Her Tech Circle

In this episode of Her Tech Circle, we sit down with the accomplished Helen Lea, a leader in business transformation, workforce strategy, and corporate governance. Helen takes us through her diverse career journey, spanning executive roles at MYOB, Telstra, and Seven Group to her current position as a non-executive director at multiple organizations. With a background in organizational psychology, Helen shares insights into the intersection of people, business, and technology, highlighting how businesses are fundamentally "systems of people."

Helen opens up about her transition from executive to non-executive roles, the importance of strategic networking, and how she navigates career pivots with intention. She also provides valuable advice on decision-making, overcoming self-doubt, and the power of following your instincts. Whether you’re an aspiring leader, board director, or simply looking for career inspiration, this conversation with Helen is packed with wisdom and actionable takeaways.

Key Takeaways:

• The role of an organizational psychologist in shaping workplace culture and leadership.
• Why digital businesses are fundamentally intellectual property businesses driven by people.
• The key differences between executive and non-executive roles on a board.
• How Helen transitioned into non-executive positions and her strategies for staying relevant.
• The importance of networking and maintaining a personal "career CRM."
• A pivotal moment in Helen’s career that expanded her perspective on business strategy.
• Lessons learned from making a career misstep and the importance of knowing when to walk away.
• Advice for younger professionals: "Be bold, count yourself in, and don’t assume something isn’t for you."

Notable Quotes:

• "Every business is a system of people. Understanding talent, leadership, and team dynamics is critical to success."
• "In digital businesses, we don’t make widgets. We create and manage intellectual property—our people are our greatest asset."
• "Be bold, count yourself in. If something doesn’t feel right now, it won’t feel right tomorrow."
• "Your gut feeling is pattern recognition—listen to it, but also interrogate it with facts and emotions."
• "Networking is key—always ask for three things when you meet someone, and maintain your connections."

Episode Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to Helen Lea’s career and achievements
01:26 - Helen’s background in organizational psychology
02:13 - The role of an organizational psychologist vs. a clinical psychologist
04:20 - Why digital businesses are fundamentally IP businesses
04:37 - Helen’s transition into a non-executive portfolio career
06:44 - Executive vs. non-executive roles on a board
09:25 - How Helen approaches continuous learning and industry trends
10:59 - A pivotal moment that shaped Helen’s career trajectory
15:41 - How Helen evaluates career decisions and opportunities
18:56 - Learning from a career misstep and knowing when to walk away
20:20 - The role of networking and Helen’s personal CRM system
25:41 - Advice to Helen’s younger self: "Be bold and don’t count yourself out."
29:01 - The power of listening to your instincts in career decisions
31:07 - Helen’s vision for the next five years of her career

In this episode, we sit down with Jude Donovan, an accomplished technology leader with a career spanning major Australian enterprises, including Commonwealth Bank, Redbubble, MYOB, Jetstar, and NAB. With expertise in scaling engineering teams, digital transformation, and enterprise technology, Jude has led multimillion-dollar projects, championed cloud adoption, and driven automation in large-scale organizations.

Beyond the boardroom, Jude shares her passion for netball coaching, highlighting the parallels between high-performance sports and leadership. She opens up about a life-altering motorbike accident that reshaped her mindset, teaching her the power of breaking challenges into achievable steps—a lesson she now applies to managing large-scale engineering programs.

Jude also dives into the importance of networking, sharing how a simple compliment at a tech event led to an incredible career opportunity for someone transitioning from fashion to tech. Plus, she discusses her framework for engineering excellence, touching on Agile methodologies, ruthless prioritization, and leveraging AI tools like Copilot.

If you're looking for insights into mentoring, scaling teams, leading transformation, and navigating adversity with grit, this episode is a must-listen!

Key Takeaways & Notable Quotes:

💡 "Belonging isn't about towing the line—it's about being your authentic self and finding people who embrace that." — Jude Donovan

💡 "Break down the overwhelm. Get small wins on the board, measure success, and build from there."

💡 "A conversation can change someone's life—always be open to networking and listening."

💡 "You should only be working on three things at a time. Ruthless prioritization is key to success."

Topics Covered & Timestamps:

⏳ [00:01] Introduction to Jude Donovan and her career in tech leadership
⏳ [02:01] Jude’s passion for netball coaching and how sports leadership translates to corporate success
⏳ [04:05] A week in the life of a tech executive: how Jude leverages AI (Copilot) for productivity
⏳ [08:47] Jude’s early career: From COBOL programmer to tech leader
⏳ [12:47] The motorbike accident that changed everything—resilience, recovery, and leadership lessons
⏳ [19:11] The power of networking and mentorship in career growth
⏳ [24:15] Jude’s framework for delivering high-impact projects using Agile and thin slicing
⏳ [28:40] Learning to adapt methodologies to different teams and organizations
⏳ [32:48] Advice to her younger self: Owning your voice, belonging, and authenticity

Resources & References Mentioned:

📌 Books & Thought Leaders

• Atomic Habits by James Clear ("You don’t rise to the level of your goals, you fall to the level of your structures.")
• Dare to Lead by Brené Brown ("Clear is kind.")

