Empowering Women in STEM: Breaking Barriers and Shaping a Diverse Future- A LinkedIn Live with Kathy Nelson & Lennis Perez

In this heartfelt conclusion, the host, Dr. Sirisha Kuchimanchi, reflects on the remarkable journey of creating this podcast. From the initial idea and challenges of startup to the growth and impact, Dr. Kuchimanchi shares her personal transformation and what she has learned from the conversations and experiences. She emphasizes the importance of perseverance, building a supportive tribe, and seizing opportunities. This closing episode is a tribute to the listeners, guests, and everyone who has been part of this inspiring podcast. Tune in to hear Dr. Kuchimanchi's reflections and words of encouragement as the Women Career and Life podcast comes to a graceful end.

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You can subscribe to my Substack Newsletter by clicking here.

I'm a former tech executive, a podcast host and an entrepreneur. I work with Universities on Organizations to transition students to the corporate world and building successful leadership pipelines ensuring a healthy financial future.

If you're interested in coordinating or working with me on keynotes, workshops, or on a one on one basis, you can go to my website www.sirishakuchimanchi.com

If you are interested in leveraging more personal and professional development check out the podcast of my radio talk show "Life Beats with Sirisha" by clicking here

Connect with me:

All: https://solo.to/sirishak

Instagram: womencareerandlife

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sirishakuchimanchi/

#womencareerandlife ...

We all know that negotiating for money and benefits can be intimidating, but fear not! This episode is packed with tips and insights to help you navigate the negotiation process like a pro. From researching salary ranges to scripting your negotiation points, I share practical advice that you can start using today. So grab a pen and paper, because you'll want to take notes on this one. Get ready to unleash your negotiation skills and secure the compensation you deserve. Let's jump right in!  Hosted by Sirisha Kuchimanchi, 

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You can subscribe to my Substack Newsletter by clicking here.

I'm a former tech executive, a podcast host and an entrepreneur. I work with Universities on Organizations to transition students to the corporate world and building successful leadership pipelines ensuring a healthy financial future.

If you're interested in coordinating or working with me on keynotes, workshops, or on a one on one basis, you can go to my website www.sirishakuchimanchi.com

If you are interested in leveraging more personal and professional development check out the podcast of my radio talk show "Life Beats with Sirisha" by clicking here

Connect with me:

All: https://solo.to/sirishak

Instagram: womencareerandlife

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sirishakuchimanchi/

#womencareerandlife ...

How do you reenter the workforce and relaunch your career successfully? Carol Fishman Cohen provides insight from her personal experience and that of 1000's of women that iRelaunch has helped traverse this very path.  There are even ideas on how to prepare ahead for a potential career break.

Carol Fishman Cohen is a trailblazing advocate for relaunching careers after a break. Her own story reflects the struggles and challenges of re-entering the workforce after a long hiatus. After realizing the futility of submitting countless online applications, Carol took a bold step to connect with people and have meaningful conversations. This experience inspired her to help others navigate the often daunting process of relaunching their careers. Through her work, she empowers individuals to embrace networking and pursue alternative paths to re-enter the workforce. Carol's story serves as a beacon of hope for anyone facing the daunting task of relaunching their career.

Sirisha Kuchimanchi, sits down with the impressive Carol Fishman Cohen, co-founder of iRelaunch, to explore the ins and outs of relaunching your career after a break. From the importance of documenting milestones during career breaks to the impact of COVID, we discuss it all. We touch on the valuable skills relaunchers bring to the workplace, the significance of networking, and how to effectively manage time. Join us as we gain insights from Carol's personal journey and learn about the essential tools offered by iRelaunch to help you map out your own career relaunch. This is an episode you don't want to miss!

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You can subscribe to my Substack Newsletter by clicking here.

I'm a former tech executive, a podcast host and an entrepreneur. I work with Universities on Organizations to transition students to the corporate world and building successful leadership pipelines ensuring a healthy financial future.

