Episódios
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Natia Kvaratskhelia is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at I Know, where she has served since 2020, leveraging over 15 years of experience in finance and technology. Natia's career began in finance, progressing through roles from accountant to financial advisor, which equipped her with strong analytical and strategic skills. In 2014, she transitioned to IT, excelling in various positions such as software consultant, analyst, and team lead before assuming her current role.
Natia holds a Bachelor's and Master's in Business Administration from Tbilisi State University and continually enhances her expertise through professional development, including courses in digital transformation, business analytics, and agile methodologies. Certified in ISO 9001:2015 as an internal auditor, she also has a background in organizational behavior, including enneagram frameworks.
Her leadership philosophy emphasizes fostering new leaders and team growth. Known for her strategic thinking, results orientation, and commitment to ethical standards, Natia excels at seeing the big picture while focusing on crucial operational details. She is dedicated to driving operational excellence, supporting sustainable growth, and fostering an environment where both individuals and organizations thrive. Looking ahead, Natia aims to push boundaries in operational leadership and drive innovation in the tech sector.
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Riley Coleman (they/them) is a seasoned expert in human-centered design with a rebellious spirit, dedicated to accelerating AI literacy with a focus on responsible, ethical innovation. With over 15 years shaping digital experiences, Riley brings a deeply empathetic approach, driven by the belief that technology should elevate human potential rather than replace it.
Riley’s career is rich with impact, from establishing a UN-recognized harm reduction program at the Australian Red Cross to leading major digital transformations at Telstra. Most recently, as Director of Central Design at Epidemic Sound, they introduced groundbreaking research methodologies and facilitated customer co-design workshops on AI-driven music creation. At Taxfix in Berlin, Riley scaled the design team by 400% within a year, building the infrastructure needed for rapid, multi-country growth.
Now, as the founder of AI Flywheel, Riley is democratizing AI knowledge through accessible, human-centered training programs for responsible AI implementation. Leveraging their extensive background in harm minimization, human-centered design, and service transformation, Riley is fostering a community of practice around ethical AI adoption, empowering professionals to engage with AI confidently while upholding human agency.
Their broad experience reinforces a central belief: true innovation emerges when we blend technical skill with human insight, creating powerful AI-human partnerships that enhance, rather than diminish, our shared humanity.
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Maeva Cecchi is currently a Lead UX at Amadeus, a company that powers the global travel and tourism industry. She leads the UX Competency Center for Amadeus Discover, where she is responsible for implementing UX strategy through cross-functional collaboration. Maeva also develops a "UX as a Service" approach for major clients, focusing on improving both conversion rates and user experience through data-driven insights.
Maeva is also the co-lead of the Amadeus UX Community, dedicated to enhancing UX maturity and fostering a strong user experience culture among UX professionals and non-UX stakeholders alike.
As a Diversity & Inclusion ambassador, she actively promotes digital accessibility, mentoring development teams to ensure compliance with accessibility standards.
In addition, Maeva is involved with the association WHAT06, supporting initiatives that encourage women’s integration into the technology sector. Her contributions include co-organizing events like Girls Tech Day 2023 and developing a mentoring app for young women.
Holding a Master’s degree in Psychology, specializing in Cognitive Ergonomics from Université Côte d’Azur, Maeva combines her UX expertise with a deep understanding of user needs. She has co-authored articles on designing for cognitive (dis)abilities and envisions a tech industry that fosters inclusive work environments, prioritizing diversity and accessibility.
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Kelly Evans is a seasoned entrepreneur and small business owner who grew her first company to $5MM in annual revenue within just three years, drawing on her deep expertise in marketing, sales, and digital development. With extensive hands-on experience across all facets of digital marketing, she appreciates the critical role of inbound marketing and online platforms in the growth and resilience of small to mid-sized businesses. A talented marketing strategist and project manager, Kelly has a proven track record of developing and executing creative, client-centric strategies that elevate growth, brand recognition, ROI, and revenue—including during her impactful tenure at Tripadvisor.
