Women in Tech Podcast, hosted by Espree Devora

Leading with Courage: Laurie Oswald, Chief Commercial Officer at C&D Technologies on Building Strong Networks : Women in Tech Texas
Host: Espree Devora
Guest: Laurie Oswald, Chief Commercial Officer at C&D Technologies
Episode Overview
In this inspiring episode of the Women in Tech Podcast, Espree Devora sits down with Laurie Oswald, Chief Commercial Officer at C&D Technologies. Laurie Oswald shares her unconventional journey from studying psychology to leading major commercial strategy in the technology and battery industry. She discusses breaking into tech as a technical writer, the power of building credible expertise, and the importance of leveraging networks. Listeners will gain insights into Laurie Oswald’s leadership philosophy, her approach to customer-centric strategy, and the essential role of taking risks in career growth.
Key Topics Discussed
Introduction & Career Journey
Laurie Oswald’s role at C&D Technologies and Trojan Battery
Differences between C&D Technologies and Trojan, and the unique markets they serve
Laurie Oswald’s transition from psychology major to tech industry leader
Breaking into Tech & Building Credibility
How she landed her first job as a technical writer and built expertise from scratch
The importance of technical competence and staying updated with industry trends
Networking & Mentorship
Leveraging professional groups and industry networks for growth
Stories of personal mentors and the value of supportive advisors
Leadership & Team Building
Laurie Oswald’s results-driven, “fail forward” leadership style
Building a diverse and high-performing team and empowering others
Customer-Centric Strategy
Serving data centers, telecom, utilities, and the motive power market (like golf carts and industrial applications)
The importance of listening to customer needs and offering the right technical solution, rather than focusing on “convincing”
Personal Stories & Advice
Overcoming setbacks: a personal story of failing to secure a major deal and the leadership lesson it provided
Advice Laurie Oswald would give her younger self: build relationships early, don’t keep your head down, and leverage the power of mentorship
Book & Tool Recommendations
Book: “Lean In” by Sheryl Sandberg for women in leadership
Must-follow: Simon Sinek (“Start with Why”)
Favorite tech tool: Microsoft Copilot for productivity and safe AI-powered work
Women Supporting Women
Laurie Oswald discusses her daughter’s journey in biomedical engineering and the importance of putting your goals or needs out into the community
The power of speaking up—“If you’re invited to the meeting, you belong there”
Memorable Quotes
“Credibility isn’t given, it’s earned. The fastest way to earn credibility is through technical excellence.” – Laurie Oswald
“Relationships amplify your impact.” – Laurie Oswald
“Don’t be afraid to take chances. When you do, it shows leadership and adaptability.” – LaurieOswald
“If you’re invited to attend the meeting, you belong there. Don’t hesitate to take your seat at the table.” – Laurie Oswald
Connect with the Guest
LinkedIn: Laurie Oswald
Additional Resources
C&D Technologies: Powering critical infrastructure with industrial batteries
Trojan Battery Company: Leading deep-cycle batteries for industrial and utility vehicles
Closing
Thank you for tuning in to the Women in Tech Podcast with Espree Devora and Laurie Oswald! Make sure to connect with Laurie on LinkedIn and join the Women in Tech community for more empowering stories and career insights.
Remember: If she can do it, so can you!
Subscribe & Follow:
All Platforms: @WomeninTechShow
Contact Espree Devora: [email protected]

