Episode Information
Show NotesFrom Project Manager to Tech Executive: Building a 20-Year Career Through Relationships & Change with Sheila Brewer-Richardson, Senior Director of Software Engineering at Fidelity National FinancialIn this compelling episode, Sheila Brewer-Richardson shares her inspiring 20+ year journey from project management to senior technology leadership. Her story illustrates how adaptability, continuous learning, and strong professional relationships can shape a successful career in tech.Sheila leads the software engineering teams at Fidelity National Financial, where she oversees both onshore and offshore development groups for their home warranty and disclosure source divisions. Her career path includes roles at major companies like Pacific Bell, Wells Fargo, and Allegiant Airlines, where she consistently drove innovation and built high-performing teams.During our conversation, Sheila opens up about:Her unconventional entry into technology through project managementTransitioning between different company cultures – from utilities to airlinesThe challenges and rewards of building global teamsCreating innovative employee development programsBalancing family life with career growthThe importance of finding and being a mentorHer brief but insightful career detour as a cardiac monitor technicianSheila’s leadership philosophy emphasizes open communication, continuous improvement, and the importance of helping others grow. Her journey demonstrates that success in technology comes not just from technical expertise, but from understanding people, processes, and having the courage to embrace new challenges.Connect with Sheila:https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheila-brewer-richardson-a7b6127/About Career Downloads:Career Downloads features in-depth conversations with technology professionals who share their career journeys, challenges, and lessons learned. Host Manuel Martinez explores their stories to help listeners navigate their own paths in the tech industry.Connect with us:Website: https://careerdownloads.comYouTube https://www.youtube.com/@careerdownloads?sub_confirmation=1X/Twitter https://twitter.com/@careerdownloadsTikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@careerdownloadsLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/career-downloadsInstagram https://www.instagram.com/careerdownloadsFaceBook https://www.facebook.com/people/Career-Downloads/61561144531249#CareerDownloads #TechCareers #WomenInTech #SoftwareEngineering
TranscriptionManuel: Welcome, everybody. My name is Manuel Martinez, and this is another episode of Career Downloads, where each episode I basically hit the refresh button, bring on a different guest to really learn more about their experiences, their backgrounds, and the way that they have managed their career over time with the ultimate goal to really be able to uncover any techniques, tips that they have encountered along the way that might be beneficial for you to go ahead and be able to implement yourself. So for today’s episode, I have with me Sheila Brewer Richardson, and her and I have worked together in the past for a little while, and she has kind of moved on. I followed her career over time and just seen the way that she has kind of managed her career and ascended over time. So I’m really excited to learn more about her career in general and the things that she’s done prior to us meeting and even afterwards. So with that, go ahead and plug in and download the knowledge. So hi, Sheila.Sheila: Hi, Manny. Thanks for having me.Manuel: Of course. I appreciate you coming on. So what I’ve been doing with everybody is just to kind of start, if you can just tell me what your current title or role is where you’re at now, and just a brief summary of kind of what your roles and responsibilities are.Sheila: So currently I am the Senior Director of Software Engineering for Fidelity National Financial. We have an IT team. The teams I have are both onshore and offshore.