Ready Is a Decision, Not a Feeling | Microsoft Leader on Communication, Confidence & Community

What if feeling unready is actually the signal to move forward? In this episode, Brittany Giudici, Director of Communications at Microsoft’s Global Cybersecurity Division and Founder of Treasure Valley Women in Tech, shares powerful career lessons on leadership, confidence, imposter syndrome, mentorship, and building meaningful community in tech. From her early career at Apple, through leadership roles in major tech companies, to launching a fast-growing nonprofit for women in technology, Brittany explains why “ready is a decision, not a feeling” — and how some of the most impactful career moves happen before you feel prepared. Whether you’re an early-career professional, aspiring leader, or someone navigating change in tech, this conversation offers practical insight on career growth, leadership communication, mentorship, and finding purpose in your work. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why feeling unready is normal — and often necessary for growth How to overcome imposter syndrome in high-pressure careers What leadership communication really looks like inside big tech How mentorship (formal & informal) shapes long-term success Why building community matters — especially for women in tech How to make career decisions before you feel “ready” The power of investing your time intentionally About the Guest Brittany Giudici is the Director of Communications for Microsoft’s Global Cybersecurity Division and the Founder & President of Treasure Valley Women in Tech, a nonprofit focused on mentorship, community, and career development for women in technology. Watch if you’re interested in: Career growth • Leadership development • Microsoft careers • Women in tech • Mentorship • Imposter syndrome • Professional communication • Community building • Tech leadership • Career advice Chapters: 00:00 Trailer 01:09 Welcome & Introduction to Brittany Giudici 02:10 Brittany’s Roles: Microsoft, Nonprofit, & Consulting 03:15 Growing Up Homeschooled & Falling in Love with Communication 05:00 Being the “New Kid” & Learning Social Dynamics 07:10 The “Be the Moon” Moment That Shaped Her Career 08:40 Knowing Her Career Path at a Young Age 09:45 College, Networking, & the Apple Opportunity 11:10 What Communications Really Means Inside Big Tech 12:30 Early Career at Apple & Marketing the iPhone 13:45 Learning Through an Acquisition at Sage Intacct 15:30 Working Closely with CEOs & Leadership Communication 17:00 Knowing When It’s Time to Move On 18:15 Applying to 160 Jobs & Embracing Rejection 19:50 Not Closing Doors on Yourself (Microsoft Hiring Story) 22:10 Learn-It-All vs Know-It-All Mindset 24:30 Imposter Syndrome & Navigating Self-Doubt 27:10 Why Brittany Started Treasure Valley Women in Tech 29:45 Motherhood, Purpose, & Building a Better Future 31:30 Launching a Nonprofit & First Community Event 34:00 Creating Safe Spaces for Women in Tech 37:10 Mentorship: Formal vs Informal & “Invisible Mentors” 40:30 Building Community Through Consistency 42:45 Boise, Idaho & the Power of Local Impact 50:00 Accountability, Authenticity, & Small Communities 54:00 Vision for the Future of Women in Tech 58:00 Can You Have It All? Career, Family, & Purpose 01:01:00 Work-Life Balance as Juggling, Not Balance 01:04:00 Advice for Young Professionals 01:06:30 “Ready Is a Decision, Not a Feeling” 01:08:00 Final Reflections on Leadership & Growth 01:10:00 Closing Thoughts & Farewell