Tech Beyond Gender Talks

In this warm and insightful episode of Tech Beyond Gender I sit down with Pip Klenner a seasoned leader with nearly three decades in the tech world to explore how people processes and technology come together to drive real transformation

From her unexpected start in IT to leading complex change initiatives Pip shares candid stories about the moments that shaped her leadership style the art of translating between business and tech teams and the importance of emotional intelligence in building trust and connection We dive into challenges like unconscious bias why women often hold back from applying for roles and how organisations can create truly inclusive cultures

Pip also reflects on her key lessons from transformation projects how she maintains resilience during tough times and why she believes valuing diversity is the single most important trait for future tech teams Whether you are in tech or leading change in any industry this conversation is a masterclass in human centred leadership

#TechBeyondGender #WomenInTech #Leadership #DiversityAndInclusion #PeopleFirst #TechLeadership #Transformation #EmotionalIntelligence #CareerGrowth #InclusiveLeadership #ChangeManagement #BridgingTheGap #BiasInTech #WomenLeaders #FutureOfWork

From floppy disks to national health reforms, Sumita Chopra’s inspiring journey spans over two decades of innovation, resilience, and social impact. In this episode of Tech Beyond Gender, Sumita shares how she navigated the evolving tech landscape since 1999, led transformative projects like India’s first health insurance scheme for the underprivileged, and balanced it all with family life and meaningful volunteer work. A passionate technologist and community builder, she speaks about the power of preparation, the magic of breathwork, and why communication is the bridge between great ideas and real solutions.

#TechBeyondGender #WomenInTech #SocialImpact #LeadershipJourney #TechForGood #MindfulLeadership #WorldBank #HealthTech #AgileThinking #MeditationInTech #TechTransformation #InspiringStories #InclusiveTech

In this thoughtful episode of Tech Beyond Gender, Meena Satishkumar speaks with Mahimi Fernando, Engineering Team Lead at Xero, whose career journey from Sri Lanka to New Zealand is shaped by courage, curiosity, and continuous growth.

Mahimi shares how she uses structured reflection techniques like journaling and mindfulness to navigate challenges, overcome self-doubt, and support others. From her first failure in automation testing to building high-performing teams and studying psychology, Mahimi offers a deeply human approach to leadership—anchored in purpose and empathy.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to lead with clarity, trust themselves more, and build inclusive, thoughtful teams in tech.

#MindfulLeadership #WomenInTech #TechBeyondGender #SelfAwareness #ResilientLeadership #GrowthMindset #DiversityInTech #LeadershipWithPurpose #PsychologyInTech #ImposterSyndrome #InclusiveTech #ReflectivePractice #JournalingForGrowth

In this episode, Principal Architect Andrea Magnorsky joins us to explore the power of systems thinking — and why it matters now more than ever. With over two decades of experience spanning game development, architecture strategy, and functional programming, Andrea shares how she brings clarity to complexity.

We talk about:

• What systems thinking actually is (with pigs and wolves!)

• How to make better architectural decisions with decentralised practices

• Addressing systemic bias in tech

• The importance of active listening and meta-thinking in leadership

• Why decision-making is at the heart of good architecture

If you’ve ever wondered how to zoom out, connect the dots, and bring coherence to chaos — this episode is for you.

Barbara Gruber’s path from journalist in Germany to engineering manager in New Zealand is a powerful story of grit, reinvention, and courage. In this episode, she shares how she overcame language barriers, broke into tech with no prior experience, and handled rejection with resilience. We dive into her early struggles, cultural adaptation, and the leadership lessons she now brings to the table—always direct, always empathetic. A must-listen for career changers, migrant professionals, and women in tech.

