Kristen sits down with Melissa Jurkoic, a tech industry veteran and champion for diversity in leadership. Melissa's journey from junior software engineer to Chief Experience Officer is a testament to the power of resilience and authenticity in leadership. She shares candid insights on navigating male-dominated spaces, the importance of sponsorship, and why being your genuine self is crucial for effective leadership. Melissa's approach to "boundaried vulnerability" offers a fresh perspective on balancing openness with professionalism. This conversation will challenge you to rethink your approach to leadership and inspire you to create more inclusive, transparent work environments.

About Melissa:
Melissa Jurkoic has been in the tech industry for more than 25 years, primarily in hospitality tech, progressing from Junior Software Engineer to her current position as Chief Experience Officer at Thynk. She earned a Bachelor's in Computer Science from the University of New Hampshire and an executive certificate in Management and Leadership from MIT. Motivated by her commitment to increasing the representation of women in leadership and tech, she has volunteered with various global organizations such as ChickTech, Everwise, WITI, NH Tech Alliance, Microsoft DigiGirlz, wiseHer, Girl Scouts, and AnitaB.org. This dedication also inspired her to co-found Diversify Thinking, an initiative dedicated to advancing inclusion from dialogue to implementation and fostering diversity of thought.

Highlights:

• Melissa's unexpected path from aspiring journalist to engineering leader
• The impact of having a sponsor who puts you "in the room"
• Dealing with skepticism and proving yourself as a woman in tech
• The concept of "boundaried vulnerability" in leadership
• Creating a culture of trust and transparency within teams
• The importance of authenticity in leadership, even during tough times
• Challenging the notion of "like-minded" teams and embracing diversity of thought
• Melissa's experience with Diversify Thinking and unconventional mentoring programs
• The mutual benefits of mentoring across different backgrounds and experiences

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• Melissa’s LinkedIn profile
• Diversify Thinking (Melissa’s initiative)
• WomenTech Network (where Kristen and Melissa met)
• Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek
• Dare to Lead by Brené Brown

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Podcast Website: www.loveandleadershippod.com
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Kristen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristenbsharkey/
Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-s-364970111/

Learn more about Kristen's leadership coaching and facilitation services: http://www.emboldify.com