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What does it really take to thrive for two decades in cybersecurity—and to blaze a trail for others?

In this episode of Bytes, Bits and Brilliance, I sit down with the powerhouse behind Cyber Thriver, Geraldine Okon, a 20-year cybersecurity pro who rose from computer operator to trusted mentor, connector, and entrepreneur.

We dive deep into her unconventional journey—spanning financial services, a forklift company, and beyond—while unpacking the real roadblocks and hidden opportunities in tech today.

We talk about the game-changing power of networking, conference hustle strategies, and the magic of mentorship (especially for women of color).

Plus, you’ll hear her bold vision for using Cyber Thriver to help the next generation access career-defining industry events.
Cyber Thriver: www.thecyberthriverr.com

Level up your self-advocacy, discover secrets to breaking stereotypes, and learn how a spark of giving back can turn into an industry-wide shift.

If you’re ready for real stories, real advice, and new moves for your own career, this is your episode.

Connect on LinkedIn:

Dawn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnbutler1/

Support the show

Hey, listeners and tech enthusiasts! 🌟 If you've been enjoying our podcast and finding value in the insights shared, we'd love your support. You can:

• Take a moment to share this podcast with someone who might benefit from our discussions.
• Submit the interest form if you’d like to be a guest, join a panel, or participate in live coaching.
• Let us know how we're doing. We’d love to hear from you.
• Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.
• If you’re in a position to support financially, consider supporting the show via the "Bytes of Kindness" Tip Jar, or Buy Me a Coffee. This podcast is a self-funded and my way of giving back, especially to underrepresented voices in tech and cybersecurity.

Your support keeps us going and growing. Thanks for being part of this journey and our community!

Looking for mentorship? Let's talk about what you need and how I may be able to help: Mentor Moments Lightning Session

The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and not reflective of any employer.

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This 20-minute episode dives into the transformative journey of tech leadership in the age of generative AI.

Drawing from My personal reflections and insights from the Google Cloud Generative AI Leader training, it explores how leaders can navigate uncertainty, drive innovation, and empower teams through change.

Whether you're a CTO, product manager, or engineering lead, this episode offers practical strategies and thought-provoking perspectives to help you lead with clarity and confidence.

Connect with me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnbutler1/

Support the show

Hey, listeners and tech enthusiasts! 🌟 If you've been enjoying our podcast and finding value in the insights shared, we'd love your support. You can:

• Take a moment to share this podcast with someone who might benefit from our discussions.
• Submit the interest form if you’d like to be a guest, join a panel, or participate in live coaching.
• Let us know how we're doing. We’d love to hear from you.
• Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.
• If you’re in a position to support financially, consider supporting the show via the "Bytes of Kindness" Tip Jar, or Buy Me a Coffee. This podcast is a self-funded and my way of giving back, especially to underrepresented voices in tech and cybersecurity.

Your support keeps us going and growing. Thanks for being part of this journey and our community!

Looking for mentorship? Let's talk about what you need and how I may be able to help: Mentor Moments Lightning Session

The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and not reflective of any employer.

Send us a text

In this episode, we dive deep into what it really takes to thrive in tech and beyond. My guest, Dana Zellers, a former tech worker turned executive coach, joins me to unpack the lessons of work-life balance, the power of boundaries, and why intentional career planning is non-negotiable.

Together, we explore coaching strategies, how to handle career crossroads, and the role mentors and managers play in our growth.

We talk about giving yourself (and others) grace, why positive reinforcement matters more than you think, and how self-driven professionals can learn to recognize when it’s time to reset.

Whether you’re climbing the ladder or navigating a pivot, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you take control of your career path and protect your energy along the way.

Get Dana's FREE Better Week Blueprint - a weekly plan for getting the right things done without working pointless hours and sacrificing your life. https://www.danazellers.com/

Connect with us:

Dana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dzellers/

https://www.instagram.com/dana_zellers/

Dawn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnbutler1/

Support the show

Hey, listeners and tech enthusiasts! 🌟 If you've been enjoying our podcast and finding value in the insights shared, we'd love your support. You can:

• Take a moment to share this podcast with someone who might benefit from our discussions.
• Submit the interest form if you’d like to be a guest, join a panel, or participate in live coaching.
• Let us know how we're doing. We’d love to hear from you.
• Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.
• If you’re in a position to support financially, consider supporting the show via the "Bytes of Kindness" Tip Jar, or Buy Me a Coffee. This podcast is a self-funded and my way of giving back, especially to underrepresented voices in tech and cybersecurity.

Your support keeps us going and growing. Thanks for being part of this journey and our community!

Looking for mentorship? Let's talk about what you need and how I may be able to help: Mentor Moments Lightning Session

The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and not reflective of any employer.