Women Coders Inclusive Org - San Diego

Technical? Non-Technical? Both! ~ Presented by Andrea Goulet
As humans, we love to categorize the world around us. It helps us make sense of complexity and make quick decisions. But these identity boxes can become confining. They limit our ideas of what we are capable of and can lead to rivalries that get in the way of collaboration, creativity, and innovation.

In this inspirational talk, Andrea Goulet, a noted expert on empathy and communication in the software industry, will focus on one false binary that runs rampant in tech companies — the “soft skill” / ”hard skill” divide. She’ll share her personal journey and provide concrete ideas for helping you break free from five frustration factors: social conditioning, perfectionism, confidence gaps, fixed mindset, and imposter syndrome. Whether you call yourself “good with machines” or “good with people,” this is one talk you won’t want to miss.

By exploring the complex nature of technical skills and identity, attendees will learn how to:

• Examine a variety of influences that contribute to their self concept
• Explore the consequences and validity of framing technical skills as “either/or”
• Incorporate flexible thinking skills that are critical for perspective taking
• Reflect inward on the congruence between internal beliefs and external evidence
• Adjust personal narratives to align with new experiences and learnings

🌟 ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Andrea Goulet helps scientific and technical people strengthen their communication through an experiment-driven approach rooted in systems thinking. Her work gives analytical minds a structured way to test, refine, and trust their communication skills in complex, real-world environments.

Over the past 25 years, Andrea has co-founded and scaled a multimillion-dollar software company, built communication systems that generated billions in revenue, taught more than 100,000 learners worldwide, and delivered keynotes at conferences and companies around the globe. She specializes in translating complex human dynamics into practical tools technical minds can use to communicate clearly, influence effectively, and collaborate with confidence.

🌎 LOCATION
Online! RSVP is required to receive the Zoom link. The link will be made available 1–2 days prior to the event. Make sure you have a Zoom account set up ahead of time and that your RSVP name here matches your Zoom profile name so we can admit you into the meeting.

⏰ AGENDA
6:00pm – 6:10pm – Welcome and Introductions
6:10pm – 6:55pm – Presentation
6:55pm – 7:30pm – Open Discussion + Q&A

👩🏻‍💻 About Women Coders Inclusive Org - San Diego
(formerly Women Who Code San Diego)
Our mission is to empower a diverse community of women to excel in technology careers. We host events designed to inspire and support all members in their professional growth, welcoming anyone who shares this purpose. We prioritize the safety and security of our community, ensuring an inclusive environment where every member can thrive.
🔹 What We Do: We host regular meetups, skill-building workshops, and engaging speaker events designed to inspire, educate, and facilitate collaborations. Here, you can expand your skills, share your unique experiences, and grow your professional network in a supportive setting.
🔹 Why Join Us? This is your chance to shine alongside fellow passionate coders and tech enthusiasts who are breaking barriers and paving the way for a more inclusive future in tech. Together, we can transform the landscape of technology.
🌐 Join Us Today! Step into a space where you can make a significant impact and find your community. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, mentorship, or connections, you’ll find your place here with us.

Let's get together for some great lunchtime conversation! Bring your lunch, or second?...third? cup of coffee of the day, as well as any challenges, successes, feedback, advice, questions, general musings, and anything else you want to share... or just come to listen and you can jump in if something comes up!

If anything comes up for you during the week, and you wonder:
"Hmmm... I wonder how others in tech handle this?"
"Hmmm... does this happen in other's workplaces too?"
"Wow! That was challenging, and this was a great solution that might be helpful to others"
"OMG... that was so funny! I gotta tell somebody!"
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