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How AI Can Make Us More Human with Anouk Vlietman | Show notes episode 118
We live in a world that often feels designed around the pace of technology, not the pace of humanity. In Episode 118 of Women Disrupting Tech, I spoke with Anouk Vlietman, founder of UMAIN, about what happens when we shift the focus back to connection. The result is a conversation that blends personal stories with systemic insights on disconnection, limiting beliefs, and the future role of AI.
3 Lessons From This Conversation
AI isn’t just reshaping work. It’s reshaping what it means to be human. In this conversation, Anouk shows how the future depends not on keeping pace with machines, but on reclaiming our humanity.
- Designing life around technology leaves people rushed and disconnected. Reversing this trend means putting humanity first.
- Disconnection is not just personal. It is a silent epidemic with economic, political, and cultural costs.
- Soft skills like listening, empathy, and curiosity are becoming our biggest advantage in a future where AI handles routine tasks.
Keep reading and listening if you’re ready to rethink how connection, inclusion, and soft skills can become your greatest edge.
To listen, scroll to the bottom, or find episode 118 of Women Disrupting Tech on your favorite podcast app.
- 3 Lessons From This Conversation
- Meaningful moments and timestamps
- Magic Moments In The Episode
- Practical Tips for Female Startup Founders
- Anouk’s Quote to Remember
- Moments That Changed My Thinking
- A Question for You 🤔
- Coming Up On Women Disrupting Tech
- Listen to Episode 118 on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube
- Other ways to amplify the voices of Women Disrupting Tech
- About Anouk Vlietman
- Events that Women Disrupting Tech Must-Attend
- Closing
Meaningful moments and timestamps
Time Description 00:02:13 Introduction to UMAIN and Anouk Vlietman 00:05:22 The Impact of Technology on Humanity 00:08:02 Curiosity and Connection: The Art of Listening 00:11:05 Overcoming Limiting Beliefs 00:14:00 Personal Journeys and Transformations 00:16:51 The Role of Connection in Mental Health 00:19:45 Disconnection: A Silent Epidemic 00:22:33 The Economic Costs of Loneliness 00:25:40 Building Meaningful Relationships 00:28:36 Balancing Individualism and Collectivism 00:31:23 The Importance of Vulnerability 00:34:07 AI and the Future of Human Connection 00:36:59 Changing the Narrative Around Productivity 00:39:39 Active Listening and Communication 00:42:36 Generational Learning and Openness 00:45:24 The Future of Connection and Inclusion Magic Moments In The Episode
If you’re looking for inspiration, this episode is for you. These three quotes are the ones where Anouk’s voice shines the brightest:
“You have this voice living in your head, rent free, that tells you: why would you even try? You’re going to fail anyway.”
Anouk’s description of limiting beliefs is painfully familiar. By giving that inner voice such vivid language, she makes it easier for us to recognize and challenge it.
“You will be more productive because you’re more human.”
This flips the productivity narrative on its head. Instead of competing with AI, our advantage lies in deepening the skills that make us uniquely human.
“Even the darkest, ugliest, most painful things you’re ashamed of can have a space in this world.”
This is where her message becomes deeply compassionate. It reminds us that connection begins when we dare to show the parts of ourselves we usually hide.
💬 Which of these moments struck you most? Share your magic moment in the comments. I’d love to hear what stayed with you.
Practical Tips for Female Startup Founders
What does all this mean if you’re building a startup in today’s fast-moving tech world? Here are three practical insights that founders, and investors, can apply right away.
- Limiting beliefs hold you back more than external obstacles. Spot them, own them, and take responsibility to work through them.
- Don’t fall for shelf help. Reading books and listening to podcasts is useful, but change happens in dialogue and connection with others.
- Treat AI as a tool to support reflection, not just efficiency. Prompt it Socratically so you think more deeply, instead of chasing quick answers.
Try them in your own journey, and notice how focusing on connection over buzzwords changes both your growth and your resilience.
Anouk’s Quote to Remember
“You will be more productive because you’re more human.”
Anouk Vlietman, Founder of UMAIN.
Moments That Changed My Thinking
This episode is different from the other episodes. My conversation with Anouk is much more personal and deep, covering not only AI, but also limiting beliefs and disconnection. This opened space for me to think about my own journey as much as Anouk’s. So let me share some of my own learnings, hoping they benefit you as well.
- Openness about my own struggles proved that curiosity about yourself is a gateway to connecting more deeply with others.
- This episode reminded me that disconnection is not only personal. It drives politics, culture, and even the pull toward traditional family life as a way to belong.
- Taking responsibility for limiting beliefs is hard, but it is also freeing. It allows space for empathy and connection with others.
Share this episode with someone you know who is struggling with limiting beliefs or feeling disconnected. Sometimes, hearing that they are not alone is the first step toward breaking through and finding connection again.
A Question for You 🤔
How has this episode changed your views on AI? Do you believe that AI will make us more human?
Let me know your thoughts in the comments or message me directly. I’d love to hear your take.
Coming Up On Women Disrupting Tech
Next week, we’ll return to the theme that convinced me to start Women Disrupting Tech in the first place: the funding gap.
In episode 119, we’ll hear from Erica van Eeghen and Maud Vermeulen from Women in VC NL how they’re redefining what Venture Capital considers an investable startup by helping more women enter VC.
And we’ll also learn why just adding headcount is not enough to open up the old boys club.
Click to hear what Maud Vermeulen has to add. So stay tuned for this and much more on Women Disrupting Tech.
Until the next episode, as always, Keep Being Awesome!
Listen to Episode 118 on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube
How AI Can Make Us More Human | ep. 118 with Anouk Vlietman – Women Disrupting Tech
Listen on Spotify 
Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on YouTube (audio only) Other ways to amplify the voices of Women Disrupting Tech
Want to make inclusion in tech the new normal by 2032? Here’s how you can help:
Follow the Women Disrupting Tech Podcast
Follow the podcast on your favorite platform. Every follow brings these stories to more people.
Give the show a rating or review on Spotify or Apple.
It only takes a moment, but it tells others this podcast is worth listening to. And helps the voices of my guests carry further.
Share the stories that move you.
Send this episode to a friend, a colleague, or someone who needs to hear it. Every share helps to build a more inclusive tech future and supports my guests in getting the stage they deserve.
So when you know someone who should hear it, pass it on when you’re done.
About Anouk Vlietman
Anouk Vlietman is the founder of UMAIN, a platform that helps women build clarity, confidence and connection in a fast-changing world. She believes that as AI takes over routine tasks, the real advantage lies in what makes us human: adaptability, empathy, communication and collaboration. Through hybrid workshops that combine e-learning, buddy systems and live practice sessions, Anouk trains ambitious women to lead through change. She also speaks on human connection as a business strategy, showing how so-called “soft skills” are in fact core skills for the future of work.
You can connect with Anouk on LinkedIn. There she will also share her journey with Umain.
Events that Women Disrupting Tech Must-Attend
Events are picking up again and I’ve found some cool ones. Below is one event you definitely want to check out. For a full overview of all events, including links to buy tickets, please check the events page.
Diverse Leaders in Tech Events
If you like being in the know about what is happening in the DEI space, Diverse Leaders in Tech is the place to be.
Every last Thursday of the month, they have monthly in-person meetups for tech people, HR leaders and supporters of diversity to exchange insights, tackle challenges, and take action. It’s a vibrant, safe space where diversity is celebrated.
The next meetup (co-hosted by Techleap) is on 25 September. You can register on the DLiT website. Did I mention that joining your first event is free?
Women’s Health In The Workplace
A must-attend event for women and men who want to learn how they can improve productivity and well-being in the workplace.
Date: 1 October 2025
Location: Equals, Amsterdam
Time: 12:00 – 17:00 hours
Tickets: on EventbriteFemHealth: women-friendly healthcare in 2040
Hear from the experts on female health what the future of Female Health in the Netherlands should look like.
