Career Reset for Women in Tech: Jossie Haines on Visibility and Growth

Hey Trailblazers, Tiffany Benitez is back with an episode that feels like a career reset button, because today we are talking about how to craft your next IT role with leadership coach and former VP of Engineering Jossie Haines. Jossie has spent 25 years building products at places like Apple, Tile, Zynga, and American Express, including work used by over 100 million people, and she is focused on one mission: keeping women in tech. First, we get real about authenticity. Jossie says it is not simple, and it is not always safe to show every part of yourself in every space. “Think about authenticity like the spectrum, and you get to choose how much you want to share and when.” Then we move into the career strategy part that so many people were never taught. Jossie shares how women can get stuck thinking hard work alone equals promotion, but “you’re actually becoming the world’s best kept secret for the company.” She also breaks down “the unspoken org chart” and why relationships and influence matter as you move up. She also shares her personal story of what it looked like to stop waiting for a perfect job description and start shaping the work she knew the business needed. She talks about how crafting a role can take time, how it can take months of conversations, and how the shift happens when you lead with impact instead of titles.Here are the key takeaways: (2:40) What authenticity means in tech(7:00) The “feisty” meeting moment(8:29) When labels change the room(10:04) Asking allies for support(16:41) Crafting a role that does not exist(20:58) Speaking business and tech(26:03) Why networking fills roles(30:36) Keeping women in tech(31:38) Stop waiting to feel readyBefore we wrap, she leaves you with the line that might push you into your next move. “Stop waiting until you feel ready, because you’re never going to feel 100% ready.” If you are tired of doing senior work without senior recognition, you will want this full conversation. Tune in, share it with a friend who needs it, and come back ready to think bigger. About Jossie HainesJossie Haines is the founder of Jossie Haines Consulting and a leadership coach for engineering leaders. She spent about 25 years in engineering leadership at Apple, Tile, Zynga, and American Express, including work on the Siri media team for Apple TV and products used by over 100 million people. Previously, she has served as VP of Engineering at Tile and has created roles by aligning team structure to business goals. Her coaching focuses on helping leaders build strategic influence and improving retention for women in tech.Connect with Jossie:LinkedInAbout Tiffany Benitez Tiffany Benitez leads Data Governance at Compass Group USA, ensuring data quality, integrity, and compliance across all business units. She is passionate about driving data excellence and advancing women in tech and STEM.Connect with Host: Tiffany’s LinkedInDisclaimerThis podcast is for informational purposes only. The content should be taken as something other than professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with professionals regarding specific situations or concerns.