Summary

In this episode of the Quality Talks podcast, host Stu Day engages with Dora Chatzinaki, a seasoned tech professional, host of the Verified Geek podcast and advocate for women in tech.

They discuss Dora's journey in the tech industry, her experiences in leadership roles, and the challenges of influencing change within organisations.

The conversation emphasises the importance of confidence, patience, and understanding organisational dynamics while advocating for diversity and learning from failure.

Dora shares her insights on building trust as a leader and the significance of collaboration in driving meaningful change.

Takeaways

1. Dora has been in tech for 17 years, starting as a junior engineer.
2. She emphasises the importance of women in tech and advocates for diversity.
3. Influencing change requires understanding why it's needed within an organisation.
4. Confidence comes from experience and learning from failures.
5. Patience is crucial when trying to implement change in organisations.
6. Building trust is essential for effective leadership.
7. Change can come from any level within an organisation, not just leadership.
8. Diversity of ideas enhances problem-solving and innovation.
9. Understanding organisational structures is key to influencing change.
10. Collaboration and support from others are vital for successful change initiatives.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Quality Talks Podcast

01:15 Dora's Journey in Tech

02:37 Influencing Change in Organisations

05:05 Challenges of Being a Woman in Tech

08:13 Driving Diversity and Inclusion

10:47 Building Confidence in the Workplace

14:17 Navigating Influence Without Authority

16:58 Learning from Failure

19:55 The Importance of Empathy in Leadership

21:50 Perseverance and Patience in Change

24:57 Adapting to Change in Tech

28:39 Consulting and Learning from Others

31:12 Building Support Networks for Change

36:14 The Power of Diverse Perspectives

41:43 Challenges of Influencing Change in Organisations

48:00 Understanding Organisational Dynamics

54:09 Earning Trust as a Leader

01:00:35 Closing Things Out