Tech Unlocked: Recent Episodes
Grace Macjones
The Tech Unlocked Podcast aims to demystify and diversify the tech industry by giving you the keys to unlock your tech career. On this show, you'll hear authentic and informative career conversations with incredible guests on how to get a job in tech and build a successful tech career. By sharing diverse and unique career stories, I hope to give you the keys to unlock YOUR own tech career. Visit www.techunlockedpod.com and use #techunlockedpod on twitter to continue the conversation.
Is studying computer science still worth it in 2025? What does the future of education look like in an AI driven world?
With AI reshaping the job market and tech layoffs skyrocketing, CS students are facing serious questions about their futures. In this episode 102, I chat with Jerome Petty, founder of ColorStack, about whether a CS degree is still valuable, how students can stand out, and what they’d do differently if they were starting over today and the future of education.
Whether you're a current student, recent grad, or career switcher, this episode will challenge your thinking and help you chart a smarter path in tech.
💬 Drop your thoughts in the comments — Is CS still worth it for YOU?
🔔 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more future-proof tech career insights!
⌛️ CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Intro
04:20 - Meet Jehron Petty, Founder of ColorStack
06:15 - Building a Support Network for CS Students of Color
17:45 - Impact of Tech Layoffs on Internship Pipelines
20:15 - Advice for International CS Students
23:00 - Can AI Replace Developers?
27:30 - How to Stand Out as a CS Student in 2025
30:45 - The Power of Building Real-World Projects
34:00 - Is Now the Best Time Ever to Start CS in College?
37:15 - The Shift Toward Localized Tech Solutions
40:00 - Final Thoughts: Is College Still the Best Route?
Watch my latest video here: https://youtu.be/Rlr_f1vyq-E?si=sOQ5SyVMbugRB-lv
🎯 Connect with Jehron
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jehronpetty/
https://www.colorstack.org/
💡 Connect with Grace:
https://techunlockedpodcast.carrd.co/
https://www.instagram.com/gracemacjonez/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones/
✨ Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips and tech news:
https://techunlockedpodcast.carrd.co/
https://www.instagram.com/techunlockedpod/
https://www.youtube.com/@techunlockedpod
https://www.tiktok.com/@techunlockedpod
https://substack.com/@techunlockedpodcast?
Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
In episode 101 of Tech Unlocked, Grace chats with Aleenah Ansari about her unconventional path into tech—not as an engineer, but as a powerful storyteller. Aleenah shares how she leveraged her writing background to carve out impactful roles at Microsoft and Salesforce, and why she believes storytelling is the creative skill that will continue to thrive in the age of AI.
Tune in to hear practical job search strategies, personal branding tips, and ways to collaborate with AI instead of fearing it. Whether you're pivoting into tech or just looking to stand out, this episode will help you unlock the power of your story.
Aleenah Ansari (she/her) is equal parts storyteller, creative problem solver, and journalist at heart rooted in the stories of people behind products, companies, and initiatives. She works as a customer story development manager at Salesforce, where she focuses on messaging for web stories and videos. She also writes about travel, entrepreneurship, mental health and wellness, and representation in media for Insider, The Seattle Times, Joysauce, and more. You can usually find her searching for murals in Seattle and beyond, visiting a local bookstore, and planning her next trip to New York. Learn more at www.aleenahansari.com.
🎯 Connect with Aleenah: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleenah-ansari
💡 Connect with Grace: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones/
✨ Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips and tech news:
Instagram: @techunlockedpod
TikTok: @techunlockedpod
✨ Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips and tech news:
https://techunlockedpodcast.carrd.co/
https://www.instagram.com/techunlockedpod/
https://www.youtube.com/@techunlockedpod
https://www.tiktok.com/@techunlockedpod
To listen to the full conversation subscribe to Tech Unlocked Podcast on your app of choice:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/08XXVvk7C82MuBvQrtfoHI
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tech-unlocked/id1488455514
Etc:https://pod.link/1488455514
Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
Wow, today we hit 100 episodes of Tech Unlocked! 🎉
It's been an incredible journey chatting with brilliant minds in the tech industry and navigating my own tech career in the last 6 years
To celebrate this milestone, I'm taking a pause to reflect and share something truly valuable with you. In this special episode, I'm distilling countless hours of conversations and personal experience down to the 3 most impactful career lessons I've learned. These aren't just theories; they are the recurring themes, the hard truths, and the actionable insights that have surfaced again and again from both my amazing guests and my own time working in tech.
Whether you're in your 20s or 30s, just starting your tech career, looking to level up, or feeling a bit stuck, these are the principles I believe can genuinely help you navigate the complexities, avoid common pitfalls, and build a more fulfilling and successful path forward.
Watch on Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iC1cIjeqnPc&lc=UgwM2lwW2c2wnNpiwrd4AaABAg
⌛️ CHAPTERS:
0:00 - intro
0:50 - podcast update
2:21 - lesson 1
4:47 - lesson 2
7:21- lesson 3
13:33 - life changing quote by Elizabeth Gilbert
15:33 - why i am quitting podcasting
🎯 SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER: https://substack.com/@techunlockedpod... https://techunlockedpodcast.carrd.co/
Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
To listen to the full conversation, and others like it, subscribe to Tech Unlocked Podcast on your app of choice:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/08XXVvk... Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Etc:https://pod.link/1488455514
Tired of hearing about the same tech careers in 2025? In episode 99, I dive into 5 overlooked but incredibly lucrative tech careers that are positioned for explosive growth. After 6 years in the industry, I've researched the most promising fields beyond the usual software engineering, data science or even AI roles. For each job role I share the definition, average salary, pros & cons, and skills needed to thrive in that specific role.
By the end of this video, you'll discover five alternative paths to tech success that match or even exceed the compensation of traditional roles and position youself at the forefront of technological innovation. Ready to shape the future? Then is this episode is for you!
🎯 SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWS LETTER:
https://substack.com/@techunlockedpodcast?
https://techunlockedpodcast.carrd.co/
💡 Connect with Grace:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones/
✨ Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips and tech news:
https://techunlockedpodcast.carrd.co/
https://www.instagram.com/techunlockedpod/
https://www.youtube.com/@techunlockedpod
https://www.tiktok.com/@techunlockedpod
Questions about sponsorship? Email us: techunlockedpod@gmail.com
🧐SOURCES:
- Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook (2023) https://www.bls.gov/ooh/
- CompTIA Tech Industry Outlook (2023) https://www.comptia.org/content/research/it-industry-trends-analysis
- CBRE Tech Talent Report (2023) https://www.cbre.com/insights/reports/scoring-tech-talent-2023
- Robert Half Technology Salary Guide (2023) https://www.roberthalf.com/salary-guide
- Deloitte Technology Industry Outlook (2023) https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/pages/technology/articles/technology-industry-outlook.html
- IEEE Engineering Salary Survey (2023) https://www.ieee.org/membership/products/financial-advantage-program/salary-service.html
- International Federation of Robotics Annual World Robotics Report (2023) https://ifr.org/worldrobotics/
- McKinsey Global Institute Future of Work Report https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/future-of-work
- Morgan Stanley Space Team Industry Analysis (2022) https://www.morganstanley.com/ideas/investing-in-space
- BCG Quantum Computing Market Analysis (2023) https://www.bcg.com/publications/2023/quantum-computing-market-analysis
- Game Developer Salary Survey (2023) https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/game-developer-salary-survey-2023
- Newzoo Global Games Market Report (2023) https://newzoo.com/insights/trend-reports/newzoo-global-games-market-report-2023
- American Intellectual Property Law Association Economic Survey (2023) https://www.aipla.org/detail/journal-issue/economic-survey-2023
- Thomson Reuters Institute Legal Market Report (2023) https://www.thomsonreuters.com/en/institute.html
- Robotics Industries Association Market Analysis (2022) https://www.robotics.org/market-analysis
- Association for Computing Machinery Ethics Survey (2023) https://www.acm.org/publications
- Aerospace Industries Association Industry Facts & Figures (2023) https://www.aia-aerospace.org/research-resources/
- Journal of Aerospace Engineering Regulatory Impact Study (2022) https://ascelibrary.org/journal/jaeeez
- Nature Quantum Computing Expert Survey (2023) https://www.nature.com/subjects/quantum-computing
- IEEE Quantum Computing Reproducibility Analysis (2022) https://www.computer.org/csdl/journal/qc
- International Game Developers Association Developer Satisfaction Survey (2023) https://igda.org/resources/developer-satisfaction-survey/
- International Bar Association Global Technology Regulation Survey (2023) https://www.ibanet.org/
- LinkedIn Emerging Jobs Report (2023) https://business.linkedin.com/talent-solutions/resources/talent-intelligence
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHoEjvuPoB8
https://www.codementor.io/@bhavinjawade/quantum-computing-qavj28wc1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4xCR20Dh1E
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qndz54SGCAs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExfLBIZwRpo
https://youtu.be/Z3yQHYNXPws?si=GiGdfk0jhMu8o5NA
https://youtu.be/wSHmygPQukQ?si=D5fVhde8W30CHxq-
https://physicsworld.com/a/quantum-computers-take-on-quarks/
https://www.codementor.io/@bhavinjawade/quantum-computing-qavj28wc1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYSfcgVv9-U
To listen to the full conversation, and others like it, subscribe to Tech Unlocked Podcast on your app of choice:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/08XXVvk7C82MuBvQrtfoHI
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tech-unlocked/id1488455514
Etc:https://pod.link/1488455514
🫡 DISCLAIMER: This content is based on my personal opinion and research
In Episode 98, Grace sits down with Karen Ngo, a highly successful Communications Manager at Microsoft. Karen shares her inspiring career journey, revealing how she landed her dream role despite lacking prior communications experience.
During the conversation, Karen provides invaluable insights into the key skills and qualities required for success in today's tough job market. She also unveils her unique approach to career development: the "Career Walking Deck," a powerful tool for showcasing your skills, building your network, and landing your next big opportunity.
Don't miss this insightful episode packed with actionable advice for anyone looking to break into the tech industry or level up their career.
Karen Ngo’s personal philosophy is growing 1% everyday through finding inspiration to share with the world. She is passionate about career development and has a blog kkarenism.com that is ranked #1 on Google/Bing for “career walking decks” and has helped thousands of job seekers with their career development through services like Resume Rescue. In her day job, Karen is a CEO Communications Manager at Microsoft where she drives operational excellence across the Office of the CEO and partners with global teams and senior stakeholders on CEO events and communications.
🎯 Connect with Karen: linkedin.com/in/karenkngo | kkarenism.com
💡 Connect with Grace:
https://www.instagram.com/gracemacjonez/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones/
✨ Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips and tech news:
Instagram: @techunlockedpod
TikTok: @techunlockedpod
https://substack.com/@techunlockedpodcast?
Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
In this episode, Grace uncovers how a small Chinese AI startup is challenging Silicon Valley's AI dominance and dives into:
- How DeepSeek outperformed billion-dollar AI models
- Why Nvidia's stock is feeling the heat
- Why we need to invest in AI education
- DeepSeek Vs ChatGPT
🎯 SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWS LETTER:
https://substack.com/@techunlockedpodcast
💡 Connect with Grace:
https://www.instagram.com/gracemacjonez/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones/
✨ Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips and tech news:
Instagram: @techunlockedpod
TikTok: @techunlockedpod
Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
🧐SOURCES:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEBiebbeNCA&t=4s
https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2025/01/27/nvidia-calls-chinas-deepseek-r1-model-an-excellent-ai-advancement.html
https://www.credaily.com/briefs/amazon-to-invest-100-billion-usd-in-ai-data-centers-over-next-decade/
https://x.com/apompliano/status/1883897871168311375?s=46
When tech companies consistently prioritize profits over people or try to cut corners on safety and ethical practices, it erodes trust and ultimately undermines the very foundation of our democracy .
From #meta cutting its fact-checking team to TikTok's potential demise in the US, this episode uncovers the hidden connections behind today's biggest tech headlines like:
-
Meta's mass layoffs and fact-checker purge
-
TikTok's looming US ban and the surprising rise of RedNote
-
The silent dismantling of DEI programs across Big Tech
In episode 96, Grace breaks down recent alarming tech trends and reveals 3 crucial lessons for tech workers and content creators navigating this new landscape. Discover how these changes impact your digital rights and learn strategies to protect your online presence.
🎯 SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWS LETTER:
https://substack.com/@techunlockedpodcast?
💡 Connect with Grace:
https://www.instagram.com/gracemacjonez/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones/
Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips and tech news:
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@techunlockedpod
Instagram: @techunlockedpod
TikTok: @techunlockedpod
Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
DISCLAIMER: This video is based on my personal opinion and research.
SOURCES:
https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-58719674
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2024/04/23/congress-passes-tiktok-ban-biden-china/73424172007/
https://www.forbes.com/sites/tylerroush/2025/01/15/these-billionaires-companies-and-investors-elon-musk-frank-mccourt-and-more-could-buy-tiktok-as-ban-looms/
https://www.npr.org/2025/01/04/nx-s1-5248299/cartoonist-quits-wapo-over-bezos-trump-cartoon-washingtonpost
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/01/15/donald-trump-tiktok-ban/77724323007/
https://about.fb.com/news/2025/01/meta-more-speech-fewer-mistakes/
https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/society-equity/meta-end-diversity-programs-ahead-trump-inauguration-2025-01-10/
https://techcrunch.com/2025/01/17/tiktok-ceo-responds-to-trump-thanks-him-for-trying-to-solve-us-ban/
https://www.npr.org/2025/01/15/nx-s1-5260742/tiktok-china-rednote-xiaohongshu-app
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/01/15/republicans-dei-la-fires-00198551
https://www.npr.org/2025/01/10/nx-s1-5252757/california-wildfires-dei-diversity-influencers-firefighters
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/meta-dei-programs-mcdonalds-walmart-ford-diversity/
https://www.axios.com/2025/01/10/meta-dei-programs-employees-trump
https://www.npr.org/transcripts/1225172096
https://www.forbes.com/sites/jodiecook/2025/01/14/what-the-tiktok-ban-means-for-your-business/
https://x.com/jason/status/1876767521912897540?s=46
https://babylonbee.com/news/guy-who-said-facebook-was-not-suppressing-free-speech-announces-facebook-will-stop-suppressing-free-speech
https://apnews.com/article/meta-facebook-zuckerberg-board-members-dana-white-199436c62c934ebb751b564f874ad2f6
https://thehill.com/policy/technology/4988461-meta-antitrust-case-ftc/amp/
https://www.businessinsider.com/low-performer-label-meta-microsoft-layoffs-impact-recruiters-experts-2025-1
https://fortune.com/2025/01/15/tiktok-ceo-shou-zi-chew-mark-zuckerberg-intern-facebook/
https://apnews.com/article/tiktok-buyers-divestment-ban-8429dfb422c4cefb6b0807aeb2c5cd56
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/01/15/republicans-dei-la-fires-00198551
https://time.com/7206543/the-los-angeles-fires-have-nothing-to-do-with-dei/
https://x.com/armankhon/status/1880647301494132930?s=46
The tech job market in 2025 isn't what you think. Before you send another application, you NEED to know these crucial changes in tech hiring. Is it too late to work in tech in 2025? The answer is much more complex than you think. In Episode 95, Grace shares 3 brutal truths and tips for those who want to find a tech job in 2025.
🎯 SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSETTER:
https://substack.com/@techunlockedpodcast?
💡 Connect with Grace:
https://www.instagram.com/gracemacjonez/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones/
Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips:
Instagram: @techunlockedpod
Twitter: @techunlockedpod
TikTok: @techunlockedpod
💫Communities:
https://www.pocitjobs.com/entry
https://www.diversifytech.com/hire
https://www.colorstack.org/
https://www.edlyft.com/
https://dev.to/
Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
DISCLAIMER: This video is based on my personal experience and research. Results may vary.
2025 is going to be a chaotic and entertaining year in technology. From layoffs to the potential increase of H-1B visas. Grace shares her top 5 prediction for tech careers in 2025.
Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips:
Instagram: @techunlockedpod
Twitter: @techunlockedpod
TikTok: @techunlockedpod
Connect with Grace:
https://www.instagram.com/gracemacjonez/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones/
Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on Apple and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
Sources:
https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/state-of-the-product-job-market-part
https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/focus/tech-trends/2025/tech-trends-ai-hardware-and-computation-leading-ai-revolution.html
https://www.businessinsider.com/tech-layoffs-stock-market-reaction-meta-spotify-wall-street-investors-2024-2
https://creatoreconomy.so/p/why-is-everyone-hating-on-product-managers
https://www.businessinsider.com/tech-layoffs-stock-market-reaction-meta-spotify-wall-street-investors-2024-2
Regardless of your political views, you're probably glad the election season is over. This episode isn't about the presidential election or politics, but it does explore a major domino effect that followed it: the mass exodus from Twitter/X.
In this solo episode, Grace shares the explosive rise of Bluesky, a new platform capturing millions seeking an alternative to Elon Musk's X (formerly Twitter). We'll discuss:
- The defining features that set Bluesky apart from its competitors
- The reasons behind the mass migration, fueled by dissatisfaction with X
- The implications of Bluesky's decentralized structure for user control and data ownership
- How Bluesky plans to sustain itself financially while maintaining a user-friendly experience
- The challenges and ethical considerations of decentralized social media
Whether you're a tech enthusiast or simply curious about the future of online communication, this episode promises to inform and inspire. Discover how Bluesky could reshape our digital interactions and what it means for established platforms like X.
————————————————————————————————————————————-
Sources:
https://www.theverge.com/2024/11/13/24295484/bluesky-15-million-users-social-media-x-musk
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2024/nov/16/what-is-bluesky-and-why-are-so-many-people-suddenly-leaving-x-for-the-platform-elon-musk
https://fortune.com/2024/11/14/x-elon-musk-leaving-election-trump-threads-bluesky-social-media-fragmentation/
https://www.newsnationnow.com/business/tech/new-x-terms-and-conditions-leads-to-exodus-of-users/
https://www.newsweek.com/celebrities-leaving-x-elon-curtis-midler-lemon-trump-election-win-twitter-1985578
https://www.independent.co.uk/tech/bluesky-status-elon-musk-explaine-b2647724.html
https://www.zdnet.com/article/now-you-can-watch-blueskys-explosive-user-growth-in-real-time/
Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips:
Instagram: @techunlockedpod
Twitter: @techunlockedpod
TikTok: @techunlockedpod
Connect with Grace:
https://www.instagram.com/gracemacjonez/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones/
Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on Apple and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
60% of employers have admitted to firing Gen Z employees this year. Is there something wrong with Gen Z, or are employers missing the mark?
In this episode, Grace chats with Sarah MacJones, a Gen Z college student navigating the challenging tech job market. They delve into the reasons behind employer dissatisfaction with Gen Z, the changing dynamics of the workplace, and the strategies young professionals can employ to secure and maintain employment.
Tune in to discover:
- The real reasons why employers are hesitant to hire Gen Z
- The impact of remote work on Gen Z's job search
- How to stand out in a competitive job market
- The future of work and the role of Gen Z
Don't miss this insightful conversation about the evolving workplace and the challenges and opportunities facing Gen Z.
Sources:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/traversmark/2024/10/18/3-reasons-why-gen-z-is-getting-fired-from-the-workplace-by-a-psychologist/
https://fortune.com/2024/09/26/bosses-firing-gen-z-grads-months-after-hiring/
Connect with Sarah:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-macjones/
https://www.instagram.com/sarah.macjones/
Connect with Grace:
https://www.instagram.com/gracemacjonez/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones/
Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips:
Instagram: @techunlockedpod
Twitter: @techunlockedpod
TikTok: @techunlockedpod
Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on Apple and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
The rule of thumb is "never go back to an ex," but what if your ex is willing to pay you $2.7 billion to take them back and make the relationship work? Would you do it?
Recently, Google made a $2.7 billion deal that brought back one of their top AI engineers, Noam Shazeer who worked at Google for more than 20 years but left to start his own company in 2021. Beyond this shocking headline, we are going to settle the age-old debate of choosing to be a specialist vs. generalist in your tech career. How do you choose which path is right for you? and Which path pays off in the long run?
Article:
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/t-shaped-skills
https://www.wsj.com/tech/ai/noam-shazeer-google-ai-deal-d3605697
Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips:
Instagram: @techunlockedpod
Twitter: @techunlockedpod
TikTok: @techunlockedpod
Connect with Grace:
https://www.instagram.com/gracemacjonez/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones/
Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on Apple and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
Let's be real - while social media is flooded with stories of six-figure tech salaries and dream jobs, the current tech job market tells a different story. Engineering roles are becoming increasingly competitive, and many of you are doubting if you can still break into the tech industry.
Well, I've got good news for you. Despite what the headlines might suggest, there are still plenty of opportunities out there - especially if you know where to look. In today's episode, we're pulling back the curtain on five entry-level tech roles that can help you break into tech. These positions not only offer solid growth potential but also don't require years of experience or a computer science degree.
We'll break down each role, covering everything you need to know:
-
What the job actually entails (beyond the buzzwords)
-
The average salary you can expect (because let's face it, that matters)
-
The essential skills you'll need to get your foot in the door
Whether you're looking to break into tech or pivot within the industry, this episode is your practical roadmap to finding opportunities that are both accessible and rewarding.
Resources:
https://learnprompting.org/docs/introduction
https://www.pmi.org/certifications/project-management-pmp
How I Would Get Into GovTech (if I had to start over)
Salesforce Sales Development Representative Professional Certificate
https://www.coursera.org/learn/foundations-of-digital-marketing-and-e-commerce
Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips:
Instagram: @techunlockedpod
Twitter: @techunlockedpod
TikTok: @techunlockedpod
Connect with Grace:
https://www.instagram.com/gracemacjonez/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones/
Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on Apple and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
The Wall Street Journal reported people working from home got promoted 31% less frequently in the past year than office-based workers. The honest truth is that remote work does not benefit everyone. Today, we're pulling back the curtain on the hidden dangers of remote work in tech, how to avoid them, and 4 ways thrive in your career if you’re currently remote.
Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips:
Instagram: @techunlockedpod
Twitter: @techunlockedpod
TikTok: @techunlockedpod
Connect with Grace:
https://www.instagram.com/gracemacjonez/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones/
Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on Apple and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
Stats Sources:
https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/careers/remote-workers-are-losing-out-on-promotions-8219ec63
https://www.forbes.com/sites/jackkelly/2024/01/17/remote-workers-are-overlooked-for-promotions-and-raises-heres-how-you-can-get-noticed/
Remote communities + job boards:
https://www.edlyft.com/
https://www.colorstack.org/
https://wellfound.com/remote
NoDeskhttps://nodesk.co › startupsRemote Work: Startup Jobs
https://www.ycombinator.com/jobs/role/all/remote/
https://weworkremotely.com
Tired of being overlooked for promotions and feeling hesitant to discuss your accomplishments? Join us as Grace chats with Shailvi Wakhlu, a seasoned Data Leader with over 17 years of experience building successful teams and impactful technology products.
Shailvi, a former Salesforce, Fitbit, and Strava executive, has shared her expertise at countless conferences, coached hundreds of individuals, and authored the best-selling book "Self-Advocacy." In this episode, she'll share her career journey and practical tips to help you:
- Negotiate effectively: Learn the art of confident communication and secure the deals you deserve.
- Navigate complex conversations: Overcome challenges and advocate for your ideas with ease.
- Land coveted promotions, raises, and new opportunities: Discover the strategies that can propel your tech career forward.
Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your tech career to the next level, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you become a confident and successful self-advocate!
Connect With Shailvi:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ShailviWakhlu/
Buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJ3GXN45
Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips:
Instagram: @techunlockedpod
Twitter: @techunlockedpod
TikTok: @techunlockedpod
Connect with Grace:
https://www.instagram.com/gracemacjonez/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones/
Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on Apple and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
“Everybody in the world is now a programmer. This is the miracle of artificial intelligence.” - Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia
If everyone is a programmer, is it still worth studying computer science or becoming a software engineer? While Jesen’s statement is true to some degree. It doesn’t mean that tech jobs are all going away because of AI. In today’s episode, Grace shares 5 tech jobs that can't be replace by AI.
Sources:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Pm2xEViNIo&t=129s
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/ai/tools-practices
Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips:
Instagram: @techunlockedpod
Twitter: @techunlockedpod
TikTok: @techunlockedpod
Connect with Grace:
https://www.instagram.com/gracemacjonez/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones/
Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on Apple and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
Getting a mentor is not the answer to your career problems but if you're looking to elevate your mentorship experience there are a few important things to keep in mind. In this episode, Grace shares the common myths about mentorship, how to find the right mentors for your career growth, 3 types of mentors you need, how to evaluate your mentorship relationships and how to gracefully end a mentorship that is no longer necessary.
Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips:
Instagram: @techunlockedpod
Twitter: @techunlockedpod
TikTok: @techunlockedpod
Connect with Grace:
https://www.instagram.com/gracemacjonez/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones/
Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on Apple and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
In today's competitive tech job market, where positions can attract over 100 applicants in just a few hours, simply submitting applications and hoping for the best isn't enough. In this episode, Grace offers 3 key strategies to help you stand out and succeed in your job search.
Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips:
Instagram: @techunlockedpod
Twitter: @techunlockedpod
TikTok: @techunlockedpod
Connect with Grace:
https://www.instagram.com/gracemacjonez/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones/
Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on Apple and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
Feeling uncertain about your career path can be daunting. But don't worry—you're not alone! If you're contemplating a career change and unsure of your next steps, this throwback episode is a must-listen.
Join Grace as she shares 3 practical tips to help you conquer career uncertainty and confidently navigate your professional journey. From embracing the unknown to taking actionable steps, this episode is packed with valuable insights to empower your career decisions.
Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips:
Website: www.techunlocked.co
Instagram: @techunlockedpod
Twitter: @techunlockedpod
TikTok: @techunlockedpod
Connect with Grace:
https://www.instagram.com/gracemacjonez/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones/
Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on Apple and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
What's the safest job in tech and is it layoff proof? In today's episode, I chat with Ilhan Jama. She shares her non tradtional path from med school to working in technology. Ilhan is a Cybersecurity engineer, Content creator, and the founder of Unlearningx. She's passionate about creating accessibility in Tech as well as breaking down barriers to entry. Driven by the ethos of 'unlearning to relearn,' ilhan's commitment to community-building and mentorship makes her a key figure in shaping an accessible and inclusive future in tech.
Key takeaways from this episode:
- How Ilhan transitioned from the medical industry to the tech industry
- Skills needed to thrive in cybersecurity
- Common misconceptions about cybersecurity
- Online resources to help you grow you cybersecurity skills
- How to network and create a resume that make you stand out in the job search
Connect with Ilhan:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilhan-jama
https://x.com/theilhanjama
https://instagram.com/theilhanjama/
Connect with Grace:
https://www.instagram.com/gracemacjonez/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones/
Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips:
Website: www.techunlocked.co
Instagram: @techunlockedpod
Twitter: @techunlockedpod
TikTok: @techunlockedpod
Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on Apple and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
As an introvert, I hate to put my personal business out there on the internet but I think my past career mistakes can save your tech career which is why I am revealing some of my career regrets. In this episode, I share my biggest career regrets after 5+ years working in big tech as a Cloud Engineer. Learn from my mistakes so you can grow and thrive in your tech career.
What you will learn in this episode:
- How to become visible at your job & have high impact
- The importants of having internal informationals
- How to prep for interview while you’re still employed
- What to talk about with Skip manger during your 1:1 meetings
- The most important finically decision to make early in your career
- How to overcome imposter syndrome
Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips:
Website: www.techunlocked.co
Instagram: @techunlockedpod
Twitter: @techunlockedpod
TikTok: @techunlockedpod
Connect with Grace:
https://www.instagram.com/gracemacjonez/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones/
Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on Apple and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
In 2024, you shouldn’t be paying for tech conferences especially in this crazy economy. In this solo episode, I share 5 easy ways for you to attend any tech conference for free especially if you are looking into breaking into tech as a student or working professional. I have attended over 150+ tech events/conferences for free ranging from a student to a tech professional and I will show you how you can do it too.
Key Takeaways:
- 5 ways to attend tech conferences for free
- Pros and Cons of attending tech conferences
- The best way to get a job or an interview at a tech conference
- How to prep before attending your first tech conferences
Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips:
Website: www.techunlocked.co
Instagram: @techunlockedpod
Twitter: @techunlockedpod
TikTok: @techunlockedpod
Connect with Grace:
https://www.instagram.com/gracemacjonez/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones/
Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on Apple and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
The software engineer (SWE) to product manager (PM) pipeline is strong in 2024 but does that mean it is a sign for YOU to make that transition? If you’ve thought about what it takes to become a product manager then this is the perfect episode for you. In this episode I chat with Cherita Ousley who is a product manager at microsoft about what it take to sucessfully transtion from SWE to PM. She demystifies the role of a PM and gives you keys to unlock a successful career as a PM.
Cherita Ousley is a multi-faceted professional, blending her roles as a fitness coach and product manager in the tech industry. With a strong passion for promoting healthy living, she advocates for wellness through fitness, mindfulness, and spirituality. Cherita believes that a balanced lifestyle, encompassing physical health and emotional intelligence, is essential for personal fulfillment and productivity. Her approach to leadership is marked by kindness, empathy, and a commitment to making a meaningful impact and forging genuine connections.
In this episode we talked about:
- how cherita went from kinesiology to software engineering (SWE)
- if coding boot camps are still worth it in 2024?
- pros and cons of coding boot camps
- the hardest part about transitioning into tech with a non technical SWE background
- the challenges of working in tech without a CS degree
- how to know when it’s time to switch from SWE to PM in your career
- what to do before switching to a PM
- the difference between the mindset of PM vs SWE
- the day to day lifestyle of a PM
- how to build your professional career & network in tech
Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips:
Website: www.techunlocked.co
Instagram: @techunlockedpod
Twitter: @techunlockedpod
TikTok: @techunlockedpod
Connect with Grace:
Instagram: @gracemacjonez
Linkedin: Grace Macjones
Connect with Cherita:
Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/cheritaousley
PM Resources:
https://www.amazon.com/Cracking-PM-Interview-Product-Technology/dp/0984782818
https://www.youtube.com/@tryexponent
Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
This is part 2 of a conversation about the future of tech jobs & DEI with Brenda Darden Wilkerson the current President and CEO of AnitaB.org, a global nonprofit organization that connects, inspires, and strives for greater equality for women and non-binary technologists in business, academia, and government.
In this episode we talk about:
-How to manage your mental health & burn out working in tech
-How Brenda got her current job as a CEO of AnitaB.org
-The importance of being part of tech community
-How to position yourself for the future of tech jobs/careers
Connect with Brenda:
LinkedIn.com/in/Brenda-Darden-Wilkerson
Learn more about Grace Hopper: Grace Hopper Celebration 2024 (GHC 24) will be in Philadelphia, PA on October 8-11 (https://ghc.anitab.org/)
Connect with Grace:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones/
Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips:
Instagram: @techunlockedpod
TikTok: @techunlockedpod
Connect with Grace:
Linkedin: Grace Macjones
What is the future of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and tech jobs? Why are tech leaders removing their commitments to DEI?
In today's episode, Grace chats with Brenda Darden Wilkerson the President and CEO of AnitaB.org, a global nonprofit organization that connects, inspires, and strives for greater equality for women and non-binary technologists in business, academia, and government.
We talk about:
-Why we are seeing more layoffs and its impact on diverse workers
-The future of DEI in tech
-How DEI leaders can innovate in this new tech landscape
-What really happened at Grace Hopper Celebration Conference in 2023 and what to expect at this year's conference.
Connect with Brenda:
LinkedIn.com/in/Brenda-Darden-Wilkerson
Learn more about Grace Hopper: https://ghc.anitab.org/
Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips:
Website: www.techunlocked.co
Instagram: @techunlockedpod
Twitter: @techunlockedpod
TikTok: @techunlockedpod
Connect with Grace:
Instagram: @gracemacjonez
Twitter: @gracemacjones
Linkedin: Grace Macjones
We're BACK! Did you miss us? Cause we missed you.
In this solo episoode, Grace shares her thoughts, opinions and perspective about what is currently going on in the tech indurstry with all the layoffs. She provides 3 major keys for tech workers looking to progress in their career duing this unpredictable and unceratin job market. If tech jobs and career are declining in this current job market then what is next? If you're curous to know the answer, then you will enjoy this epsiode.
__
Key Takeaways:
- What caused recent tech layoffs and the decline in demand for engineers and other tech workers
- How Tech workers can create the future instead of being afraid of it
- The importance of having an idenity outide of your job
- 3 Ways to have a mission driven tech career
__
Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips:
Instagram: @techunlockedpod
Twitter: @techunlockedpod
TikTok: @techunlockedpod
Connect with Grace:
Linkedin: Grace Macjones
When is the right time for a career change? What valuable soft skills do we take for granted? How can we make the most of our abilities?
All of these questions are answered in this week’s episode. Grace chats with Kimberly Hill, who shares her invaluable insights on advancing your career in the fast-paced world of tech.
____________
Key Takeaways:
- The importance of seizing opportunities when they arise, even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone. Embracing new challenges can lead to incredible career growth.
- Recognizing when it's time for a career change is a vital skill. Willingness to pivot can open up new horizons and avenues for personal and professional growth.
- Finding purpose and passion in your work and personal life is crucial. Kimberly's experiences offer guidance on balancing your career with personal values and interests, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and successful professional journey.
_____________
Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips:
Website: www.techunlocked.co
Instagram: @techunlockedpod
Twitter: @techunlockedpod
TikTok: @techunlockedpod
Connect with Grace:
Instagram: @gracemacjonez
Twitter: @gracemacjones
Linkedin: Grace Macjones
Connect with Kimberly:
Linkedin: Kimberly Hill
Instagram and TikTok: TomeCandles
Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
What do you do when you’ve been laid off? How do you deal with the financial and mental uncertainty? How do you upskill yourself to pivot into a new role?
All of these questions are answered in this week’s episode. Grace chats with her brother David Macjones, who shares his own background and experience with the recent tech layoffs— and most importantly, how to navigate the uncertainty of it all.
____________
Key Takeaways:
- Shifting your mental perspective when dealing with an unexpected layoff to one of optimism and preparation instead of doubt and failure.
- Understanding not to take the processes and obligations of Big Tech companies personally.
- Learning to survey the landscape of your company and the tech industry as a whole can save you lots of prep time.
- Finding a purpose, hobbies, and other streams of revenue outside of your 9-5 is crucial to overall work-life balance.
- Prioritize personal values while looking for roles to pivot into. Upskill yourself so that companies have no choice but to value your worth.
_____________
Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips:
Website: www.techunlocked.co
Instagram: @techunlockedpod
Twitter: @techunlockedpod
TikTok: @techunlockedpod
Connect with Grace:
Instagram: @gracemacjonez
Twitter: @gracemacjones
Linkedin: Grace Macjones
Connect with David:
Instagram: @dmacjonez
Linkedin: David Macjones
Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
Content creation is at an all time high, and we’re here to provide some guidance and tools on how you can join the creator economy!
In this episode, Grace chats with Sandy Lin, an entrepreneur and creator, about the creator economy, transitioning into it, the role of creative perspectives, and the future of content creation and technology in this evolving landscape.
____________
Key Takeaways:
- Sandy shifted into the creator economy during the pandemic by sharing her journey as a young entrepreneur on platforms like TikTok.
- Learning to leverage business experience and understanding that creative perspectives are valuable
- Even without a technical background, individuals can venture into tech-based companies by learning from mentors, networking, and accessing resources.
- The creator economy is a rapidly growing market with significant potential for empowering individuals to monetize their content.
- AI holds promise for improving content creation, particularly in editing and language translation.
_____________
Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips:
Website: www.techunlocked.co
Instagram: @techunlockedpod
Twitter: @techunlockedpod
TikTok: @techunlockedpod
Connect with Grace:
Instagram: @gracemacjonez
Twitter: @gracemacjones
Linkedin: Grace Macjones
Connect with Sandy:
Instagram: @bysandylin
Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
What’s the difference between a tech Hype Cycle vs High Potential?
In this episode, Grace chats with Liya Safina, a tech innovation strategy leader, to discuss the current state of emerging tech.
____________
Key Takeaways:
-
It is crucial to distinguish marketing hype from the actual utility of emerging tech.
-
AR and VR technologies hold significant potential, especially in education and high-stakes situations.
-
Ethics and recognizing the importance of cultural sensitivity and being open to learning
-
Honing creative skills, networking, and seeking speculative or pro bono work can aid in navigating your tech career.
-
Being proactive and taking initiative are essential skills to be successful in this industry.
_____________
Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips:
Website: www.techunlocked.co
Instagram: @techunlockedpod
Twitter: @techunlockedpod
TikTok: @techunlockedpod
Connect with Grace:
Instagram: @gracemacjonez
Twitter: @gracemacjones
Linkedin: Grace Macjones
Connect with Liya:
Twitter: @imuzza
Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
What is the current state of Crypto? Some may say it’s dead, but is it really?
In this episode, Grace chats with Maggie Love, the founder of She Fi (a Decentralized Finance education initiative for women) to discuss the good, the bad, and the future of cryptocurrency.
____________
Key Takeaways:
- The evolution of crypto hype cycles
- NFTs allow for community building and advocate for storytellers.
- The potential for a more decentralized world, where individuals have more control
- Choosing a path in crypto and how you want to solve specific problems
- Mass adoption of crypto is in its early stages with NFTs being a recent example of increased public interest.
- Empowering people with technology can turn casual fans into active participants.
____________
Connect with Maggie:
Twitter: @She__Fi
Instagram: @love.maggie_
Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips:
Website: www.techunlocked.co
Instagram: @techunlockedpod
Twitter: @techunlockedpod
Connect with Grace:
Instagram: @gracemacjonez
Twitter: @gracemacjones
Linkedin: Grace Macjones
Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
We’re back! With AI on the rise, there is so much to discuss and demystify about this sector of the tech industry.
In this brand new episode, Grace chats with Seth Juarez, a Principal Program Manager at Microsoft, to discuss an introduction to prompt engineering and the fundamentals behind AI as well as its harms.
____________
Key Takeaways:
- Prompt engineering as a crucial aspect of AI, particularly in working with models like Chat GPT.
- Skills needed and tools for beginners to get started as a prompt engineer
- AI enhances user experience, its interaction with humans, and its harms.
- Diversity and Inclusion in Tech Spaces and why it's important for efficient prompt engineering.
- The historical aspect of automation and job shifts.
_____________
Connect with Seth:
Twitter: @sethjuarez
AI Show: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlrxD0HtieHinivDFATQd5qyjL6ijKHUF
Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips:
Website: www.techunlocked.co
Instagram: @techunlockedpod
Twitter: @techunlockedpod
Connect with Grace:
Instagram: @gracemacjonez
Twitter: @gracemacjones
Linkedin: Grace Macjones
Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on Apple and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
Hey, Tech Unlocked fam!
Good news, after a year-long hiatus, Tech Unlocked is offically back! A brand new season packed with the latest insights on emerging tech and pratical ways for you to break into tech.
Yes, even with all the layoffs, hiring freezes never ending tech drama there is still a place for you in tech. So tell your, mom, boss, coworkers,frenemies, dog, or cat that your fav tech podcast is back
From AI and cybersecurity to selfdrving cars, Venture capital, and digtal art, we dive deep into the cutting-edge innovations shaping & transform our society.
If you're curious to know how these technologies will impact our jobs, privacy, security, mental health and humanity's future? Then season 3 is for you!
Join me as we unlock the key players, innovations, and controversies currently shaping the world of tech. I’ll be speaking with industry experts, founders, researchers, and creative technologists to demystify complex topics and extract actionable insights you can apply in your tech career.
Whether you’re a tech professional looking to level up your skills, an tech entrepreneur chasing the next big idea, or a tech enthusiast, you’ll find this season insightful and empowering.
Season 3 of Tech Unlocked is out now. Subscribe now on, Youtube Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Join me as we unlock the future of tech together!
70 | Are NFTs/Crypto Dead?
The top 10 cryptocurrencies overall have lost billions in market value in the past month and NFT sales are spiraling downwards according to Times Magazine. We are currently in a bear market which means things aren’t going to be pretty for a while. With all this chaos happening does this mean this is the end for crypto/NFTs? What should you do in a bear market? In this episode, Grace answers these questions and shares her perspective on the current crypto bear market situation.
Sources:
https://time.com/6175370/why-bitcoin-crashing/
https://nftnow.com/guides/scams-explained-what-are-rug-pulls-and-are-they-a-crime/
https://time.com/nextadvisor/investing/cryptocurrency/ethereum-hits-new-all-time-high-price/
https://techcrunch.com/2022/05/06/coinbases-nft-marketplace-is-off-to-a-lackluster-start/. https://decrypt.co/99561/coinbase-nft-marketplace-150-users-first-day-public
https://twitter.com/carnage4life/status/1522046933258293248?s=21&t=FNYa9GDbe3R4HanUA3Stiw
https://mirror.xyz/0x1Cb8332607fba6A780DdE78584AD3BFD1eEB1E40/yG8rI1lpQGLPhZch0kjxYRjKTtA9rAL51zg-ZrURyAc
https://nftnow.com/news/instagram-to-start-testing-nfts-this-week/
Follow Tech Unlocked for career tips:
Website
Substack
______
Connect with Grace:
Twitter : @gracemacjones
Instagram: @gracemacjonez
______
Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
Are you feeling uncertain about your tech career? Don't worry you're not alone. In this episode, Grace shares 3 practical tips to help you deal with career uncertainty.
How do you face the challenges of working in the corporate world when you’re the first in your family to graduate college or work in tech?
In this episode, Grace chats with Gina Moreno a First Generation Mexican American and program manager about how you can navigate working in the tech industry as a first-gen professional and the skills needed to thrive as a PM.
______
Key Takeaways:
- Tips on how to navigate your first years as an Early Career Professional
- Common struggles First-Gen grads face post-college
- Inspiration behind making content on TikTok/IG
- How to create healthy boundaries with family/work/life
- The importance of having a board of directors
- Program manager vs product manager vs project manager
- How to find sponsors
- Skills needed to thrive as a PM
______
Gina Moreno is a First Generation Mexican American, who is the first one in her family to graduate from college. Now Program Manager at Microsoft, Gina’s mindset has been created by traveling to 17 countries, her investment in mental health, and being intentional about her self-growth & self-expression. Gina holds an Industrial Engineering BS &
Systems Engineering MS from University of Texas at El Paso. She gave a TEDx talk in 2019- Empowering women through STEM Leadership. “We are all multidimensional and it's time to take up space and sit at the table where decisions are made!” Gina since then has shared her story and lessons through organizations whose mission lies on empowering women, the hispanic community and the first-generation community. Gina creates content across social media platforms and now has over 75,000 followers and now has been featured on Business Insider, Univision, NBC, LA Times, and more. Gina’s mission is for her audience to feel heard, encouraged to self-invest and empowered to chase their ever-changing dreams.
PS: she is also a cat mom to Canelito.
______
Follow Tech Unlocked for career tips:
Website
Substack
______
Connect with Grace:
Twitter : @gracemacjones
Instagram: @gracemacjonez
______
Connect with Gina:
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/soyginamoreno/
Tiktok- Soyginamoreno
Linkedin- Gina Moreno
______
Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
It's no secret that technology has changed the education system and how we learn generally. With so much information and resources at our disposal, how do you choose the best education path to help you break into tech?
Today on the show, Grace chats with Naomi Thomas the CEO of ∞edu (InfinityEdu), a startup building the future of tech education in web3. ∞edu helps students explore careers in tech through a passion-first approach. Naomi shares her passion for tech education, how tech is changing the way we learn and what the future of tech may look like 10 years from now.
—————————————————
Key Takeaways:
- What was the inspiration behind ∞edu
- How technology is changing the way we learn
- Problems with our current education system and how ∞edu help solve some of those challenges
- The role educators play in the future of education
- Challenges of being a web3 founder
- Advice for new web3 founders
- What the future of tech education may look like in 10 years
--------------------------------------- Connect with Naomi:
https://twitter.com/iamnaomithomas?lang=en
https://www.instagram.com/p/Caz7TXypwBJ/
https://www.learnbeyond.io/
—————————————————
Follow Tech Unlocked for career tips:
Website
Substack
—————————————————
Connect with Grace:
Twitter : @gracemacjones
Instagram: @gracemacjonez
—————————————————Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
The average salary for a Blockchain developer in the United States is currently $155K according to ZipRecuiter.com. Now is the best time to become a web3/blockchain developer. But where do you start? What tech stack do you need to learn? How do you find the best web3 job/community that is right for you?
Today on the show, Grace chats with Audrey Akwenye an educator turned software developer who focuses on backend and blockchain technology. She is the co-founder of Black@, a token gated community for Black professionals, creators, founders, and funders looking to learn more about web3, and also is also the co-founder of Beans an experimental DAO focused on decentralized IP development. Audrey founded NanuPanda labs a small web3 lab building primarily in the NFT/Crypto gaming space and is currently.
In this episode, Audrey shares what inspired her to make the switch from web2 to web3 as a developer and why community is everything in web3.
Key Takeaways:
- What is web3 and why does it matter
- What to look for in a web3 dev role
- Advice for new web3 developers
- Why community is everything in web3
- What is a token-gated community?
- The role of tokenomics in NFT communities
- The difference between ERC1155 vs ERC721 tokens
- The story behind the Black@ community and how it was built
- What does the future of web3?
Connect with Audrey:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/0xOddrey
Audrey’s Projects:
https://twitter.com/NanuPanda
https://twitter.com/DroppinggemsNFT
https://twitter.com/blackatxyz
https://www.blackat.xyz/
https://beans.wtf/
Web3 Dev Resources:
https://twitter.com/_buildspace
https://twitter.com/dabit3
https://twitter.com/developer_dao
https://collab.land/
Follow Tech Unlocked for career tips:
Website
Substack
Connect with Grace:
Twitter : @gracemacjones
Instagram: @gracemacjonez
Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
From gaming to entertainment, Virtual Reality (VR) technology is changing the way we interact with each other and the way we see the world. But how is VR being used for good especially when it comes to mental health awareness?
In this episode, Grace chats with Patrick Wetzel a associate producer at Flight School Studio about how their VR film project “Weird Times” is helping teenagers talk about their mental health. Flight School is an award-winning studio of artists fearlessly exploring the unknown in mixed-reality immersive entertainment, live-venue activations, games (console, PC, and mobile), and experiential design.
Key Takeaways:
- What is Weird Times (WT) and how is it helping teens talk about their mental health?
- The process behind creating WT
- Why VR is the to right tech to foster conversation about mental health issues
- Criticism of WT and how its being addressed
- Any challenges while creating this project?
- What is the future of "VR for good"?
- Skills needed to thrive in this career field
Follow Tech Unlocked for career tips:
Website
Substack
Connect with Grace:
Twitter : @gracemacjones
Instagram: @gracemacjonez
Connect with Patrick:
https://flightschoolstudio.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-wetzel-5a0ab991/
Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
If 2021 was the year of NFTs then 2022 is the year of DAOs. Decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) essentially mean decentralized communities with a shared bank account on the blockchain.
In this episode, Grace chats with Maricris Bonzo a Developer Advocate at Magic Labs and founder of Women in Web3 about DAOs, their structure, and their purpose.
Key Takeaways:
- What is a DAO?
- Why do we need DAOs (purpose) and why now?
- How are DAOs structured?
- What do you need to start a DAO?
- What are the pros and cons of DAOs?
- What does the future of DAOs look like?
Resources:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qnxykf88sTk&ab_channel=Forbes
https://www.forbes.com/sites/cathyhackl/2021/06/01/what-are-daos-and-why-you-should-pay-attention/?sh=1cd6bd467305
Decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) | ethereum.org
https://ethereum.org › dao
Follow Tech Unlocked for career tips:
Website
Substack
Connect with Grace:
Twitter : @gracemacjones
Instagram: @gracemacjonez
Connect with Maricris:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/seemcat
Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
NFTs became a $40 billion market in 2021 according to the Financial Times. CoinBase has a waiting list of 2 million users for its upcoming NFT marketplace launching sometime in 2022. Bored Ape Yacht Club creator (Yuga Labs) raised $450 million to build an NFT metaverse.
Right now the Interest in NFTs (Non-fungible tokens) is only increasing and many people are trying to figure out the best way to start learning about or investing in NFT. If that's you, then this episode is for you. In this week's episode, Grace shares 5 important questions you should ask yourself before getting into the NFT space.
SOURCES:
https://www.theverge.com/2022/3/22/22991272/yuga-labs-seed-funding-a16z-bored-ape-yacht-club-bayc-metaverse-other-side
https://www.ft.com/content/e95f5ac2-0476-41f4-abd4-8a99faa7737d
https://fortunly.com/statistics/nft-statistics/#gref
https://www.businessinsider.com/why-are-people-buying-nfts-investing-in-nft-crypto-art-2021-3
Follow Tech Unlocked for career tips:
Website
Substack
Connect with Grace:
Twitter : @gracemacjones
Instagram: @gracemacjonez
Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
In this week's episode, Grace shares her experience as a first-time attendee of the SXSW (South by Southwest) festival. From NFTs panel sessions to VR exhibitions, Grace talks about her learnings and key takeaways from a tech perspective at SXSW 2022.
References:
https://www.blackat.xyz/
https://www.sxsw.com/
https://amazevr.com/
https://hub.bcl.xyz/sxsw
Follow Tech Unlocked for career tips:
Website
Substack
Connect with Grace:
Twitter : @gracemacjones
Instagram: @gracemacjonez
Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
There are so many different factors that contribute to having a healthy career. If you’re early in your tech career it can be hard to create a career plan that can help you thrive. In order to have a thriving tech career, you want to avoid certain mistakes that aren’t common or frequently talked about. In this episode, Grace shares 5 major career mistakes to avoid earlier in your tech career.
Follow Tech Unlocked for career tips:
Website
Substack
Connect with Grace:
Twitter : @gracemacjones
Instagram: @gracemacjonez
Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
Recently, on Feb 19 2022 it was reported that $1.7 million in NFTs were stolen in an apparent phishing attack on OpenSea users. OpenSea is one of the largest NFT marketplaces and is currently valued at $13 billion. Phishing attacks are nothing new on the internet. But this OpenSea phishing attack raised a lot of discussion & concerns on Twitter about NFT security, tech literacy, and social engineering attacks in web3. In this episode, Grace shares how you can avoid phishing scams, protect your NFT/crypto wallet(s), and tips for being safe while using Discord.
What you will learn:
- What happened in the OpenSea Phishing attack
- How to recognize a phishing scam
- 4 ways to avoid a phishing scam
- What is a crypto wallet
- What is a seed phrase
- Private key vs Public key
- Cold wallet vs Hot Wallet
- 5 Best practices for NFT wallet security
- Security tips to stay safe on Discord
Follow Tech Unlocked for career tips:
Website
Substack
Connect with Grace:
Instagram: @gracemacjonez
Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
Women of Color in Emerging Tech [WOCIET]:
Web3 for beginners event [Feb 26th, 2022]: https://lu.ma/uo6grrv8
Follow us on IG: https://www.instagram.com/wociet/
Sources:
https://www.theverge.com/2022/2/20/22943228/opensea-phishing-hack-smart-contract-bug-stolen-nft
https://cryptobriefing.com/opensea-hack-key-takeaways-web3-security/
https://web3isgoinggreat.com/?id=2022-02-19-1
https://twitter.com/punk6529/status/1461742366696652809?s=21
59 | What it takes to build a web3 company for Athletes with Kirby Porter
What does the intersection of sports and technology look like? How can athletes leverage web3 to participate in the ownership economy?
In today’s episode, Grace chats with Kirby Porter Founder of New Game Labs and former student-athlete at Harvard Women’s Basketball. She is a brand builder, creator, and entrepreneur envisioning new paths for athletes beyond the game. Kirby shares what it takes to build a web3 company, how athletes can benefit from web3, and the best way to learn about new ideas like NFTs/web3.
