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Jennifer Didier interviews a veteran in the Technology space, Rupal Parikh. Get to know Rupal Parikh as we hear how she got started on her tech journey and how she is helping companies understand how to retain their sales teams and build their presales programs.

Bio:

Rupal Parikh is a veteran in the technology space, from tech startups to Fortune 500 companies. As the head of a global Presales team at SAP, Rupal and her team help customers achieve efficiency gains and process improvements across their critical enterprise incentive management systems through SAP's Sales Performance Management portfolio. Rupal is also an advocate of the Presales function. She advises technology startups on best practices in building Presales teams and creating value-added Presales technology to master the craft. Rupal is also passionate about helping elevate and connect women in their professional journeys. She is New York City chapter director for WNORTH, a membership network that brings together women at a high level to share their networks, knowledge, and experience.

Connect with Rupal Parikh rparikh26@yahoo.com or on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/rupal-parikh-b99a5b/overlay/contact-info/

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This week's guest is Lauren Anderson, the Owner and Chief Recruiter for All-In Recruiting & Talent Boutique - an experienced Human Resources & Talent Acquisition Organization delivering exceptional hiring results with urgency. Nationally recognized Business Leader in Human Resources and Talent Acquisition and Founder of All-In Recruiting & Talent Boutique. Specializing in direct-hire placements and contingent workforce solutions, All-In Recruiting has helped top talented candidates across industries to secure over $4M in salaries globally, as well as invested significantly in underrepresented entrepreneurs through initiatives like the Shark-ish. Lauren's impact extends to start-up communities, workforce development, and creating opportunities for entrepreneurs. Her achievements have earned her capital backing, features in Rolling Out Magazine, honors from Black Image Magazine, and recognition from Nevada’s Lt. Governor.

Today we talk about Lauren's career journey and how she found her passion in helping others grow their careers. We also discuss the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion and how it can drive positive results for organizations by showcasing the talent that otherwise wouldn't be acknowledged. We also cover how the hiring landscape has changed during the pandemic and what the future holds for the recruitment process.

Learn more about All-In Recruiting here: https://www.all-inrecruiting.com/

Thank you for listening - we hope Lauren's story helps inspire others to grow their tech career.

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Jennifer Didier Interviews Alexandra West of Nerd/Noir. Alexandra shares her journey from the world of Art to technology, back to Art and making her final career in the world of Technology. Listen to her story of how her art background had allowed her to experience and share a unique technology experience and focus.

About Nerd/Noir:

Founded in 2015, Nerd/Noir is a consulting firm specializing in transforming large-scale product engineering organizations. ​​The company is dedicated to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and helping businesses rethink digital transformation. Nerd/Noir helps clients build self-sustaining coaching capabilities, ensuring long-term success in today's rapidly evolving tech landscape; focusing on outcome-driven strategies and impacts, versus process-centric approaches. The Nerd/Noir team has more than 25 years of experience in modernizing processes and increasing the success of engineering and product teams, from startups to Fortune 500 firms. For more information, please visit https://nerdnoir.com/.

Alexandra West, Cofounder & Creative Director

Alexandra West is an award-winning designer, international speaker, and corporate trainer. She is passionate about culture, creativity, and collaboration. Her focus is on bringing both a visual thinking mindset and a strong sense of psychological safety to the world of collaborative work.

Alex has a long history as a creative. After earning her degree in Art History from Emory University, Alex spent her early career in commercial and nonprofit art galleries. She then spent a decade managing large-scale software implementations for Fortune 500 HR teams before leaving corporate America to return to her creative roots. Alex worked as a production designer and art director on feature films, television shows, and commercials for over ten years.

Alex works with organizations on product discovery and development projects, as well as corporate culture and diversity & inclusion initiatives. When not busy curating and coaching, Alex can be found eating cheese. All kinds of cheese.

You can find Alexandra West on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-west-nerdnoir/

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This week's guest is Vickie Helm, the CEO of Smart Group Firm - a consulting firm focused on business strategy, leadership, training, and management consulting. Vickie is also the Co-CEO of Metadigm Digital - an online media network to help visionary action takers shape the future and create thrive-ability through world-class books, shows, and programs. She is also a best-selling author and keynote speaker that focuses on economic, political, and business patterns across the globe to create success for her clients and to prepare, pivot and profit from the changes ahead.

In today's episode, we talk about Vickie's career journey and how she developed a passion for entrepreneurship at a young age. We also talk about how young entrepreneurs can maximize their potential and build a successful business. We also discuss giving back and the importance of helping others while helping yourself.

You can learn more about Smart Group Firm here: https://www.smartgroupfirm.com/

We hope Vickie's story helps inspire others to grow their career.

