson (Coach Tam) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachtam/ Facebook: thebeaconship https://www.facebook.com/thebeaconship/ Instagram: thebeaconship https://www.instagram.com/thebeaconship/ Lead Reviver: https://leadreviver.pro/ About Limor Bergman Gross Limor Bergman Gross is a former Director of Engineering turned executive coach for women in tech. She helps ambitious women grow their confidence, influence, and leadership without burnout or pretending to be someone they’re not. Podcast hub: ⁠https://limorbergman.com/podacst⁠ Substack: ⁠https://limorbergman.substack.com/⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/limorbergman/⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@LimorBergman⁠

So many women in tech look around and think: “My life is good. My role is fine. So why do I feel unhappy, exhausted, and stuck?” In this episode, I sit down with Marina Morgan, organizational psychologist and founder of The Morgan Impact, to talk about what’s really happening under the surface. We unpack the invisible responsibilities women carry, why burnout often disguises itself as “I hate my job,” and why the first step is not a big career pivot. It’s building capacity again. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to recognize when low energy is a nervous system issue, not a personality flaw A simple assessment to see how much you’re actually carrying Why sleep, nutrition, and movement change decision-making A 10-minute daily “whole body yes” practice to retrain your system for pleasure, not survival When it’s time to make a career change, and when it’s time to stabilize first If you’ve been pushing through on fumes, this one will feel like a deep exhale. About Marina Morgan Marina Morgan is an organizational psychologist and founder of The Morgan Impact, where she helps leaders and founders build resilience, clarity, and sustainable performance. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mmorgan_sf/videos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marinamorgan-sf/ Website: https://themorganimpact.com/#doing About Limor Bergman Gross Limor Bergman Gross is a former Director of Engineering turned executive coach for women in tech. She helps ambitious women grow their confidence, influence, and leadership without burnout or pretending to be someone they’re not. Podcast hub: https://limorbergman.com/podacst Substack: https://limorbergman.substack.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/limorbergman/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LimorBergman

What if only 5 to 10 percent of your thoughts are actually conscious? In this eye-opening conversation, Limor Bergman Gross talks with wealth and purpose strategist Egle Aleknaviciute about the subconscious beliefs that quietly shape your career, your confidence, and even your income. Egle shares how she went from corporate finance and transformation programs to exploring the unconscious patterns that keep so few women in leadership, especially in finance and tech. They talk about: Subtle unconscious bias in interviews and meetings How women are conditioned to be “nice,” never too loud or ambitious What perfectionism and fear of failure are really protecting you from How to listen to your emotions as data, not drama Practical ways to surface and reframe limiting beliefs Choosing environments that support your leadership instead of punishing risk About Egle: Egle Aleknaviciute is a wealth and purpose strategist with a background in corporate finance and business transformation. She helps ambitious women break subconscious patterns around self worth, money, and success so they can create both financial and emotional freedom. Egle blends deep subconscious work with practical strategy to support women who feel stuck, overachieving, or afraid to ask for more. You can connect with Egle on LinkedIn and explore her work through her website and Money Freedom Scan below. 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ealeknaviciute/ 🌐 Website: https://www.egle-aleknaviciute.com/ 📊 Money Freedom Scan: https://www.egle-aleknaviciute.com/#moneyfreedom 📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eglealeknaviciute/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/egle.aleknaviciute 📲 Stay Connected 🌐 Podcast hub: ⁠⁠https://limorbergman.com/podcast⁠⁠ 🔗 LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/limorbergman⁠⁠ 📸 Instagram: ⁠⁠@limorbergman⁠⁠ ▶️ YouTube: ⁠⁠@LimorBergman

