Glowing in Tech

In this episode, Jessie and Shantelle welcome back Roxanne and Joanna to spotlight their groundbreaking new platform ResLink – the first video resume tool that's changing how candidates stand out in today's competitive job market. Fresh from their successful launch, the founders share how ResLink empowers job seekers to control their narrative beyond traditional resumes, with Joanna revealing that using video resumes increased her interview rate by 40%. The conversation explores how the platform reintroduces human connection to the hiring process, benefits both candidates and companies, and offers invaluable application insights through real-time analytics. Learn how this innovative approach is helping candidates make memorable first impressions while giving recruiters a clearer view of personality and fit before formal interviews. Go beyond the traditional job application and discover why even in a world of AI-generated resumes, showing your authentic self through video might be the competitive edge you need. 💼 Discover why traditional resumes are failing in today's AI-saturated job market 🎯 Learn how adding a 1-minute video to your application can increase interview rates by 40% 📊 Understand the data behind successful job applications and why timing matters 🔑 Get insider tips from founders who've mastered both sides of the hiring process As the first platform dedicated to video resumes, ResLink is challenging how we think about job applications. If you're tired of sending applications into the void or struggling to find the right talent for your team, this conversation is a must-watch. 📌 TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Welcome to Glowing in Tech 00:38 - What is ResLink and why video resumes matter 03:27 - How video resumes increased interviews by 40% 05:42 - The founding story behind ResLink 08:15 - Benefits for job seekers: controlling your narrative 11:23 - Benefits for companies: better candidate screening 14:06 - Reintroducing the human element to applications 17:51 - Reducing interview anxiety with video introductions 20:34 - Balancing multiple ventures as founders 23:18 - Data-driven product development approach 27:05 - Bringing startup expertise to a new venture 31:48 - Overcoming resistance to video resumes 35:22 - The future of job applications and final thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jessie and Shantelle sit down with Roxanne and Joanna, the dynamic co-founders of Tech Talk, whose community has exploded to over 220,000 members across platforms. Discover how these two friends transformed their experiences in marketing, sales, and go-to-market strategy into a movement helping thousands break into the non-coding side of the tech industry. The message is clear: tech needs much more than coders. Marketing, sales, operations, customer success, and countless other non-technical roles are essential to company growth—and with the right approach, you can position yourself as the perfect candidate, even in 2025's challenging job market. The conversation delves into the dramatic shift in the tech job market post-pandemic, where remote work has flooded recruiters with thousands of applications for every position. Learn why simply submitting applications is no longer enough and how developing a multi-faceted strategy—including optimized LinkedIn profiles, strategic networking, and personal branding—has become essential for job seekers. Roxanne and Joanna share invaluable insights on positioning yourself for success, explaining why making it "easy for recruiters" to see your value is crucial in today's competitive landscape. They break down the significant differences between working at startups, scale-ups, and established tech companies, offering guidance on which environment might best suit different career stages and working styles. The hosts and guests also explore emerging trends in tech hiring, including the growing importance of online presence for customer-facing roles, the rise of AI-generated content in personal branding, and why culture fit has become the deciding factor in many hiring decisions. Whether you're looking to transition into tech from another industry, seeking to advance your current tech career, or simply curious about the non-technical opportunities in the technology sector, this episode provides actionable strategies from those who've successfully navigated these waters themselves. Timestamps: Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and meet our guests: Roxanne and Joanna 02:29 - The origin story of Tech Talk: Breaking the "tech = coding" assumption 05:53 - Building a tech community: Growth from 5,000 to 180,000+ followers 07:41 - The post-COVID job market: Too many applicants, not enough roles 09:53 - Job search strategies: Why cold applications alone don't work anymore 12:09 - Making recruiters' jobs easier: The "puzzle strategy" for applications 14:38 - Personal branding beyond LinkedIn: Internal reputation matters 16:00 - AI in personal branding: The automation of online presence 19:19 - Culture fit: The true deciding factor in hiring decisions 22:16 - Company size matters: Navigating startups vs. scale-ups vs. big tech 25:14 - The startup trade-off: Chaos, fires, and tremendous learning 27:44 - Big tech attraction: Prestige, safety, and compensation changes 30:00 - AI in applications: Helpful tool or harmful crutch? 