You are techY Podcast with Ellen Twomey

Ep. 61 - 5 Steps to Executing Work Like a Pro

Ellen Twomey — Wed, 13 Jan 2021 00:00:00 -0500

You likely work really hard. So what does it mean to execute like a pro? Don’t I just mean work hard? No, it’s more than that. Hiring managers are looking for an employee who will execute again and again consistently. They come to work each day ready to give that little something extra. They are looking at the whole of the organization and how their work fits into that hole so they can execute a higher level.

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Ep. 60 - Answer Your Own Tech Questions

Ellen Twomey — Wed, 06 Jan 2021 00:00:00 -0500

Be an all-star work! Interested in how to be the all-star? It starts by answering your own tech questions. By now you are wondering, how can I do that when I’m new and I don’t know that much about tech! Tune in to find out. Being confident you are asking the right question with the right amount of upfront work is priceless to your career. This process will help you answer your own question or confidently move forward with the best possible question for your manager. That’s how you become an all-star!

>> Answer your own tech question.

>> Be an all start work by confidently knowing you are asking the right questions.

>> Learn the common tech factors that cause errors, bugs and confusion.

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Ep. 59 - Happy New You

Ellen Twomey — Wed, 30 Dec 2020 00:00:00 -0500

Happy New You! Just a little inspiration to help you jumpstart your new year with a new you. I know new year’s resolutions are notoriously not followed through on. I despise the chaos of the gym the first week of January! This podcast will help you gain (and keep) momentum so that your new you is always in sight!

>> Your new you is waiting and we can’t wait to meet her!

>> Jump into your new you with this new year inspiration!

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Ep. 58 - Your Best You - Merry Christmas

Ellen Twomey — Wed, 23 Dec 2020 00:00:00 -0500

Your best you requires having a destination in mind. We’ll dive into why a destination is so important and why YOU and only you are the best person to determine that destination. We’ll talk a lot about what to stop doing in your life that will lead to your best you, as well explore why you don’t always sound as smart as you are. The holiday season is a great time to refresh and restore, let’s use it to ensure your best you is a daily experience!

>> Which way should I go? Why defining your destination is so important.

> > Don’t do anything until you select your destination.

>> What to stop doing.

>> Why you don’t sound as smart as you are.

>>Why execution is your problem - not ability.

>> Taking time to refresh and restore during this holiday season.

Visit YouAreTechy.com for more.

Ep. 57 - Your Next Chapter

Ellen Twomey — Wed, 16 Dec 2020 00:00:00 -0500

This episode is all about your next chapter. What will that look like? I know you have a great life and there are many things to celebrate in your life. Striving to get to the next chapter does not mean leaving those behind or taking them for granted. It’s important to honor where you are and be proud of that. Moving to the next chapter, however, is all about your goals and your growth. You deserve that too! Let’s take a look at what it looks like to move to the next chapter!

>> The next chapter of your life. What will that look like?

>> Staying focused through the busyness of the holiday season.

>> Taking time off does not have to derail you from your goals.

>> How to keep moving forward on your Next Chapter

Visit YouAreTechy.com for more.

Ep. 56 - Mind Games with Denise Shull

Ellen Twomey — Wed, 09 Dec 2020 00:00:00 -0500

Our guest today is no other than financial coach extraordinaire Denise Shull. She is the inspiration behind the popular Billions character, Wendy Rhoades (the financial coaching part, anyway), and has run the very popular ReThink Group for the last 17 years. She and her team leverage neuroscience to improve performance and risk-taking in leaders working in trading and investing, sports and entertainment. Most recently Denise has released Intuition Brain Games, a game-based software that elevates your decision-making capabilities through game-based play and engagement. Our conversation focuses on not only Denise’s work, but how it can help you in your career journey. This is a can’t-miss episode!

>> How to improve your intuition.

>> Analyze and leverage your emotions for powerful and effective decision making.

>> Look at what mistake you keep on making to learn from it and leverage a new path for greater results in your life.

Visit YouAreTechy.com for more.

Ep. 55 - Taking Care of Others

Ellen Twomey — Wed, 02 Dec 2020 00:00:00 -0500

When was the last time you took a break and did something just for yourself? For a lot of moms, it’s really hard to take care of our own needs when we have our families to look after as well. Here’s something I’ve learned: Helping yourself leads to helping others in an even better way. But I still struggle with this, too! Join me this week to talk through how self care IS worth your time and can lead to great things in your personal and professional lives.