Being the only woman in the room is hard. Feeling like you do not deserve to be there is even harder. In this episode of From a Woman to a Leader, Limor Bergman Gross talks with Sheila Buswell, CEO and Co-Founder of Buswell Biomedical, US Army veteran, engineer, and author of Is This Seat For Me? Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in Everyday Life and Business.  Sheila shares how the US military, a deeply male-dominated space, actually felt more like a meritocracy than her first corporate engineering job. In the Army, no one cared what she looked like. They only cared whether she could fix the generators that kept the lights and heat on. In corporate life, she was told not to be “so girly” if she wanted to be taken seriously as an engineer. From there, the self-doubt and second-guessing began to creep in. Together, Limor and Sheila unpack: Why being “comfortable in your own skin” changes how others see you The five personal solutions Sheila uses to work with imposter syndrome How to stop comparing yourself to everyone else’s highlight reel Why perfectionism keeps you stuck and exhausted How to build respect, even when not everyone likes you Practical ways to remind yourself that you deserve your seat at the table If you are tired of feeling like you are one course or certification away from being “enough,” this conversation will help you see your experience, your voice, and your presence in a new way. About Sheila Buswell: She is the CEO and Co-Founder of Buswell Biomedical, a veteran of the US Army, and the author of Is This Seat For Me? Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in Everyday Life and Business. In her book, Sheila shares her personal experiences with impostor syndrome, as well the stories of a diverse group of accomplished individuals who struggled with self-doubt but found ways to overcome it. She hopes to help others who feel limited by their beliefs experience more freedom and realize they are enough.  LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilabuswellbiomedical Book: https://www.amazon.com/this-Seat-Me-Overcoming-Imposter/dp/1959555669 📲 Stay Connected 🌐 Podcast hub: ⁠https://limorbergman.com/podcast⁠ 🔗 LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/limorbergman⁠ 📸 Instagram: ⁠@limorbergman⁠ ▶️ YouTube: ⁠@LimorBergman

What happens when you realize the job you took is not for you, but you still want a career in tech? In this episode, Limor talks with Mariam Chtchyan, former Chief Operations Officer at HackTech and now Associate Partner at Civitta, with over a decade of experience in project and delivery management across industries. Mariam started as an English tutor, accidentally landed in a sales role in an IT company, and spent months trying to make it work before she admitted it was not the right path. Instead of quitting tech altogether, she pivoted into project management, learned the technical side from scratch, and eventually reached the C-suite. They talk about: How to know when a role is not for you, and why that does not mean you failed Learning fast in a technical environment when you are not technical How to ask “dummy” questions without feeling small Growing from junior project manager to COO in about seven years What it means to build a tech career as a woman in Armenia, where some women still need their husband’s “permission” to work How Mariam is raising her son to feel and express emotions, not hide them If you are pivoting into tech, feel behind, or are balancing cultural expectations with your ambition, this conversation will remind you that your path does not have to be linear to be powerful. About Mariam: Mariam Chtchyan is an operations and delivery leader in the tech industry, specializing in digital transformation. She has grown from an English tutor with no technical background into a C-level executive, serving as COO at a tech company and now helping organizations modernize and scale their digital capabilities. Mariam is passionate about challenging traditional gender norms, supporting women in tech, and sharing real stories of corporate evolution through her work and podcast, Digital Shifts – Corporate Evolution Tales. Connect with Mariam: Website: https://gohacktech.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariam-chtchyan-2b2b3b167/ YouTube (DigitalShifts podcast): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu14ZeTD6MmHebxSYirFsPA Medium article: https://medium.com/@chtchyanmariam/husband-is-not-allowing-me-to-work-bff196e2ac36