32:15 - The rise of video resumes: Standing out in a crowded market 35:45 - Why impressive candidates still get rejected 39:00 - The hidden job market: How Roxanne landed a job that was never posted 42:46 - Why recruiters have stopped posting jobs publicly 45:00 - "Learn it all" vs. "Know it all": The mindset tech companies want 47:15 - Case studies: How companies really evaluate candidates 49:30 - Next episode preview Tech careers, non-coding tech jobs, personal branding, tech job market, startup careers, scale-up companies, tech networking, LinkedIn optimization, tech community, tech influencers, culture fit, job applications, tech recruitment, career transitions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this illuminating episode of Glowing in Tech, Shantelle and Jessie welcome back venture capital expert Abi Mohammed for a candid discussion about the ever-evolving tech landscape. Abi shares invaluable insights on post-pandemic market trends, funding challenges for underrepresented founders, and the shifting dynamics of tech valuations. Discover why certain tech platforms soared during lockdowns only to crash afterward (including a fascinating Clubhouse case study), while others built lasting success. Abi breaks down complex concepts like "down rounds" in accessible terms and offers practical advice for founders navigating today's uncertain economic climate. Whether you're building a startup, considering a career in venture capital, or interested in tech investment strategies, this episode delivers actionable knowledge from an industry insider. Abi emphasizes the importance of sustainable business models, authentic community building, and diversity in the VC space. Key topics include: Post-pandemic tech market analysis Funding strategies for underrepresented founders The rise and fall of pandemic-era tech solutions Creating sustainable business models Breaking into venture capital Building authentic tech communities Episode Highlights: 00:00 Introduction 00:20 Current Tech Industry State 01:20 COVID-19's Impact on Startups 03:32 Challenges for Underrepresented Founders 04:38 Understanding Down Rounds 05:39 Market Conditions & Consumer Behavior 07:19 The Clubhouse Phenomenon 11:20 Community Building in Tech 12:42 Diversity in Venture Capital 16:48 Advice for Founders and Aspiring VCs 18:30 Conclusion New episodes of Glowing in Tech release every Tuesday, featuring conversations with industry leaders sharing practical insights on technology, business growth, and investment strategies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever wondered how venture capital really works? In this illuminating episode, we're joined by Abi Mohammed, Community Lead at Diversity VC, who shares her incredible journey from software engineer to angel investor and champion for diversity in tech funding. Abi reveals how a chance 7AM networking event (and a crush!) led her to discover the world of venture capital, and how she co-founded an angel investment syndicate despite knowing almost nothing about investing at the time. With refreshing honesty and clarity, she breaks down complex investment concepts into terms anyone can understand. You'll learn the fundamental differences between angel investing and venture capital, what investors really look for when evaluating startups, and the hidden costs of investment that nobody talks about. Abi shares raw insights from reviewing over 300 founders to select just 4 deals, and explains why she left software engineering after facing discrimination to create more equitable pathways in tech. Whether you're a founder considering funding options, aspiring to work in VC, or simply curious about how investment shapes the technology we use every day, this episode offers valuable perspective from someone who's navigated the journey as an outsider and is now helping to transform the industry from within. Show Notes Abi's unexpected journey into venture capital The difference between angel investing and VC explained simply Understanding cap tables, dilution, and board dynamics Bootstrapping vs raising capital: which is right for your business? How Abi created the Libra program at Tech Nation to support underrepresented founders Success stories of diverse founders securing venture funding Resources Mentioned Venture Deals (book recommended for understanding VC terminology) Future VC program - https://www.diversity.vc/ Libra program for underrepresented founders (now under Founder Forum) Community Growth Ventures (angel investment syndicate) Andy Ayim's Angel School Connect With Us Follow Abi: LinkedIn (Abi Mohammed), Instagram (@TeamAbii) Follow Glowing in Tech: @GlowinginTech on Twitter/X, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn Tags Venture Capital, Angel Investing, Women in Tech, Diversity in VC, Startup Funding, Female Founders, Tech Careers, Entrepreneurship, Black Women in Tech, UK Tech Scene, Inclusive Investing Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Abi Mohamed and Diversity VC 01:17 Abi's unexpected journey into venture capital 03:27 What is angel investing vs venture capital explained 05:38 Due diligence process and evaluating startup potential 08:58 Understanding cap tables and investment terminology for beginners 13:56 The different stages of venture funding explained 16:11 Bootstrapping vs venture scaling - which is right for your business? 18:47 Transitioning from engineering to investing after facing discrimination 21:16 Creating opportunities for underrepresented founders through Tech Nation 24:40 Success stories from the Libra program for diverse founders Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We welcome back award-winning tech professional Yemurai to discuss the current state of the tech industry. In this insightful conversation, we explore: How the tech job market differs from 2020-2021, particularly for entry-level versus senior roles The challenges of breaking into tech in today's competitive environment Why networking has become essential for landing tech jobs in the current market Practical networking tips for introverts and beginners The importance of building your LinkedIn presence and personal brand Balancing online visibility with privacy and safety concerns as a tech professional Whether you're looking to break into tech, advance your career, or build meaningful industry connections, this episode offers valuable advice from someone who successfully navigated a "squiggly career" from chemistry to cybersecurity. Don't miss this candid discussion about the realities of today's tech landscape and actionable strategies for success! Please give us a review wherever you're listening, let us know your thoughts by sending us a message, we want to hear from you! Timestamps: 0:00 - Welcome and introduction to Yemurai 1:23 - The current state of the tech job market 2:45 - Entry-level challenges vs. senior opportunities 4:18 - Web3 and blockchain: Then vs. now 6:02 - How long does it really take to break into tech? 7:30 - Why networking is non-negotiable for job seekers 9:15 - The secret weapon: Working with recruiters 10:48 - How AI is changing recruitment strategies 12:30 - Networking tips for introverts 15:04 - Setting realistic networking goals 16:42 - "Your network is your net worth" 17:25 - Balancing online visibility with privacy 19:53 - Building a powerful LinkedIn presence 22:17 - Simple ways to start your LinkedIn journey 24:05 - Final thoughts and where to find Yemurai Notable Quotes "Your network is your net worth." - Yemurai "I think from an entry level perspective, it is incredibly challenging... But I know from a senior level and mid-entry level, there's a lot of opportunity once already working within the industry." - Yemurai "Even if you're not necessarily seeing the immediate benefits... it's those warm introductions. Somebody's seen your post, they recognize your name, they've seen your face. It just makes you stand out above the people that have sent the CVs that have got the exact same trajectory as you thus far." - Jessie Practical Takeaways Go beyond the CV: In today's competitive market, networking is non-negotiable for breaking into tech Start small with networking: Begin with online events if you're nervous, observe before participating Work with recruiters: Even entry-level candidates can benefit from recruiter relationships Document your journey: Use LinkedIn to share your experiences attending events and learning Set realistic networking goals: Aim for quality connections rather than quantity Maintain privacy boundaries: Be strategic about what personal information you share online Leverage in-person events: As AI makes perfect CVs easier to create, face-to-face connections become more valuable About Yemurai Yemurai has successfully navigated a career transition from chemistry to cybersecurity, winning recognition from We Are Tech Women along the way. She maintains a thoughtful approach to her online presence, balancing professional visibility with personal privacy, and actively shares entry-level tech opportunities through her platforms. Resources Mentioned We Are Tech Women awards Industry events and recruitment networking opportunities LinkedIn as a career development platform Renee Louise - BlaqByte Connect With Us and let us know your thoughts! @GlowinginTech across all social platforms Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it really take to pivot careers and thrive in tech? 🤔 Meet Yem, aka the STEM Babe, a senior associate in investment banking, content creator, and public speaker with a clear mission—empowering underrepresented groups to break into high-paying tech roles. 