Podcast
The Tech Girl
Hosted by Gertrude Chilufya · EN
Hosted by Gertrude Chilufya, The Tech Girl Podcast is a space for curious minds at the intersection of technology, product thinking, and culture. Through candid conversations with industry leaders, creators, and change-makers, we explore:
- What it means to build inclusive technology
- The real stories behind AI literacy & adoption, product strategy, and developer experience
- How personal identity shapes how we show up and thrive in tech
It’s part tech talk, part career therapy always grounded, always bold.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
16episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
How to center accessibility & human experience in AI product design with Torin Ellis
Apr 900:57:52Tap to summarizeWhat if the biggest problem in AI product design isn’t the model but the data? On this episode of The Tech Girl Podcast, host Gertrude Chilufya sits down with diversity strategist and Ngoma founder Torin Ellis to explore why building trustworthy AI starts with centering the lived experiences of people with disabilities.Torin shares how his background in DEI and HR analytics led him to a powerful realization: AI trust is a data problem before it’s a model problem. Together, they unpack how exclusion from training data creates blind spots in AI systems and why the disability community is often overlooked despite being one of the most marginalized groups in the workforce.From LLM hallucinations and abstention failures to the risks AI poses in hiring, healthcare, finance, and autonomous vehicles, this conversation challenges organizations to rethink how they design and deploy technology. Torin breaks down why synthesized data isn’t a silver bullet, how prompt specificity and chain-of-thought guidance impacts outcomes, and why companies must ask a simple but critical question: “Who’s missing?”This episode reframes inclusion not just as a moral imperative, but also as fiduciary, legal, and reputational risk management in the age of AI.Connect with Torin Ellis:Website: www.ngoma.ioLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/torinellis/Podcast Produced by:LeTroy Gardner & Mario Washington | Fourcast Media | pushplaypods.com#TechGirlPodcast #ArtificialIntelligence #AIethics #DisabilityInTech #AccessibilityMatters #ResponsibleAI #FutureOfWork #DiversityInTech #AITrust #TechPodcast
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The Future of Workplace Culture with Whitney K. Simon
Apr 101:05:40Tap to summarizeWelcome to another episode of the Tech Girl Podcast! Host Gertrude Chilufya sits down with culture strategist and Anchor & Flow founder Whitney K. Simon to explore the true power of the diversity dividend in today’s workplaces.Whitney shares how her career in PR across the U.S. and U.K. shaped her perspective on race, identity, privilege, and context. Why she launched her consultancy Anchor & Flow to help organizations balance stability (“anchors”) with adaptability (“flow”) in their workplace culture.The conversation dives into the growing backlash around DEI and the gap between corporate trainings and real change. Whitney explains why meaningful progress requires uncomfortable conversations, accountability, and practical action beyond performative gestures. From reverse mentoring and generational tensions to the limitations of one-size-fits-all diversity strategies, this episode offers candid insights and actionable ideas for leaders and employees alike.Whitney also shares how individuals especially those without formal authority can still create impact through community, dialogue, and consistent action. If you’re passionate about building inclusive workplaces that actually work, this episode is a must-listen. Connect with Whitney:Website: https://anchorandflow.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/whitneyksimon/Podcast Produced by: LeTroy Gardner & Mario Washington | Fourcast Mediahttps://pushplaypods.com#TechGirlPodcast #DiversityDividend #DEI #WorkplaceCulture #Leadership #Inclusion #TechPodcast #WomenInTech #DiversityInTech #FutureOfWork #AnchorAndFlow #Podcast
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Leading without losing your technical edge with Phoena Pang
Mar 2500:42:19Tap to summarizeThe Tech Girl Podcast host, Gertrude Chilufya sits down with, Phoena Pang VP Global Partnerships at Mintegral and product lead for Gaming Performance Ads, to unpack what it truly takes to transition from individual contributor to impactful leader while staying rooted in your technical identity. From a childhood fueled by curiosity and Lego builds to leading cross-functional teams across the Americas, Phoena shares how asking the right questions, embracing adaptability, and delivering real results helped her earn trust and build influence in high-stakes environments.The conversation explores:✨ The natural evolution from coding to client-facing leadership✨ Overcoming skepticism when leading experienced peers✨ How to maintain technical credibility in business-driven roles✨ Why curiosity is the ultimate career acceleratorPhoena’s journey is a masterclass in bridging technical expertise with strategic leadership and proof that stepping into leadership doesn’t mean stepping away from your technical foundation.Connect with Phoena Pang:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phpang/Podcast Produced by LeTroy Gardner & Mario Washington | Fourcast Media pushplaypods.com#TechGirlPodcast #DiversityDividend #WomenInTech #TechLeadership #EngineeringCareer #CareerGrowth #Google #ProductLeadership #STEMCareers #ProfessionalDevelopment
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Why accessibility is smart for business with Angela Fowler
Mar 1900:59:56Tap to summarizeWhat if accessibility isn’t just compliance but a competitive advantage? Welcome to another episode of the Tech Girl Podcast! Host Gertrude Chilufya sits down with Angela Fowler, blind accessibility consultant and founder of Real Life Access, to unpack why inclusion is more than compliance, it’s smart business.After navigating wildly inconsistent online experiences, Angela built her company to help organizations move beyond surface-level fixes and embrace holistic accessibility. From screen reader-friendly code and labeled buttons to closed captions and uncluttered retail spaces, she explains how inclusive design benefits everyone and why accessible websites often rank higher in search because search engines crawl code just like screen readers do.The conversation also dives into why industries like banking lead while government lags, how adversarial messaging hurts progress, and why developer and MBA programs must prioritize accessibility education. Angela shares insights on service-dog training, fake service animals, merit-based hiring, and why “check-the-box” diversity hires ultimately fail businesses and people alike.This conversation challenges leaders to see accessibility as both a human responsibility and a strategic advantage.🔗 Connect with Angela:Website: www.reallifeaccess.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-fowler-a11y/Podcast Produced by LeTroy Gardner & Mario Washington | Fourcast Media. Listen & subscribe: pushplaypods.com#TechGirlPodcast #TheDiversityDividend #AccessibilityMatters #InclusiveDesign #WomenInTech #Leadership #BusinessStrategy #FourcastMedia
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What real inclusion looks like with Antonia Rice
Mar 1101:15:41Tap to summarizeWhat does true inclusion look like when you’ve led in the military, lived across cultures, and challenged tech’s status quo? In this episode of The Tech Girl Podcast, host Gertrude Chilufya sits down with Antonia Rice, diversity and inclusion advocate, localization leader, former U.S. Air Force linguist, and global culture bridge-builder.From flying in F-15 fighter jets to leading localization and DEI initiatives in tech, Antonia shares a powerful, nuanced perspective on leadership, merit, inclusion, and what it really takes to create equitable workplaces.In this candid conversation, they unpack: ✨ Transitioning from the military to tech ✨ Navigating leadership as a woman in male-dominated spaces ✨ The reality behind corporate DEI vs. genuine inclusion ✨ Why feedback (even uncomfortable feedback) is a gift ✨ Neurodiversity, cultural context, and communication in global teamsAntonia challenges organizations to move beyond performative diversity and toward cultures where discomfort sparks growth, feedback is welcomed, and inclusion is practiced not just posted.This episode is bold, honest, and deeply necessary.Podcast Produced by LeTroy Gardner & Mario Washington | Fourcast Media 🌐 pushplaypods.com#TechGirlPodcast #DiversityDividend #WomenInTech #DEI #Leadership #InclusionMatters #TechCulture #Neurodiversity #GlobalLeadership #CareerGrowth
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Beyond the Buzzwords: What Inclusion Really Looks Like at Work with Stephen Burrell
