The Women Behind the Network

If you don’t speak up, assumptions will fill the silence

Why confidence, visibility and owning your impact matter

In this episode of The Women Behind the Network, Holly Staff is joined by Sonia Wadhwa for an honest conversation about confidence, self-doubt, leadership and finding your voice in the technology industry.

Sonia shares the experiences that have shaped her career, from facing assumptions early on to navigating male-dominated environments and rebuilding her confidence during some of her most challenging moments. Now a Senior Director in Microsoft’s AI Transformation Office and an executive coach, she explains why being capable isn't always enough, and why learning to communicate your impact and make your contributions visible can be just as important as the work itself.

They also explore the confidence saboteurs that can hold women back, including perfectionism, comparison and the habit of downplaying achievements. Sonia shares her perspective on building confidence through action, the power of mentoring and community, and why leaders have a responsibility to create space for quieter voices and advocate for others.

Whether you're looking to progress your career, overcome self-doubt, become a more confident leader or support other women in technology, this episode is full of honest and practical insights into finding your voice, owning your strengths and recognising your potential.

What happens when you stop being afraid of ambition?

Why building capability, influence and long-term value matters

In the third episode of The Women Behind the Network, Holly Staff is joined by Carmen Li for an honest conversation about ambition, power, entrepreneurship and building a career on your own terms.

Carmen shares what she's learnt from building a career across finance, trading, data and enterprise technology, before becoming an entrepreneur and CEO. They explore why women can be reluctant to openly pursue influence and ambition, and how building genuine capability can give you the confidence to back yourself and take opportunities.

They also talk about financial independence, motherhood, long-term career potential, investing in your skills and experience, and deciding whose opinions really deserve your attention. Carmen shares her perspective on why you shouldn't discount your future potential, and why thinking beyond immediate rewards can change the way you approach your career.

Whether you're looking to progress your career, build your confidence, become an entrepreneur or simply think bigger about what you're capable of, this episode is full of honest and thought-provoking perspectives on ambition, influence and creating your own path.

What happens when you stop waiting to be invited?

Why visibility and action matter more than feeling ready

In the second episode of The Women Behind the Network, Holly Staff is joined by Candy Liu for an honest conversation about confidence, visibility and creating opportunities throughout your career.

Candy shares what she's learnt from building an international career in technology, leading teams, mentoring professionals and repeatedly stepping into unfamiliar situations. They explore why so many women wait until they feel completely qualified before putting themselves forward, and how taking action can be the very thing that builds confidence.

They also talk about finding mentors, becoming visible beyond your organisation, taking on leadership opportunities, learning from failure and the importance of building genuine relationships. Candy shares how volunteering, community work and one unexpected conversation led to opportunities she could never have planned for.

Whether you're looking to progress your career, build your confidence, find a mentor or simply take the next step before you feel ready, this episode is full of honest reflections and practical advice on creating opportunities rather than waiting for them.

Can women really have it all? Or are we asking the wrong question?

In the first episode of The Women Behind the Network, Holly Staff is joined by Carolin Rose for an honest conversation about career, family and the reality of trying to balance both.

Carolin shares what she's learnt from building a successful career in technology while raising two children, why every decision comes with trade-offs, and how letting go of the idea of "having it all" has helped her focus on what matters most.

They also talk about career progression, supportive leadership, redefining traditional family roles, setting boundaries and why ambition doesn't have to disappear when you become a parent.

Whether you're building your career, raising a family, leading a team or simply figuring out what success looks like for you, this episode is full of honest reflections and practical advice on making choices that work for your life - not someone else's.