2 Lit Chicks Podcast: ITSMF Awards Gala Episode

“What happens when the future of tech walks into a room—and every voice in that room feels seen, heard, and lit up?”

Join your host Fern Johnson on a front-row journey into the I-T-S-M-F Technology Leaders Awards Gala, straight from Houston, Texas.

In this special episode of Two Lit Chicks, we bring you behind the velvet rope—into the vibrant energy, bold ideas, and magnetic leaders redefining what tech leadership looks like.

Welcome to "Work Different" - the podcast that's challenging everything you thought you knew about business, productivity, and success. Its your girl Fern or 2 LIT Chicks Podcast, and today we're diving into a book that flipped the business world on its head: "Rework" by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson. Basically, you need to STOP talking…and START working!!! Smarter, not harder…driving productivity and innovation.

 Joining me today is another LIT Chick….Kiran Nagar, President and Managing Director of Arayna Technology.

When "Rework" hit shelves in 2010, these Basecamp founders didn't just suggest tweaking your business approach - they threw the entire rulebook out the window. Forget growth at all costs. Forget working yourself to death. Forget needing investors, elaborate business plans, and endless meetings.

"Rework" told us something radical: The old way is broken. Working smarter beats working longer. And sometimes, doing LESS is the secret to building something great.

Today, we're unpacking the revolutionary ideas from "Rework" that are even MORE relevant in today's chaotic work landscape. Whether you're running a business, thinking of starting one, or just trying to navigate your career, this episode might just change how you think about work forever.

This episode explores career transitions in the tech industry through the experiences of host Fern Johnson and guest Tariro Mupamhadz. It offers practical strategies for navigating pivotal career moments and developing leadership skills.

What happens when a power couple in tech trades NYC hustle for Amsterdam harmony? In this heartfelt and wisdom-rich episode of 2 L.I.T. Chicks, host Fern Johnson sits down with Carla and David Ogunrinde — longtime technologists, entrepreneurs, and partners in both life and leadership — to talk about what it really means to go global with intention.

From navigating long-term marriage through international relocation, to transforming their tech careers into purpose-centered practices, the Ogunrindes share lessons on slowing down, redefining success, and dreaming together. This episode is a love letter to alignment, awareness, and audacity.

Episode Chapters

00:00 — Introduction and Welcome

00:30 — Meet the Tech Power Couple: Carla and David Ogunrinde

01:59 — The Big Move: From NYC to Amsterdam as a Couple

02:50 — Navigating Marriage and Growth Abroad

04:08 — Dreaming and Planning Together

05:10 — Cultural Adaptation and New Perspectives

06:31 — The Leap to Amsterdam: A Decade in the Making

08:57 — Amsterdam vs. NYC: Energy, Ease, and Environment

10:46 — Adjusting to Time Differences and New Routines

13:34 — Life in Amsterdam: A Big Village Vibe

16:23 — Defining Success Beyond Hustle and Meetings

17:11 — Cultural Differences in Work-Life Balance

21:50 — The Dutch Approach to Technology as a Tool

30:13 — Intentional Living and Business in a Global Context

33:39 — Final Thoughts and Farewells

Join host Fern Johnson and three tech leaders from HP as they break down the four key digital disciplines that are revolutionizing business today. In this insightful episode, discover how companies like Netflix, Apple, and Spotify are using data, personalization, innovation, and integrated solutions to create exceptional customer experiences.

Our guests Algernita Clowe, Shauna Mitchell, and Ericka Hayes share practical insights from Joe Weinman's book "Digital Disciplines" and their own experiences implementing these strategies at major corporations.

You'll learn:

Whether you're a business leader, technology professional, or curious about digital transformation, this episode provides actionable strategies you can implement immediately.

Part of the IT Senior Management Forum (ITSMF) series featuring members of their Management Academy Program.

Find these leaders on LinkedIn:

inkedin.com/in/aclowe

linkedin.com/in/ericka-hayes-ma-phr-44458155

linkedin.com/in/shawna-smith-mitchell

#DigitalTransformation #BusinessStrategy #TechLeadership #DataDriven #Innovation

🚨 PSA: Stop managing everyone else's comfort before your own. Your power lies in understanding what you bring to the room and choosing how you want to show up.

For every leader navigating today's complex landscape, this episode offers a roadmap to authentic presence and sustainable impact.

In this powerful Episode about 'Self Awareness', executive powerhouses Renea J Pierre and Tia Buckham-White unpack:

As Tia brilliantly puts it: "If you don't know yourself, you don't know what load to pick up or put down."

Tune in to learn how to live the life you imagined by knowing yourself better.

Our Season 2 premiere episode features "Chaos Whisperer" Cass Cooper tackling economic anxiety and redefining success. We dive into self-awareness, transferable skills, and setting healthy boundaries at work.

Cass drops wisdom on conquering workplace fear (especially around DEI), maintaining resilience, and remembering your worth isn't defined by your job title.

Listen now and share!

Three first-time authors reveal how they turned self-doubt into successful books, including one who was told she "didn't have enough experience to write" - only to prove that critic wrong.

Join hosts Fern Johnson and Dr. Alicia Makaye on 2 LIT Chicks as they dive deep with these remarkable women who broke through their barriers to share their stories.

What You'll Discover:

Whether you're harboring dreams of writing your own book or simply love hearing authentic stories of triumph, this episode delivers candid conversations about finding your voice, pushing past rejection, and the courage it takes to put your truth on paper.

Featured Authors:

Ever wonder how nonprofits are quietly revolutionizing the tech industry for women and girls?

What You'll Discover

Whether you're a tech professional looking to advance your career, someone passionate about giving back, or curious about the role nonprofits play in shaping the future of tech, this episode reveals how organizations are building bridges to success - one relationship at a time.

Featured Guests:

 Learn about national organizations you can connect with, no matter where you are located!