Instagram: @Vickie_Helm Facebook: SheEO.vickiehelm

Career Update:

Hi, I’m Vickie Helm, CEO and Founder of Empresence AI Automation, Helm Media and Publishing, and Smart Group Firm, and Co-CEO of Metadigm Digital Network. Over the last 30 years, I’ve built 13 successful companies, authored more than 45 books, and helped thousands of entrepreneurs automate smarter, market better, and build lasting wealth.

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Our next guest on MENtors that Make a Difference is Michael Ashford, the Director of Marketing at The Receptionist. Started in 2013, The Receptionist paved the way as the first-ever visitor management company. They are now in over 4k+ locations and 36 countries worldwide. You can learn more about The Receptionist here: https://thereceptionist.com/

Today we talk about Michael's career journey and how his different experiences working in a wide variety of roles helped shape his business skillset. We also talk about the positive shifts that are taking place for women in tech and how gender stereotypes are being broken to create change.

Thank you for listening; we hope Michael's story helps inspire others to seek or grow their tech career.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldashford/

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This week's guest is Alaina Percival, the CEO and Board Member of Women Who Code - an international nonprofit focused on creating opportunities for women to excel in tech careers. Alaina sees the lack of women in tech as a global issue and is passionate about finding modern-day solutions to help solve it. She founded Women Who Code with these ideas in mind and has continued to grow the organization's reach by expanding into new communities every day.

In today's episode, we talk about Alaina's career journey and how she took a non-traditional path to tech. Alaina started coding and chose a path that helped her realize her potential and grow in the tech industry. Our discussion evolved into talking about her passion for increasing women's presence in tech and how this eventually led her to found Women Who Code. Listen to today's episode to learn more about Alaina and her incredible story.

You can learn more about Women Who Code here: https://www.womenwhocode.com/

We hope Alaina's story helps inspire others to grow their tech career.

Career Update:

As a CEO, Board Member, and angel investor focused on advancing women’s careers, I am passionate about helping diverse professionals increase their wealth and influence across the globe. There is no bigger opportunity for professional women than in the technology space, where we are underrepresented at all levels. Recognizing this, I co-founded Women Who Code (WWCode), an international 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to inspiring women to excel in technology careers in 2013. Since that time, the organization has orchestrated thousands of free events, attracted a quarter-million members, and expanded to 147 countries. Over the course of my career, I was a business leader for a variety of companies (e.g. Puma) – and with that, I have learned to value results over well-intentioned activity. Fortunately, WWCode has produced both measurable and anecdotal successes. A member in Mexico City, for example, increased her salary 200%, while another member from Toronto accelerated her technology career two levels within a year. There is also now evidence that being affiliated with WWCode advantages women seeking interviews, such as a member who was told by SpaceX that one of the reasons they wanted to speak with her was because of her relationship with WWCode. While the lack of women in technology is a top-of-mind discussion in the U.S., it is a global issue. As someone who has EU citizenship and worked/lived in over 80 countries, I have seen this first-hand. I am proud to say that WWCode has a global reach and is expanding every day to give diverse women the skills and community we need to grow our impact in tech. I am active on community boards and plan to add corporate board work to my portfolio.

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This week's guest is Paula Tutman, a multi-Emmy-winning journalist, Novelist, Screenplay Writer, Communication Coach, and Inventor. Paula has spent over 30 years in broadcast journalism as a field reporter and is also the proud creator and inventor of Bra-Less Bra, the Instant Cleavage Sculpting Solution. Paula is a woman of the world who spent several of her younger years in Africa but now calls Detroit her adoptive home.

In today's episode, we talk about Paula's career journey and how she took advantage of the opportunity to become a reporter in broadcast journalism. We also talk about the struggles women face regarding beauty standards and how this inspired Paula to develop the Bra-Less Bra. We also discuss how women can work together to advance their careers and business endeavors.

You can learn more about Bra-Less Bra here: https://bralessbra.com/

We hope Paula's story helps inspire others to grow their career.

Join the conversation as Jennifer Didier and Kristie Grinnell talk about how important the words are you use for yourself and in speaking to those around. These words can open or close doors of opportunity.

Kristie Grinnell Bio:

Kristie was recently named a top CIO to watch in 2022 by WashingtonExec, is a member of the CIO Executive Council, and she serves as chair of the Capital CIO Advisory Board and is a member of STEMforHER Advisory Board. A strong supporter of academic STEM programs for young women, she is a recipient of the 2018 Women in Technology STEM Leadership award, Washington Business Journal’s 2020 Women Who Mean Business Award, a 2020 Capital CIO of the Year ORBIE Award Winner and a 2021 National CIO of the Year ORBIE Award Winner. • Kristie earned her BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh and holds an MBA from Cornell University Johnson Graduate School of Management.

Reach Kristie on LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristiegrinnell/