Ready Is a Decision, Not a Feeling | Microsoft Leader on Communication, Confidence & Community
Tue Feb 03 2026
What if feeling unready is actually the signal to move forward?
In this episode, Brittany Giudici, Director of Communications at Microsoft’s Global Cybersecurity Division and Founder of Treasure Valley Women in Tech, shares powerful career lessons on leadership, confidence, imposter syndrome, mentorship, and building meaningful community in tech.
From her early career at Apple, through leadership roles in major tech companies, to launching a fast-growing nonprofit for women in technology, Brittany explains why “ready is a decision, not a feeling” — and how some of the most impactful career moves happen before you feel prepared.
Whether you’re an early-career professional, aspiring leader, or someone navigating change in tech, this conversation offers practical insight on career growth, leadership communication, mentorship, and finding purpose in your work.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:Why feeling unready is normal — and often necessary for growth
How to overcome imposter syndrome in high-pressure careers
What leadership communication really looks like inside big tech
How mentorship (formal & informal) shapes long-term success
Why building community matters — especially for women in tech
How to make career decisions before you feel “ready”
The power of investing your time intentionally
About the GuestBrittany Giudici is the Director of Communications for Microsoft’s Global Cybersecurity Division and the Founder & President of Treasure Valley Women in Tech, a nonprofit focused on mentorship, community, and career development for women in technology.
Watch if you’re interested in:Career growth • Leadership development • Microsoft careers • Women in tech • Mentorship • Imposter syndrome • Professional communication • Community building • Tech leadership • Career advice
Chapters:
00:00 Trailer01:09 Welcome & Introduction to Brittany Giudici02:10 Brittany’s Roles: Microsoft, Nonprofit, & Consulting03:15 Growing Up Homeschooled & Falling in Love with Communication05:00 Being the “New Kid” & Learning Social Dynamics07:10 The “Be the Moon” Moment That Shaped Her Career08:40 Knowing Her Career Path at a Young Age09:45 College, Networking, & the Apple Opportunity11:10 What Communications Really Means Inside Big Tech12:30 Early Career at Apple & Marketing the iPhone13:45 Learning Through an Acquisition at Sage Intacct15:30 Working Closely with CEOs & Leadership Communication17:00 Knowing When It’s Time to Move On18:15 Applying to 160 Jobs & Embracing Rejection19:50 Not Closing Doors on Yourself (Microsoft Hiring Story)22:10 Learn-It-All vs Know-It-All Mindset24:30 Imposter Syndrome & Navigating Self-Doubt27:10 Why Brittany Started Treasure Valley Women in Tech29:45 Motherhood, Purpose, & Building a Better Future31:30 Launching a Nonprofit & First Community Event34:00 Creating Safe Spaces for Women in Tech37:10 Mentorship: Formal vs Informal & “Invisible Mentors”40:30 Building Community Through Consistency42:45 Boise, Idaho & the Power of Local Impact50:00 Accountability, Authenticity, & Small Communities54:00 Vision for the Future of Women in Tech58:00 Can You Have It All? Career, Family, & Purpose01:01:00 Work-Life Balance as Juggling, Not Balance01:04:00 Advice for Young Professionals01:06:30 “Ready Is a Decision, Not a Feeling”01:08:00 Final Reflections on Leadership & Growth01:10:00 Closing Thoughts & Farewell
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What if feeling unready is actually the signal to move forward? In this episode, Brittany Giudici, Director of Communications at Microsoft’s Global Cybersecurity Division and Founder of Treasure Valley Women in Tech, shares powerful career lessons on leadership, confidence, imposter syndrome, mentorship, and building meaningful community in tech. From her early career at Apple, through leadership roles in major tech companies, to launching a fast-growing nonprofit for women in technology, Brittany explains why “ready is a decision, not a feeling” — and how some of the most impactful career moves happen before you feel prepared. Whether you’re an early-career professional, aspiring leader, or someone navigating change in tech, this conversation offers practical insight on career growth, leadership communication, mentorship, and finding purpose in your work. In This Episode, You’ll Learn:Why feeling unready is normal — and often necessary for growth How to overcome imposter syndrome in high-pressure careers What leadership communication really looks like inside big tech How mentorship (formal & informal) shapes long-term success Why building community matters — especially for women in tech How to make career decisions before you feel “ready” The power of investing your time intentionally About the GuestBrittany Giudici is the Director of Communications for Microsoft’s Global Cybersecurity Division and the Founder & President of Treasure Valley Women in Tech, a nonprofit focused on mentorship, community, and career development for women in technology. Watch if you’re interested in:Career growth • Leadership development • Microsoft careers • Women in tech • Mentorship • Imposter syndrome • Professional communication • Community building • Tech leadership • Career advice Chapters: 00:00 Trailer01:09 Welcome & Introduction to Brittany Giudici02:10 Brittany’s Roles: Microsoft, Nonprofit, & Consulting03:15 Growing Up Homeschooled & Falling in Love with Communication05:00 Being the “New Kid” & Learning Social Dynamics07:10 The “Be the Moon” Moment That Shaped Her Career08:40 Knowing Her Career Path at a Young Age09:45 College, Networking, & the Apple Opportunity11:10 What Communications Really Means Inside Big Tech12:30 Early Career at Apple & Marketing the iPhone13:45 Learning Through an Acquisition at Sage Intacct15:30 Working Closely with CEOs & Leadership Communication17:00 Knowing When It’s Time to Move On18:15 Applying to 160 Jobs & Embracing Rejection19:50 Not Closing Doors on Yourself (Microsoft Hiring Story)22:10 Learn-It-All vs Know-It-All Mindset24:30 Imposter Syndrome & Navigating Self-Doubt27:10 Why Brittany Started Treasure Valley Women in Tech29:45 Motherhood, Purpose, & Building a Better Future31:30 Launching a Nonprofit & First Community Event34:00 Creating Safe Spaces for Women in Tech37:10 Mentorship: Formal vs Informal & “Invisible Mentors”40:30 Building Community Through Consistency42:45 Boise, Idaho & the Power of Local Impact50:00 Accountability, Authenticity, & Small Communities54:00 Vision for the Future of Women in Tech58:00 Can You Have It All? Career, Family, & Purpose01:01:00 Work-Life Balance as Juggling, Not Balance01:04:00 Advice for Young Professionals01:06:30 “Ready Is a Decision, Not a Feeling”01:08:00 Final Reflections on Leadership & Growth01:10:00 Closing Thoughts & Farewell