Known for her high energy and fast-paced style, Kelly is a strategic Renaissance woman who has worn nearly every hat: from CEO, CMO, and CFO, to SEO, SEM, and SMM Specialist; Director of Operations, Website Developer, VP of Marketing, and even Delivery Driver, Packer, and Seamstress—always staying positive, motivated, and smiling every step of the way.
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Jen Morse (Iudice) leads the team responsible for foundational, conceptual, and tactical research insights that drive product development and refinement at Sonos. Her work informs and establishes essential parameters for human-centered design across various disciplines. Jen has been with Sonos since 2019. Before joining Sonos, she spent a decade at Teague, a global design consultancy at the intersection of technology and transportation. There, she led exploratory research for clients like Boeing, providing key insights to guide future innovation in user experiences.
With over 25 years of experience, Jen has analyzed user experiences across industries including retail, software, home media, pharmaceuticals, and fast food. Prior to her time at Teague, she spent more than a decade at Doblin Group (now Deloitte), a design strategy firm in Chicago. During this period, she also studied at the Institute of Design, focusing on user research and design strategy, as well as at the University of Chicago, where she pursued anthropology.
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Courtney Hurley is the co-founder of Screws + Stilettos and the Market Like a CMO course. With 19 years of digital marketing experience, she has worked with everything from Fortune 500 companies to local daycares.
An entrepreneur with a foundation in SEO, SEM, analytics, and web design, Courtney also holds a marketing degree from Bentley University. Her expertise has since expanded to include email marketing, social media management, e-commerce, CMS, and business development.
Having worked with major players like Google, Amazon, and Wayfair, Courtney is skilled at helping businesses grow their online presence, increase brand awareness, boost ROI, and drive revenue through innovative strategic initiatives.
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Sheryl Cababa is the author of Closing the Loop: Systems Thinking for Designers. As a design researcher and strategist, she serves as the Chief Strategy Officer at Optimistic Design, a research and insights studio in Seattle dedicated to education. Her work emphasizes systems thinking and equity-centered design, and she has collaborated with a diverse array of clients, including the Gates Foundation, Microsoft, IKEA, and Khan Academy. Sheryl is passionate about leveraging design to help clients reimagine education.
In addition to her practice, she teaches at the University of Washington's Human-Centered Design and Engineering program, where she introduces systems thinking to the next generation of designers.
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Nikki Bass is a Senior Program Manager at Yahoo, specializing in Technical Learning and Development. With a strong focus on digital transformation and cloud strategy, Nikki leads cutting-edge training programs in emerging technologies such as Generative AI and cloud platforms. In addition to her corporate work, she is a dedicated advocate for diversity and inclusion, actively mentoring and developing the next generation of tech talent through her career coaching business and talent development initiatives.
As a leader in the tech space, Nikki offers a unique perspective on how women and non-binary individuals can thrive in the fast-evolving technology sector, particularly in roles beyond traditional engineering and coding. Her innovative approach empowers underrepresented groups to find success in dynamic, non-traditional pathways within the industry.
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Heather MacDonald is the Founder of Contemplating Life’s Choices, a coaching and leadership development practice dedicated to empowering high-performing diverse women and mothers who struggle with overthinking, people-pleasing, and perfectionism, all while striving to balance their careers and personal lives.
In her role as a Principal Consultant at Pluralsight, Heather serves as a strategic thought partner across a global portfolio of industry-leading companies and academic institutions. She leverages organizational psychology, systems change, science-based leadership, and equity-focused practices to help clients implement sustainable, scalable, and adaptable programs.
Heather is also a global speaker, panelist, and workshop host on leadership development, organizational change, workplace culture, talent mobility, community building, and lifelong learning.
She currently serves as a founding member of the Technology and Data Committee for the World Innovation and Change Management Institute, co-leads the mock interview program for second-year students at the Center for Equity and Student Belonging at the University of Utah, and is an Inaugural Board Member for the Women’s Wellness Summit.
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Bobbie Racette is a pioneering force in the tech industry, embodying innovation and advocating for social change as the Founder & CEO of Virtual Gurus and VG OnDemand. Her dedication to fostering inclusivity and equitable opportunities has revolutionized the remote work sector, especially for marginalized communities. With her unique perspective as a Métis-Cree, 2SLGBTQIA+ woman entrepreneur, Bobbie has turned Virtual Gurus into a leading Talentplace platform in North America, championing diversity and inclusion.
