On this transformative episode of TechTonic, we welcome the Honorable Leela Aheer, former Minister for the Status of Women and now Chief Growth Officer at The BioSport, for a raw, insightful conversation on women’s health, empowerment, and the systems that must evolve.

Alongside guest co-host Stacy Whitaker, we discuss The BioSport and how it's a cutting-edge tool that uses genomics, AI, and biometrics to optimize athletic performance, prevent injuries, and unlock each athlete’s unique potential.

In addition that this, we explore how it can be personalized for women’s healthcare recognizing inflammation, hormone shifts, gut-brain balance, and mental performance not as nuisances to ignore, but as powerful biological data points to optimize well-being.

But this episode isn’t just about tech, it’s about shifting culture. Leela shares how emotional intelligence in leadership, policy reform, and redefining professionalism can build more inclusive spaces for women in business, tech, and beyond. From navigating political and corporate power structures to advocating for better menstrual and hormonal care, she reminds us that women’s experiences are not elective, they are essential.

We explore why embracing emotion isn't weakness, why community is the antidote to fear, and how every woman, and ally can help reshape the future by demanding more humanity, equity, and integrity in innovation.

Techtonic is a Gaggle Social production.

In this episode of Techtonic, we sit down with Dean Clark, a 22-year veteran of Deloitte and now a leader at Kanini and founder of Tech2Exec, to explore what it really takes to move from hands-on technical roles to executive leadership. Dean shares his journey from coding COBOL in high school to advising CIOs at the enterprise level and breaks down why so many skilled professionals get stuck mid-career.

We dive into the soft skills that separate future leaders from the rest, how to evaluate when it’s time to move on, and why most hiring processes still get it wrong. If you're trying to grow your tech career or build better tech teams, this conversation is packed with direct, hard-earned insight from the trenches.

Check out Dean Clark's Tech2Exec: https://tech2exec.com/tech-exec-about-me/

Connect with Dean on Gaggle Social: https://app.gagglesocial.com/user/6568

Techtonic is a Gaggle Social production.

In this episode of Tectonic, Jared Tang sits down with Anna Schafer—Chief Product Officer at b Atomic!, 10x Salesforce-certified leader, and co-leader of the Salesforce Akron Women in Tech group—to explore how her community is empowering Salesforce professionals through connection, hands-on learning, and inclusive support.

Anna shares the origin story behind her involvement in the Akron Women in Tech Group, the impact of grassroots Trailblazer groups, and why fostering human connection is just as important as mastering new features. 

From mentorship and inclusion to race cars and Ohio winters, this episode is packed with warmth, inspiration, and actionable tips for anyone navigating their Salesforce journey—or thinking about starting a local tech community of their own.

Key takeaways:

• Why community groups are a game-changer for new Salesforce professionals
• How to foster inclusive spaces for both women and allies in tech
• Practical advice for starting or joining a Trailblazer group
• Why hiring from engaged communities leads to stronger teams

Whether you're in Akron, on the moon, or somewhere in between—this one’s for you.

Techtonic is a Gaggle Social production.

In this episode of Tectonic Podcast, we talk with Mike Martin — former admin turned Chief Customer Officer at 10K — about the evolution from doing the work to leading the work. With 17+ years of experience, Mike breaks down what separates good consultants from great ones, how to grow teams from scratch, and why the future of tech hiring is all about flexibility and fit.

Key Takeaways:
✅ Leadership starts with service—support first, lead second.
✅ Fractional consulting isn’t a trend—it’s a movement.
✅ A strong peer network builds stronger hires.
✅ Hiring processes shouldn’t be marathons—just meaningful.
✅ Real community opens real doors.

🎧 Hit play to rethink how you scale teams, talent, and trust in the Salesforce space.

Techtonic is a Gaggle Social production.

In this episode of Techtonic Podcast, we chat with Margaret Atkins, a 5x Salesforce-certified expert who turned failures into career breakthroughs. From failing her Admin cert eight times to landing roles through networking and soft skills, Margaret shares how resilience, community, and confidence helped her succeed in the Salesforce ecosystem. 

Key Takeaways:

✅ Failure fuels success—every setback is a step forward.
✅ Networking isn’t cheating—it’s how you stand out.
✅ Soft skills matter—technical skills can be taught, but adaptability and communication set you apart.
✅ Job descriptions aren’t everything—apply even if you don’t check every box.
✅ Community drives growth—local groups and events can open unexpected doors.

💡 Tune in now for real insights to help you break into Salesforce! 🚀🎧

Techtonic is a Gaggle Social production.

In this episode of Techtonic Podcast, we sit down with Henrietta Kolb, a former music educator turned Salesforce professional, who is navigating an inspiring career transition. From not knowing what a terminal was to building her own Salesforce app from scratch, Henrietta shares her journey of self-learning, imposter syndrome, and balancing career aspirations with family life.

