2 L.I.T. Chicks (Leaders In Tech)

S3, Ep 12: Ethics and Regulation for Future Tech Leaders feat. Renard Henry and Amir Khawaja

This episode of 2 LIT Chicks features a powerhouse collaboration with Renard and Amir, the hosts of the Black Belts and Boardrooms podcast.
 
Combining the discipline of martial arts with the high-stakes world of corporate leadership and technology, this conversation explores how to remain calm under pressure, the ethical landscape of AI, and why "soft skills" are the ultimate career accelerator.
 
💡 We talk about:
Martial Arts in the Boardroom
The Ethics of AI
The Power of Relationships
The "Cotton Gin" Effect
Skills for the Future
 
 
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to 2 LIT Chicks & Guests
01:50 - The Origin of Black Belts and Boardrooms
03:32 - Stress Inoculation: How Martial Arts Builds Better Leaders
05:50 - Leadership vs. Management: Transitioning from IC to Leader
07:45 - Networking Advice for the 20-30 Generation
10:05 - The Skill of Salesmanship in Tech
12:15 - Financial Literacy: The Missing Piece for Young Professionals
13:30 - The AI Revolution: Helper or Replacement?
15:45 - Ethics, Autonomy, and the Future of Society
18:45 - Why Government Regulation Always Lags Behind
22:15 - Historical Patterns: Technology and Social Impact
26:25 - The Future of Human Interaction in a Digital World
27:38 - The Dunning-Kruger Effect & Critical Thinking
29:40 - The Worst Career Advice Renard Ever Received
 
✅ Follow us on Instagram! @2litchickspod
 
😎 We’re on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernjohnson/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/amakaye/
 
@TwoLITChicksPodcast #givingback
 
#BlackBeltsAndBoardrooms #TechLeadership #MartialArtsMindset #SoftSkillsInTech #CorporateDiscipline #Podcast #LeadershipDevelopment #FutureOfWork #AI #ProfessionalGrowth
 

S3, Ep 11: Bringing Your FULL SELF to Work, with Kenny Claytor | #2litchickspodcast

In Episode 11, we sit down with Army veteran, tech sales executive, husband, father, servant leader, and storyteller Kenny Claytor — and baby, the gems were GEM-ING.
 
From sharpshooter precision to corporate leadership discipline, from building transferable skills to branding yourself beyond your job title, Kenny breaks down what it really takes to transition, pivot, and build legacy.
 
We touched on the military mindset, entrepreneurship fads versus grit, AI in staffing, resume strategy, relationship capital, and why your “starting five” matters more than your LinkedIn title.
 
This episode is about authenticity, discipline, faith, hustle, and making sure what you build lasts longer than your paycheck. Stay lit, y’all.
 
💡 We talk about:
Transferable skills from military to corporate America
Why discipline and order are career superpowers
The importance of your “Starting Five” support system
Building relationships vs. transactional networking
Resume tips for early-career professionals
How AI is reshaping staffing and hiring
Branding yourself beyond your job title
 
Chapters:
00:00 Welcome to Two Lit Chicks 
01:00 Meet Kenny Claytor 
02:00 23 Years in the Army 
03:30 Sharpshooter & Military Discipline 
06:00 Staying Motivated in Tough Seasons 
08:00 Your “Starting Five” Support System 
10:00 From Military to Tech Sales 
12:00 Transferable Skills That Matter 
15:00 Building Relationships vs Transactions 
16:00 Kenny’s Corner & Personal Branding 
18:00 Finding Light in Dark Seasons 
23:00 Advice for Young Tech Professionals 
24:00 Resume Tips That Get Attention 
26:00 Using AI to Tailor Your Resume 
28:00 Is AI Replacing Recruiters? 
30:00 Entrepreneurship: The Truth Behind the Hype 
33:00 Social Media, Monetization & Business Skills 
36:00 IT Skills & Entrepreneurship 
41:00 Lightning Round 🔥 
44:00 Stay Lit Closing 
 
✅ Follow us on Instagram! @2litchickspod
 
😎 We’re on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernjohnson/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/amakaye/
 
@TwoLITChicksPodcast #givingback
 
#TwoLitChicks #StayLit #KennyClaytor #VeteranLeadership #TechCareers #EntrepreneurMindset #AIinBusiness #CareerAdvice #TransferableSkills #FaithAndHustle #PersonalBranding #CorporateLeadership #MilitaryToCorporate #LegacyBuilding
 

S3, Ep10: Beauty and the Beast: Science and Pageantry ft. Meghan Leak | #2LitChicksPodcast

What happens when rhinestones meet research?
This week on 2 Lit Chicks, Fern and Alicia sit down with the phenomenal Meghan Leak — a clinical research coordinator at UT Southwestern and a longtime beauty pageant competitor — for a conversation that proves women don’t have to choose just one lane.
 
Megan brings the full duality: STEM brilliance, pageant confidence, and a deep commitment to advocacy for women’s health — especially Black women. From breaking down what clinical research really is (and what it isn’t 👀), to normalizing conversations about our bodies, medical care, and community, this episode is layered, honest, and powerful.
 
💡 We talk about:
Why women (especially Black women) must be part of clinical research
How pageantry can be a tool for discipline, confidence, and self-mastery
Grief, growth, and navigating life after losing a parent
Why being multidimensional is not a flaw — it’s the secret sauce
This episode is about showing up fully, asking better questions, advocating for your health, and becoming the hero you needed to see.
 
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction: Meet Megan Lee Boyd
01:55 Beauty & Brains: Pageantry Meets Science
05:00 Family Legacy, Education & Confidence
08:30 What Is Clinical Research Really?
11:30 Women’s Health, Urology & Breaking Taboos
14:00 Why Black Women Must Be in Research
18:45 Normalizing Medical Conversations
22:00 Pageantry as Discipline & Self-Growth
26:30 Grief, Growth & Knowing When to Pause
31:45 Advice to Her Younger Self
35:40 Lightning Round
41:00 Where to Find Megan & Final Reflections
 
✅ Follow us on Instagram! @2litchickspod
 
😎 We’re on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernjohnson/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/amakaye/
 
@TwoLITChicksPodcast #givingback
 
#WomenInSTEM
#BlackWomenInMedicine
#ClinicalResearchMatters
#BeautyAndBrains
#WomenHealthAdvocacy
#PodcastLife
#WomenEmpowerment
#PurposeDriven
#StayLit
#BlackExcellence

S3, EP9: I'm Legally Blind & I Build Tech For Everyone | #2LitChicksPodcast

In this powerful returning episode of 2 LIT Chicks Podcast, we sit down with Tiffany Martin, Founder & CEO of Visio Tech, tech strategist, accessibility advocate, and living proof that resilience plus purpose equals impact.
 
Tiffany takes us on an unforgettable journey — from launching a tech company inside a hospital room to redefining accessibility, AI ethics, and what leadership looks like in tech spaces that weren’t built with everyone in mind. After losing her sight due to diabetic retinopathy and navigating kidney failure, Tiffany didn’t retreat — she rebuilt, reimagined, and rose.
 
This conversation is about innovation, faith, community, entrepreneurship, and why accessibility is not an afterthought — it’s good design and good business.
 
If you’re a student, builder, founder, or anyone trying to figure out how to turn adversity into alignment… this episode is for you.
 
💡 We talk about:
Navigating blindness in a visually obsessed tech industry
Why accessibility should be built in from day one
The curb cut effect and how inclusive design benefits everyone
AI as an assistive tool, not a replacement for thinking
 
📚 Book Recommendations Mentioned
Brave New Words by Sal Khan
Unmasking AI by Dr. Joy Buolamwini
The AI Mirror by Shannon Vallor
 
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction & Hospital Room Origin Story 
01:00 Welcome to 2 LIT Chicks + Guest Introduction 
03:00 Tiffany’s Current Work & Reading Retreat 
05:00 Book Recommendations on AI & Ethics 
06:40 AI, Students, and Responsible Use 
08:30 Accessibility in Tech & The Curb Cut Effect 
11:30 Losing Her Sight & Health Journey 
15:00 Learning Tech as a Blind Founder 
18:30 Sensory Overload & Finding Balance 
20:30 Disability, Design, and the Internet 
24:00 Entrepreneurship & Early Hustle 
27:00 Launching Visio Tech in the Hospital 
31:00 Community, Mentorship & Black Women in Tech 
34:00 Lightning Round Questions 
36:00 Where to Find Tiffany 
37:30 Final Reflections & Closing 
 
✅ Follow us on Instagram! @2litchickspod
 
😎 We’re on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernjohnson/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/amakaye/
 
@TwoLITChicksPodcast #givingback
 
#AccessibleTech#DisabilityInTech#InclusiveDesign#BlindEntrepreneur#TechForGood
#WomenInTech
#EntrepreneurLife
#LeadershipPodcast
#BlackWomenLead
#PodcastInterview

S3, Ep8: Surviving AI as a Project Manager with Chakita Holmes | #2LitChicksPodcast

In this episode of 2 L.I.T. Chicks, we’re live in the studio with technical program leader Chakita Holmes, a seasoned project and program manager with over 20 years of experience navigating tech, transformation, and leadership.
 
Chakita shares her non-traditional journey into tech, how transferable skills opened doors she never planned for, and why project management is one of the most powerful and future-proof skill sets in today’s workforce.
 
