Diva Tech Talk Podcast

Starting with a life-changing internship at Google, tech entrepreneur Tara Reed parlayed her experience at Foursquare and Microsoft to a successful launch of her own company: Kollecto.com.   In this podcast, listen to her advice including always have “side projects”;  challenging yourself with key questions, constantly;  building services first to encourage conversations with prospects;  and learning to juggle the roles of creator and CEO successfully. Kollecto can be found at kollecto.com. Tara shares with us insight on: Journey through various large "corporate" organizations like Google and Microsoft Turning a side project into a full time job Managing many roles to make a career from your passion Make sure to check us out on online at www.divatechtalk.com, on Twitter @divatechtalks, and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/divatechalk.

In this episode, we had the opportunity to discuss entrepreneurship and gaming with diva Jillian Winn. Jillian shares her insights into entrepreneurship, gaming and women, and her passions. Her journey in technology really started by exploring an interest in Telecommunications at Michigan State University. The college has one of the top gaming programs in the country, and as she went through grad school, she became more involved in game research. She went on to co-found a mission-oriented company called Signing Savvy (https://www.signingsavvy.com), a sign language resource, which aims to provide the most comprehensive online sign language resource for parents, educators, interpreters, students, or anyone interested in American Sign Language.  Jillian chats with us on the following: Her choices in college that led to web development and game research What gaming studies show us about women gamers Stereotypes of launching an online business How Signing Savvy helps 10 Million users Ways she gives back to women

In this episode, we had a great conversation with Maggie Lohnes, Founder of Sound Informatics. After a long and strong career in Healthcare IT, she started her own company to provide advice and services to organizations, of all sizes, serving the mission of information technology and its positive effect on healthcare systems.   Maggie shares her journey from being a critical care nurse to jumping into one of the first roles in health informatics. She’s learned a lot from managing teams of engineers, to traveling extensively and growing a strong career that led to her own company. Maggie chats with us about: The first roles in informatics How she learned, as a nurse, to manage a team of engineers How she overcame challenges Make sure to check us out on online at www.divatechtalk.com, on Twitter @divatechtalks, and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/divatechalk.

In this episode, we are joined by Deb Swink, Vice President for CSI Leasing. She is a trailblazer in the world of IT leasing. Deb joined the field of IT leasing just as it was beginning to emerge. She shares with us a brief history of the industry, and how her career evolved as a sales executive.   Deb has had quite the journey in technology, from taking a leap from finance to sales, to testifying on the national stage, while eight months pregnant, to making a huge change in the field. She also helped support the Michigan Council of Women In Technology consistently for 14 years, which is a network of over 700 IT leaders and professionals. Deb shares insights on: How IT leasing got its start and where the industry is today How she sparked a movement, testifying in court for her industry Her personal journey from accounting to sales Characteristics that have helped her as a stellar saleswoman Advice for women wanting to be stronger leaders Make sure to check us out on online at www.divatechtalk.com, on Twit

In this episode, we interviewed Carla Smith the Executive Vice President of HIMSS, a global cause-based nonprofit organization focused on providing better health through information technology. She has nearly 25 years in policy development, 20 years of healthcare experience and a passion for translating “technospeak” for everyone. Carla shares her journey from banking, to manufacturing, to health IT where she’s stayed. She discusses the importance of having the right information at the right time to make smart policy decisions. Carla shares: Her story of how she fell into health IT How HIMSS provides vital support to health IT professionals and influences policy Why strong communication skills are helpful in the world of IT How she handles work life balance through the perspective of “life seasons” Her favorite advice for personal growth and development Make sure to check us out on online at www.divatechtalk.com, on Twitter @divatechtalks, and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/divatechal

In this episode, we chat with Susan Heichert, Senior Vice President and CIO of Allina Health. Susan first started in the health IT world by entering nursing school. She practiced nursing for several years, and suggests it as a great route towards health leadership positions. Susan now manages over 550 people as the CIO of health systems in their information services department, including medical records, and also clinical engineering (often known as biomed) services. She shares her journey, which led her to explore many realms across technology and the globe. Susan chats with us abouton: Her first Apple II computer, and technology role installing clinical applications How her master’s in industrial relations gave her leadership skills How she’s approached taking new opportunities as she and her husband relocated around the US and lived for two years in China Characteristics that have helped her in the healthcare IT world Advice for women wanting to move up in management and leadership positions Make sure to

In this episode we interview Judy Murphy Chief Nursing Officer for IBM. Judy shares her journey from nursing to the world of IT, and IBM’s role in healthcare. Judy joined IT at a “pioneering time” when computers were first being introduced to nursing stations. She rose as an RN to the Vice President of Aurora Healthcare where she stayed for 25 years. A stint with the federal government led her later on to IBM. Judy currently brings her industry expertise to IBM  make change across the industry since IBM realized that computerization has become a commodity  The real value is how computers can be used to better understand and transform health care services. Judy discusses: The early days of computers being used by the nursing workforce; How she journeyed from nurse, to analyst, to VP of a large healthcare provider; The importance of participating in the healthcare industry as a whole; IBM’s main focus on mobile and data; Her two top qualities as a leader; Three leadership lessons she has for

In this episode we speak with Kimberly Snipes, Vice President of Consumer Products and Operations Technology for Capital One Financial Corporation, a diversified bank with 44 million customer accounts worldwide and 1,000 branch locations in New York, New Jersey, Texas, Louisiana, Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia.   Kim currently manages the technology platforms for Capital One’s Retail and Direct Bank, a 700 person team responsible for fraud, compliance, and more. Kim describes her career as “wearing many hats.” Kim shares with us: How she first worked in the world of technology consulting business; How Kim hires and builds strong teams; Balancing the life of mom and corporate executive; Why women should build a personal brand for their career; Capital One’s Women in Tech Initiative and supporting Women Who Code. Make sure to check us out on online at www.divatechtalk.com on Twitter @divatechtalks, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/divatechalk.

Diva Nicole Johnson-Scheffler attended The Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing, organized in Houston, by The Anita Borg Institute. Nicole, along with her 12,000 women in tech friends, learned a lot at the conference. In this episode, we talk to three diverse women who represent facets of this greater technology community. The first is Anita Garcia, a junior at California State University in Monterey Bay, enrolled in the cohort-based “CS in 3” —a three year accelerated computer science degree program. Anita began her technology odyssey at the early age of 12, developing a fascination with HTML and Websites and shares her experience at the conference. Next, Nicole chats with uber-entrepreneur Elissa Shevinsky, currently Co-Founder and CEO of JeKuDo Privacy Company, a startup building high security group collaboration tools, which are easy to use, for enterprises and activists. Elissa shares with us why women should “lean out” in the workplace. Lastly we hear from Jessica Legner, a developer with ES

Diva Tech Talk chatted with Tracy-Ann Palmer, a female IT leader and South African expatriate, with a fascinating career, ranging from entrepreneurship to Fortune 500 companies to community/nonprofit organizations.    Tracy worked with Marcus Evans, a worldwide experiential marketing firm that instilled a culture of entrepreneurship. Tracy moved on to a series of corporations and startups, developing her strong interest in technology. Now Tracy is at Cisco in a transformational role that changes the image/mindset of decision makers. Tracey shares with us: Her first roles in sales and management; Her experience at Salesfoce.com Foundation; How she evaluated opportunities for career growth; Her role as a “change agent” at Cisco. Make sure to check us out on online at www.divatechtalk.com on Twitter @divatechtalks, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/divatechalk.

In this episode of Diva Tech Talk we speak with digital leader, Marina Reyna, a senior IT project manager at Optum Technology, subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group. Supervising an 8-person team, Marina is passionately interested in the healthcare market, and a strong advocate for managing career in a dynamic fashion. Marina’s undergraduate B.A. was in marketing and communications. Her career roles spanned numerous agencies (Young & Rubicam, Mars, Wunderman/Team Detroit, Doner and BrandLabs). It was at Wunderman/Team Detroit, she made the leap into the digital field. These diverse stints prepared her for her current career. Marina shares with us the following: How she first got into the world of digital technology; The importance of a strong communication style; How she leads her tech team; How her Mexican American ethnicity influences her works style; How her mother, a migrant worker, inspired her to have strength and integrity Make sure to check us out on online at www.divatechtalk.com on Twitter @diva

In this episode, we hear from Linda Lynch, president of KI Technology Group, an  IT services provider that helps small and medium-sized businesses grow through the best use of appropriate, cost-effective technology. A software programmer, by training, Linda held developer positions at Consumers’ Energy and Burroughs Corporation before joining KI in 1986. She acquired an ownership interest in the company in 1990 and has been president since 1992.   Linda discusses with us: Her beginnings in the coding world; How she managed Ki’s transition from a software company to a full service company; The top three trends changing IT; How to avoid “techspeak” with clients; Publishing a book for trouble free IT; Her values for building a strong company and career Make sure to check us out on online at www.divatechtalk.com on Twitter @divatechtalks, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/divatechalk.  

At Cisco Headquarters in San Jose, Ca.,  the Digital Divas sat down with engineer rockstar Shraddha Chaplot, who sees the world through “tech-colored glasses.” At Cisco, Shraddha has worked in many positions, using her innate ability to innovate. She began as a member of the accessibility team at Cisco. Then, she moved to an energy efficiency and green standards team and was part of the first EnergyStar test labs at Cisco, that qualified over 20 products. Now, she is combining several of her passions with the Internet of Everything (IoE) and college specialization in machine intelligence in a new role. Shraddha share with us: How to see the world through “tech-colored glasses;” The importance of IoT today; Her work at Cicso with Iot and Raspberry pi; IoE and the future of STEM Careers; Networking and other personal advice for growth Make sure to check us out on online at www.divatechtalk.com on Twitter @divatechtalks, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/divatechalk. talk.