Date: 7 October 2025
Location: Dauphine, Amsterdam
Time: 15:00 – 18:00 hours
Tickets: on EventbriteClosing
This was one of the most personal conversations I have had on the podcast. It was full of laughter, insights, and systemic questions about the future.
Anouk leaves us with a simple but profound reminder: the meaning of life is to enjoy the passage of time.
If AI can help us reclaim that by making space for connection, then maybe the future is more human than we think.
When you’re curious about how an AI companion like Amber might reshape therapy-like conversations, listen to Episode 117 of Women Disrupting Tech by hitting play above or listening on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube.
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From Burnout to AI Founder with Kuhu Singh | Show notes episode 117
How do you get from burnout to founding a startup that deploys AI as a companion for people who struggle with their mental health?
This is the journey that Kuhu Singh embarked on. Remote work and a lack of balance left her burned out. That pushed her to search for meaning beyond chasing happiness. The result is Amber, a therapy-like AI mental health companion designed to bridge the gap between AI and therapy.
Kuhu’s story is one of resilience and definitely one you’ll want to hear.
3 Lessons From This Conversation
Kuhu’s story shows how burnout can lead to something meaningful and even beautiful. Her journey is full of transitions and transformations, some expected and others unforeseen. Here are the main plot twists in Kuhu’s story:
- Burnout can lead to purpose. When life pushes you to the edge, it can also fuel clarity about what really matters.
- Growth means responsibility. Kuhu describes the shift from building for users to realizing people depend on Amber for their mental health. It turned traction into accountability.
- Resilience means ignoring the noise. Founders will always face doubters. What counts is treating the criticism as white noise and moving forward.
🎧 Curious to hear how Kuhu made these transitions in her own words? Listen to Episode 117 of Women Disrupting Tech on your favorite podcast app. Then scroll down for practical tips and my reflections.
- 3 Lessons From This Conversation
- An important note on using AI for mental health purposes
- Meaningful moments and timestamps
- Magic Moments In The Episode
- Practical Tips for Female Startup Founders
- Kuhu’s Quote to Remember
- Moments That Changed How I Think
- A Question for You 🤔
- Coming Up On Women Disrupting Tech
- Listen to Episode 118 on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube
- Other ways to amplify the voices of Women Disrupting Tech
- About Kuhu Singh
- About Amber
- Events that Women Disrupting Tech Must-Attend
- Closing
An important note on using AI for mental health purposes
One important note: conversations with AI can be helpful, but they are not the same as therapy. AI tools do not have the same confidentiality protections as therapy, and it is easy to lean on them more than is healthy. Use them as support, not as a substitute. What matters most is that you find the help and connection you need.
If you are struggling with your mental health, please reach out to a licensed professional or a trusted support line
Meaningful moments and timestamps
02:45 From Burnout to Founder: Kuhu’s Journey
05:05 The Importance of Accessibility in Mental Health
07:32 Therapists vs. Friends: Understanding Emotional Support
11:32 Lessons from Burnout: Finding Balance in Life
14:39 Marketing Skills: Leveraging Past Experience
16:59 Navigating Technical Challenges as a Non-Technical Founder
22:09 The Search for a Technical Co-Founder
26:09 Introducing Amber: The AI Mental Health Companion
28:00 Cultural Sensitivity in Mental Health Solutions
30:15 Bridging the Gap: Amber as a Supplement to Therapy
32:44 The Role of AI in Mental Health Conversations
35:10 Ensuring Safety and Privacy in Mental Health Apps
39:05 Growing User Base: The Responsibility of a Founder
42:09 Preventing Burnout: Strategies for Founders
46:24 Fundraising Challenges: The Reality for Female Founders
52:44 Future Aspirations for Amber
56:09 Advice for Aspiring Female Founders
59:03 Creating Allyship in TechMagic Moments In The Episode
What makes this episode special are the moments where Kuhu speaks with clarity, and where her words sparked my own associations. She shows how therapy is still out of reach for many, how growth shifts into responsibility once people depend on you, and how resilience is built by refusing to listen to the doubters.
Therapy is still a privilege.
Many cannot afford it or face cultural barriers. Amber was created as a bridge for those left out.
Resilience becomes second nature.
“I’ve been told so many times that I’m not going to be able to do this that it does not affect me anymore.”
This quote reminded me of soccer player Memphis Depay, who puts his fingers in his ears after scoring, as if to say: I’m not listening to the haters and doubters.
Her warning to healthcare professionals.
“People are already talking to ChatGPT about their mental health. Do you want them to keep doing that, or work with safer platforms like Amber?”
AI-based tools are here to stay, whether we like it or not. Therapists might as well use the tech to support their patients even better.
💬 Which of these moments struck you most? Share your magic moment in the comments. I’d love to hear what stayed with you.
Practical Tips for Female Startup Founders
Kuhu’s advice is not the usual “move fast and scale” playbook. Her lessons are about building agency as a founder, protecting your energy, and creating space outside of work so burnout does not take over again. These three tips stood out the most.
Learn the basics yourself.
No one wants to back a founder who cannot understand their own tech. Even if you outsource, know how it works.
Treat Fundraising as a marathon.
Kuhu highlights that she is not expecting to breeze through her fundraising journey. She knows the stats and that she should take it at her own pace. Even if you ignore the stats about female founders, this is a lesson to take to heart.
Make space outside work.
One hour a day just for yourself, whether it’s running, painting, or reading, can keep burnout from creeping back.
For more examples, listen to the episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and hear how Kuhu applies these lessons in her own life as a founder.
And if you know someone who should hear these tips, share the episode with them.
Kuhu’s Quote to Remember
“I’ve been told so many times that I’m not going to be able to do this, that it doesn’t affect me anymore.”
Kuhu Singh, Founder of Amber.
Moments That Changed How I Think
Kuhu calls out something that I wasn’t even aware of anymore. That she found it weird that this podcast was hosted by a man. I’ve learned to reframe that weirdness. What matters is the stories and the lessons I get to carry with me.
Here’s what I take away from this episode:
Meaning over happiness.
Fulfillment comes from doing something meaningful, not just chasing comfort. That reminder connected me back to Viktor Frankl’s insight that meaning is more powerful than pleasure.
Stop being your own biggest critic.
“You don’t need to be a big critic of yourself. People are going to do that for you. So no need to keep questioning yourself over everything.”
Kuhu’s quote captures the key ingredient of the recipe for Imposter Syndrome. It’s so powerful, the quote is sitting on my screen to remind me to change how I think of myself.
Grateful for the voices.
I feel blessed to speak with people from so many walks of life, each making tech meaningful in their own way.
Know someone who would benefit from these notes, too? Share the episode with them using the buttons below.
A Question for You 🤔
Would you talk to AI about your mental health struggles in between sessions with a licensed therapist?
Let me know your thoughts in the comments or message me directly. I’d love to hear your take.
Coming Up On Women Disrupting Tech
We continue season five of Women Disrupting Tech with another episode packed with wisdom from Anouk Vlietman. It’s a totally different conversation from the ones that I’ve had so far, but I’m sure that you’ll like it.
To get you warmed up, here’s Anouk’s answer to the question how we can make inclusion the new normal in tech:
Click to listen to Anouk’s view on inclusion. So stay tuned for this and much more on Women Disrupting Tech.
And, as always, Keep Being Awesome!
Listen to Episode 118 on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube
How Burnout Fueled Kuhu Singh to Build a Bridge Between AI and Therapy with Amber | Ep. 117 – Women Disrupting Tech
Listen on Spotify Listen on Apple Podcasts Other ways to amplify the voices of Women Disrupting Tech
Want to make inclusion in tech the new normal by 2032? Here’s how you can help:
Follow the Women Disrupting Tech Podcast
Follow the podcast on your favorite platform. Every follow brings these stories to more people.
Give the show a rating or review on Spotify or Apple.
It only takes a moment, but it tells others this podcast is worth listening to. And helps the voices of my guests carry further.
Share the stories that move you.
Send this episode to a friend, a colleague, or someone who needs to hear it. Every share helps to build a more inclusive tech future and supports my guests in getting the stage they deserve.
