EP14: Balancing Act: Women in Tech and Work-Life Integration

#womenintechtrailblazerspodcast #womenempowerment #careerwomen #womenintech #women #techworld #SydneyJohnson

Hey Trailblazers! Welcome back to another episode of the "Women in Tech Trailblazers" podcast with Tiffany Benitez and Jordan Franklin. Today, we’re thrilled to have Sydney Johnson joining us. Sydney is a fresh face in the tech world, coming from a background in hospitality, and she’s here to share her journey of stepping into a new industry and finding her footing.
We kick things off by diving into what it’s like for Sydney as a woman entering the male-dominated tech industry. She’s candid about the challenges, including the ever-present imposter syndrome. Sydney’s got some real talk for anyone who’s ever felt out of place—she reminds us all that everyone starts at zero, and it’s okay not to have all the answers right away.

But that’s not all. We also get into the nitty-gritty of work-life balance, or as Sydney calls it, “effective juggling.” She’s got a unique take on how to manage a demanding career while staying true to what matters most outside of work. From starting her day at 5 AM with a solid routine to making sure she’s not sacrificing life for work, Sydney’s approach is something we can all learn from!

And let’s not forget about mentorship. Sydney shares how a chance connection with a coworker changed her career path and how she’s now passionate about paying it forward. She’s all about helping other women find their place in tech, just like she did.

Here are the key takeaways:
(00:00) Intro
(1:49) What does authenticity truly mean in the workplace?
(3:59) The importance of recognizing your early career value.
(6:53) Why are women still underrepresented in tech?
(9:30) The hidden cost of sacrificing for work
(14:03) How important is it to figure out what makes you tick?
(16:07) Is the 85-hour workweek a myth of productivity?
(17:01) How do you stand out without cutting others down?
(20:03) The secret to succeeding without competing

Sydney Johnson is proof that you don’t need to follow a straight path to success. Tune in to hear her story, and who knows—you might just find the inspiration to take that next big step in your own journey. Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and keep an eye out for more stories from the trailblazers who are redefining tech.

About Sydney Johnson

Sydney Johnson is an account manager at TEKsystems, specializing in digital technology solutions. She graduated from the University of Arkansas in 2023, where she developed a strong passion for community and local businesses. Outside of work, Sydney is the author of The College Girl's Guide to Fayetteville, AR, a contributing writer for Fayetteville City Lifestyle magazine, and an avid food and coffee enthusiast.

Connect with Sydney:
Linkedin:   / sydney-johnson-17699320a  

About Tiffany Benitez & Jordan Franklin

Tiffany Benitez leads IT Applications at Tyson Foods, focusing on Product & Agile methodologies and promoting the advancement of women in tech and STEM areas.

Jordan Franklin, CEO of Gumption and Stratice, is revolutionizing the job market with behavioral AI, making talent acquisition efficient. For three years, she's been celebrated as a top staffing influencer.

Connect with Hosts:

Tiffany’s LinkedIn:   / tiffany-benitez-csm-safe-itil-65ba64126  
Jordan’s LinkedIn:   / jordan-franklin-841a223b  

Disclaimer

This podcast is for informational purposes only. The content should be taken as something other than professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with professionals regarding specific situations or concerns.