#258 Empowering Women in Tech: A Conversation with Coco Brown

Reinvent Yourself

"Reinvention is not a straight path; it's a journey of unexpected turns and newfound opportunities," says Coco Brown, the founder and CEO of Athena Alliance. In this episode of the Reinvent Yourself podcast, CoveyClub founder Lesley Jane Seymour chats with Brown about her remarkable journey from a psychology major to a leading figure in the tech industry. Learn how she leveraged her passion for people and engineering to climb the corporate ladder, navigate the challenges of being a woman in tech, and ultimately create a platform that empowers women to achieve their executive career goals. Whether you're looking to pivot your career, break into the tech industry, or find inspiration for your next big move, Brown’s story offers invaluable insights and practical advice.

Bio:

Coco Brown is the founder and CEO of Athena Alliance, an organization dedicated to helping women advance their executive careers and secure board positions. With over 30 years of experience in Silicon Valley, Coco has a unique perspective on career development and the importance of building a diverse portfolio of impact.

Timestamps:

• (02:35) - Coco Brown's personal reinvention
• (03:58) - A woman building websites and doing other tech-related jobs
• (04:56) - How psychology and business intersected to form Athena Alliance
• (08:14) - Athena Alliance was founded in 2005 to help women get on tech boards
• (13:50) - Does Brown still do work of getting women on boards?
• (19:47) - Why do we still use the word retirement?
• (21:03) - Brown's tips and tricks for following her reinvention

Key Points:

• Reinvention often involves unexpected career pivots and leveraging diverse skill sets.
• Building a diverse portfolio of impact is crucial for long-term career success.
• Women should embrace a holistic approach to career development, beyond the traditional corporate ladder.
• Believing in your potential and taking incremental steps can lead to significant achievements.

Links and Resources:

• Visit Athena Alliance
• Connect with Coco Brown on LinkedIn
• Explore Covey Club

If you found this episode inspiring, please follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. For more resources and community support, join us at CoveyClub.com. Until next time, keep reinventing!