In this episode we hear from Sue Schade, CIO of the University of Michigan Hospitals & Health Centers. We share Sue’s inspiring story. We spoke with Sue Schade, CIO of the University of Michigan Hospitals & Health Centers. Sue has spent over 30 years in the world of technology. She began as a developer before finding herself traveling down the path to become CIO of a major health system. Sue shares:  Her passions in the area of tech How Sue took the leap into the world of management Crucial management tips for women Make sure to check us out on online at www.divatechtalk.com on Twitter @divatechtalks, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/divatechalk.  

In this episode we interview Co-founder Carrie Thorpe of Sizzle Pig. Carrie shares her story about getting into technology and launching Sizzle Pig’s new and very effective image sharing tool. Carrie Thorpe’s first professional mission focused on what was then the “hot” new world of digital advertising. She was the pioneer digital traffic professional for Ogilvy & Mather, a large global ad agency. In 2009, she left to start her own agency and noticed a massive problem with image editing and sharing from their own experience. Carrie describes how the idea for Sizzle Pig’s cloud-sharing image tool was conceived, and why it saves creative teams 90% of their precious time. She discusses why the product is revolutionary and has radically changed the way we now approach image editing and sharing. Carrie shares with us: When to know it’s right to pursue a new product idea; How to stay focused through the challenges; The values of building a great partnership and work culture; Why everyone needs a mentor. Make

In this episode we chat with Christina Mathes, Vice President of Client Experience for Rocket Fiber. Rocket Fiber is Detroit's exciting, new Gigabit Internet provider serving residents and businesses with up to 1,000 times faster Internet speeds. Christina started in a position in mortgage banking at Quicken Loans, where her career evolved over the past 15 years. About four years ago she moved to the Mouse Trap team, the “innovation arm” of Quicken Loans, and then this year to the startup: Rocket Fiber.   Christina shares with us: How corporations can build innovative cultures How Quicken Loan’s Mouse Trap team works to develop new ideas What Gigabit Internet is for residents and businesses How Rocket Fiber is improvement customer service How Christina was able to build her career through the nonprofit  “We Build Character” program Make sure to check us out on online at www.divatechtalk.com on Twitter @divatechtalks, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/divatechalk.

In this episode, we speak with Rosemary Bayer, co-founder and Chief Inspiration Officer for ardentCause L3C --- the first low profit, limited liability corporation in the state of Michigan (“a for profit company with a nonprofit soul”). Co-founding ardentCause in 2009, as one of the few women-founded and women-owned technology companies in the Midwest,  Rosemary and her team have exclusively served major nonprofit agencies, funders, and educational groups. ardentCause helps nonprofits measure their impact, utilizing online data solutions to achieve better outcomes, through innovative software for data collection, analysis, visualization and communication of information.  With a background that includes product invention for major computer companies, and leading large business operations,  Rosemary is ardentCause’s primary force behind the invention and implementation of innovative technology solutions to help nonprofits succeed. Rosemary shares with us: How she first entered the world of technology Taking t

Diva Tech Talk interviews Jane Sydlowski, Founder and CEO of AMI Strategies (www.amistrategies.com). Jane is quite unique with an engineering background and proven track record as a Founder of a company thriving for over over 24 years. How did she make it through some of the toughest times for the industry and come out ahead? Find out as she tells her story and shares more resources for women in technology.   Give us your social media love if you enjoy our podcasts with a comment or boost. Full Story on this episode and more Digital Divas Stories: http://www.divatechtalk.com/blog/ep4   Learn more about women leading in the technology world online at www.divatechtalk.com  Follow us on Twitter  - @Divatechtalks Visit us on Facebook -www.facebook.com/DivaTechTalk  

Couldn’t make it to SXSW 2015? In this episode, we’ve got the scoop on leading ladies in technology. Host Amanda Lewan attends SXSW 2015 to capture exciting interviews with women in technology. This short podcast features three diverse discussions with women focusing on Large Scale 3D Printing, The “Internet of Everything” Bra & “Detected, the Movie”, and even a new startup focused on .CLUB domain name extension.   We discuss in this episode: Launching a company in the Startup Chile program 3D printing and reusable materials The Internet of Things and Cicso’s support in the industry How the “IT Bra” detects breast cancer A look at the domain world, and .CLUB’s approach Make sure to check us out on  online at www.divatechtalk.com on Twitter @divatechtalks, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/divatechalk.

In this episode, Digital Entrepreneur Monica Wheat shares her story of leaving the corporate automotive world to launch a non-profit helping girls learn to code. Monica shares why she started Digerati Girls, a training program for young girls and teens, partnered with corporations like Google. She is also the Detroit Lead for Pipeline Fellows, training women to be investors.  A lot of women entrepreneurs don’t get the funding they need because of what Monica explains “pattern matching.” Pipeline Fellows is helping break this pattern across the country and right here in Detroit, creating more opportunity for women in technology.    Monica discusses: The world of digital media and marketing Why she started Digerati Girls and how it works “Pattern matching” in investing, and getting more women in tech investing Advice for women in the technology field Make sure to check us out on  online at www.divatechtalk.com on Twitter @divatechtalks, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/divatechalk.