If you're interested in coordinating or working with me on keynotes, workshops, or on a one on one basis, you can go to my website www.sirishakuchimanchi.com

If you are interested in leveraging more personal and professional development check out the podcast of my radio talk show "Life Beats with Sirisha" by clicking here

Connect with me:

All: https://solo.to/sirishak

Instagram: womencareerandlife

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sirishakuchimanchi/

#womencareerandlife ...

Sirisha Kuchimanchi experienced the challenges of starting her career with uncertainty and a lack of confidence. After being laid off from her first job, she found herself in a new city without a support network, except for a few colleagues she had met. Determined to find employment, she began searching for job opportunities and went for a few interviews. However, fate took an interesting turn when the client she had previously worked for reached out and offered her a contract position. Sirisha seized this opportunity and successfully transitioned back into the workforce.

Sirisha Kuchimanchi is a Global Engineering & Manufacturing Executive with Texas Instruments, as well as a podcast host. Sirisha took two career breaks in less than eight years, during which time she raised her family and earned her doctorate in Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University. Sirisha hosts the podcast "Women, Career and Life" and works in the tech industry, where she leads teams, drives change, and supports customers. In this episode, we talk about what she learned during her career breaks and how she relaunched at her pre-career break employer.

Welcome to 321, I relaunch, the podcast where we discuss return to work strategies, advice, and success stories. I'm Carol Fishman Cohen, CEO and cofounder of iRelaunch and your host. Today, we welcome Sirisha Kuchimanchi. Sirisha took 2 career breaks in less than 8 years during which time she raised her family and earned her doctorate in engineering from Carnegie Mellon University. Sirisha hosts the Podcast, Women Career and Life, and works in the tech industry where she leads teams, drives change, and supports customers. In this episode, we'll talk about what she learned during her career breaks and how she relaunched at her pre career break employer. Sirisha, welcome to 321 iRelaunch.

In this podcast I sit on the other side of the mic.

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You can subscribe to my Substack Newsletter by clicking here.

I'm a former tech executive, a podcast host and an entrepreneur. I work with Universities on Organizations to transition students to the corporate world and building successful leadership pipelines ensuring a healthy financial future.

If you're interested in coordinating or working with me on keynotes, workshops, or on a one on one basis, you can go to my website www.sirishakuchimanchi.com

If you are interested in leveraging more personal and professional development check out the podcast of my radio talk show "Life Beats with Sirisha" by clicking here

Connect with me:

All: https://solo.to/sirishak

Instagram: womencareerandlife

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sirishakuchimanchi/

#womencareerandlife ...

Serisha Kuchimanchi, former tech executive and host of the podcast, shares her insights on how to expand your network. She starts by describing her experience attending a Podcast Movement conference in Dallas, highlighting how networking on LinkedIn led to numerous positive responses and mentorship opportunities. Serisha emphasizes the importance of networking for job opportunities, mentorship, and entrepreneurship, and provides practical tips on networking in different settings like conferences and single rooms. She also recommends leveraging LinkedIn and alumni networks to expand your network effectively. Throughout the episode, Serisha encourages listeners to reach out to her through Instagram DMs to share how the topic discussed is impacting their lives. As the episode concludes, she expresses gratitude to the audience for tuning in and bids them farewell until the next episode. Don't forget to support the Women Career & Life podcast by purchasing Dr. Sirisha a cup of chai or becoming a monthly or annual subscriber. Additionally, suggestions for other podcasts to explore and leaving reviews are greatly appreciated. Remember, your support contributes to the production of this indie podcast. So, share the episode, leave reviews, and let's continue empowering women in their careers and lives!

Podcast Episode: How to Expand YOUR NETWORK

- Introduction

- Welcome message from Dr. Sirisha Kuchimanchi, former tech executive and host of the "Women Career and Life" podcast

- Brief overview of Dr. Sirisha's background and podcast mission

- Personal Story: Connecting at the Podcast Movement conference

- Serisha shares her experience attending the conference after connecting with people on LinkedIn

- Discusses the positive responses she received from 50 out of 70 applications she sent out

- Highlights the mentorship opportunities that arose from expanding her network

- Importance of Networking

- Explains the significance of networking for job opportunities, mentorship, and entrepreneurship

- Emphasizes the potential for personal and professional growth through networking

- Tips for Networking in Different Settings

- Provides practical advice on networking at conferences and single rooms

- Offers strategies for initiating conversations and building meaningful c

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You can subscribe to my Substack Newsletter by clicking here.

I'm a former tech executive, a podcast host and an entrepreneur. I work with Universities on Organizations to transition students to the corporate world and building successful leadership pipelines ensuring a healthy financial future.

If you're interested in coordinating or working with me on keynotes, workshops, or on a one on one basis, you can go to my website www.sirishakuchimanchi.com

If you are interested in leveraging more personal and professional development check out the podcast of my radio talk show "Life Beats with Sirisha" by clicking here

Connect with me:

All: https://solo.to/sirishak

Instagram: womencareerandlife

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sirishakuchimanchi/

#womencareerandlife ...

The pace and lifestile in manufacturing and engineering is different from what you find in academic research. So is the culture. Namely, they have been male dominated spaces, historically.

This week on Beyond the Thesis With Papa PhD, I will be takling with my guest, Sirisha Kuchimanchi, about how, as a woman in these spaces, you can own your career, pivoting and growing as your path meanders and evolves.

What we covered during our conversation about the place of women in engineering and manufacturing:

• The challenges of cultural differences in the work place
• Navigating a new job
• How to engage in meetings, asking questions and providing solutions
• The importance of personal connections and of asking for help
• The importance of mentorship and networking
• Transferable skills gained from the PhD
• The importance of finding one’s voice
• The challenges facing women in STEM careers and the importance of seizing opportunities

Don’t miss out on this great conversation!

Reach out to me or to Sirisha using the links below if you have any feedback or any questions for us.

Also, I’d love to get to know you better. If you have a minute, please fill out the listener survey in this link.

Sirisha  hosts the Podcast “Women, Career & Life” and the Radio Show “Life Beats with Sirisha”. Her podcast is listed in the top 30% of Spotify podcasts. Her mission is to provide practical ideas and resources for women to further their career & life goals as they strive toward financial independence.

Sirisha is a former Global Engineering & Manufacturing Executive from Texas Instruments, a Fortune 200 company. She co-chaired the Tech & Manufacturing Women’s ERG which supported over 500 employees across 3 continents and 8 countries. Sirisha is an immigrant from India and earned her doctorate in Materials Science & Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University.

Sirisha’s aim is to promote gender equality by empowering more women to take control of their careers and finances.

Thank you, Sirisha Kuchimanchi

If you enjoyed this conversation with Sirisha, let her know by clicking the link below and leaving her a message on LinkedIn:

Send Siris

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You can subscribe to my Substack Newsletter by clicking here.

I'm a former tech executive, a podcast host and an entrepreneur. I work with Universities on Organizations to transition students to the corporate world and building successful leadership pipelines ensuring a healthy financial future.

If you're interested in coordinating or working with me on keynotes, workshops, or on a one on one basis, you can go to my website www.sirishakuchimanchi.com

If you are interested in leveraging more personal and professional development check out the podcast of my radio talk show "Life Beats with Sirisha" by clicking here

Connect with me:

All: https://solo.to/sirishak

Instagram: womencareerandlife

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sirishakuchimanchi/

#womencareerandlife ...

Are you trying to break barriers and advance your career as a Women in STEM?

Join us as Kathy Nelson, Lennis Perez and I explore the importance of advocating for oneself, amplifying women's voices, and promoting positive representation for Women in STEM. We also discuss the impact of technology, the challenges of work-life balance, and the power of embracing authenticity in the workplace. Tune in and be inspired by our guest's wisdom and determination as we breaks barriers and pave the way for future generations of women in STEM.

This was an episode from a LinkedIn Live event in May.

Kathy Nelson is a telecommunications engineer with an electrical engineering degree. She spent 25 years working at a utility company while also serving on the Board of Industry Trade Association. In 2017, she became the first chairwoman of the board for the 70-year-old trade association. Kathy then worked at a small startup radio manufacturer before transitioning to her current role as an engineer in a consulting firm, where she focuses more on strategy than design. Three years ago, she started a podcast, which has been a highlight of her career. Kathy is passionate about discussing the unexpected paths that people take in their careers.

