Category: blog

SEASON 2
On every episode, our Season 2 Host, Mack McKelvey, Founder/CEO, The Credentialed,  will interview authorities across different industries who have deep industry knowledge and vast experience in their field.  On this season of The Cred podcast, we will seek to understand the art and science of decision making.  

Why?

All the research, inputs, gut-feel, and opinions of others doesn’t matter, because when you are a leader, the decision is up to you and you have to deal with the outcome

And every decision has an outcome. Becoming a confident decision-maker is one of the most challenging, risk-taking, and industry-transforming skills a leader can develop. The Cred Podcast seeks to unearth best practices for executives who are continuously confronted with a wide range of decisions, from seemingly small to massively pivotal. These industry catalysts share their practical experience in their approaches and how they navigate the outcomes. They’ll also share some of the pivotal decisions that made them who they are and how they lead.

Audience
Listeners are founders, VCs and senior executives  decision makers: industry agnostic.

When
A new episode will drop every Wednesday at noon ET, starting on October 11th, 2023 (the trailer drops on October 4th).

Where
You can find us on nearly every major podcast streaming platform: Apple, Google, Spotify, Stitcher, etc. Here’s a link to Libsyn if you want to listen on your desktop.

SEASON 1
We also recommend listening to Season 1, Catalysts and Allies.

Launched in October 2017 and hosted by veteran digital media and technology journalist Kate Kaye, Catalysts and Allies introduced listeners to the people who were leading the transformation of tech culture toward becoming one of inclusion and relevance for all. Interviews were approached from a journalist’s lens for an audience of people interested in technology and business as it affects society, culture and the people working in it.

Unlike diversity or inclusion-themed media, Catalysts and Allies aimed to advance beyond discussions focused on gender, race or persuasion to highlight the work, backgrounds and issues that drive the show’s wide spectrum of guests in the tech industry. And unlike other tech podcasts, conversations dove into the broader context of the technology subject matter and its relationship with the world, rather than narrow business media-centric angles such as tech products, competitive landscapes, financials or the next IPO.

Catalysts and Allies put a spotlight on innovators and their ideas, their backgrounds and the issues that drive them. Interviewees represented a variety of technology fields such as blockchain, IoT and facial recognition, as well as overarching fields including data, digital and social media and privacy.

I am always inspired by our clients–not just the work they do, but who they are as people. That kind of affinity has become a hallmark of modern brands, so I think it’s important that founders and executives are seen as individuals and not enigmas running a faceless organization.

Anyone who knows me knows I am a champion for raising the profile of professionals who continue to be underrepresented. It’s the focus of both our Executive Thought Leadership Program and our Executive Visibility work for clients. And it’s inspired by what I’ve seen and what I’ve experienced.

As a young professional looking for a job, I couldn’t gain traction as “Erin.” But when I became my nickname, “Mack,” it confirmed for me just how much names–and the assumptions about the possible gender, age, ethnicity or country of origin of the person behind that name–have the power to either propel us forward or hold us back.

The bias is real. The pay gap is real. The lag in leadership roles for women and people of color is real. Even when female, BIPOC, AAPI and/or LGBTQ+ professionals earn executive status, they sometimes still have to prove themselves “worthy” of the achievement and its accolades.

What better “proof” than to make a name for yourself? Top brands do it. For example, Nike doesn’t conjure up images of the Greek goddess for whom it was named; it’s grown beyond that, beyond even a product-specific focus to become a lifestyle brand. The larger-than-label approach is a proven win for companies, athletes, and entertainers that somehow hasn’t proved popular in the professional world.

The fact is, it’s not “selfish” or “showboating” to promote yourself as an individual. It’s just smart business. But in the Instagram-ideal-driven, us-versus-them, over-stimulated world in which we live, how do you become someone whose name stands for something?

• Be strategic. Ask yourself (and answer) honestly about your motivation and goals so you can plan accordingly.
• Grow your network. Everyone knows someone, and forging connections in safe spaces like professional groups for members of marginalized populations can help you gather tools to reach a wider audience.
• Invest in your success. Gather a team of experts to help you develop content and secure visibility opportunities. Freeing yourself from the tactical gives you more room to be creative.

Whatever your mission–elevating recognition in your current role or looking for something new–the power in shaping who you are and how you are known lies in your hands.

Read more about the importance of building your professional brand in my recent Fast Company article.

In a world where stereotypes often shape our perceptions, Kimberly Mock defied expectations and pursued a remarkable career in the tech industry. Her story, from receiving a clarinet scholarship to working as a senior software engineer at Microsoft Research, Next, is a testament to her determination and passion for technology. In this blog post, we’ll explore Kimberly’s journey, her experiences in the defense and tech sectors, and her thoughts on the evolving tech landscape in Seattle.

The Early Years: A Small Town with Big Ambitions

Kimberly grew up in a quaint, one-stoplight town in Washington State. Unlike conventional gender stereotypes, her early experiences in school were quite unusual. In her middle and high school years, Kimberly found herself in classrooms where girls excelled and outnumbered boys across all subjects. This unique environment instilled confidence in her, allowing her to explore diverse subjects, including math, science, and music.

From Clarinet Scholar to Physics Enthusiast

While Kimberly initially pursued music with a clarinet scholarship, her curiosity led her down a different path. Her fascination with astronomy ignited a passion for physics, ultimately shaping her academic journey. Kimberly’s transition from music to science reflects her willingness to explore new horizons and the pivotal role early education can play in breaking gender stereotypes.

Navigating the Defense Sector: Algorithms for Ballistic Missile Defense

After completing her education, Kimberly embarked on a career in the defense industry, where she worked on cutting-edge projects, including algorithms for ballistic missile defense. Her role involved developing and implementing algorithms for crewless vehicles, pushing the boundaries of technology in a highly regulated and complex sector.

Embracing the Tech Boom in Seattle

Seattle’s tech landscape has significantly transformed, thanks to the emergence of tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft. Kimberly discusses how Seattle has evolved into a tech hub, attracting established companies, startups, and innovative projects. She highlights the increasing trend of collaboration between tech giants, emphasizing that competition must coexist with cooperation.

Microsoft Research: Where Innovation Thrives

Kimberly provides insights into her current role as a senior software engineer at Microsoft Research, Next. She describes her experiences working in an environment brimming with cutting-edge technology and brilliant minds. The blog post explores the unique aspects of Microsoft’s research division, where academic research evolves into real-world products.

Advocating for Women in Tech

Kimberly’s dedication to supporting women in tech shines through her involvement with organizations like “Women Who Code.” She shares her positive experience participating in a hackathon and its impact on her career. The blog post underscores the importance of these organizations in creating a supportive and inclusive tech community.

Ichiro’s Return: A Seattle Mariners Fan’s Perspective

Beyond her tech career, Kimberly reveals her passion for sports, particularly her excitement about Ichiro Suzuki’s return to the Seattle Mariners. As a devoted Mariners fan, she discusses the significance of Ichiro’s presence and the anticipation surrounding his comeback.

Breaking Stereotypes and Inspiring Change

Kimberly Mock’s journey from a small town to the tech epicenter of Seattle is a testament to her resilience and passion for innovation. Her story challenges stereotypes and serves as an inspiration to aspiring technologists, especially women in tech. By sharing her experiences, Kimberly encourages us to embrace change, explore diverse fields, and collaborate to shape the future of technology.