What would happen if you said yes more often - even when it meant moving across the country in a week, starting over, or walking into a room where you know absolutely no one? In this episode of From a Woman to a Leader, I sit down with Brittany Kaplan, founder of BK Media Strategies, whose career has taken her from "Camp CNN" to Entertainment Weekly, Madison Square Garden, and now her own media strategy company. Brittany has moved cross country seven times, launched shows, built high profile partnerships, and led celebrity and influencer relations at some of the biggest brands in media and sports. But what stands out the most is how she did it: by saying yes, working hard, and being willing to be uncomfortable again and again. We talk about: How she got hired at CNN before graduation and why her dad told her to be "a big fish in a small pond" What it really took to say yes to opportunities that required moving in a week Why she does not believe women were actually set up to "have it all" - and how things are starting to course correct The power of mentorship and the story of one news anchor’s phone call that changed how she leads How to stand out early in your career by being helpful, curious, and always raising your hand Why confidence does not mean knowing everything and how she works with clients as the expert in media, not in their business How to put yourself in uncomfortable rooms and be proud of yourself just for showing up If you have been feeling stuck, craving a change, or intimidated by the idea of putting yourself out there, this conversation will make you feel less alone and more equipped to move. Listen next if you want to: Build a career that can evolve with you Find mentors and become one yourself Grow your influence without losing who you are Connect with Brittany: Instagram: @brittanylkaplan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittanylkaplan/ Connect with me, Limor: Podcast hub and all episodes: https://limorbergman.com/podcast/ Download my free guide to growing your influence without burnout: [Free guide link] Join my newsletter and Substack community: https://limorbergman.substack.com/ Get on the waitlist for my leadership accelerator: https://limorbergman.com/accelerator/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LimorBergman LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/limorbergman/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/limorbergman Your next level of leadership does not come from having it all figured out. It comes from saying yes, one uncomfortable step at a time.

What if confidence isn’t about being louder, but about asking the right questions? If you’ve ever walked out of a meeting feeling steamrolled, talked over, or unsure how to speak up without pretending to be someone you’re not, this episode is for you. In this episode of From a Woman to a Leader, I sit down with Juhi Ranjan, Head of Product Management at RTI and a computer science PhD with deep experience in real-time systems, edge computing, and autonomy. Juhi has built her career around complex, high-stakes platforms for automotive, aerospace, and medical markets but the most powerful thing she built was her voice. Juhi shares how she transitioned from research to product leadership, how she handled assertive colleagues without losing herself, and why being the “only woman in the room” taught her how to lead with quiet strength, values, and curiosity. 🎧 In this deeply inspiring and practical episode, you’ll learn: 💡 How to speak up in male-dominated rooms without faking confidence 🔄 How Juhi pivoted from academia to product and stayed aligned with her values 🧭 A simple framework to navigate assertiveness with curiosity instead of confrontation 🌱 Why it’s okay to build a non-linear career—and how to use your story as your strength 💬 How to find champions, build influence, and stop shrinking in high-stakes situations If you’ve ever felt overlooked or unsure how to lead in your own way, this episode will remind you: you don’t have to change who you are to become a leader. Connect with Juhi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juhiranjan/ 👩‍💻 Want more support to grow as a leader? 📥 Download my free guide: https://limorbergman.com/careersteps/ 📰 Get weekly leadership insights: https://limorbergman.com/newsletter/ 📬 Read my personal notes on Substack: https://limorbergman.substack.com/ 🎯 Ready to get promoted without burnout? 👉 Join the waitlist for the Strategic Influence & Executive Presence Accelerator: https://limorbergman.com/accelerator 📲 Stay Connected 🌐 Podcast hub: https://limorbergman.com/podcast 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/limorbergman 📸 Instagram: @limorbergman ▶️ YouTube: @LimorBergman

Why Being Exceptional Isn’t Enough: The Invisible Rules Holding Women Back at Work What if the real reason you’re not being chosen for bigger roles has nothing to do with your talent? In this episode, I sit down with Laura Patterson - corporate veteran, CEO, strategist, and globally recognized expert in customer-centric leadership - to unpack the unspoken rules that shape career growth inside organizations. Laura shares a story that hits hard: the moment her boss told her, “You’re exceptional… but I don’t trust that you would make the same decisions I would.” It wasn’t about capability. It wasn’t about performance. It was about trust, decision-making, and leadership signals women are rarely taught to navigate. This conversation is for every woman who has ever: • worked harder than everyone else but still felt overlooked • been told she’s “great,” yet not seen as a leader • wondered why others get picked while she quietly delivers • struggled with advocating for herself without sounding demanding • wanted more visibility, influence, and leadership opportunities • felt unsure how to step out of the execution trap Together, we break down: ✨ Why working harder won’t get you promoted ✨ The trust signals leaders look for ✨ How to have career conversations that actually open doors ✨ The role of decision-making in leadership credibility ✨ How to build advocates inside your organization ✨ How women unintentionally become their own biggest barrier ✨ Steps to get seen, get trusted, and get opportunities — without burning out If you’ve ever felt stuck, undervalued, or invisible despite doing everything “right,” this episode will change how you think about your career. You’ll walk away with clarity, confidence, and practical tools to step into real leadership. 🎧 Press play and learn the invisible rules that finally change the game for women in tech. ABOUT TODAY’S GUEST — LAURA PATTERSON Laura Patterson is a globally recognized expert in customer-centricity, data-driven decision-making, and performance management. Her 25+ year corporate and consulting career spans sales, customer relationship management, analytics, product marketing, and strategic leadership. 👉 Book a session with Laura: https://visionedgemarketing.com/advisory-service-growth-advice-business-questions/ • 25+ years accelerating profitable growth for 300+ companies • Award-winning thought leader and global speaker • Author of 4 books and hundreds of growth-centric articles • Known for her pragmatic, no-nonsense approach • Relatable storytelling combined with data-driven insights • Former corporate executive turned trusted strategic advisor • Host of the podcast What’s Your Edge? Connect With Laura: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurapattersonvem/ Website: https://visionedgemarketing.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VisionEdgeMarketing Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/texasmarketing1/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/VisionEdgeMktg Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marketingtransformation eSpeakers: https://www.espeakers.com/marketplace/profile/40908/laura-patterson ABOUT YOUR HOST - LIMOR BERGMAN GROSS Limor Bergman Gross is an Executive & Team Coach, former Director of Engineering at DigitalOcean, and host of From a Woman to a Leader. She helps women in tech step into strategic influence, executive presence, and leadership roles — without burnout or people-pleasing. Her mission is simple: Help hidden leaders get seen, respected, and promoted. Connect with Limor: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/limorbergman/ Substack: https://limorbergman.substack.com Podcast Hub: https://limorbergman.com/podcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@limorbergman

You don’t have to choose between ambition and motherhood. In this episode of From a Woman to a Leader, executive coach Limor Bergman Gross sits down with Khiara Cureton, Executive Career & Wealth Coach and Founder of AncHER Co., to talk about the mindset and strategies ambitious mothers need to rise into executive leadership, grow their income, and build financial freedom without losing themselves to guilt or burnout. Whether you’re a working mom navigating mid-career growth or an emerging leader ready to break through the middle-management ceiling, this episode gives you: ✨ Mindset shifts to stop waiting until you’re “100 % ready” and start going for the next big role 💼 Career strategies to land your first executive position through networking, clarity, and confidence 💰 Wealth-building lessons to align your financial goals with the life you actually want 💫 Permission to thrive as both a present parent and an ambitious professional Khiara shares her journey from high-pressure consulting to founding AncHER Co., helping mothers redefine success and earn what they deserve. Together, we challenge the old rules — and help you design a life where your career and family both flourish. 🎧 Listen if you’ve ever wondered: “Can I grow my career without sacrificing my family?” “Why do I feel guilty for wanting more?” “How do I earn my worth and still protect my peace?” Khiara Cureton is an Executive Career & Wealth Coach, keynote speaker, and the founder of AncHER Co. — a coaching and consulting company that empowers ambitious mothers to rise into executive leadership, increase their earning potential, and build lasting wealth — without burnout or guilt. Drawing on her background in corporate strategy and operations leadership, Khiara helps women bridge the gap between career growth and financial freedom. Her signature approach combines mindset work, career strategy, and money management to help professional women design lives where ambition and motherhood thrive together. 🌐 Website: ancherco.com 📸 Instagram: @theancherco 💼 LinkedIn: Khiara Cureton 👩‍💻 Want more support to grow as a leader? 📥 Download my free guide: ⁠https://limorbergman.com/careersteps/⁠ 📰 Get weekly leadership insights: ⁠https://limorbergman.com/newsletter/⁠ 📬 Read my more personal notes on Substack: ⁠https://limorbergman.substack.com/⁠ 🎯 Ready to get promoted without burnout? 👉 Join the waitlist for the Strategic Influence & Executive Presence Accelerator: ⁠https://limorbergman.com/accelerator⁠ 📲 Stay Connected 🌐 Podcast hub: ⁠https://limorbergman.com/podcast⁠ 🔗 LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/limorbergman⁠ 📸 Instagram: ⁠@limorbergman⁠ ▶️ YouTube: ⁠@LimorBergman⁠

What if your career path isn’t broken, it’s just different? Many ambitious tech leaders believe there’s only one “right” way to grow: climb the ladder fast, take on bigger teams, and never slow down. But what if true leadership involves taking a different path, one that respects your values, prioritizes your wellbeing, and celebrates your unique perspective? In this episode of From a Woman to a Leader, I sit down with Meri Williams, an accomplished CTO, tech advisor, CTO coach, and Chair of The Lead Developer conference, for one of the most authentic and inspiring conversations I’ve ever had. Meri shares their nonlinear journey from software engineering to executive leadership, growing teams from 30 to 300, managing burnout, discovering their neurodiversity, and leading with authenticity and compassion. Their story reminds us that success isn’t about fitting the mold, but about building a career that fits you. 🎧 In this deeply human and eye-opening conversation, you’ll learn: 💡 Why career growth isn’t linear, and how to redefine success on your own terms 🔥 What scaling too fast taught Meri about burnout, boundaries, and balance 💬 The multiple paths to becoming a CTO, and how to find the one that suits your strengths 🚀 How domain expertise, curiosity, and integrity shape great leadership 🌱 Why management isn’t the only way to grow, and how technical excellence can be just as fulfilling 💫 How to thrive as a neurodiverse leader and build a sustainable, values-aligned career If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re on the “right” path, struggled with burnout, or wondered if leadership can coexist with authenticity, this episode will change how you see your own growth. You’ll walk away knowing that your differences are your strengths, your detours are part of the plan, and your success doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s. 👩‍💻 Want more support to grow as a leader? 📥 Download my free guide: https://limorbergman.com/careersteps/ 📰 Get weekly leadership insights: https://limorbergman.com/newsletter/ 📬 Read my more personal notes on Substack: https://limorbergman.substack.com/ 🎯 Ready to get promoted without burnout? 👉 Join the waitlist for the Strategic Influence & Executive Presence Accelerator: https://limorbergman.com/accelerator 📲 Stay Connected 🌐 Podcast hub: https://limorbergman.com/podcast 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/limorbergman 📸 Instagram: @limorbergman ▶️ YouTube: @LimorBergman Meri Williams is an experienced CTO and leader of technology organizations, currently leading technology teams and advising companies as a CTO coach through their micro-consultancy, ChromeRose. They have led teams ranging from 30 to 300 across organizations including Procter & Gamble, the Government Digital Service, award-winning online print company MOO, mobile-first bank Monzo, and AI-driven drug discovery company Healx. A published author and international speaker, Meri chairs The Lead Developer conference and serves as a tech advisor for Kindred Capital. Together with their wife, they run micro-charity One Goes Up to help young women and enby folks pursue STEM education and careers. 💼 Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meriwilliams/