In this candid conversation, guest Salma Alam-Naylor joins hosts Schalk Venter, Schalk Neethling, and Kate van Niekerk to unpack her thought-provoking article "Why Women in Tech Isn't Enough." The discussion explores why segregated tech groups, while well-intentioned, may be perpetuating the very problems they aim to solve.

Key topics covered:

* The paradox of "women in tech" spaces that exclude those with the power to create systemic change

* How forced categorization and "boxes" can further marginalize people, especially those with intersectional identities

* The exhaustion of constantly explaining and justifying one's existence in tech spaces

* Personal experiences with stress-induced health issues

* Why creating genuinely inclusive environments matters more than checkbox diversity initiatives

* The challenge of advocating for change while navigating job security in a volatile tech market

The conversation weaves between deeply personal experiences and systemic critiques, touching on everything from the burden of representation to the practical realities of funding nonprofits.

This episode offers no easy answers but instead presents an honest examination of why, despite decades of "women in tech" initiatives, the industry still struggles with true inclusion. It's essential listening for anyone questioning whether current diversity efforts are helping or simply maintaining the status quo.

Content note: Discussion includes references to discrimination, harassment, and brief mention of global conflicts.

Take care of yourself while listening. We touch on sensitive topics as part of this podcast. Those topics can include mental illness, depression, suicide ideation, death, and related mental health and mental illness topics. We understand that these subjects can be sensitive and may be triggering for some individuals. We encourage you to prioritize your well-being and mental health while listening. If you feel overwhelmed or need support, please contact a mental health professional or a helpline in your country. Remember, you are not alone, and there is help available. Follow the link to find the help you need.

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Photo by Rob Coates on Unsplash

In this roundtable, the hosts and guests, Miriam, Geoff, and Hidde, dig into the messy overlap between mental health and technology. We talk about the real human consequences of modern tooling, from the ethics of AI and how it’s changing labor, to the ongoing fight for web accessibility and the moral obligations designers and engineers carry.

The conversation ranges from personal stories about precarious work and layoffs to concrete acts of care, mutual aid, community organizing, and practices that help when cynicism or nihilism creeps in.

Expect candid takes, practical coping strategies, and debate about whether the systems we build are designed to help or to extract. Pull up a chair if you care about ethics, accessibility, and how to keep people, not just products, at the center of engineering.

Take care of yourself while listening. We touch on sensitive topics as part of this podcast. Those topics can include mental illness, depression, suicide ideation, death, and related mental health and mental illness topics. We understand that these subjects can be sensitive and may be triggering for some individuals. We encourage you to prioritize your well-being and mental health while listening. If you feel overwhelmed or need support, please get in touch with a mental health professional or a helpline in your country. Remember, you are not alone, and there is help available. Follow the link to find the help you need.

Help Others Find The Podcast

* Rate and review on Spotify

* Rate and review on Apple Podcasts

Photo by Marek Piwnicki on Unsplash

What happens when the work you love starts to drain the life out of you, or disappears altogether? In this episode, the two Schalks sit down with Kate van Niekerk (She Can Do), design strategist, researcher, and wordsmith, for an honest and compassionate conversation about burnout, identity, and navigating the messy middle of tech careers.

Kate shares her story of being laid off, the emotional weight of suddenly losing direction, and the very real challenges that come with being stuck in between jobs, not just financially, but personally. From the struggle to find meaningful work to the pressure to stay “productive,” this episode explores what it means to pause, recalibrate, and rediscover your value outside of a job title.

Along the way, Kate reflects on the power of mentorship, the quiet strength of setting boundaries, and the importance of building a career that supports your well-being.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, burnt out, or uncertain about your next step, this conversation is for you.

Take care of yourself while listening. We touch on sensitive topics as part of this podcast. Those topics can include mental illness, depression, suicide ideation, death, and related mental health and mental illness topics. We understand that these subjects can be sensitive and may be triggering for some individuals. We encourage you to prioritize your well-being and mental health while listening. If you feel overwhelmed or need support, please get in touch with a mental health professional or a helpline in your country. Remember, you are not alone, and there is help available. Follow the link to find the help you need.

Help Others Find The Podcast

* Rate and review on Spotify

* Rate and review on Apple Podcasts

Photo by Verne Ho on Unsplash