In this episode of SheEO with Sophie, host Sophie Bell sits down with Marisa Santisi, a visionary technology executive, cultural trailblazer, and advocate for diversity in leadership. Marisa shares her inspiring journey from growing up in Guatemala to leading high-performing teams in the fast-paced tech industry. She opens up about how cultural identity has shaped her leadership style, why mentorship is essential for empowering the next generation of women in tech, and how feedback fuels both personal and team growth.Listeners will gain actionable insights on building trust within teams, embracing diverse perspectives, and leading with emotional intelligence. Marisa also reflects on the importance of slowing down to enjoy the journey, defining legacy not by personal accolades but by the success you help others achieve. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone passionate about leadership, technology, diversity, and career growth—and for women ready to lead boldly while staying true to who they are.

In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with Cary Carbonaro, award-winning Certified Financial Planner™, bestselling author, and long-time advocate for financial empowerment. Cary shares timely and practical advice for women navigating the evolving world of money, investing, and wealth building, including how to prepare for the historic $30 trillion wealth transfer expected by 2030.We explore why women face unique financial challenges, how financial literacy can shift your money mindset, and why building healthy financial habits now is essential for long-term success. Cary also offers clear, approachable investing tips for beginners and discusses why having a financial advisor can help women take control of their financial futures with confidence.If you're ready to feel more financially empowered, this conversation is for you.📚 Cary’s BooksThe Money Queen’s Guide: For Women Who Want to Build Wealth and Banish FearWomen and Wealth: A Playbook to Empower Clients and Unlock Their Fortune (#1 New Release in Wealth Management, 2025)

In a compelling conversation with Sophie Bell, visionary tech leader and trusted advisor Vandhana Veerni shares her inspiring journey from aspiring lawyer to Chief Information Officer. Vandhana opens up about overcoming imposter syndrome, navigating career transitions, and embracing bold goals that push boundaries. With a deep commitment to leadership in education, she reflects on the power of making an impact and finding meaning in the work she does.The discussion also explores the unique challenges women face in the workplace, including the silent burden of the Superwoman Syndrome. Vandhana encourages women to own their accomplishments and proudly share their successes. She highlights the importance of building a strong support system—a personal board of mentors—and underscores how mindfulness, contentment, and self-compassion are essential to thriving both personally and professionally.Ultimately, Vandhana reminds us that happiness isn’t found at the finish line but in the journey itself. Practicing gratitude, being kind to oneself, and staying present are the keys to sustained growth and fulfillment.

Diane Sanford, Chief People Officer at Unleashed Brands, shares fresh insights on the changing face of HR and leadership. With over 30 years in the field, she highlights how the role of HR has shifted from administrative to strategic, blending people strategy with business goals.In today’s post-pandemic workforce, employees demand flexibility, purpose, and authenticity. Diane emphasizes that leaders must embody the company’s culture to build trust and drive engagement. She champions soft skills, mentorship, and continuous learning as cornerstones of effective leadership.Diane also speaks candidly about the challenges women face in leadership, encouraging confidence and resilience. Above all, she underscores the power of listening to employees and acting on what they say.🔑 Key TakeawaysHR is now a strategic driver of business success.Work-life integration is a growing employee expectation.Culture alignment and soft skills are essential to leadership.Feedback matters, action matters more.Leadership is a lifelong learning journey.

In this episode of SheEO with Sophie, we sit down with Nikhita Hyett, General Manager for EMEA at Signified, to explore her unconventional journey from journalism to the fast-paced world of fintech. Nikhita opens up about navigating leadership as a woman in tech, confronting industry misconceptions, and building a fulfilling career without compromising authenticity. The conversation dives deep into payment systems, fraud prevention, and the growing issue of returns abuse in e-commerce. From cultivating resilient company cultures to identifying sales talent and prioritizing work-life harmony, this episode offers powerful insights for ambitious professionals across industries.💡 Key TakeawaysCareer Reinvention: Nikhita’s leap from journalism to fintech shows how transferable skills can open doors in unexpected industries.Seamless Transactions Matter: Effective payment systems are critical to building consumer trust.Returns Abuse Is Rising: E-commerce brands must address refund manipulation with smarter strategies.Leadership & Gender: Women still face outdated assumptions around career and family, visibility and voice are key.Harmony Over Balance: Reframing work-life balance as harmony fosters more sustainable personal and professional growth.Leadership Adaptability: Great leaders flex their approach while staying true to themselves.Company Culture Is Non-Negotiable: A strong culture underpins performance and engagement.Sales Hiring Red Flags: Poor preparation in interviews signals deeper issues.Selling with Integrity: Belief in the product and authenticity are what truly drive sales success.Personal Growth Means Owning Your Story: Progress comes from leaning into who you are, not who you’re expected to be.

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Julia Cai, a seasoned technologist and current Chief Technology Officer, to explore her remarkable journey from software engineer to C-suite leader. Julia opens up about the pivotal moments in her career, her philosophy of lifelong learning, and how resilience and mentorship have shaped her path.

Throughout the conversation, Julia shares actionable insights on career planning, navigating transitions, and the importance of women supporting women in the tech industry. She emphasizes the value of building meaningful professional relationships, maintaining excellence in your craft, and always having a plan—especially in a fast-evolving tech landscape.

Julia also talks candidly about founding her own consulting company, the importance of self-care, and why giving back through mentorship is both a responsibility and a joy. Whether you're just starting your tech career or eyeing your next leadership move, Julia’s story offers both inspiration and practical wisdom.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Adaptability fuels growth: Julia’s rise to CTO highlights the power of embracing change.

• Lifelong learning is non-negotiable in tech careers.

• Strategic career planning, like Julia’s three-year roadmap, can help you stay focused.

• Mentorship and community amplify impact beyond the workplace.

• Excellence in work builds credibility and unlocks opportunities.

• Listening, resilience, and kindness are core leadership traits.

In this dynamic episode of SheEO, host Sophie Bell chats with Amy Horowitz, GVP of Solution Sales and Business Development at Informatica, about her bold leap from IT to sales—and how she turned technical know-how into a superpower. Amy opens up about breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry, building authentic client relationships, and the power of persistence. From advocating for yourself to mastering the art of the sale, this episode is packed with actionable insights, real talk, and inspiring advice for anyone ready to take charge of their career and ask for the sale.

In this engaging conversation, Sarah Katz, co-founder and business leader, explores how emotional intelligence shapes effective leadership in today’s workplace. She breaks down the five core dimensions of emotional intelligence and shares real-world insights on how leaders can cultivate self-awareness, resilience, and deeper connections with their teams.Sarah offers personal anecdotes and practical tools, showing how qualities like vulnerability, consistency, and empathy not only build trust but also create lasting impact in high-pressure environments. She also addresses the growing presence of AI and why human-centered leadership remains irreplaceable.Whether you're leading a team or preparing to step into leadership, this episode delivers invaluable guidance for becoming a more authentic, emotionally intelligent leader.

In this inspiring episode, Jo Graham, Chief Digital Information Officer at Pharmacy2U, takes us on a journey through her dynamic career in tech and leadership. From the highs and lows of e-commerce innovation to navigating the complex world of corporate culture, Jo unpacks the pivotal moments that shaped her as a leader. She offers candid advice on managing career plateaus, making thoughtful moves, and staying true to your values. Whether you're climbing the career ladder or leading a team, Jo’s insights on resilience, authenticity, and human-centered leadership will leave you motivated and reflective.

In this engaging conversation, Elaine Montilla joins us, who shares her inspiring journey from the Dominican Republic to becoming a Chief Technology Officer in the EdTech sector. We discuss the importance of education, the challenges faced by women in tech, and the significance of emotional intelligence and public speaking in leadership. Elaine emphasizes the need for personal branding and self-advocacy, especially for women and underrepresented communities. The conversation concludes with valuable advice on embracing discomfort and the importance of continuous learning and growth.https://5xminority.com/