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Ep. 54 - Workplace Advocacy, with Meme Scott

Ellen Twomey — Wed, 25 Nov 2020 00:00:00 -0500

HR has an alter ego. It’s name is Employee of Choice, and the mom behind it is the incredible Meme Scott. Meme is Founder and CEO of the company, which aims to create safe spaces for vulnerable employees through training on workplace interaction and more. Take a listen to our conversation on the show this week to hear about how Meme unleashes tech for social good and her advice for fellow moms considering a career in tech.

Visit YouAreTechy.com for more.

Ep. 53 - Too Many Skills

Ellen Twomey — Wed, 18 Nov 2020 00:00:00 -0500

You have a lot of skills. Yes, I’m talking to YOU! As a mom, as a woman, as someone who’s worked multiple jobs—you’ve been picking up skills all over the place. Unfortunately, there’s just not room for you to mention all of them in the job application process. Try making a list, and whittling it down to the most relevant. I’ll talk you through this helpful trick and more on the podcast this week. Because yes, it is possible to have too much of a good thing.

Visit YouAreTechy.com for more.

This episode is brought to you by The Mom Project. The Mom Project is the leading career destination for moms, and it’s on a mission to make a better workplace for women and everyone. We move forward when we move together, and The Mom Project provides you with both community support - over 300,000 moms deep - and job opportunities designed to meet you where you are and help you grow and achieve throughout your journey. Sign up for The Mom Project now at TheMomProject.com. See what opportunities await you.

Ep. 52 - #WinAtSocial with Laura Tierney

Ellen Twomey — Wed, 11 Nov 2020 00:00:00 -0500

Founder and CEO of The Social Institute, Laura Tierney, joins me to discuss how The Social Institute empowers students to positively navigate their social world, including social media and technology. Their positive, student-led approach has been applauded by Melinda Gates and featured by The Washington Post, NPR, and USA Today. Laura is a 2018 award winner of the Triangle Business Journal's 40-under-40, a graduate of Duke University and an All-ACC Academic Honoree in field hockey, a sport in which she made four NCAA Tournament appearances.

>> Teaching kids how to be a positive force for good on social media

>> Being a mom while founding a company

>> Accepting social media as part of the culture and ensuring it’s positive influence

Visit YouAreTechy.com for more.

Ep. 51 - Flexible, High Paying Jobs in Tech

Ellen Twomey — Wed, 04 Nov 2020 00:00:00 -0500

Today we are talking about “flexible, high-paying jobs” which is the focus of You are techY. We believe moms are the answer to the tech workforce gap and we believe moms want to fill that role because tech jobs offer the flexibility and high pay that moms desire so they can support their families, and be the great moms they want to be. Moms new to tech can benefit from understanding which tech jobs are high-paying and flexible to focus skilling-up on the most important skills for those specific jobs.

>> What jobs actually are high-paying and flexible

>> Examples of high paying and flexible jobs

>> How to turn your focus on obtaining one of those high-paying, flexible tech jobs

Visit YouAreTechy.com for more.

Ep. 50 - Developer and Author Miriam Tocino

Ellen Twomey — Wed, 28 Oct 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Developer & Author Miriam Tocino helps your kids get excited about the world of technology through the power of books that are just right for you to read to your kids. She began her career in architecture making the switch to tech first in software development and then teaching software development for Codaisseur. After becoming a mom, Miriam was inspired to introduce technology to children and used books as her vehicle. As the author of Zerus and Ona book series, Miriam is on a mission to make computers more approachable, friendly and easy to understand and to get you and your family excited about technology.

>> Teaching kids about computer and technology

>> Women in tech

>> Digital experiences are human experiences

Visit YouAreTechy.com for more.

Ep. 49 - Hidden Value in Your Experience

Ellen Twomey — Wed, 21 Oct 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Let’s talk about your previous experience and how it can apply to your future tech job so you can find meaningful, flexible, high-paid work that supports your career and your family. In this episode, we’ll dive deep into when you need to skill up and when you need to leverage previous experience. So frequently we think, if we just had these 5, 7 or 10 more skills, we’d be qualified. All too often that is fear, not the marketplace talking. Tune in to find out how to evaluate your current skills, your skills gap and a plan for acquiring the skills to get hired or level up. This is a strategy that will work throughout your career, so jump in and enjoy!

>> All experience is good experience

>> Look at your experience in a new light

>> Digital experiences are human experiences

Visit YouAreTechy.com for more.

