264: Why You’re Not Getting Promoted (Even When You’re Overperforming)
You’re doing all the right things—delivering results, taking initiative, working harder than ever. So why are you still being passed over for promotion? In this episode, I’m breaking down the real reason high-performing women in tech get overlooked for executive roles—and how to shift from being overlooked to being seen as a strategic leader so you can take the next step toward your promotion with clarity and confidence. "Performance doesn't equal promotion. If you're delivering results but still being overlooked, you're playing the wrong game—and it's time to learn how to play like an executive." — Toni Collis What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why performance ≠ promotion (and what does) The 5 executive skills decision-makers are looking for How to shift from “reliable doer” to “strategic leader” Subtle perception gaps that derail your promotion path What to say and do to change how you’re seen in the room 🔍 If you’re not getting promoted, it doesn’t mean you’re not good enough. It doesn’t mean you need to work harder. 💡 It means it’s time to shift how you’re showing up. 🎯 Grab the free Promotion Readiness Scorecard to find out what’s really holding you back: 👉 tonicollis.com/scorecard
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263: Breaking Out of Your Comfort Zone: Emily Dinu on Mindset, Grit, and Preparing for Venture Funding
Ready to raise venture funding—but wondering if you’re actually ready to lead at that level? In this inspiring and honest conversation, I sit down with Emily Dinu, founder and CEO of Numinous Capital, to explore what VCs really look for—and what kind of leadership mindset shifts are essential to succeed as a founder in today’s market. We go deep on the emotional and strategic prep work that’s required to lead through uncertainty, communicate vision clearly, and move forward with grit and clarity—even when you feel uncomfortable or underqualified. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How to build executive mindset tools to lead with confidence in ambiguity Why clarity often beats charisma in VC pitches The truth about confidence vs. clarity in leadership How to reverse engineer a successful exit What it looks like to lead with values while raising capital The role of decision-making clarity and thought reframing when the pressure’s on 💬 What’s the bold move you’ve been avoiding? 👇 Drop a comment and share: What’s one thing you’re ready to do—even if it scares you? ✨ And if you want support building your founder mindset, strategy, or leadership presence, let’s talk: 📞 Book your free strategy session: https://www.tonicollis.com/lets-chat You don’t have to do this alone. 🚀 **Useful links** Connect with today’s guest and sponsor, Emily Dinu: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilydinu/ www.numinouscap.com Emily’s current read: Trauma and the Unbound Body: The Healing Power of Fundamental Consciousness by Judith Blackstone Join the Leading Women in Tech community in Slack where we discuss all-the-things for women’s tech leadership, covering everything from early-career leadership to C-level executives. This episode was sponsored by our Gld PR. Thank you GldPR for helping to bring Leading Women in Tech to this community!
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262: How to Disagree with Your Boss and Not Lose Your Job
Want to speak up at work—without risking your reputation or your sanity? In this episode, we’re diving into one of the most uncomfortable (and essential) leadership skills: how to disagree with your boss professionally. Whether you’re navigating power dynamics, trying to avoid “yes culture,” or just want to be heard in meetings—this episode gives you the mindset, strategy, and scripts you need. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Preparing for difficult conversations with clarity Using respectful dissent to earn trust Handling pushback with emotional intelligence When to stand your ground and when to align How to recover if things get tense Becoming the kind of leader whose voice makes a difference If you’ve been biting your tongue to keep the peace, this episode will help you protect your energy and your integrity. You’ll also discover how to contribute to a culture where respectful dissent is welcomed—so you can speak up and create psychological safety for others. 🔗 Ready for support navigating tough conversations and building your leadership presence? Book a FREE strategy session with me: 👉 https://www.tonicollis.com/lets-chat 🎧 Mentioned Episode: → The Art of Being Professionally Blunt (highly recommended before this one!) 💬 Let me know in the comments:What’s one disagreement you’ve been avoiding?
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261: Leading Smarter, Not Harder with Amber Winter
What if the smartest thing you could do as a leader... was make yourself unnecessary? In an era where AI is changing how we work and lead, tech executive Amber Winter proves that success isn’t about working harder—it’s about working smarter. From her start as a marketing coordinator to becoming CEO in just eight years, Amber shares how she’s used continuous learning, smart delegation, and artificial intelligence to lead high-performing teams without burning out. In this episode, she opens up about what it really takes to scale your leadership while staying human in a tech-driven world. "Relationships are your superpower." — Amber Winter Amber reminds us that even with AI on your side, people still matter most. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How Amber uses AI tools to scenario-plan, prioritize, and problem-solve on the fly Her "tour of duty" approach to leadership—and why it's a game-changer for growth What she learned from creating AI agents for her teams (and trying to make herself unnecessary) A real talk moment that taught her the power of clear, human-centered communication The career path that took her from coordinator to CEO to CRO—without following a traditional roadmap Why treating people as individuals (not resources) leads to stronger results How AI can help uncover blind spots, support strategic thinking, and prep leaders for tough conversations ✨ Want to lead smarter, not harder? Start by reflecting on how you show up—and where AI can amplify your strengths. 🎧 Listen now and discover how modern leadership can be both high-tech and deeply human. **Useful links** Connect with today’s guest and sponsor, Amber Winter from SuiteDynamics: W: www.suitedynamics.io LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/amberrwinter Amber’s current read: How To Raise Successful People: Simple Lessons for Radical Results by Esther Wojcicki If you are ready to uplevel your career, get unstuck or you are simply ready to unlock those leadership time-management techniques then join us in my monthly career & leadership coaching program exclusively for women in tech: https://www.tonicollis.com/academy Catch the show notes, and more details about today's episode here: https://tonicollis.com/episode261 Check us out on Youtube. Join the Leading Women in Tech community in Slack where we discuss all-the-things for women’s tech leadership, covering everything from early-career leadership to C-level executives. This episode was sponsored by our guest, SuiteDynamics. Thank you Amber and SuiteDynamics for helping to bring Leading Women in Tech to this community!
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260: How to Be Professionally Blunt (Without Being Rude) | Leadership Communication Skills for Women in Tech
Have you ever sugarcoated feedback to avoid hurting someone’s feelings? Or avoided a tough conversation because it just felt too uncomfortable? In this episode of Leading Women in Tech, I’m diving into how to be professionally blunt—the leadership communication skill that will help you be more respected, more effective, and build high-performing teams with less confusion and more trust. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why we default to vague or “nice” communication The high cost of avoiding direct conversations What professional bluntness actually looks like (hint: it’s not rudeness) How to give feedback at work with clarity and kindness Language you can use to be clear without being harsh Mindset shifts to expand your emotional capacity as a leader The ripple effect of clarity in leadership communication And more! If you're ready to stop sugarcoating, speak with confidence, and develop powerful direct communication in leadership—this one's for you. Check out episode 245 on passive-aggressive leadership tendencies and how to shift them: https://tonicollis.com/episode245 👇 PLUS: Want help implementing this in your leadership style? 💬 Book a free strategy call with me to explore how executive coaching can help you develop your voice, lead with clarity, and elevate your influence: 👉 https://tonicollis.com/lets-chat ✨ If you found this helpful, hit the like button, subscribe, and share this with another woman in tech leadership who’s ready to level up their communication.
A podcast discussing how to create the next generation of women leaders in the tech industry, helping you succeed on your terms and being the leader you want to be.
On this podcast, we explore the techniques, tips and strategies you can use to become a standout leader. To give you the time and credibility to focus on what you love doing instead of justifying yourself every moment along the way. I’ll be sharing with you my best insights designed to make success not just simple, but inevitable.
Whether you are on your way to the CSuite, an emerging leader or a budding Entrepreneur, this is the podcast you need to become a Lit-Up Leader and turn your tech passion into the career you love.
For free online resources for your tech leadership journey go to: https://tonicollis.com/
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