From AI and agile methodologies to leadership, community, and evolving with confidence, this conversation is packed with real talk, practical insight, and inspiration for the next generation of Leaders in Tech.
 
💡 We talk about:
How transferable skills from communications, education, and the arts translate into tech careers
The evolution of project management from a skill set into a full career path
The role of AI in program management and why human insight still matters
Agile vs. waterfall and what modern organizations are actually using today
Why continuous learning, community involvement, and adaptability are non-negotiable in tech
 
✅ Follow us on Instagram! @2litchickspod
 
😎 We’re on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernjohnson/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/amakaye/
 
@TwoLITChicksPodcast #givingback
 
#LeadersInTech
#WomenInTech
#TechLeadership
#ProjectManagementCareers
#ProgramManagement
#AgileLeadership
#TechCareerPaths
#AIInTech
#Podcast#CareerGrowth#ProfessionalDevelopment#TechPodcast#Leadership#CareerAdvice#LifelongLearning

S3, Ep7: Tech Engineering with Samuel and Chris | #2litchickspodcast

This week on 2 LIT Chicks, Fern and Alicia sit down with two powerhouses from HEL Resources — Chris Berry and Samuel Davis — for a conversation that is equal parts brilliance, heart, and Black excellence.
 
From software-defined vehicles and AI disruption to military service, mentorship, community impact, and that crucial mindset shift from learning → earning → returning, this episode brings gems on gems. They break down how passion fuels purpose, why the STEM pipeline needs our kids, and how discipline, exposure, and emotional intelligence can change lives.
 
If you’re a young leader, a tech dreamer, or someone who loves hearing two worlds collide—this episode is your vibe. Stay curious, stay bold, and always stay lit.
 
 
💡 We talk about:
How HEL Resources grew from a napkin idea to a tech solutions powerhouse
The importance of discipline, mentorship, and emotional intelligence for young professionals
Military service stories and advice for the next generation considering the Armed Forces
AI’s real impact on engineering, validation, IOT, and workforce morale
Community service, purpose-driven leadership, and paying it forward
✅ Follow us on Instagram! @2litchickspod
 
😎 We’re on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernjohnson/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/amakaye/
 
@TwoLITChicksPodcast #givingback
 
#BlackExcellenceInTech
#WomenInTechPodcasts
#STEMLeadership
#AIEngineering
#VeteransInTech
#TechMentorship
#SoftwareDefinedVehicles
#IOTInnovation
#PodcastEpisode
#Leadership
#CareerGrowth
#Motivation
#STEMEducation
#AI
#TechCommunity
#Inspiration
#PodcastLife
#TwoLitChicks

S3, Ep6: How Will AI Empower and Inform Organizations? Feat. Dr Laura Jones |#2LitChicksPodcast

In this episode of the Two Lit Chicks podcast, Fern and Alicia sit down with Dr. Laura Jones, a distinguished cybersecurity and risk management executive whose career spans military service, global consulting, academia, and corporate leadership.
 
Dr. Jones shares her journey from Special Forces support to becoming an influential voice in enterprise risk, cyber leadership, and emerging technology strategy. We explore the future of AI in governance, risk and compliance (GRC), the importance of representation in tech, and how intentional risk-taking shapes stronger leaders.
 
Listeners will gain practical perspectives on navigating leadership as a woman of color in technology, the evolution of cybersecurity education, and the role of empathy and innovation in the next generation of AI.
 
💡 We talk about:
Dr. Laura’s incredible military journey and Special Forces experience
Navigating leadership as a Black woman in cybersecurity and risk management
Why women need to take more risks in their careers
The future of AI, empathy, and the rise of vibe-coding
How she balances corporate leadership, academia, and authorship
Her mission to educate kids through cybersecurity-themed children's books
The power of faith, self-awareness, and finding your lane
✅ Follow us on Instagram! @2litchickspod
 
😎 We’re on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernjohnson/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/amakaye/
 
@TwoLITChicksPodcast #givingback
 
#WomenInCybersecurity
#RiskManagementLeaders
#BlackWomenInTech
#AIandGRC
#PodcastEpisode#Leadership#WomenEmpowerment#Trailblazers

S3, Ep5: PhDs, Power, and AI: Using It Responsibly with Saki and Jennifer | #2litchickspodcast

Welcome back to another episode of Two Lit Chicks, and today we are technically Two Lit Chicks… with Two More Lit Chicks. Yes, it’s a FOUR-LIT-CHICKS kind of day.
 
In this powerhouse episode, Fern and Alicia sit down with two STEM queens who have been shaking tables, building pipelines, and breaking ceilings for girls of color long before STEM became a hashtag.
 
Meet Saki Melton, founder and executive director of The GEMS Camp, and Dr. Jennifer Simpson, scientist-turned-educator who went from analyzing “white powders” for the DEA to inspiring the next generation of science rockstars. These women are dropping wisdom, receipts, and holy-hallelujah insights on education, grit, STEM equity, and the truth behind pursuing advanced degrees as Black women in America.
 
💡 We talk about:- What it really takes to earn a PhD (spoiler: sacrifice + tears + caffeine)- Why representation in STEM is STILL an uphill battle- How girls learn outside the classroom — and why it matters- AI in education: opportunity, bias & the reality check- Excellence, identity, and taking up space in male-dominated fields- Why “you are enough” may just save your sanity- The lightning round you didn’t know you needed
 
This episode is rich, real, funny, and full of truth bombs. If you’re on your own STEM journey, navigating grad school, or simply trying to find your spark — pull up a seat.
 
✅ Follow us on Instagram! @2litchickspod
 
😎 We’re on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernjohnson/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/amakaye/
 
@TwoLITChicksPodcast #givingback
 
#WomenInSTEM
#BlackWomenInSTEM
#GirlsInSTEM
#STEMEducation
#STEMEquity
#PhDJourney
#NonprofitLeadership
#STEMMentorship
#ForensicScienceLife
#STEMCamps
#STEMForGirls
#LearningScience
#PodcastEpisode
#InspirationalWomen
#Leadership
#Education
#Empowerment
#MotivationDaily
#WomenSupportingWomen
#AIandEducation
#FemaleLeaders
#CareerTalk
#PodcastShow
#YouTubePodcast

S3, Ep4: The Future of Rehab: Neuro Rehab VR feat. Veena Somareddy | #2LitChicksPodcast #podcast

In this inspiring episode of Two Lit Chicks, Fern and Alicia sit down with Veena Somareddy, CEO and founder of Neuro Rehab VR, a breakthrough startup transforming rehab through immersive virtual reality and AI-powered therapy. Veena shares her journey from game design student to award-winning tech founder, the science behind neuroplasticity, and how VR accelerates recovery for stroke survivors, spinal cord injury patients, and more.
 
She opens up about building trust as a young female entrepreneur, scaling her company to 37 states, and the resilience required to pioneer cutting-edge healthcare technology.
 
💡 We talk about:
- How VR accelerates neurorehab by tapping into 4–5 neuroplasticity principles at once.
- Veena’s journey from India to UTD to CEO, blending gaming, tech, and medicine into purposeful innovation.
- Challenges of being a young female founder and how trust, outcomes, and resilience built her credibility.
- The future of VR + AI in rehab, workforce shortages, and scaling immersive therapy nationwide.
 
This conversation is rich with wisdom, passion, and a forward-thinking vision for the future of immersive therapy.
 
✅ Follow us on Instagram! @2litchickspod
 
😎 We’re on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernjohnson/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/amakaye/
 
@TwoLITChicksPodcast #givingback
#WomenInTech
#HealthcareInnovation
#VirtualReality
#TechLeadership
#NeuroRehab
#VRInHealthcare
#StrokeRecoveryTech
#ImmersiveTherapy
 

S3, Ep3: Is Your Cybersecurity Ready for AI Driven Threats? Feat. Tina Helton #podcast #2LitChicksPodcast

In this inspiring episode of 2 L.I.T. Chicks – Leaders in Tech, Dr. Alicia and Fern sit down with Tina Helton, a cybersecurity governance, risk, and compliance manager with over 25 years in IT.
 
Tina’s story is one of grit, brilliance, and grace — from implementing global ERP systems to leading AI integration in cybersecurity, to navigating one of life’s hardest challenges: breast cancer.
 
💡 We talk about:
How AI is transforming cybersecurity and every profession it touches.
The value of continuous learning and networking in advancing your tech career.
What organizations get wrong about data protection and how to stay cyber-aware in daily life.
The realities of being a Black woman in a male-dominated field and advocating for yourself in corporate spaces.
How a breast-cancer diagnosis reshaped Tina’s life, work, and faith — and led her to write her inspiring children’s book Perfectly and Wonderfully Made.
This conversation blends leadership, empathy, and empowerment — reminding us that we can be both strong professionals and vulnerable humans.
 
✅ Follow us on Instagram! @2litchickspod
 
😎 We’re on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernjohnson/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/amakaye/
 
 
@TwoLITChicksPodcast #givingback
 
#2LITChicks #LeadersInTech #Cybersecurity #WomenInTech #ArtificialIntelligence #TechCareers #GRC #BreastCancerAwareness #Resilience #FaithAndHealing #WomenWhoLead #BlackWomenInTech #PurposeDrivenLife #AIandCyber #EmpoweredWomenEmpowerWomen#leadership