📌 Tools & Concepts

• Copilot AI for email and meeting management
• Agile methodologies: Sprint planning, retrospectives, thin slicing
• JIRA & Confluence for structured project management

In this episode of Her Tech Circle, I sit down with Pearl Tang, a seasoned business executive with over 20 years of experience across multiple industries. Currently a Senior Innovation Advisory Consultant at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Pearl helps organizations unlock their potential through innovative technologies and cloud solutions. She shares her journey from tax technology at PwC to consulting and innovation advisory, offering insights into career growth, strategic thinking, and execution.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Power of Asking – Career growth often starts with asking for opportunities and taking calculated risks.
2. Building a Strong Network – Establishing a personal board of advisors can provide invaluable career guidance.
3. The Role of Self-Awareness – Knowing what you value and what drives you is key to making meaningful career decisions.

Chapters & Time Markers:

• [00:00] Introduction & Guest Introduction
• [02:09] Pearl's Background & Career Journey
• [06:04] Transitioning from Tax Technology to Consulting
• [11:16] Pivotal Moments That Shaped Pearl's Career
• [16:52] First Exposure to Startup Culture
• [20:36] Overcoming Challenges in Career Transitions
• [25:51] The Importance of a Personal Board of Advisors
• [28:41] Self-Awareness & Career Success
• [32:48] Looking to the Future: What’s Next for Pearl
• [34:00] Closing Thoughts & Where to Connect

Topics Discussed:

• Pearl’s transition from tax technology to innovation advisory
• The importance of career risk-taking and networking
• Human-centered design and agile work practices in innovation
• Strategies for building a personal board of advisors
• How self-awareness influences career success

Guest Details:

• Name: Pearl Tang - connect on Linkedin here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/pearl-tang-australia/ 

Host Contact Details:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bec-o-brien/ 
• Her Tech Circle - https://linktr.ee/hertechcircle 

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In this episode of Her Tech Circle, Bec O’Brien speaks with Speedy Shatari, a dedicated advocate for social justice, LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and equity within the Jewish community in Australia. As General Manager of Programs and Engagement at STANDUP, Speedy has played a pivotal role in LGBTQIA+ advocacy, creating Australia’s first Jewish LGBTQIA+ mentorship program and working to make spaces more inclusive.

Speedy shares their personal and professional journey, from navigating gender identity to stepping into leadership roles in the nonprofit and advocacy sectors. They discuss:

• The power of storytelling in advocacy and leadership
• Overcoming the fear of public speaking and embracing confidence
• How gender influences job applications and career progression
• Building mentorship programs to support marginalized communities
• The importance of networking and finding allies
• Why the tech industry must embrace diversity to drive real innovation

Through their work at Speedy Speaking, Speedy continues to promote inclusive workplaces, community engagement, and leadership development. This conversation is packed with valuable insights on career growth, diversity, and pushing past societal barriers.

Notable Quotes:

💬 “Progress is happiness. Every year, if you can move forward in some way, that’s success.”
💬 “If no one else is doing it, sometimes you just have to do it yourself.”
💬 “Women and gender-diverse people should apply, apply, apply—even if they don’t tick every box. Your skills and experience matter.”

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to Speedy Shatari
02:12 – The power of storytelling in advocacy
05:16 – Speedy’s career path: from ancient history to social justice
08:19 – How to demonstrate the need for new programs and initiatives
09:55 – Gendered differences in job applications and confidence
13:06 – The role of mentorship and finding career champions
17:02 – Overcoming public speaking fears and learning from great speakers
19:45 – Why tech and innovation need more diverse voices
22:45 – Speedy’s vision for the next five years
24:53 – Final thoughts and where to find Speedy

Connect with Speedy:

🌐 Website: www.speedyspeaking.com
📸 Instagram: @speedyspeakingofficial

In this episode of Her Tech Circle, host Bec O'Brien sits down with Amanda Behre, the founder and CEO of Dear Thrive, a marketplace and community designed to support professionals through coaching, advice, and personalized workshops. Amanda shares insights from her extensive career spanning executive leadership roles at companies like HireUp, Gumtree, Cars Guide, Auto Trader, and Expedia Group. She discusses the unique challenges of transitioning from corporate leadership to startup entrepreneurship, the power of networking, and the importance of mentorship.

Amanda offers valuable career advice on building visibility, strengthening networks, and developing resilience. She shares personal stories, including her experience returning to work postpartum and how maintaining professional relationships led to unexpected career opportunities. Whether you're a mid-career professional, an aspiring leader, or a startup founder, this episode is packed with actionable advice on career progression, networking strategies, and leadership growth.

Notable Quotes:

• “The network you build is like compound interest—you have to invest in it before you need it.”
• “If you want to grow your career, visibility has to be a priority, even if you think you're too busy.”
• “Passion doesn’t pay the bills—you have to be financially secure to take meaningful career risks.”
• “You don’t know what you don’t know—seek out contrarian viewpoints to accelerate your growth.”

Resources & References Mentioned:

• https://dearthrive.com/
• The Power of Three approach to mentorship
• The concept of a “brag log” for tracking career achievements
• Adam Grant’s work on givers and takers in networking

Connect with Amanda Behre: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandabehre/

Connect with Her Tech Circle: https://linktr.ee/hertechcircle

In this episode, Bec O'Brien chats with Renece Brewster, a serial entrepreneur, mentor, and thought leader in video production, technology, and business leadership. Renece shares her incredible journey from co-founding Visual Domain (acquired by News Corp in 2021) to shaping communities like Her Tech Circle. Together, they dive into topics like transferable skills, the power of professional networks, and the realities of building a career that aligns with your passions. Renece’s candid reflections and practical advice will inspire listeners to embrace challenges and lead with authenticity.

3 Key Takeaways

1. The Power of Networks: Relationships can lead to unexpected opportunities—even years later. Be intentional about nurturing your network.
2. Embrace Failures: Every low point and misstep is part of the journey. Success stems from resilience and learning through setbacks.
3. Redefining Work-Life Balance: Balance doesn’t exist in a perfect form—some seasons require prioritizing work, while others demand more attention to personal life.

Topics Discussed

• Renece’s career beginnings and her motivation to build Visual Domain.
• Transitioning from a traditional career path to entrepreneurship as a new mother.
• The concept of a portfolio career and how it fosters variety and flexibility.
• Why transferable skills matter more than job titles in today’s tech landscape.
• Stories of leveraging her network to create opportunities and grow her business.
• The evolution of video content and its role in scaling Visual Domain.
• Tips for navigating work-life balance in fast-paced careers.
• Advice for younger professionals on embracing failures and pursuing joy.

Resources/Links

• Renece Brewster LinkedIn
• Her Tech Circle Website
• MentorWalks
• Article: "What is a Portfolio Career?"
• Follow the podcast for more inspiring interviews: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Your Website.

In this episode of Her Tech Circle, host Bec O’Brien welcomes Charul Budhiraja, a leader in tech recruitment and Business Manager at Hayes. Charul’s journey from studying software engineering to building a thriving career in recruitment offers an inspiring look at career pivots, resilience, and the power of networking.

3 Key Takeaways

1. Career Pivots Can Be Transformative: Charul’s decision to move away from coding into a people-focused role highlights the importance of aligning your career with your passions and strengths.
2. The Power of Networking: Leveraging her professional network helped Charul restart her career after moving to Australia, showcasing the importance of building and maintaining connections.
3. Embrace Imperfection: Charul shares why aiming for perfection can hold you back and how “just doing it” can lead to unexpected growth and opportunities.

Topics Discussed

• From Engineering to Recruitment: How Charul’s journey began with a Bachelor of Technology degree and led her to recruitment.
• Starting Over in Australia: Building a career from scratch after relocating and leveraging her professional network for opportunities.
• Moving into 360 Recruitment: The challenges and rewards of shifting from a leadership role to a full-cycle recruitment role.
• The Future of Recruitment: Insights into evolving trends in tech recruitment and the importance of multi-skilling.
• Continuous Learning: How Audible and other resources have helped Charul stay ahead of trends and grow both personally and professionally.

Resources and Links

• Charul’s Learning Tool: Audible – Her go-to for upskilling during commutes.
• Career Mantra: "Perfection is a myth. Just do it."
• Connect with Charul:
  • LinkedIn: Charul Budhiraja

In this episode, we’re joined by Natalie Barrett, Vice President of Customer Experience for APAC at Dynatrace. Natalie shares her inspiring journey from working on superyachts to leading customer success teams in the fast-paced world of SaaS. She also brings up other fun facts such as her initial degree in Equine Science!  With over two decades of experience across industries, she discusses the evolving role of customer success, lessons in leadership, and how authenticity and adaptability have shaped her career.

