Meet the Speaker — Frankie Nicoletti
Frankie Nicoletti is the Head of Engineering at Palolo. Their session at WITS Fall 2022 Virtual Summit is “Chart Your Own Course: How to Become an Authentic Leader”.
Why is speaking at WITS important to you?
I’m on a personal mission to develop the next generation of leaders in technology. Tech as an industry claims to be disruptive but it perpetuates the same toxic career development and leadership narratives that drove many of us out of corporate America. We can decide to promote healthy professional development and management practices. It starts at events like this, having open and honest conversations so that we can be the change we want to see in the industry.
What or who inspires you?
My dear friend Kathryn Bennett (they/them). Kathryn is a world record-holding Strongman, who ranked No 2 at this year’s National competition. They published their first book, “Productive Pain,” a few months ago and are giving a TED Talk in October. Kathryn has been through hell and back (you can read about it in their book) and they continue to accomplish great feats.
Most useful article you’ve read in the last month
https://ctocraft.com/blog/warning-you-need-better-management-training-for-technologists-part-1/
When you were a kid what was your dream job?
I wanted to be a rock star. I do crush Evanescence at karaoke every now and then, but I think I ended up exactly where I was supposed to be.
Tell us something about your session
My leadership is heavily influenced by neurodivergence — I went undiagnosed until last year so I had to learn how to accommodate myself and others without the full picture. I can tell you with certainty that leadership strategies for neurodivergent people are also great for neurotypicals and inclusion in general! Maybe you won’t have to learn the hard way like I did.
What other sessions or speakers are you most excited to see?
LaToya Staten’s “Doing Good is Worth the Effort: The Art of Curating Your Career through Authentic Impact”
Hear more from Frankie and all of the other amazing women in tech presenting at the WITS Fall 2022 Virtual Summit by registering here.