Lennis Perez, also known as the Chief Wellness Engineer, is a highly accomplished individual with a passion for promoting well-being and preventing burnout. With a background in chemical engineering, Lennis worked in that field for 16 years before founding their own company in 2016. However, it was Lennis' personal experiences with burnout that sparked a new direction in their career. Recognizing the importance of managing stress and prioritizing well-being, Lennis became a certified meditation teacher through Chopra Global, a journey that included the privilege of spending time with renowned wellness expert Dr. Deepak Chopra. Today, Lennis strives to bring balance and well-being to women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) as well as professionals and students in the field, emphasizing the need to prioritize self-care and prevent burnout.

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You can subscribe to my Substack Newsletter by clicking here.

I'm a former tech executive, a podcast host and an entrepreneur. I work with Universities on Organizations to transition students to the corporate world and building successful leadership pipelines ensuring a healthy financial future.

If you're interested in coordinating or working with me on keynotes, workshops, or on a one on one basis, you can go to my website www.sirishakuchimanchi.com

If you are interested in leveraging more personal and professional development check out the podcast of my radio talk show "Life Beats with Sirisha" by clicking here

Connect with me:

All: https://solo.to/sirishak

Instagram: womencareerandlife

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sirishakuchimanchi/

#womencareerandlife ...

Are you looking for a playbook on how to pivot from engineering to entrepreneurship?

Jen Sargent (CEO of Wondery -Amazon Podcasts) shares her remarkable journey from being an electrical engineer to running a successful media company. With her diverse career background and expertise in male-dominated industries, Jen provides invaluable insights and advice for entrepreneurs, women in male-dominated spaces, and those interested in managing teams.

Jen Sargent is the Chief Operating Officer of Wondery, the largest independent podcast publisher in the world.  She is a successful entrepreneur and executive with 20 years of digital media experience.   Prior to Wondery, Jen was as the CEO and co-founder of HitFix which was acquired by  Uproxx. Her previous roles include head of Online Marketing & Development for Reed Business Information (parent of Variety); venture capital experience from BV Capital in Hamburg, Germany; and finance experience from JP Morgan investment banking in New York. Jen earned an MBA from Harvard Business School and a BS degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Virginia.

Tune in to learn about:

1️⃣ Pitching and refining your idea for success

2️⃣ The power of adaptation and pivoting

3️⃣ Navigating male-dominated industries and rooms

4️⃣ Importance of diverse mentorship and sponsorship

5️⃣ Overcoming challenges and taking the entrepreneurial leap

6️⃣ Valuation, funding, and owning your ideas

7️⃣ Building a solid team and finding product-market fit

8️⃣ Negotiation skills and the art of making successful deals

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You can subscribe to my Substack Newsletter by clicking here.

I'm a former tech executive, a podcast host and an entrepreneur. I work with Universities on Organizations to transition students to the corporate world and building successful leadership pipelines ensuring a healthy financial future.

If you're interested in coordinating or working with me on keynotes, workshops, or on a one on one basis, you can go to my website www.sirishakuchimanchi.com

If you are interested in leveraging more personal and professional development check out the podcast of my radio talk show "Life Beats with Sirisha" by clicking here

Connect with me:

All: https://solo.to/sirishak

Instagram: womencareerandlife

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sirishakuchimanchi/

#womencareerandlife ...

Mita Mallick, Head of Inclusion, Equity and Impact is the daughter of Indian immigrants and was raised in the US, where she was subjected to physical and verbal bullying. These experiences shaped her passion for storytelling and her desire to ensure that all voices are heard and reflected in the products and services we use. She has dedicated her career to creating end-to-end inclusion ecosystems and reimagining inclusion in all aspects of work.

Mita shares with us key insights on how to create a culture of inclusion, foster diversity of thought, and advocate for one another in the workplace. Tune in to hear her tips for finding safe spaces to have conversations about inclusion, reimagining how we approach pay equity and recognition, and the importance of having sponsors in our professional lives.

