In this episode, Bec O'Brien sits down with Karen Katz, a seasoned leader in tech and consulting with over 25 years of experience. Known as “Mama Katz” to many, Karen is the founder of KK Consulting Melbourne and a co-founder of Her Tech Circle. With a unique blend of expertise in HR and a background in technology, Karen brings invaluable insights into the world of people management, career development, and authentic leadership.

Key Takeaways:

1. Authenticity as a Superpower
   Karen emphasizes the importance of showing up as your true self. She believes that authenticity builds trust and is a foundation for successful relationships, both personally and professionally.
2. The Importance of Networks
   Building a strong professional network is essential. Karen shares how her connections have been crucial to her career success, with most of her opportunities coming through referrals and recommendations.
3. Seizing Unexpected Opportunities
   Throughout her career, Karen has embraced unexpected challenges and opportunities that have shaped her journey. She encourages others to stay open to new possibilities, even if they seem intimidating at first.

Topics Discussed:

• Karen’s Career Journey: From tech to HR and eventually founding her own consulting firm, KK Consulting Melbourne.
• The Role of Authenticity in Leadership: How being genuine and transparent can lead to stronger professional relationships.
• Navigating Career Changes: Insights on embracing new opportunities and learning from each stage in one’s career.
• Building and Nurturing a Professional Network: The impact of connections and how networks can be a source of strength and support.
• Diverse Learning Styles and Neurodiversity: Karen’s perspective on learning differences, particularly from her experiences with her neurodiverse daughter.
• The Future of Tech Roles: Emerging demands in AI, cybersecurity, and human-centered leadership.
• Balancing Human Connection with Technology: Why, despite advances in tech, human relationships and empathy remain essential.

Resources and Links:

• Follow Karen Katz on LinkedIn
• KK Consulting Melbourne: Learn more about Karen’s consulting firm for HR and brand development.
• Her Tech Circle: Discover the organization co-founded by Karen, dedicated to supporting women in technology.

In this episode, we sit down with Kavita Kerwar, Principal Consultant at Dius, to explore her career journey and insights into AI-driven innovation, product management, and leadership. Kavita has worked with major well known Australian brands (like Commonwealth Bank and Qantas). She shares how her passion for problem-solving has been a guiding force, her strategies for handling tough conversations, and the importance of building a professional network. Kavita also discusses her experience being a South Asian woman part of the LGBTQIA+ community who struggled early on her career to find mentors who had lived personal experience similar to her and how this has led to her volunteer work with Out for Australia.

Key Takeaways:

• Problem-Solving is Key: Kavita believes that a proactive, solution-oriented mindset is critical for success in tech and leadership roles.
• Empathy in Leadership: Effective communication during tough situations starts with understanding others' perspectives and addressing their concerns with empathy.
• Continuous Learning: Staying curious and adapting to new technologies like AI is essential—learning on the job can be just as valuable as formal education.
• Own Your Value: Advocate for yourself and recognize the value you bring to your team, especially during performance reviews.

Topics Discussed:

• Kavita’s Career Path: From her early days as an intern in tech to becoming a principal consultant, and how problem-solving has been a constant theme in her career.
• Navigating Tough Conversations: Kavita’s approach to delivering difficult news with transparency and empathy, and why it's important to address challenges head-on.
• Adapting to AI and Data Science: Insights into how AI is transforming industries, and tips for those looking to break into the field without feeling overwhelmed.
• Embracing Your Success: Why taking pride in your work and clearly communicating your achievements can change the way you approach career growth.
• Finding Authenticity in the Workplace: Kavita discusses the challenges of bringing her full self to work and the importance of representation for LGBTQIA+ professionals. She explains how this journey inspired her role as a state director for Out for Australia, where she advocates for greater visibility and inclusivity in the professional world.

Resources & Links:

• Her Tech Circle: https://linktr.ee/hertechcircle 
• Connect with Kavita Kerwar: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kavitakerwar/
• Out for Australia: Learn more about this non-profit supporting LGBTQIA+ professionals through mentoring and community building .https://www.outforaustralia.org/
• Recommended Reads: Sign up for quick, informative newsletters like Tech Brew to stay updated on the latest in tech and innovation.

