Hey Trailblazers! Get ready for another thrilling episode of Women in Tech Trailblazers. Tiffany Benitez and Jordan Franklin here, and today, we’re diving into the inspiring story of Tharuna Niranjan, Senior Director of Payments and Fraud at Walmart Global Tech. From launching iconic platforms like YouTube Premium to empowering women in tech, Tharuna’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary.

We kick things off with a heartfelt conversation about authenticity. What does it mean to truly own your story? For Tharuna, it’s about “having the courage to live your story” while embracing vulnerability and empowerment. She doesn’t just talk about authenticity; she lives it, creating spaces where others can shine, too.

Then, we tackle one of the biggest challenges in tech: being underestimated. Tharuna shares how she navigated a male-dominated industry by letting her technical expertise speak for itself. “Leave egos at the door,” she says, focusing on what truly matters: solving complex problems and building credibility.

Networking is the heart of this episode. But here’s the twist: Tharuna believes in selective networking. Forget adding endless connections on LinkedIn! She’s all about nurturing relationships that align with your goals and values. Her strategy? “Help your network help you.”

Mentorship and leadership also take center stage. Tharuna’s philosophy of calling out quiet voices in a room and giving them space is a masterclass in servant leadership. It’s not just about rising through the ranks; it’s about lifting others as you climb.

Here are the key takeaways:

(3:51) What Does Authenticity Look Like?

(4:43) The Power of a Village

(5:46) Strengths, Weaknesses, and Self-Growth

(7:35) Why Ego Doesn’t Belong in Tech

(9:34) Finding Role Models Who Inspire You

(12:12) Hushing Imposter Syndrome Through Action

(14:47) Selective Networking That Works

(21:11) Why Leadership Is a Shared Responsibility

(25:53) Why should you avoid big asks early on?

(27:43) How to Beat the Resume Black Hole

(29:11) The Mantra for Grabbing Opportunities

So, what’s her advice to aspiring leaders? “Say yes first, then say no.” Opportunities don’t come with guarantees, but by staying open and curious, you’ll discover what truly aligns with your path.

What if building a stronger community in tech started with you? What steps will you take to embrace your journey and uplift those around you? Don’t miss this episode.! Tune in, subscribe, and share it with your circle. Together, we can make a difference.

About Tharuna Niranjan

Tharuna Niranjan is the Senior Director of Payments and Fraud Intelligence at Walmart Global Tech, where she leads strategy and engineering initiatives. With over 20 years of experience in tech, she has built and scaled complex systems, including launching products like YouTube Premium during her time at Google and YouTube. She is passionate about mentoring women in technology and actively supports organizations like TechBridge Girls and Girls Who Code.

Connect with Tharuna:

Linkedin

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.

Hey Trailblazers! It’s another day with another amazing guest here on Women in Tech Trailblazers! Tiffany Benitez and Jordan Franklin are thrilled to bring you Ashley Cerda—a mental health professional, CEO, and a master at helping people rediscover themselves. Buckle up because we’re diving into what it means to truly prioritize mental wellness.

We start with a conversation about burnout. Raise your hand if you’ve ever felt drained and thought, “Maybe this isn’t for me.” Ashley’s been there and gets it. “I thought I didn’t love being a therapist. Turns out, I just didn’t love it while burned out,” she shares. Her story of stepping back and rediscovering her passion will resonate with anyone who’s ever needed to hit pause.

And let’s talk authenticity—Ashley’s got wisdom for days on this. “Unapologetically, authentically you,” she says, is the ultimate goal. She explains how being yourself can lead to deeper, more meaningful connections with others, and let’s just say we’re here for it!

But it’s not all theory—Ashley shares practical tips for making your mental health a priority. From finding small moments of joy to embracing gratitude and trying new things, her approach is both refreshing and actionable. Oh, and we learned that even writing a to-do list can release as much dopamine as...well, you’ll have to tune in to find out.

Here are the key takeaways:

(2:00) The secret to unlocking your authentic self

(3:00) Are you the black sheep, or just in the wrong crowd?

(5:26) How do you know when you’re burned out?

(8:14) How do dopamine sparks prevent burnout?

(9:23) What happens when you let go of the “perfect life”?

(10:43) How do you find your core values?

(11:36) The checklist hack that makes goal-setting a breeze

(12:56) Why women struggle to move beyond relational roles

(16:02) How to get a Dopamine Boost

(18:36) How do you figure out what really matters in life?

(19:13) The Power of Boundaries in Building Deeper Connections

(21:33) Why does finding your tribe matters for mental health?

(23:07) How does self-discovery unlock your full potential?

(23:59) How Tiny Habits Spark Big Mental Health Benefits

Take a moment today to reflect on your own mental health journey. How are you filling your cup? Join us for this powerful conversation and don’t forget to subscribe, share, and spread the word. We’ve got more trailblazing guests on the way!

About Ashley Cerda

Ashley Cerda, PhD, is the Chief Executive Officer at Curated Health and a licensed professional counselor with over a decade of experience in mental health and substance abuse treatment. She specializes in addiction, eating disorders, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, and hypnotherapy. Ashley focuses on helping clients create meaningful changes through a collaborative therapeutic process. She emphasizes the importance of a strong therapist-client connection in fostering growth and healing.

Connect with Ashley:

Linkedin

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.

Hey Trailblazers! Welcome back to Women in Tech Trailblazers with your hosts, Tiffany Benitez and Jordan Franklin. Today, we’re thrilled to welcome Mark Macioce, Vice President and CIO of Masco Corporation. Mark’s journey spans over two decades in technology, leadership, and mentorship, and he’s here to share what it takes to shape the leaders of tomorrow.

We kick things off with authenticity. For Mark, it’s about consistency: “The person you are in a meeting should be the same person you are at home—transparency builds trust.” His take is refreshingly practical and deeply relatable.

The conversation gets even better as we dive into mentorship. Mark explains why supporting peers is just as important as formal leadership. “Collaboration and trust aren’t top-down—they’re grown among peers,” he says.

He also highlights the need for leaders to ensure environments where no one feels silenced, especially women. Despite having all the credentials, many feel overshadowed without proper support and actionable platforms. His stories about breaking down biases and amplifying voices will leave you thinking about the role we all play in creating inclusive spaces.

But it doesn’t stop there. Mark shares his insights on the next generation of leaders. Bold, candid, and community-focused, they’re changing the game, and Mark believes it’s time companies caught up. “The young talent is not settling for roles without purpose—they’re asking what we’re doing for the bigger picture.”

Here are the key takeaways:

(2:55) Are you showing up authentically in every role?

(5:01) How are next-gen leaders challenging entitlement?

(5:59) Why retention is no longer about paychecks.

(8:27) What does cross-interviewing mean for modern hiring?

(10:15) Why does imposter syndrome persist despite credentials?

(11:51) How does bias impact everyday workplace interactions?

(14:27) The power of peer support in workplace culture.

(17:07) What does “paying it forward” mean in professional growth?

(18:52) How toxic leadership destroys even the best workplaces.

(22:37) Why is two-way mentorship more impactful than one-way guidance?

(24:47) The leadership networks that are changing the game.

(27:00) The secret to creating a sustainable leadership impact.

This episode is packed with inspiration, practical advice, and a whole lot of heart. Hit play, subscribe, and share this one with someone who’s ready to step up. Let’s keep blazing those trails!

About Mark Macioce

Mark Macioce is the Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Masco Corporation, a global company specializing in home improvement and building products. With over 24 years of experience in technology, he has worked across industries including industrial manufacturing, consumer goods, and media. Mark holds a bachelor’s degree in Management of Information Systems from Pennsylvania State University and a master’s in Computer Science and Engineering from Gannon University. He also serves on the boards of Civista Bank and Ohio Guidestone.

Connect with Mark:

Linkedin

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.