Breaking Glass Ceilings: Dagnija Lacis on Women in Tech & Modernizing Latvia

I'm thrilled to have Dr. Bushra Anjum, join us for today's episode! She is the head of Data Science and AI/LLM subject matter expert at the EdTech startup NoRedInk. With a passion for innovation in adaptive online curriculum tools, Dr. Anjum leads a talented team dedicated to enhancing students' writing and critical thinking skills.Join us as we dive into her impressive journey and explore her pivotal role as Co-chair of the Association for Computing Machinery's Women in Computing Council (ACM-W). Dr. Anjum will share insights on ACM-W’s mission to increase representation and inclusion in STEM, the importance of mentorship for women in tech, and her key priorities in advancing initiatives for women in computing.We'll also discuss practical steps for students and early-career professionals looking to break into the tech industry, and how aspiring members can get involved with ACM-W. Plus, we'll learn about the practices Dr. Anjum has implemented to promote equity in the hiring process for her Data Department.Don't miss this inspiring conversation filled with valuable advice and actionable insights for anyone interested in the tech field!✉️ Connect with Dr. Anjum on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bushraanjum/🟠 Follow me on Instagram @tech_simplified_sg🟠 Linkedin linkedin.com/in/slygittens🟠 Twitter SlyGittens💡Episode Resources:- ACM-W LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/acm-w-acms-women-in-computing/- ACM-W Celebrating Technology Leaders: https://women.acm.org/celebrating-technology-leaders/- ACM-W Newsletter: https://women.acm.org/newsletter/- ACM YouTube Channel with ACM-W Playlists: https://www.youtube.com/@TheOfficialACM🎦 Episode Highlights5:15 - How Dr. Bushra stays grounded in the fast-paced tech world and turns mistakes into resilience. 7:40 - Dr. Bushra shares her advocacy, ACM-W’s mission, and her journey to co-chair. 14:15 - Dr. Bushra discusses how mentorship supports women in computing and how ACM-W facilitates these connections.18:30 - How you can join and support ACM-W. 20:33 - Advice for women and underrepresented individuals looking for a job in tech.

Join in my interview with Annie Pratt, the VP of Operations at Alcatraz AI, a leader in AI-powered biometric access control solutions. Annie shares her incredible journey in the tech industry, offering insights into her experiences and lessons learned along the way. 💡 Episode Highlights:4:55 - What sparked Annie’s interest in tech and how she landed her first role in the industry.9:30 - Annie’s incredible path since her career catapulted, walking us through the early steps and key decisions that shaped where she is today.22:11 - The hardest lesson Annie had to learn in the workplace and how it shaped her as a leader.24:56 - Overcoming imposter syndrome: Annie shares her strategies for handling moments of self-doubt, especially in leadership and male-dominated spaces.42:00 - Annie shares a motivational message for those navigating their own paths, trying to grow, and still figuring it all out.✉️ Connect with Annie:https://alcatraz.ai/https://www.linkedin.com/company/alcatraz/https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-pratt-a6a8177a/🟠 Follow me on Instagram @tech_simplified_sg🟠 Linkedin linkedin.com/in/slygittens🟠 Twitter SlyGittens🎙️ Podcasts Mentioned:Acquired: https://www.acquired.fm/Zero to IPO: https://www.zerotoipopodcast.com/

Welcome to the show! Today, we have an exceptional guest, Dr. Bonnie Wilson, a dynamic leader in executive coaching and leadership development. She is the CEO of Xceeding the Mark Executive Coaching & Consulting, where she helps emerging healthcare and tech executives move from succession-ready to succession-selected.With over two decades of experience, Bonnie has held executive roles in healthcare, served as a trusted advisor for leaders at top organizations, and currently coaches executives through Velocity Advisory Group, Heidrick & Struggles, BetterUp, and Waldron CPI. She’s a sought-after expert in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB), leadership development, and career acceleration.Beyond her professional success, Bonnie is passionate about helping tech leaders get promoted without sacrificing their health, sanity, or family life. Her no-nonsense yet humorous approach has helped countless executives rise through the ranks faster than the industry standard—often with salary increases beyond expectations.1:40 - Handling Emergencies as a Leader13:21 - Skill vs. Will – Identifying Leadership Potential19:18 - Empowering Your Team for Greater Success 22:00 - Misconceptions About Women in Tech & Leadership32:00 - Approaching Mentorship & Paying It Forward45:00 - Family, Leadership, & Finding Balance✉️ Connect with Dr. Bonnie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drbonniewilson/🟠 Follow me on Instagram @tech_simplified_sg🟠 Linkedin linkedin.com/in/slygittens🟠 Twitter SlyGittens💡Episode Resources: https://xceedingthemark.com/

Stephanie Mosticchio, Principal and US & Global Microsoft Alliance Leader at PwC, joins us to explore the impact of AI, Cloud, and Data on businesses today. She shares insights into the future of digital transformation, Women in Tech initiatives, leadership strategies, and the global AI landscape. With a deep passion for mentorship and innovation, Stephanie sheds light on how organizations can navigate the evolving tech landscape.💡 Episode Highlights1:25 - Stephanie’s Journey & Leadership at PwC7:10 - Women in Tech & Mentorship11:45 - Balancing Leadership & Responsibilities17:19 - Global AI Tour & AI Industry Trends19:18 - How to Connect with Stephanie & Final Thoughts✉️ Connect with Stephanie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-mosticchio-7794052/PwC and Microsoft Alliance Page: https://www.pwc.com/us/en/technology/alliances/microsoft.html🟠 Follow me on Instagram @tech_simplified_sg🟠 Linkedin linkedin.com/in/slygittens🟠 Twitter SlyGittens

In celebration of Women's History Month, Tech Simplified is honored to welcome Dagnija "Daggie" Lacis, a true trailblazer in the technology industry. From becoming one of the first female programmers in the U.S. to making history as the first female vice president at Unisys, Daggie’s career has paved the way for generations of women in tech.Daggie shares her incredible journey—from breaking into the male-dominated IT world in the 1960s, to helping modernize Latvia’s IT infrastructure after the fall of the Berlin Wall. Her memoir, The Wall Falls, A Woman Rises, releases on March 18, 2025, highlighting her pioneering achievements and personal resilience.📖 Order the Book: https://www.dagnijalacis.com/the-wall-falls-a-woman-rises✉️ Connect with Dagnlia on her website: https://www.dagnijalacis.com/🟠 Follow me on Instagram @tech_simplified_sg🟠 Linkedin linkedin.com/in/slygittens🟠 Twitter SlyGittensDon't miss this empowering conversation with a true innovator! Subscribe to Tech Simplified for more inspiring interviews with pioneers in technology.

Join Sly Gittens for another episode of Women in Technology as we explore the career journey of Denise Holland, a Senior Technical Program Manager with 26 years of experience in IT. From network acceleration to cloud infrastructure, Denise discusses how her technical expertise and passion for innovation have shaped her success. Tune in for insights on leadership, continuous improvement, and what it takes to thrive in a male-dominated industry.

In this powerful episode of "Women in Technology" on the Tech Simplified channel, host Sly Gittens sits down with Amber Ivey, "AI," a visionary leader in the fields of data, AI, and public service. Currently serving as Vice President at a nonprofit, Amber leads a team dedicated to helping governments drive meaningful impact through data and technology. Amber brings a rich background in data-driven decision-making, having previously led initiatives at the Bloomberg Philanthropies Center for Government Excellence at Johns Hopkins University and the Pew Charitable Trust. Her work has been instrumental in designing the Bloomberg Philanthropies City Data Alliance, a program that trains mayors and leaders across the Americas on harnessing data for better outcomes. Amber has also led groundbreaking studies on data use in all 50 U.S. states and D.C. to solve complex problems and improve government effectiveness. With a J.D. and MPA, Amber stands at the intersection of data, technology, public policy, and law. She's also the creator of the AI for Kids podcast, which introduces children to AI concepts, and the author of AI… Meets… AI, making her a trailblazer in accessible tech education. 💡 Episode Highlights: 1:29 - 3:45 – Amber shares her journey into tech and AI, including how she discovered her passion for using data to drive change. 7:30 - 14:42 – Amber and Sly offer invaluable advice they wish they'd known when starting their careers, perfect for those early on in tech. 14:50 - 19:40 – Discover the mission behind Amber’s AI for Kids podcast and her journey to making AI accessible to the next generation. 21:50 - 25:05 – Amber discusses her books and shares year-end reading recommendations for data and AI enthusiasts. ✉️ Connect with Amber: https://aidigitales.com/ Listen to Amber's Podcast: https://aiforkids.buzzsprout.com/ 🟠 Follow me on Instagram @tech_simplified_sg 🟠 Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/slygittens 🟠 Twitter @SlyGittens 📚 Book & Podcast Recommendations: "How I Built This" Podcast "Atomic Habits" by James Clear "Can We Trust AI?" by Ramalingam Chellappa "Disciplined Entrepreneurship" by Bill Aulet "Sell Like Crazy" by Sabri Suby "Human Compatible" by Stuart J. Russell "Data Science for Business Professionals" 🔴 Watch more episodes of my Women In Technology series! Seasons one through four are right here in this playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0REkMdZtFzP_i38QWfgdWSvJJja2dwBN

In this episode of "Women in Technology," hosted by Sly Gittens of Tech Simplified, we are honored to sit down with Peko Wan, Co-CEO and Chief Ecosystem Officer for Pundi X. Peko has been at the forefront of the blockchain and Web3 payment revolution, playing a pivotal role in expanding Pundi X’s solutions globally since 2019. With over 15 years of experience in the IT industry, Peko brings a wealth of knowledge and insight into building ecosystems, nurturing strategic partnerships, and driving the global deployment of cutting-edge blockchain solutions. She also spent over 8 years at Opera Software before becoming a leading figure in the blockchain space. Peko holds an MBA from the Marshall School of Business at USC and a Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Languages and Literature from National Sun Yat-sen University. In this episode, Peko shares her inspiring journey from literature to public relations, to making her mark in the IT and blockchain sectors. If you’re interested in understanding the future of payments, Web3, and blockchain technology, or you're simply seeking wisdom from a seasoned leader, this conversation is for you! 💡 Episode Highlights: 1:40 - 6:40: Peko's Journey – From literature to public relations to building a dynamic career in IT. 11:05 - 16:20: Advice to Her Younger Self – What Peko would tell herself at the start of her journey, and wisdom for aspiring tech leaders. 16:30 - 22:00: Passion and the Future of IT – Peko discusses her passion for blockchain and the next generation of innovators in IT. 24:11 - 29:35: Book Recommendations – Peko shares essential reads on finance and how to follow her work across various platforms. "Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful." — Albert Schweitzer.  Peko Wan embodies this quote through her work at Pundi X, helping shape the future of decentralized payments while staying passionate about innovation. ✉️ Connect with Peko Twitter: Peko Wan Pundi X Official Website: www.pundix.com Pundi X Labs Twitter: PundiXLabs 🟠 Follow me on Instagram @tech_simplified_sg 🟠 Linkedin linkedin.com/in/slygittens 🟠 Twitter SlyGittens 📚Books & Podcasts mentioned: The Bitcoin Handbook: Key Concepts in Economics, Technology & Psychology 💡Episode Resources: Peko's Interview Series Podcast (in Chinese) https://open.spotify.com/show/7wxkKP7hFUYmDRFV5WLu4U 🔴 Watch more episodes of my Women In Technology series! Seasons one through four are right here in this playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0REkMdZtFzP_i38QWfgdWSvJJja2dwBN

In this episode of the Tech Simplified Podcast, host Sly Gittens sits down with Ashleigh Respicio, a seasoned expert in balancing automation and human interaction to enhance customer experiences in the tech industry. With a strong background in digital strategy and project management, Ashleigh shares her journey, the challenges she's faced, and the strategies she's employed to build a successful and fulfilling career. Whether you're just starting out or looking to make a career switch, this episode is packed with actionable advice on skill-building, networking, and career development. Ashleigh also shares some invaluable resources for those looking to dive deeper into the tech world. 💬 Episode Highlights: 2:00 - 9:20: Ashleigh’s well-rounded journey to her current role and the steps it took to build a fulfilling career. 12:00 - 15:27: Advice on building skills, staying curious, and maintaining a strong network. 19:30 - 25:25: Challenges Ashleigh faced in building her career and network, with additional advice from Sly for college students. 25:35 - 35:34: Next steps and tips for career development, learning about tech, and switching lanes when needed. 35:45 - 43:15: Tech resources, advice for newbies, and where to follow Ashleigh’s work. ✉️ Connect with Ashleigh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleigh-respicio/ 🟠 Follow me on Instagram @tech_simplified_sg 🟠 Linkedin linkedin.com/in/slygittens 🟠 Twitter SlyGittens 🔴 Watch more episodes of my Women In Technology series! Seasons one through four are right here in this playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0REkMdZtFzP_i38QWfgdWSvJJja2dwBN ✦ Website ➜ https://www.sgtechsimp.com/ ✦ Tech Simplified Training ➜ https://www.sgtechsimp.com/training

In the second part of the interview, Sly Gittens continues his conversation with Susan, diving deeper into her expertise in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). With a wealth of experience in executive coaching and leadership, Susan discusses how she develops and supports DEI initiatives in organizations, integrates these principles through her coaching, and offers advice for women aspiring to leadership roles. Susan also shares her thoughts on the impact of AI and remote work on DEI efforts, as well as her daily habits for maintaining productivity. Additionally, she provides a list of recommended books for anyone looking to enhance their leadership skills and career growth. ✉️ Connect with Susan https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanosullivanexecutivecoach/ 🟠 Follow me on Instagram @tech_simplified_sg 🟠 Linkedin linkedin.com/in/slygittens 🟠 Twitter SlyGittens 📚Books & Podcasts mentioned: - "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen Covey - "Successful Large Account Management" by Robert B. Miller - "What Got You Here Won't Get You There" by Marshall Goldsmith - "So Good They Can't Ignore You" by Cal Newport - "The First 90 Days" by Michael D. Watkin 🔴 Watch more episodes of my Women In Technology series! Seasons one through four are right here in this playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0REkMdZtFzP_i38QWfgdWSvJJja2dwBN