Ep. 48 - Barista to UX with Alexandra Thomas

Ellen Twomey — Wed, 14 Oct 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Alexandra Thomas is a talented, fun-loving tech mom! You’ll love her story about being a Starbucks barista and how that stop on the journey influenced her. Her tech journey felt challenging until one day it just clicked. Learning from home to build a portfolio composed of part UX / part frontend development, Alexandra landed freelance clients and then solidified her current role as a Creative and People-focused Frontend Developer. Tune in to hear about this authentic story of work, life and motherhood.

>> From Barista to UX and Dev, how Alexandra did it and you can too

>> What daily work on a UX/FE Dev looks like

>> Transitioning to in-office work

Visit YouAreTechy.com for more.

Ep. 47 - It's OK to Change Your Mind

Ellen Twomey — Wed, 07 Oct 2020 00:00:00 -0400

We’ve all been there. We’ve changed our minds for one reason or another. Maybe you changed your mind about your college major. Maybe you changed your mind about a home you were going to live in or a job you were going to accept. Changing our minds is part of the human experience. But when can we be sure we are changing our minds for the right reasons and not because we are afraid? Fear can be a powerful emotion that can cloud our judgement or guide us to the best solution. This episode will guide you through the questions to ask yourself to ensure that you are changing your mind using sound logic instead of fear.

>> When changing your mind is sound logic versus fear

>> Why the apprenticeship model is so powerful

>> How learning something in one area of tech helps you in other areas

Visit YouAreTechy.com for more.

Ep. 46 - The Job Search Journey with Katelyn Meyer

Ellen Twomey — Wed, 30 Sep 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Learn about the inspiration for You are TechY! Her name is Katelyn Myer and she was the first person, outside of myself, where I saw a true lack of alignment between value and belief. Katelyn is an exceptional technologist. She craves feedback and learns best by doing. She is organized, skilled and brings a user’s perspective to everything she does. Learn her amazing journey through tech which she traveled as the sole breadwinner for her two adorable boys. You don’t want to miss Katelyn’s amazing story!

>> Single-motherhood while rising in your tech career

>> The job search journey is unexpected and filled with valleys and mountains

>> Believing in yourself is a key component to growing your career. It’s never easy, but it is worth it!

FREE ONLINE TRAINING

The 3 Strategies to Jump-start Your UX Career, Without Spending a Fortune on a Degree
Hosted by You are TechY founder & UX Designer, Ellen Twomey
Thursday, October 1, 2020 7:00 PM EDT YouAreTechy.com/Jumpstart

Ep. 45 - How to Make Six Figures in Tech

Ellen Twomey — Wed, 23 Sep 2020 00:00:00 -0400

When I sat at home on the couch during naptime doing the Indeed Death Scroll, I dreamed of a tech job that would pay me 6 figures while allowing me to be the mom I wanted to be. It was just a pipe dream until it wasn’t. Until I decided that it was going to happen and nothing was going to stop me. I know many of you feel the same way. I’m smart enough to do this. I’m capable. How can I make this happen!? Tune in to find out.

>> What it takes to make 6 figures in tech while maintaining flexibility

>> The tech jobs that will get you to 6 figures the fastest

>> How to shorten your climb to 6 figures and why that should be your goal if it’s not already

This episode is sponsored by our new free training - 3 Steps to a Flexible, High-Paying Tech Job - The Dream Job Every Mom Wants. In it I’ll cover the requirements for a flexible job, especially if you are a mom, how to build your 6 figure salary trajectory, why tech is great for moms and why moms are great for tech. Join me this Tuesday for this helpful and fun free training - 3 Steps to a Flexible, High-Paying Tech Job. Sign up at youaretechy.com/3steps.

Ep. 44 - Ursula Mead, CEO of InHerSight

Ellen Twomey — Wed, 16 Sep 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Ursula Mead is the Founder and CEO of InHerSight, a powerful product in the data space designed specifically to help women make better career choices through anonymous company reviews focused on their goals and definitions of success. InHerSight provides data for hundreds of thousands of companies. Her work in Product Management and Director and VP appointments in membership at the Motley Fool, along with her experiences as a mother guided her founding of InHerSight to help women make better career choices.

>> Women-rated companies for honest assessments of hundreds of thousands of companies

>> How CEO Ursula Mead was inspired to found her company from her experience of motherhood

>> How a cultural fit is exactly what you need for the tech job of your dreams

Ep. 43 - Create a Tech Resume That Stands Out

Ellen Twomey — Wed, 09 Sep 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Knowing how to present yourself on a resume is hard enough. Throw in there some technical skills and it can be down-right overwhelming. In this episode we’ll cover the details that make your tech resume stand out, including how to make a LinkedIn resume shine, how to write value-added job descriptions and what LinkedIn settings will have automated recruiting systems pulling your profile up to the top of the pile.