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Don't miss out on the next #womenintech podcast episode, get notified by signing up here http://womenintechshow.com
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“Somer Baburek of Hera Biotech: Advancing Women’s Health”
#womenintech Show is a WeAreTech.fm production.
Become a Most Valuable Listener at http://womenintech.love
To support the Women in Tech podcast go to https://www.patreon.com/womenintech
To be featured on the podcast go to http://womenintechshow.com/feature
Host,
Espree Devora 
https://twitter.com/espreedevora
https://www.linkedin.com/in/espree
Guest, 
Somer Baburek 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/somerbaburek
In LA? Here’s some awesome resources for you to become immersed in the LA Tech scene -
For a calendar of all LA Startup events go to, http://WeAreLATech.com
Get Podcast Listeners, http://getpodcastlisteners.com/
Tour Signup, https://tour.wefranch.com/signup/los-angeles-1
Los Angeles Tech Community Leader Co Working Day, https://lu.ma/losangelestech_coworking
Resources Mentioned:
Hera Biotech, https://www.herabiotech.com
Geekdom, https://geekdom.com
Launch SA, launched sa
Betty’s Co, https://bettysco.com
Curiedx, https://www.curiedx.com
All In Her Head, https://www.amazon.com/All-Her-Head-Medicine-Matters/dp/0063293013
Credits:
Produced and Hosted by Espree Devora, http://espreedevora.com
Story Produced, Edited and Mastered by Cory Jennings, https://www.coryjennings.com
Production and Voiceover by Adam Carroll, http://www.ariacreative.ca
Team support by Janice Geronimo
Music by Jay Huffman, https://soundcloud.com/jayhuffman
Short Title: Somer Baburek

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Women in Tech Podcast - Episode Shownotes
Episode Title: Building Evenigo: Christina Ness on Grit, No-Code, and Connection 
Host: Espree Devora
Guest: Christina Ness  CEO & Founder of Evenigo
Episode Highlights:
In this inspiring episode, Espree Devora chats with Christina Ness, an entrepreneur based in Los Angeles and the founder of Evenigo, a social calendar platform designed to help users connect with their favorite brands, artists, and influencers—without the spam. It makes sure that you don't miss out on your favorite live events by adding key concerts and sporting events directly to your calendar. Christina shares her journey from working at digital agencies and gaming giants like Activision Blizzard to building her own tech startup from scratch.
You’ll hear Christina’s candid take on:
What Evenigo Is & How It Works: A user-friendly platform where you can discover and subscribe to event and brand calendars, integrate with your Google Calendar, and never miss out on retail sales or live events again.
Her Journey Into Tech: From agency life and UI/UX to a stint at Activision Blizzard, Christina explains how the tech world opened up to her and why there’s no one right path.
Building Evenigo: The ups and downs, from collaborating with a friend on the original concept to learning no-code tools like Wix, Adalo, and Bubble to launch the product without a traditional coding background.
Entrepreneurial Realities: Christina gets real about founder loneliness, overcoming self-doubt, and how persistence, even more than expertise, leads to success.
Community & Support: The power of programs like Jason Calacanis’s LAUNCH accelerator in fostering connection and growth for early-stage founders, plus why finding the right cofounder or CTO is often game-changing.
Fundraising & Growth: Christina discusses the challenges around traction, fundraising milestones, and her plans to scale Evenigo.
Key Takeaways:
There’s no single way to build a company—do it your way!
You don’t have to be a coder to launch a tech product; resourcefulness and grit matter more.
Community, support, and continuous learning are essential for women founders.
Christina’s Top Recommendations:
Book: I Forgot to Die by Khalil Rafati – an inspiring, honest look at entrepreneurship and personal transformation.
Podcast: Earn Your Happy by Lori Harder – uplifting conversations with entrepreneurs and thought leaders.
Connect with Evenigo:
Discover ways to spice up your calendar and never miss out on events you care about.
Website: Evenigo
(Integrate with Google Calendar, discover events, and avoid the spam!)
Other Resources Mentioned:
Jason Calacanis LAUNCH Accelerator
Women in Tech’s LA Tech Walks
Join the Conversation:
If you’re inspired by Christina’s story or want to meet fellow founders, check out Women in Tech’s LA Tech Walks to expand your network—and maybe meet your next co-founder!
About Women in Tech Podcast:
Hosted by Espree Devora, the show spotlights women in tech around the world, sharing practical advice and real stories so you can see what’s possible: “If She Can Do It, So Can I.”
Listen, Subscribe & Share!
Thank you for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with your community. For more inspiring stories, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

