Summary: 

On today’s episode of Elevate Your Career, Nicole talks to Rachel Lockett, C-suite executive coach, keynote speaker and acclaimed author of “The Technology Doesn’t Matter: Prioritizing the People in IT Business Alignment,” where she unpacks the intricacies of leadership and collaboration to align technology and business. Rachel shares her journey from a high school actress to a seasoned IT professional and eventually becoming the CIO for the Polaroid companies. Initially determined to pursue acting, she later turned her attention to computers, recognizing a more stable career path. Rachel humorously notes her ability to incorporate her marathon-running experience into conversations and reflects on her past as a radio disc jockey.

Her career in IT began unexpectedly when she was hired as a programmer, a job she felt unqualified for but ultimately excelled in, staying with the company for 14 years. Rachel candidly discusses her experiences with imposter syndrome, her approach to learning and growth, and the importance of leaning into challenges. She details how she became the CIO of Polaroid, emphasizing the power of courageous humility and the importance of mentorship. She shares insights into leadership, particularly the value of seeing fellow supervisors and managers as teammates rather than competitors.

Nicole and Rachel also discuss the correlation between autistic tendencies and interests in IT, shedding light on gender disparities and the high turnover in the industry. She highlights the need for business leaders to understand and accommodate neurodiversity to enhance productivity and inclusion. 

Join Nicole and Rachel for this enlightening conversation about career elevation and building trusting and effective relationships with fellow leaders.

Enjoy!

What You Will Learn In This Show:

• Rachel’s journey from a passion for acting to a fulfilling career in IT, driven by a desire for a stable and successful life.
• Embracing challenges, the phenomenon of imposter syndrome, and how taking risks led to career advancement.
• The challenge IT leaders face in being fully included in executive teams and the business side of operations.
• The impact of neurodiversity on the gender gap and turnover rates in IT.
• And so much more…

Quotes:

“I think I’d like to do something with a higher statistical probability of being able to afford a house and drive a car and eat food.” – (Rachel Lockett)

“When you feel that uncomfortable feeling in the pit of your stomach… that’s when you’re learning.” – (Rachel Lockett)

“I’ve been determined to understand the root causes of the gender gap in IT.” – (Rachel Lockett)

“You’re not going to be promoted by outperforming your peers; you’re going to be promoted, more likely, when you’re supported and lifted up by your peers.” -(Rachel Lockett)

” I’ve always had this attitude and this approach of just jumping in and figuring it out and not being afraid to learn something new, maybe fail.” – (Rachel Lockett)

Resources:

Nicole’s LinkedIn

The Technology Doesn’t Matter book

Rachel’s LinkedIn

Rachel’s Website

Podcast: