B4. Profiles in Thriving: Black Women Balancing a Business + Tech

How do you know if you're really ready to take on building a business in addition to your corporate technology role? Be real and have your support in place. Join us in this episode as we walk through the journey of building a successful career in corporate tech alongside entrepreneurship.Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTubeShow NotesIn this enlightening conversation with Amanda Dawson, she and host Alicia Cyrus reflect on her unconventional journey from aspiring pediatrician to tech professional and entrepreneur. Amanda opens up about her early journey in the technology industry, initially starting at a help desk and advancing to project and program management. The discussion also highlights the founding and growth of her event planning business, Urban Elegance LLC, noting the role of her Howard University network, faith, and hard work in sustaining the business for over 15 years. Amanda focuses on the factors that have been vital to her success:* identifying & operating in one's gifts* pushing past perfectionism & being open to making mistakes* being clear on the cost of entrepreneurship & securing funding* maintaining a balanced life while pursuing dual careers* the power of community support, mentorship, & self-care in sustaining growthAmanda shares personal anecdotes and practical advice on developing confidence in tech and building a business of your own. Her story is a testament to the leadership, adaptability, and strategic resilience that Black Women need to create joy and fulfillment in their corporate tech career and entrepreneurship.00:00 Introduction to Thriving In the Game01:20 Profile in Thriving: Amanda Dawson03:31 Amanda's Journey into Tech06:03 Building Confidence and Leadership07:45 The Importance of Community and Mentorship10:06 The Birth of Urban Elegance, LLC13:15 Balancing Two Careers16:26 Sustaining Success and Overcoming Challenges17:21 Withstanding the Test of Time21:19 Lessons Learned and Advice for Early Career Women22:54 Maintaining Balance and Self-Care32:08 Final Thoughts and Future GoalsConnect with Amanda on LinkedIn | Instagram | WebsiteJoin our community:* TITG Newsletter* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivinginthegame/* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thrivinginthegame/* Bluesky: http://@thrivinginthegame.bsky.social* If you have a comment or recommendation, DM or Email: TITG PodcastMusic by Praz Khanal from PixabaySpecial thanks to Hiwote Getaneh and the Emerging Voices Podcast Accelerator! Join her newsletter or follow her Instagram @hiwote.getaneh and @emergingvoicespod. Interested in starting your own podcast? Book a call with HiwoteProduced by Jay for Podcast Mechanic. Check out his portfolio and schedule a call at bit.ly/PodMechPro This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thrivinginthegamepodcast.substack.com