Why Women Say “I’m Not a Techie” | Confidence, Leadership & Women in Tech: Beckie Taylor

Why do so many talented women working in tech still say “I’m not a techie”?In this episode, Beckie Taylor joins the podcast to talk about confidence, leadership, imposter syndrome, and the reality of building a career in tech.Beckie is a speaker, consultant, community builder and founder of Empower Women in Tech, with more than 20 years of experience in talent, leadership and technology communities. She also founded Tech Returners, a company dedicated to helping people return to technology careers.▶︎We discuss:Why women often downplay their expertise in tech.The impact of imposter syndrome and self-sabotage.What male allies can actually do to help.Why networking events can feel intimidating.The story behind Beckie’s Sound Barrier documentary.The mission behind the Empower Women in Tech conference.Why diversity and inclusion conversations are changing.This conversation is about confidence, community, and creating environments where people feel able to speak up and share their voice.▶︎Beckie's Socials https://www.linkedin.com/in/beckie-taylor-92840712/ https://www.instagram.com/the_voice_of_beckie_t_/?igsh=MW1pOHhqd2Iwa3c4aw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr▶︎Documentary Premiere https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1983447237079?aff=oddtdtcreator▶︎More about the doc https://thesoundbarrier.voicesin.tech/▶︎Empower WIT conferencesLondon - https://www.empower-wit.com/london-2026Manchester - https://www.empower-wit.com/manchester-2026https://www.tickettailor.com/events/empower2/2091340▶︎Empower Together community https://www.meetup.com/women-in-technology-north/▶︎The Empower YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@UC5pzu9bE-U309Gpgq7DW3OA ▶︎Our New Newsletter https://substack.com/@betweenthestandups▶︎ The Everyday Agile Podcast brings you interviews with Agile, Product, business, and tech folk that will leave you with actionable, relevant advice. ▶︎ About Everyday Agile We might be little, but we’ve got great, big ideas – and lots of them. Transformative ideas that can make a massive difference to your business, your team and how things run. Revolutionary ideas that give our clients the tools they need to nail the basics, create problem-solving products and smash strategy out of the park. Metamorphic ideas that – okay, you get the point.

Welcome to the Everyday Agile Podcast.Orsolya Alapi is this week's guest. As a Delivery Manager, certified Scrum Master (PSM I, PSM II) and Agile Coach (ICP-ACC) with over a decade of experience in Product Delivery across multiple countries, Orsolya specialises in guiding teams to achieve high performance and deliver real value. Her pragmatic, people-first approach ensures that teams feel empowered to take ownership of their work while driving meaningful outcomes. ▶︎Orsolya's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/orsolyaalapi/▶︎Our New Newsletter https://substack.com/@betweenthestandups00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:42 Professional Background and Expertise01:33 Mindset and Communication02:14 Cultural Differences in Communication03:49 Challenges and Adaptability in Agile06:20 Career Journey and Experiences10:38 Roles and Responsibilities in Agile13:16 Core Principles of Agile17:16 Creating a Collaborative Environment19:15 First Month in a New Organization19:52 Understanding System Workflows20:23 Building Trust with Small Wins21:22 Drawing Inspiration from Outside Agile23:22 The Coaching Journey26:23 Recommended Courses and Trainers28:45 Changing Perspectives on Project Management32:00 Future Plans and Workplace Culture36:11 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Welcome to the Everyday Agile Podcast.Dave Freeman is this week's guest. Dave turns your awesome ideas into awesome software.▶︎Dave's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjfreeman01/▶︎17 Things:https://17things.co.uk/▶︎Our New Newsletter https://substack.com/@betweenthestandups00:00 Welcome Back to Liverpool00:22 Discussing LinkedIn and AI Content02:48 Transitioning from Military to Tech05:10 Starting 17 Things07:22 Challenges and Motivations13:12 Volunteering and Software Solutions26:05 The Value of Motivation26:15 Navigating Business Challenges26:38 The Evolution of Business Models28:03 Leveraging Technology for Efficiency29:49 Balancing Work and Personal Life30:48 The Reality of Entrepreneurship35:21 Employment vs. Entrepreneurship37:45 Industry Insights and Future Outlook44:22 Final Thoughts and Contact InformationThe Everyday Agile Podcast brings you interviews with Agile, Product, business, and tech folk that will leave you with actionable, relevant advice. ▶︎ About Everyday Agile We might be little, but we’ve got great, big ideas – and lots of them. Transformative ideas that can make a massive difference to your business, your team and how things run. Revolutionary ideas that give our clients the tools they need to nail the basics, create problem-solving products and smash strategy out of the park. Metamorphic ideas that – okay, you get the point.

Welcome to the Everyday Agile Podcast.Jess Madhavan is this week's guest. Jess is an Engineering Leader operating multiple small, fast-moving teams building 0–1 products and experimental platforms. She has a background in scaling teams, running cross-functional squads and driving AI-enabled ways of working in high-paced environments. Big on pace, clarity, ownership and creating spaces where people feel bold enough to build properly, not just safely.Jess is a strong advocate for Women in Tech, modern leadership and building things that are useful, not just impressive.▶︎Jess's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessmadhavan/▶︎Our New Newsletter https://substack.com/@betweenthestandups▶︎Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:09 Jess's Professional Background01:44 The Role of AI in Engineering Leadership04:20 The Importance of Social Media and Networking07:14 Transition from Engineer to Engineering Manager09:17 Differences Between Delivery and Engineering Managers10:58 Impact of AI on Engineering Teams20:05 Addressing Concerns About AI in the Workplace22:24 Advice for Tech Leaders on Adopting AI22:56 Understanding Team Bottlenecks24:11 Introducing AI Workflows25:46 Balancing AI Usage27:02 Future of High-Performing Teams29:18 Openness and Communication in Tech31:18 Women in Tech: An Ongoing Conversation38:47 Inspiration and Motivation40:17 Looking Ahead to 202640:48 Connecting and Sharing Ideas42:02 Conclusion and Contact InformationThe Everyday Agile Podcast brings you interviews with Agile, Product, business, and tech folk that will leave you with actionable, relevant advice. ▶︎ About Everyday Agile We might be little, but we’ve got great, big ideas – and lots of them. Transformative ideas that can make a massive difference to your business, your team and how things run. Revolutionary ideas that give our clients the tools they need to nail the basics, create problem-solving products and smash strategy out of the park. Metamorphic ideas that – okay, you get the point.

Welcome to the Everyday Agile Podcast.Nathan Davies is this week's guest. Nathan is Senior Transformation Delivery Leader with a 30‑year track record delivering complex, high‑impact business and digital change across Banking, Asset Management, and regulated environments. Expert at shaping ambiguous initiatives into executable delivery plans, strengthening governance, and driving measurable business outcomes.Proven ability to influence senior sponsors, operate with autonomy, and lead multi‑disciplinary teams through high‑stakes transformation. ▶︎Nathan's LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanjdavies/▶︎Chapters 00:00 - Welcome & AI's Impact on Agile Roles01:24 - Leveraging AI in Agile Delivery & Data Security04:23 - The Role of No-Code Solutions in Agile05:53 - Balancing Agility in Client-Facing & Global Teams10:14 - Recruiting Agile Talent: The Simulator Approach18:54 - Essential Skills for Aspiring Agile Professionals21:53 - Future Vision: Scaling Agile by Making Coaches RedundantThe Everyday Agile Podcast brings you interviews with Agile, Product, business, and tech folk that will leave you with actionable, relevant advice. ▶︎ About Everyday Agile We might be little, but we’ve got great, big ideas – and lots of them. Transformative ideas that can make a massive difference to your business, your team and how things run. Revolutionary ideas that give our clients the tools they need to nail the basics, create problem-solving products and smash strategy out of the park. Metamorphic ideas that – okay, you get the point.

Welcome to the Everyday Agile Podcast.Mat Clarke is this week's guest. Mat helps businesses fix broken systems.Mat's background is in CRO and full-stack development, but his work today goes far beyond websites. He specialises in using AI, automation, and modern software to replace legacy processes, reduce operational friction, and help teams work faster and smarter.▶︎Mat's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clarkemathew/▶︎MP Software: https://www.mpsoftware.co.uk/▶︎Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Mat Clarke01:06 Early Beginnings in Web Development02:35 Professional Journey and Growth03:46 Founding MP Software05:50 Navigating AI in Web Development10:28 Day in the Life of a Technical Director11:37 Building Connections in Business12:31 Challenges in Business Development12:52 Identifying and Solving Client Problems14:41 Legacy Systems and Modern Solutions17:35 The Liverpool Tech Scene21:32 Future Goals and Business Growth23:17 Contact Information and Closing RemarksThe Everyday Agile Podcast brings you interviews with Agile, Product, business, and tech folk that will leave you with actionable, relevant advice. ▶︎ About Everyday Agile We might be little, but we’ve got great, big ideas – and lots of them. Transformative ideas that can make a massive difference to your business, your team and how things run. Revolutionary ideas that give our clients the tools they need to nail the basics, create problem-solving products and smash strategy out of the park. Metamorphic ideas that – okay, you get the point.

Welcome to the Everyday Agile Podcast.Nissi Ozigbu is this week's guest. Nissi help Transformation Professionals, Business Owners and Leaders become purposefully visible, so the quality of their work is matched by the confidence others have in choosing, following, and investing in them. Nissi is also the founder of The Growth Hut and creator of The Visible Leadership Launchpad™, a flagship system that helps leaders and business owners turn trust into commercial advantage.▶︎Nissi's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nissi-ozigbu/▶︎The Growth Hut: https://www.thegrowthhut.co.uk/▶︎ Chapters00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:23 Exploring Leadership and Change Management03:55 The Power of Storytelling in Leadership06:42 Challenges in Change Management11:09 Building Trust in Leadership21:48 The Changing Workforce and Organisational Disillusionment22:44 The Role and Timing of Change Management24:40 Articulating the Value of Change Management27:49 The Journey of Sharing Insights Publicly34:50 The Growth Hut: Origins and Offerings38:30 Building a Community and Future Plans42:16 Final Thoughts and How to ConnectThe Everyday Agile Podcast brings you interviews with Agile, Product, business, and tech folk that will leave you with actionable, relevant advice. ▶︎ Listen to the podcast on:https://open.spotify.com/show/0NGKLeWxDzmQyjzh6jKjO8?si=5Vb_M9KbRM26rWwAvEE5Xg▶︎ About Everyday Agile We might be little, but we’ve got great, big ideas – and lots of them. Transformative ideas that can make a massive difference to your business, your team and how things run. Revolutionary ideas that give our clients the tools they need to nail the basics, create problem-solving products and smash strategy out of the park. Metamorphic ideas that – okay, you get the point.

Welcome to the Everyday Agile Podcast.Annie Andrews is this week's guest. Annie is the CEO of Curo Services - Trusted Technology People and Co-founder of Blipfuture CIC, the popular photo-journalling community.Annie's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-andrews-tech/00:00 Introduction and Acknowledgements01:26 Current Role and LinkedIn Insights02:01 Concerns About Vibe Coding06:14 Career Journey and Reflections08:33 Blip Photo and Learning Experiences14:39 Leadership and Public Speaking16:26 Role as a CEO and Strategic Vision26:06 Reflecting on Personal Perceptions26:45 Challenges in the Tech Industry27:44 The Recruitment Conundrum28:38 AI's Rapid Advancement29:59 Public Awareness of AI31:45 The Future of Jobs and AI32:55 Verifying Credentials in Recruitment36:25 Digital Identity and Data Privacy40:20 Advice for New Professionals43:37 Agile Methodologies in Remote Work47:49 Conclusion and Contact InformationThe Everyday Agile Podcast brings you interviews with Agile, Product, business, and tech folk that will leave you with actionable, relevant advice. ▶︎ About Everyday Agile We might be little, but we’ve got great, big ideas – and lots of them. Transformative ideas that can make a massive difference to your business, your team and how things run. Revolutionary ideas that give our clients the tools they need to nail the basics, create problem-solving products and smash strategy out of the park. Metamorphic ideas that – okay, you get the point.

Welcome to the Everyday Agile Podcast.Matt Odell is this week’s guest.Matt is the founder of MilUX, short for Military User experience. Over the last 6 years, he has gone on a journey of discovery, exploring how he can better serve customers as they face the challenges with designing, developing and delivering fit-for-purpose products in the UK defence sector. ▶︎ Matt’s LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/maodell▶︎MilUX Website:https://milux.co.uk/Chapters: 00:00 Welcome and Introduction00:10 Matt's Background and Experience02:05 Founding MilUX04:01 Transition from Military to Business14:15 Challenges in Defence Sector19:04 Security Clearance in Defence22:19 Navigating Security Clearance for Freelancers23:04 The Debate on Publicising Security Clearance25:19 Mobilisation and Initial Client Engagement28:05 Challenges in Defence Sector Processes29:44 Speaking Engagements and Community Involvement33:21 Balancing Product Ideas with Research37:51 Encouraging Community Support and Asking for Help40:11 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsThe Everyday Agile Podcast brings you interviews with Agile, Product, business, and tech folk that will leave you with actionable, relevant advice.

Welcome to the Everyday Agile Podcast.Julio Behambari is this week’s guest.Julio is a driven Principal Product Manager with over 10 years of experience leading cross-functional teams to develop, launch, and scale innovative B2B SaaS products. ▶︎ Julio’s LinkedIn:http://linkedin.com/in/juliobehambariChapters: 00:00 Welcome to the Podcast00:55 Julio's Journey into Product Management04:32 Defining Product Management05:49 The Impact of AI on Product Management08:41 Challenges in Product Management12:20 Leveraging AI for Efficiency20:52 Storytelling in Product Management21:56 The Importance of Storytelling in Product Management22:06 Understanding Customer Insights and Hypotheses23:15 The Role of Personas in Product Development25:15 Evaluating Weekly Progress as a Product Manager28:06 Drawing Inspiration from Various Sources32:06 The Reality of Product Management38:37 Looking Ahead: Future Goals and AspirationsThe Everyday Agile Podcast brings you interviews with Agile, Product, business, and tech folk that will leave you with actionable, relevant advice. ▶︎ About Everyday Agile We might be little, but we’ve got great, big ideas – and lots of them. Transformative ideas that can make a massive difference to your business, your team and how things run. Revolutionary ideas that give our clients the tools they need to nail the basics, create problem-solving products and smash strategy out of the park. Metamorphic ideas that – okay, you get the point.