In the latest episode of the NomadFuturist podcast, hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence welcome Vanessa"Vee" Richardson, a trailblazer in talent acquisition and a passionate advocate for women in technology. Richardson's journey from politics to tech offers valuable insights into career transitions and female empowerment in male-dominated industries.

Richardson's career took an unexpected turn when she transitioned from aspiring congressional lobbyist to talent acquisition leader at STACK North America:

“I was supposed to be a congressional lobbyist ... and then [Congressman Dick Durbin] came out one day and he said, ‘Hey, I just bought this new system and nobody knows how to use it. Who wants to help’ and, of course, I'm a computer geek, so I raised my hand.”

Discussing her current role in hiring critical operations technicians, Richardson highlights the intersection of technology and human resources, and further reveals how vital skilled professionals are to the infrastructure sector:

“What Ido on a daily basis is that I hire what we call critical operations technicians… I find and hire these people every single day. They are the foundation of the industry.”

Richardson expresses a desire to “marry politics and tech,” indicating her commitment to bridging gaps in these fields and creating pathways for women to succeed. Her experiences serve as an inspiration for those looking to navigate similar challenges.

She highlights the essential nature of confidence for women in the workplace, asserting that her self-assurance stems from a focus on her own path rather than comparing herself to others:

“I never paid attention to what other people were doing around me. When I created my first women’s network in 2009, apparently there were several others just like mine. But I didn’t know because I didn’t look on Google.”

Richardson's journey from Capitol Hill to tech leadership exemplifies the power of adaptability, confidence, and a willingness to embrace new opportunities. Her insights offer valuable lessons for professionals navigating career transitions and underscore the importance of empowering women in technology and politics.

Stay connected with Vee Richardson on LinkedIn.