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Women in Tech Podcast: Mariyam Shamshidova 
Wefranch US tour: https://tour.wefranch.com/signup/los-angeles-2
Host: Espree Devora
Guest: Mariyam Shamshidova (Growth & Product Lead, Wefranch)
Location: Lighthouse Studio, Venice, CA
Episode Theme: Navigating Entrepreneurship, Franchising, and Building Purposeful Careers in Tech
Key Topics & Highlights
Mariyam’s Journey: From Uzbekistan to Vanderbilt to NYC startup life.
What is Wefranch? Making franchising accessible with data-driven tools, and what being the “Zillow of franchising” means.
The Power of Franchising: Debunking myths, its accessibility for young founders and creators, and why it’s an untapped lucrative opportunity.
Early-Stage Startup Life: The reality of multi-tasking, learning on the go, and finding confidence without a big brand name.
Purpose & Success: Redefining success beyond status, and staying connected to your “why.”
Women & Belief: The importance of self-belief, especially for women in tech, and breaking mental models that keep women from applying for opportunities.
Event Building & Community: Mariyam’s hands-on tactics for event marketing and growth – from local connectors to personalized outreach.
Personal Growth: Lessons from Charlie Munger, advice on prioritization, and finding mentorship in unexpected places.
Resources & Recommendations
Company: Wefranch.com – Marketplace for franchising opportunities
Recommended Book: Poor Charlie’s Almanack by Charlie Munger
Must-Follow Thought Leader: Paul Graham (Y Combinator essays)
Past Relevant Episode: WeAreLATech podcast with Wefranch founder Gregory Ugwi
 
Favorite Quotes
“In order to do anything, you must believe that the thing is possible.”
“It’s not about the magazine cover — it’s about how you feel in your body every day.”
“If she can do it, so can I.”
Connect with Us
Podcast VIP Community: womenintechvip.com
Social: @WomenInTechShow on all platforms
Listen and get inspired by Mariyam’s story — redefining what’s possible for women in tech, one bold step at a time.

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Don't miss out on the next #womenintech podcast episode, get notified by signing up here http://womenintechshow.com
Be featured in the Women in Tech Community by creating your profile here http://womenintechvip.com
“Laura Ruiz of Code Flight: Accessibility for Coding”
#womenintech Show is a WeAreTech.fm production.
Become a Most Valuable Listener at http://womenintech.love
To support the Women in Tech podcast go to https://www.patreon.com/womenintech
To be featured on the podcast go to http://womenintechshow.com/feature
Host,
Espree Devora 
https://twitter.com/espreedevora
https://www.linkedin.com/in/espree
Guest, 
Laura Ruiz
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauraruizroehrs
In LA? Here’s some awesome resources for you to become immersed in the LA Tech scene -
For a calendar of all LA Startup events go to, http://WeAreLATech.com
Get Podcast Listeners, http://getpodcastlisteners.com/
Tour Signup, https://tour.wefranch.com/signup/los-angeles-1
Los Angeles Tech Community Leader Co Working Day, https://lu.ma/losangelestech_coworking
Resources Mentioned:
Code Flight, https://www.codeflight.io
Geekdom, https://geekdom.com
Launch SA, launched sa
Yes Theory, https://yestheory.com
Repurpose.io, https://repurpose.io
CapCut, https://www.capcut.com
Wordle, https://www.nytimes.com/games/wordle/index.html
Give and Take, https://www.amazon.com/Give-Take-Helping-Others-Success/dp/0143124986
Suitcase Coder, https://www.suitcasecoder.com
Coolors, https://coolors.co
Metricool, https://metricool.com
One Million Cups, https://www.1millioncups.com
People Mentioned:
Tony Hsieh, https://www.instagram.com/downtowntony
Credits:
Produced and Hosted by Espree Devora, http://espreedevora.com
Story Produced, Edited and Mastered by Cory Jennings, https://www.coryjennings.com
Production and Voiceover by Adam Carroll, http://www.ariacreative.ca
Team support by Janice Geronimo
Music by Jay Huffman, https://soundcloud.com/jayhuffman
Short Title: Laura Ruiz

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