This mission is deeply personal for Bobbie - she knows firsthand the challenges traditionally marginalized communities face in the workplace. She has seen how systemic barriers can prevent talented individuals from achieving their full potential, and her personal journey fuels her commitment to creating a more equitable future. Under her guidance, Virtual Gurus has built a vibrant community of over 800 professionals from diverse backgrounds, powered by innovative technology that leverages algorithms, machine learning, and human expertise to match assistants with clients.
Bobbie’s accomplishments have not gone unnoticed, earning her several prestigious awards such as the Indigenous Entrepreneur of the Year in 2022, EY Winning Woman 2022, and the Distinguished Entrepreneur of the Year from the University of Victoria’s Gustavson School of Business in 2023. Her influence extends beyond business, serving as a Board member for the Telus Friendly Future Foundation and as the inaugural Chair of the Board for the Indigenous Prosperity Foundation, where she continues to break barriers and inspire change.
Bobbie gives back by sharing her journey and learnings as a successful woman entrepreneur in tech. She’s a sought-after speaker and thought leader who uses her platform to advocate for a more just and equitable future. Through her initiatives, Bobbie not only opens doors for diverse talent but also instills a belief that "no" is not an answer, paving the way for groundbreaking success.
Additionally, Bobbie's dedication to empowering underrepresented communities and creating equitable opportunities that provide accessible, affordable, and reliable staffing solutions to help level the playing field for entrepreneurs who might otherwise struggle to compete; Bobbie Racette is changing the game for entrepreneurs and employees alike.
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Building on more than 20 years of proven success in marketing, Nichole Austion, MBA, has served as vice president of public affairs for the National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI) since 2022. She originally joined NMSI in 2020 as director of marketing communications, quickly rising to senior director before taking on her current role. Nichole oversees a government affairs team responsible for nurturing NMSI's relationships with federal and state entities, as well as individual public-sector stakeholders. Her team ensures compliance with government regulations and supports the strategic goals of the organization.
Before joining NMSI, Nichole honed her marketing expertise in various leadership roles. She was the director of marketing and communications at Lighthouse Academies and served as a senior marketing manager at both Secureworks and Acuity Brands. Nichole's career includes 12 years at Teradata Corporation, where she advanced from senior industry marketing manager to director of industry marketing. Prior to transitioning to marketing, Nichole pursued engineering, including a two-year stint at IBM, where she discovered her talent for breaking down complex technical concepts into easily understandable terms.
Nichole’s professional success is rooted in a strong academic background. She holds a Bachelor of Science in computer science and engineering from Howard University and earned an MBA from the Texas McCombs School of Business in 1995. She has also bolstered her expertise with certifications in nonprofit organization management and inbound marketing. Nichole credits her education in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) as a key factor in her career achievements.
An active member of the National Black MBA Association, Nichole continues to share her insights and learn from peers with similar backgrounds. In 2024, she was named Innovator of the Year by the Women’s Empowerment Ministry, a recognition she considers her most significant accomplishment. This award was tied to a program she organized that featured a space capsule exhibit and a panel with six Black astronauts at Martha’s Vineyard. Through this initiative, Nichole helped raise awareness among middle-class African American families about the presence of Black astronauts, a possibility that many had not previously considered.
In addition to her executive roles, Nichole is a strong advocate for STEM education. She published her first children’s book, Miles and the Math Monsters, in 2024, which helps children overcome their fear of math in a fun and engaging way. Her commitment to community service is evident in her board memberships with Georgia Agape Inc., College Ready Now, and the Greater Atlanta Christian School Parent Association. She has also contributed to civic engagement as an elections issuing clerk in Gwinnett County and supported fundraising efforts for Greater Atlanta Christian School.
Outside of her professional life, Nichole is a devoted wife and mother. In her leisure time, she enjoys reading, writing, and traveling with her family.
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Stephanie Barber is a passionate advocate for educational reform, dedicated to driving positive change through her extensive career in tutoring, non-profit work, and curriculum and assessment development. Currently, she channels her commitment to education into her role as a Product Manager for Reading.com at Teaching.com, where she leads the development of innovative technology designed to support diverse learners.
With a strong background in play-based learning and a deep empathy for the needs of early learners, Stephanie excels as a 0-to-1 Product Developer. Her previous roles include Curriculum Director at Teaching.com, Assessment Specialist at Age of Learning, Action Civics Program Manager at Mikva Challenge, and Project Manager & Curriculum Developer at GameDesk.
Stephanie holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from the University of Southern California (USC) and a Product Manager Certification from Product School.
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Lois Melbourne served as the CEO and co-founder of Aquire Solutions for eighteen years, a company specializing in workforce analytics and talent management software. Through her work with global clients, she developed a deep curiosity about career choices and the unique stories behind them.
After selling Aquire Solutions, Lois shifted her focus to empowering the next generation. She founded the nonprofit My Future Story, dedicated to helping children explore career opportunities. Through workshops and presentations for students, teachers, and youth programs, My Future Story guides career paths, educational trajectories, and innovative ways to make informed life choices.
Currently, Lois devotes much of her time to writing novels and advocating for voting rights and civic education. In 2022, she published Moral Code, a novel in which the protagonist develops an ethical AI to protect children from abuse and trafficking. This reflects Lois's passion for using technology for good.
Lois is also an active volunteer for various education-focused organizations and remains deeply involved in her community. She serves as chairwoman and investor at Sensori Robotics and enjoys mentoring students, young professionals, and entrepreneurs.
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Peighton Woodard is a FemTech founder, military spouse, and, above all, a mom of two. While she never set out to dive into the tech world, life had other plans, guiding her toward a purpose beyond her imagination. Driven by a deep calling, she now finds herself at the forefront of FemTech, building a company that empowers women to reconnect with their bodies in transformative ways.
Through the creation of her app, Luna Leaf, Peighton has helped countless women rediscover the hidden magic of their menstrual cycles. Luna Leaf offers daily content to help users optimize their lives through the practice of cycle-syncing—aligning lifestyle choices with the natural rhythms of the menstrual cycle. From nutrition and fitness to daily routines, Peighton is passionate about helping women embrace the cyclical nature of their bodies and live in harmony with all four phases of their cycles.
Luna Leaf takes the guesswork out of cycle-syncing, making it simple and accessible for today’s busy woman. The app launches globally on September 10, 2024, in the Apple App Store and Google Play. Join the waitlist for updates or follow Peighton's journey.
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Lauren Carris, a first-generation scholar, transitioned from her academic career as a language and identity researcher to become a human-centered digital product leader. With over 20 years of experience across diverse industries, she draws on her interdisciplinary background and intersectional insights to drive innovation. As a people-first leader, Lauren excels at balancing product strategy with people management, championing the creation of transformative tools, digital solutions, and human capital strategies that not only shape organizational culture but also advance individual career growth.
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Elham Mirzaei is a dynamic project manager at a leading high-tech company, where she spearheads innovative projects shaping the future of mobility in Europe. Originally from Iran, Elham earned her Bachelor’s in Robotic Engineering before moving to Italy to obtain a Master’s in Mechatronic Engineering. This academic journey laid a solid foundation for her career in cutting-edge technology.
Elham’s professional journey is marked by significant milestones, including her relocation to Italy for education and subsequently to Germany for her career. With six years of experience in developing autonomous vehicles, she has been instrumental in R&D projects related to smart factories and logistics solutions. Currently, she leads a strategic project aimed at integrating Level 4 autonomous vehicles into public transportation on Germany's roads, aligning with recent legislation and positioning her at the forefront of Europe’s innovative mobility solutions.
Beyond her career, Elham is passionate about cooking and deeply engaged with Persian literature and poetry. Her enthusiasm for sports and exploration drives her to try new activities and push her boundaries, whether through hiking or embracing new challenges. Her commitment to stepping out of her comfort zone reflects her belief in continuous personal growth and self-discovery.
As a Middle Eastern woman who has fought for her rights from the very beginning, Elham’s advocacy has not only continued but has strengthened since her move to Europe. She is devoted to empowering women, especially women of color, and sees the potential in every individual to create a positive impact. Elham strives to contribute to a brighter, kinder world, highlighting her relentless dedication to both personal development and social betterment.
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Ashleigh Respicio brings a wealth of experience across various roles, most recently serving as a Marketing Operations Manager and HubSpot Specialist at Playwire. She excels in crafting and executing HubSpot strategies to drive growth for publishers and app developers. A Drexel University alumna, Ashleigh graduated in 2007 and has spent the past five years creating and developing innovative web design solutions for clients. Beyond her professional pursuits, Ashleigh is often found cheering on her kids at the hockey rink or swimming pool, teaching Pilates, or walking her energetic pitbull, Hershey.
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With more than 16 years of legal experience in the telecommunications regulatory field, Melissa Slawson is the General Counsel and Vice President of Government Affairs and Education at leading enterprise-level telecommunications company GeoLinks. Since 2017, she has been GeoLinks' general counsel, overseeing all legal and regulatory matters. As part of her role, she tracks policies and legislation that may affect GeoLinks’ business and advocates before various regulatory bodies such as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and currently serves as a board member for the Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition and chairs the Rural Expansion Working Group for the Wireless Internet Service Provider Association (WISPA).
Slawson began her career working for the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) where she held positions both at the staff level in the Communications Division working on broadband mapping and video franchise matters and at the executive level serving as telecommunications and legal advisor for Commissioner Catherine Sandoval. She then held an Associate position at Davis Wright Tremaine, LLP specializing in legal policy work for the wireless, broadband, and cable industries before the CPUC and other state and federal regulatory agencies. Prior to joining GeoLinks, she worked as General Counsel to a wireless reseller offering subsidized wireless service to low-income consumers under the Lifeline program.
Slawson earned a J.D. from California Western School of Law in 2007 and a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Arizona in 2002 (Magna Cum Laude). She is most proud of helping GeoLinks drive forward its mission of closing the digital divide by connecting unconnected communities across the United States, as well as playing a pivotal role in the company securing winning bids in the Connect America Fund and Rural Digital Opportunity Fund. In her leisure time, Melissa performs improv, enjoys cooking, exercise, watching television, and spending time with her husband and dog Logan.
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Ellie King is the Co-Founder of Equal IT. A mission-driven business supporting organisations globally to recruit inclusive teams. Combing coaching on building diverse and equitable cultures. DE&I is in their DNA.
As the host of the Equal Inspired Podcast. Ellie works to amplify the voices of women and non-dominant groups doing amazing work in tech. To create relatable role models. Because representation matters.
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Corin Lines-Stary is a dynamic professional who serves as founder and partner at GenerAIve, a leading GenAI consultancy. Alongside her entrepreneurial ventures, she excels as an executive coach and is renowned for her award-winning contributions to technology podcasting.
Corin's passion for storytelling and technology inspired her to co-create and host the top-rated podcast "In Her Element." Initially an internal project at BCG, it evolved into a widely acclaimed platform, captivating a global audience. The podcast's success is highlighted by its frequent top rankings in technology podcast charts and its prestigious Silver award for "Best Branded Podcast or Segment for Podcasts" at the w3 Awards. This journey paved the way for her latest podcast, "The Creative and the AI."
At GenerAIve, Corin harnesses her strategic vision and technological acumen to help businesses leverage artificial intelligence, fostering transformative change and unlocking new opportunities. Her role involves guiding companies through the complexities of GenAI solutions, ensuring they stay ahead in an ever-evolving technological landscape.
Driven by a relentless passion for innovation and a commitment to excellence, Corin continually pushes boundaries and challenges the status quo. Her efforts span shaping business strategies, crafting compelling narratives, and pioneering groundbreaking solutions. Corin is dedicated to driving positive change and shaping a brighter future for industries and communities worldwide.
Discover more about GenerAIve and Corin's work at GenerAIve.
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