Hey Trailblazers, we’re back with another powerful episode of Women in Tech Trailblazers, and this one is a whole mindset shift. Tiffany Benitez sits down with Dr. Astha Purohit, Director of Product at Walmart and an absolute force in AI and retail tech. From medicine to McKinsey to machine learning, Astha’s career path is anything but typical, and that’s precisely what makes it so real.

Astha also talks about why so many women struggle to take up space in rooms they've already earned the right to be in. She gets real about staying quiet in meetings early in her career and the advice that changed everything. "Why are you assuming everybody knows what you're working on if you don't say anything?" One mentor's comment flipped the whole script.

She further breaks down how building confidence isn’t about flipping a switch. It’s reps. “Celebrate the reps more than the wins. The output will show up when it has to.” This is for every listener who’s ever doubted themselves after a tough week or a quiet meeting.

Here are the key takeaways:

(2:45) What authenticity really looks like

(3:54) Women, support, and staying grounded

(6:41) Redefining analytical thinking and people skills

(9:51) Fear of pivoting: why it holds so many back

(11:41) What gender equality means

(15:00) Why confidence isn’t bragging

(18:43) Building confidence: the small steps that work

(22:21) Motivation: how to keep going when you’re tired

(23:54) Measure your input, not the outcome

So here’s the question: What would it look like if you were having fun while building the career you want? Tune in to hear how Astha built hers step by step and why kindness is her most significant leadership flex. Share this one with a friend, and don’t forget to subscribe, because the next move mindset might just be yours too.

About Astha Purohit

Dr. Astha Purohit is the Director of Product Management at Walmart, leading digital identity and privacy initiatives powered by AI and machine learning. She holds an MBA from MIT Sloan and previously worked as a consultant at McKinsey. Astha has advised Fortune 500 companies on innovation in retail and technology. She also serves on the boards of the MIT Alumni Association and Emory Rollins School of Public Health.

Connect with Astha:

LinkedIn

About Tiffany Benitez

Tiffany Benitez leads Data Governance at Compass Group USA, ensuring data quality, integrity, and compliance across all business units. She is passionate about driving data excellence and advancing women in tech and STEM.

Connect with Host:

Tiffany’s LinkedIn

Disclaimer

This podcast is for informational purposes only. The content should be taken as something other than professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with professionals regarding specific situations or concerns.

Today’s episode is short, but it’s full of heart. Jordan is stepping back from the mic, and we wanted to have an honest conversation about why.

It’s not easy to walk away from something you care deeply about, but sometimes it’s exactly what’s needed.

We talk about seasons, grace, boundaries, and what it means to support one another when things shift. This space has always been about authenticity, and that doesn’t stop here.

The podcast continues, and Jordan’s presence will always be felt. Thank you for being part of this journey with us.

About Tiffany Benitez & Jordan Franklin

Tiffany Benitez leads Data Governance at Compass Group USA, ensuring data quality, integrity, and compliance across all business units. She is passionate about driving data excellence and advancing women in tech and STEM.

Jordan Franklin, CEO of Gumption and Stratice, is revolutionizing the job market with behavioral AI, making talent acquisition efficient. For three years, she's been celebrated as a top staffing influencer.

Connect with Hosts:

Tiffany’s LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffany-benitez-csm-safe-itil-65ba64126/

Jordan’s LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-franklin-841a223b/

Disclaimer

This podcast is for informational purposes only. The content should be taken as something other than professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with professionals regarding specific situations or concerns.

Welcome back, Trailblazers! Tiffany and Jordan, here and today’s guest is a serious force. Meet Hagan Kappler, founder of Daisy, and someone who knows exactly what it means to build something from scratch and mean it. This episode is all about doing business your way, even when the world tries to hand you a script.

We dive into Hagan’s wild and winding career journey from history major to McKinsey to CEO and how none of it was planned, but all of it mattered. She’s been in rooms where her ideas were dismissed until a man said them three weeks later, and she’s also raised 35 million as a first-time founder in a male-dominated industry. “I felt like I had to Google my way through half my roles,” she laughs, and honestly, we’ve all been there.

