012: Interview with Toni Benson

In this conversation, the hosts celebrate Toni Benson's birthday and introduce her as a guest. Toni shares her background, including growing up in Dover, Delaware, and attending Delaware State University. She explains how she initially pursued computer science but switched to management information systems. Toni then discusses her decision to join the United States Air Force and her experience as a communications officer. She highlights the leadership skills she gained during her time in the military. In this part of the conversation, Toni Benson discusses the lack of representation she experienced in the Air Force and the workforce. She also shares her journey of becoming a speaker and the importance of authenticity and not conforming to fit in. Toni encourages women to enter the tech field and provides resources and networks to support their journey. She emphasizes the significance of mentors, coaches, and advocates in personal and professional growth. Finally, Toni introduces her consulting company, Envision, which focuses on leadership training and supporting young people in becoming leaders. In this conversation, the hosts and guest discuss various topics related to diversity in tech, the impact of conferences, investing in the next generation, the role of AI, security concerns with AI, big tech and security, individual responsibility and social media, and finding balance and decompressing. They also touch on imposter syndrome and the importance of taking responsibility.

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