What you will learn:
- Creator economy vs ownership economy
- The inspiration behind New Games Lab.
- How can athletes benefit from web3?
- What are some challenges building a web3 based company
- How to get over the fear of putting yourself out there as a creator
- Skills needed to thrive in web3 as a creator
Resources:
Web3: web3resourceguide.com
What is web3
What Is Web 3.0 & Why It Matters
Follow Tech Unlocked for career tips:
Website
Substack
Connect with Grace:
Twitter : @gracemacjones
Instagram: @gracemacjonez
Connect with Kirby:
Twitter: @KirbyPorter_
LinkedIn: Kirby Porter
Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
There is no doubt that now is the best time to work in the tech industry.
With most tech companies offering remote/hybrid job roles, health care benefits, and paying highly competitive salaries there are so many earning/learning opportunities within this industry. But with all that being said, is working in tech right for you?
To help answer this question I bought a special guest on the show. In today’s episode, Grace chats with David Macjones a technical specialist at Amazon Web Service (AWS) about how to figure out If working in tech is for you if college degrees are overrated, how to spot catfishing tech jobs, and how to use social media to connect with the right people in tech.
___
David Macjones is a technical specialist with Amazon Web Services. He has over 6 years of technical support experience while working at Apple, Amazon, and a few startups. David is passionate about educating and helping people with non-traditional backgrounds land a role in tech.
___
What you will learn:
- How to assess if working in tech is for you
- How to spot catfishing tech jobs
- Are college degrees overrated in tech?
- The importance of content creation in tech
- 4 Keys to unlocking your tech career
- Why it's important to do your research before reaching out to people
- Why you shouldn’t look down on non-FAANG (Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Netflix Google) companies.
___
Resources:
https://www.freecodecamp.org/news/tag/coding-bootcamps/
https://generalassemb.ly/
https://www.geekwire.com/2022/amazon-more-than-doubles-max-base-pay-to-350k-for-corporate-and-tech-workers-citing-labor-market/
Follow Tech Unlocked for career tips:
Website
Substack
Connect with Grace:
Twitter : @gracemacjones
Instagram: @gracemacjonez
Connect with David:
Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-macjones-a949758b
Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
Web3 is one of the biggest buzzwords right now in tech. Some see it as the future of the internet and others believe it is just a fad. Regardless of how you feel about Web3, it is a technological concept that shouldn’t be ignored because it has the potential to change use and interact on the internet
In today’s episode, Grace chats with Jessica Lawson CEO + Founder of Radia and Web3 Influencer on TikTok about the pros & cons of a decentralized internet, the benefits of Web3, and the future of web3. If you’re looking for a simple and relatable way to learn about web3, this episode is for you.
Jessica Lawson is a Web3 Influencer on TikTok and CEO and Founder of Radia, a web3 music and virtual artist company transforming NFT characters into live touring musical artists. As a queer Latina, she is passionate about Web3, music, and providing opportunities for all to come together and create. As the former Chief Operating Officer of Spirit Bomb, the world’s first virtual artist record label, and Strangeloop Studios, a music visual laboratory, Jessica is an expert in virtual artists. She attended the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business for her MBA and majored in International Politics at Georgetown University.
What you will learn:
- Why do we need web3?
- What are the benefits of decentralization?
- Challenges of building a company in web3
- Opportunities for people of color in web3
- Current problems with web3
- What is yield farming?
- How to DYOR (Do your own research)?
- What will the future of web3 look like?
Resources:
Web3: web3resourceguide.com
What is web3
What Is Web 3.0 & Why It Matters
Follow Tech Unlocked for career tips:
Website
Substack
Connect with Grace:
Twitter : @gracemacjones
Instagram: @gracemacjonez
Connect with Jessica:
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jessicaelawson?lang=en
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jessicalawson92
Radia_world: https://twitter.com/radia_world
Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
It’s hard to talk about tech in 2022 without talking about money, specifically fintech (Financial technology). It is an emerging industry that uses technology to advance financial services. From online banking, investing apps, and crypto, Fintech is disrupting the traditional financial systems we once knew.
In today’s episode Grace chats with Nicole Casperson, a fintech journalist turned content creator about top fintech trends people of color should know and the future of this rapidly growing industry. If you love learning about money, tech, and innovation, you will enjoy this episode.
Nicole Casperson is the founder and host of WTFintech? a fintech podcast and newsletter that provides industry professionals the news and analysis they need to get ahead in their careers — and hosts interviews with founders and investors you won’t hear anywhere else.
Nicole intertwines her years of experience as a hard-hitting finance journalist with industry expertise to provide culturally relevant content that explores how technology sparks innovation, inclusion, and fun in financial services.
Nicole is a part of rising media company Workweek, as one of their founding content creators. Workweek entertains, educates, and connects the business community through unique personalities, unparalleled expertise, and innovative operations.
What you will learn:
- What is fintech and why is it important?
- Top 4 fintech trends you should know about
- What is wealthtech?
- The problems with traditional finance
- Tips on how to participate in the creator economy
- How to get into fintech
- The future of fintech
Resources:
RSVP: Women of Color in Emerging Tech: NFTs for beginners study session
https://lu.ma/a9st5ks8
Follow Tech Unlocked for career tips:
Website
Substack
Connect with Grace:
Connect with Nicole:
WTFintech Newsletter
WTFintech Podcast
Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
Recently, I was asked what I would do if I had to start my tech from scratch in 2022 and it got me thinking about what I would do differently or if I would change anything about my tech career path. In this episode, I share 3 important things I would do if had to restart my tech journey. To hear how I got into tech in the first place, check out episode 16 of the podcast.
Join my Women of Color in Emerging Tech study group:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe1w9-uRmEOvtNb0r4u_xnbJnsC8XQ-L2ZlT661bCpaxWcfiQ/viewform
Follow Tech Unlocked for career tips:
Website
Substack
Connect with Grace:
Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
Community plays a vital role in the Web3 ecosystem. Community is more than a discord channel or a social media following. Who's responsible for helping to foster and maintain an engaged community in web3? Today on the show, Grace speaks with Alisha.eth about how she transitioned into web3 with a law & e-commerce background. Alisha shares what she does at Ethereum Name Service (ENS) as a community manager, skills needed to thrive as a community manager, and her experience working in web3 as a Woman of Color.
demystifying
Key takeaways:
- What is Web3? and Why do we need Web3?
- What is Ethereum Name Service (ENS)? how does it work
- The problem ENS is solving
- Decentralizations vs centralization
- DNS vs ENS
- What is the role of a community manager in Web3
- What are some skills needed to thrive as a community manager in Web3
- How does it feel to be a woman of color working in web3?
Resources:
Women of Color Blockchain 101 study session RSVP: https://lu.ma/oc87jut8
Connect with Grace:
Connect with Alisha.eth:
http://alisha.mirror.xyz
https://twitter.com/futurealisha
http://youtube.com/futurealisha
Learn more about ENS:
-
Website: https://ens.domains
-
Twitter: https:/twitter.com/ensdomains
-
Discord: https://discord.gg/ens
Follow Tech Unlocked for career tips:
Website
Substack
Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
53 | 5 Tech Trends predictions for 2022
The tech industry can be difficult to predict because tech moves fast. Two years ago, almost no one talked about NFTs, Web3, or the Metaverse, etc. Forward to today, those trending tech buzzwords of 2021 might be the foundation of what 2022 will look like. As we enter this new year Grace shares her top 5 tech trends prediction for 2022 in today's episode.
Key takeaways:
- Is there a healthy way to criticize emerging tech (Web3, NFTs, DAOs)?
- Who is investing in the creator economy
- Will the NFT hype finally die down in 2022?
- How much is big tech investing in cybersecurity?
- Which countries will be next to fully/legally adopt bitcoin?
- Will AR/VR ever become mainstream?
Follow Tech Unlocked for career tips:
Website
Substack
Connect with Grace:
Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
Women of Color study group sign up:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe1w9-uRmEOvtNb0r4u_xnbJnsC8XQ-L2ZlT661bCpaxWcfiQ/viewform
Sources:
5 predictions for bitcoin, NFTs and the future of money
Local leaders, investors share top tech predictions for 2022
5 Impactful Emerging Technologies for 2022 - Gartner
The biggest tech trends of 2022, according to experts - Fast ...
Ten tech predictions for 2022: what’s next for Twitter, Uber and NFTs
4 Cryptocurrency Predictions for 2022
The top 5 wildest crypto moments of 2021
From bitcoin hitting $1 trillion in market value to Elon Musk’s dogecoin tweets: 12 key crypto moments from 2021
Meta’s Oculus Quest 2 has shipped 10 million units, according to Qualcomm
Cybersecurity Breaches Of 2021 Worth Taking A Look
Big tech firms pledge more than $31 billion and 250,000 jobs to strengthen cybersecurity
In 2022, the new space race will get more heated, crowded and dangerous
What will the future of the internet look like? How will it be developed? Will it have the simple structure of Web1 (the early days of the internet) or maybe be structured like Web2 which is the internet we are currently using today? Today on the show, Grace chats with Steph Orpilla is a Software Engineer at Amazon and Blockchain developer about Web3 + the future of the internet, DAOs, the future NFTs and how to become a Blockchain developer.
Steph Orpilla is a Software Engineer at Amazon (previously AWS, SONY, and startups). At work she focuses on frontend development, building bespoke experiences to enhance Prime Originals. After hours, she's a Web3 developer with 2 Dapps and counting built on the Ethereum blockchain. Steph is also the winner of the 2021 EthGlobal Hackathon. Whether developing a feature, writing a smart contract or trying something entirely new, she loves the challenge of creating elegant solutions while learning by doing.
Key takeaways:
- What is Blockchain technology
- What is Web3 and why should you care about it
- Web1 vs Web2 vs Web3
- What are DAOs? Are they really decentralized?
- How to find Blockchain dev jobs
- How to know what NFT or Blockchain projects to invest in
- Why you can’t just right-click save (screenshot) an NFT
- The future of NFTs
- How brands/businesses will leverage Web3 tech
Resources:
How to Get Into Crypto and Web3 as a Developer
Consensys, Chainlink, Colt Steele's Blockchain course
NFT projects to look out for (Not financial Advice):
Stapleverse by Jeff Staple: https://www.stapleverse.xyz/
WGMInterfaces: https://twitter.com/WGMInterfaces
Steph Curry NFT: 2974sc.com
Follow Tech Unlocked for career tips:
Website
Substack
Connect with Grace:
Connect with Steph:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephorpilla/
https://www.instagram.com/_steph.js
Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
Sometimes as an early career professional, you don’t know what you don’t know. This is why it is important to learn from other people’s career journeys or mistakes. In this episode, we share top career advice from season two guests on the podcast. If you’re looking for inspiration, motivation, or guidance in your career right now then this episode is for you. Enjoy!
Join our Women of Color study group
Looking for Save space to learn about emerging technologies like Blockchain, Crypto, NFTs? sign up for our WoC Study Group
Follow Tech Unlocked for updates and career tips:
Substack
Connect with Grace:
Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe and leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Tag us @techunlockedpod on Instagram or Twitter too! Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
Back in the early 90s, it would've been difficult to imagine that people would have jobs solely dependent on the internet, such as a Social Media Manager, a Cloud Engineer, or even a Content Creator. Right now, the world is changing right before our eyes as talks of the Metaverse continue to unfold. What new job opportunities could the next evolution of the internet bring and how can we prepare for it? Today on the show Grace discusses 5 key jobs that could exist in the Metaverse.
Join our Women of Color study group
Looking for Save space to learn about emerging technologies like Blockchain, Crypto, NFTs? sign up for our WoC Study Group
Articles:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CXEvlkmFc8Y/?utm_medium=copy_link (IG post)
5 jobs that will exist in the Metaverse & how to prepare for them
https://influencermarketinghub.com/virtual-influencers/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ig8ZnFt3UPA&ab_channel=CNBC
https://analyticsindiamag.com/career-opportunities-in-the-metaverse/
New Jobs in the Metaverse
https://metropolismag.com/projects/architecture-virtual-environments/
Lil Miquela And The Rise Of Digital Models
What you’ ll learn:
- What exactly is the metarverse
- 5 Careers that could exist in the metatverse
- Why people are investing in digital assets
- Is now a good time to buy virtual land
- Questions we need to ask about in metaverse
Follow Tech Unlocked for updates and career tips:
Substack
Connect with Grace:
Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe and leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Tag us @techunlockedpod on Instagram or Twitter too! Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
NFTs, or non-fungible tokens, are currently the hottest buzzwords in tech. What is the big deal about NFTs and why should you care about them? If you want to learn about NFTs but find the concept confusing or overwhelming then this episode is perfect for you.
Today on the show, Grace chats with Harold Hughes the Founder and CEO of BandwagonFanClub, a venture-backed identity infrastructure company that helps its customers transparently manage, aggregate, and store valuable consumer identity data They chat about NFT basics, risks vs benefits of investing in NFTs, and the wealth creation opportunity for Black & Brown communities in the NFT space.
Harold Hughes is the founder & CEO of Bandwagon – a venture-backed identity infrastructure company that helps its customers transparently manage, aggregate, and store valuable consumer identity data. A rising star in data, identity, and experience space, Harold has had his ideas validated as a graduate (and now mentor) of the Founder Institute Greenville chapter; graduate of Capital Factory – Austin, one of the inaugural companies in Google for Startups Black Founders Exchange Program, and most recently the inaugural cohort of the IBM Blockchain Accelerator in 2019.
A man of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Harold is actively involved in his community participating on the Board of Directors for Rebuild Upstate and Visit Greenville. He also serves as a board member for Women@Austin, a non-profit that focuses on the advancement of women entrepreneurs as they grow their companies. To that end, Harold is also an active angel investor, investing in women, people of color, and Black founder-led companies. Most notably, he has invested in Partake Foods, the Jay-Z backed CPG company making allergy-friendly, healthy snacks, and HireKanna, a marketplace and training platform for the gig economy in the cannabis industry. As a strong believer in mentorship, he makes time to speak with youth and his peers about his journey to entrepreneurship and how he has found success along the way.
Harold Hughes is a graduate of Clemson University where he received Bachelors degrees in both Economics (B.A.) and Political Science (B.A.). As a “Triple Tiger”, he also completed his MBA at Clemson, before pursuing a graduate certificate in Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Stanford University.
What you will learn:
- Wealth creation opportunities for Black and Brown in NFTs
- What is an NFT and how they are created
- How to become a creator in the NFT space
- The risks of investing in NFTs
- Difference between Ethereum vs Bitcoin
- What does it mean to mint an NFT
- How to decide if an NFT is worth buying
- How to secure your digital wallet using cold storage
- How to earn crypto for free (via coinable)
- How DAO, Web3, and NFTs are shaping the future of the internet
Resources:
Fractional Ownership is Ownership (Part 1) — My intro to NFTs
Fractional Ownership is Ownership (Part 2) — Creating Community with NFTs
Bandwagon
Proof of Experience
NFT handbook by QuHarrison Terry
https://mashable.com/video/beeple-explains-69-million-nft-success
NFT sites:
https://opensea.io/
https://mintable.app/
https://foundation.app/
https://rarible.com/
Follow Tech Unlocked for updates and career tips:
Substack
Connect with Harold Hughes:
Website
Connect with Grace:
Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe and leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Tag us @techunlockedpod on Instagram or Twitter too! Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
Do you currently feel stuck in your career? Do you want to make a career transition but don't know how to start? This is the perfect episode for you! Today on the show, Grace chats with Linda Vivah a Software Engineer, an AWS Community Builder, a mom of 2, a part-time wedding singer & founder of Coding Crystals about how to get unstuck in your career and develop the mindset needed to make successful career transitions.
Linda Vivah is a Software Engineer at a major media organization in NYC, an AWS Community Builder, a mom of 2, a part-time wedding singer & the founder of a shop called Coding Crystals: a jewelry & accessories company taking inspiration from STEM. She creates content around tech including coding, cloud computing, career tips with a sprinkle of lifestyle.
Linda had an untraditional journey into tech and broke into tech post-college via self-studying and attending a coding bootcamp. She currently works as an SRE (Site Reliability Engineer). She was previously working as a Web Application Developer (mainly JavaScript) for 5 years and transitioned from Web Development to an SRE role last year to be more hands-on in the cloud computing space.
Key takeaways:
- How to shift your mindset when you feel stuck in your career
- Practical tips for getting unstuck in your career
- How to learn a new skill while balancing your day job
- Why most people in tech experience imposter syndrome
- The truth about coding bootcamps
- Top 3 things you should look for in your first tech job
Resources:
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (CLF-C01)
The Cloud Resume Challenge
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate
Flatiron Bootcamp
Follow Tech Unlocked for career tips:
Website
Substack
Connect with Grace:
Connect with Linda:
TikTok
YouTube
Medium
Coding Crystals Shop
Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
Data science is one of the fastest-growing careers in the tech industry. According to Linkedin, there is a 650% job growth in data science since 2012 and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated 11.5 million new data science jobs will be created by 2026.
You don’t need to be a math expert, have a master's degree or Ph.D. to become a data scientist.
Today on the show, Grace chats with Marizza Delgado a Data Scientist on Etsy’s Product Analytics about how you can launch your data science career and the skills needed to thrive in this career.
