In this deeply reflective episode, Meena Satishkumar speaks with Macushla Howell, Head of Data at New Zealand Post, about the life-changing impact of taking a bold career break. Macushla shares what inspired her year-long sabbatical across Europe, including walking the 780km Camino de Santiago with her young family, and how the experience rewired her approach to leadership, self-awareness, and success.

Together, they explore what it means to lead with intention, the strength in stillness, and the value of being present. Whether you're considering a pause, navigating burnout, or simply seeking inspiration to live and lead with more purpose—this episode is a must-listen.

#TechBeyondGender #WomenInTech #LeadershipJourney #CareerBreak #MindfulLeadership #IntentionalLiving #CourageToPause #DiversityInTech #InspiringWomen #CaminoStories #WorkLifeReflection

In this powerful episode of Tech Beyond Gender, Meena Satishkumar is joined by Kaushiki Roy — a program manager with over 30 years of experience across tech, policy, and public service in New Zealand. From an unexpected start in technology to navigating health challenges, Kaushiki shares how purpose, learning, and a strong personal value system helped her thrive as a migrant woman of colour.

She opens up about the importance of building a personal brand, dealing with the tall poppy syndrome, staying curious, and aligning career choices with what truly matters. Whether you're early in your career or a seasoned professional, this conversation will leave you feeling grounded, inspired, and empowered.

#TechBeyondGender #WomenInTech #MigrantVoices #Resilience #LeadershipWithHeart

#PurposeDrivenCareer #PersonalBranding #DiversityInTech #EmpathyInLeadership

#LifelongLearning #InclusionMatters #NZTech #WomenOfColourInTech #VisibilityMatters

n Episode 39, we sit down with Pooja Kokatnur, Engineering Lead at BNZ, who shares a deeply personal and inspiring journey through the tech industry. From growing up in a multicultural household in Dubai to carving out a meaningful career in New Zealand, Pooja reflects on the challenges of self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and the subtle biases women of colour continue to face in tech.

She talks about the power of mentorship, what it means to lead with authenticity, and why staying true to your personality is a strength—not a liability. Pooja also opens up about key turning points in her career, including moments where speaking up made all the difference and where being overlooked led her to become a better advocate for others.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating their early career, stepping into leadership, or simply trying to find their voice in a fast-moving industry.

#WomenInTech
#TechLeadership
#AuthenticLeadership
#SelfBelief
#MentorshipMatters
#WomenOfColourInTech
#DiversityInTech
#InclusionInTech
#EmpathyInLeadership
#TechBeyondGender
#CareerGrowth
#SpeakUp
#BiasInTech
#LeadWithKindness
#RepresentationMatters

In this powerful episode of Tech Beyond Gender, Viji—Head of Sales for TCS Asia-Pacific—shares her transformative journey from a shy, academically driven girl in conservative South India to a confident, empathetic leader in global tech. She opens up about the inner battles of self-doubt, breaking out of her comfort zone, and how parenting a neurodivergent child reshaped her outlook on leadership and inclusion.
Packed with lessons on self-belief, resilience, and redefining what it means to lead with heart, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating change, challenge, or career reinvention.#TechBeyondGender #WomenInTech #LeadershipJourney #EmpoweredLeadership #DiversityAndInclusion #Neurodiversity #ResilientLeadership #CareerGrowth #SelfBelief #BreakingBarriers #SalesLeadership #InspiringStories

In this inspiring conversation, Dr. Anish Dua, a distinguished academic and social advocate, shares his remarkable journey from academia to leading a movement against gender discrimination in India.

We explore how collective action transformed societal attitudes toward daughters over the last 20 years, the real meaning of spirituality in modern leadership, and how love and compassion—not confrontation—drive true change.

Dr. Dua also offers practical wisdom on overcoming workplace biases, balancing logic and emotion, and building a more inclusive and peaceful culture at work and in life.

Tune in for powerful reflections on how inner growth leads to outer impact.

#GenderEquality #WorkplaceCulture #CompassionateLeadership #SocialChange #InclusionMatters #MindfulLeadership #PositiveChange #DiversityAndInclusion #WomenInTech #TransformationalLeadership #InnerPeaceOuterImpact #TechBeyondGender

Susan Needham, Senior Manager of Data Governance at Auckland City Council, joins us for a heartfelt and insightful conversation about her three-decade journey in data and analytics — a path shaped not only by professional experience but also by her recent discovery of being neurodiverse.

From growing up on a Waikato dairy farm to working across sectors like telco, banking, and government, Susan shares how ADHD, dyslexia, and mild autism have influenced her thinking, focus, and ability to simplify complex data into stories that make sense.

We talk candidly about neurodiversity in the workplace, misconceptions that need to go, and how organisations can do more to harness the unique strengths of neurodiverse professionals. Whether you’re in tech, data, or leadership — or simply want to understand how our minds shape our work — this episode will challenge and inspire.

#Neurodiversity #DataGovernance #WomenInTech #ADHDAwareness #DyslexiaAwareness #AutismAcceptance #TechLeadership #InclusionMatters #NeurodiverseVoices #DiversityInTech

In this inspiring episode of Tech Beyond Gender, Suzanne Holland, GM of Strategy, Architecture and Planning at Genesis Energy, shares candid reflections from her 27+ year journey in tech. From solving problems with code to leading enterprise-wide transformations, Suzanne opens up about what it means to lead authentically, build trust, and empower others.

She speaks powerfully about the hidden pressures women place on themselves, the importance of visible role models, and how sponsors—not just mentors—can accelerate careers.

Tune in for practical wisdom, honest truths, and a refreshing take on what it really means to thrive in tech leadership—without doing it all.

#WomenInTech #AuthenticLeadership #TechBeyondGender #DiversityInTech #LetGoOfSuperwoman #LeadershipJourney #InclusiveTech #MentorshipMatters #Empowerment #CareerGrowth #TechTransformation

In this episode of Tech Beyond Gender, Rachel Collingridge—an engineering leader with nearly three decades of experience—shares her transformative journey from classical musician to VP of Engineering. She opens up about redefining leadership without conforming to outdated molds, the subtle barriers that continue to hinder women in tech, and why we need to make space for average women in leadership—not just the exceptional few.

Rachel also reflects on the invisible emotional load women carry, the need to shift industry mindsets around privilege, and how psychological safety, mentorship, and human-first leadership can transform the tech ecosystem. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about authentic leadership, inclusion, and creating tech teams where everyone can thrive.

#WomenInTech #InclusiveLeadership #TechBeyondGender #DiversityInTech #EngineeringLeadership #PsychologicalSafety #MentorshipMatters #GenderEquity #RachelCollingridge #ServantLeadership #HumanFirstTech #BreakingBarriers #TechCulture #LeadershipJourney