3 Key Takeaways

1. Customer Success is Universal: Regardless of the industry—yachting, events, or SaaS—the goal is to deliver exceptional value and outcomes for customers.
2. Leadership is Collaboration: The best leaders act like conductors, orchestrating their teams to create harmony while fostering growth and innovation.
3. Authenticity Matters: Staying true to yourself and embracing feedback, even when it’s tough, are essential for personal and professional growth.

Topics Discussed

• Natalie’s unique career journey: from superyachts in the Mediterranean to SaaS leadership in APAC.
• What customer success truly means and how it differs from support.
• Key skills and leadership styles needed to succeed in customer-facing roles.
• The evolution of customer success across SMB, mid-market, and enterprise levels.
• Handling career pivots and learning to trust your intuition.
• The importance of feedback and collaboration in building strong teams.
• Insights on balancing directive ("red") and collaborative ("blue") leadership conversations.
• Predictions for the future of customer success and its role in tech.

Resources

• Connect with Natalie Barrett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-barrett-b1924313/
• Learn More About Dynatrace: https://www.dynatrace.com/
• Books/Tools Mentioned:
  • Crucial Conversations by Patterson, Grenny, McMillan, and Switzler
  • ELI (Extended Leadership Inventory) Survey Tool
• Connect with Her Tech Circle: https://linktr.ee/hertechcircle

Host Bec O’Brien sits down with Kris Chaston, Co-founder and Co-Managing Director of HerTech Circle and General Manager at SupportAbility. Kris shares her inspiring journey, starting as a youth worker before pivoting into the tech industry. She reflects on the challenges and opportunities she’s encountered along the way, offering practical advice on career pivots, leadership strategies, and the importance of building a strong professional network. Kris also provides insight into her time management practices, balancing her career with motherhood, and her thoughts on the future of technology and leadership.

3 Key Takeaways

1. Embrace Career Pivots: Sidesteps and lateral moves can open doors to unexpected growth and valuable learning opportunities.
2. Invest in Continuous Learning: Explore both formal and informal learning opportunities to stay relevant and grow professionally.
3. Build Strong Networks: Your network can provide critical support, guidance, and opportunities throughout your career journey.

Topics Covered

• Kris’s transition from youth work to technology.
• Time management and strategic thinking in leadership roles.
• Overcoming challenges in career growth, including sidesteps and setbacks.
• The role of networking and mentorship in career development.
• How technology trends like AI are shaping the future of leadership.

In this episode host Bec O'Brien sits down with Moe Kiss, Director of Data for Marketing at Canva. With a career journey that spans government policy, criminology, and data-driven marketing analytics, Moe has truly embraced a non-linear path to success. She shares her experiences transitioning from government to tech, insights on building a "personal board of directors," and how to thrive as a woman in data and analytics. Moe’s story offers actionable advice on mentorship, continuous learning, and the importance of a strong network.

Key Takeaways:

1. Non-Linear Career Paths Can Lead to Growth: Moe emphasizes the importance of lateral career moves and embracing unexpected opportunities that ultimately drive growth and career satisfaction.
2. Build a Strong, Diverse Network: Through her "personal board of directors" approach, Moe shows how a diverse support system of mentors and peers can provide guidance, inspiration, and fresh perspectives.
3. Prioritize Mentorship and Networking as Core Skills: Networking and mentorship are not just extras—they’re integral to building a fulfilling career. Moe discusses how investing in these relationships has helped her navigate challenges and develop as a leader.

Topics Discussed:

• Moe’s Career Journey: From studying criminology and working in government policy to becoming a leader in data science at Canva.
• Transitioning to Data and Tech: The challenges Moe faced in moving from government to corporate roles and how she upskilled herself.
• Networking & Mentorship: How building a robust network, including a "personal board of directors," has been invaluable to Moe’s success.
• Work-Life Tips for Leaders: Moe shares her strategies for balancing a high volume of meetings, such as blocking out Mondays for deep work.
• Overcoming Self-Doubt: Moe recounts a pivotal moment when she was told she wasn't "technical enough" to lead a data team and how she proved them wrong.
• The Evolution of Marketing Analytics: The impact of privacy laws and compliance changes on the analytics field and why data professionals need to adapt constantly.
• Advice for Aspiring Leaders: Tips for young professionals on navigating career progression, building confidence, and embracing learning opportunities.

Resources & Links:

• Podcast Mentioned by Moe Kiss: The Analytics Power Hour
• Volunteer Organization Mentioned: Digital Analytics Association - New South Wales Chapter
• Moe’s LinkedIn Profile: Moe Kiss on LinkedIn