Women in Tech: Navigating Work-Life Challenges

For anyone working in today's fast-paced science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields, visibility, authenticity and connection are no longer mandatory; they are necessary. But there are limited resources for STEM professionals, especially women who want to express themselves fully, build meaningful connections, and lead with confidence.

To help IEEE Women in Engineering (WIE) recently launched a podcast series that provides inspiration and information from experts around the world to spark change.

The goal of this series is to expand the diverse experiences of women in STEM fields. Through candid conversations and expert insights, the podcast goes beyond technical conversations and explores the human side of innovation, combating burnout, balancing career ambitions with well-being and building a successful and sustainable career.

This series is a volunteer and staff initiative.

“In the early days of planning, our vision was just a spark shared by passionate volunteers committed to shaping every episode and guest experience,” says Geetika Tandonco-chairman IEEE HOW TO podcast subcommittee. “Watching our podcast grow from early conversations to a vibrant reality has been truly rewarding. We look forward to expanding it further.”

“I’m really glad that we brought the drawings to life on our board and in our planners,” says Kelly Himwho is also a co-chair.

New episodes published on the third Wednesday of every month.

Navigating Dual Career Dynamics

Main episode of the podcast: “Moms who innovate“, which debuted in May, features candid conversations with two executive coaches, authors and TEDx speakers. Princess Iloeje-Udeogalanyais the founder African women in STEMwhich provides training, mentoring and networking opportunities. Cassie Leonard is an experienced aerospace industry specialist who founded ELMM coaching. Leonard offers personalized advice to professionals looking to advance their careers and achieve a better work-life balance. She is the author STEM Moms: Design, Build, and Test to Create the Work Life of Your Dreamsa book that helps women, drawing on her experience as a working mother.

Onu, who moderated the episode, spoke with Iloeje-Udeogalanya and Leonard about the ebbs and flows of motherhood while building a career. Both guests shared how their engineering backgrounds influenced their approach to motherhood and society. They emphasized the importance of creating a support system that makes the busier times of life more manageable.

Leonard said she “designed her neighborhood” and shares responsibilities for driving children to school, after-school care and other daily tasks.

“As the podcast series grows, our mission is to highlight the real-life adventures (and occasional misadventures) of women in STEM. We want to share late-night brainstorms, coffee-fuelled discoveries, and the moment someone finally figures out how to unmute themselves on virtual meeting platforms.” —Gitika Tandon

According to the duo, innovation for moms is not only about professional success, but also about creating a community that will help them thrive.

June episode, “Global Perspectives on Women in STEM,“under Tandon's leadership, they offered practical strategies to address work-life balance issues. Sanyogita Shamsundertechnical director of a telecommunications company Geolinks in San Francisco, Tandon explored the diverse perspectives of women around the world.

Tends to AlghamdiA wireless communication researcher in King Abdullah University of Science and TechnologyV Saudi Arabiaand an IEEE graduate student led the August series: “PIE Framework: Presence, Image, and Prominence for STEM Professionals” Alghamdi spoke with Jahnavi Brennerexecutive coach and former engineer who explained the PIE model, which challenges the long-held belief that technical skills alone are enough to advance your career.

Brenner said professionals must strategically build an authentic personal brand that will determine how they are perceived by their peers and how visible they are within their networks and industry. She said this is especially important for women and underrepresented groups, who often face systemic barriers to recognition and advancement.

October issue”,Work-life balance in a STEM career”, which explores the challenges parents face raising a family while working full-time. Abinaya Inbamanimentor who contributed to successful implementation Internet of Things systems used for intelligent healthcare, renewable energyAnd cybersecurity.

She spoke about the stressful logistical and emotional toll of balancing a demanding career with parenting responsibilities.

Listeners also learned time management strategies and boundary-setting techniques, such as reframing guilt as a reminder of caring and responsibility rather than failure; Recognizing that it is okay to procrastinate from time to time rather than experience unhealthy stress; and organizing the day with clear boundaries between work and home.

“We don’t have to do it all,” Inbamani said. “Sometimes balance is simply choosing what is most important in the moment.”

What's next for the podcast?

According to Tandon and Onu, the upcoming episodes will focus on being real parents, setting boundaries in a stressful environment and redefining success on your own terms.

In the works on an episode dedicated to a technological pioneer. Nimisha Morkonda Gnanasekaranwhich was recognized IEEE Computer Society like one of his Top 30 Early Career Specialists this year. She is the director data science and advanced analytics on Western Digitalbased in San Jose, California.

In another episode, according to Tandon and Onu, there will be a conversation with Cynthia Kaneauthor The Pause Principle: How to Stay Cool in Difficult Situationson how to have difficult conversations in the workplace without zoning out or losing your cool. According to Tandon and Onu, the episode will explore critical issues and career challenges faced by women. A study that found 50 percent of women leave STEM careers within five years.

Global reach and influence of the podcast

IEEE WIE sees the impact the podcast has on listeners. Some say they listen not only to advice, but also to communication with others. Others say the podcast makes them feel like they're not alone in their struggles and career aspirations.

Most listeners are in Canada, India, JapanSaudi Arabia, Türkiye and United States. Onu says he hopes the audience will expand to include more countries.

“I hope this podcast travels across continents and into headphones everywhere, and becomes a trusted companion in women's STEM journeys, cheering them on as they solve equations, overcome barriers, and maybe even invent a robot that makes the perfect coffee,” says Tandon. “As the podcast series grows, our mission is to shine a light on the real-life adventures (and occasional misadventures) of women in STEM. We want to share late-night brainstorms, coffee-fueled discoveries, and the moment someone finally figures out how to unmute virtual meeting platforms.”

Through personal stories, inspiring journeys and a parade of extraordinary leaders who have overcome obstacles, IEEE WIE celebrates the tenacity, wit, and talent of women in STEM.

Whether you're a student just starting your journey in STEM, a mid-career professional seeking clarity, or a leader looking to give back to your profession, the podcast offers a space for shared learning, reflection, and growth.