Hagan doesn’t shy away from talking about motherhood in business, but she’s also very clear that it’s often used against women in ways that are never applied to men. Her take, “Nobody asks my husband how he does it with four kids,” is the kind of honesty that makes this conversation so refreshing.

This episode unpacks what happens when you finally stop following someone else’s rulebook and decide to create your own. Hagan opens up about the moment she chose not to take another high-paying role and instead said yes to a risky idea with her co-founder. That risk paid off big, and it’s the reason Daisy exists today.

Here are the key takeaways:

(2:39) What authenticity really means at work

(4:29) The unexpected path to entrepreneurship

(8:25) Turning gender bias into negotiation strength

(12:23) Do you cook? And other gendered questions

(14:16) Mentorship that changed everything

(19:41) Saying no to the next obvious CEO role

(23:20) Kids, identity, and entrepreneurship

(24:46) The real cost of overthinking risk

(25:57) Laughter, friends, and staying balanced

(29:46) Don’t settle. Build your own thing

So if you’ve been questioning whether you’re ready to take the next step, this one’s for you. There’s no perfect time, no perfect playbook, just your gut, your experience, and your voice. Tune in and let Hagan’s story push you to think bigger about what’s possible.

About Hagan Kappler

Hagan Kappler is the co-founder and CEO of Daisy, a national company focused on smart home technology services. She previously led Threshold Brands, ServiceMaster Clean, and Merry Maids. Her background includes roles at Starbucks, Ingersoll Rand, McKinsey, and Goldman Sachs. She holds a BA from Williams College and an MBA from the Darden School at the University of Virginia.

Connect with Hagan:

LinkedIn

About Tiffany Benitez & Jordan Franklin

Tiffany Benitez leads Data Governance at Compass Group USA, ensuring data quality, integrity, and compliance across all business units. She is passionate about driving data excellence and advancing women in tech and STEM.

Jordan Franklin, CEO of Gumption and Stratice, is revolutionizing the job market with behavioral AI, making talent acquisition efficient. For three years, she's been celebrated as a top staffing influencer.

Connect with Hosts:

Tiffany’s LinkedIn

Jordan’s LinkedIn

Disclaimer

This podcast is for informational purposes only. The content should be taken as something other than professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with professionals regarding specific situations or concerns.

What’s up, Trailblazers! Tiffany and Jordan here with a new episode that’s about to shake up how you think about career growth, confidence, and real leadership. Today’s guest is Beth Pittman, an HR expert turned entrepreneur who’s on a mission to help women stop playing small and start owning their path.

Beth gets real about what it was like to step into tech without knowing the lingo, the politics, or the people, and how she turned that challenge into credibility. Her strategy? Show up, stay curious, and keep learning. "I didn’t know what tech stood for. I had to look it up," she shares, and honestly, haven’t we all been there?

But here’s where it gets deep. Beth talks about how coaching changed everything for the women she’s worked with. Not because it gave them new skills, but because it gave them permission to believe in themselves. Confidence isn’t just a buzzword in this episode; it’s the real currency. And spoiler, most of them got promoted. Not by luck. By asking.

We also break down what upskilling really looks like. Heads up: it’s not just about more certifications. From creating your own advisory board to joining industry associations to simply listening to more podcasts like this one, Beth gives a real-world roadmap to career growth that doesn’t require a $3K course. This is the kind of talk that pushes you to act.

Here are the key takeaways:

(2:39) Authenticity and early career identity

(4:30) Starting from zero in tech and recruiting

(6:18) Bias, credibility, and proving yourself in tech

(9:43) People over profit in strong teams

(11:11) The impact of good coaching on promotions

(15:55) Mental health vs. career clarity

(18:33) Upskilling beyond certifications

(20:15) Holding yourself accountable as a leader

(21:01) How to upskill when budgets are tight

(23:58) Career ownership and self-worth

(25:55) Why timing doesn’t matter anymore

(28:05) Age, confidence, and career fit

So here’s the question: what’s one thing you’ll do today that your future self will thank you for? Hit play and find out how Beth turned progress into power. Make sure to share this episode with someone who needs that little push. See you next time, Trailblazers.

About Beth Pittman

Beth Pittman is an experienced HR and executive search leader with a background in talent acquisition across industries like retail, healthcare, and consumer goods. She co-founded Skills Lab Training, offering coaching and leadership programs for professionals and students. Beth advises organizations on strategic HR planning and leadership development. She also serves on the UAMS Northwest advisory board and speaks regularly on recruiting and workforce trends.

Connect with Beth:

LinkedIn

About Tiffany Benitez & Jordan Franklin

Tiffany Benitez leads Data Governance at Compass Group USA, ensuring data quality, integrity, and compliance across all business units. She is passionate about driving data excellence and advancing women in tech and STEM.

Jordan Franklin, CEO of Gumption and Stratice, is revolutionizing the job market with behavioral AI, making talent acquisition efficient. For three years, she's been celebrated as a top staffing influencer.

Connect with Hosts:

Tiffany’s LinkedIn

Jordan’s LinkedIn

Disclaimer

This podcast is for informational purposes only. The content should be taken as something other than professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with professionals regarding specific situations or concerns.

Hey Trailblazers! Tiffany and Jordan are back with an episode that’s going to shift the way you think about leadership, mindset, and owning your story. This week, we sat down with Uma Subramanian, founder of Limitless Leaders and former Microsoft powerhouse, to talk about what it really means to be limitless in your career.

Uma walks us through her early days trying to blend in at Microsoft and how hiding her strengths actually held her back. That didn’t last long, though. Once she dropped the mask and embraced her full self, things started to shift. “Your work doesn’t speak for itself. You have to speak for it.” That one hit hard. And trust us, she has plenty more where that came from.

We dig into how mindset plays a major role in what you allow yourself to do or dream of doing. Uma breaks down the shift from scarcity to abundance and how that mental pivot helped her lead big projects and build global teams. She also shares a moment that changed everything, and it involves walking her dog and realizing, “Wait. I’ve been limitless all along.” She even shares her 5S formula to get there: See, Serve, Stretch, Shine, Sustain.

Of course, we couldn’t end the convo without touching on mentorship. Uma credits her success to the mentors who helped her rise and the support system that kept her grounded. “If you don’t shape your own narrative, someone else will,” she says, and that’s a reminder we all need.

Here are the key takeaways:

(2:11) Embracing authenticity and dropping the mask

(3:59) Why bold voices in tech matter

(4:57) The urge to constantly change ourselves to fit in

(5:49) Uma’s mindset journey inspired by Think and Grow Rich

(8:41) Limitless leadership and why it’s available to everyone

(12:16) Why advocating for your own work matters

(13:13) Owning what’s in your control in a challenging system

(16:11) How to stop thinking small

(18:11) Uma’s 5S framework for becoming limitless

(24:16) How networks carry impact forward

(25:18) Why networks only work when you show up and invest

(27:18) The missing link in community growth

So what would happen if you stopped waiting and started owning it? Hit play to find out how to lead with purpose, stretch outside your comfort zone, and finally realize you’ve been limitless the whole time. Subscribe and share this one with someone who needs a confidence reset. Let’s go, Trailblazers.

About Uma Subramanian

Uma Subramanian is the Founder and CEO of The Limitless Leaders, where she helps mid-career tech professionals grow into strong, effective leaders. She brings over two decades of experience, including 20 years at Microsoft. Uma designs coaching programs focused on leadership mindset, communication, and strategic growth. She is certified in executive coaching, behavioral analysis, and advanced leadership training.

Connect with Uma:

LinkedIn

Website

About Tiffany Benitez & Jordan Franklin

Tiffany Benitez leads Data Governance at Compass Group USA, ensuring data quality, integrity, and compliance across all business units. She is passionate about driving data excellence and advancing women in tech and STEM.

Jordan Franklin, CEO of Gumption and Stratice, is revolutionizing the job market with behavioral AI, making talent acquisition efficient. For three years, she's been celebrated as a top staffing influencer.

Connect with Hosts:

Tiffany’s LinkedIn

Jordan’s LinkedIn

Disclaimer

This podcast is for informational purposes only. The content should be taken as something other than professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with professionals regarding specific situations or concerns.

Welcome back, Trailblazers. Today’s episode hits different. Tiffany Benitez and Jordan Franklin are joined by certified leadership coach Lisa Stryker, who’s here to talk about the moments most people skip in their highlight reel, confusion, redirection, and the stretch between doing the work and actually leading.

Lisa opens up about entering full-time work later than most, getting handed a high-visibility role, and feeling totally lost in it. That experience led her to a deeper question: Why is it so hard to go from being a great contributor to a confident leader? The answer turned into a mission. “I wanted to be a leader so badly. I just had no idea what that really meant.”

We dig into authenticity, not the filtered version, but the one rooted in values and intention. Lisa explains how understanding who you are at your core helps you lead from a place that’s real, even when you’re not feeling your best. And if you’ve ever heard that voice saying “don’t brag”, this episode is a must. Lisa reclaims the word with her BRAG method, Boldly Recognize Achievement and Growth, and gives practical ways to advocate for your work without sounding, well, annoying.

You’ll also hear why visibility matters just as much as mentorship, and why stretch roles, even the ones you don’t feel fully ready for, are where real growth lives. “Don’t think you’re wrong just because they disagree with you,” Lisa says. That one’s a gut check.

Here are the key takeaways:

(2:13) The authenticity equation

(3:23) Managing emotions in leadership

(4:23) From doer to leader

(8:39) Being right isn’t always popular

(10:37) Brag = boldly recognize achievement and growth

(11:31) Speak on it or stay invisible

(13:14) Stealth promotion over self-promotion

(17:05) Authenticity is holding the line

(19:25) Stop playing safe with promotions

(20:58) Hiring for potential, not perfection

(22:46) Finding mentorship the organic way

(25:54) When mentorship isn’t the right fit

(27:24) From comparison to claiming influence

So if you’ve ever played small, waited to be picked, or second-guessed your impact, this one’s for you. Tune in, take notes, and let this conversation push you toward your next bold move!

About Lisa Stryker

Lisa Stryker is an executive coach and the founder of Stryker Coaching & Communications. She works with mid and senior-level professionals to help them move from behind-the-scenes roles into visible leadership positions. With a background in corporate communications and over 25 years of experience, she supports clients through one-on-one coaching and group training. Lisa is certified by The Life Coach School, the John Maxwell Team, DISC, and DDI.

Connect with Lisa:

LinkedIn

About Tiffany Benitez & Jordan Franklin

Tiffany Benitez leads Data Governance at Compass Group USA, ensuring data quality, integrity, and compliance across all business units. She is passionate about driving data excellence and advancing women in tech and STEM.

Jordan Franklin, CEO of Gumption and Stratice, is revolutionizing the job market with behavioral AI, making talent acquisition efficient. For three years, she's been celebrated as a top staffing influencer.

Connect with Hosts:

Tiffany’s LinkedIn

Jordan’s LinkedIn

Disclaimer

This podcast is for informational purposes only. The content should be taken as something other than professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with professionals regarding specific situations or concerns.

Hey Trailblazers! Tiffany and Jordan are in the house with an episode that hits you right in the moment between where you are and where you want to be. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Is this it?” or “What if I want more?” then this conversation with Kelli Schutrop is calling your name.

Kelli has taken more than one leap, and no, we’re not talking about a small title change. She’s walked straight into uncertainty, swapped industries, roles, and even her entire career model. But here’s the kicker, she didn’t do it with all the answers. She did it by asking better questions. Like, “What would a brave person do in this moment?” and “Is this still the right space for me?”

We get into that awkward space no one talks about: when things are going well on paper, but something inside says it’s time to shift. And let’s be honest, women are taught to sit still and wait for permission. Kelli’s not about that life. “You don’t win anything you don’t ask for,” she tells us, and her journey proves it.

From starting something that didn’t exist to launching a full-blown business because no job could match the fire she had, Kelli shows how to move through fear and into alignment. She even breaks down how she built a sales strategy using insight and content, not cold calls. No gimmicks. Just clarity and value.

Here are the key takeaways:

(2:34) Authenticity across all spaces

(8:05) Facing the unknown

(11:27) Crossroads and new beginnings

(14:07) Embracing change fearlessly

(16:00) The power of asking

(19:44) Aligning desires with business needs

(20:10) Misalignment isn't failure

(22:25) The value of mentorship

(24:14) Collaborating for success

(25:18) Choosing bravery

So… what would you do if you weren’t afraid of outgrowing your current path? Hit play, and let Kelli’s story crack something open. Let’s get into it.

About Kelli Schutrop

Kelli Schutrop is the CEO and founder of Thoughtful Resound, a consultancy offering fractional sales and marketing leadership to B2B companies. She helps businesses grow revenue through strategic marketing, consultative sales, and thought leadership. Kelli is also a LinkedIn Learning instructor and co-host of the Full Cup Collective podcast. She has led marketing functions, supported startups, and advised leaders across industries.

Connect with Kelli:

LinkedIn

About Tiffany Benitez & Jordan Franklin

Tiffany Benitez leads Data Governance at Compass Group USA, ensuring data quality, integrity, and compliance across all business units. She is passionate about driving data excellence and advancing women in tech and STEM.

Jordan Franklin, CEO of Gumption and Stratice, is revolutionizing the job market with behavioral AI, making talent acquisition efficient. For three years, she's been celebrated as a top staffing influencer.

Connect with Hosts:

Tiffany’s LinkedIn

Jordan’s LinkedIn

Disclaimer

This podcast is for informational purposes only. The content should be taken as something other than professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with professionals regarding specific situations or concerns.

Hey Trailblazers! Today’s episode is all about impact without ego. Tiffany Benitez and Jordan Franklin are back with a powerful conversation featuring Steve Eanes, a tech sales leader who lives and breathes real allyship. From a childhood hustle selling newspapers and candy to 25 years of crushing quotas in tech, Steve’s journey is more than a career path. It’s a mindset shift.

Steve opens up about what authenticity means when it’s not just a buzzword. His take? “The only true gift you have to offer is yourself.” But here’s the twist. He says authenticity also means showing up better every day, not using it as an excuse to stay stagnant. For anyone in leadership, sales, or tech, this is the kind of real talk you don’t hear enough.

We also get into the messy, overlooked side of allyship. Steve drops a gem that hits hard: “Life’s not 50/50. It’s 100/100.” That means showing up for others without waiting for payback. Whether it’s bringing someone into the room, introducing them to your network, or simply amplifying a voice that’s been ignored, Steve breaks down how small actions can shift entire careers.

And yes, mindset matters. Steve gets real about surviving stage three cancer and how that changed everything. He explains how choosing to see two hours ahead at a time kept him grounded, focused, and deeply connected to others. That mindset now fuels the way he mentors, supports, and builds relationships across the tech world.

Here are the key takeaways:

(3:29) Authenticity and continuous growth

(7:09) Allyship and active listening

(8:03) Bias, agenda-free action, and connection

(10:18) Intentionality vs agenda

(14:06) Practical allyship through connection

(16:42) Turning obstacles into stepping stones

(22:02) Power of choosing a mindset

(23:56) Mentorship through real action

(26:27) Intentional networking that works

(28:51) Creating space for others

(29:51) The power of asking “What can I do for you?”

So what does it look like to show up for others without an agenda? How do you create opportunity just by being consistent? Tune in, share with a friend, and maybe ask yourself one thing by the end of this episode: Who have you pulled into the conversation lately?

About Steve Eanes

Steve Eanes is an Account Director at Digital Realty, where he supports enterprise clients across North and South Carolina with cloud and data center solutions. With over 28 years in tech sales, he has built a reputation for strong client relationships and consistent performance. He is also a Certified Go-Giver Speaker and Coach. A cancer survivor of 24 years, Steve brings a mindset of service and resilience to both his work and community.

Connect with Steve:

Linkedin

About Tiffany Benitez & Jordan Franklin

Tiffany Benitez leads Data Governance at Compass Group USA, ensuring data quality, integrity, and compliance across all business units. She is passionate about driving data excellence and advancing women in tech and STEM.

Jordan Franklin, CEO of Gumption and Stratice, is revolutionizing the job market with behavioral AI, making talent acquisition efficient. For three years, she's been celebrated as a top staffing influencer.

Connect with Hosts:

Tiffany’s LinkedIn

Jordan’s LinkedIn

Disclaimer

This podcast is for informational purposes only. The content should be taken as something other than professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with professionals regarding specific situations or concerns.