EP 117: From Technical Expert to Strategic Leader with Limor Bergman Gross

What does it take to move from technical expert to strategic leader — especially in industries where leadership paths are not always clearly defined? In this episode of Thriving in Intersectionality, Dr. Lola Adeyemo welcomes Limor Bergman Gross, a former Director of Engineering with over 20 years of experience in the tech industry and host of the podcast From a Woman to a Leader. Limor shares her leadership journey across continents, reflecting on the transition from hands-on engineering work to managing teams and eventually stepping into strategic leadership roles. Along the way, she discusses how identity, culture, and life experiences shaped her decisions — including navigating her career as a woman in tech, relocating internationally, and balancing leadership growth with motherhood. Together, Dr. Lola and Limor explore the identity shifts that often accompany career advancement, why many high performers struggle when transitioning into leadership roles, and how professionals can become more intentional about designing their careers. This conversation offers practical insight for professionals navigating leadership growth while managing the complex intersections of identity, ambition, and workplace culture. In This Episode • The leadership transition from technical expert to people leader • How intersectional identity shapes leadership experiences in tech • Navigating career growth as a woman in a male-dominated industry • The impact of motherhood and personal life on leadership decisions • Why intentional career planning matters earlier than we think • The difference between mentoring, coaching, and sponsorship • Why asking questions and seeking feedback accelerates growth • How managers can better support diverse career paths on their teams About Our Guest Limor Bergman Gross is a former Director of Engineering with over 20 years of experience in the technology industry. She has led engineering organizations across continents, scaled global teams, and guided professionals through the shift from technical execution to strategic leadership. She is also the host of the podcast From a Woman to a Leader, where she shares real leadership journeys and practical frameworks that help women in tech grow into executive impact. Today, Limor coaches ambitious women in technology into leadership roles and speaks globally on leadership development, visibility, influence, and career growth. Connect with Limor Bergman Gross Podcast From a Woman to a Leader https://limorbergman.com/podcast  Website https://limorbergman.com  LinkedInLimor Bergman Gross About the Host Dr. Lola Adeyemo is a workplace inclusion strategist, speaker, and founder of EQImindset and the nonprofit Immigrants in Corporate Inc. Through her work, she partners with organizations to design inclusive workplace communities and leadership ecosystems that strengthen belonging, engagement, and organizational performance. Her podcast Thriving in Intersectionality explores the real experiences of professionals navigating leadership through layered identities, including immigrants, women, first-generation professionals, and other underrepresented leaders. Resources & Community Immigrants in Corporate https://www.immigrantsincorporate.org  EQImindset /Employee Resource Groups (ERG) Resources https://www.eqimindset.com  Listen & Share If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. Your support helps others discover these conversations and continue building workplaces where everyone can thrive. 🎧 Listen and reflect: What leadership shift might your career be asking you to make next? Send us Fan MailSupport the showThank you for listening to Thriving in Intersectionality with Dr. Lola Adeyemo.This podcast explores how identity, lived experience, and leadership intersect in today's workplace and beyond. Through conversations with leaders, founders, educators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers, we uncover stories and insights that help people thrive across the many intersections of their lives.💬 Have a thought about this episode? Send a Fan Mail message directly through Buzzsprout. I'd love to hear what resonated with you.❤️ If you find value in these conversations, consider becoming a supporter of the show. Your support helps us continue amplifying diverse voices, meaningful stories, and leadership insights from across industries and experiences.⭐ Follow, share, rate, and review the podcast to help others discover these conversations.📬 Continue the conversation - read the companion reflections on Substack🌍 Immigrants and first-generation professionals can join our free community at:www.immigrantsincorporate.orgConnect with Host Dr. Lola Adeyemo on LinkedIn.Keep thriving in your intersections. Your story matters.