Can Authenticity Drive Workplace Culture? Insights from Sunny Myers

In this episode of Ask Ashley, host Ashley Russo sits down with Sunny Myers, a multifaceted leader and community builder at Fastly, Inc. Sunny shares her incredible journey from a technical engineering background to her current role as Senior Manager for Employee Experience and Belonging.Throughout the conversation, Sunny articulates the nuances of balancing technical prowess with a people-centric approach in leadership. She discusses not only her professional challenges and triumphs but also her personal experiences as a mother of four, including her journey of parenting children with disabilities. This episode dives deep into the mental and emotional aspects of leadership, the value of community, and the necessity of self-care—all while maintaining authenticity in both personal and professional realms.(00:00) - - Welcome to Ask Ashley Podcast (01:00) - - Introduction of Sunny Myers (02:45) - - Sunny's Background and Community Work (04:30) - - Transition from Engineering to HR (06:15) - - Early Career Challenges and Discoveries (08:50) - - Importance of Diversity in Tech (11:20) - - Balancing Technical and Human Focus (15:00) - - Data-Driven Decision Making (18:30) - - Fastly's Unique Company Culture (21:10) - - Navigating Polarizing Topics at Work (24:40) - - Protecting Company Culture and Values (28:15) - - Personal Challenges in Leadership (32:45) - - Parenting and Work-Life Balance (35:50) - - Supporting Kids with Disabilities (39:00) - - The Role of Community in Parenting (42:30) - - Lessons from Personal and Professional Life (45:15) - - Advice to Younger Self (48:00) - - Closing Thoughts and Gratitude