What if the best career move isn't finding "your one thing" - but taking continuous action even when fear creeps in?

Join me as I sit down with Polly Allen, who spent formative career years helping build Amazon's Alexa, and now shares her expertise by helping others get hands-on with AI. Our conversation explores her journey from being the only woman in the room to becoming a champion for diversity in AI leadership.

You'll Learn:

⭐ Why believing we have to find "our thing" can get in the way of progress

⭐ What it was like to usually be the only woman in the room

⭐ How only ~15% of AI researchers are women (and what she's doing to change this)

⭐ The power of taking continuous action even when it feels hard

Key Insights:

• Action Over Perfection: Taking consistent action, even when afraid, builds momentum and creates opportunities that waiting for the "perfect moment" never will.
• Breaking Barriers in Tech: Navigating male-dominated spaces requires resilience, but also creates a responsibility to open doors for others.
• The Myth of "Finding Your Thing": Success often comes from trying multiple paths rather than waiting to discover one perfect calling.
• Democratizing AI: Making AI accessible and understandable is essential for ensuring diverse perspectives shape its future.

Timestamps:

[00:00] Opening: The scariest pivot can lead to the most fulfilling work

[03:45] Polly's background: From software developer to Amazon Alexa product leader

[09:20] The first attempt at entrepreneurship and why it didn't work

[15:04] Why business growth is personal growth

[17:41] Action creates clarity: How to move forward when you're scared

[24:07] The listening tour that shaped AI Career Boost

[30:22] Being labeled "shrill" and the reality of being a woman in AI

[34:11] Breaking down AI Career Boost: Hands-on learning for product leaders

[36:53] Amazing student projects: From menstrual cycle workouts to recipe builders

[39:38] Building a legacy one person at a time

Resources and Links:

• Find host Kirstin Belden on LinkedIn or at Beldenstrategies.com
• AI Career Boost
• LinkedIn: Follow Polly Allen for weekly newsletter
• Monthly Masterclass: "The Path to AI Product Leadership"
• LEAP Academy coaching program
• Lindy West's Shrill

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review! And if you're interested in more stories and tools for women leaders, sign up for my newsletter at Beldenstrategies.com. Let's continue to empower each