We will also be discussing the impact of gendered ageism in the workforce, challenges that women have faced during the pandemic, and the leaky pipeline phenomenon in the hiring process.

Whether you are a leader, manager, or individual contributor, this episode is for you. 

Mita Mallick is a corporate change-maker with a track record of transforming businesses. She gives innovative ideas a voice and serves customers and communities with purpose. She has had an extensive career as a marketer in the beauty and consumer product goods space, being a fierce advocate of including and representing Black and Brown communities. Her passion for inclusive storytelling led her to become a Chief Diversity Officer, . Mallick has brought her talent and expertise to companies like Carta, Unilever, Pfizer, AVON, Johnson & Johnson and more.   Mallick is a LinkedIn Top Voice, a contributor for Harvard Business Review, Adweek, Entrepreneur and Fast Company. Mallick has been featured in the The New York Times, The Washington Post, Time Magazine, Forbes, Axios, Essence, Cosmopolitan Magazine, and Business Insider. 

Mita Mallick
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mita-mallick-2b165822/
Podcast: Listen to Brown Table Talk
Pre-order Mita Mallick's new book today: Reimagine Inclusion: Debunki

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You can subscribe to my Substack Newsletter by clicking here.

I'm a former tech executive, a podcast host and an entrepreneur. I work with Universities on Organizations to transition students to the corporate world and building successful leadership pipelines ensuring a healthy financial future.

If you're interested in coordinating or working with me on keynotes, workshops, or on a one on one basis, you can go to my website www.sirishakuchimanchi.com

If you are interested in leveraging more personal and professional development check out the podcast of my radio talk show "Life Beats with Sirisha" by clicking here

Connect with me:

All: https://solo.to/sirishak

Instagram: womencareerandlife

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sirishakuchimanchi/

#womencareerandlife ...

As a Culture and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) practitioner, Kim Flanery-Rye shared her insights on creating a positive culture in organizations during the podcast. She emphasized that leaders should prioritize culture from the beginning, rather than considering it as an afterthought. Kim pointed out that while culture may vary between organizations, it plays a significant role in their success. In smaller organizations, C-level executives have a more direct influence on culture, making it easier to observe and manage. Meanwhile, in larger organizations, creating and maintaining a positive culture may be more challenging due to their size and structure. 

The podcast's discussion primarily revolved around gender parity in the workplace and how to audit and address systemic issues that prevent women from succeeding in their careers. We discussed the "leaky pipeline" or "leaky faucet" phenomenon, where women's representation decreases as we move up the leadership positions. We also talked about various factors that may contribute to women leaving their careers, such as the pay gap, lack of parental leave support, and other systemic issues that make it difficult for women to succeed. 

We also discussed how women tend to do more event organizing, diversity and inclusion work, and join more ERG groups than men. However, these efforts are often undervalued and not compensated during annual reviews or promotion time, leading to the "leaky pipeline" phenomenon. As a result, mid-level women tend to leave the workforce to start their own businesses due to the difficulty of breaking through the glass ceiling, caregiving responsibilities that still tend to fall on women, and burnout. Finally, we discussed how the World Economic Forum is a platform where discussions about gender equity, climate change, poverty, and justice are happening, and there is a lot of action being taken to address these issues. 

When MyKimisms Founder, Kim “Kimfer” wasn’t offered a chair on the board, she created one. Kim is the first-ever elected VP of DEI to the Board of Directors in over 70 chapters across the nation for the

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You can subscribe to my Substack Newsletter by clicking here.

I'm a former tech executive, a podcast host and an entrepreneur. I work with Universities on Organizations to transition students to the corporate world and building successful leadership pipelines ensuring a healthy financial future.

If you're interested in coordinating or working with me on keynotes, workshops, or on a one on one basis, you can go to my website www.sirishakuchimanchi.com

If you are interested in leveraging more personal and professional development check out the podcast of my radio talk show "Life Beats with Sirisha" by clicking here

Connect with me:

All: https://solo.to/sirishak

Instagram: womencareerandlife

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sirishakuchimanchi/

#womencareerandlife ...