Prepare to be inspired by Sue Booker, a trailblazer with over three decades of experience in design, art, and accessibility advocacy. Her journey is a testament to the power of curiosity and resilience in the ever-evolving tech industry. From her early days in industrial design to her prominent roles in tech, Sue shares valuable lessons on navigating a male-dominated field, overcoming imposter syndrome, and finding passion in mobile technology. Her story reminds us that learning from every interaction, embracing challenges, and staying present can fuel both personal and professional growth.

Sue's career trajectory is anything but linear. As she recounts her experiences from consulting to returning to a big tech company, managing a growing team, and ultimately realizing that management wasn't her true calling, we gain insight into the courage required to make bold career moves. Sue emphasizes the importance of aligning work with personal passions and the impact of making choices driven by fulfillment rather than titles. Her narrative challenges conventional career paths and showcases the empowering nature of focusing on what truly energizes us.

Our conversation with Sue also delves into the profound impact of language and accessibility in design and technology. She underscores the significance of mindful language use and designing with empathy to create inclusive products. We explore how maintaining health and vitality, managing stress, and seeking balance can lead to a fulfilling and active older age. Sue's wisdom offers a roadmap for anyone looking to navigate their career in the tech industry with purpose and passion. Join us for an episode brimming with inspiration, practical advice, and energizing stories.

You can find Sue on LinkedIn!

There is a wealth of information available and only so much time in the day. Therefore, I truly appreciate you spending some of your valuable time listening to this podcast. Your feedback is very important so please reach out to me on LinkedIn or over email: [email protected].

You can support us by leaving a review for this podcast, recommending it to a friend or sharing your favorite takeaways by tagging us on IG @theseasquirteffect. Doing so will help us reach more listeners like you!

Apply for human performance coaching program.

Follow me on IG: @evolvewithalla

Music credits & copyright by "Odin v olen'yem parke" ("Один В Оленьем Парке").

How does an early fascination with coding evolve into a career in the cutting-edge fields of Silicon Valley and aerospace engineering? Nico Zeitlin joins us to share his remarkable journey, starting from his childhood days writing code in QBasic, inspired by his older brother, to earning a degree in computer engineering from the University of Buenos Aires. Through his story, Nico reveals how a sense of freedom and continuous learning keeps him feeling most alive, driving his ambitious career path from Argentina to the heart of the American tech industry.

What does it take to navigate career challenges during Argentina's financial crises while juggling a family business and academic pursuits? Listen as Nico recounts his high school job writing software for Palm Pilots, his diverse responsibilities in the family business, and the first transformative experiences with the internet in coffee shops. Nico's reflections provide a poignant reminder of how far technology has come and its profound impact on human learning and evolution.

How does one maintain personal growth and resilience through professional highs and lows, particularly when balancing career and parenthood? Nico shares invaluable insights into the importance of alignment and purpose in his work, the emotional impact of professional setbacks, and the joy of pursuing childhood passions. With heartfelt advice on embracing continuous evolution and growth, Nico's story is an inspiring testament to the power of resilience and the Sea Squirt  Effect in making bold decisions and driving positive change.

You can reach out to Nico on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicozeitlin/

There is a wealth of information available and only so much time in the day. Therefore, I truly appreciate you spending some of your valuable time listening to this podcast. Your feedback is very important so please reach out to me on LinkedIn or over email: [email protected].

You can support us by leaving a review for this podcast, recommending it to a friend or sharing your favorite takeaways by tagging us on IG @theseasquirteffect. Doing so will help us reach more listeners like you!

Apply for human performance coaching program.

Follow me on IG: @evolvewithalla

Music credits & copyright by "Odin v olen'yem parke" ("Один В Оленьем Парке").

Imagine journeying through 103 countries, each with its own unique story and adventure. On this episode of the Sea Squirt Effect podcast, we're thrilled to introduce Jeanne, a tech industry veteran whose wanderlust has taken her to the far corners of the globe, with Tunisia next on her list. Jeanne shares her methodical yet spirited approach to choosing her travel destinations, recounting a memorable visa hiccup that led to an unexpected adventure. Whether she's traveling solo or with family, Jean's passion for exploration is infectious, and her tales of discovery are sure to inspire your next journey.
 
 Our conversation takes a deeper turn as Jeanne opens up about the subtle biases that women encounter in the tech industry. Through personal anecdotes, she reveals how unconscious bias can manifest, even in spaces that seem progressive, and the ongoing struggle for diversity and inclusion within tech roles. We also discuss the intense work rhythms that can lead to burnout, particularly for those new to the field. Jeanne's candid account of grappling with burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of recognizing and addressing mental health.
 
 In the final segment, Jeanne shares her courageous decision to shift careers in pursuit of flexibility and balance. With the support of friends and family, she learned to prioritize her well-being and find joy outside of a demanding tech career. This episode is a testament to the power of self-awareness and intentionality in career choices. To cap it all off, Jeanne extends an open invitation for listeners to connect with her on LinkedIn, fostering a sense of community and support. Don't miss this enriching conversation that blends globetrotting adventures, tech industry insights, and invaluable life lessons.
 
