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

S2 EP. 8 - Tech Execs Unite at ITSMF Award Gala in Houston!

2 Lit Chicks Podcast: ITSMF Awards Gala Episode
“What happens when the future of tech walks into a room—and every voice in that room feels seen, heard, and lit up?”
Join your host Fern Johnson on a front-row journey into the I-T-S-M-F Technology Leaders Awards Gala, straight from Houston, Texas.
In this special episode of Two Lit Chicks, we bring you behind the velvet rope—into the vibrant energy, bold ideas, and magnetic leaders redefining what tech leadership looks like.

S2 Ep. 7 - Work Different

Welcome to "Work Different" - the podcast that's challenging everything you thought you knew about business, productivity, and success. Its your girl Fern or 2 LIT Chicks Podcast, and today we're diving into a book that flipped the business world on its head: "Rework" by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson. Basically, you need to STOP talking…and START working!!! Smarter, not harder…driving productivity and innovation.
 
 Joining me today is another LIT Chick….Kiran Nagar, President and Managing Director of Arayna Technology.
 
When "Rework" hit shelves in 2010, these Basecamp founders didn't just suggest tweaking your business approach - they threw the entire rulebook out the window. Forget growth at all costs. Forget working yourself to death. Forget needing investors, elaborate business plans, and endless meetings.
 
"Rework" told us something radical: The old way is broken. Working smarter beats working longer. And sometimes, doing LESS is the secret to building something great.
 
Today, we're unpacking the revolutionary ideas from "Rework" that are even MORE relevant in today's chaotic work landscape. Whether you're running a business, thinking of starting one, or just trying to navigate your career, this episode might just change how you think about work forever.

S2 Ep. 6 | Career Pivot in Tech featuring Tariro Mupamhadz #UX #womenintech #techpodcasts #leadership

Navigating Career Pivot Points: Insights from Tech Leaders
Two Lit Chicks Podcast with Fern Johnson & Tariro Mupamhadz
Episode Overview
This episode explores career transitions in the tech industry through the experiences of host Fern Johnson and guest Tariro Mupamhadz. It offers practical strategies for navigating pivotal career moments and developing leadership skills.
Episode Structure
Introduction (00:00-01:45)
00:00 Opening context: Tariro's move from Japan to London in 2020
00:30 Show introduction and welcome to Two Lit Chicks
00:59 Introduction of episode theme: Career Pivot Points
Professional Journey & Current Role (01:46-08:40)
01:46 Tariro's mentorship experiences and career development
03:04 Current role at Charlotte Tilbury - responsibilities and challenges
05:04 Discussion of UX research tools and technology implementation
06:44 Remote testing capabilities and expanding global research reach
Key Career Pivot Points (08:41-19:20)
08:41 Detailed insights from Tariro's experience in Tokyo
10:29 Decision-making process behind returning to the UK
14:18 Analysis of transferable skills and adapting to new environments
17:36 Perspectives on potential future career pivots
Leadership Development (19:21-23:18)
19:21 The evolution toward leadership roles
19:48 Setting and achieving ambitious career goals
20:45 Exploring different leadership styles and approaches
21:52 Strategies for effective leadership and team management
Personal & Strategic Considerations (23:19-29:53)
23:19 Balancing personal life and family with career decisions
25:30 Strategic career planning methodologies
27:36 The importance of having a "North Star" to guide career decisions
Support Systems & Reflection (29:54-37:00)
29:54 Building mentorship networks and support systems
33:02 Letters to future self: aspirations and guidance
35:47 Key takeaways and concluding thoughts
Core Themes
Adaptability during major career transitions
Leveraging transferable skills across different roles
The evolving integration of technology in various industries
Developing authentic leadership approaches
Creating balance between personal and professional aspirations
Establishing strong mentorship relationships
 

S2 Ep. 5 - Going Global Literally!!! How a Powerhouse Tech Couple Moved from NYC to Amsterdam!

What happens when a power couple in tech trades NYC hustle for Amsterdam harmony? In this heartfelt and wisdom-rich episode of 2 L.I.T. Chicks, host Fern Johnson sits down with Carla and David Ogunrinde — longtime technologists, entrepreneurs, and partners in both life and leadership — to talk about what it really means to go global with intention.
 
From navigating long-term marriage through international relocation, to transforming their tech careers into purpose-centered practices, the Ogunrindes share lessons on slowing down, redefining success, and dreaming together. This episode is a love letter to alignment, awareness, and audacity.
 
Episode Chapters
00:00 — Introduction and Welcome
00:30 — Meet the Tech Power Couple: Carla and David Ogunrinde
01:59 — The Big Move: From NYC to Amsterdam as a Couple
02:50 — Navigating Marriage and Growth Abroad
04:08 — Dreaming and Planning Together
05:10 — Cultural Adaptation and New Perspectives
06:31 — The Leap to Amsterdam: A Decade in the Making
08:57 — Amsterdam vs. NYC: Energy, Ease, and Environment
10:46 — Adjusting to Time Differences and New Routines
13:34 — Life in Amsterdam: A Big Village Vibe
16:23 — Defining Success Beyond Hustle and Meetings
17:11 — Cultural Differences in Work-Life Balance
21:50 — The Dutch Approach to Technology as a Tool
30:13 — Intentional Living and Business in a Global Context
33:39 — Final Thoughts and Farewells
 

S2 Ep. 4 - Digital Disciplines in Tech with 4 Women Leaders in Tech | #InternetofThings #AI #Personalization

2 L.I.T. Chicks Podcast: Digital Disciplines - Transforming Business Through Technology
Join host Fern Johnson and three tech leaders from HP as they break down the four key digital disciplines that are revolutionizing business today. In this insightful episode, discover how companies like Netflix, Apple, and Spotify are using data, personalization, innovation, and integrated solutions to create exceptional customer experiences.
Our guests Algernita Clowe, Shauna Mitchell, and Ericka Hayes share practical insights from Joe Weinman's book "Digital Disciplines" and their own experiences implementing these strategies at major corporations.
You'll learn:
How to leverage data beyond basic reporting to drive real business value
Why personalized experiences create stronger customer relationships
The importance of "failing fast" and disrupting your own success
How to develop integrated solutions that solve customer problems
Whether you're a business leader, technology professional, or curious about digital transformation, this episode provides actionable strategies you can implement immediately.
Part of the IT Senior Management Forum (ITSMF) series featuring members of their Management Academy Program.
 
Find these leaders on LinkedIn:
inkedin.com/in/aclowe
 
linkedin.com/in/ericka-hayes-ma-phr-44458155
 
linkedin.com/in/shawna-smith-mitchell
 
#DigitalTransformation #BusinessStrategy #TechLeadership #DataDriven #Innovation

S2 Ep 3 | Power Play - Forging Your Path in Gaming & Esports | #womengamers #womenintech

In this episode Fern and guests discuss the evolving landscape of gaming, the importance of passion and authenticity, and provide valuable advice for anyone looking to break into the gaming sector.
 
Explore the stories of unexpected fame, the importance of community, and the future vision for gaming and esports over the next few years.
 
00:00 Accidental TikTok Fame
00:18 Welcome to 2 Lit Chicks Podcast
01:32 Introducing the Guests
03:00 Herculyse Journey into Gaming
07:36 James' Path to the Gaming Industry
11:30 Thomas' Entry into Gaming
14:17 Challenges and Changes in eSports
21:22 The Evolution of eSports and Audience Engagement
22:47 The Role of Creativity in Game Development and Casting
25:44 Challenges and Competition in the eSports Industry
33:51 Future Vision for Gaming and eSports
41:08 Advice for Aspiring Professionals in Gaming

S2 Ep 2 | Reinventing Your Career through Self Awareness | #womenempowerment

🚨 PSA: Stop managing everyone else's comfort before your own. Your power lies in understanding what you bring to the room and choosing how you want to show up.
For every leader navigating today's complex landscape, this episode offers a roadmap to authentic presence and sustainable impact.
In this powerful Episode about 'Self Awareness', executive powerhouses Renea J Pierre and Tia Buckham-White unpack:
Why the "worthiness complex" holds leaders back more than imposter syndrome
How to receive honest feedback when people are afraid to give it
Three practical steps to walk into any room with complete confidenceWays different generations approach self-awareness in the workplace
As Tia brilliantly puts it: "If you don't know yourself, you don't know what load to pick up or put down."
Tune in to learn how to live the life you imagined by knowing yourself better.
 
 

S2 EP1 - What Is Enough? | Redefining Success During Economic Anxiety featuring Cass Cooper

Our Season 2 premiere episode features "Chaos Whisperer" Cass Cooper tackling economic anxiety and redefining success. We dive into self-awareness, transferable skills, and setting healthy boundaries at work.
 
Cass drops wisdom on conquering workplace fear (especially around DEI), maintaining resilience, and remembering your worth isn't defined by your job title.
 
Listen now and share!

Ep 8 | Pen to Published - Book Writing Secrets with 3 First-Time Authors

Three first-time authors reveal how they turned self-doubt into successful books, including one who was told she "didn't have enough experience to write" - only to prove that critic wrong.
Join hosts Fern Johnson and Dr. Alicia Makaye on 2 LIT Chicks as they dive deep with these remarkable women who broke through their barriers to share their stories.
What You'll Discover:
Unconventional writing techniques, including how one author leveraged Ai help her think through her personal story during her dissertation
The truth about self-publishing versus traditional publishing routes
Real talk about what it takes to turn your story into a published book
Whether you're harboring dreams of writing your own book or simply love hearing authentic stories of triumph, this episode delivers candid conversations about finding your voice, pushing past rejection, and the courage it takes to put your truth on paper.
Featured Authors:
Tianen Stephenson - "Closed Mouths Don't Get Fed"
Dr. Brenda L. Carter - "Why Not Me?"
Cheryl L. Bevelle Orange - "The Courage to Continue: Navigating Your Corporate Journey"

Ep. 7 | Nonprofits Empowering Women in Tech

Ever wonder how nonprofits are quietly revolutionizing the tech industry for women and girls? Join hosts Fern Johnson and Dr. Alicia Makaye as they sit down with Anamika Gupta, President of DFW Alliance for Technology and Women, and Shawna Spence, a senior program manager whose career was transformed by nonprofit initiatives.
What You'll Discover- The hidden challenges women of color face in tech, from representation to work-life integration- How nonprofits are creating safe spaces for networking and mentorship from middle school to executive level- Real success stories of how one connection at a nonprofit event led to life-changing career opportunities- Inside look at programs making STEM accessible to underrepresented groups
Whether you're a tech professional looking to advance your career, someone passionate about giving back, or curious about the role nonprofits play in shaping the future of tech, this episode reveals how organizations are building bridges to success - one relationship at a time.
Featured Guests:- Anamika Gupta - President, DFW Alliance for Technology and Women- Shawna Spence - Senior Program Manager, Fortune 500 Company
 Learn about national organizations you can connect with, no matter where you are located!