Work Self vs. Authentic Self: Finding Balance

Episode Description

In this episode, Mollie and Claire interview Sara Wachter-Boettcher, a leadership coach, speaker, and author who is the CEO of Active Voice, a company focused on creating bold leaders and better workplaces in design and tech. The conversation covers:

• Sara's career journey and transition from consulting to founding Active Voice

• The challenges faced by product teams and designers in balancing their values with business priorities

• The importance of setting boundaries and maintaining a sense of identity beyond one's job

• Fostering psychological safety within teams

• Advice for newcomers entering the tech industry amidst ongoing changes and uncertainties.

  
  

Sara Wachter-Boettcher: LinkedIn
Active Voice Website

Show Notes

(01:08) - Guest Introduction
Sara is introduced as the guest, and her background as a leadership coach, speaker, author, and CEO of Active Voice is highlighted.
(02:17) - Sara's Career Journey
Sara shares her career journey, starting as a web writer, transitioning into content strategy and UX work, building a team at an agency, and eventually moving into consulting.
(04:09) - Founding Active Voice
Sara discusses the motivation behind founding Active Voice, stemming from her observations of people struggling to find their voice and power within organizations.
(06:31) - Work-Life Balance and Identity
The conversation explores the challenges of maintaining a healthy work-life balance, the tendency to wrap one's identity around work, and the importance of separating personal identity from professional roles.
(10:23) - Navigating Gender Biases
Sara shares her experiences navigating gender biases in the workplace, the double standards women face in tech, and strategies for asserting oneself while maintaining authenticity.
(16:33) - Fostering Psychological Safety
The discussion focuses on fostering psychological safety within teams, the role of leaders in creating a safe environment for vulnerability, and the importance of open communication and setting boundaries.
(21:21) - Work Pressures in the Tech Industry
Sara addresses common challenges faced by individuals in the tech industry, such as the pressure to prioritize metrics over human-centered values, the dissonance between personal beliefs and organizational priorities, and the need for self-awareness and boundary-setting.
(28:48) - Sara's Biggest Challenges
Sara reflects on her challenges, including setting boundaries, communicating effectively, and building mutually beneficial working relationships.
(34:47) - Advice for Newcomers to Tech
Sara offers advice for newcomers entering the tech industry, emphasizing the importance of accepting change, maintaining a sense of identity beyond work, and finding ways to express personal values both within and outside of one's job.