Feb 1100:59:43Tap to summarizeWhat does inclusion really look like when it moves beyond buzzwords and into lived experience? Welcome to another compelling episode of The Tech Girl Podcast, hosted by Gertrude Chilufya, continuing the season-long theme “The Diversity Dividend.”In this episode, Gertrude sits down with Stephen Burrell, leadership coach, DEI consultant, keynote speaker, and Vice President of the Brotherhood for Professionals of Color. With a career spanning elite athletics, coaching, and global DEI leadership across Europe, Stephen brings a deeply personal and practical perspective on what it takes to build workplaces where people truly belong.In this conversation, Stephen shares insights on: Why diversity without inclusion falls short- How emotional intelligence and cultural understanding shape better leadersThe power of community and allyship in underrepresented spacesNavigating identity, belonging, and leadership in global workplacesWhy inclusion is a daily practice and not a one-time initiativeThis episode is an honest, thought-provoking dialogue for leaders, professionals, and changemakers who want to move from intention to impact in the evolving world of work. Tune in, reflect, and join the conversation. Connect with Stephen Burrell:- Website: https://www.stephenburrell.com/- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/burrellstephen/Podcast Produced by: LeTroy Gardner & Mario Washington Fourcast Media — pushplaypods.com
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Dr. Syreeta Bond: From Delaware to Dubai — Unleashing Your Inner Bad Bitch
Feb 400:59:19Tap to summarizeDiscover the inspiring journey of Dr. Syreeta Bond on this episode of The Tech Girl Podcast hosted by Gertrude Chilufya! A powerhouse motivational speaker, award-winning global project management expert, and passionate AI advocate, Dr. Bond shares her incredible rise from Delaware to Dubai. Dive into her empowering philosophy from her book “Unleash Your Inner Bad Bitch” and learn how resilience, self-advocacy, and authenticity can transform your career in tech and leadership. From meditation and self-care routines to using AI for personal and professional efficiency, this episode is packed with gems to help you thrive in any environment. Don’t miss out on a powerful conversation about navigating minority experiences in tech, building community, and embracing your power unapologetically. Tune in, take notes, and level up your mindset and career! 🔗 Connect with Dr. Bond: Website: https://www.drsyreetabond.com/ Get Unleash Your Inner Bad Bitch.: Amazon Link LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/syreetarios YouTube: youtube.com/user/biggyrlclothingPodcast Produced by LeTroy Gardner & Mario Washington | Fourcast Media pushplaypods.com#TechGirlPodcast #GertrudeChilufya #DrSyreetaBond #WomenInTech #AI #Leadership #ProjectManagement #Empowerment #Motivation #CareerGrowth #Resilience #SelfAdvocacy #Authenticity #TechCareers #MindsetMatters #GlobalWomenInTech
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AI, Recruitment & the Future of Work with Hung Lee
Jan 2900:47:47Tap to summarizeWhat happens when AI meets recruitment and who gets left out (or pulled forward)?Welcome to another powerful episode of The Tech Girl Podcast, hosted by Gertrude Chilufya! This week, Gertrude sits down with Hung Lee, renowned recruiter, industry expert, and curator of some of the most trusted insights in global recruitment. In this eye-opening conversation, Hung breaks down why recruitment is far deeper than most people realize, sharing his journey from practitioner to respected thought leader. Together, they explore how AI is transforming hiring, from automation and efficiency to the real implications for inclusion, diversity, and representation. The discussion also dives into:The opportunities and risks AI brings to recruitmentHow diversity drives better innovation and decision-makingThe impact of EU AI policy on global hiring practices The rise of remote recruitment and what it means for the future of workConnect with Hung Lee:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hunglee/Podcast Produced by:LeTroy Gardner & Mario Washington | Fourcast Media🌐 pushplaypods.com#techgirlpodcast #Recruitment #AIInRecruitment #Inclusion #DiversityInTech #FutureOfWork #Innovation #TechTalk #GertrudeChilufya #HungLee
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Building high performance teams with Claudia Brind-Woody
Jan 2100:53:28Tap to summarizeWelcome to another powerful episode of The Tech Girl Podcast, hosted by Gertrude Chilufya. Under the theme “The Diversity Dividend,” this conversation dives deep into how inclusive leadership fuels innovation, resilience, and long-term success in tech and business.Today’s guest: Claudia Brind-Woody, former Managing Director & VP at IBM, Global Executive Board member, and a trailblazing advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion. With decades of experience leading across global markets, Claudia shares real-world insights on turning diversity into impact.✨ In this episode, you’ll learn:- How inclusion directly drives innovation and high performance- Why allies matter and how to show up effectively- The role of leadership in building resilient, future-ready teams- Why upskilling is essential in the age of AI- Practical ways to foster inclusive workplace cultures that thriveWhether you’re a tech leader, founder, or aspiring changemaker, this episode offers actionable wisdom on building diverse teams that win.Listen, learn, and lead differently. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share!Find Claudia Brind-Woody:- https://www.claudiabrindwoody.com/- https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudia-brind-woody/Podcast Produced by: LeTroy Gardner & Mario Washington. Fourcast Media | pushplaypods.com#TheTechGirlPodcast #DiversityDividend #InclusionInTech #WomenInTech #LGBTQInTech #InclusiveLeadership #TechLeadership #AIandInnovation #DEI #FutureOfWork #FourcastMediaEpisode Timestamps00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:12 Meet Claudia Brind-Woody: Advocate for Inclusion00:27 The Importance of Inclusion in Leadership02:35 IBM's Legacy of Diversity and Inclusion04:02 Challenges and Strategies in Leadership05:50 The Role of Allies in Senior Leadership06:47 Equal Opportunities to Fail08:44 Asking for What You Want15:41 Global Talent and Emerging Innovation Hubs20:14 Understanding Privilege and Inclusion27:20 Corporate Strategies in a Chaotic Political Climate27:57 The Importance of Diversity and Inclusion30:02 Lessons from the LGBTQ+ Community38:23 The Role of AI in Modern Workplaces45:33 The Real Dividend of Diversity48:07 Advice for Diverse Individuals in Tech50:43 The Importance of MentorshipPodcast Produced by LeTroy Gardner & Mario Washington | Fourcast Media 🌐 pushplaypods.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Fixing Fairness: Turning DEI into Real Change with Lily Zheng
Jan 1401:04:05Tap to summarizeWelcome to another enlightening episode of The Tech Girl Podcast hosted by Gertrude Chilufya! Today’s guest is Lily Zheng, an organizational psychologist and acclaimed author of DEI Deconstructed, The Ethical Sellout, and the powerful new release, Fixing Fairness.In this episode, we unpack what it really means to build trust, fairness, and inclusion in today’s workplaces. Lily takes us beyond buzzwords sharing actionable strategies through they FAIR framework (Fairness, Access, Inclusion, Representation) and showing how organizations can move from performative allyship to measurable, lasting progress. Whether you’re a leader, change maker, or DEI practitioner, this conversation offers transformative insights on how to create systems—not slogans—for equity.🔗 Connect with Lily Zheng:🌐 Website: lilyzheng.co💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lilyzheng308📚 Get Fixing Fairness on Amazon!🎧 Produced by LeTroy Gardner & Mario Washington | Fourcast Media👉 pushplaypods.com#TechGirlPodcast #FixingFairness #LilyZheng #DEI #WorkplaceInclusion #OrganizationalPsychology #Leadership #Diversity #Equity #Inclusion #FAIRFramework #GertrudeChilufya #FourcastMediaEpisode Timestamps00:00 Introduction to the Tech Girl Podcast00:49 Meet Lily Zheng: Organizational Psychologist and Author01:38 The Need for Re-engineering DEI02:03 A Personal Story of DEI Challenges07:15 The Fair Framework Explained09:43 Building Coalitions for Change14:26 Repairing Harm in Relationships27:21 Global Perspectives on DEI33:45 Cultural Contexts of Inequality36:19 Inclusion as Solidarity at Scale46:59 Representation and Trust in Leadership52:03 Recruitment and True Representation58:44 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsPodcast Produced by LeTroy Gardner & Mario Washington | Fourcast Media 🌐 pushplaypods.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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