>> Value-added descriptions on your tech resume

>> What tech skills you absolutely need on your resume

>> How your LinkedIn profile IS your resume

Ep. 42 - Career Success Raising 5 Kids with Liz Stanek

Ellen Twomey — Wed, 02 Sep 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Attorney may not be the first career that comes to mind when you’re thinking about a career in tech, but Liz Stanek's work in patent law leaves no doubt in her techy status. Think you can’t have a successful career and be a great mom? Think again. Liz and her 5 kids show us that motherhood and career success do not have to be at odds. Come spend some time with my friend Liz where we share the secrets of this entrepreneurial mama of five (plus breaking news from You are techY that’s sure to surprise you!)

Ep. 41 - Gaining Confidence to Crush Your Interview

Ellen Twomey — Wed, 26 Aug 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Nothing quite puts fear in the hearts of people everywhere like interviewing. Maybe it’s the feeling of being judged or the evaluation component or possible rejection, but it is definitely a top fear for returners and currently working moms. Great news for you interviewing or soon-to-be interviewing, there is something you can do about that soul-sucking fear! A lot, actually. Gaining confidence is a skill and you can learn it. I’ll show you how!

In this episode, you'll learn:
● 4 specific tools you can use to gain confidence that directly impact your interviewing.
● How to prepare for an interview so you sound more confidence than you feel
● How your family can help you with your interview skills.

Ep. 40 - Are You Ready to Get Hired in Tech?

Ellen Twomey — Wed, 19 Aug 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Knowing whether tech is right for you is the first step, but once you’ve made that decision with action, developing a portfolio of your experience to show potential employers, when do you know the right time to start applying? Finding the right time to get hired in tech might surprise you. Dive into this podcast to walk you through the questions to ask yourself and ensure you are getting to your goal at the right pace!

Ep. 39 - Back to Business with Katie Dunn

Ellen Twomey — Wed, 12 Aug 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Looking for support and tips as you return to the workforce? Look no further than Katie Dunn; Director of Career Services at Momentum Learning, CEO and Founder of the Back to Business Conference and host of the "Get a Job. Here's How" podcast. Back to Business is designed for professionals returning to the workforce after serving as a SAHM and Katie is well-equipped to advise, not only in her current and previous roles in career services, but also from her personal experience of returning the workforce while raising her four beautiful children.

Ep. 38 - Insider Secrets of UX Design

Ellen Twomey — Wed, 05 Aug 2020 00:00:00 -0400

UX Design is a hot topic when it comes to product development. Everyone wants to know, how can we create a product our customers will LOVE? That’s why it’s such a great job to consider. It’s in high demand, in need for the foreseeable future and offers a highly competitive salary. But what exactly is UX Design? Join me this episode to learn about the insider secrets of UX Design so you can elevate your UX Design career!

You are Techy is hosted by Ellen Twomey, whose mission is to bring women into the meaningful, flexible, well-paid work of tech through education and inspiration. She is committed to furthering the presence of women in the tech field through the promotion of the techy mindset.

http://youaretechy.com/ux/

Ep. 37 - Become a Full Stack Developer

Ellen Twomey — Wed, 29 Jul 2020 00:00:00 -0400

There are many different levels, types, and genres of development. Becoming a Full Stack Developer makes sense for several reasons. You can start at an entry level with the addition of “Jr.” and yet, you’ll have a well-rounded development experience; one that you can build on and grow from leading to a meaningful and impactful career in software development. Let’s take a look at one specific path that’ll take you down the Full Stack Development Path.

http://youaretechy.com/ux/

Ep. 36 - Web Developer Tania Rascia

Ellen Twomey — Wed, 22 Jul 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Tania Rascia is a rare breed, an exceptional web developer who is also able to explain development in a Her clear, uncluttered manner. It’s likely why she has attracted over 13000 twitter followers. She writes simple to understand development instructional manuals that are the cat’s meow for web developers experienced and new. Her clear, uncluttered approach is not only how she teaches. Tania has been praised by colleagues for her clean approach to programming, including one comment: “Tania writes some of the best written and efficient code I have seen”.

http://youaretechy.com/ux/

Ep. 35 - What is Agile?

Ellen Twomey — Wed, 15 Jul 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Let's learn all about Agile Software Development. What is it, and why should you care? On this episode, you'll learn all about the Agile process, the 4 guiding principles, the manifesto, roles, ceremonies, and why learning Agile can help you get into tech.

http://youaretechy.com/ux/

Ep. 34 - Returning to Work with reacHIRE's Addie Swartz

Ellen Twomey — Wed, 08 Jul 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Addie Swartz is the founder of reacHIRE, which helps returners get back into the workforce by partnering with companies and providing training, coaching, and support throughout the returnship journey. Listen in as Addie discusses what reacHIRE is all about, her personal mission, and that question of when is the right time to return back to work.

Visit https://youaretechy.com/start/ to see what course is right for you.

Ep. 33 - More Value, More Money

Ellen Twomey — Wed, 01 Jul 2020 00:00:00 -0400

How can you add value so you can make more money in your tech career? You are Techy host Ellen Twomey has the answers.

Visit https://youaretechy.com/start/ to see what course is right for you.

Ep. 32 - Women in Web Development Facebook Group's Jenny Chan

Ellen Twomey — Tue, 23 Jun 2020 21:00:00 -0400

Jenny Chan is the founder of the Women in Web Development Facebook Group community with over 4,000 active members. Today on the show, we talk about that group and what inspired her to start it, what advice she has for women who are thinking of getting into tech, what her day to day routine is like, and why being an entrepreneur has reminded her of the stress and excitement of changing careers.

Visit https://youaretechy.com/start/ to see what course is right for you.

Ep. 31 - Remote Work

Ellen Twomey — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 05:00:00 -0400

Have you ever wondered if remote work is right for you? Really thought about if it is what you want? Maybe thought about if it is what you need right now? I will walk you through everything to consider when making these tough decisions. What it looks like to work remotely, how to do it successfully, and where to find remote work!

Ep. 30 - Self-taught Developer and Titan Derek Sivers

Ellen Twomey / Derek Sivers — Wed, 10 Jun 2020 05:00:00 -0400

Author, entrepreneur, musician, and TED speaker, Derek Sivers is here to take a DEEP dive into his journey to becoming a self-taught developer! He offers up his greatest advice to moms who are thinking about a career in technology, two things you’ll want to know when starting! Derek also shares his unique strategy for learning programming and how to successfully demonstrate your skills!

Ep. 29 - Making More in Tech - 3 Ways to Earn More

Ellen Twomey — Wed, 03 Jun 2020 05:00:00 -0400

There are 3 things you need to know and practice to be on your way to making more in tech! Just 3 things...and I break them down for you step by step. Stop listening to the everyday generalities and figure out where the value is in the marketplace! You’ve got to put yourself out there in order to grow and you’ve got to build accountability! Let's get started!

Ep. 28 - Erik Guffrey, Developer and CEO Fugitive Labs

Ellen Twomey — Wed, 27 May 2020 05:00:00 -0400

CEO of Fugitive Labs and self-taught developer, Erik Guffrey discusses parenthood and his entrepreneur journey! He shares what is expected of a jr. developer starting out compared to someone with 3-5 years of experience and even his recommendations when it comes to learning a new programming language!

Ep. 27 - 90 Day Plan to Break Into Tech

Ellen Twomey — Wed, 20 May 2020 05:00:00 -0400

Stop trying to learn everything and start focusing on the skills that align with your goal. Ask yourself, “do I need this to get hired?” If the answer is no...then move on! I will walk you through a strategy, the learning plan, that is sure to lead you down the right path to getting hired! This awesome plan applies to all tech roles which means it most certainly applies to you! Get started today!

Ep. 26 - Interview with Digital Marketing Guru Kristin Zhivago

Ellen Twomey / Kristin Zhivago — Wed, 13 May 2020 05:00:00 -0400

Digital Marketing guru and CEO, Kristin Zhivago shares what it means to be a servant leader. Kristin walks us through her journey that includes a background of 40 years in technology...this mother and entrepreneur knows what she is talking about! From revenue coach to opening her own digital agency, she lets us in on a few principles worth noting when it comes to the business world.

Ep. 24 - Interview with Colleen Curtis & Margot Nash of The Mom Project

Ellen Twomey / Colleen Curtis / Margot Nash — Wed, 29 Apr 2020 05:00:00 -0400

Colleen Curtis & Margot Nash join me in discussing their roles as Head of Community & Communications and Director of Product Management for The Mom Project. They connect talented women with world-class employers that respect work and life integration! You guys...these are some cool mamma’s! We dive deep into how motherhood has played a role in their career, some of the good and bad that comes with their positions and even a little advice for you all when it comes to interviewing!

Ep. 23 - Cut Your Tech Learning Time In Half

Ellen Twomey — Wed, 22 Apr 2020 05:00:00 -0400

Did you know there is a way to cut your tech learning time in half? It’s no secret that time and time again we wish for more hours in the day to get to those things we never have the time for. That stops here, friends! You don’t need to be the expert. It’s about asking the right questions and very specific ones. Now, let’s trim that learning plan of yours!

Ep. 22 - Interview with Erin Parsons - Scrum Master at TKXS

Ellen Twomey / Erin Parsons — Wed, 15 Apr 2020 05:00:00 -0400

Scrum master and agile coach, Erin Parsons takes us through her leap of faith and how she found herself in a tech role with no prior experience in the field! She will walk us through the day to day of a scrum master and how she manages 5 product teams. Also, we’ll talk about what type of skills and attributes would better serve in this specific role...maybe scrum master is your calling?

Ep. 21 - Define Your Dream Tech Job

Ellen Twomey — Wed, 08 Apr 2020 05:00:00 -0400

Let's talk about defining your DREAM tech job...before it defines you! YOU and only you can define your DREAM job. So, why do we need to define our dream tech job? I will walk you through a step by step process to help you gather the necessary information you need to define the tech job of your dreams! From there...we ITERATE.

Ep. 25 - UX Job in 3 Months

Ellen Twomey — Tue, 07 Apr 2020 05:00:00 -0400

You can land a UX job in 3 months if you follow my strategy! The key is to hone in on specific skills and not trying to learn everything. Set a timeline for your goals and then evaluate your progress. It is possible, I’ve seen the results first hand and you can achieve this if you dedicate yourself to this process!

Ep. 20 - Interview with Kristine Schaefer - High Level Individual Contributor at Red Hat

Ellen Twomey / Kristine Schaefer — Wed, 01 Apr 2020 05:00:00 -0400

Kristine Schaefer, with 19 years under her belt, in multiple positions with Microsoft, transitions her way into a change not only to a different company but role, as well! Yes, you heard me right...19 years with the same company! So, how did she make this leap? And what advice can she offer you? First and foremost, be your authentic self!

Ep. 19 - If I'm So Great at Tech, Why Can't I Work the TV Remote?

Ellen Twomey — Wed, 25 Mar 2020 05:00:00 -0400

As women, we so often blame ourselves first...for example, “I’m completely not technical. I mean I don’t even know how to work the remote for the TV. I get my 10-year-old to do it.” When frustration arises from your attempt to use a product, consider this, “was this product designed for me?” This one small step is progress. Let's talk about how only YOU can decide that you are techy!

Ep. 18 - How to Use Failure as a Getting Hired Strategy

Ellen Twomey — Wed, 18 Mar 2020 05:00:00 -0400

If you aren’t experiencing failure or rejection, you are most likely not moving forward in your tech career...or with anything for that matter. Let’s talk about how you can use that failure and rejection and apply it to your getting hired strategy….wait, what? You can do that? First things first, you have to do the work and you WILL face obstacles that need a solution!

Ep. 17 - The Techy Mindset

Ellen Twomey — Wed, 11 Mar 2020 05:00:00 -0400

Let’s talk about what it takes to be techy! And no, I don’t mean code. I mean really embracing the techy mindset. This is something I did and I know YOU can too! Stop blaming yourself and start blaming technology. You are probably thinking...what do you mean by this? I will go into detail about how you can empower yourself within the technology field and JUST DO IT!

Ep. 16 - Interview with Colleen Klausner

Ellen Twomey — Wed, 04 Mar 2020 05:00:00 -0500

Colleen Klausner, mother of four and senior technical recruiter, gives us specific details about what her role is all about and how you can put yourself in a better position to get hired! As a recruiter, Colleen knows a thing or two about the hiring process and she shares with us a few tips everyone should consider when going through the interviewing process and tending to your LinkedIn and resume!

Ep. 15 - Create Your UX Portfolio

Ellen Twomey — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 05:00:00 -0500

Have you asked yourself, how do I go about building my UX portfolio? Where do I even begin and what does it take? I am going to give you 3 key tools that you need to build your UX portfolio, effectively and efficiently. I'll touch on the mistakes that most make during this process and how to avoid them, saving you loads of time! So, what are you waiting for? First things first, decide on a project and stick to it!

Ep. 14 - Interview with Emily Hardin

Ellen Twomey — Wed, 19 Feb 2020 05:00:00 -0500

Emily Hardin, a mother of two, knows all about the crossover between product managing and parenting skills! Emily actually started off in a consulting role but to her surprise ended up as a product manager. She explains how important it is to get behind the product and some of the differences and similarities between a product manager and a product owner. Emily is passionate about bringing more women to tech and offers some advice for anyone considering a product manager role.

Ep. 13 - Know Your Value

Ellen Twomey — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 05:00:00 -0500

Whether you are new to tech or you have a few years under your belt, this episode is for you! When trying to figure out "what’s my value and how does that affect my career," it’s important to consider a few things. In this episode, I show you how you go about researching your market, what the market says about your value and how to apply this to your field. I'll touch on reasons why you might accept less pay on a job offer and how to add more value to your employer!

Ep. 12 - 4 Features That Create Quality UX

Ellen Twomey — Wed, 05 Feb 2020 05:00:00 -0500

These 4 features that lead us to quality UX are for EVERYONE so do not shy away, because these tools come in handy! They are simple and easy to apply with just a little understanding of why they are put in place and how we can use them. I provide a video so that you can follow along and see specific details on the do’s and don’ts, making for a quick but yet effective learning tutorial.

Ep. 11 - Interview with Vidya Dinamani

Ellen Twomey / Vidya Dinamani — Wed, 29 Jan 2020 05:00:00 -0500

Vidya Dinamani, co-founder and owner of Product Rebels and Ad Astra Ventures is here to share her journey with us and how she went from systems programming to landing herself in a product manager role. Vidya is passionate about helping female founders scale and grow their startups through different resources, such as a strong product, financial and leadership curriculum. We address implicit bias and how they play a role in the workforce, along with a typical day for Vidya running two companies. Don’t miss Vidya’s advice on how to build and strengthen your network through two key actions!

Ep. 10 - Interview with Jason Schreuder

Ellen Twomey / Jason Schreuder — Wed, 22 Jan 2020 05:00:00 -0500

Jason Schreuder is here to give us intell on what it means to be an agile coach and how that can look different than scrum master as he has taken on both roles. Not only this but Jason tells us about the skills he learned as a military officer and how those transferred over into his career in tech, in more ways than one. As an agile coach for one of the largest investment firms in the US, Jason dives into the logistics of what it takes to help managers become leaders and work groups become teams...not an easy task. Find out Jason’s secret to entering the tech world and how to be successful!

Ep. 9 - 20% of HTML for 80% Effectiveness

Ellen Twomey — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 05:00:00 -0500

The 20% of HTML that you need to get 80% effectiveness will scale your learning like never before. In this training, you'll get specific details on which parts of HTML are worth learning and spending time practicing! I will show you how to use w3schools in a way that will take your newfound tech skill to the next level. The 20% of HTML you take away from this podcast will allow you to HTML to your resume, a game-changer when applying for jobs. Once you land the job, you won't need to stress about not knowing a specific aspect to HTML. I show you how to always know the next step!

Ep. 8 - Interview with Jill Sanderson

Ellen Twomey / Jill Sanderson — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 05:00:00 -0500

Jill Sanderson is here to give us some insight on all things scrum master and agility. Jill currently holds a position as a senior agile coach with Dude Solutions, a Raleigh-based SaaS organization. Although, she has found herself in a position she loves, at one time she was a stay at home mother, caring for two boys and building a community for herself, Happy Valley Moms. Jill created this group to meet new people, coordinate playdates, or nights out with the girls, connecting people, similar to her scrum and agile ways! Jill offers some helpful advice on getting involved in your community, online and locally. When it comes to being hesitant in taking that first initial leap, whether that's getting back into the workforce or changing career paths, Jill is an awesome example of just how being open to new experiences and challenging yourself can go a long way in your journey!

Ep. 7 - The Big Picture Approach to Learning

Ellen Twomey — Thu, 02 Jan 2020 05:00:00 -0500

Rooted in Dr. Carol Dweck’s Growth Mindset principle, along with a splash of Craig Wortmann’s story-telling, the Big Picture Approach to Learning Tech is about more than just “project-based” learning. It is about training your brain to think a specific way so that you are in a position to learn - quickly, effectively and repeatedly. It can be tempting to want to “learn everything” when you are in tech; new or experienced. A much more effective way to learn tech, however, is to demonstrate to your potential employer as well as to yourself, how capable you are at learning tech skills. This will serve you over the long-haul of your career while enabling you to level-up again and again.

