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Andrea Shoppach: Choosing Purpose Over Comparison in a Male-Dominated Industry
How many times have your palms gone sweaty as you sat in a room full of men, wondering if your voice even belonged there? This is where today’s episode begins.
Hey Trailblazers, welcome back. Today, Tiffany takes us into a story that starts in a Walmart conference room, twelve engineers, all men, one young woman fresh out of college, trying to figure out where she fits. That woman was Andrea Shoppach.
Andrea shares how those early days shaped everything. She talks about the pressure to mirror the culture around her, the golf outings, the happy hours, and the moment she realized authenticity was not an accessory in her career but the foundation. As she puts it, “Authenticity is knowing what you are grounded in and what your foundation is”. She did not force herself to fit. She built her own way forward.
In this episode, Tiffany and Andrea talk openly about comparison and why it creeps in even when we think we are past it. Andrea admits how easy it was to look sideways and wonder why someone else got the opportunity she hoped for. But instead of chasing someone else’s pace, she made a choice to define her own. Her journey is about alignment.
They also dig into the quiet practices that have shaped Andrea’s leadership. Morning reflection. Gratitude. Writing things down not to perform for others but to stay clear for herself. She shares how internal work became the reason she could lead confidently on the outside.
Here are the key takeaways:
(2:43) What authenticity actually means
(7:24) Being the only woman on a 12-man tech team
(8:19) When asking for flexibility is denied
(10:32) Why discomfort is the entry point to growth
(12:24) Focusing on your true north
(13:27) Letting go of comparison
(15:01) Pivoting without losing confidence
(16:37) The power of gratitude routines
(18:28) Turning setbacks into setups
(22:11) Your impact is bigger than you think
If you have ever been the only one in the room or wondered if your difference is a disadvantage, this conversation will shift your perspective. It is more than about competing. It is about building a life and career that reflects who you truly are. And Andrea shows us what that looks like in action. Tune in now!
About Andrea Shoppach
Andrea Shoppach is the Vice President of Information Security Services at Walmart Global Technology. She started her career as a software engineer and has held multiple leadership roles across the organization. She is an advocate for women in technology and serves on advisory and research boards in Arkansas. Andrea is also a small business owner with her husband and is active in the local community and faith initiatives.
Connect with Andrea:
About Tiffany Benitez
Tiffany Benitez leads Data Governance at Compass Group USA, ensuring data quality, integrity, and compliance across all business units. She is passionate about driving data excellence and advancing women in tech and STEM.
Connect with Host:
Tiffany’s LinkedIn
Disclaimer
This podcast is for informational purposes only. The content should be taken as something other than professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with professionals regarding specific situations or concerns.
View all episodes
By Tiffany BenitezHow many times have your palms gone sweaty as you sat in a room full of men, wondering if your voice even belonged there? This is where today’s episode begins.
Hey Trailblazers, welcome back. Today, Tiffany takes us into a story that starts in a Walmart conference room, twelve engineers, all men, one young woman fresh out of college, trying to figure out where she fits. That woman was Andrea Shoppach.
Andrea shares how those early days shaped everything. She talks about the pressure to mirror the culture around her, the golf outings, the happy hours, and the moment she realized authenticity was not an accessory in her career but the foundation. As she puts it, “Authenticity is knowing what you are grounded in and what your foundation is”. She did not force herself to fit. She built her own way forward.
In this episode, Tiffany and Andrea talk openly about comparison and why it creeps in even when we think we are past it. Andrea admits how easy it was to look sideways and wonder why someone else got the opportunity she hoped for. But instead of chasing someone else’s pace, she made a choice to define her own. Her journey is about alignment.
They also dig into the quiet practices that have shaped Andrea’s leadership. Morning reflection. Gratitude. Writing things down not to perform for others but to stay clear for herself. She shares how internal work became the reason she could lead confidently on the outside.
Here are the key takeaways:
(2:43) What authenticity actually means
(7:24) Being the only woman on a 12-man tech team
(8:19) When asking for flexibility is denied
(10:32) Why discomfort is the entry point to growth
(12:24) Focusing on your true north
(13:27) Letting go of comparison
(15:01) Pivoting without losing confidence
(16:37) The power of gratitude routines
(18:28) Turning setbacks into setups
(22:11) Your impact is bigger than you think
If you have ever been the only one in the room or wondered if your difference is a disadvantage, this conversation will shift your perspective. It is more than about competing. It is about building a life and career that reflects who you truly are. And Andrea shows us what that looks like in action. Tune in now!
About Andrea Shoppach
Andrea Shoppach is the Vice President of Information Security Services at Walmart Global Technology. She started her career as a software engineer and has held multiple leadership roles across the organization. She is an advocate for women in technology and serves on advisory and research boards in Arkansas. Andrea is also a small business owner with her husband and is active in the local community and faith initiatives.
Connect with Andrea:
About Tiffany Benitez
Tiffany Benitez leads Data Governance at Compass Group USA, ensuring data quality, integrity, and compliance across all business units. She is passionate about driving data excellence and advancing women in tech and STEM.
Connect with Host:
Tiffany’s LinkedIn
Disclaimer
This podcast is for informational purposes only. The content should be taken as something other than professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with professionals regarding specific situations or concerns.