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Discover why knowing your “why” is more than a catchphrase—it’s your guiding light through career pivots, big decisions, and seasons of uncertainty.

Inspired by Simon Sinek’s legendary framework, this episode unpacks the power of purpose for leaders and changemakers.

Reflect with your host on the true reason this podcast was born: mentorship, community, and the joyful amplification of underrepresented technologists.

You’ll take away practical tips for discovering your core motivation, telling your signature story, and building a resilient career aligned with your beliefs and values.

If you’re stuck or restless, tune in for a dose of clarity—and the nudge you need to take your next step, even if the path isn’t fully clear yet.

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

Call to Action:
It's critical that your voice is heard! If you need help finding, rediscovering or using your voice, I want to help. Learn more here.

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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What happens when you realize the language of diversity and belonging is everywhere — yet the systems remain the same? In this episode, we explore what it truly means to have a seat at the table and why representation alone isn’t enough.

Host, Dawn Butler, shares a deeply personal story about leading a critical phase of an in-development framework — owning documentation, process changes, and adoption — only to find her voice dismissed and her expertise ignored. When the chaos came, she was suddenly indispensable. A firefighter. A miracle worker.

This reflection looks beyond personal struggle to examine the system itself — how it rewards performance while resisting change — and what it takes to shift the culture, not just survive it.

You’ll hear insights on:

• How to recognize when inclusion is performative, not practiced
• The generational differences shaping how we define leadership, power, and voice
• The quiet resilience required to stand firm when your contribution is unseen
• How to lead with integrity and humanity in the age of AI and automation

If you’ve ever been in the room but unheard, or invited but unempowered, this conversation will speak to you.

Call to Action:
It's critical that your voice is heard! If you need help finding, rediscovering or using your voice, I want to help. Learn more here.

Connect with me on LinkedIn: 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

What does true tech leadership look like when you’re stuck managing critical systems but don’t get to steer the ship?

Inspired by a LinkedIn post, this episode, the “folding chair” at the corporate table becomes a metaphor for reclaiming autonomy, breaking out of what the poster, A CISO, called the cyber Stockholm Syndrome, and rewriting the rules on influence in the industry.

We’ll unpack:

• Why IT leaders must reclaim ownership and genuine decision-making power
• The hidden cost of working in “liability management” and being reduced to cost center status
• How CISOs and tech professionals can escape the trap of visibility without real authority
• Why empowerment starts with having your insights valued—and the right to say “no”
• Action strategies for redefining your seat at the table and pushing for lasting change

If you’re tired of checking all the boxes but never calling the shots, tune in to get practical tactics and energizing perspective shifts.

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

Call to Action:
It's critical that your voice is heard! If you need help finding, rediscovering or using your voice, I want to help. Learn more here.

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.