Marizza Delgado is a Data Scientist on Etsy’s Product Analytics team, fashion model represented in NY and SF, and Miss New York Earth USA 2021. As an advocate for Women in STEM, she uses social media to increase the visibility of women in stem role models and expose young girls to the opportunities that come with working in technology, such as financial responsibility, work/life balance, continuous learning, and how empowering it is to work in a male-dominated field.
Key takeaways:
- Three different types of data scientists that exists in this career field
- What happens in the data science interview process
- Technical skills needed to become a data scientist
- A day in the life of a Data Scientist
- How to handle post-grad anxiety & rejection
- The power of community
Resources:
Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate on Coursera
Towards Data Science Podcast and Medium Blog,
Algorithms of Oppression Book by Safiya Noble
Follow Tech Unlocked for career tips:
Website
Substack
Connect with Grace:
Connect with Marizza:
https://www.instagram.com/marizzadelgado/
https://www.instagram.com/missnewyorkearth/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/marizza-delgado/
Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
Bloomberg Intelligence believes the market opportunity for the metaverse could be eight hundred billion dollars by 2024. Recently, there has been a lot of excitement & chatter about the Metaverse but there is also a lot of confusion as well. So what truly is the Metaverse and why should YOU care about it?
Key Takeaways:
- What is the Metaverse?
- Where is the Metaverse located?
- Who is building the Metaverse?
- Why should you care about the Metaverse?
- Is the Metaverse fake or a new reality?
Sources:
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-09-29/what-the-metaverse-is-who-s-in-it-and-why-it-matters-quicktak
https://www.matthewball.vc/the-metaverse
https://www.matthewball.vc/all/forwardtothemetaverseprimer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvZSdDC9rWo&ab_channel=JohnCoogan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99BnZ8js1_k&ab_channel=Reuters
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DpJlRbbgGU&ab_channel=CNETHighlights
Follow Tech Unlocked for career tips:
Substack
Connect with Grace:
Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
From computer chips to construction materials, there is a global supply chain shortage happening right now according to the New York Times. So what is supply chain? what role does it play in the tech ecosystem? and what jobs exist within this career field?
In the last episode of season two, Grace chats with Malcolm Hodge a Strategy Sourcing Manager at Microsoft about how supply chain works within tech, day to day responsibilities of a Sourcing Manager, and simple tips for your personal finance.
North Carolina A&T graduate, Malcolm Hodge graduated with a B.S degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering and now works as a Global Sourcing Manager leading Mixed Reality strategy at Microsoft Corporation in Seattle, WA.
During his time at North Carolina A&T, Malcolm spent 2 internships with BMW and Boeing, as well as completing 2 international internships in the Virgin Islands and Australia. In addition, Malcolm spent time abroad studying in South Africa and China. These experiences inspired his passion for seeing the world.
As a big advocate of giving back, Malcolm used his love for traveling to found The Dreamer’s Creative Foundation. TDCF is a non-profit whose mission is to provide financial support through scholarships for minority students looking to study abroad. In addition to allowing others to see the world, he also aspires to create the next generation of millionaires by teaching financial literacy and helping others understand the importance and value of money.
Regardless of what hat he’s wearing, his end goal remains the same – to help make the world a better place by empowering and inspiring others to pursue their wildest dreams.
Key Takeaways:
- The basics of supply chain
- How Microsoft finds its suppliers
- Skills needed to thrive as Sourcing Manager
- How to deal with being the youngest in the room
- Tips for negotiating
- 3 key things you should do with your personal finance early in your tech career
Articles :
nytimes.com/2021/08/30/business/supply-chain-shortages.html
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2021-09-02/food-prices-driven-up-by-global-worker-shortage-brexit
Follow Tech Unlocked for career tips:
Website
Substack
Connect with Grace:
Connect with Malcolm:
Website
Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
Are you struggling to meet new people while working from home? Do you hate networking but still want to build your network? Goodnews, this episode is for you! In this episode, Grace shares 5 tips on how to network in a remote and hybrid workforce.
Follow Tech Unlocked for career tips:
Substack
Connect with Grace:
Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
If you’ve used a chatbot on your bank or social media app then you’re no stranger to conversational AI. This technology goes beyond chatbots or virtual agents. It is taking human-to-human interactions on voice, video, or text to build next-generation experiences.
Today on the show, Grace chats with Surbhi Rathore Co-Founder & CEO Symbl.ai about why you should care about using AI/ML in your communication apps, her inspiration behind building Symbl, and the future of conversational intelligence.
Symbl is bringing to life Surbhi's vision for a programmable platform that empowers developers and businesses to monitor, act, and comply with voice, video conversations at scale in their products and workflows without building their in-house data science expertise.
This Techstars alum co-founded Symbl almost 3 years ago and is now backed by Amazon and has raised an early-stage venture round of $6.5M which deployed capital to grow a global team of tech enthusiasts to more than 40 people. She comes with experience from technical and customer-obsessed roles in both startups and enterprises such as Nevis Networks and Amdocs. Before co-founding Symbl, she worked in the Conversational AI space with a focus on delivering value to Telecommunication users.
Surbhi is an international tech leader who advocates for Women in AI with a personal mission to inspire more women to work in Data Science. She is a national speaker, an accessibility equity champion, and the ultimate adventure capitalist.
Key Takeaways :
- Why should people care about conversation AI
- Real-world examples of symbl
- How symbl is prioritizing + protecting customer's data and privacy
- The future of conversational AI
- Skills to get started in conversational AI
Follow Tech Unlocked for career tips:
Substack
Connect with Cassandra:
Connect with Grace:
Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
Okay, here is the heartbreaking news you’re not the energizer bunny. You are human and you need time to recharge. In this episode, Grace shares 5 signs you need a mental health day and how to prioritize self-care at work. If you have been looking for a sign to take a break, to rest, or recover this episode is for you.
About 40% of the workforce in America is looking to change jobs in 2021. That's 4 out of 10 people and 4 million people in the U.S. voluntarily quit their jobs in April, the highest monthly number ever reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
So if you’re thinking of quitting your job, the good news is you’re not alone. This new “ I quit” trend is called the Great Resignation. great resignation is one of many bi-products of the pandemic. In this episode, Grace unpacks why many people are leaving their jobs, 3 things to consider if you want to quit your job, and new trends shaping The Future of Work.
There are a lot of things that are uncertain right now but one thing that is certain is that people are ready for a change. If you are ready for a change then this is the episode for you.
Key takeaways:
- What is the “Great Resignation”?
- 5 reasons people are quitting their jobs
- 3 things to consider before quitting your job
- How to quit gracefully
- New trends shaping the Future of Work
Articles :
Millions of workers are quitting their jobs during the pandemic. Meet six who made a big change.
4 million people quit their jobs in April
The Next Great Disruption Is Hybrid Work—Are We Ready?
As The Pandemic Recedes, Millions Of Workers Are Saying 'I Quit'
The 'Great Resignation' is here
How much time do we spend at work vs home?
Follow Tech Unlocked for career tips:
Substack
Connect with Grace:
Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
We can all agree that the tech industry would not exist without innovation. So where does innovation come from?
Today on the show, Grace chats with Cassandra J. Collins Principal UX Design Director at Microsoft about the power of curiosity and how curiosity leads to innovation. Cassandra also shares how she uses AI, game technology, UX design, and simulation to tackle massive data problems and empower large organizations.
Cassandra J Collins is currently Principal UX Design Director at Microsoft working with an elite Azure team that uses game technology, AI, and simulation to empower organizations with plant-scale and massive data problems. With over 25 years in the video game, entertainment, and technology space, Cassandra leverages Human-Centered design, User Experience, and Inclusive Design methodologies to develop a unified simulation platform and experience across a wide section of industries such as defense, industrial, and space.
She serves as the Girls Voice Coordinator and is on the Workshop Leadership Team at IGNITE Worldwide (Inspiring Girls Now In Technology), where she hosts IGNITE UX 101 Design workshops that helps to elevate girl’s voices in STEM fields. Since 2018, she has served as a Design Subject Matter Expert on Microsoft’s Worldwide UX Design Communities and in 2011, as the User Experience Chair of AIGA Seattle.
Key takeaways:
- Why curiosity leads to innovation
- How to practice being curious
- The cost of being different
- The importance of having a diverse portfolio of sponsors and mentors
Follow Tech Unlocked for career tips:
Substack
Connect with Cassandra:
Connect with Grace:
Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
Do recruiters really spend 7 seconds per resume? Are cover letters out? Do you need an engineering degree to become a recruiter? If you want deep insights into the recruiting world from the perspective of a recruiter then this episode is for you!
Today on the show, Grace chats with Breanne Thompson who is a Tech Recruiter and D&I Champ at Microsoft about what it takes to become a tech recruiter, skills needed to thrive as a recruiter, top mistakes to avoid when reaching out to recruiters, and 3 ways to stand out as a job seeker.
Breanne has spent her full professional career at Microsoft, where she's worked as both a Recruiter and a Diversity & Inclusion Program Manager. She has recruited Software and Hardware Engineers from University to Principal-level talent for the majority of her time at the company, with a focus on candidates from underrepresented backgrounds. As a Diversity & Inclusion Program Manager, she provided guidance to senior leaders around inclusive efforts to increase representation and retention of underrepresented employees, supported the launch of two employee resource groups, and led an early in career program of about 3000 employees. She was also a leader within Blacks at Microsoft (BAM) for almost three years, serving as the BAM Talent Acquisition Lead. In this role on the BAM Leadership Team, she has created and led several innovative programs pertaining to increasing the representation of Black employees at Microsoft.
Key takeaways:
- 3 Skills needed to thrive as a recruiter
- Day-to-Day responsibilities of a recruiter
- 3 Ways to stand out as a job seeker
- 3 things mistakes people make when reaching out to recruiters
- How to understand your job offer package
Follow Tech Unlocked for updates and career tips:
Substack
Connect with Breanne:
Connect with Grace:
Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
Can you work in tech without knowing how to code? YES, you can! There are numerous tech jobs out there that are non-coding related but which ones are in high demand?
In this episode, Grace shares the top 5 tech jobs that are in demand in 2021 that require no coding. She shares the skills needed to strive in these roles, key responsibilities, average salary, and more! If you’ve been looking for a sign to take the leap in transiting into the tech industry this is it.
Resources:
Articles:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/laurencebradford/2017/03/07/16-tech-careers-you-can-land-no-coding-required/?sh=5a38537f26af
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/computer-science-jobs-without-coding
https://www.itprotoday.com/careers/6-non-coding-tech-jobs-consider
Youtube videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_fuiK3b9OA&ab_channel=Bukola
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QnDvBgWZ7rw&ab_channel=LifeofLuba
Jobsites:
https://www.payscale.com/
https://www.pocitjobs.com/
https://www.diversifytech.co/job-board/
https://blacktechpipeline.com/jobs/
https://www.ziprecruiter.com/
https://www.glassdoor.com/member/home/index.htm
https://www.indeed.com/hire
Follow Tech Unlocked for updates and career tips:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/techunlockedpod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/techunlockedpod/
Connect with Grace:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraceMacjones
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones
Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
Are you curious about becoming a designer but don’t know where to start? Don't worry we got you covered in the episode!
Today on the show, Grace chats with talented and multidisciplinary designer Bekah Marcum about her unique journey into her product design career, three things she wished she knew before joining tech, and the skills needed to thrive as a product designer
Currently a Product Designer at Instagram, Bekah combats the spread of misinformation on the Instagram App, leading the design for the Accurate Information pillar as a part of the Well-being team. Her background spans both UX and Visual Design – after starting her career at REI as a 3D and Product Designer, she spent four years at Amazon as a Designer then Art Director crafting custom ad experiences for brands on Amazon including Fire TV and Fire Tablet playable mini-games, Amazon custom boxes, and custom online stores. After moving over to Zillow, Bekah helped to lead the design for Zillows' newest product offerings – Zillow Offers and Zillow Rewards.
Key takeaways:
- Should designers learn how to code
- Top 3 core skills needed to thrive as a UI/UX designer
- The difference between a Visual Designer vs an Art Director vs a Product designer
- How to decipher design role titles while job hunting
- Networking vs Building Community
Follow Tech Unlocked for updates and career tips:
Substack
Connect with Bekah:
@DesigningWhileBlack
Connect with Grace:
Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
In this episode, Grace shares some personal updates about her life and the podcast. Also, as we wrap up Women's History Month in the United States, she shares five of her favorite tech podcasts hosted/co-hosted by some incredible women in tech.
Only 13% of the US workforce is passionate about their jobs based on a study by Deloitte. So how does one find what they are good at and passionate about? Today on the podcast, we revisit an early episode from season one of the podcast with Tiana Davis Kara, Executive Director for BUILT BY GIRLS. She shares her non-traditional path into tech and how she found a passion for preparing the next generation of female tech leaders.
Tiana Davis Kara (she/her), advocate for the future female workforce, is currently Executive Director for BUILT BY GIRLS. She oversees strategic direction and brand development for the social impact brand; furthering its mission to equip the next generation of female and nonbinary tech leaders, builders and creators. Previously she worked with Black Girls CODE developing strategic brand partnerships that furthered the organization's efforts to increase STEM education opportunities for girls of color. With more than a decode of marketing experience, she's led creative collaborations and built cultural relevance for major global brands in tech and retail.
What you will learn:
-How to determine your passion in tech.
-Code-switching vs bringing your authentic self to work.
-What Gen Zs are looking for in a tech company
-What is the mission of BUILT BY GIRLS
-What is the role of an Executive Director
Follow Tech Unlocked for updates and career tips:
Website
Substack
Connect with Tiana Davis Kara:
Website: https://www.builtbygirls.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tianawanda?lang=en
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tianadaviskara
Connect with Grace:
Deloitte Study: https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/topics/talent/future-workforce-engagement-in-the-workplace.html
Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe and leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Tag us @techunlockedpod on Instagram or Twitter too! Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
If you’ve been on social media lately chances are you have heard ALOT about cryptocurrency and Bitcoin. So what’s the big deal about cryptocurrency and why should you pay attention to it now? In this episode, Grace chats with professor Tonya Evans who is a Professor of Law at Penn State Dickinson Law School about the basics of cryptocurrency, the technology that powers it, and why it is important for folks in Black/Brown communities to learn about it now.
Tonya M. Evans, Esquire, is Visiting Full Professor of Law at Penn State Dickinson Law School. Prior to Dickinson Law, Professor Evans served as Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Professor of Law at the University of New Hampshire School of Law, where she created and directed the school’s Blockchain, Cryptocurrency & Law online professional certificate program and developed its world-class instructor pool and curriculum. She is also the former Chair of the Intellectual Property & Technology Online Programs.
Professor Evans has expertise in the areas of intellectual property, new technologies (including blockchain and distributed ledger technology), entrepreneurship & innovation (including advisor to startups), entertainment law, trusts & estates, and municipal finance. She writes, speaks, and teaches primarily about the intersections of copyright and new technologies, blockchain and the law, and trusts and estates.
Professor Evans is a graduate of Northwestern University (Dean’s List) and Howard University School of Law (cum laude). She also served as the Howard Law Journal editor-in-chief. She is licensed to practice law in PA, NJ, NY and DC.
What you will learn:
- The Who, What, When, Why, and Where of cryptocurrency
- Why Black and Brown communities need to pay attention to cryptocurrency
- Why Bitcoin is legal in some countries and banned in others
- What will happen in the future when the last Bitcoin is mined
- The type of technology that enables cryptocurrency to exist
- How to safely get started in investing in cryptocurrency
Resources:
- Sign-up for the From Cash To Crypto Masterclass here: https://event.webinarjam.com/register/24/810v9bn0
Thursday, 18 Mar 2021, 6:30 PM EST
-Bitcoin and Black America by Isaiah Jackson
Follow Tech Unlocked for updates and career tips:
Substack
Connect with Professor Tonya Evans:
Website
Connect with Grace:
Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe and leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Tag us @techunlockedpod on Instagram or Twitter too! Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
In this episode, we are highlighting the 4 winners of the Tech Unlocked Scholarship. Congratulations to Blessing Adogame, David Sykes, Shondace Thomas, and Emeka Obi!
THANK YOU to everyone who donated to make this scholarship possible!! We appreciate you investing in the future of Black technologists and innovators!
Meet the 4 amazing winners of the Tech Unlocked scholarship!
Blessing Adogame:
A Senior at Drexel University studying Computer Information Systems. She is a global citizen who has lived in Nigeria, Germany, Scotland, and the United States. She serves as a Community Leader and Woman in Tech. She is also the co-founder of the Students of LinkedIn movement at Drexel University. This campaign started as a hashtag, and “ bloomed into a global community of students who encourage each other to find their voice, expose the limitless opportunities that they can find/create, and educate each other on the importance of personal branding as college students.”
Blessing is an adherent believer in the power of storytelling - she believes that stories and experiences pave the path that enhances a person's voice. She will be working at Microsoft as a program manager after she graduates.
David Sykes:
David is a Senior studying Computer Science at Cardinal Stritch University with minors in Graphic Design and Technical Writing. He has gained experience in customer service and collaboration as a student employee at the IT-Help desk at Cardinal Stritch University. He recently accepted an internship as an IT Project Management Intern with Eversana,Inc. He plans to get his master's degree in Computer Science or work as a Software Engineer after graduating.
Shondace Thomas:
Shondace is a Senior at Howard University studying Computer Science. She is originally from Guyana which is also known as the Caribbean of South America. During her time in college, she realized the importance of creating meaningful experiences, such as conferences and internships. Attending conferences allowed her to build a network outside of the one at her school provided. She has interned at Google and Dell in the past. She will be working at a tech company after she graduates.
Emeka Obi
Emeka is a Junior majoring in Electrical Engineering, and minoring in Computer science and Math at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. He grew up in Lagos, Nigeria but is originally from Anambra State Nigeria.
He participates in the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) as the Vice President for the TAMUK chapter, he is the media specialist for the International Students' Fellowship at TAMUK, and is also the Vice President of the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society for the TAMUK chapter. Emeka loves to learn new technology and loves to help people around him. In his downtime, he enjoys playing Soccer and Ping Pong. After graduating, he wants to get his master's degree in Computer Science.
Follow Tech Unlocked:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/techunlockedpod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/techunlockedpod/
#TechUnlocked
Connect with Grace:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraceMacjones
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones
Questions about sponsorship or want to be a guest on the show? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
“If perception is reality in the workplace, you could have one perception, and that totally not be you. Write your own story and make sure that you are the person who is telling what you can do and why you do it well.” -Deena
Deena McKay is the founder and host of the podcast, Black Tech Unplugged. Black Tech Unplugged is a monthly podcast that highlights Blacks who innovate and work in the tech industry. Deena started Black Tech Unplugged as a way for Blacks to see people who looked like them in the tech industry. She also wanted to share tips and advice for those trying to get into the industry. Additionally, Deena works as a Functional Delivery Lead for a digital tech firm. In her role, she acts as a thoughtful problem solver who learns and understands her client’s business and works with her team to bring the client’s vision to life.
Keys Takeaways:
-Skills needed to be a successful business analyst in tech
-How to have a difficult conversation with your manager
-3 questions to ask during your one on one with your manager
-Characteristics of a good vs bad manager
-The importance of meeting with your manager’s manager
-What inspired Deena to create her podcast (Black Tech Unplugged)
Follow Tech Unlocked:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/techunlockedpod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/techunlockedpod/
#TechUnlocked
Connect with Deena:
Instagram: @deena_mckay & @blacktechunplged
Twitter: @deena_mckay & @blktechunplged
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/deenamckay
Website: blacktechunplugged.com
Facebook: facebook.com/blacktechunplugged
Connect with Grace:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraceMacjones
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones
Questions about sponsorship or want to be a guest on the show? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
“Thanks for your interest, but we’ve decided to go with another candidate.”
That is a statement no job seeker wants to hear. Let's be honest, rejection sucks!
As an international student, Akosua got rejected for almost 2 years when she applied for jobs/internships because she was an immigrant and most companies did not want to sponsor her. Unfortunately, this is a common reality most international students face repeatedly. So how does one bounce back from being constantly rejected, move forward, and live a bold life?
In today’s episode, Akosua Boadi-Agyemang shares her journey of moving to America, dealing with constant rejection as an international student, going viral on LinkedIn, getting her dream job at Microsoft, and is now living a bold life.
Commonly known on the LinkedIn platform as “The Bold Journey girl” and for sharing her stories on going from rejection to working full-time for Microsoft, and for utilizing the platform to build community and uplift others. Akosua Boadi-Agyemang boldly radiates her light as an Experiential Marketing Lead on the Global Events team, where she focuses on change management and communications for internal audiences and demand gen’.
Akosua was born and raised in Francistown, Botswana to two Ghanaian parents. She moved to Oxford, Ohio to seek higher education at Miami University where received her Bachelor of Science in Business in May 2019 (Accounting and Human Capital Management & Leadership).
Upon arriving in the US in 2015, Akosua started an initiative called “Re-Envision Africa” which focuses on educating people about the untold narrative of Africa. This initiative pushes to highlight the whole story of Africa and not just the usually told single narrative of poverty, war, and famine – and although these stories are not untrue, focusing solely on these narratives renders Africa’s story incomplete. Akosua hopes that through Re-Envision Africa, more people will come to understand that there is education, wealth, innovation and beauty etc. that comes from the Continent.
Akosua is the middle child amongst her siblings. She is a lover of all thing’s education, innovation, public speaking and enjoys helping people share their own stories through various mediums.
Key takeaways:
-How to overcome the fear of rejection
-3 tips for using social media to get a job
-The importance of being authentic online
-How to figure out what type of content to post on LinkedIn
-What NOT to post on Linkedin
-3 lessons Akosua learned from going viral
Follow Tech Unlocked for updates and career tips:
Substack
Connect with Akosua:
Linktree
Connect with Grace:
Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe and leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Tag us @techunlockedpod on Instagram or Twitter too! Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
“At some point, coding will click and you'll realize that with enough time and resources you could build whatever.” -Ali
Have ever felt like you don’t belong in the tech industry or felt you aren’t good at coding? Well, today’s guest on the podcast has been where you are. In this Episode, Grace chats with Ali Spittel, Senior Developer Advocate at AWS about how she found a passion for coding and why she loves teaching others how to code. If you would like to learn how to code in 2021 or curious about becoming a frontend developer then this episode is for you!
Ali Spittel teaches people to code. She loves Python, JavaScript, and talking about programming. She has been writing React since before es6 classes. She is a Senior Developer Advocate on the AWS Amplify team.
Ali also blogs about code, aimed mostly at a beginner audience. Her writing has gotten over a million readers in the past year. She has also spoken at over 50 events in the last few years. When Ali's not working, you can find her watching New England sports, competing on CodeWars, taking runs around the city, rock climbing, or participating in coding community events.
Keys Takeaways :
11:00 What is the job of a Developer Advocate?
12:50 Skills needed to be a successful Developer Advocate
15:45 What is the Frontend development
18:36 Common Frontend programming languages you should know
20:00 Challenges for frontend Devs
21:39 How to prepare for the interview process
26:38 (3) Interview questions to ask your interviewer
Help us raise $2000 in scholarships for Black/African American students studying Computer Science or STEM by buying a t-shirt or donating directly here:
https://www.bonfire.com/techunlocked/
We appreciate your support!!
Follow Tech Unlocked for updates and career tips:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/techunlockedpod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/techunlockedpod/
Connect with Ali:
https://alispit.tel/
https://dev.to/aspittel
Learn more about the Ladybug podcast
Connect with Grace:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraceMacjones
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones
Free Coding resources
FreeCode Camp: https://www.freecodecamp.org/
CodeWars: https://www.codewars.com/
Advent of code https://adventofcode.com/
Code Academy: https://www.codecademy.com/
Resilient coders: http://www.resilientcoders.org/
Are you an underrepresented person looking to get into tech? Check out this awesome Job board curated for underrepresented folks by the amazing Veni Kunche. Follow Her on Twitter!
AWS (Amazon Web Services ) is hiring: https://gist.github.com/jamesonwilliams/b73b0b03c0ce355db477ddfbcf8187ce#job-opportunities-at-aws-amplify
Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
In 1991, Shaka Senghor entered prison for committing second-degree murder. Today, he’s a best-selling author, a lecturer at universities, and leading voice on criminal justice reform.
Raised in a middle-class neighborhood on Detroit’s east side during the height of the 1980s crack epidemic, Shaka was an honor roll student and a natural leader who dreamed of becoming a doctor. But at age 11, his parents' marriage began to unravel. The beatings from his mother worsened, sending him on a downward spiral that saw him run away from home.
On the streets, he quickly turned to drug dealing to survive, running crack houses and getting caught up in the hopelessness of the life that surrounded the epidemic. At 18, he was shot in an altercation in front of his home. By 19, he was in prison for murder, fuming with anger and despair.
During his 19 years incarcerated—including seven in solitary confinement—Shaka began a journey of self-reflection, inspired by reading and writing as a means of understanding his past, his present, and his future potential. By embracing forgiveness, hope, and everything that’s possible when you refuse to be defined by your past, he’s become a leading voice on the potential inherent in us all when given support and a second chance.
In the decade since his release, he’s garnered awards and fellowships, lectured at universities, started and worked with nonprofits seeking to lift people up, visited the White House, been interviewed by Trevor Noah and Oprah Winfrey, given award-winning TED talks, and tirelessly worked to help create the personal and societal change we need for a more inspired, just, fulfilling future.
Key Takeaways:
- How Shaka found himself in prison at the young age of 19
- Transferable skills formerly incarcerated folks can bring into the Tech world
- What tech companies can do to have a positive impact on the US Criminal Justice System.
- How we reimagine our current education system
- 3 tips for protecting your mental health during challenging times
Article:
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/mar/30/shaka-senghor-interview-prison-reform-incarceration-book-writing-my-wrongs-cut50
Help us raise $2000 in scholarships for Black/African American students studying Computer Science or STEM by buying a t-shirt or donating directly here:
https://www.bonfire.com/techunlocked/ We appreciate your support!!
Follow Tech Unlocked for updates and career tips:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/techunlockedpod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/techunlockedpod/
Connect with Shaka:
Website
YouTube
Connect with Grace:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraceMacjones
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones
Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to our Podcast on iTunes and Spotify. Tag us @techunlockedpod on Instagram or Twitter too! Questions about sponsorship?
Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
There's no doubt that one of the best industries to work in right now is the technology industry. A study by McKinsey Global Institute stated that "400 million and 800 million individuals could be displaced by automation and need to find new jobs by 2030 around the world." In this episode, Grace goes over the top 5 tech jobs that are in demand for 2021. If you are preparing for a career transition, want to break into tech, or a curious college student wanting to learn more about opportunities that exist within tech, this episode is for you.
Resources
Tech Unlocked Scholarship
https://www.techunlocked.co/scholarship
Articles:
https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/future-of-work/jobs-lost-jobs-gained-what-the-future-of-work-will-mean-for-jobs-skills-and-wages
https://careerkarma.com/blog/best-tech-jobs/
https://www.cnbc.com/2020/01/14/glassdoor-best-tech-jobs-for-2020.html
https://engineeringmanagementinstitute.org/key-roles-ai-engineers/
https://www.simplilearn.com/10-algorithms-machine-learning-engineers-need-to-know-article
Jobsites:
https://www.pocitjobs.com/
https://www.diversifytech.co/job-board/
https://blacktechpipeline.com/jobs/
https://www.ziprecruiter.com/
https://www.glassdoor.com/member/home/index.htm
https://www.indeed.com/hire
Follow Tech Unlocked for updates and career tips:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/techunlockedpod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/techunlockedpod/
Connect with Grace:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraceMacjones
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones
Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
Every time we shop online, log in to social media, or sign up for a new service online you leave behind a digital footprint. This means we give companies so much of our personal data daily in exchange for using their services. So how do companies keep our personal data secure from outside threats and hackers? We answer this question and more on today’s episode with our guest Christina Morillo. Christina is an Information Security and Technology professional with a background in cloud security, enterprise/hybrid security, and identity engineering.
Christina Morillo is an information security and enterprise identity professional, as well as a technical product manager. Her experiences across enterprise security and identity, insider threat, cloud identity programs and deployments have taken her to companies like Morgan Stanley, Fitch Ratings, AllianceBernstein, Microsoft, and currently Marqeta, where she is a Senior Security Product Manager. In addition to her professional work, Christina co-leads Women in Security and Privacy’s New York Chapter and volunteers with multiple organizations aligned with her mission of getting more women and underestimated folks in tech. In 2015, she also co-founded #WOCinTech Chat, the grassroots initiative best known for boosting visual representation through the open-source collection of stock photos featuring women of color technologists.
What you will learn:
- The difference between Information Security vs Cyber Security
- Interview tips for acing your interview
- Top certifications needed to transition into the Information Security field
- The importance of protecting your mental health while working in tech.
- The challenges and realities of being a Black woman in tech
Help us raise $2000 in scholarships for Black/African American students studying Computer Science or STEM by buying a t-shirt or donating directly here:
https://www.bonfire.com/techunlocked/
We appreciate your support!!
Follow Tech Unlocked for updates and career tips:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/techunlockedpod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/techunlockedpod/
Connect with Christina
Twitter: https://twitter.com/divinetechygirl
Website: https://www.christinamorillo.com/
Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/colors-of-infosec-podcast/id1531541552
Connect with Grace:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraceMacjones
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones
Questions about sponsorship or partnership? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
What type of computer has the potential to solve some of the world’s most complex problems in seconds instead of billions of years? Quantum computers have the ability to solve some of the world’s most complex problems. In this episode, I chat with Jessica Pointing who is a Ph.D. Quantum Computing Research about the fundamentals of this new and exciting technology
Jessica Pointing is a PhD student in Physics at the University of Oxford specializing in quantum computing, and previously was a PhD student in Computer Science at Stanford University as a Knight-Hennessy Scholar. She completed her bachelor's degree in Physics and Computer Science at Harvard University with high honors and as a John Harvard Scholar in the top 5%, after spending her first two years of university studies at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). She founded the Stanford Quantum Computing Association and the Harvard College Quantum Computing Association. She has been invited to give keynote and innovation talks about quantum computing at conferences around the world, including IBM Think and Oracle Code One and was the audience-voted winner for the Quantum Matters Science Communication Competition hosted by the Museum of Science. Jessica has interned as a researcher at KBR at NASA Ames Research Center, a software engineer at Google, management consultant at McKinsey and Company, an investment banker at Goldman Sachs, and strategist at Morgan Stanley. Jessica was selected for the Forbes 30 under 30 list in the Science category. She was selected to be on the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on Quantum Applications.
What you will learn:
•What is Quantum Computing (QC) and how it works
•Real-world problems that QC can potentially help solve
•Pros and cons of QC?
•Skills needed to thrive in this field
•The need for diversity in QC
Help us raise $2000 in scholarships for Black/African American students studying Computer Science or STEM by buying a t-shirt or donating directly here:
https://www.bonfire.com/techunlocked/
We appreciate your support!!
Follow Tech Unlocked for updates and career tips:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/techunlockedpod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/techunlockedpod/
Connect with Jessica
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jessicapointing
Website: https://jessicapointing.com/
Connect with Grace:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraceMacjones
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones
Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
Blockchain, cryptocurrency, and bitcoin are some of the hottest buzz words in technology right now. So why do they matter and how is changing the world we live in? What is the big deal about blockchain and bitcoin? We answer all these questions and demystify blockchain technology on today’s episode with our special guest Anne T. Griffin.
Anne is a product professional that built her product management career working with organizations such as Microsoft, Comcast, Mercedes-Benz, and Priceline. Anne's technical foundation stems from her engineering degree from the University of Michigan. She is passionate about the practical human aspects of technology and building products with emerging and disruptive technologies, such as AI and blockchain, rooted in the realities of the human experience. In Summer 2020, Anne was an instructor for the AI component of Columbia University’s course Blockchain, Cryptocurrencies, AI, and Beyond. Columbia University, Morgan State University and the University of Montreal are a few of the universities where she has guest lectured on the subject of blockchain. She teaches courses on Business Applications of Blockchain and Improving Product with A/B Testing through O'Reilly Media. She is currently working at Priceline as a Product Manager and as the Chief Product & Curriculum Officer of Tech 2025, while advising a few emerging tech startups. Her course, Attract Your Dream Job, that helps professionals get their resume and LinkedIn job search ready and get companies coming to them can be found at pivotgrowhustle.com. Outside of her work, Anne is a voracious learner, frequent traveler, and seriously committed to her self-care and workouts. What you will learn:
- What is Blockchain Technology and why it matters?
- The difference between Blockchain vs. Bitcoin
- The intersection of Bitcoin and #endSARS Movement
- Advantages and Disadvantages of Blockchain
- How to get started in the Blockchain field
Help us raise $2000 in scholarships for Black/African American students studying Computer Science or STEM by buying a t-shirt or donating directly here:
https://www.bonfire.com/techunlocked/
Follow Techunlocked:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/techunlockedpod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/techunlocke...
Connect with Anne
Twitter: https://twitter.com/annetgriffin
Website: https://www.annetgriffin.com/about
Connect with Grace:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraceMacjones
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacj...
According to a report by Deloitte "soft skill-intensive occupations will account for two-thirds of all jobs by 2030…” showcasing that the skills gap doesn’t only exist within technical roles. As we continue to move into a more digital and technical advanced world, the importance of soft skills (human skills ) will only become more valuable and needed in the future of work.
In this solo episode, I share the top 5 human skills/ soft skills needed to thrive and future proof your career in the future of work based on my personal experience & research. I also share 1 practical tip you can use to develop each of these skills over time.
Follow Techunlocked:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/techunlockedpod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/techunlocke...
Connect with Grace:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraceMacjones
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gracemacjonez/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacj...
If you enjoyed this episode, please take some time to rate & review the podcast on Apple podcast.
For sponsorship and other questions send an email to techunlockedpod@gmail.com
What is the big deal about sponsorship? What does it mean to have a career sponsor? In today's episode, I demystify sponsorship and show you how to attract career sponsors to help accelerate your career.
What you'll learn:
-The difference between mentors vs sponsors
-Why mentorship is not a one size fits all
-3 major characteristics to look for when identifying a sponsor
-6 steps to attracting a career sponsor
Follow Techunlocked:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/techunlockedpod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/techunlocke...
Connect with Grace:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraceMacjones
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gracemacjonez/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacj...
Resources/articles:
https://beleaderly.com/sponsor-not-a-mentor/
https://www.businessinsider.com/black-women-less-likely-to-have-sponsors-how-to-fix-2020-1
https://www.forbes.com/sites/maryannreid/2019/10/07/5-types-of-sponsors-every-black-woman-needs-now/#4c55c99d3161
Have a tech career or tech concept you want us to unlock? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
EP23 | Hustling Smarter, not Harder Unlocked with Justin Samuels
Justin Samuels is a technologist, and influencer of all things software engineering, and underrepresented groups in technology. Having started both Render-Atlanta to amplify the presence of developers in the south with an emphasis on culture and inclusion, as well as The In Streaming Color telethon to raise contributions for underrepresented groups during a crisis, Justin is now seen as a pillar in the local Atlanta, and overall global engineering community as a force to represent community building, and engineering excellence. He is also a full-time senior engineer at Mailchimp in Atlanta where he helps empower small businesses on their marketing platform.
Key Takeaways:
-How Justin became a software engineer
-What inspired Justin to create Rebuildblackbusiness.com
-Top tech components small businesses need to adopt in order to survive and stay relevant during COVID-19
-3 tips for growing your career from a junior software engineer to a senior software engineer?
Follow Techunlocked:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/techunlockedpod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/techunlocke...
Connect with Justin
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThugDebugger
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk01dYcLW-j3W_cND0lc0vQ/
Dev: https://dev.to/thugdebugger
Connect with Grace:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraceMacjones
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gracemacjonez/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacj...
Have a tech career or tech concept you want us to unlock? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
Kim (she/her) is the global head of diversity, equity and inclusion at Remitly, a fintech company serving over 3 million immigrants throughout the world to conveniently send money safely and securely to their families across the globe. She has been in the financial services industry for over 20 years as a banking executive within credit unions and Fortune 50 banks. The first half of Kim’s career was spent building and growing new lines of business. The latter half has been dedicated to scaling the social impact of financial institutions, developing and leading corporate social responsibility and ESG strategies, including how companies build trust and rapport with customers and communities and empower and engage employees. Outside of work, Kim leads The Respect Institute as national founding board chair and is a member of the cofounding team. She has been featured on Yahoo! Finance, The Financial Times, Geekwire, Seattle Business Magazine and Silicon Valley Business Journal for her contributions to community and championing diversity in business.
Key Takeaways:
-What is Fintech?
-How can FinTech be more inclusive
-Challenges the FinTech sector is currently facing
-How to be an authentic ally
-How to navigate career transitions
Follow Techunlocked:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/techunlockedpod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/techunlocke...
Connect with Demarius
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kimmilyn
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimtvu/
Connect with Grace:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraceMacjones
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gracemacjonez/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacj...
Have a tech career or tech concept you want us to unlock? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
Born and raised in Chicago, IL, Demarius (Mari) grew up in a family of church musicians. He graduated from Williams College with a degree in Psychology and worked at bank immediately after. After a short stint at the bank, he pursued a full-time music career as a recording artist, traveling between NYC and Atlanta. Through music, he’s had to leverage tech platforms to distribute his music, build a following, and grow as an artist. Noticing the difficulties of creatives building a sustainable career through digital platforms, he decided to learn how to code with the mission of teaching underrepresented folks the necessary technical skills to adapt and make a sustainable living. Mari is currently working at the intersection of music and tech education as a coding instructor at the Mometum@Morehouse bootcamp, powered by OHUB (Opportunity Hub) in addition to creating and releasing music.
Key Takeaways:
-What are some pros and cons of attending a tech bootcamp?
-The importance of knowing how to tell your story
-How Demarius got his job as a coding instructor
-What is missing from the education system? (social learning)
-Why is now a good time for black people and other underrepresented folks to work in the tech industry
Follow Techunlocked:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/techunlockedpod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/techunlocke...
Connect with Demarius
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mari_world_
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mari.world/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/demarius-edwards-a59b9921/
POCIT Article: https://peopleofcolorintech.com/engineers/fail-forward-how-a-starving-artist-failed-into-software-engineering/
Connect with Grace:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraceMacjones
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gracemacjonez/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacj...
Have a tech career or tech concept you want us to unlock? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
Coding Resources:
Freecodecamp.org - Great resource for starting coding.
CodeNewbie.org - a great community to tap into
The best article for laying out amazing techies of color: https://medium.com/@jennifer_opal/100-of-the-best-engineers-developers-coders-and-tech-entrepreneurs-of-colour-to-follow-on-social-be60eec328f8
It’s no secret that the tech industry is not very diverse or inclusive. In recent years, we have witnessed the increased efforts from tech companies to change this narrative by hiring more underrepresented folks and attempting to retain diverse talent in tech. In today’s episode, I chat with the amazing Veni Kunche who is a Software Engineer turned startup founder. She shares how she left her traditional engineering job to create DiversifyTech.co which is an online resource that connects underrepresented people in tech to jobs, scholarships, events, speaking opportunities and more.
Veni Kunche is a Software Engineer turned startup founder. She holds a B.S. in Computer Science and an M.S in Data Science.
She considers herself a jill of all trades. She has done database migrations, server admin, backend development, frontend development, and hybrid-mobile application development.
After working as a Software Engineer for over 15 years, she launched Diversify Tech in December of 2018. At Diversify Tech, she helps underrepresented people in tech by connecting them to scholarships, jobs, and speaking opportunities as well as helps companies hire them. Companies can learn about diversity, equity and inclusion as well as connect with candidates looking for jobs and Allies can advocate for underrepresented people in tech.
Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.diversifytech.co/join
Key Takeaways:
-Obstacles underrepresented folks experience in Tech
-How to leverage your community to help you grow in your career
-3 mistakes companies, hiring managers, recruiters make when hiring and job posting
-3 things underrepresented people can do to stand out during the job search process.
Follow Techunlocked:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/techunlockedpod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/techunlocke...
Connect with Veni:
Twitter:https://twitter.com/venikunche (Veni Kunche)
https://twitter.com/DiversifyTechCo (Diversify Tech)
Website: https://www.diversifytech.co/
Support Veni: https://www.patreon.com/diversifytech
Connect with Grace:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraceMacjones
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gracemacjonez/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacj...
Have a tech career or tech concept you want us to unlock? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
Did you know that data is considered the oil of the digital world?
What do we do with all this data that is being generated daily and how do we make sense of it? In today’s episode, I chat with the incredible Sundas Khalid who is a Senior Analytical Lead at Google. She Demystifies the world of data science and shares how you can start a career in this booming tech career field.
Sundas Khalid is a Senior Analytical Lead at Google and previously a data scientist at Amazon. Sundas’ story and work is exemplary. She has won awards for her work as a data scientist at Amazon and Google, and as a women empowerment community leader in Seattle.
She is a university of Washington valedictorian, and first-female in her family to graduate university and pursue a career. As an advocate of women’s education, she serves on the board of two non-profits, Pakistani Women in Computing and North Seattle College. To further serve her mission of helping and lifting others, Sundas also provides career counseling to students and industry professionals to help them land their dream jobs.
Sundas is also a writer and public speaker. In 2019, she keynoted a fundraiser that raised over a million dollars to support education of 5,000 underprivileged kids in Pakistan rural areas. And very recently, she delivered a talk at Google that received standing ovations from over 200 Googlers.
Key Takeaways:
What is data science?
What is the difference between AI and ML?
Examples of ML/AL in our everyday lives
How does data affect the world we live in
What does it mean to "clean" data?
3 ways to get into Data Science
Connect with Sundas:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sundaskhalidd / @sundaskhalidd
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sundaskhalid / @sundaskhalid
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sundaskhalid6 / @sundaskhalid6
Website: https://sundaskhalid.com/bio
Youtube: Sundas Khalid
Connect with Grace:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraceMacjones
https://www.instagram.com/gracemacjonez/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacj...
Have a tech career or tech concept you want us to unlock? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com
Today, I chat with Mary Nguyen who is a Missile Defensive Engineer, Business Owner, and STEM Blogger & Advocate. She shares her STEM journey as a daughter of immigrants to becoming a first-generation college student to now begin an engineer. Mary's goal is to simply represent the modern career woman in STEM and provide valuable resources for students, careerists, and all boss babes alike.
Mary is a Mechanical Engineering graduate and current Missile Defense Engineer. Coming from an immigrant family with limited mentorship and guidance, she found a great part of her calling in advocating for women + minorities in STEM. Her mission is to continually provide tools and resources while uplifting others via her online business and platforms. Like many women in her field, she takes pride in not being your “typical engineer”. Showcasing her journey also means fully embracing her femininity and being multi-faceted. By putting herself out there, she hopes to give others confidence in being vocal and showing up fully. Key takeaways from this episode:
-The soft skills needed to be a missile defense engineer
-The most challenging and rewarding part of working in the STEM field
-Benefits of having an online personal brand -How to deal with internet trolls
-Tips for starting a STEM career in 2020
Connect with Mary :
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marynguyenc...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/marynguyenco
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/Marynguyen
Website:https://marynguyen.co/
Connect with Grace:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraceMacjones
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gracemacjonez/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacj...
“My difference are my superpowers” -Angie Jones
Angie Jones is a Java Champion and Senior Developer Advocate who specializes in test automation strategies and techniques. She shares her wealth of knowledge by speaking and teaching at software conferences all over the world, writing tutorials and technical articles on angiejones.tech, and leading the online learning platform, Test Automation University.
As a Master Inventor, Angie is known for her innovative and out-of-the-box thinking style which has resulted in more than 25 patented inventions in the US and China. In her spare time, Angie volunteers with Black Girls Code to teach coding workshops to young girls in an effort to attract more women and minorities to tech.
In this episode, I chat with Angie Jones who is a Senior Developer Advocate specialized in test automation strategies & techniques about how she discovered her niche in tech. Angie shares how she got her patents, teaches us her secret to fighting imposters syndrome, and shows us how having a personal brand can help you level up in your career.
Key takeaways from this episode:
- What is test automation?
- The skillsets needed to become an effective test automation engineer
- One simple exercise you can do to combat imposter syndrome
- The # 1 type of testing everyone should know about
- Misconceptions about being a test automation engineer
- The importance of speaking up and sharing your ideas
- How developing your personal brand can level up your career
- 3 major keys for getting into tech as a developer
Connect with Angie :
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/angieluvboo?sub_confirmation=1
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angiejones
Website: https://angiejones.tech/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/techgirl1908
Free Courses: https://testautomationu.applitools.com/instructors/angie_jones.html
Connect with Grace:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraceMacjones
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones/
Follow the podcast:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/techunlockedpod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/techunlockedpod/
LinkedIn: Tech Unlocked
Thank you so much for listening to this podcast! If you enjoyed listening to this episode, please leave a rating and review on iTunes. Use the hashtag #Techunlocked to ask questions and share your thoughts. Have a tech-related question? Shoot us an email techunlockedpod@gmail.com
You've got questions, we've got answers. For the last episode of season one, we wanted to hear from you. Big thanks to my amazing producer Isaac MacJones for being the host for this episode and thanks to everyone who sent their questions in. We grouped the questions into three categories.
1. Grace's Journey
What got you interested in tech?
What do you wish you knew before deciding you wanted a career in tech?
Why did you choose to work at Microsoft?
Is it possible to work in tech as a software engineer without a college degree?
2. Tech
What industry within tech, do you see growing the most in the next 10 years?
What do I do if I don’t know where I fit in within the tech industry?
3. Podcasting
What made you decide to start a podcast
How do you find guests for the show?
What tools do you use to record the podcast?
What’s the hardest part about podcasting?
Connect with Isaac:
Email: prodbyzod@gmail.com
Instagram: prodbyzod
Twitter: imacjones77
Connect with Grace:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraceMacjones
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones/
Follow the podcast:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/techunlockedpod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/techunlockedpodcast/
LinkedIn: Tech Unlocked
Thank you so much for listening to this podcast this season! So honored to have shared this season one with you all. Season two will be out in a few months.
If you enjoyed listening to this podcast please leave a rating and a review on iTunes, Spotify, Google Play. Use the hashtag #Techunlockedpodcast to ask questions or share feedback. Have a tech-related question? Shoot me an email techunlockedpod@gmail.com
“When thinking of where you want to go next in your career, look at what you’re good at, what you’re passionate about and where you’re needed. When you triangulate those three things it can lead you into really good directions that will be for fulfilling in your life.”
-Rebekah Bastian
In this week’s episode, I get to chat with Rebekah Bastian as she is transitioning out from her corporate role at Zillow as Vice President of Community & Culture for the past 15 years into being the CEO of her newly launched company OwnTrail. Rebekah didn’t set out to start her own company when she wrote her first book which launched a few weeks ago. However, after talking to hundreds of women and hearing their stories she discovered there was a problem with the current mentoring model and decided she wanted to solve it in a scalable manner.
Rebekah Bastian is a writer, artist, tech executive, mentor, wife, mother and aerial acrobat. She has held leadership roles including vice president of product and vice president of community and culture at Zillow, and CEO & Co-founder of OwnTrail. Rebekah is the author of Blaze Your Own Trail, is a contributor to Forbes and is a frequent speaker on social impact, career navigation, and corporate diversity.
Episode Topics:
- How to blaze your own trail
- Why Rebekah decided to write her first book at the age of 41
- Tips for being productive and finding time to do what you truly love
- How having a side hustle can help you grow your career
- The importance of having mentors and sponsors
Connect with Rebekah :
Website: https://owntrail.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebekahbastian/
https://twitter.com/rebekah_bastian
https://www.instagram.com/rebekah.bastian/
OwnTrail Social:
https://www.facebook.com/BlazeYourOwnTrail/
https://twitter.com/OwnTrail
https://www.instagram.com/owntrail/
Buy her book and leave a review on amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Blaze-Your-Own-Trail-Interactive-ebook/dp/B07Y422NWF
Connect with Grace:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraceMacjones
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones/
Follow the podcast:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/techunlockedpod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/techunlockedpodcast/
LinkedIn: Tech Unlocked
Thank you so much for listening to this podcast! If you enjoyed listening to this episode, please leave a rating and review on iTunes. Use the hashtag #Techunlockedpodcast to ask questions. Have a tech-related question? Shoot me an email techunlockedpod@gmail.com
In this week's episode, we switch things up by looking back at a few episodes to hear from previous guests about their top tips for getting into the tech industry. Here are the top recurring tips that came through in each episode on how to break into tech:
3 top tips:
- Join a community: Things are going to get hard. Make sure you have a group of people who can encourage you all throughout your career journey.
- Continuous learning: Keep learning and improving your skills.
- Networking: Your network is your net-worth. Try to meet and connect with people who are doing the job or are in the career you aspire to have.
Connect with Grace:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraceMacjones
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones/
Follow the podcast:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/techunlockedpod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/techunlockedpodcast/
LinkedIn: Tech Unlocked
Thank you so much for listening to this podcast! If you enjoyed listening to this episode, please leave a rating and review on iTunes. Use the hashtag #Techunlockedpodcast to ask questions. Have a tech-related question? Shoot me an email techunlockedpod@gmail.com
“Understand that what is meant for you is for you but it might take some time. That's why being patient is important”
From New York Fashion Week to International CES, April Speight has seen the latest and greatest that two polarizing industries have to offer! April started her career as a menswear stylist and visual merchandiser for brands such as Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue. In 2013, she chose to pivot from a career in fashion to a new career in technology. Her first true introduction to the tech world was an intern and later a Business Application Specialist with Consumer Technology Association - producers of the world’s largest consumer technology trade show, International CES. Since her days of attending International CES, April harnessed a deeper connection to the tech world by developing a passion for AI Assistants and more recently Spatial Computing. Today, she is a Cloud Advocate at Microsoft working alongside peers in Spatial Computing.
Aware of the complexities which come with pivoting careers, April began to help those on the journey to a career in tech by creating Computer Club - a platform which contains articles on career transition and tutorial content for those interested in getting started with programming. In July 2020, her first children’s Python programming book Bite-Size Python: An Introduction to Python Programming will be available in stores and online. Whenever she’s not creating content, you can find her roaming Rodeo Dr. and shopping in Beverly Hills.
In this week’s episode, I chat with April about her career transition from luxury fashion as a menswear stylist and visual merchandiser to now working at Microsoft as a Cloud Advocate focused on Spatial Computing.
Episode Topics:
- What exactly is the role of a Cloud Advocate
- How to transfer non-tech skills from past work experience into a tech role.
- Why it is important for professionals to have an online presences in today's digital age.
- The importance of being prepared for opportunities
- 3 Tips for being productive and organized
- The future of Cloud Advocacy and spatial computing
Connect with April :
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aprilspeight/
Website: https://www.joincomputerclub.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/vogueandcode
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/vogueandcode
Github: https://github.com/aprilspeight
Connect with Grace:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraceMacjones
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones/
Follow the podcast:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/techunlockedpod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/techunlockedpodcast/
LinkedIn: Tech Unlocked
Thank you so much for listening to this podcast! If you enjoyed listening to this episode, please leave a rating and review on iTunes. Use the hashtag #Techunlockedpodcast to ask questions. Have a question? Shoot me an email techunlockedpod@gmail.com
“Be curious and open to being a student all over again. I'm a firm believer that being a life long learner will take you further than you could ever imagine. ”
-Jasmine Farrar
As an experienced human resource professional and diversity advocate, Jasmine has spent the bulk of her career dedicated to creating workspaces that empower employees to bring their best selves to work and building capability in senior leaders to effectively grow and develop talent. Jasmine has had the pleasure of working at several Fortune 500 companies such as Google, Nestlé, Target, Amazon and, most recently, Netflix. Her passion for leadership development, employee engagement, and retention, as well as diversity and inclusion, has allowed her to serve in various capacities spearheading initiatives such as historically black college and university recruiting programs, leadership development workshops, and career mobility courses aimed at helping young professionals navigate the technology industry. Jasmine has a long-term goal of launching her own boutique consulting firm to address the racial and economic disparities that contribute to homogenous employee populations in corporate America.