Key Takeaways:

• You don’t need a tech background to break into Salesforce. Henrietta’s journey proves that with curiosity, persistence, and the right resources, anyone can learn Salesforce, even from scratch.
• Learning to use technical tools can be overwhelming, but it’s possible. Henrietta went from not knowing what a terminal was to confidently using Visual Studio Code, GitHub, and Dev Hub to develop her own app.
• Imposter syndrome is real, but so is your ability to overcome it. When self-doubt crept in, Henrietta reminded herself of her goals and why she started, helping her push forward despite challenges.
• Being a mother and learning Salesforce requires intentional time management. Henrietta discovered that studying in the early morning, rather than at night, helped her retain information while still being present for her child.

Whether you're looking to break into Salesforce, transition careers, or overcome imposter syndrome, this episode is packed with insights and motivation. Tune in now! 🎧🚀

Techtonic is a Gaggle Social production.

In this episode of Techtonic Podcast, we dive deep with Sharif Shaalan, Salesforce MVP Hall of Famer, author of Salesforce For Beginners, and CEO of Agile Cloud Consulting. With over 14 years in the Salesforce ecosystem, Sharif shares his journey from freelancing to leading a thriving consultancy serving nonprofits and higher education.

Key Takeaways:

• What makes a great team: Problem-solving, execution, and trust
• Advice for job seekers: Why understanding the "why" behind technology matters
• Starting a Salesforce career: Insights from the author of Salesforce for Beginners
• Behind the scenes: The magic of Cairo Dreamin’ and Agile Cloud’s weekly comics

Whether you're breaking into the Salesforce space, growing your technical expertise, or dreaming of launching your own consultancy, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration. Tune in now to learn from one of the industry's most passionate leaders!

• Cairo Dreamin' 
  • https://www.cairodreamin.com/
• Salesforce For Beginners
  • https://www.amazon.com/Salesforce-Beginners-step-step-marketing-dp-1803239107/dp/1803239107/ref=dp_ob_title_bk
• Agile Cloud Consulting Comics
  • https://agilecloudconsulting.com/agile-clouds-comic/

Techtonic is a Gaggle Social production.

In this episode of Techtonic Podcast, we’re joined by John Gates, a corporate recruiting expert, salary negotiation coach, and best-selling author of Act Your Wage. With over 30 years of experience in recruiting and negotiation, John has helped hundreds of professionals secure fair pay and coached hiring managers on creating transparent, equitable hiring practices.

John dives into actionable strategies for negotiating salary, navigating compensation packages, and understanding market trends to maximize career opportunities.

Key Takeaways:

• How to leverage your value during salary negotiations
• Why most candidates leave 10-20% on the table (and how to avoid it)
• Insights into ageism and overcoming biases in the hiring process
• Strategies for companies to implement fair pay and transparent practices

Whether you’re a job seeker aiming for your dream role or an employer seeking to improve hiring strategies, this episode is packed with practical advice to empower your journey. Tune in for a transformative discussion on pay, transparency, and career growth!

Techtonic is a Gaggle Social production.

Techtonic is a Gaggle Social production.

In this episode of Techtonic Podcast, we sit down with Devin Miller, a seasoned patent and trademark attorney who specializes in helping startups and small businesses protect their ideas and and intellectual property. With a wealth of experience, including founding an eight-figure business and leading a seven-figure exit, Devin shares invaluable insights into navigating the complexities of intellectual property (IP) and entrepreneurship.

Key Takeaways:

• The essentials of protecting your SaaS or consultancy's IP
• What kind of IP protection can I obtain for my service or app 
• How I can enforce my rights to project my app or service's IP
• Common IP pitfalls and how to avoid them

Whether you’re building the next big SaaS product, launching an IT consultancy, or simply curious about IP, this episode provides actionable advice to safeguard your innovations and grow your business. Tune in now for an enlightening conversation!

Techtonic is a Gaggle Social production.

Techtonic is a Gaggle Social production.

In this episode of Techtonic Podcast, we’re excited to welcome Christina McLoughlin, a transformative career coach and strategist, who’s spent years in the Salesforce ecosystem and is now helping tech professionals navigate their career journeys with confidence. Christina brings a wealth of experience as a certified Salesforce consultant and coach, focusing on educating others on fostering long-term success.

Key Takeaways:

• Christina's transition story 
• Strategies for avoiding burnout in tech careers
• The importance of work-life harmony over balance

 Whether you're transitioning into tech or looking to deepen your expertise, this episode offers practical insights to help you thrive without sacrificing well-being. Tune in through the link in the comments and join us for an inspiring conversation!

Techtonic is a Gaggle Social production.

Techtonic is a Gaggle Social production.