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Discover why knowing your “why” is more than a catchphrase—it’s your guiding light through career pivots, big decisions, and seasons of uncertainty. 

Inspired by Simon Sinek’s legendary framework, this episode unpacks the power of purpose for leaders and changemakers.

Reflect with your host on the true reason this podcast was born: mentorship, community, and the joyful amplification of underrepresented technologists.

You’ll take away practical tips for discovering your core motivation, telling your signature story, and building a resilient career aligned with your beliefs and values.

If you’re stuck or restless, tune in for a dose of clarity—and the nudge you need to take your next step, even if the path isn’t fully clear yet.

Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnbutler1/

Call to Action:
It's critical that your voice is heard!  If you need help finding, rediscovering or using your voice, I want to help.  Learn more here.

Support the show

Hey, listeners and tech enthusiasts! 🌟 If you've been enjoying our podcast and finding value in the insights shared, we'd love your support. You can:

• Take a moment to share this podcast with someone who might benefit from our discussions.
• Submit the interest form if you’d like to be a guest, join a panel, or participate in live coaching.
• Let us know how we're doing. We’d love to hear from you.
• Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.
• If you’re in a position to support financially, consider supporting the show via the "Bytes of Kindness" Tip Jar, or Buy Me a Coffee. This podcast is a self-funded and my way of giving back, especially to underrepresented voices in tech and cybersecurity.

Your support keeps us going and growing. Thanks for being part of this journey and our community!

Looking for mentorship? Let's talk about what you need and how I may be able to help: Mentor Moments Lightning Session

The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and not reflective of any employer.

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What happens when you realize the language of diversity and belonging is everywhere — yet the systems remain the same? In this episode, we explore what it truly means to have a seat at the table and why representation alone isn’t enough.

Host, Dawn Butler, shares a deeply personal story about leading a critical phase of an in-development framework — owning documentation, process changes, and adoption — only to find her voice dismissed and her expertise ignored. When the chaos came, she was suddenly indispensable. A firefighter. A miracle worker.

This reflection looks beyond personal struggle to examine the system itself — how it rewards performance while resisting change — and what it takes to shift the culture, not just survive it.

You’ll hear insights on:

• How to recognize when inclusion is performative, not practiced
• The generational differences shaping how we define leadership, power, and voice
• The quiet resilience required to stand firm when your contribution is unseen
• How to lead with integrity and humanity in the age of AI and automation

If you’ve ever been in the room but unheard, or invited but unempowered, this conversation will speak to you.

Call to Action:
It's critical that your voice is heard!  If you need help finding, rediscovering or using your voice, I want to help.  Learn more here.

Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnbutler1/

Support the show

Hey, listeners and tech enthusiasts! 🌟 If you've been enjoying our podcast and finding value in the insights shared, we'd love your support. You can:

• Take a moment to share this podcast with someone who might benefit from our discussions.
• Submit the interest form if you’d like to be a guest, join a panel, or participate in live coaching.
• Let us know how we're doing. We’d love to hear from you.
• Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.
• If you’re in a position to support financially, consider supporting the show via the "Bytes of Kindness" Tip Jar, or Buy Me a Coffee. This podcast is a self-funded and my way of giving back, especially to underrepresented voices in tech and cybersecurity.

Your support keeps us going and growing. Thanks for being part of this journey and our community!

Looking for mentorship? Let's talk about what you need and how I may be able to help: Mentor Moments Lightning Session

The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and not reflective of any employer.

Send us a text

What does true tech leadership look like when you’re stuck managing critical systems but don’t get to steer the ship? 

Inspired by a LinkedIn post, this episode, the “folding chair” at the corporate table becomes a metaphor for reclaiming autonomy, breaking out of what the poster, A CISO, called the cyber Stockholm Syndrome, and rewriting the rules on influence in the industry.

We’ll unpack:

• Why IT leaders must reclaim ownership and genuine decision-making power
• The hidden cost of working in “liability management” and being reduced to cost center status
• How CISOs and tech professionals can escape the trap of visibility without real authority
• Why empowerment starts with having your insights valued—and the right to say “no”
• Action strategies for redefining your seat at the table and pushing for lasting change

If you’re tired of checking all the boxes but never calling the shots, tune in to get practical tactics and energizing perspective shifts.

Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnbutler1/

Inspired by Josh Copeland's LI Post

Call to Action:
It's critical that your voice is heard!  If you need help finding, rediscovering or using your voice, I want to help.  Learn more here.

Support the show

Hey, listeners and tech enthusiasts! 🌟 If you've been enjoying our podcast and finding value in the insights shared, we'd love your support. You can:

• Take a moment to share this podcast with someone who might benefit from our discussions.
• Submit the interest form if you’d like to be a guest, join a panel, or participate in live coaching.
• Let us know how we're doing. We’d love to hear from you.
• Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.
• If you’re in a position to support financially, consider supporting the show via the "Bytes of Kindness" Tip Jar, or Buy Me a Coffee. This podcast is a self-funded and my way of giving back, especially to underrepresented voices in tech and cybersecurity.

Your support keeps us going and growing. Thanks for being part of this journey and our community!

Looking for mentorship? Let's talk about what you need and how I may be able to help: Mentor Moments Lightning Session

The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and not reflective of any employer.

Send us a text

Are you looking to understand how organizations deliver software at speed and scale while keeping security front and center? This episode is your essential guide to the methodologies that govern modern software delivery and the leadership strategies required to drive technical excellence.

• We start by defining the fundamental building blocks of Agile methodology.
• We then examine how Agile scales.
• Next, we shift focus to the integration of development, operations, and security. We explore the role of the modern DevOps or DevSecOps manager.
• We dive deep into DevSecOps, which integrates security practices throughout the software development lifecycle. 
• Finally, we outline the critical roles that power this continuous improvement ecosystem. 

Bonus:  Tips on strategic certifications for leadership.

Tune in to learn how these frameworks compare, and gain the insights needed to lead secure, resilient, and fast-moving digital transformations!

Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnbutler1/

Want a weekly dose of encouragement and insights? Sign up for my newsletter, Courageous Circuits, https://tinyurl.com/wz8fepyc

Support the show

Hey, listeners and tech enthusiasts! 🌟 If you've been enjoying our podcast and finding value in the insights shared, we'd love your support. You can:

• Take a moment to share this podcast with someone who might benefit from our discussions.
• Submit the interest form if you’d like to be a guest, join a panel, or participate in live coaching.
• Let us know how we're doing. We’d love to hear from you.
• Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.
• If you’re in a position to support financially, consider supporting the show via the "Bytes of Kindness" Tip Jar, or Buy Me a Coffee. This podcast is a self-funded and my way of giving back, especially to underrepresented voices in tech and cybersecurity.

Your support keeps us going and growing. Thanks for being part of this journey and our community!

Looking for mentorship? Let's talk about what you need and how I may be able to help: Mentor Moments Lightning Session

The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and not reflective of any employer.

Send us a text

In this episode, I unpack the 2025 SANS Report, “Attract, Hire, and Retain Cybersecurity Roles,” and challenge what it really means for the global cyber workforce. We’ll talk about certification barriers, the myth of “no entry-level roles,” and the widening gap between HR, cyber managers, and real-world professionals.

Join me as I dissect what’s working—and what’s not—in how organizations attract, hire, and retain cybersecurity talent. It’s a conversation about equity, strategy, and what it truly takes to build sustainable cyber careers.

Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnbutler1/

✨ If you’re ready to Use Your Voice — to speak at conferences, share your story, and help change the face of tech — I’d love to help you find your voice and use it powerfully. Learn more here.

Support the show

Hey, listeners and tech enthusiasts! 🌟 If you've been enjoying our podcast and finding value in the insights shared, we'd love your support. You can:

• Take a moment to share this podcast with someone who might benefit from our discussions.
• Submit the interest form if you’d like to be a guest, join a panel, or participate in live coaching.
• Let us know how we're doing. We’d love to hear from you.
• Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.
• If you’re in a position to support financially, consider supporting the show via the "Bytes of Kindness" Tip Jar, or Buy Me a Coffee. This podcast is a self-funded and my way of giving back, especially to underrepresented voices in tech and cybersecurity.

Your support keeps us going and growing. Thanks for being part of this journey and our community!

Looking for mentorship? Let's talk about what you need and how I may be able to help: Mentor Moments Lightning Session

The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and not reflective of any employer.

Send us a text

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Bytes, Bits & Brilliance, host Dawn Butler invites listeners into a heart-to-heart about what it truly means to use our voices — especially as Black women in Cybersecurity and Tech leadership.

Dawn shares her journey from silence to self-advocacy, from fighting invisible internal battles to boldly standing up for fairness, equity, and representation. With emotional depth and practical wisdom, she unpacks how fear, culture, and corporate dynamics can silence us — and how faith, courage, and community can help us speak again.

Listeners will walk away inspired and equipped to use their voices in their careers, relationships, and communities — not just to be heard, but to create change.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• What “using your voice” really means in leadership and in life
• How silence can become an internal fight we don’t even realize we’re losing
• The spiritual and emotional transformation that happens when we start speaking up
• Practical ways to use your voice at work, in meetings, and in your community
• Why representation and visibility matter for Black women in cybersecurity
• How public speaking can amplify your influence and open unexpected doors

Plus: Dawn shares how you can work with her to find your voice, build confidence, and step onto stages — both in your life and at tech conferences where your story and expertise deserve to be heard. Learn more here

Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnbutler1/

Support the show

Hey, listeners and tech enthusiasts! 🌟 If you've been enjoying our podcast and finding value in the insights shared, we'd love your support. You can:

• Take a moment to share this podcast with someone who might benefit from our discussions.
• Submit the interest form if you’d like to be a guest, join a panel, or participate in live coaching.
• Let us know how we're doing. We’d love to hear from you.
• Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.
• If you’re in a position to support financially, consider supporting the show via the "Bytes of Kindness" Tip Jar, or Buy Me a Coffee. This podcast is a self-funded and my way of giving back, especially to underrepresented voices in tech and cybersecurity.

Your support keeps us going and growing. Thanks for being part of this journey and our community!

Looking for mentorship? Let's talk about what you need and how I may be able to help: Mentor Moments Lightning Session

The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and not reflective of any employer.

Send us a text

The Customer Success Manager (CSM) role has emerged as a critical strategic business function in the technology industry, particularly within SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) companies. But what does a CSM actually do, and how can your existing professional experience launch you into this growing field?

When I was laid off and started exploring options for my next role, a few people suggested customer success and I realized I'd heard about the role but didn't know much about it, why they said it was a viable option based on my work history, and how to pivot.

In this episode, we clarify why Customer Success is considered a vital technology profession. Unlike traditional, reactive Customer Service, CS is proactive—it's a long-term strategy focused on ensuring customers achieve their desired outcomes and maximizing sustainable proven profitability for the company. CSMs directly influence business outcomes by driving customer retention, upsell, and cross-sell.

We dissect the top 5 essential skills—like communication, problem-solving, and relationship building—that are highly transferable and make this pivot possible. We also explore advanced roles that experienced professionals can target, such as Technical Account Manager or Implementation Manager. If you are ready to pivot into a revenue-generating function in the modern tech sector, tune in for your actionable roadmap!

Support the show

Hey, listeners and tech enthusiasts! 🌟 If you've been enjoying our podcast and finding value in the insights shared, we'd love your support. You can:

• Take a moment to share this podcast with someone who might benefit from our discussions.
• Submit the interest form if you’d like to be a guest, join a panel, or participate in live coaching.
• Let us know how we're doing. We’d love to hear from you.
• Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.
• If you’re in a position to support financially, consider supporting the show via the "Bytes of Kindness" Tip Jar, or Buy Me a Coffee. This podcast is a self-funded and my way of giving back, especially to underrepresented voices in tech and cybersecurity.

Your support keeps us going and growing. Thanks for being part of this journey and our community!

Looking for mentorship? Let's talk about what you need and how I may be able to help: Mentor Moments Lightning Session

The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and not reflective of any employer.

Send us a text

What does it really look like to lead with empathy in industries that reward output over openness? 

In this refreshingly honest episode, I share my personal journey from environments lacking compassion to intentionally creating micro-cultures of belonging, trust, and meaningful feedback. 

Drawing on the powerful McKinsey article, “It’s Cool to Be Kind: The Value of Empathy at Work,” I’ll break down actionable takeaways using the starburst method. 