Ep. 6 - Interview with Jason Ogle

Ellen Twomey / Jason Ogle — Thu, 26 Dec 2019 05:00:00 -0500

Father-of-seven podcaster Jason Ogle stops by to talk all things USER! As the creator and host of the iTunes category leading podcast User Defenders, Jason has spoken to UX designers and Marketing experts across the globe. We dive deep into his conversation with Marketing sensation Seth Godin plus we talk all things parenting including how parenting informs our designs. Between his own work experiences as a UX Designer and his dozens of podcast interviews, Jason has had the opportunity to really explore what it means to be a UX Designer. He sums it up this way, “Ask ten UX designers what they do and you’ll get ten different answers.”

Ep. 5 - Interview with Sarah Brown

Ellen Twomey / Sarah Brown — Wed, 18 Dec 2019 05:00:00 -0500

Meet Sarah Brown, Usability Program Manager at MeetEdgar - the Octopus company! This mother of three went from piloting T-37 and T-38 aircraft for the United States Air Force to a tech career via a stint as a SAHM and a Social Media Manager. Sarah works 100% remotely, as do all MeetEdgar employees. She works directly to improve the already fantastic user experience at MeetEdgar which helps entrepreneurs and small business owners grow their business through social media. Sarah is an outstanding example of women in tech achieving meaningful, flexible, and well-paid work! We are so excited to share her unique journey with you!

Ep. 4 - Interview with Margaret Dawson (part II)

Ellen Twomey — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 05:00:00 -0500

We finish up our discussion with Margaret Dawson by discussing what it means to be a leader in tech, woman or not. Margaret's passion for people in the midst of the most technical of topics is refreshing and informative. We also talk about Margaret's passion project, Snort Out Loud where she is helping others to be exactly who they are by letting their light shine. True for anyone in any role, but certainly a relevant topic for being a woman in tech. Join us for this intriguing and hilariously real conversation!

Ep. 3 - Interview with Margaret Dawson (part I)

Ellen Twomey / Margaret Dawson — Wed, 04 Dec 2019 07:00:00 -0500

Margaret Dawson is the VP Portfolio Product Marketing at Red Hat, recently acquired in the largest tech acquisition in history by IBM for $34B.

Margaret talks about re-entry from an international assignment. Her re-entry company? 2000 Amazon. Imagine that dynamic! She gives us the details including working with Jeff Bezos.

Margaret is an author and global speaker on digital disruption, emerging technologies, open source, cloud computing, and women leadership. As a mother of five, Margaret talks straight-talk about the tug and pull of being a great mom in the environment of a challenging work.

In delivering advice to her younger self, Margaret says, “Let it go. It doesn’t matter. Be true to you. Set those boundaries.”

Join us for a conversation about the human factors in technology.

Ep. 2 - Interview with Shelly Blackburn

Ellen Twomey / Shelly Blackburn — Wed, 04 Dec 2019 06:00:00 -0500

Shelly Blackburn comes to us today with more than 25 years of experience in the Telecommunications and Networking industry. For the past 19 years, she has held various roles across Cisco’s Sales, Channel and Development organizations. In her current role, Shelly has responsibility for the entire global Security Systems Engineering organization which supports next-generation firewall, advanced malware protection, cloud security, and zero trust solutions. With a proven track record of increasing sales through the development and leadership of high-performing teams, she leads a World Wide organization of more than 500 security systems engineers and leaders dedicated to helping protect their customer’s network.

Shelly has a Bachelor of Science degree from Minnesota State University and a Master’s degree in Telecommunications from St. Mary’s University. She is also a graduate of Women Unlimited, the National Program for Women in Leadership, and is a key leader in the Cisco Empowered Women’s Network.

She is a mother of two beautiful children, one twelve-year-old daughter and one eleven -year-old son. Shelly is a strong voice for women in tech and we are happy to have her on the podcast today where she shares climbing the corporate jungle gym, secret weapon interview questions and advice for you on entering and leveling up your tech career.

Ep. 1 - You are techY - Foundational Four

Ellen — Wed, 04 Dec 2019 05:00:00 -0500

In this inaugural episode we'll introduce you to the You are techY concept. We'll teach you the foundational four of techy-ness so you can find your inner techy goddess. We'll talk women-hood and motherhood in tech and answer the question, "What tech job is right for me?"