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In Part 1 of this two-part series, I sit down with Thalia Brown, the founder of Authentic Discussion—a pioneering learning platform using research-based tools, podcasts, virtual reality, and AI to tackle gender equity and workplace challenges in tech and cybersecurity.

Drawing on years of experience as a diversity practitioner and recruiter, Thalia shares how her mission-driven business is helping candidates overcome imposter syndrome, anxiety, and emotional bias in hiring.

We explore the persistent barriers women face in tech, from being labeled “risky bets” to having their emotional fitness unfairly scrutinized.

Our conversation also dives into the rapid adoption of AI, the risks of bias, and why practical, human-centered solutions are needed now more than ever.

We discuss generational shifts in tech, the importance of authentic community, and how cultural exposure shapes career paths.

If you’re passionate about diversity, equity, and closing gender gaps in tech, this episode is for you.

Connect with us:

Thalia Brown: https://www.LinkedIn.com/in/thaliabrown

Dawn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnbutler1/

Support the show

Hey, listeners and tech enthusiasts! 🌟 If you've been enjoying our podcast and finding value in the insights shared, we'd love your support. You can:

• Take a moment to share this podcast with someone who might benefit from our discussions.
• Submit the interest form if you’d like to be a guest, join a panel, or participate in live coaching.
• Let us know how we're doing. We’d love to hear from you.
• Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.
• If you’re in a position to support financially, consider supporting the show via the "Bytes of Kindness" Tip Jar, or Buy Me a Coffee. This podcast is a self-funded and my way of giving back, especially to underrepresented voices in tech and cybersecurity.

Your support keeps us going and growing. Thanks for being part of this journey and our community!

Looking for mentorship? Let's talk about what you need and how I may be able to help: Mentor Moments Lightning Session

The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and not reflective of any employer.

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In Part 2 of our change management series, with my guest, Shanayla Sweat, we explore why performative change efforts often fall short and how genuine leadership commitment is key to lasting transformation.

Shanayla highlights the critical role of soft skills in change management, emphasizing the need for leaders to truly listen and respond to employee needs like flexibility, autonomy, and better benefits.

We also discuss the broader societal tensions between individualism and community, underscoring the power of human connection and trust in overcoming challenges.

Additionally, we dive into the challenges of building deep expertise in today’s gig economy, the growing skills gap, and the importance of balancing technical and interpersonal skills for professional success.

Whether you’re a leader, change manager, or professional navigating evolving workplaces, this episode offers valuable insights to foster authentic change and skill development.

Connect with us:

Shanayla Sweat: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanayla-sweat

Dawn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnbutler1/

Support the show

Hey, listeners and tech enthusiasts! 🌟 If you've been enjoying our podcast and finding value in the insights shared, we'd love your support. You can:

• Take a moment to share this podcast with someone who might benefit from our discussions.
• Submit the interest form if you’d like to be a guest, join a panel, or participate in live coaching.
• Let us know how we're doing. We’d love to hear from you.
• Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.
• If you’re in a position to support financially, consider supporting the show via the "Bytes of Kindness" Tip Jar, or Buy Me a Coffee. This podcast is a self-funded and my way of giving back, especially to underrepresented voices in tech and cybersecurity.

Your support keeps us going and growing. Thanks for being part of this journey and our community!

Looking for mentorship? Let's talk about what you need and how I may be able to help: Mentor Moments Lightning Session

The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and not reflective of any employer.

Send us a text

In Part 1 of this two-part series, we dive into the world of change management in technology and cybersecurity with Shanayla Sweat, who has journeyed from software quality assurance to leading organizational transitions.

Discover why effective change management is crucial for successful tech adoption, how storytelling and authentic communication drive real change, and why human resistance is often overlooked in the rush toward AI and cloud-based solutions.

We also unpack the hidden risks of AI reliance and cloud dependency, and discuss how true leadership means building trust, not manipulating outcomes.

Shanayla shares candid stories from the field—what works, what doesn’t, and why change managers are essential but often underutilized.

If you’re navigating digital transformation, tech rollouts, or just want to understand the human side of tech change, this episode is for you.

Connect with Us:

Shanayla: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanayla-sweat

Dawn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnbutler1/

Support the show

Hey, listeners and tech enthusiasts! 🌟 If you've been enjoying our podcast and finding value in the insights shared, we'd love your support. You can:

• Take a moment to share this podcast with someone who might benefit from our discussions.
• Submit the interest form if you’d like to be a guest, join a panel, or participate in live coaching.
• Let us know how we're doing. We’d love to hear from you.
• Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.
• If you’re in a position to support financially, consider supporting the show via the "Bytes of Kindness" Tip Jar, or Buy Me a Coffee. This podcast is a self-funded and my way of giving back, especially to underrepresented voices in tech and cybersecurity.

Your support keeps us going and growing. Thanks for being part of this journey and our community!

Looking for mentorship? Let's talk about what you need and how I may be able to help: Mentor Moments Lightning Session

The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and not reflective of any employer.