Whether you’re an emerging leader, a tech veteran, or someone paving the way for greater representation, discover why empathy is your superpower, how you can break the “performance-over-people” cycle, and what happens when kind leadership is contagious.

Get in Touch: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnbutler1/

Support the show

Hey, listeners and tech enthusiasts! 🌟 If you've been enjoying our podcast and finding value in the insights shared, we'd love your support. You can:

• Take a moment to share this podcast with someone who might benefit from our discussions.
• Submit the interest form if you’d like to be a guest, join a panel, or participate in live coaching.
• Let us know how we're doing. We’d love to hear from you.
• Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.
• If you’re in a position to support financially, consider supporting the show via the "Bytes of Kindness" Tip Jar, or Buy Me a Coffee. This podcast is a self-funded and my way of giving back, especially to underrepresented voices in tech and cybersecurity.

Your support keeps us going and growing. Thanks for being part of this journey and our community!

Looking for mentorship? Let's talk about what you need and how I may be able to help: Mentor Moments Lightning Session

The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and not reflective of any employer.

Send us a text

Is leadership just for those in corner offices? 

Not so fast. Meet a Bahamian computer scientist, Aaleyah Evans,  whose early career in cybersecurity and academia challenged every stereotype—proving that relatability, mentorship, and mistakes are the real fuel for future leaders.

Listen in for honest stories about building confidence, tackling mistakes head-on, and the power of company-led mentorship to inspire the next wave of tech talent.

If cybersecurity sounds all code and no people, this episode will flip that script—showing how soft skills, digital literacy, and a commitment to lifting others can shape the future.

Aaleyah leaves us with the ultimate challenge: “If not now, when? If not you, who?”

Connect with us:

Dawn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnbutler1/

Aaleyah:

LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaleyah-s-evans/

Cybergirl IG: https://www.instagram.com/cybergirl_security

Support the show

Hey, listeners and tech enthusiasts! 🌟 If you've been enjoying our podcast and finding value in the insights shared, we'd love your support. You can:

• Take a moment to share this podcast with someone who might benefit from our discussions.
• Submit the interest form if you’d like to be a guest, join a panel, or participate in live coaching.
• Let us know how we're doing. We’d love to hear from you.
• Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.
• If you’re in a position to support financially, consider supporting the show via the "Bytes of Kindness" Tip Jar, or Buy Me a Coffee. This podcast is a self-funded and my way of giving back, especially to underrepresented voices in tech and cybersecurity.

Your support keeps us going and growing. Thanks for being part of this journey and our community!

Looking for mentorship? Let's talk about what you need and how I may be able to help: Mentor Moments Lightning Session

The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and not reflective of any employer.

Send us a text

What happens when your “perfect job” doesn’t fit? 

In this electrifying episode, meet a former tech pro, Jessica Cumming, who battled layoffs and glass ceilings—then flipped uncertainty into unstoppable growth.

Hear how she turned misalignment at Dell into a launchpad for transformation, chose purpose over comfort, and built a coaching career grounded in bold action and realignment.

We dive into the importance of:

• Taking time to truly reflect before transitioning careers
• Building networks and identifying transferable skills
• Considering financial runways beyond survival
• Aligning your career choices with your personal values and legacy

Expect hacks for surviving layoffs, tips for building networks that work, and a mindset shift that will empower your own career leap.

Connect with us:

Dawn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnbutler1/

Jessica: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicacumming04/

Support the show

Hey, listeners and tech enthusiasts! 🌟 If you've been enjoying our podcast and finding value in the insights shared, we'd love your support. You can:

• Take a moment to share this podcast with someone who might benefit from our discussions.
• Submit the interest form if you’d like to be a guest, join a panel, or participate in live coaching.
• Let us know how we're doing. We’d love to hear from you.
• Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.
• If you’re in a position to support financially, consider supporting the show via the "Bytes of Kindness" Tip Jar, or Buy Me a Coffee. This podcast is a self-funded and my way of giving back, especially to underrepresented voices in tech and cybersecurity.

Your support keeps us going and growing. Thanks for being part of this journey and our community!

Looking for mentorship? Let's talk about what you need and how I may be able to help: Mentor Moments Lightning Session

The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and not reflective of any employer.