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What happens when you walk away from a high-powered tech career to chase your true calling?

In this electrifying episode, I sit down with the powerhouse founder of Limitless Leaders, Uma Subramanian, a former Microsoft leader who left it all behind after a jaw-dropping meeting with a CEO who crossed the line.

Within weeks, she transformed that pivotal moment into a mission: helping tech pros become the sought-after leaders every company wants.

We get real about leading from where you are (even if you’re still figuring it out), the secret to 10x results in work and life, and why betting on yourself is always the best investment.

You’ll hear how she learned to care for her team while crushing results, the magic of focusing on your current life season, and why everything truly works out for the best.

If you’re ready to level up, break the mold, and lead with confidence—this is your episode.

Work Smart, Live Balanced, and Thrive in your Career Journey.

How to Find Us:

Limitless Leaders Pinnacle Program: https://thelimitlessleaders.com/

Uma on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/uma-subramanian-limitless/

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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In Part 2 of our series with Thalia Brown, the founder of Authentic Discussion, we dive into the realities of recruitment and networking in today's competitive tech landscape.

Thalia shares her journey with professional networking, authentic professional branding and the critical need for candidates to differentiate themselves.

We explore strategies for standing out in a crowded job market, especially with the rise of AI and automation, emphasizing the importance of niche expertise and continuous upskilling.

The episode also covers practical advice on overcoming interview anxiety, with tips on preparation, confidence-building, and managing imposter syndrome, particularly for women of color.

Whether you're job hunting or looking to sharpen your professional presence, this episode offers actionable insights to help you succeed.

Contact Us:

Thalia Brown: https://www.LinkedIn.com/in/thaliabrown

Dawn Butler: 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 Part 1 of this two-part series, I sit down with Thalia Brown, the founder of Authentic Discussion—a pioneering learning platform using research-based tools, podcasts, virtual reality, and AI to tackle gender equity and workplace challenges in tech and cybersecurity.

Drawing on years of experience as a diversity practitioner and recruiter, Thalia shares how her mission-driven business is helping candidates overcome imposter syndrome, anxiety, and emotional bias in hiring.

We explore the persistent barriers women face in tech, from being labeled “risky bets” to having their emotional fitness unfairly scrutinized.

Our conversation also dives into the rapid adoption of AI, the risks of bias, and why practical, human-centered solutions are needed now more than ever.

We discuss generational shifts in tech, the importance of authentic community, and how cultural exposure shapes career paths.

If you’re passionate about diversity, equity, and closing gender gaps in tech, this episode is for you.

Connect with us:

Thalia Brown: https://www.LinkedIn.com/in/thaliabrown

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.

Send us a text

In Part 2 of our change management series, with my guest, Shanayla Sweat, we explore why performative change efforts often fall short and how genuine leadership commitment is key to lasting transformation.

Shanayla highlights the critical role of soft skills in change management, emphasizing the need for leaders to truly listen and respond to employee needs like flexibility, autonomy, and better benefits.

We also discuss the broader societal tensions between individualism and community, underscoring the power of human connection and trust in overcoming challenges.

Additionally, we dive into the challenges of building deep expertise in today’s gig economy, the growing skills gap, and the importance of balancing technical and interpersonal skills for professional success.

Whether you’re a leader, change manager, or professional navigating evolving workplaces, this episode offers valuable insights to foster authentic change and skill development.

Connect with us:

Shanayla Sweat: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanayla-sweat

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.

Send us a text

In Part 1 of this two-part series, we dive into the world of change management in technology and cybersecurity with Shanayla Sweat, who has journeyed from software quality assurance to leading organizational transitions.

Discover why effective change management is crucial for successful tech adoption, how storytelling and authentic communication drive real change, and why human resistance is often overlooked in the rush toward AI and cloud-based solutions.

We also unpack the hidden risks of AI reliance and cloud dependency, and discuss how true leadership means building trust, not manipulating outcomes.

Shanayla shares candid stories from the field—what works, what doesn’t, and why change managers are essential but often underutilized.

If you’re navigating digital transformation, tech rollouts, or just want to understand the human side of tech change, this episode is for you.

Connect with Us:

Shanayla: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanayla-sweat

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.

Send us a text

In this solo reflection, I share a powerful reframe on what it really means to thrive — especially when you're navigating transitions, uncertainty, or moments when clarity feels out of reach.

Inspired by a recent PowerToFly session and the wisdom of Elizabeth Weingarten, this episode gently challenges the idea that thriving means having it all figured out. Instead, you’ll be invited to recognize the strength it takes to keep going — one step at a time — and to trust that motion, not perfection, is evidence of your growth.

Whether you're between roles, rebuilding after a life shift, or simply unsure of your next move, this episode offers encouragement, affirmation, and a reminder:
✨ You are not behind.
✨ You are not broken.
✨ You are in motion — and that, my friend, is thriving.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• A grounding reminder about how we define “thriving”
• Why it’s okay to not have all the answers
• How to notice and honor your progress
• A journaling prompt to help you reflect on your own thriving journey

Mentioned in this episode:

• How to Fall in Love with Questions by Elizabeth Weingarten
• PowerToFly community session on navigating uncertainty
• An invitation to the Courage to Elevate cohort for women navigating transition

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 today’s bite-sized episode of Bytes, Bits & Brilliance, we explore one powerful leadership question: Do you know how important it is to know your people?

Whether you lead a team, manage projects, or mentor others, the truth is this —people don’t leave companies, they leave managers. And retention starts with relationship.

In under 10 minutes, I break down:

• 3 reasons why knowing your team deeply matters
• 3 practical ways to build meaningful connections
• The link between empathy, psychological safety, and retention
• Why human-centered leadership is a must-have in tech (and beyond)

You’ll walk away with insight you can apply today — to lead better, connect deeper, and cultivate stronger team dynamics.

🎧 Listen now, share with a leader who needs this, and don’t forget to rate and review the show!

Find me on LinkedIn: Dawn

Join the Courage to Elevate Waitlist

This program is designed to help professional women step into more clarity, confidence, and purpose-equipping you with tools to communicate authentically and powerfully in any setting.

By joining the waitlist, you’ll be the first to receive:
✔️ Early access when enrollment opens
✔️ Special pricing and exclusive bonuses
✔️ The full scoop on what’s included

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 Quick Bytes of Brilliance episode, I unpack insights from a recent ISC2 article on non-traditional paths into cybersecurity — and share a heartfelt reflection on the realities women still face, from systemic bias to pay inequity to being underestimated despite our qualifications.

This episode is for every woman carving her own way in cyber and beyond. Tune in for truth, encouragement, and a powerful reminder of who you are.

**************************************

Connect with me on LinkedIn ➾ here

ISC2 Article 👉🏽 here

🎯 Ready to rise? Join the Courage to Elevate cohort - waitlist 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.