🌟 Join us in Part 1 as Yem shares her unconventional path from studying chemistry to excelling in cybersecurity, with inspiring detours through coding bootcamps, health tech startups, and groundbreaking projects tackling COVID-19. We unpack her candid advice on navigating career transitions, overcoming imposter syndrome, and leveraging transferable skills to land your dream job in tech. 💡 Key takeaway? Tech is not just an industry—it’s a skillset you can take anywhere. Stay tuned as we explore cybersecurity’s rising importance, what’s next for tech careers, and how community representation can transform opportunities. Don't miss out—listen now and follow Yem on TikTok & Instagram at @STEMBabe for more empowering insights! 🎙️ 00:00:00 - Introduction to Yem (STEM Babe) and her background 00:01:30 - Yem's transition from chemistry to cybersecurity during COVID 00:04:00 - Explanation of cybersecurity and its importance in today's world 00:06:00 - Geopolitical aspects and real-world examples of cyber threats 00:08:00 - "Technology as a skillset rather than an industry" philosophy 00:11:00 - Common pitfalls in tech career journeys and the reality of breaking into tech 00:14:00 - Advice on applying for jobs even when you don't meet all requirements 00:18:00 - Discussion about salary transparency and representation in tech 00:20:00 - The importance of pursuing high-paying careers for underrepresented groups 00:22:30 - How representation impacts career aspirations and access to opportunities 00:24:00 - Where to find Yem and teaser for part two Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Season 3 of Glowing in Tech! Join Jessie and new co-host Shantelle as they dive into their inspiring tech journeys, from humble beginnings to hackathon wins and career pivots. Discover how Black Valley and various coding bootcamps transformed their careers, leading to roles in product management, blockchain exploration, and entrepreneurship. They also discuss the challenges and rewards of community building in Web3, navigating career shifts, and the impact of AI and cybersecurity in today's tech landscape. Get ready for insightful conversations with women making waves in UK tech and tips on breaking into and thriving in the evolving tech world. 00:00 Welcome to Season 3 of Glowing in Tech 00:17 How We Met: The Black Valley Connection 01:48 Diving into Product Management 04:19 Hackathons and Blockchain Adventures 09:20 Transitioning to Blockchain Full-Time 14:39 Embracing Entrepreneurship and Funding 19:10 New Beginnings: Coding Bootcamp Journey 22:26 Navigating Early Challenges in Tech Roles 22:51 Community Building in Web3 23:42 Breaking Down Complex Topics for Everyone 28:12 The Importance of Representation in Tech 30:40 Innovative Solutions in Blockchain 33:28 Excitement for the Future of Web3 39:20 Spotlighting Women in UK Tech 40:53 Exploring AI and Cybersecurity 44:19 Predicting the Future of Tech 45:00 Welcome to the New Season Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a budding entrepreneur, or just curious about the world of blockchain, this episode is packed with valuable insights and inspiration. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more episodes! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, we continue to talk with Hosanna about TheTechCornr is having on inspiring Women and the industry at large. Hosanna also tells us about the most challenging times in her career and the tips she has for women starting out in the tech industry. HIGHLIGHTS 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:13 Hosanna’s tips, how to survive a team member that you're just not clicking with. 00:06:00 Tech Tea 00:10:00 Fear mongering in tech “ it does scare people” 00:11:11 “Give the people some hope!” Clickbait and the media 00:12:27 Learning about tech, the do’s and don'ts 00:13:10 What interests me most about tech 00:18:42 Upskilling, studying never stops! 00:20:37 How do I know I want a tech job? Avoid job descriptions! Glowing in Tech is a weekly podcast between two black women software engineers, exploring how to thrive whilst navigating the tech space and encourage more people from diverse backgrounds to level up in their careers. Hosted by our award-winning co-founders Jessie Auguste, a backend software engineer at CybSafe, and Amber Shad, a frontend software engineer, also at CybSafe. Hosanna Hali, is a Microsoft Azure expert who also launched theTechCornr platform with a goal of empowering and encouraging women to enter a career in tech. In today's episode, we continue to talk with Hosanna about the impact TheTechCornr is having on inspiring women and the industry at large. Hosanna also tells us about the most challenging times in her career and the tips she has for women starting out in the tech industry. Subscribe to The Glowing in Tech Podcast which drops weekly wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Glowing in Tech, host Amber and Jessie are joined by Hosanna, an Azure specialist at Microsoft and the founder of TheTechCornr. Hosanna shares her journey into the tech industry and discusses the importance of increasing diversity in the field. She also talks about her platform and how it aims to inspire and educate women about opportunities in tech. Tune in to hear Hosanna's story and her impact on others in the industry. During the pandemic, Hosanna launched theTechCornr platform with the goal of empowering women to pursue careers in the tech industry. With a strong passion for diversity and inclusion, the speaker had actively participated in panels and discussions on the topic. Hosanna aims to showcase not only tech-related topics but also other aspects of her life, such as her wedding and their home, in order to build a community of multifaceted women. She's intending to release an ebook in the near future, focusing on starting a successful career. While the ebook will contain tech-focused content, it will also cover broader subjects beyond technical skills, including office politics, appropriate attire, effective communication with managers, and other essential skills for professional women. [00:01:00] Tech industry offers diverse opportunities. [00:05:11] Tech career path: programming to client-facing roles. [00:09:29] Longevity at Microsoft despite challenges. [00:07:09] Notorious tech company application process. [00:09:54] Staying at one company. [00:12:14] New technologies and learning. [00:13:15] Learning through application is key. [00:15:56] Changing roles and career growth. [00:19:52] Building a multifaceted community. [00:20:45] Transitioning to in-person work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, the Candida discusses her personal journey of recognising and addressing burnout and the importance of mental health. She recalls attending a talk on mental health and burnout given by a speaker who visited their organisation. This talk served as a wake-up call for Candida, as she realised they were exhibiting several signs of burnout, such as withdrawing at work, neglecting their appearance, operating on autopilot, and feeling down and upset. Following the talk, the Candida had a coaching session with the speaker who gave the talk. The coach noticed a significant change in the speaker's energy after the session, highlighting how burnout was negatively impacting their overall well-being and work performance. Candida acknowledges that recognising and acknowledging burnout can take time, but they have become better at identifying the signals for themselves. However, it was the mental health and burnout talk that truly helped them realise that their experiences were not normal and that they needed to take time off to address their burnout. Throughout the episode, the importance of embracing creativity in daily life is highlighted. We discuss how creativity extends beyond traditional artistic pursuits and can be found in problem-solving, innovative thinking, and approaching different situations. We emphasise that tapping into creativity can bring joy and fulfilment, and it doesn't always have to be tied to generating income or pursuing a creative career. Instead, they encourage listeners to explore and embrace creativity through hobbies, personal projects, and allowing space for creative thinking in everyday life. The episode also addresses the impact of self-doubt and societal expectations on individuals who identify as creatives. The conversation emphasises the courage and strength required to pursue a creative path, especially when it goes against the expectations of family, friends, and society.  Overall, the episode underscores the significance of recognizing and embracing creativity in daily life. It suggests that by doing so, individuals can experience improved mental health, increased satisfaction, and a greater sense of fulfillment. Candida also addresses the pressure that can arise from turning creative outlets into a career. They caution against placing the burden of income generation or resource reliance on creative activities, as it can diminish the joy derived from them. Instead, they advocate for tapping into creativity for the sake of enjoyment and personal fulfillment. Additionally, the Candida delves into the impact of self-doubt on creatives. They acknowledge that societal expectations and judgments can lead many creatives to feel inadequate. They stress the significance of reframing these thoughts and beliefs, and finding the courage and strength to pursue creative endeavors that may defy societal norms. The speaker suggests that self-doubt is an energy that needs to be continually tapped into, and taking breaks from creativity can result in denying a part of oneself. They emphasize the importance of living authentically and aligning with personal values, as denying creativity and not living true to oneself can have emotional consequences. TIMESTAMPS [00:00:00] Introduction [00:01:42] Allowing myself to enjoy work.  [00:05:29] Keeping the curiosity alive.  [00:09:43] What's the tech tea?  [00:13:19] Hybrid working and bias.  [00:17:40] Language and Ambition.  [00:18:07] Different interpretations of ambition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices