What if feeling unready is actually the signal to move forward?

In this episode, Brittany Giudici, Director of Communications at Microsoft’s Global Cybersecurity Division and Founder of Treasure Valley Women in Tech, shares powerful career lessons on leadership, confidence, imposter syndrome, mentorship, and building meaningful community in tech.

From her early career at Apple, through leadership roles in major tech companies, to launching a fast-growing nonprofit for women in technology, Brittany explains why “ready is a decision, not a feeling” — and how some of the most impactful career moves happen before you feel prepared.

Whether you’re an early-career professional, aspiring leader, or someone navigating change in tech, this conversation offers practical insight on career growth, leadership communication, mentorship, and finding purpose in your work.

• Why feeling unready is normal — and often necessary for growth

• How to overcome imposter syndrome in high-pressure careers

• What leadership communication really looks like inside big tech

• How mentorship (formal & informal) shapes long-term success

• Why building community matters — especially for women in tech

• How to make career decisions before you feel “ready”

• The power of investing your time intentionally

Brittany Giudici is the Director of Communications for Microsoft’s Global Cybersecurity Division and the Founder & President of Treasure Valley Women in Tech, a nonprofit focused on mentorship, community, and career development for women in technology.

Career growth • Leadership development • Microsoft careers • Women in tech • Mentorship • Imposter syndrome • Professional communication • Community building • Tech leadership • Career advice

Chapters:

00:00 Trailer
01:09 Welcome & Introduction to Brittany Giudici
02:10 Brittany’s Roles: Microsoft, Nonprofit, & Consulting
03:15 Growing Up Homeschooled & Falling in Love with Communication
05:00 Being the “New Kid” & Learning Social Dynamics
07:10 The “Be the Moon” Moment That Shaped Her Career
08:40 Knowing Her Career Path at a Young Age
09:45 College, Networking, & the Apple Opportunity
11:10 What Communications Really Means Inside Big Tech
12:30 Early Career at Apple & Marketing the iPhone
13:45 Learning Through an Acquisition at Sage Intacct
15:30 Working Closely with CEOs & Leadership Communication
17:00 Knowing When It’s Time to Move On
18:15 Applying to 160 Jobs & Embracing Rejection
19:50 Not Closing Doors on Yourself (Microsoft Hiring Story)
22:10 Learn-It-All vs Know-It-All Mindset
24:30 Imposter Syndrome & Navigating Self-Doubt
27:10 Why Brittany Started Treasure Valley Women in Tech
29:45 Motherhood, Purpose, & Building a Better Future
31:30 Launching a Nonprofit & First Community Event
34:00 Creating Safe Spaces for Women in Tech
37:10 Mentorship: Formal vs Informal & “Invisible Mentors”
40:30 Building Community Through Consistency
42:45 Boise, Idaho & the Power of Local Impact
50:00 Accountability, Authenticity, & Small Communities
54:00 Vision for the Future of Women in Tech
58:00 Can You Have It All? Career, Family, & Purpose
01:01:00 Work-Life Balance as Juggling, Not Balance
01:04:00 Advice for Young Professionals
01:06:30 “Ready Is a Decision, Not a Feeling”
01:08:00 Final Reflections on Leadership & Growth
01:10:00 Closing Thoughts & Farewell