2 L.I.T. Chicks (Leaders In Tech)

In this inspiring episode of Two Lit Chicks, Fern and Alicia sit down with Veena Somareddy, CEO and founder of Neuro Rehab VR, a breakthrough startup transforming rehab through immersive virtual reality and AI-powered therapy. Veena shares her journey from game design student to award-winning tech founder, the science behind neuroplasticity, and how VR accelerates recovery for stroke survivors, spinal cord injury patients, and more.

She opens up about building trust as a young female entrepreneur, scaling her company to 37 states, and the resilience required to pioneer cutting-edge healthcare technology.

💡 We talk about:

- How VR accelerates neurorehab by tapping into 4–5 neuroplasticity principles at once.

- Veena’s journey from India to UTD to CEO, blending gaming, tech, and medicine into purposeful innovation.

- Challenges of being a young female founder and how trust, outcomes, and resilience built her credibility.

- The future of VR + AI in rehab, workforce shortages, and scaling immersive therapy nationwide.

This conversation is rich with wisdom, passion, and a forward-thinking vision for the future of immersive therapy.

✅ Follow us on Instagram! @2litchickspod

😎 We’re on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernjohnson/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/amakaye/

@TwoLITChicksPodcast #givingback

#WomenInTech

#HealthcareInnovation

#VirtualReality

#TechLeadership

#NeuroRehab

#VRInHealthcare

#StrokeRecoveryTech

#ImmersiveTherapy

In this inspiring episode of 2 L.I.T. Chicks – Leaders in Tech, Dr. Alicia and Fern sit down with Tina Helton, a cybersecurity governance, risk, and compliance manager with over 25 years in IT.

Tina’s story is one of grit, brilliance, and grace — from implementing global ERP systems to leading AI integration in cybersecurity, to navigating one of life’s hardest challenges: breast cancer.

💡 We talk about:

This conversation blends leadership, empathy, and empowerment — reminding us that we can be both strong professionals and vulnerable humans.

✅ Follow us on Instagram! @2litchickspod

😎 We’re on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernjohnson/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/amakaye/

@TwoLITChicksPodcast #givingback

#2LITChicks #LeadersInTech #Cybersecurity #WomenInTech #ArtificialIntelligence #TechCareers #GRC #BreastCancerAwareness #Resilience #FaithAndHealing #WomenWhoLead #BlackWomenInTech #PurposeDrivenLife #AIandCyber #EmpoweredWomenEmpowerWomen#leadership

In this episode of 2 Lit Chicks, Fern and Alicia sit down with Dee Maddox, Chief Excellence Officer of DMX Consulting, to unpack the journey from employee to entrepreneur — and from acceptable to exceptional. Dee shares how the pandemic became her catalyst for change, her powerful “DEED to Success” framework, and why building better bosses begins with self-awareness.

From NASA stories to the role of AI in leadership, Dee drops truth, wisdom, and a few laughs along the way. If you’re searching for purpose, passion, and practical steps to level up your career, this conversation is your reminder to design your path, demand excellence, and own your growth.

💡 We talk about:

Grab your notebook and get ready for a masterclass in leadership, authenticity, and staying lit in every lane.

✅ Follow us on Instagram! @2litchickspod

😎 We’re on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernjohnson/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/amakaye/

@TwoLITChicksPodcast #givingback

#2LitChicksPodcast

#WomenInLeadership

#DMXConsulting

#PurposeDrivenCareer

#DemandExcellence

#LeadershipDevelopment

#EmotionalIntelligence

#WomenOfColorInBusiness

#TrustAndRespect

#StayLit

In this electrifying episode of 2 LIT Chicks, hosts Fern Johnson and Alicia sit down with Eddie Bright Jr., Global CEO of ApTask Global, a veteran-certified, African-American-owned staffing powerhouse shaping the future of work.

Eddie drops straight gems on how AI is transforming recruiting, why technology and leadership go hand in hand, and what it truly means to lead with gratitude. From the rise of AI enablers to Gen Z’s new workforce mindset, this episode unpacks what the next generation of leaders needs to stay ahead of the curve.

💡 We talk about:

This conversation is equal parts inspiration and real talk—just what you’d expect from the 2 LIT Chicks. Stay curious. Stay bold. Stay LIT.

✅ Follow us on Instagram! @2litchickspod

😎 We’re on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernjohnson/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/amakaye/

@TwoLITChicksPodcast #givingback

#2LitChicksPodcast #WomenInTech #Leadership #AIEthics #FutureOfWork #BlackExcellence #WomenInLeadership #StaffingInnovation #GenZWorkforce #PodcastCommunity #TechAndLeadership #StayLIT

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