In today’s episode, I chat with Jasmine Farrar who is currently an HR business partner at Netflix. She shares some insights about her current role and how she is empowering leaders within her organization to be more inclusive.
Key takeaways from this episode:
- The role of an HR Business Partner in tech
- The importance of representation and retention in tech
- Challenges black women face in tech and how to overcome them
- How to know when it’s time to move on to a new job
- 3 keys for getting to tech
- Why you should get a career coach
- The future of HR
Jasmine’s Top 3 tips for people who want to start a career in Tech?
1)Just do it. Whatever you think you can do, your mindset is invaluable in being able to make strides towards accomplishing that goal. Don't be misled by what other accolades, experiences or ivy league degrees that others have.
2) Learn what you bring to the table and build upon that. Be curious and open to being a student all over again. I'm a firm believer that being a life long learner will take you further than you could ever imagine. Technology is constantly evolving and it's important not only recognize that but stay up to date on the industry trends or role specific trends that you're interested in.
3) Lastly, expand your network. The tech industry is much smaller than people think and I've really embraced getting to know individuals outside of my close circle which has been helpful for my professional growth.
Connect with Jasmine :
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasmine-f-76950333/
Interview feature: https://www.xonecole.com/ask-for-mental-health-day-off-work/?rebelltitem=7#rebelltitem7
Netflix Hiring: jobs.netflix.com
Connect with Grace:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraceMacjones
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones/
Follow the podcast:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/techunlockedpod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/techunlockedpodcast/
LinkedIn: Tech Unlocked
Thank you so much for listening to this podcast! If you enjoyed listening to this episode, please leave a rating and review on iTunes. Use the hashtag #Techunlockedpodcast to ask questions. Have a tech-related question? Shoot me an email techunlockedpod@gmail.com
"Your humanity is something that no piece of technology can ever replace." -Shona Bang
Shona is a Product Marketing Manager at Microsoft who leads the global Humans of IT Community where thousands of technologists around the world get to connect, learn from one another and develop the art of being amazing #HumansofIT. Whether it’s through sharpening their professional skills, finding tech mentors or gaining inspiration through the plethora of Tech for Good stories on the platform, Shona fosters a community that helps people be their best selves and learn to harness their tech superpowers for good. Having lived in three countries and spending the last seven years in various roles across Microsoft including crisis management, public relations, marketing, enterprise sales, and technical account management, Shona is a seasoned professional who is focused on helping make the tech industry a kinder, more inclusive place for all.
In this week’s episode, I chat with the amazing Shona Bang about the incredible work she does with the #HumansofIT community and why she is passionate about diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. The Microsoft Humans of IT Community is a global platform where technologists who are passionate about leveraging their tech superpowers for good can come together to share ideas, be mentored and develop ways to solve some of our world's most pressing issues.
Episode Topics:
- How to deal with imposter syndrome in tech
- Why you don’t have to be an expert to share your own lived experience
- Why self-care is important for your career growth
- The value of your humanity in a tech-driven era
- 3 tips for getting into tech
- Why it's critical to have a community in order to grow in your career in tech
- Why representation matters beyond D&I
Connect with Shona :
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shonadelie/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/shonadelie?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
Join Humans of IT:
Microsoft Humans of IT Community: https://aka.ms/HumansofIT
Community Mentors App: https://aka.ms/communitymentors
Microsoft Ignite The Tour Dates: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/ignite-the-tour/
Twitter (Microsoft Tech Community): @MSTCommunity
Microsoft AI Business School: https://aischool.microsoft.com/en-us/home
Project Tokyo: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/project/project-tokyo/
Connect with Grace:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraceMacjones
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones/
Follow the podcast:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/techunlockedpod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/techunlockedpodcast/
LinkedIn: Tech Unlocked
Thank you so much for listening to this podcast! If you enjoyed listening to this episode, please leave a rating and review on iTunes. Use the hashtag #Techunlockedpodcast to ask questions. Have a tech-related question? Shoot me an email techunlockedpod@gmail.com
“Whatever you do in life, whether, it’s your full time role or side hustle there has to be passion there for it to not completely feel like work”
Guest Bio + Episode Topics
Ribicca is a digital designer based in Seattle Washington. She was born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and moved to the US in her early teens. She graduated from the Foster School of Business at the University of Washington with BA in Information Systems and Marketing. Upon graduation, she fulfilled her dreams of working in the fashion industry by working in the buying offices of a fortune 500 retailer. After spending a few years in her dream job she successfully transitioned her career into the tech industry. Aside from her full-time role, she runs a lifestyle blog called Amro Menor where she shares fashion and travel tips.
In today’s episode, I chat with Ribicca about how she transitioned into the tech industry with a non-traditional background. She recently made a career shift from working in the fashion industry to working in tech as a Digital Designer by self-educating herself through design-related online courses and practicing the skills she learned on her passion project - which is her travel blog.
Key topics from this episode:
- How to transition into the tech industry with no prior tech-related experience
- Using your passion project to land a job in tech
- Importance of storytelling when interviewing
- Tips on learning new skills while working a full-time job
- The future of Digital Design
Connect with Ribicca :
Website
Design Online Course
Connect with Grace:
Follow the podcast:
Thank you so much for listening to this podcast! If you enjoyed listening to this episode, please leave a rating and review on iTunes. Use the hashtag #Techunlockedpodcast to ask questions. Have a tech-related question? Shoot me an email techunlockedpod@gmail.com
“At Legalpad, We don’t think borders should be the limitation for opportunity around the world”-Sara Itucas
Sara Itucas is a mission-driven entrepreneur, who is dedicated to offering people access to the same kind of opportunities that immigration offered her. Sara’s passion for immigration stems from the value she places on her own immigration story: Sara immigrated to the United States from the Philippines at age 5, and she then grew up in Hawaii and Palo Alto.
Sara has dedicated her career to creating technology solutions around work visas. Sara’s vision includes a future where, in addition to facilitating corporate visas, her software products enable global mobility for a wide spectrum of people, including the most underprivileged.
In today’s episode, I have a very candid and informative chat with Sara who would describe herself as a non-technical tech founder, about how she used her personal life experience as an immigrant and woman of color coupled with her passion for helping people to create her dream career as a COO & Co-founder of Legalpad. Her company’s mission is to connect global talent with opportunity. Simply put, Legalpad makes it easier for startups to grow by using technology to take care of work visas for startups.
We cover a lot in this episode, including:
- The difference between Seed-stage vs Series A funding
- The inspiration & motivation behind launching LegalPad
- How to educate yourself about the immigration & work visas process
- Challenges Women of Color face in the startup world.
- The importance of networking and building a supportive community in your career
- The importance of self-care and having a life outside of work
- The future of Legal technology
Connect with Sara & Legalpad:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-itucas-407a0632
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/18453986/admin/
Legalpad marketing site: https://legalpad.io/
Legalpad Twitter: https://twitter.com/legalpadio
Legalpad Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legalpad.io/
Connect with Grace:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraceMacjones
Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones/
Follow the podcast:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/techunlockedpod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/techunlockedpodcast/
Linkedin: Tech Unlocked
Thank you so much for listening to this podcast! If you enjoyed listening to this episode, please leave a rating and review on iTunes & Spotify. Use the hashtag #Techunlockedpodcast to ask questions. Have a tech-related question? Shoot me an email techunlockedpod@gmail.com :)
When Norah graduated from college with Computer Science degree from King Saud University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, women were not welcome to apply for engineering jobs. Those jobs were limited to men and foreigners at that time in Saudi Arabia. Norah searched for a tech job for over a year but then decided to take a job outside of the tech industry. The job she got had nothing to do with her degree. However, she was grateful for that first job because it taught her many soft skills she now uses as a Senior PM at Microsoft.
Here are some topics we discussed in this episode:
- Candid facts about the struggles of being an international student and how to overcome them.
- How to learning and growing from failure.
- The importance of networking, asking for internal referrals and having an elevator pitch when looking for a job.
- Recognizing that your years in college accomplishing your Masters or Ph.D. counts as work experience.
- The gap between western and non-western world in terms of technology development.
Connect with Norah:
Personal: https://norahak.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Norahak
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/norah-abokhodair/
Connect with Grace:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraceMacjones
Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones/
Follow the podcast:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/techunlockedpod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/techunlockedpodcast/
Linkedin: Tech Unlocked
If you like this episode, please leave a rating and review on iTunes & Spotify. Use the hashtag #Techunlockedpodcast. Have a tech-related question? Shoot me an email techunlockedpod@gmail.com :)
AJ is the founder of Blademy, an online learning community that prepares black millennials for in-demand careers in tech, design, finance, and entrepreneurship. He is also the Digital Program Manager at Chevron, where he leads a team of Software Engineers, Designers, and Data Scientists on a journey of digital transformation.
A trained Engineer and Entrepreneur, AJ has managed to navigate solving global energy problems, thriving on Wall Street, and building digital technologies at some of the largest global corporations, including Goldman Sachs, ExxonMobil, and BP.
As a speaker and moderator, AJ has presented at Linkedin, University of Houston, and South By Southwest—one of the largest tech & media conferences in the world. AJ has also been featured by Google, Parameters Magazine, Cullen College of Engineering, Noire TV, Society x Tech, Her Campus, The 234 Project, and many others.
AJ is a graduate of the Summer Venture in Management Program at Harvard Business School. He has also been recognized as a Top 20 Young African Rising Star, Forbes 30 Under 30 Scholar, and the Face of Nigeria, among others.
Connect with AJ:
Personal: https://ayoolajohn.com
Blademy: https://blademy.com
Twitter: https://www.instagram.com/ayoolajohn_/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ayoolajohn_/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayoolaj/
Connect with Grace:
If you like this episode, please leave a rating and review on iTunes. Stay in touch with Grace on twitter/Linkedin @gracemacjones and follow the show @techunlockedpod on twitter and @techunlocked on Instagram. Use the hashtag #Techunlockedpodcast. Have a tech-related question? Shoot me an email techunlockedpod@gmail.com :)
Resources for learning how to code:
Edx
Coursera
Udemy
Codecademy
Codenewbie
Treehouse
Groom Dinkneh is the Co-Founder of GoLocker, a startup reimagining the post-purchase experience for retailers and grocers by providing local pickup points for their customers integrated right into the checkout. Prior to joining GoLocker, Groom was an associate at Williams Capital, a boutique investment bank based in New York. As a member of the fixed income sales and trading group, he marketed debt instruments to institutional-grade clients ranging from pension funds, state and local funds and asset managers. An active community engager and volunteer, he was awarded by the Tufts University Alumni Association the Young Alumni Service Award for his work developing mentorship curriculum for alumni of color fostering relationships with undergraduate students. Groom currently lives in New York and spends his free time competitively running and cycling, listening to Afrobeats, thinking about trends in urban retail and speculating the next crazy application of AR/VR using your phone.
Stay Connected with Groom:
Company Website - www.golocker.com
Twitter - @gdinkneh
Medium - https://medium.com/@Dinknehgr
If you like this episode, please leave a rating and review on iTunes. Stay in touch with Grace on twitter/Linkedin @gracemacjones and follow the show @techunlockedpod on twitter and @techunlockedpodcast on Instagram. Use the hashtag #Techunlockedpodcast
Sage is recreating seats of power for and by womxn of color so that our workforce reflects what womxn of color bring to the table: resilience, ROI, and liberation.
Sage Ke’alohilani Quiamno is an award-winning entrepreneur, speaker and changemaker. As co-founder of Future For Us, a platform dedicated to advancing of womxn of color through community, culture, and career development, Sage has galvanized a nationwide movement to build a future of work reaching new levels of growth through diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Starting her career in pay equity, she provided 4,000+ women with the tools and resources they need to advocate for themselves at work and, as a result, negotiate $500K in salary increases and secure 150 promotions. Sage is an amplifier, advocating for womxn of color at work in top publications and organizations - from Forbes, NPR and GeekWire to SXSW, the Women’s March, Microsoft, Starbucks, and more.
Sage has gathered a groundswell of support and recognition - a clear signal that our cities, companies, and economy are ready and already fighting for equity at work. Recent accolades include Rising Star Awards from Seattle’s National Organization for Women and the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, KUOW Radio’s Boss Tactician Award, University of Washington’s Community Leadership Award, and a nomination for Forbes 30 Under 30 Class of 2020. She was recognized as one of Seattle's Most Influential People of 2019 by Seattle Magazine.
Sage is a native Hawaiian who looks at systems, processes, and people with an indigenous lens to leave a better world for generations to come. Her story - your story - our story - continues. Follow her work on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and Medium.
Stay connected with Sage & Future For us
- Future for Us Website
- Follow Future for Us on Instagram: @futureforus.now
- Follow Sage on Instagram: @sageq
- Like Future for Us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/futureforus.now
- Follow Future for Us Twitter: @futurefor_us
Pariss Athena is the creator of the #BlackTechTwitter hashtag and movement, proving that the “pipeline problem” in tech isn’t true and that there is an entire community of Black technologists in the industry. #BlackTechTwitter has been featured in tons of interviews, articles, tech talks and has even caught the attention of influencers from tech to Hollywood. The hashtag even pops up as a suggestion on Instagram because of how frequently it is used. Pariss was asked to speak at Twitter about hashtag and the importance of paying close attention to this new found community. Pariss is also Founder of Black Tech Pipeline (#BlackTechPipeline) which is a Slack community for #BlackTechTwitter to continue learning, collaborating and networking among technologists who look like them. Along with the Slack community, there is a weekly #BlackTechPipeline newsletter full of interviews, features on different softwares and technologies, job and speaking opportunities and more.
Connect with Pariss online:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ParissAthena
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/parissathena/?hl=en
#BTP's twitter: https://twitter.com/BTPipeline
#BTP's Insta: https://www.instagram.com/btpipeline/?hl=en
BTP Discord: https://discord.gg/aq5qHM7
BTP Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/btpipeline/shared_invite/enQtNzE1MTY1MzY1MDQ0LTlkOTg4M2VlNGRjZmNlMGU1NzVhN2U3ZGQxN2Q4MzJhZjgyOTY5ZjlmYzFkMDllMmQwZTFjOTBmNjNkZmY0OWM
Newsletter: https://blacktechpipeline.substack.com/welcome
“Progress is far more important than perfection”
In this episode, I chat with Tiana Davis Kara about her transition from marketing into tech. We discuss how to find your passion in tech, being a woman of color in tech, code-switching vs bringing your authentic self to work, what Gen Zs are looking for in a tech company and how to get involved in the amazing work BUILT BY GIRLS is doing to equip the next generation of female and nonbinary tech leaders, builders and creators.
Tiana Davis Kara, an advocate for the future female workforce, is currently Executive Director for BUILT BY GIRLS. She oversees the strategic direction and brand development for the social impact brand; furthering its mission to equip the next generation of female and nonbinary tech leaders, builders and creators. Previously she worked with Black Girls CODE developing strategic brand partnerships that furthered the organization's efforts to increase STEM education opportunities for girls of color. With more than a decade of marketing experience, she's led creative collaborations and built cultural relevance for major global brands. When she’s not on a plane or glued to her laptop, she’s snapping photos as a freelance photographer in historic Crown Heights, Brooklyn.
You can connect with Tiana on Instagram @tianawanders and visit https://www.builtbygirls.com/ to learn more about Built by Girls.
In this episode, I chat with Senior Product Manager Angelina Howard about her tech career journey from being a Supply Chain PM to recently becoming a Senior Product Manager at Amazon. We talked about the difference between Product Management vs Program Management, who influence products in different tech companies (PMs, SWEs, Designers, etc ), the importance of ERGs( Employees Resource Groups) and much more!
Angelina Howard has a diverse background in personalization, e-commerce, supply chain management, and go to market strategy. In addition to product management, she is an
experienced diversity leader at Amazon.com as the Global President of Amazon’s Black Employee Network (Affinity
Group) focusing on intersectionality and diversity in tech. Lastly, she is an experienced speaker and instructor with an emphasis
on high school and college students, product management, supply chain, and diversity.
You can connect with Angelina on LinkedIn or via her website https://www.angelinahoward.com/about-angelina
In this episode, Tech global evangelist Tim Salau shares his non-traditional path into the tech industry. Tim is a community leader & keynote speaker who passionate about community building, education, collaboration and the future of work. Tim is the CEO of guide a social e-learning platform helping high school students learn essential life skills from their favorite creators. He leads the Future of Work with WeWork as their Global Evangelist, and the founder of "Mentors & Mentees, a Guide community", a 10,000+ member community for students and professionals who want to take control of their careers to achieve career fulfillment and thrive in the Future of Work.
Key takeaways:
- How to take ownership of your career in the future of work.
- The difference between life skills vs tech skills
- How to take a personal inventory of the skills you have and figure out what you need to work on.
- How to identify your Strengths/skills and identify your gaps
- Prioritize your Purpose > Paychecks. How to align your purpose to your career.
Stay connected with Tim:
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timsalau/
- Website: https://www.timsalau.com/
- Join the Mentors and Mentees Community: https://www.facebook.com/MentorsandMentees/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/timsalau
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timsalau/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thetimsalau
Stay connected with Grace:
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraceMacjones
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gmacjonez/
Let's keep the conversation going. We want to hear your thoughts and questions! Use the hashtag #techunlockedpod on twitter. For questions email techunlockedpod@gmail.com
Thanks for listening!