In this episode of Her Tech Circle, Bec O’Brien sits down with Susan Brown, partner at Deloitte Digital, to explore her two-decade career in digital transformation, customer experience design, and leadership. Susan shares her inspiring journey from South Africa to Australia, how she navigates high-level consulting with government and corporate clients, and her passion for inclusive tech environments.

Throughout the episode, Susan talks about the value of authenticity, managing anxiety in leadership roles, and the importance of mentorship and networks in shaping her career. She also reveals how a simple cup of coffee led her to unexpected opportunities and dives into her role in bringing Girls in Tech to Australia, now known as Her Tech Circle. Whether you're a tech professional or someone aspiring to grow in your field, this conversation offers valuable lessons on embracing who you are, building meaningful connections, and leaving a lasting legacy.

Key Takeaways:

1. Say Yes to Opportunities: Even a simple conversation over coffee can lead to unexpected career shifts. Don’t underestimate the value of networking.
2. Plan to Manage Uncertainty: While consulting work is unpredictable, carving out time for planning can help ease anxiety and create structure.
3. Authenticity Drives Leadership: Whether through pink hair or direct communication, staying true to yourself fosters meaningful professional relationships.

Topics Discussed:

• Susan’s early career in South Africa and transition to Australia
• Navigating consulting work and the challenges of working with government clients
• The power of mentorship and networks in professional growth
• Building inclusive tech spaces and founding Her Tech Circle Australia
• Insights on customer experience (CX) and aligning technology with user needs
• Managing anxiety through planning and setting boundaries
• The importance of legacy and empowering the next generation of women in tech

Resources and Links:

• Her Tech Circle: https://linktr.ee/hertechcircle 
• Deloitte Digital: https://www.deloittedigital.com/au/en.html 
• Recommended Movie: Inside Out 2 (not a typo, listen in to find out why!) 
• Connect with Susan Brown on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-b-25539414/
• Follow Her Tech Circle on socials: Her Tech Circle 

Subscribe to the podcast! Email me at any time with feedback on [email protected] 

In this episode of Her Tech Circle, host Bec O’Brien sits down with Daisy Wong, an inspiring leader in cybersecurity and the Head of Security Awareness at Medibank. Daisy shares her remarkable journey from a marketing student to a cybersecurity professional, and the challenges she has faced along the way as a woman with a disability. From growing up in an immigrant family to navigating redundancies and finding her unique niche in tech, Daisy’s story is one of resilience, inclusion, and adaptability.

Daisy opens up about her passion for building a security culture and how her background in behavioural studies and marketing helps her simplify complex cybersecurity concepts. She also emphasizes the importance of building a supportive network and reminds listeners that there is space for everyone in the tech industry, no matter their background or skill set.

This conversation is filled with valuable insights on overcoming setbacks, finding your purpose, and using non-traditional skills to thrive in tech.

Key Takeaways:

• Resilience and Adaptability: Success often comes from overcoming challenges and taking unexpected career turns.
• Value of Non-Technical Skills: Skills like communication, marketing, and behavioral studies can add significant value to technical fields.
• Importance of Support Networks: Having mentors and allies, regardless of gender, is essential for growth and navigating the tech world.

Topics Discussed in This Episode:

• Daisy’s early life and upbringing in an immigrant family
• Navigating career redundancies and finding her niche in security awareness
• Why non-technical skills matter in cybersecurity
• Overcoming the challenges of working in a male-dominated industry
• The future of cybersecurity and the role of AI
• The value of building a strong professional network

Resources & Links:

• Follow Daisy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daisy_nevertoosweet/
• Connect with Daisy Wong on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daisywong127/

Connect with Us:

• Follow Her Tech Circle on Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/company/hertechcircle/about/]
• Found out more about our slack community and upcoming events: [https://linktr.ee/hertechcircle]
• Subscribe to the podcast: 

We are thrilled to introduce you to Her Tech Circle... the podcast! If you're someone who’s curious about the ever-evolving world of technology, or maybe you’re a woman navigating your own career. This podcast is for you. Each episode, we will showcase incredible Australian women who have built tech careers. They come from diverse backgrounds, different corners of the tech industry, and various stages of their careers.

This episode features an introduction to your host, Bec O'Brien to explain a little more about why we brought this podcast to life! Email me on [email protected] for feedback.