Glowing in Tech

ResLink Founders on the tech job market: how video resumes get 40% more interviews:

In this episode, Jessie and Shantelle welcome back Roxanne and Joanna to spotlight their groundbreaking new platform ResLink – the first video resume tool that's changing how candidates stand out in today's competitive job market. Fresh from their successful launch, the founders share how ResLink empowers job seekers to control their narrative beyond traditional resumes, with Joanna revealing that using video resumes increased her interview rate by 40%. The conversation explores how the platform reintroduces human connection to the hiring process, benefits both candidates and companies, and offers invaluable application insights through real-time analytics. Learn how this innovative approach is helping candidates make memorable first impressions while giving recruiters a clearer view of personality and fit before formal interviews. Go beyond the traditional job application and discover why even in a world of AI-generated resumes, showing your authentic self through video might be the competitive edge you need. 💼 Discover why traditional resumes are failing in today's AI-saturated job market 🎯 Learn how adding a 1-minute video to your application can increase interview rates by 40% 📊 Understand the data behind successful job applications and why timing matters 🔑 Get insider tips from founders who've mastered both sides of the hiring process As the first platform dedicated to video resumes, ResLink is challenging how we think about job applications. If you're tired of sending applications into the void or struggling to find the right talent for your team, this conversation is a must-watch. 📌 TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Welcome to Glowing in Tech 00:38 - What is ResLink and why video resumes matter 03:27 - How video resumes increased interviews by 40% 05:42 - The founding story behind ResLink 08:15 - Benefits for job seekers: controlling your narrative 11:23 - Benefits for companies: better candidate screening 14:06 - Reintroducing the human element to applications 17:51 - Reducing interview anxiety with video introductions 20:34 - Balancing multiple ventures as founders 23:18 - Data-driven product development approach 27:05 - Bringing startup expertise to a new venture 31:48 - Overcoming resistance to video resumes 35:22 - The future of job applications and final thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Beyond Coding: the Non-Technical Side of Tech with Tech Talk Founders

Jessie and Shantelle sit down with Roxanne and Joanna, the dynamic co-founders of Tech Talk, whose community has exploded to over 220,000 members across platforms. Discover how these two friends transformed their experiences in marketing, sales, and go-to-market strategy into a movement helping thousands break into the non-coding side of the tech industry. The message is clear: tech needs much more than coders. Marketing, sales, operations, customer success, and countless other non-technical roles are essential to company growth—and with the right approach, you can position yourself as the perfect candidate, even in 2025's challenging job market. The conversation delves into the dramatic shift in the tech job market post-pandemic, where remote work has flooded recruiters with thousands of applications for every position. Learn why simply submitting applications is no longer enough and how developing a multi-faceted strategy—including optimized LinkedIn profiles, strategic networking, and personal branding—has become essential for job seekers. Roxanne and Joanna share invaluable insights on positioning yourself for success, explaining why making it "easy for recruiters" to see your value is crucial in today's competitive landscape. They break down the significant differences between working at startups, scale-ups, and established tech companies, offering guidance on which environment might best suit different career stages and working styles. The hosts and guests also explore emerging trends in tech hiring, including the growing importance of online presence for customer-facing roles, the rise of AI-generated content in personal branding, and why culture fit has become the deciding factor in many hiring decisions. Whether you're looking to transition into tech from another industry, seeking to advance your current tech career, or simply curious about the non-technical opportunities in the technology sector, this episode provides actionable strategies from those who've successfully navigated these waters themselves. Timestamps: Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and meet our guests: Roxanne and Joanna 02:29 - The origin story of Tech Talk: Breaking the "tech = coding" assumption 05:53 - Building a tech community: Growth from 5,000 to 180,000+ followers 07:41 - The post-COVID job market: Too many applicants, not enough roles 09:53 - Job search strategies: Why cold applications alone don't work anymore 12:09 - Making recruiters' jobs easier: The "puzzle strategy" for applications 14:38 - Personal branding beyond LinkedIn: Internal reputation matters 16:00 - AI in personal branding: The automation of online presence 19:19 - Culture fit: The true deciding factor in hiring decisions 22:16 - Company size matters: Navigating startups vs. scale-ups vs. big tech 25:14 - The startup trade-off: Chaos, fires, and tremendous learning 27:44 - Big tech attraction: Prestige, safety, and compensation changes 30:00 - AI in applications: Helpful tool or harmful crutch? 32:15 - The rise of video resumes: Standing out in a crowded market 35:45 - Why impressive candidates still get rejected 39:00 - The hidden job market: How Roxanne landed a job that was never posted 42:46 - Why recruiters have stopped posting jobs publicly 45:00 - "Learn it all" vs. "Know it all": The mindset tech companies want 47:15 - Case studies: How companies really evaluate candidates 49:30 - Next episode preview Tech careers, non-coding tech jobs, personal branding, tech job market, startup careers, scale-up companies, tech networking, LinkedIn optimization, tech community, tech influencers, culture fit, job applications, tech recruitment, career transitions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Navigating Tech Cycles & VC Insights with Abi Mohammed

In this illuminating episode of Glowing in Tech, Shantelle and Jessie welcome back venture capital expert Abi Mohammed for a candid discussion about the ever-evolving tech landscape. Abi shares invaluable insights on post-pandemic market trends, funding challenges for underrepresented founders, and the shifting dynamics of tech valuations.Discover why certain tech platforms soared during lockdowns only to crash afterward (including a fascinating Clubhouse case study), while others built lasting success. Abi breaks down complex concepts like "down rounds" in accessible terms and offers practical advice for founders navigating today's uncertain economic climate.Whether you're building a startup, considering a career in venture capital, or interested in tech investment strategies, this episode delivers actionable knowledge from an industry insider. Abi emphasizes the importance of sustainable business models, authentic community building, and diversity in the VC space.Key topics include: Post-pandemic tech market analysis Funding strategies for underrepresented founders The rise and fall of pandemic-era tech solutions Creating sustainable business models Breaking into venture capital Building authentic tech communities Episode Highlights:00:00 Introduction00:20 Current Tech Industry State01:20 COVID-19's Impact on Startups03:32 Challenges for Underrepresented Founders04:38 Understanding Down Rounds05:39 Market Conditions & Consumer Behavior07:19 The Clubhouse Phenomenon11:20 Community Building in Tech12:42 Diversity in Venture Capital16:48 Advice for Founders and Aspiring VCs18:30 ConclusionNew episodes of Glowing in Tech release every Tuesday, featuring conversations with industry leaders sharing practical insights on technology, business growth, and investment strategies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Demystifying Venture Capital & Angel Investing with Abi Mohamed (Diversity VC)

Ever wondered how venture capital really works? In this illuminating episode, we're joined by Abi Mohammed, Community Lead at Diversity VC, who shares her incredible journey from software engineer to angel investor and champion for diversity in tech funding.Abi reveals how a chance 7AM networking event (and a crush!) led her to discover the world of venture capital, and how she co-founded an angel investment syndicate despite knowing almost nothing about investing at the time. With refreshing honesty and clarity, she breaks down complex investment concepts into terms anyone can understand.You'll learn the fundamental differences between angel investing and venture capital, what investors really look for when evaluating startups, and the hidden costs of investment that nobody talks about. Abi shares raw insights from reviewing over 300 founders to select just 4 deals, and explains why she left software engineering after facing discrimination to create more equitable pathways in tech.Whether you're a founder considering funding options, aspiring to work in VC, or simply curious about how investment shapes the technology we use every day, this episode offers valuable perspective from someone who's navigated the journey as an outsider and is now helping to transform the industry from within.Show Notes Abi's unexpected journey into venture capital The difference between angel investing and VC explained simply Understanding cap tables, dilution, and board dynamics Bootstrapping vs raising capital: which is right for your business? How Abi created the Libra program at Tech Nation to support underrepresented founders Success stories of diverse founders securing venture funding Resources Mentioned Venture Deals (book recommended for understanding VC terminology) Future VC program - https://www.diversity.vc/ Libra program for underrepresented founders (now under Founder Forum) Community Growth Ventures (angel investment syndicate) Andy Ayim's Angel School Connect With Us Follow Abi: LinkedIn (Abi Mohammed), Instagram (@TeamAbii) Follow Glowing in Tech: @GlowinginTech on Twitter/X, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn TagsVenture Capital, Angel Investing, Women in Tech, Diversity in VC, Startup Funding, Female Founders, Tech Careers, Entrepreneurship, Black Women in Tech, UK Tech Scene, Inclusive InvestingTimestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Abi Mohamed and Diversity VC01:17 Abi's unexpected journey into venture capital03:27 What is angel investing vs venture capital explained05:38 Due diligence process and evaluating startup potential08:58 Understanding cap tables and investment terminology for beginners13:56 The different stages of venture funding explained16:11 Bootstrapping vs venture scaling - which is right for your business?18:47 Transitioning from engineering to investing after facing discrimination21:16 Creating opportunities for underrepresented founders through Tech Nation24:40 Success stories from the Libra program for diverse founders Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Navigating 2025's Tech Landscape + Job Market with STEM Babe

We welcome back award-winning tech professional Yemurai to discuss the current state of the tech industry. In this insightful conversation, we explore:How the tech job market differs from 2020-2021, particularly for entry-level versus senior rolesThe challenges of breaking into tech in today's competitive environmentWhy networking has become essential for landing tech jobs in the current marketPractical networking tips for introverts and beginnersThe importance of building your LinkedIn presence and personal brandBalancing online visibility with privacy and safety concerns as a tech professionalWhether you're looking to break into tech, advance your career, or build meaningful industry connections, this episode offers valuable advice from someone who successfully navigated a "squiggly career" from chemistry to cybersecurity.Don't miss this candid discussion about the realities of today's tech landscape and actionable strategies for success!Please give us a review wherever you're listening, let us know your thoughts by sending us a message, we want to hear from you! Timestamps:0:00 - Welcome and introduction to Yemurai1:23 - The current state of the tech job market2:45 - Entry-level challenges vs. senior opportunities4:18 - Web3 and blockchain: Then vs. now6:02 - How long does it really take to break into tech?7:30 - Why networking is non-negotiable for job seekers9:15 - The secret weapon: Working with recruiters10:48 - How AI is changing recruitment strategies12:30 - Networking tips for introverts15:04 - Setting realistic networking goals16:42 - "Your network is your net worth"17:25 - Balancing online visibility with privacy19:53 - Building a powerful LinkedIn presence22:17 - Simple ways to start your LinkedIn journey24:05 - Final thoughts and where to find YemuraiNotable Quotes"Your network is your net worth." - Yemurai"I think from an entry level perspective, it is incredibly challenging... But I know from a senior level and mid-entry level, there's a lot of opportunity once already working within the industry." - Yemurai"Even if you're not necessarily seeing the immediate benefits... it's those warm introductions. Somebody's seen your post, they recognize your name, they've seen your face. It just makes you stand out above the people that have sent the CVs that have got the exact same trajectory as you thus far." - JessiePractical TakeawaysGo beyond the CV: In today's competitive market, networking is non-negotiable for breaking into techStart small with networking: Begin with online events if you're nervous, observe before participatingWork with recruiters: Even entry-level candidates can benefit from recruiter relationshipsDocument your journey: Use LinkedIn to share your experiences attending events and learningSet realistic networking goals: Aim for quality connections rather than quantityMaintain privacy boundaries: Be strategic about what personal information you share onlineLeverage in-person events: As AI makes perfect CVs easier to create, face-to-face connections become more valuableAbout YemuraiYemurai has successfully navigated a career transition from chemistry to cybersecurity, winning recognition from We Are Tech Women along the way. She maintains a thoughtful approach to her online presence, balancing professional visibility with personal privacy, and actively shares entry-level tech opportunities through her platforms.Resources MentionedWe Are Tech Women awardsIndustry events and recruitment networking opportunitiesLinkedIn as a career development platformRenee Louise - BlaqByteConnect With Us and let us know your thoughts! @GlowinginTech across all social platforms Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices