Women in Tech: Navigating Work-Life Challenges

For anyone working in today’s rapidly evolving fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, visibility, authenticity, and connection are no longer optional; they are essential. But there is a lack of resources for STEM professionals, especially women, who seek to fully express themselves, build meaningful networks, and lead with confidence.

To help, IEEE Women in Engineering (WIE) recently launched a podcast series in which experts from around the world inspire and inform to spark change.

The series aims to amplify the diverse experiences of women in STEM fields. Through candid conversations and expert insights, the podcast goes beyond technical discussions to explore the human side of innovation, overcoming burnout, balancing career ambition and well-being, and building successful, lasting careers.

The series is a volunteer and staff driven initiative.

“At the start of planning, our vision was just a spark shared between passionate volunteers wanting to shape each episode and the guest experience,” says Geetika Tandon, co-chair of the IEEE WIE Podcast Subcommittee. “Seeing our podcast grow from these early conversations to a vibrant reality has been truly rewarding. We can’t wait for it to grow further.”

“I’m thrilled that we brought the drawings on our whiteboard and planners to life,” says Kelly Onu, who is also co-chair.

New episodes are released on the third Wednesday of each month.

Navigating the Dynamics of a Dual Career

The podcast’s first episode, “Moms Who Innovate,” which debuted in May, features candid conversations with two executive coaches, authors and TEDx speakers. Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya is the founder of African Women in STEM, which provides education, mentoring and networking opportunities. Cassie Leonard is a seasoned aerospace professional who founded ELMM Coaching. Leonard offers one-on-one advice to professionals looking to advance their careers and achieve a better work-life balance. She wrote STEM Moms: Design, Build, and Test to Create the Professional and Personal Life of Your Dreamsa book that guides women based on her experiences as a working mother.

Onu, who moderated the episode, spoke with Iloeje-Udeogalanya and Leonard about the ebb and flow of being a mother while building a career. Both guests described how their engineering backgrounds shaped their approach to motherhood and community. They emphasized the importance of creating a support system that makes life’s busiest times more manageable.

Leonard said she “designed her neighborhood” and shared responsibilities for dropping the kids off at school, looking after the kids after school and other daily tasks.

“As the podcast series grows, our mission is to shine a light on the real-life adventures (and occasional misadventures) of women in STEM. We want to share late-night brainstorms, coffee-fueled breakthroughs, and the moment someone finally figures out how to unmute themselves on virtual meeting platforms.” —Geetika Tandon

Innovation for moms isn’t just about career success, the duo said, but also about designing the kind of community that helps them thrive.

The June episode, “Global Perspectives on Women in STEM,” led by Tandon, offered practical strategies for addressing the challenges of work-life balance. Along with guest Sanyogita Shamsunder, CTO of telecommunications company GeoLinks in San Francisco, Tandon explored different perspectives of women around the world.

Rawan Alghamdi, a wireless communications researcher at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Saudi Arabia, and IEEE graduate student member, hosted the August episode, “PIE Framework: Presence, Image, and Exposure for STEM Professionals.” Alghamdi spoke with Jahnavi Brenner, executive coach and former engineer, who explained the PIE model, which challenges the long-held belief that technical skills alone are enough to advance a career.

Brenner said professionals must strategically build an authentic personal brand to dictate how they are perceived by colleagues and their visibility within their networks and industry. She said this is especially vital for women and underrepresented groups, who often face systemic barriers to recognition and advancement.

The October episode, “Balancing Work-Life in STEM Careers,” addressed the challenges parents face raising a family while working full-time. It was moderated by Abinaya Inbamani, a mentor who has contributed to the successful deployment of IoT systems used for smart healthcare, renewable energy and cybersecurity.

She spoke about the intense logistics and emotional burden of balancing a demanding career and parenting responsibilities.

Listeners also learned time management strategies and boundary-setting techniques, such as reframing guilt as a reminder of caution and responsibility rather than failure; accept that it is normal to procrastinate from time to time rather than experiencing unhealthy stress; and organize the day with clear boundaries between work and home.

“We don’t need to do everything,” Inbamani said. “Sometimes balance is just about choosing what matters most at that moment. »

What’s next for podcasting

Future episodes will focus on being present parents, setting boundaries in high-pressure environments and redefining success on your own terms, Tandon and Onu say.

In the works, an episode spotlights tech pioneer Nimisha Morkonda Gnanasekaran, who was recognized this year by the IEEE Computer Society as one of its Top 30 Early Career Professionals. She is the Director of Data Science and Advanced Analytics at Western Digital, based in San Jose, California.

Another episode, Tandon and Onu say, will feature a conversation with Cynthia Kane, author of THE Pause principle: how to keep your cool in difficult situationson how to handle difficult conversations in the workplace without shutting down or getting angry. The episode will address critical issues and career challenges women face, say Tandon and Onu. A study that reveals that up to 50% of women leave their STEM careers within five years.

Global Reach and Impact of Podcast

IEEE WIE sees the impact of podcasting on listeners. Many say they go online not only to get advice, but also to connect with others. Others say the podcast makes them feel like they’re not alone in their challenges or career aspirations.

The majority of listeners are located in Canada, India, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the United States. Onu says she hopes the audience will expand to include more countries.

“I hope this podcast will travel across continents, sneak into headphones everywhere, and become a faithful companion in women’s STEM journeys, cheering them on as they conquer equations, break barriers, and maybe even invent a robot that brews the perfect coffee,” Tandon says. “As the podcast series grows, our mission is to shine a light on the real-life adventures (and occasional misadventures) of women in STEM. We want to share late-night brainstorms, coffee-fueled breakthroughs, and the moment someone finally figures out how to unmute themselves on virtual meeting platforms.”

Through personal stories, inspiring journeys, and a parade of pioneering leaders who have overcome obstacles, IEEE WIE celebrates the courage, spirit, and genius of women in STEM.

Whether you’re a student just beginning your STEM journey, a mid-career professional seeking clarity, or a leader looking to give back to your profession, the podcast provides a space to learn, reflect, and grow together.