Hey Trailblazers! Welcome back to another powerful episode of "Women in Tech Trailblazers." Tiffany Benitez and Jordan Franklin are here, and today, we’re diving deep into a topic that matters—emotional intelligence in tech. Our guest, Kasturi Joglekar, also known as KJ, brings a wealth of knowledge from her role as a Product Manager at Walmart and as a certified self-image and confidence coach.
KJ shares her unique journey into tech, a path that wasn’t exactly planned but shaped her career in unexpected ways. From sociology to cybersecurity, Kasturi talks about navigating imposter syndrome and learning to trust her skills, no matter the environment. “Sometimes, life is about saying yes to opportunities,” KJ tells us, reflecting on how confidence in her abilities helped her thrive in spaces where she once felt out of place.
In this episode, we also tackle the hard stuff—biases and the challenges of being a woman in tech. Kasturi opens up about the biases she faced as an immigrant and woman of color and how mentorship played a key role in overcoming those barriers. “Women often get labeled as difficult just for asking questions,” she says, and it’s a reality many of us know too well.
Here are the key takeaways:
(2:02) Can authenticity exist without vulnerability?
(6:50) Why should you bank on your skills in tough situations?
(7:37) How do transferable skills help you stand out?
(8:46) Is self-awareness the skill everyone needs in tech?
(10:02) Can bias be silent but still impact your career?
(10:40) Is being assertive as a woman still seen as “difficult”?
(13:28) How do we talk about bias without making it awkward?
(16:55) How does EQ help build teams that stick together?
(22:43) Is EQ something you’re born with, or can it be taught?
(27:53) Should more women leaders be mentoring men?
(32:51) How can paying it forward create a ripple of change?
Tune in to hear Kasturi’s insightful thoughts on emotional intelligence, building inclusive teams, and the power of paying it forward. Ready to challenge the status quo in your own career? Don’t miss this episode—subscribe, share, and let’s keep the conversation going.
About Kasturi Joglekar
Kasturi Joglekar is a Staff Product Manager at Walmart, working in the tech finance sector. She holds master’s degrees in sociology and advertising and marketing. Kasturi is also an entrepreneur and a certified confidence and self-image coach, helping people overcome limiting beliefs. She lives in Bentonville with her husband, her nine-year-old son, and two fur babies, enjoying her free time with a cup of chai and a good book.
Connect with Kasturi:
Linkedin
Website
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
Jordan’s LinkedIn
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.
