Thriving in The Game Podcast

How will you face the challenges that arise in your career? Prepare yourself with strategies now. Join us in this episode as we explore the strategic resilience and tenacity needed to navigate the difficulties along your career journey.

Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube

Show Notes

In this inspiring episode of Thriving In the Game, host Alicia Cyrus sits down with Tina Debose to discuss the difficulties and challenges Black Women face in tech. A trailblazing global leader with over four decades in the IT industry, Tina highlights pivotal experiences from her early days as the only woman in a software certification class to her current role leading a team of 50+ developers and engineers. Together, they cover:

* embracing unconventional opportunities

* strategic preparation & self-advocacy

* importance of allyship & support

* navigating career obstacles & retooling

* finding validation outside of work

Through personal anecdotes and actionable advice, this episode is a must-listen for early and transitioning career Black Women aspiring to thrive, despite the difficulties they may encounter along their professional journey, and build long-term careers in technology.

00:00 Introduction to Thriving In the Game

01:22 Meet Tina Debose: A Trailblazer in Tech

05:12 Navigating Early Career Challenges

06:56 The Importance of Allyship and Support

12:33 Strategies for Career Advancement

16:35 Overcoming Workplace Obstacles

15:45 Embracing Change and Retooling

21:27 Building Confidence and Validation Outside of Work

39:10 Final Thoughts and Resources

In this episode Tina also mentions:

* Who Moved My Cheese by Spencer Johnson

Connect with Tina Debose on LinkedIn

Join our community:

* TITG Newsletter

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivinginthegame/

* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thrivinginthegame/

* Bluesky: http://@thrivinginthegame.bsky.social

* If you have a comment or recommendation, DM or Email: TITG Podcast

Music by Praz Khanal from Pixabay

Special thanks to Hiwote Getaneh and the Emerging Voices Podcast Accelerator. Join her newsletter or follow her Instagram @hiwote.getaneh and @emergingvoicespod. Interested in starting your own podcast? Book a call with Hiwote

Produced by Jay for Podcast Mechanic. Check out his portfolio and schedule a call at bit.ly/PodMechPro

Resources

Looking for an organizational and creative tool that empowers women in prioritizing their mental health, self-care, and spiritual growth? 98 Fig Press (@98figpress) is a Black Woman owned company that has designed The Imperfect Planner with you in mind! In support of Black History Month and Women’s History Month they are offering a 15% discount now through March 31, 2025. Use code: THRIVINGIN2025 and order yours today!

What does career growth look like for you? Establish a firm foundation and a strategic plan. Join us in this episode as we explore how to cultivate fulfilling career growth.

Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube

Show Notes

In this engaging conversation with executive coach Dr. Twanna Carter, she and host Alicia Cyrus discuss the importance of Black Women nurturing their career growth in corporate technology. The conversation dives into Dr. Twanna's personal journey of overcoming social anxiety and feelings of inferiority, which led to the creation of her three-step coaching process - value, interpret, and position - a guide for understanding and expressing one's value while also strategically interpreting and positioning one’s skills in their profession. The conversation focuses on the importance of:

* cultivating your inner confidence

* finding mentors & sponsors to help navigate your career

* self-awareness in revising strategic career goals

* maximizing transferable skills for your future

* capturing & interpreting feedback constructively

* documenting professional interactions for clarity & protection

Through anecdotes and practical tips, this episode highlights the significance for early and transitioning career Black Women aspiring to thrive in the corporate tech world to actively maintain professional relationships, define their narrative in the workplace, pivot when necessary, and prioritize their mental health & balance throughout their career.

00:00 Introduction to Thriving in the Game

00:56 Overcoming Early Challenges with Dr. Twanna Carter

05:38 The Importance of Mentorship and Networking

13:02 Navigating Workplace Dynamics as a Black Woman

22:18 The Comfort Trap in Career Growth

28:47 Strategizing Career Moves

29:36 Handling Feedback Effectively

34:34 Protecting Your Career

38:47 Final Thoughts and Resources

Learn more at twannacarter.com | YouTube | LinkedIn. Schedule a V.I.P. Roadmap Session today!

Join our community:

* TITG Newsletter

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivinginthegame/

* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thrivinginthegame/

* Bluesky: http://@thrivinginthegame.bsky.social

* If you have a comment or recommendation, DM or Email: TITG Podcast

Music by Praz Khanal from Pixabay

Special thanks to Hiwote Getaneh and the Emerging Voices Podcast Accelerator! Join her newsletter or follow her Instagram @hiwote.getaneh and @emergingvoicespod. Interested in starting your own podcast? Book a call with Hiwote

Produced by Jay for Podcast Mechanic. Check out his portfolio and schedule a call at bit.ly/PodMechPro

Resources

Looking for an organizational and creative tool that empowers women in prioritizing their mental health, self-care, and spiritual growth? 98 Fig Press (@98figpress) is a Black Woman owned company that has designed The Imperfect Planner with you in mind! In support of Black History Month and Women’s History Month they are offering a 15% discount now through March 31, 2025. Use code: THRIVINGIN2025 and order yours today!

What do you want to be known for? Own your narrative. Join us in this episode as we explore how to shape your story into a powerful brand.

Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube

Show Notes

In this episode of 'Thriving in the Game,' host Alicia Cyrus explores the essentials for early career Black Women focused on building a compelling, authentic, and credible personal brand. Featuring brand strategist and entrepreneur Toni Brown, they discuss the importance of reflection, mentorship, and strategic networking in one's career journey. Toni provides valuable insights on the:

* significance of capabilities, credibility, & visibility

* the necessity of maintaining personal and professional standards

* tips for balancing personal values with professional expectations

* power of owning one's story and navigating professional environments without compromising integrity

Through practical advice and personal anecdotes, this conversation highlights the need for self-awareness and continuous learning for early and transitioning career Black Women building a sustainable and impactful brand in the corporate technology world, and beyond.

00:00 Introduction to Thriving in the Game

01:04 Building a Compelling Brand with Toni Brown

03:54 Personal vs. Professional Brand

08:05 Owning Your Story and Authenticity

09:21 Practical Tips for Personal Branding

15:15 Establishing Personal Standards

19:37 Mentorship and Professional Growth

25:47 Final Thoughts and Resources

Learn more at brandcoachtoni.com | @brandcoachtoni | LinkedIn. Shop the movement at The Brand and Beyond.

Join our community:

* TITG Newsletter

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivinginthegame/

* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thrivinginthegame/

* Bluesky: http://@thrivinginthegame.bsky.social

* If you have a comment or recommendation, DM or Email: TITG Podcast

Music by Praz Khanal from Pixabay

Special thanks to Hiwote Getaneh and the Emerging Voices Podcast Accelerator! Join her newsletter or follow her Instagram @hiwote.getaneh and @emergingvoicespod. Interested in starting your own podcast? Book a call with Hiwote

Produced by Jay for Podcast Mechanic. Check out his portfolio and schedule a call at bit.ly/PodMechPro

Resources

Looking for an organizational and creative tool that empowers women in prioritizing their mental health, self-care, and spiritual growth? 98 Fig Press (@98figpress) is a Black Woman owned company that has designed The Imperfect Planner with you in mind! In support of Black History Month and Women’s History Month they are offering a 15% discount now through March 31, 2025. Use code: THRIVINGIN2025 and order yours today!

What are the values that guide your career? Take the necessary steps to prioritize them. Join us in this episode as we explore why defining your values is the foundation of your success.

Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube

Show Notes

In this insightful conversation with Kiran Yoliswa, founder of Sanduka Coaching Practice and host of 'The Possibility Pattern' podcast, she and host Alicia Cyrus explore the concept of values as a mental model that impacts career choices and satisfaction. Together, they discuss:

* practical ways to increase self-awareness

* examining subconscious scripts

* continuous reflective practices

* the importance of identifying & leveraging personal values to make intentional career decisions that prevent burnout and create fulfilling career paths

Through personal anecdotes and expert insights, this episode provides early and transitioning career Black Women with the tools to align their careers with their true values and make empowered decisions.

00:00 Introduction to Thriving in the Game

01:34 A Conversation with Kiran Yoliswa

04:04 Understanding and Identifying Values

06:54 Practical Exercises for Value Identification

09:56 Aligning Career Choices with Values

11:34 Navigating Career Transitions

24:45 Balancing Values and Work Environment

32:42 Final Thoughts and Resources

In this episode Kiran also mentions:

* The Yearning Octopus by Tim Urban

* Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett & Dave Evans

Need a tool to help begin identifying your values? Start with Kiran’s Values Audit

Visit The Possibility Pattern to learn more about Kiran and listen to the The Possibility Pattern Podcast (also available on Spotify and Apple). You can hang out with Kiran on Instagram.

Join our community:

* TITG Newsletter

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivinginthegame/

* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thrivinginthegame/

* Bluesky: http://@thrivinginthegame.bsky.social

* If you have a comment or recommendation, DM or Email: TITG Podcast

Music by Praz Khanal from Pixabay

Special thanks to Hiwote Getaneh and the Emerging Voices Podcast Accelerator. Join her newsletter or follow her Instagram @hiwote.getaneh and @emergingvoicespod. Interested in starting your own podcast? Book a call with Hiwote

Produced by Jay for Podcast Mechanic. Check out his portfolio and schedule a call at bit.ly/PodMechPro

Resources

Looking for an organizational and creative tool that empowers women in prioritizing their mental health, self-care, and spiritual growth? 98 Fig Press (@98figpress) is a Black Woman owned company that has designed The Imperfect Planner with you in mind! In support of Black History Month and Women’s History Month they are offering a 15% discount now through March 31, 2025. Use code: THRIVINGIN2025 and order yours today!

What do you do when your tech career isn’t living up to the hype?! Get strategic. Join us in this episode as we explore how to take control of your career through the power of the pivot.

Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube

Show Notes

In this episode, host Alicia Cyrus is joined by Thea Turay, a seasoned Information Technology leader and consultant, professor, and mentor. Thea shares her career evolution from a tech writer to a project management leader, emphasizing the significance of developing transferable skills, bridging expectation gaps, and the need for proactive career management. This lively conversation highlights the importance of:

* pivoting in response to career disappointments

* regularly reassessing and realigning career goals

* building a strong community of mentorship and support

* understanding market realities & setting realistic goals

* actionable strategies to effectively navigate career transitions

This episode aims to encourage and equip early and transitioning career Black Women with practical advice to thrive in the tech industry, reminding them that while the corporate journey may be challenging, it is also within their control.

00:00 Introduction to Thriving in the Game

01:05 Thea Turay’s Career Journey

03:26 Realistic Career Expectations and Salary Insights

04:41 Strategies for Career Growth and Transition

08:02 The Hybrid Role Experience

13:42 Reassess and Realign: Managing Career Frustrations

28:12 Building a Supportive Community

32:42 Final Thoughts and Resources

Connect with Thea Turay on LinkedIn

Join our community:

* TITG Newsletter

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivinginthegame/

* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thrivinginthegame/

* Bluesky: http://@thrivinginthegame.bsky.social

* If you have a comment or recommendation, DM or Email: TITG Podcast

Music by Praz Khanal from Pixabay

Special thanks to Hiwote Getaneh and the Emerging Voices Podcast Accelerator. Join her newsletter or follow her Instagram @hiwote.getaneh and @emergingvoicespod. Interested in starting your own podcast? Book a call with Hiwote

Produced by Jay for Podcast Mechanic. Check out his portfolio and schedule a call at bit.ly/PodMechPro

Resources

Looking for an organizational and creative tool that empowers women in prioritizing their mental health, self-care, and spiritual growth? 98 Fig Press (@98figpress) is a Black Woman owned company that has designed The Imperfect Planner with you in mind! In support of Black History Month and Women’s History Month they are offering a 15% discount now through March 31, 2025. Use code: THRIVINGIN2025 and order yours today!

Have you ever questioned whether you truly belong in the technology industry? If so, you are not alone. Join us in this episode as we explore redefining belonging from a lens of empowerment.

Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube

Show Notes

In the premiere episode of 'Thriving in the Game,' host Alicia Cyrus introduces a series designed to empower Black Women in the tech industry through insights, strategies, and personal stories.

This episode focuses on the theme of belonging, particularly for those feeling isolated or undervalued in corporate spaces; urging listeners to view belonging through empowerment, recognizing their worth, and affirming their right to be in spaces often not designed with them in mind.

In this engaging conversation with Hiwote Getaneh, founder of Depth and Candor podcasting agency, she shares her career frustrations as a statistical programmer and the powerful realizations that led her to transitioning to the world of media and podcast production.

The conversation highlights the importance of:

* Self-reflection

* challenging the status quo

* advocating for oneself

* making bold moves to create fulfilling career paths

Hiwote's insights on understanding your 'zone of genius' offer listeners strategies for taking empowered, strategic steps in career navigation. This episode is a must-listen for early and transitioning career Black Women striving to thrive within or beyond the tech industry.

00:00 Introduction to Thriving in the Game

01:30 Hiwote Getaneh's Career Journey

03:35 Challenges and Realizations in Corporate Tech

06:36 Making Empowered Career Decisions

11:08 The Importance of Self-Reflection and Community

35:58 Final Thoughts and Resources

In this episode Hiwote mentions:

* The Genius Zone by Gay Hendricks

To connect with Hiwote:

* Join her newsletter

* Follow her Instagram @hiwote.getaneh and @emergingvoicespod

Join our community:

* TITG Newsletter

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivinginthegame/

* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thrivinginthegame/

* Bluesky: http://@thrivinginthegame.bsky.social

* If you have a comment or recommendation, DM or Email: TITG Podcast

Music by Praz Khanal from Pixabay

Special thanks to Hiwote Getaneh and the Emerging Voices Podcast Accelerator. Interested in starting your own podcast? Book a call with Hiwote

Produced by Jay for Podcast Mechanic. Check out his portfolio and schedule a call at bit.ly/PodMechPro

Resources

Looking for an organizational and creative tool that empowers women in prioritizing their mental health, self-care, and spiritual growth? 98 Fig Press (@98figpress) is a Black Woman owned company that has designed The Imperfect Planner with you in mind! In support of Black History Month and Women’s History Month they are offering a 15% discount now through March 31, 2025. Use code: THRIVINGIN2025 and order yours today!

Welcome to Thriving in The Game, a podcast dedicated to exploring what Black Women need to navigate the corporate experience in technology.

In each episode, you’ll hear from various women sharing their personal insights, strategies, and stories of how they have learned to THRIVE in the corporate tech world or, in leaving it behind.

Packed with insightful nuggets, tips, and tools, this show offers a community of support and encouragement that uplifts Black Women in technology.

Music by Praz Khanal from Pixabay

Special thanks to Hiwote Getaneh and the Emerging Voices Podcast Accelerator. Interested in starting your own podcast? Book a call with Hiwote

Produced by Jay for Podcast Mechanic. Check out his portfolio and schedule a call at bit.ly/PodMechPro