87 episodes

Black Tech Unplugged, hosted by Deena McKay, is a podcast that shares the authentic stories of Blacks in tech. Not only do you learn the stories of individuals in tech, but you learn about their successes, failures, resources and most importantly the skills you need in your toolkit to be successful in tech. Each episode is meant to inspire, motivate, and empower those in tech or looking to get into the industry.

Black Tech Unplugged Black Tech Unplugged by Deena McKay

    • Technology
    • 5.0 • 92 Ratings

Black Tech Unplugged, hosted by Deena McKay, is a podcast that shares the authentic stories of Blacks in tech. Not only do you learn the stories of individuals in tech, but you learn about their successes, failures, resources and most importantly the skills you need in your toolkit to be successful in tech. Each episode is meant to inspire, motivate, and empower those in tech or looking to get into the industry.

    (Ep. 085) Importance of Tech Community Unplugged with Gabrielle Crevecouer

    (Ep. 085) Importance of Tech Community Unplugged with Gabrielle Crevecouer

    Welcome to episode 85 of the pod!

    This episode features Gabrielle or maybe you know her as NoWaySheCodes, a tech-savvy girlie with a passion for coding and content creation. She has a degree in Computer Science and a knack for breaking down complex tech concepts. Gabbie has navigated her way through the ever-evolving landscape of technology.


    On this episode we discuss:
    * Why having a community in tech is reaally REALLY important and how Gabbie is creating space for women in tech
    * We discuss tech role transitions because the woman went from technical evangelist to software engineer to her current role as a product manager for the NBA
    * We discussed how to navigate bad managers and not let the mediocre management stop your bag or your career
    * Lastly she shares the best advice that she’s received so far due time being in tech

    Watch the full video interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7Q6ABtWXbPs

    Full show notes for this episode can be found here: https://blacktechunplugged.com/2024/04/15/ep-085-importance-of-tech-community-unplugged-with-gabrielle-crevecouer/

    Connect with Gabbie:
    • Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/nowayshecodes
    • Twitter | https://twitter.com/nowayshecodes

    • 52 min
    (Ep.084) How to Transition and Thrive in Tech Unplugged with Lisa G

    (Ep.084) How to Transition and Thrive in Tech Unplugged with Lisa G

    I'm excited to announce the new season of Black Tech Unplugged is now live!

    On this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Lisa G, a seasoned technologist with over 20 years of experience in the industry. We delved into her thriving career in tech, her journey from software engineering to product management, and her insights on the current tech landscape. Some of the key takeaways from our conversation:

    - Lisa shares her journey in the tech industry, from software engineer to product manager

    - Learn how she thrived in tech for over 20 years and her tips for staying ahead of the trends

    - Discover how You Are Tech can help you navigate the tech ecosystem and thrive in the industry.

    Listen to the full episode on Black Tech Unplugged and hear Lisa's authentic story in tech!

    • 57 min
    (Ep. 083) Venture Capital (VC) Unplugged with Kelli Jones

    (Ep. 083) Venture Capital (VC) Unplugged with Kelli Jones

    On this episode of Black Tech Unplugged, host Deena McKay sits down with the remarkable Kelli Jones, co-founder and general partner for Sixty8 Capital.

    They discuss Kelly's journey in tech, her work as a VC, and the importance of emotional intelligence in the industry. Plus, Deena shares some valuable resources for improving emotional intelligence.

    This is the last episode of the season, so catch up on all the previous episodes before the new season starts in 2024. Happy listening!

    Watch the full video interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/4AeclPdrmhk?si=n5IKRoKBeNddh1Fn

    Full show notes (with links and resources): https://blacktechunplugged.com/2023/11/16/ep-083-kelli-jones-unplugged/

    Connect with Kelli:
    • LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellinikole
    • Twitter | https://twitter.com/kellinikole
    • Be Nimble Co website | https://www.benimbleco.com
    • Sixty8 Capital website | https://www.sixty8.capital/

    • 46 min
    (Ep. 082) ThinkChicago Unplugged with Trenton Dunn

    (Ep. 082) ThinkChicago Unplugged with Trenton Dunn

    On this episode of Black Tech Unplugged, host Deena McKay interviews Trenton Dunn, the program manager for Think Chicago at World Business Chicago.

    This live podcast episode was recorded at GET Exploration, an event that showcased Chicago-based tech professionals and companies.

    Trenton discusses his role in attracting and retaining STEM talent through events like Think Chicago Lollapalooza. He also shares insights on Chicago's tech industry.

    Don't miss this unique and informative conversation!

    Connect with Trent & ThinkChicago:
    • Trent's LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/trentonrd/
    • Think Chicago Website | www.thinkchicago.net
    • ThinkChicago Instagram |https://www.instagram.com/think_chicago
    • ThinkChicago Linkedin | https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/thinkchicago/
    • Think Chicago Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/thinkchicago

    Full show notes here: https://blacktechunplugged.com/2023/10/31/ep-082-trenton-dunn-unplugged

    • 36 min
    (Ep. 081) Quality & Testing in Tech Unplugged with Vernon Richards

    (Ep. 081) Quality & Testing in Tech Unplugged with Vernon Richards

    On this episode of Black Tech Unplugged, host Deena McKay interviews Vernon Richards, a UK powerhouse in the tech industry. Vernon shares his journey from testing video games to becoming a senior expert quality engineer at a health tech company.

    He discusses the importance of quality and testing in building better products and delivering effective services. Vernon also provides valuable advice and resources for testers or those interested in pursuing a career in testing. Tune in to gain insights from Vernon's 20-plus year career in tech.

    Full show notes at: https://blacktechunplugged.com/2023/10/21/ep-081-vernon-richards-unplugged/

    Connect with Vernon:
    • LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/vernonrichards/
    • Twitter | https://twitter.com/TesterFromLeic
    • Bluesky | https://bsky.app/profile/testerfromleic.bsky.social

    • 45 min
    (Ep. 080) The Atlanta Tech Ecosystem Unplugged with Ariel Lopez

    (Ep. 080) The Atlanta Tech Ecosystem Unplugged with Ariel Lopez

    In this episode of Black Tech Unplugged, host Deena McKay, chats with Ariel Lopez.

    Ariel is the Founder and CEO of Knac, a hiring platform that reduces bias in the application process and a known tech mover in Atlanta. On this episode we discuss Atlanta's booming tech ecosystem, the city's connection to capital, and Ariel's previous career as a career coach and tech recruiter.

    Also, Ariel offers valuable advice on navigating a tech career during challenging times.

    Tune in to hear Ariel's insights on the future of work and making the job search more human.

    Full show notes at: https://blacktechunplugged.com/2023/10/02/ep-080-ariel-lopez-unplugged/

    Connect with Ariel:
    • LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariel-lopez/
    • Twitter | https://twitter.com/ArielLopez__
    • Instagram | https://www. instagram.com/ariellopez__xo
    • Personal website | www.arieldlopez.com
    • Knac | www.knac.io

    • 48 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
92 Ratings

92 Ratings

DaNIeLLe* ,

LOVE

I’m in a career shift in my mid thirties, so when I were searching podcasts on Scrum Master info, I stumbled upon this podcast. I LOVE her voice and it’s great I’ve found my own community as a black woman shifting from the Business side to maybe dabbling in tech. I’m addicted to every episode, and I’ve binged them all so far! Do you mind talking more about Scrum Masters? You are awesome!

Tomscarb ,

Love this show

I have subscribed to Deena McKay’s Black Tech Unplugged since 2019, and it is one of my favorite podcasts. I always learn something new with each episode, and Deena’s interviews never disappoint. I really want to highlight Episode 68 from this week. Deena’s advice is pertinent to people in the IT career path at all levels. Looking forward to your future shows and thank you!

debintech1108 ,

Interesting Guests

I really enjoy this podcast. I get really excited whenever a new one pops up. I find the guests work directly in the industry and give an unfiltered inside look into their path to success. I highly recommend this podcast if you are navigating the tech workplace or have a desire to work in tech.

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