 Connect to Jeanne on LinkedIn.

There is a wealth of information available and only so much time in the day. Therefore, I truly appreciate you spending some of your valuable time listening to this podcast. Your feedback is very important so please reach out to me on LinkedIn or over email: [email protected].

You can support us by leaving a review for this podcast, recommending it to a friend or sharing your favorite takeaways by tagging us on IG @theseasquirteffect. Doing so will help us reach more listeners like you!

Apply for human performance coaching program.

Follow me on IG: @evolvewithalla

Music credits & copyright by "Odin v olen'yem parke" ("Один В Оленьем Парке").

Join us as we sit down with Lara, who opens up about her fascinating journey from a public relations graduate in Florida to a tech industry professional and eventually a wine enthusiast living her best life in Napa. Lara shares her passion for creating meaningful connections and how this has driven her career moves and personal growth.

In our conversation, Lara recounts her early days job-hunting through newspaper classifieds, the evolution of interview processes in tech, and her unexpected detour into marketing procurement. She provides a behind-the-scenes look at negotiating contracts, managing large-scale events, and pioneering inclusion and diversity initiatives. Lara's fearless advocacy for diverse hiring practices and empowering quieter colleagues offers a masterclass in making impactful changes within an organization.

We also delve into Lara’s personal transformation from managing tech industry stress to finding fulfillment in the wine industry. Lara shares invaluable strategies for managing stress, building confidence, and maintaining emotional intelligence in high-pressure environments. She wraps up with practical advice on balancing work and personal life, emphasizing the importance of adding leisure to business trips and the joy of working with trustworthy colleagues. Don't miss this inspiring episode filled with heartfelt reflections and actionable insights.

Connect to Lara on LinkedIn or Instagram.

There is a wealth of information available and only so much time in the day. Therefore, I truly appreciate you spending some of your valuable time listening to this podcast. Your feedback is very important so please reach out to me on LinkedIn or over email: [email protected].

You can support us by leaving a review for this podcast, recommending it to a friend or sharing your favorite takeaways by tagging us on IG @theseasquirteffect. Doing so will help us reach more listeners like you!

Apply for human performance coaching program.

Follow me on IG: @evolvewithalla

Music credits & copyright by "Odin v olen'yem parke" ("Один В Оленьем Парке").

What if pursuing your childhood passion could unlock a career filled with innovation and leadership? On this episode of the Sea Squirt Effect podcast, we're joined by my friend and former colleague, Edoardo Serra, also known as Edo, who recounts his journey from a tech-obsessed kid in Torino, Italy, to an accomplished professional in electronic and computer engineering. Edo’s story is a tech tale of curiosity and relentless learning, marking the milestones that led him from tinkering with early computers to pursuing higher education in tech.

Edo shares the challenges and triumphs faced during his nearly decade-long career in corporate tech. He offers insightful reflections on transitioning from an individual contributor to a manager, revealing the learning curves and validation felt during this shift. Our discussion dives into the pivotal decisions, such as leaving a secure job in big tech. Edo candidly discusses the factors and emotions that led him to embrace new opportunities, making this segment an enriching listen for anyone navigating similar crossroads in their careers.

And beyond professional milestones, we explore broader themes of personal growth, freedom, and happiness. Edo opens up about the joy of acquiring new skills, the courage to seize new opportunities, and the importance of internal fulfillment. From the thrill of spontaneous travel to the quest for financial stability, this episode underscores the balance between external freedom and inner peace. By sharing personal anecdotes and reflections on life’s unpredictability, Edo provides a compelling narrative that speaks to the essence of happiness through choices and personal growth. Join us for an episode filled with insights, inspiration, and the true meaning of living a fulfilled life.

You can reach out to Edo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eserra/

There is a wealth of information available and only so much time in the day. Therefore, I truly appreciate you spending some of your valuable time listening to this podcast. Your feedback is very important so please reach out to me on LinkedIn or over email: [email protected].

You can support us by leaving a review for this podcast, recommending it to a friend or sharing your favorite takeaways by tagging us on IG @theseasquirteffect. Doing so will help us reach more listeners like you!

Apply for human performance coaching program.

Follow me on IG: @evolvewithalla

Music credits & copyright by "Odin v olen'yem parke" ("Один В Оленьем Парке").

Learn what is this podcast about and why is it named "The Sea Squirt Effect"?

There is a wealth of information available and only so much time in the day. Therefore, I truly appreciate you spending some of your valuable time listening to this podcast. Your feedback is very important so please reach out to me on LinkedIn or over email: [email protected].

You can support us by leaving a review for this podcast, recommending it to a friend or sharing your favorite takeaways by tagging us on IG @theseasquirteffect. Doing so will help us reach more listeners like you!

Apply for human performance coaching program.

Follow me on IG: @evolvewithalla

Music credits & copyright by "Odin v olen'yem parke" ("Один В Оленьем Парке").