#WomenInTech #ChallengingTheOdds #CareerPivot #MigrantVoices #TechLeadership #InspiringJourneys #Reinvention #TechBeyondGender #Resilience #BoldMoves

In this heartwarming episode of Tech Beyond Gender, Meena Satishkumar speaks with Michal Moore, Engineering Lead at BNZ, whose journey goes far beyond the world of tech. From growing up with a Commodore 64 in Israel to leading critical systems in New Zealand, Michal shares how her passion for people, purpose, and problem-solving shaped her life.

Listen as she opens up about working in SecOps, finding joy in emotional first aid, fostering “spicy” kittens, and harvesting fruit for food banks—all while driving knowledge-sharing and resilience in engineering teams.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that success in tech can be deeply human.

#TechBeyondGender #WomenInTech #EngineeringLeadership #VolunteeringMatters #DiversityInTech #InspiringVoices #TechWithHeart #EmotionalIntelligence #HumanSideOfTech #MichalMoore #BNZTech #PodcastNZ

Geri Ellis unpacks what it truly takes to lead through transformation in today’s tech landscape. From the accelerating impact of AI to aligning enterprise strategy, tech, and workforce planning, Geri shares practical insights for creating agile, future-ready organisations. A must-listen for anyone serious about meaningful, sustainable change in tech.

#LeadingTransformation #AILeadership #FutureOfWork #TechStrategy #WomenInTech #EnterpriseAgility #DigitalLeadership #TechBeyondGender

In this deeply reflective episode, Meena Satishkumar speaks with Macushla Howell, Head of Data at New Zealand Post, about the life-changing impact of taking a bold career break. Macushla shares what inspired her year-long sabbatical across Europe, including walking the 780km Camino de Santiago with her young family, and how the experience rewired her approach to leadership, self-awareness, and success.

Together, they explore what it means to lead with intention, the strength in stillness, and the value of being present. Whether you're considering a pause, navigating burnout, or simply seeking inspiration to live and lead with more purpose—this episode is a must-listen.

#TechBeyondGender #WomenInTech #LeadershipJourney #CareerBreak #MindfulLeadership #IntentionalLiving #CourageToPause #DiversityInTech #InspiringWomen #CaminoStories #WorkLifeReflection

In this powerful episode of Tech Beyond Gender, Meena Satishkumar is joined by Kaushiki Roy — a program manager with over 30 years of experience across tech, policy, and public service in New Zealand. From an unexpected start in technology to navigating health challenges, Kaushiki shares how purpose, learning, and a strong personal value system helped her thrive as a migrant woman of colour.

She opens up about the importance of building a personal brand, dealing with the tall poppy syndrome, staying curious, and aligning career choices with what truly matters. Whether you're early in your career or a seasoned professional, this conversation will leave you feeling grounded, inspired, and empowered.

#TechBeyondGender #WomenInTech #MigrantVoices #Resilience #LeadershipWithHeart

#PurposeDrivenCareer #PersonalBranding #DiversityInTech #EmpathyInLeadership

#LifelongLearning #InclusionMatters #NZTech #WomenOfColourInTech #VisibilityMatters

n Episode 39, we sit down with Pooja Kokatnur, Engineering Lead at BNZ, who shares a deeply personal and inspiring journey through the tech industry. From growing up in a multicultural household in Dubai to carving out a meaningful career in New Zealand, Pooja reflects on the challenges of self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and the subtle biases women of colour continue to face in tech.

She talks about the power of mentorship, what it means to lead with authenticity, and why staying true to your personality is a strength—not a liability. Pooja also opens up about key turning points in her career, including moments where speaking up made all the difference and where being overlooked led her to become a better advocate for others.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating their early career, stepping into leadership, or simply trying to find their voice in a fast-moving industry.

#WomenInTech
#TechLeadership
#AuthenticLeadership
#SelfBelief
#MentorshipMatters
#WomenOfColourInTech
#DiversityInTech
#InclusionInTech
#EmpathyInLeadership
#TechBeyondGender
#CareerGrowth
#SpeakUp
#BiasInTech
#LeadWithKindness
#RepresentationMatters