Episode Summary:

In this episode of Start. Scale. Exit., Ivan Galvez sits down with Emily Carlson—CTO, founder of PDA Consulting, host of Powered by Authenticity, and bestselling author. Emily shares her journey from assembling computers with her infant son beside her to leading digital transformation in healthcare and becoming a voice for women in STEM. She reveals the power of showing up authentically, the misconceptions around speed in tech, and what she wishes she had told her younger self before launching her own business. This is a must-listen for SaaS founders, especially in HealthTech, who want to grow with purpose, clarity, and human-centered leadership.

Key Takeaways:

• Why authenticity is a strategic advantage in leadership and tech
• The dangers of scaling without fully understanding business requirements
• Emily’s advice for introverts in tech: how to be seen without losing yourself
• The critical role of empathy and active listening in digital transformation
• Why HealthTech projects fail without including the voices of real users
• Emily’s message to women in STEM: “It’s not imposter syndrome—you are that good.”

Golden Nugget:

“A button isn’t just a button—it’s someone’s workflow. When you break that, you break revenue. Slow down and listen.”

Mentioned in the Episode:

• PDA Consulting
• The WIT Network (Women in Tech)
• Emily’s book: The Evolution of Leadership in STEM
• Recommended book: The Coffee Bean by Jon Gordon and Damon West
• Emily’s podcast: Powered by Authenticity

Connect with Emily Carlson:

• LinkedIn
• PoweredByAuthenticity.com

Listen Now & Subscribe:

Spotify | Apple Podcast

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