In this episode, we dive into The Diversity Dividend with Dr. Poornima Luthra, an internationally recognized author, speaker, and DEI expert. Dr. Luthra shares her inspiring journey, from her early career in talent management to becoming a leading voice for diversity, equity, and inclusion. She unpacks how her books have reshaped corporate DEI conversations, the role of active allyship, and why systemic change is key to creating truly inclusive workplaces.

Tune in to explore how we can all challenge biases, foster belonging, and build stronger, more innovative organizations together. 

🔗 Connect with Dr. Luthra:

🌐 Website: poornimaluthra.com

📚 Books: poornimaluthra.com/#author

💼 LinkedIn: Dr. Poornima Luthra

🎧 Podcast Produced by LeTroy Gardner & Mario Washington | Fourcast Media 🌐 pushplaypods.com

#TechGirlPodcast #WomenInTech #DiversityDividend #InclusionMatters #DEI #Leadership #Allyship #GertrudeChilufya #PoornimaLuthra #TechPodcast #EquityInAction

Episode Timestamps

00:00: Introduction to the Tech Girl Podcast

01:21: Dr. Luthra's Background and Achievements

02:32: Reflecting on Personal Growth

03:56: Diving into DE&I Work

04:17: Childhood Influences on DE&I Passion

06:54: Global Perspective and Experiences

07:40: Active Allyship in Practice

07:57: Diversifying Diversity

11:41: Intersectionality and Socioeconomic Status

14:36: Challenges and Mistakes in Allyship

18:55: Practical Tips for Overcoming Bias

23:21: Systemic Change in Organizations

27:56: Navigating Discomfort and Bias Awareness

30:38: Exploring Cultural Simulations in Education

34:09: Understanding Backlash and Fear in DEI Work

40:26: The Importance of Dialogue Over Debate

44:13: Quick Fire Round: Personal Biases and Influences

47:14: Hopes for Inclusion in Tech and Leadership

49:26: Practical Tips for Inclusive Teams

53:41: Conclusion and What's Next

Podcast Produced by LeTroy Gardner & Mario Washington | Fourcast Media 🌐 pushplaypods.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I was delighted to speak with a fellow Developer Advocate Kedasha Kerr about Developer Relations and the role of Developer Advocates in the broader Tech industry. We also talked about managing personal finances as techies which is an essential aspect of growth. You can find Kedasha here. Happy listening.

Podcast Produced by LeTroy Gardner & Mario Washington | Fourcast Media 🌐 pushplaypods.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The road less traveled can be very scary, Naya and I had a candid conversation about the challenges of working in tech when you don't embody the traditional route or look. It's interesting how imposter syndrome manifests itself in tiny instances like asking for help, especially when you are surrounded by people that don't look like you the layers of self-gatekeeping tend to get in the way, and on a positive note seeing people like you becomes a great motivation to do more or better when you work in Tech.

Naya is a Tech content creator and goes by The Black Female Engineer. If you are looking to learn more about working in tech, some lifestyle, and fun, you can find out more about her here.

Podcast Produced by LeTroy Gardner & Mario Washington | Fourcast Media 🌐 pushplaypods.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The path to taking up a tech career is personal and the best way to start is to assess your situation, are you a new graduate? Are you someone looking to transition? How much time can you afford to put into this path? This and more is what Omotola highlights in our conversation. 

Omotola is a software engineer, speaker, teacher, and creator of My coding Habits. 

Find her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mycodinghabits

Podcast Produced by LeTroy Gardner & Mario Washington | Fourcast Media 🌐 pushplaypods.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How often do you have a plan B or backup plan when you start on something new? When Tshepiso started her coding journey there was no plan B. Before becoming a software developer, Tshepiso was a civil engineer and has a master's in Water Resources Engineering. She has worked in marketing, events and project management. So how did she end up in a frontend BootCamp and what is she up to now?

Listen to our conversation to find out!

You can also connect with Tshepiso Lejutjo on LinkedIn.

Podcast Produced by LeTroy Gardner & Mario Washington | Fourcast Media 🌐 pushplaypods.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.