“I might just keep feeling invisible if I don’t speak.” That thought ran through Amanda Di Dio’s mind in a pivotal meeting, and she decided to speak.

On Women in Tech Trailblazers, Tiffany Benitez talks with the co-founder of Optimistic Design about the real work of finding your voice and using it. Our guest has led high-performing teams, partnered with big names like the Gates Foundation, and built a reputation for translating complex challenges into clear, actionable strategies.

Amanda shares how empathy and curiosity guide her leadership, and why she believes creating safe, human-centered spaces should be as valued as any technical milestone.

She reflects on breaking into tech at a time when everything was moving fast, from the first wave of mobile apps to new ways of delivering software. Along the way came lessons in navigating personalities, building trust, and knowing when to step forward.

Amanda also opens up about the quiet expectation for women to carry extra emotional labor and the impact of hearing, “You don’t need to take that on.” That one sentence, she says, was a turning point.

Here are the key takeaways:

(2:10) Breaking “move fast” mindset

(8:02) The value of speaking both business and tech

(16:03) The meeting that changed everything

(20:16) The ripple effect of using your voice

(22:50) The power of reaching out to strangers

(25:01) Why most jobs are filled through relationships

(26:03) One small moment can change someone’s value

If you have ever felt like your ideas were overlooked or your voice was not being heard, this conversation will give you the push to speak up. Press play, take the leap, and pass it along to someone who needs the reminder.

About Amanda Di Dio

Amanda Di Dio is the co-founder of Optimistic Design with over 12 years of experience in education, healthcare, technology, and social impact. She works at the intersection of product strategy, design research, and implementation, turning complex challenges into clear plans. Amanda has partnered with organizations such as the Gates Foundation and Renaissance Learning to create solutions grounded in real-world needs, fostering collaboration and keeping people at the center of the work.

Connect with Amanda:

LinkedIn

About Tiffany Benitez

Tiffany Benitez leads Data Governance at Compass Group USA, ensuring data quality, integrity, and compliance across all business units. She is passionate about driving data excellence and advancing women in tech and STEM.

Connect with Host:

Tiffany’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, we’re back with another powerful episode of Women in Tech Trailblazers, and this one is a whole mindset shift. Tiffany Benitez sits down with Dr. Astha Purohit, Director of Product at Walmart and an absolute force in AI and retail tech. From medicine to McKinsey to machine learning, Astha’s career path is anything but typical, and that’s precisely what makes it so real.

Astha also talks about why so many women struggle to take up space in rooms they've already earned the right to be in. She gets real about staying quiet in meetings early in her career and the advice that changed everything. "Why are you assuming everybody knows what you're working on if you don't say anything?" One mentor's comment flipped the whole script.

She further breaks down how building confidence isn’t about flipping a switch. It’s reps. “Celebrate the reps more than the wins. The output will show up when it has to.” This is for every listener who’s ever doubted themselves after a tough week or a quiet meeting.

Here are the key takeaways:

(2:45) What authenticity really looks like

(3:54) Women, support, and staying grounded

(6:41) Redefining analytical thinking and people skills

(9:51) Fear of pivoting: why it holds so many back

(11:41) What gender equality means

(15:00) Why confidence isn’t bragging

(18:43) Building confidence: the small steps that work

(22:21) Motivation: how to keep going when you’re tired

(23:54) Measure your input, not the outcome

So here’s the question: What would it look like if you were having fun while building the career you want? Tune in to hear how Astha built hers step by step and why kindness is her most significant leadership flex. Share this one with a friend, and don’t forget to subscribe, because the next move mindset might just be yours too.

About Astha Purohit

Dr. Astha Purohit is the Director of Product Management at Walmart, leading digital identity and privacy initiatives powered by AI and machine learning. She holds an MBA from MIT Sloan and previously worked as a consultant at McKinsey. Astha has advised Fortune 500 companies on innovation in retail and technology. She also serves on the boards of the MIT Alumni Association and Emory Rollins School of Public Health.

Connect with Astha:

LinkedIn

About Tiffany Benitez

Tiffany Benitez leads Data Governance at Compass Group USA, ensuring data quality, integrity, and compliance across all business units. She is passionate about driving data excellence and advancing women in tech and STEM.

Connect with Host:

Tiffany’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.

Today’s episode is short, but it’s full of heart. Jordan is stepping back from the mic, and we wanted to have an honest conversation about why.

It’s not easy to walk away from something you care deeply about, but sometimes it’s exactly what’s needed.

We talk about seasons, grace, boundaries, and what it means to support one another when things shift. This space has always been about authenticity, and that doesn’t stop here.

The podcast continues, and Jordan’s presence will always be felt. Thank you for being part of this journey with us.

About Tiffany Benitez & Jordan Franklin

Tiffany Benitez leads Data Governance at Compass Group USA, ensuring data quality, integrity, and compliance across all business units. She is passionate about driving data excellence and advancing women in tech and STEM.

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

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffany-benitez-csm-safe-itil-65ba64126/

Jordan’s LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/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.