So when you know someone who should hear it, pass it on when you’re done.
About Kuhu Singh
Kuhu Singh is the founder of Amber, an AI mental health companion built to make therapy-like support accessible and culturally sensitive. Her journey started in marketing at Optimizely, where she learned that building something is only one step in the process—you have to put it out into the world. Burnout led her to seek a deeper purpose. Expresso was her first company. And out of that experience, she built Amber with renewed clarity and purpose.
You can connect with Kuhu on LinkedIn.
About Amber
Amber is a therapy-like AI companion designed to bridge the gap between AI and traditional therapy. Inspired by Kuhu Singh’s own experience with burnout, Amber offers a space to talk when therapy is out of reach—whether because of cost, access, or stigma.
You can try Amber out for yourself by visiting the website. Not ready yet? You can follow Amber on LinkedIn and Instagram.
Events that Women Disrupting Tech Must-Attend
You’d think that there are no events in the summer. Well, I’ve found some cool ones. Below is one event you definitely want to check out. For a full overview of all events, including links to buy tickets, please check the events page.
Founders Beach Series | Edition 3: Tech & Soul
Date: 11 September 2025
Location: Mango’s Beach Bar, Zandvoort
Time: 15:00 – 22:00 hours
Tickets: On LumaDiverse Leaders in Tech Events
If you like being in the know about what is happening in the DEI space, Diverse Leaders in Tech is the place to be.
Every last Thursday of the month, they have monthly in-person meetups for tech people, HR leaders and supporters of diversity to exchange insights, tackle challenges, and take action. It’s a vibrant, safe space where diversity is celebrated.
You can find their events on the website. Joining your first event is free.
Women’s Health In The Workplace
Date: 1 October 2025
Location: Equals, Amsterdam
Time: 12:00 – 27:00 hours
Tickets: on EventbriteClosing
What makes Kuhu such a powerful guide is her mix of wisdom and stubbornness. She shows us that resilience is not about having all the answers. It is about asking the right questions, trusting your own path, and building with purpose.
Trust, after all, is at the heart of her work. Whether finding a co-founder, seeking therapy, or turning doubt into determination, it is trust that builds bridges between people and between technology and care.
When you’re curious about how an AI companion like Amber might reshape therapy-like conversations, listen to Episode 117 of Women Disrupting Tech by hitting play above or listening on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube.
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Navigating AI and Leadership as Trengo CEO With Marili ‘t Hooft-Bolle | Show notes episode 116
How do you scale in the age of AI without losing what makes your company work?
If there is one person who can answer that question, it’s Marili ’t Hooft-Bolle. As the CEO of Trengo, she knows what it takes to scale, lead, and stay human in a fast-changing world.
In episode 116, Marili is your guide through today’s AI “Land of Confusion.”
Key Takeaways from Episode 116
Scaling in the age of AI requires a fresh lens. Marili’s perspective offers a playbook for founders who want to build with purpose while adapting to change.
- Growth is not about adding more people. It is about putting in the right amount of structure so that teams stay effective.
- AI is a land of confusion, but leaders can use it to reimagine customer value instead of just building the next version of what they know.
- Leadership means complementing your team’s skills, not duplicating them. That is where diversity becomes both natural and powerful.
Listen to the full episode to hear Marili’s take wherever you listen to podcasts. Then scroll down for practical tips and my reflections.
Navigating AI and Leadership as Trengo CEO with Marili 't Hooft-Bolle | Ep. 116 – Women Disrupting Tech
- Key Takeaways from Episode 116
- Magic Moments In The Episode
- Practical Tips for Entrepreneurs
- The Quote From the Episode
- Amplify the Voices of Women Disrupting Tech
- What I Learned From the Episode (Notes to Self)
- A Question for You 🤔
- Closing
- Coming Up On Women Disrupting Tech
- Events that Women Disrupting Tech Must-Attend
- Diverse Leaders in Tech Events
- About Marili ’t Hooft-Bolle
- About Trengo
Magic Moments In The Episode
What struck me most in our conversation, were the sharp, memorable moments that reveal how Marili thinks as a leader. These moments highlight why she is a role model worth listening to:
- “It is about adding enough structure but not too much.” This is her blueprint for scaling without losing agility.
- “The longer you torture data, it will confess to anything.” A reminder that LLMs and spreadsheets alone cannot guide you through AI’s land of confusion.
- “You can like someone very much and still fire them.” For Marili, separating personal feelings from evaluating performance is essential. It echoes Kirsten Heukels’ insight that empathy can be a double-edged sword.
Want the full context? Listen to the episode and hear how these lessons came alive in our conversation on Spotify, and follow us for more magical episodes.
And don’t forget to leave your magic moment of the episode in the comments.
Practical Tips for Entrepreneurs
This episode contains some serious leadership lessons for all founders. Because scaling in the age of AI is not about working harder. It is about working smarter and leading with clarity. Marili’s lessons translate into these practical moves.
Balance agility with balance.
Hyper-agile does not mean 24/7 hustle. Use AI as an external brain to learn faster, but protect rest and creativity to keep your team energized.
Build for real value.
In the GenAI space, do not just improve what exists. Reimagine what your customer truly needs.
Match the amount of structure to the context.
Remote teams need more structure because spontaneous knowledge sharing is limited. Co-located teams can run lighter. Watch for slowing pace or lost information as signals to add process.
For more examples, listen to the episode on Apple Podcast, and hear how Marili applies these lessons at Trengo.
And if you know someone who should hear these tips, share the episode with them.
The Quote From the Episode
“If we celebrate women only on one day, it implies that the other days are not women’s days.”
Marili ‘t Hooft-Bolle, CEO of Trengo.
Amplify the Voices of Women Disrupting Tech
Want to make inclusion in tech the new normal by 2032? Here’s how you can help:
Amplify the voices of Women Disrupting Tech by following the podcast on your favorite platform. Every follow brings these stories to more people.
Give the show a rating or review on Spotify or Apple. It only takes a moment, but it tells others this podcast is worth listening to. And helps the voices of my guests carry further.
Share the stories that move you.
Send this episode to a friend, a colleague, or someone who needs to hear it. Every share helps to build a more inclusive tech future and supports my guests in getting the stage they deserve.So when you know someone who should hear it, pass it on when you’re done.
What I Learned From the Episode (Notes to Self)
After every recording, I sit down to document what I took away from it. My conversation with Marili is rich, bold and full of learnings for every founder. Here are three things I wrote down to take with me:
- Marili sees AI as a new set of rules to play with. That competitive, playful lens made me rethink how I look at disruption.
- Bias cannot be erased overnight, but prompts and boundaries can help us avoid the worst effects. It is a second-best option, and one we should use.
- From spotting when a team member is ready for the next step to separating liking someone from evaluating their performance, reflection is key. Even if that means you have to let go of people you like.
These reminders keep me curious about how I grow as a host and as a guide for founders.
Know someone who would benefit from these notes, too? Share the episode with them using the buttons below.
A Question for You 🤔
What do you believe is the hardest part of scaling in the age of AI?
- Adding the right structure
- Staying agile and balanced
- Leading with self-awareness
- Something else entirely?
Let me know in the comments or message me directly. I’d love to hear your take.
Closing
Her reflection on International Women’s Day is a reminder that the real change comes from what we do every day, not from celebrating women once a year.
In the same way, scaling, leading, and navigating AI are not about quick fixes. They are about balance, awareness, and building teams that complement each other.
When you’re ready to discover how to scale with structure, lead with self-awareness, and navigate AI with confidence, listen to Navigating AI and Leadership as Trengo CEO with Marili ’t Hooft-Bolle | Ep. 116 on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube.
And on YouTube, you can also find the Genesis song Land of Confusion that inspired part of our conversation and the copy on this blog. Even though it’s from the mid-1980s, it is still surprisingly relevant.
Coming Up On Women Disrupting Tech
When you liked this episode, you’ll love my conversation with Kuhu Singh. Her journey led her from burnout to building an AI companion that bridges the gap between AI and therapy.
Besides the inspiring story, Kuhu shares so many wonderful lessons from her own journey. Like this one of finding a co-founder:
Click play to hear Kuhu’s wisdom. So stay tuned for this and much more on Women Disrupting Tech.
And, as always, Keep Being Awesome!
Events that Women Disrupting Tech Must-Attend
You’d think that there are no events in the summer. Well, I’ve found some cool ones. Below is one event you definitely want to check out. For a full overview of all events, including links to buy tickets, please check the events page.
Founders Beach Series | Edition 3: Tech & Soul
Date: 11 September 2025
Location: Mango’s Beach Bar, Zandvoort
Time: 15:00 – 22:00 hours
Tickets: On LumaDiverse Leaders in Tech Events
If you like being in the know about what is happening in the DEI space, Diverse Leaders in Tech is the place to be.
Every last Thursday of the month, they have monthly in-person meetups for tech people, HR leaders and supporters of diversity to exchange insights, tackle challenges, and take action. It’s a vibrant, safe space where diversity is celebrated.
You can find their events on the website. Joining your first event is free.
About Marili ’t Hooft-Bolle
Marili ’t Hooft-Bolle knows what it takes to grow companies in fast-moving markets. She has scaled WeTransfer, worked at McKinsey, and now leads Trengo as CEO. What sets her apart is the mix of structure and curiosity she brings to leadership. With two decades in tech, she shows how to guide teams through change, embrace AI, and keep people at the center of growth.
You can connect with Marili on LinkedIn. Alternatively, you can call my AI voice assistant on +3197010251866 to discover how Trengo can help your company.
About Trengo
Trengo is an AI-empowered customer engagement platform that brings all communication channels—like WhatsApp, email, chat, and social—into one shared inbox. More than reducing noise, Trengo automates up to 80% of repetitive conversations with AI agents and workflow. Founded in the Netherlands, the team is driven by a vision to replace overwhelm with delight—so support teams can focus on high-value moments instead of routine tasks.
You can learn more about Trengo by visiting their website and following the company on LinkedIn.
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How to Build a Resilient and Purpose-Driven Business With Marleen Somohardjo | Show notes episode 115
Some founders wait for the perfect conditions before launching. Marleen Somohardjo jumped in during the 2008 financial crisis. That choice defined her approach to business: prepare for the unknown, lead with purpose, and keep a steady hand when the waters turn rough.
To discover how you can build a business that is both resilient and purpose-driven, listen to episode 115 of Women Disrupting Tech on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
Key Takeaways from Episode 115
Preparedness is not something you switch on when trouble arrives. It is a mindset and a set of habits you build into your business from day one. Marleen’s own journey, starting her consultancy during a financial crisis, is proof that this approach pays off.
Preparedness is a daily discipline, not a panic button.
Marleen’s career shows that embedding preparedness into daily operations makes you far more effective when real challenges hit. It is about anticipating risks and redesigning processes before you are forced to.
A stable balance sheet is the foundation for growth and risk-taking.
Having solid financials gives you the freedom to take calculated risks without jeopardising your business. For Marleen, stability is not about being overly cautious, but about creating the confidence to innovate.
Profit means more when it serves a long-term purpose.
Profitability without vision can be short-lived. Aligning profit with a clear purpose builds resilience and creates value beyond the bottom line.
Listen to Episode 115 of Women Disrupting Tech wherever you listen to podcasts to hear the full conversation.
How to Build a Resilient and Purpose-Driven Business with Marleen Somohardjo | Ep. 115 – Women Disrupting Tech
- Key Takeaways from Episode 115
- Magic Moments In The Episode
- Practical Tips for Entrepreneurs
- The Quote From the Episode
- Amplify the Voices of Women Disrupting Tech
- What I Learned From the Episode (Notes to Self)
- A Question for You 🤔
- Coming Up On Women Disrupting Tech
- Events that Women Disrupting Tech Must-Attend
- About Marleen Somohardjo
- About M2 Advisory
Magic Moments In The Episode
Marleen shares how resilience works and why it matters, particularly for founders. These parts of our conversation capture the essence of how Marleen thinks and works. They stand out because they link vision to action in ways founders can apply right away.
The courage to launch during the 2008 financial crisis.
Starting a business at a time when others were retreating shows her willingness to take strategic risks and her confidence in her own capabilities. And, it shows that there’s no wrong moment to start one.
“Your passion needs to be monetised in such a way that you understand the value you bring to the market.”
This was a turning point in the discussion. You can’t separate passion from profit. Marleen sees passion as essential but insists that it must be tied to a viable business model to have a lasting impact.
Connecting delegation with diversity: different approaches can still deliver excellence.
Letting go of perfectionism is not just about efficiency. For Marleen, it also means embracing diverse ways of working, which can strengthen the business and improve preparedness.
Want more magic from the episode? Tune into episode 115 of Women Disrupting Tech on Spotify, and follow us for more magical episodes.
Practical Tips for Entrepreneurs
One of the main reasons I loved having Marleen on is that she speaks not only to the traditional finance metrics like profit and loss. She also shows that running a business is about resilience and understanding the practice of risk management.
Marleen’s advice is grounded in both corporate expertise and entrepreneurial experience.
Corporate years can be the perfect training ground for entrepreneurship.
As Marian Spier also said in episode 110, a “normal” job can teach you leadership, systems, and delivery skills you later adapt for your own venture.
Use technology to free your time for the work that matters most.
Marleen embraces technology as a multiplier, freeing up her time by handling routine tasks so she can focus on high-value work. Her advice to founders: choose tech tools that multiply your impact.
Anchor every decision in financial stability and your “why.”
Clear financial goals paired with a strong sense of purpose create a steady course, even in turbulent markets.
What’s the practical tip from the episode that you feel others need to hear? Leave yours in the comments.
🎧 For the full conversation on how you marry profit with purpose, listen to Episode 115 on Apple Podcasts
Or click the image below to listen on YouTube.
The Quote From the Episode
“Your passion needs to be monitised in such a way that you understand the value you bring to the market”
Marleen Somohardjo, founder of M2 Advisory.
Amplify the Voices of Women Disrupting Tech
Want to make inclusion in tech the new normal by 2032? Here’s how you can help:
Amplify the voices of Women Disrupting Tech by following the podcast on your favorite platform. Every follow brings these stories to more people.
Give the show a rating or review on Spotify or Apple. It only takes a moment, but it tells others this podcast is worth listening to. And helps the voices of my guests carry further.
Share the stories that move you.
Send this episode to a friend, a colleague, or someone who needs to hear it. Every share helps to build a more inclusive tech future and supports my guests in getting the stage they deserve.So when you know someone who should hear it, pass it on when you’re done.
What I Learned From the Episode (Notes to Self)
Some of Marleen’s points landed as reminders I need to keep in my own work. This is what landed on my to-do list.
Assess your risk tolerance before setting your strategy.
Know how much risk you are willing to take before making major business decisions. Understanding your appetite for risk (financial, operational, and strategic) helps you shape every decision that follows.
Preparedness should be proactive, built into daily practice.
Waiting until a crisis forces your hand means you are already behind. Building it in from the start creates flexibility and control.
Build freedom and enjoyment into your work now, not just at the end of your career.
Marleen reframes financial stability not as a distant goal for retirement, but as something that should enable quality of life now. For founders, it’s a reminder to design their businesses so they create moments of freedom and enjoyment along the journey, not just at the finish line.
Know someone who would benefit from these notes, too? Share the episode with them using the buttons below.
A Question for You 🤔
What helps you balance profit and purpose?
- Regular reflection
- Strong mission focus
- Smart money habits
- Saying no to wrong fit
Let me know in the comments or message me directly. I’d love to hear your take.
Coming Up On Women Disrupting Tech
Next week, we’ll travel to the land of confusion that AI is in. Marili ‘t Hooft-Bolle is our guide as we discover how to navigate growth in the age of AI. Let me share a little nugget of wisdom from the episode to get you warmed up.
Click to listen to Marili. So stay tuned for this and much more on Women Disrupting Tech.
And, as always, Keep Being Awesome!
Events that Women Disrupting Tech Must-Attend
You’d think that there are no events in the summer. Well, I’ve found some cool ones. Below is one event you definitely want to check out. For a full overview of all events, including links to buy tickets, please check the events page.
The Listening Series
Date: 24 August 2025
Location: The Hague (in the dunes)
Time: 2:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Tickets: On LumaFounders Beach Series | Edition 3: Tech & Soul
Date: 11 September 2025
Location: Mango’s Beach Bar, Zandvoort
Time: 15:00 – 22:00 hours
Tickets: On LumaAbout Marleen Somohardjo
Marleen Somohardjo is a seasoned finance and risk strategist with more than 15 years of experience. In 2008, her entrepreneurial journey began with her first company, Marleen Somohardjo Interim Management & Consultancy, during the global financial crisis. That experience shaped her belief that resilience and smart decision-making are the foundations of lasting business success.
In 2014, she founded M2 Advisory to help companies navigate financial uncertainty, prepare for change, and unlock sustainable growth.
You can connect with Marleen on LinkedIn.
About M2 Advisory
M2 Advisory is a management strategy consultancy that helps companies strengthen their financial position and future-proof their business. Founded by Marleen Somohardjo in 2014, the firm combines deep expertise in finance and risk management with pragmatic, actionable strategies. M2 Advisory works with clients to turn challenges into opportunities, ensuring they are prepared to thrive in any economic climate.
You can learn more about M2 Advisory on the website and by following M2 Advisory on LinkedIn and YouTube.
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How The Wealth Within Her Empowers Women’s Finances and Self-Worth | Show notes for episode 114 of Women Disrupting Tech
What if the way we praise our daughters shapes the limits they carry later in life?
That’s the question I kept returning to after my conversation with Catrine Rhenberg.
She’s the co-founder of The Wealth Within Her, a platform that helps women shift their beliefs about money, risk, and self-worth.
In this episode, she shares how gendered messages in childhood evolve into financial patterns, and what it takes to break them.
Whether you’re a founder, a leader, or raising a daughter of your own, this one’s worth your time.
Key Takeaways from Episode 114
Here are some of the standout insights from the episode that anchor this conversation in both research and lived experience.
Our earliest experiences shape our financial confidence.
From t-shirts that tell boys to explore and girls to smile, to teachers who help girls faster than boys, Catrine reveals how early social cues influence the way women relate to money and risk.
Praise the effort, not the outcome.
Catrine shares how she raises her own kids. Praising effort over results encourages them to take risks, even if the outcome isn’t perfect. The same goes for early-stage founders.
Small investments build big confidence.
Women aren’t risk-averse; they’re risk-conscious. Catrine explains how smaller ticket sizes and group investing foster the confidence to act and the community to sustain it.
Listen to the full conversation by hitting the play button below or find episode 114 of Women Disrupting Tech on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
And pass it on to someone who’s ready to stop asking for permission.
How The Wealth Within Her Empowers Women’s Finances and Self-Worth with Catrine Rhenberg | Ep. 114 – Women Disrupting Tech
- Key Takeaways from Episode 114
- Magic Moments In The Episode
- Inclusive Events for Women Disrupting Tech
- Episode Highlights and Timecodes
- Practical Takeaways for Female Founders
- A Question for You 🤔
- Amplify the Voices of Women Disrupting Tech
- What I Learned From the Episode
- About Catrine Rhenberg
- About The Wealth Within Her
- Share what’s on your mind!
- Coming Up On Women Disrupting Tech
Magic Moments In The Episode
Beyond the practical insights, there were moments in our conversation that hit deeper, reframing both the problem and the path forward. These quotes capture the emotional truth and tension behind the systemic patterns.
“I realized how much money I left on the table.”
Catrine’s moment of self-reflection around unnegotiated salaries and overlooked stock options hits hard. It’s a wake-up call many women know all too well.
“Confidence doesn’t automatically mean competence.”
Especially in startup funding, we reward polish more than substance. Catrine reminds us that loud isn’t always better.
“I’m not pushing for women to be more like men. I’m pushing women to be more authentic to who they are.”
This quote is the heartbeat of the episode. It’s not about assimilation. It’s about authenticity.
If one of these quotes stuck with you, share it with someone who should hear it. And if there’s another quote that resonated with you, leave it in the comments.
🎧 Ready to hear more? Listen to Episode 114 on Spotify.
Inclusive Events for Women Disrupting Tech
You’d think that there are no events in the summer. Well, I’ve found some cool ones. Below is one event you definitely want to check out. For a full overview of all events, including links to buy tickets, please check the events page.
The Listening Series
Date: 24 August 2025
Location: The Hague (in the dunes)
Time: 2:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Tickets: On LumaFounders Beach Series | Edition 3: Tech & Soul
Date: 11 September 2025
Location: Mango’s Beach Bar, Zandvoort
Time: 15:00 – 22:00 hours
Tickets: On LumaEpisode Highlights and Timecodes
03:04 – Introduction to Catrine Rhenberg and Her Journey
05:57 – The Relationship Between Self-Worth and Financial Success
08:51 – Cultural Influences on Women’s Financial Mindset
12:00 – The Impact of Parental Leave on Women’s Careers
14:38 – Self-Reflection and Financial Empowerment
17:38 – Creating Awareness and Safe Spaces for Women
20:55 – Teaching Financial Confidence to Younger Generations
23:53 – The Importance of Praising Effort Over Outcome
26:32 – The Shift in Financial Education and Investment Mindsets
29:17 – Reprogramming Financial Mindsets
32:21 – The Role of Wealth Circles in Empowerment
35:19 – Results and Changes in Women’s Financial Behaviors
38:18 – Encouraging Women to Invest in Riskier Assets
41:19 – Women Investing in Women
44:11 – Future Opportunities for Female Founders
46:56 Bold Moves for Diversity and Inclusion in TechPractical Takeaways for Female Founders
Catrine outlines a three-step framework to help reprogram the beliefs that hold us back, whether around money, confidence, or self-worth.
Step 1: Awareness
Start by noticing your default responses. Are you undercharging? Holding back from asking? Avoiding decisions out of fear? Awareness shines a light on habits that aren’t really yours.
Step 2: Reflection
Take time each day or week to look back on moments that triggered discomfort. What did you feel? What story were you telling yourself? This step begins to create distance from autopilot thinking.
Step 3: Conscious Response
With repetition, you start to recognize patterns in real time. This gives you the chance to pause, reframe, and choose a different action. One based on alignment, not old programming.
🎧 For the full conversation on how you can start redefining success and wealth, listen to Episode 114 on Apple Podcasts
Or click the image below to listen on YouTube.
“I’m not pushing women to be more like men. I’m pushing women to be more authentic to who they are.
Catrine Rhenberg, co-founder of The Wealth Within Her.
A Question for You 🤔
Which of Catrine’s three steps (awareness, reflection, conscious response) do you find most challenging? Why?
Let me know in the comments or message me directly. I’d love to hear your take.
Amplify the Voices of Women Disrupting Tech
Want to make inclusion in tech the new normal by 2032? Here’s how you can help:
Amplify the voices of Women Disrupting Tech by following the podcast on your favorite platform. Every follow brings these stories to more people.
Give the show a rating or review on Spotify or Apple. It only takes a moment, but it tells others this podcast is worth listening to. And helps the voices of my guests carry further.
Share the stories that move you.
Send this episode to a friend, a colleague, or someone who needs to hear it. Every share helps to build a more inclusive tech future and supports my guests in getting the stage they deserve.Use the buttons below to spread the word. Your voice helps amplify theirs.
What I Learned From the Episode
Lately, I’ve been thinking about how the way we raise girls quietly shapes how they show up in business years later.
Finishing Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning brought that thought into sharper focus. Frankl’s work is a reminder that purpose isn’t a luxury. It’s a prerequisite.
That insight came back to me while re-listening to my conversation with Catrine Rhenberg, co-founder of The Wealth Within Her. She didn’t create her platform to hand out financial tips. She built it because too many women were still playing small in their careers and businesses. Often without even knowing it.
The programming starts early. Girls are cautioned more than boys. Praised for being good, not for being bold. Those patterns show up later as self-doubt, over-preparation, or asking for permission before making a move.
Catrine’s approach is practical, but it’s also profound. She’s shifting the conversation around wealth from one of assimilation to one of authenticity. It’s not about fixing women. It’s about unlearning the messages that told them they needed fixing in the first place.
Listen to Episode 114 of Women Disrupting Tech wherever you listen to podcasts to hear the full conversation.
About Catrine Rhenberg
Catrine Rhenberg is the co‑founder of The Wealth Within Her and a seasoned leader in fintech with over 15 years of experience at PayPal, Zettle, and Trustly. She has built a career at the forefront of digital payments and now advises businesses on international growth and strategic partnerships. Alongside her work in fintech, she supports women in redefining their relationship with money, confidence, and power. Her mission: to make financial empowerment more accessible, personal, and sustainable.
You can connect with her on LinkedIn.
About The Wealth Within Her
The Wealth Within Her is a financial empowerment platform designed to help women grow their confidence, own their value, and build wealth on their own terms. Through coaching, workshops, and community, the platform supports individuals, founders, and investors in closing internal and external wealth gaps. Founded by fintech veterans Catrine Rhenberg and Riika Olli, the platform bridges personal growth with systemic change to create a more equitable financial future.
You can learn more about The Wealth Within Her, the programs that they offer and their podcast on the website, Instagram and LinkedIn. And make sure you follow their podcast on Spotify.
Share what’s on your mind!
What is one belief about money you wish you could change?
Let me know what your answer is and how you would change that belief in yourself in the comments below.
And if you would like to suggest a guest or a theme for the podcast, please let me know via email or send a DM on LinkedIn.Coming Up On Women Disrupting Tech
What can I tell you about next week’s episode? Well, for starters that it’s about finance, but it’s not boring. Together with Marleen Somohardjo, I’ll explore how being resilient is one of the most undervalued business strategies.
In this clip from the episode, she shares how embracing diversity can help you embrace your core competence. Want to know what that sounds like?
Hit play to hear Marleen So stay tuned for this and much more on Women Disrupting Tech.
And, as always, Keep Being Awesome!
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Why Women In Tech Can’t Fix the System Alone | Show notes for episode 113 of Women Disrupting Tech
What if tech didn’t look like a guy in a hoodie coding alone in a dark room?
What if we saw tech for what it really is: collaborative, creative, and full of people solving real problems?
In this episode of Women Disrupting Tech, Femke Brouwer challenges the stories we tell about success, leadership, and who belongs in tech.
She explains how the idea of meritocracy still doesn’t apply equally, how she discovered the gender pay gap the hard way, and why conversations about inclusion need to involve more than just the women already doing the work.
Key Takeaways from Episode 113
We talk about:
- How the idea of meritocracy still doesn’t apply equally,
- Why “If I can do it, so can you” just isn’t true for everyone
- How role models, allies, and early education can shift the system
Femke’s message is clear: women can’t fix the system alone. But together, we can build one that works for everyone.
To hear her full story, including why she believes my podcast should be in Dutch, listen to episode 113 of Women Disrupting Tech on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. Or scroll down for Magical Moments and Practical Takeaways.
Why Women In Tech Can't Fix the System Alone with Femke Brouwer-Hobbelen | Ep. 113 – Women Disrupting Tech
- Key Takeaways from Episode 113
- Magic Moments In The Episode
- Inclusive Events for Women Disrupting Tech
- The Listening Series
- Episode Highlights and Timecodes
- The Path to Making Inclusion In Tech the New Normal
- A Question for You 🤔
- Amplify the Voices of Women Disrupting Tech
- My Personal Observations
- About Femke Brouwer-Hobbelen
- Share what’s on your mind!
- Coming Up On Women Disrupting Tech
Magic Moments In The Episode
“If we show girls from an early age how fun, creative and meaningful tech can be, they’re more likely to see it as something for them too.”
Femke Brouwer-Hobbelen
Magic moments are the ones that reframe how you see the problem. And the solution. Here are three of those moments in this episode.
“[As a woman] You’re operating in an unequal field. And that’s important to understand.”
This line cuts through the noise. Femke reminds us that when women in tech feel overlooked or undervalued, it’s not because they’re not doing enough. It’s because the playing field is still tilted. Awareness of that reality is the first step toward meaningful change.
“If we show girls from an early age how fun, creative and meaningful tech can be, they’re more likely to see it as something for them too.”
The tech pipeline problem doesn’t start at graduation but in childhood. Femke makes the case for early, joyful exposure to tech, long before biases take hold. Because belonging begins with being able to imagine yourself in the picture.
“It’s not taking something away from men. It’s about creating a system where everyone has a fair chance to thrive.”
This is the heart of the episode. Inclusion is not a loss for one group. It’s a gain for all. Femke brings it back to shared benefit. A system that works better when it works for everyone.
Know someone who still believes inclusion in tech is a zero-sum game? Share this post to help them change their perspective.
🎧 Ready to hear more? Listen to Episode 113 on Spotify.
Inclusive Events for Women Disrupting Tech
You’d think that there are no events in the summer. Well, I’ve found some cool ones. Below is one event you definitely want to check out. For a full overview of all events, including links to buy tickets, please check the events page.
The Listening Series
Dates: 10 August and 24 August 2025
Location: The Hague (in the dunes)
Time: 2:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Tickets: On LumaFounders Beach Series | Edition 3: Tech & Soul
Date: 11 September 2025
Location: Mango’s Beach Bar, Zandvoort
Time: 15:00 – 22:00 hours
Tickets: On LumaEpisode Highlights and Timecodes
02:30 – Femke Brouwer’s Journey into Tech
05:12 – The Broken System: Gender Inequality in Tech
08:02 – The Impact of Gender Roles on Men and Women
12:04 – Addressing Gender Bias in Education
14:36 – The Hidden Costs of Gender Inequality
17:36 – Personal Experiences with Gender Bias
23:57 – The Importance of Critical Mass in Leadership
27:02 – Role Models and the Myth of Meritocracy
30:51 – Creating Balanced Teams for Lasting Change
31:36 – The Role of Language in Inclusivity
37:23 – Education’s Role in Attracting Women to Tech
41:45 – Conversations for Change in Organizations
46:56 – Diversity in Supervisory Boards
51:24 – Men as Allies in the Fight for Equality
53:47 – The Path to Inclusion in Tech by 2032The Path to Making Inclusion In Tech the New Normal
If you’re looking for a grounded roadmap for real change, this episode offers one. Here’s what stood out in Femke’s vision for what it takes.
She said we need to stop treating inclusion as a side project. It should be part of how we design our teams, our tech, and our businesses from the start.
That means fixing structural problems like pay gaps and hiring bias. It means broadening the image of tech beyond coding, and reaching girls early, before they’ve decided tech isn’t for them.
It also means changing what leadership looks like. Not just adding a few women to the table, but making space for enough diverse voices to actually shift the culture. As she reminded me, research shows you need at least 30 percent representation to move the needle.
And we won’t get there without allies. Especially men in leadership, who still shape the rules and culture of tech companies every day.
🎧 For the full conversation on how we can all contribute to a system where everyone has a fair chance to thrive, listen to Episode 113 on Apple Podcasts
Or click the image below to listen on YouTube.
““It’s not taking something away from men. It’s about creating a system where everyone has a fair chance to thrive.””
Femke Brouwer-HobbelenA Question for You 🤔
What would you add to the path to making inclusion the new normal in tech? Let me know in the comments.
Let me know in the comments or message me directly. I’d love to hear your take.
Amplify the Voices of Women Disrupting Tech
Want to make inclusion in tech the new normal by 2032? Here’s how you can help:
Amplify the voices of Women Disrupting Tech by following the podcast on your favorite platform. Every follow brings these stories to more people.
Give the show a rating or review on Spotify or Apple. It only takes a moment, but it tells others this podcast is worth listening to. And helps the voices of my guests carry further.
Share the stories that move you.
Send this episode to a friend, a colleague, or someone who needs to hear it. Every share helps to build a more inclusive tech future and supports my guests in getting the stage they deserve.Use the buttons below to spread the word. Your voice helps amplify theirs.
My Personal Observations
This episode started with a LinkedIn comment Femke made two years ago: “We need to fix the system, not the women.” That stayed with me.
So did another moment in our conversation. Femke called out the assumption that underpins a lot of storytelling in this space: “If I can do it, so can you.” That’s not always true. The system doesn’t give everyone the same shot. And hearing that from someone who did make it mattered.
One more thing. We also talked about language, how doing this episode in English might make it less accessible to many Dutch women, especially those from vocational education backgrounds. It’s something I’m aware of, even though English is a deliberate choice as the language for the podcast.
Listen to Episode 113 of Women Disrupting Tech wherever you listen to podcasts to hear the full conversation.
About Femke Brouwer-Hobbelen
Femke Brouwer is an energetic, people-centered leader with two decades of experience in the tech industry. She began her career in sales and marketing and rose to senior leadership roles at companies like Microsoft, HP, and Dell before stepping into CEO and COO positions at small and midsized companies.
Femke is known for her steady leadership, strategic clarity, and people-first approach. She thrives in dynamic environments where growth and transformation intersect. Femke brings structure, curiosity, and a deep commitment to building teams where everyone can thrive.
You can connect with Femke on LinkedIn.
Share what’s on your mind!
How can we show people that – in most cases – inclusion in tech is not a zero-sum game?
Let me know what you think and how we can start doing this in the comments below.
And if you would like to suggest a guest or a theme for the podcast, please let me know via email or send a DM on LinkedIn.Coming Up On Women Disrupting Tech
What if we could change the way we think about money, risk, and self-worth?
Catrine Rhenberg believes we can, by reprogramming the subconscious beliefs that hold us back.
In Episode 114, she shares how The Wealth Within Her helps women stop asking for permission and start owning their definition of success.
In this clip, she shares why gender equality in tech and beyond benefits all of us.
Click play to hear what Catrine says. So stay tuned for this and much more on Women Disrupting Tech.
And, as always, Keep Being Awesome!
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How Cogensus Uses AI to Tackle Loneliness and Cognitive Decline | Show notes for episode 112 of Women Disrupting Tech
Loneliness raises your risk of serious health problems by 59 percent. Would you trust an AI companion to change those odds?
In Episode 112, Raju Joshi shares what most people learn too late: that the biggest signals of cognitive decline don’t show up on medical charts. They show up in silence. In missed moments. In the space between “I’m fine” and what someone really wanted to say.
Now, as Chief Clinical Officer of Cogensus, Raju is building something different. A platform that listens for what families and clinicians often miss. So we can intervene earlier, talk more meaningfully, and preserve what makes someone feel like themselves.
She joined Cogensus to help build a system that captures what the healthcare system misses: the emotional, cognitive, and social shifts that shape how people age. As she puts it, “Innovation isn’t a sex-based trait or a culturally driven issue. It’s identifying a problem, creating a solution using calculated risk, and benefiting your customer.”
Key Takeaways from Episode 112
The World Health Organization estimates that dementia and Alzheimer‑related care cost 1.3 trillion dollars in 2019 and will rise sharply as populations age. So there is a clear business case for what Cogensus is building.
- Loneliness and cognitive decline are deeply connected. Raju explains how shrinking social circles and solo living increase cognitive risk. This impacts women disproportionately as they live alone more often, provide 70% of caregiving hours and tend to delay care for themselves.
- AI can help address loneliness and cognitive decline with empathy and dignity. Most check-ins ask about mood and medication. Cogensus goes further. It engages individuals in conversation beyond just medical topics, fostering a fuller understanding of their lives and alleviating loneliness.
- Cogensus’ solution reaches beyond elder care. In the future, Cogensus can use the same approach for supporting veterans who isolate after service and athletes at risk for concussion‑related dementia.
Raju’s north star is agency: giving people the data they need, at the moment they need it, to stay connected and in control of their lives.
To hear her full story, including her take on inclusion in tech, listen to episode 112 of Women Disrupting Tech on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube. Or scroll down for Magical Moments and Practical Takeaways.
How Cogensus Uses AI to Tackle Loneliness and Cognitive Decline with Raju Joshi | Ep. 112 – Women Disrupting Tech
- Key Takeaways from Episode 112
- 3 Magic Quotes Defining This Episode
- Inclusive Events for Women Disrupting Tech
- A Question for You 🤔
- Meaningful Moments of the Episode
- 5 Practical Insights for Building Ethical, Inclusive AI
- Amplify the Voices of Women Disrupting Tech
- My Personal Reflections
- About Raju Joshi
- About Cogensus
- Share what’s on your mind!
- Coming Up On Women Disrupting Tech
3 Magic Quotes Defining This Episode
“We want patients to have agency over their own life.”
Raju Joshi, Co-founder and Chief Clinical Officer of Cogensus
This episode reframes aging as not just a medical process, but a social one. It’s also a call to rebalance where we invest research, tools, and care. Here are three lines that capture the heart of the conversation. Each one opens a door to a bigger truth:
- “People are so much more than the medications that they’re on.” (27:08)
This quote says in one line what many systems forget. It’s the emotional thesis behind Cogensus. Data that respects the whole person. - “We want patients to have agency over their own life.” (46:22)
One of the most powerful ethical stakes in the episode. Raju makes it clear that tech should support autonomy, not replace it. - “There is a need for the female perspective in the work that is being created.” (54:39)
This is both a statement of fact and a rallying cry. It reminds us that inclusion isn’t just about fairness. It’s about better design, better outcomes, and better futures.
What is the moment that stood out to you? Let me know in the comments.
🎧 Ready to hear more? Listen to Episode 112 on Spotify.
BTW, know someone who needs to hear this? Use the buttons to share this post with them.
Inclusive Events for Women Disrupting Tech
As the summer holiday has started, the event season will take a break. Below is one event you definitely want to check out. For a full overview of all events, including links to buy tickets, please check the events page.
Founders Beach Series | Edition 3: Tech & Soul
Date: 11 September 2025
Location: Mango’s Beach Bar, Zandvoort
Time: 15:00 – 22:00 hours
Tickets: On LumaA Question for You 🤔
Would you feel comfortable talking to an AI about your mood or memory?
Let me know in the comments or message me directly. I’d love to hear your take.
Meaningful Moments of the Episode
03:36 – Raju Joshi and Cogensus
05:47 – Personal Motivation Behind Joining Cogensus
09:01 – Understanding Cognitive Health and Loneliness
10:45 – The Impact of Aging on Health
13:18 – Gender Differences in Cognitive Decline
15:25 – Delays in Diagnosis and Treatment
17:02 – Current Understanding of Cognitive Decline
19:50 – Introducing the AI-Enabled Solution
21:47 – Insights for Caregivers
24:51 – Differentiating from Chatbots and Passive Listening
31:36 – Building Trust in AI Conversations
33:42 – The Importance of Human Connection
36:20 – Building Trust with Technology for the Elderly
39:13 – Personal Experience in Tech Development
41:05 – Expanding the Scope of Cogensus
43:05 – Understanding CTE and Its Implications
44:52 – Addressing Loneliness in Veterans
47:49 – AI’s Role in Enhancing Human Care
50:33 – Balancing Ambition and Community Needs
53:11 – Navigating the Funding Landscape
56:51 – Encouraging Female Founders
1:00:37 – Shifting Mindsets for Inclusion5 Practical Insights for Building Ethical, Inclusive AI
About 33 minutes into our conversation, I pick Raju’s brain on how we can build ethical, responsible and inclusive AI solutions for healthcare. If you are designing technology for vulnerable users, these tips from Raju offer a clear roadmap:
- Keep usability simple. This is how you build trust, especially with older adults. Raju emphasizes that trust is won through design, not just intention.
- Know your use case. Cogensus focuses on cognitive health and loneliness, not general diagnostics. That clarity helps it stay responsible and relevant.
- Design for emotional safety. Some people feel more comfortable confiding in a bot than a family member. Don’t dismiss that. Raju’s example of the airplane seat confidant explains this perfectly.
- Build for people who are curious, not just tech-savvy. Raju’s father-in-law represents the kind of user often left out. Curious, not fluent, and eager to feel seen.
- Give users agency. Good AI doesn’t over-monitor. It listens when asked, and steps back when not needed. Finding that balance is the goal.
🎧 For the full conversation on how Cogensus uses AI to tackle loneliness and cognitive decline, listen to Episode 112 on Apple Podcasts
Or click the image below to listen on YouTube.
“There is a need for the female perspective in the work that is being created.”
Raju Joshi, Chief Clinical Officer and co-founder of Cogensus.Amplify the Voices of Women Disrupting Tech
Want to make inclusion in tech the new normal by 2032? Here’s how you can help:
Amplify the voices of Women Disrupting Tech by following the podcast on your favorite platform. Every follow brings these stories to more people.
Give the show a rating or review on Spotify or Apple. It only takes a moment, but it tells others this podcast is worth listening to. And helps the voices of my guests carry further.
Share the stories that move you.
Send this episode to a friend, a colleague, or someone who needs to hear it. Every share helps to build a more inclusive tech future and supports my guests in getting the stage they deserve.Use the buttons below to spread the word. Your voice helps amplify theirs.
My Personal Reflections
The best thing that can happen when you make a podcast is that it gives you tools and inspiration to change your behavior for the positive.
This episode made me look differently at what it means to care for my aging mother. I realized how easy it is to miss the signals when our conversations stay surface-level.
What stuck with me most was how Raju spoke about the emotional blind spots in caregiving and how technology, when used thoughtfully, can help us see them.
Her storytelling also stands out. She brings warmth and clarity through analogies: the airplane seat confidant, the hesitant elder who’ll talk to Siri but not their kids.
And she understands tech trust like few others, naming her 94-year-old father-in-law as someone who’s not tech-savvy but deeply curious. That curiosity, she says, is enough.
In the end, I’m convinced that Raju and her team are building something timely, urgent, and deeply human.
Listen to Episode 112 of Women Disrupting Tech wherever you listen to podcasts to hear the full conversation.
About Raju Joshi
Raju Joshi is Co-founder and Chief Clinical Officer at Cogensus. Trained in biomedical sciences and epidemiology, she brings more than 30 years of experience across the healthcare spectrum—academic research, payers, long-term-care pharmacies, Medtronic, Amgen, and Deloitte Consulting.
After losing her mother-in-law to dementia and her father soon after, Raju saw how symptom-focused care often ignores the emotional and social realities of aging. She joined Cogensus first as an advisor and board member, then stepped into an executive role to build AI tools that preserve agency, reduce loneliness, and give clinicians richer context.
You can connect with Raju on LinkedIn.
About Cogensus
Cogensus is a digital health platform that uses conversational AI and sentiment analysis to surface potential early signals of cognitive change and loneliness in older adults.
Via an avatar-led dialogue, the system tracks memory, verbal fluency, and social factors, turning those patterns into actionable insights for families and clinicians.
Cogensus is not a diagnostic tool; it provides insights on loneliness and preserves personal stories. In 2025 the company was selected for the Caduceus Health Accelerator, and currently it is raising $1.5 million to expand pilot programs with insurers, providers, and senior-living communities.
You can learn more about Cogensus on the website and by following the company on LinkedIn.
Share what’s on your mind!
Should inclusion be tied to performance reviews and promotions in tech?
Let me know what you think and how we can start doing this in the comments below.
And if you would like to suggest a guest or a theme for the podcast, please let me know via email or send a DM on LinkedIn.Coming Up On Women Disrupting Tech
Next week, we go back to basics: Femke Brouwer exposes how systemic bias in work, home, and education keeps tech unequal. And she calls on men and women to redesign a system that works for everyone.
In this clip, she shares why gender equality in tech and beyond benefits all of us.
Click play to hear the clip. So stay tuned for this and much more on Women Disrupting Tech. And until the next episode: Keep Being Awesome!
-
How She Unfolds Creates the Space Where Women in Tech Belong | Show notes for episode 111 of Women Disrupting Tech
What if high performance doesn’t come across as being authentic?
That’s one of the quietly radical questions at the heart of this deeply personal conversation on gender equality, inclusion, and leadership in tech with cybersecurity expert and SheUnfolds co-founder Emily van Putten.
In episode 111 of Women Disrupting Tech, Emily opens up about navigating the tech world as a transgender woman, and what it taught her about visibility, perception, and the price of not fitting the mold.
Having lived and worked on both sides of the gender spectrum, she brings a rare and profound perspective on what it really means to belong.
This isn’t just an episode about diversity. It’s about survival, about community, and about changing the rules so more people can thrive.
Key Takeaways from Episode 111
This is one of the most personal, thought-provoking conversations I’ve had on the podcast. Here’s what you’ll learn by listening to episode 111 of Women Disrupting Tech:
- Inclusion must come with accountability. If you’re not helping others grow, you shouldn’t be rewarded for leadership.
- How (social media) algorithms fragment our identities and create what Emily calls the “digital closet”.
- Belonging makes growth possible. We grow when we feel safe enough to stop performing.
🎧 Listen now to this episode of Women Disrupting Tech and explore how inclusion, leadership, and digital identity shape the future of women in tech.
Hit play below, or find the episode on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube. Or scroll down for Magical Moments and Practical Takeaways.
How SheUnfolds Creates the Space Where Women in Tech Belong with Emily van Putten | Ep. 111 – Women Disrupting Tech
- Key Takeaways from Episode 111
- Join the Women Disrupting Tech Community on Substack
- Three Reasons Why Allies of Women in Tech Should Listen
- Inclusive Events for Women Disrupting Tech
- 🤔 Your Turn: A Question for You
- Meaningful Moments of the Episode
- Amplify the Voices of Women Disrupting Tech
- 3 Practical Suggestions for (Allies of) Women in Tech
- Personal Observations
- About Emily van Putten
- About SheUnfolds
- Share what’s on your mind!
- Coming Up On Women Disrupting Tech
- Related Episodes
Join the Women Disrupting Tech Community on Substack
Changing the funding landscape starts with access. Not just to capital, but to the right people, ideas, and spaces. That’s why I’m building The Women Disrupting Tech Community on Substack.
Join us if you want to help more women be heard, funded, and celebrated in tech. You’ll receive:
✨ Early access to new podcast episodes, plus a weekly email with the moments that moved me and what they taught me.
✨ Exclusive research on what it really takes to build a more inclusive tech ecosystem.
✨ Invites to special events we sponsor or co-host, where conversations turn into collaborations.This community is for people who believe in action. And know that together, our voices go further.
Three Reasons Why Allies of Women in Tech Should Listen
As a transgender woman, Emily brings a rare dual perspective. She has seen how leadership, visibility, and bias play out on both sides of the gender spectrum. And she speaks with a clarity and vulnerability that’s impossible to ignore. Here are three magical moments that touched me.
- The hug of a total stranger at CODAM. A reminder of how powerful it is to make someone feel seen.
- Emily describes the shift in how people treated her expertise before and after transitioning. The same ideas, the same work, from the same person, suddenly questioned.
- Her reflection on the “digital closet,” and how social media makes it harder to be authentic in real life.
🎧 Ready to hear more? Listen to Episode 111 on Spotify.
BTW, if you know another ally who should hear Emily’s story? Use the buttons to share this post with them.
Inclusive Events for Women Disrupting Tech
As the summer holiday has started, the event season will take a break. Below is one event you definitely want to check out. For a full overview of all events, including links to buy tickets, please check the events page.
Founders Beach Series | Edition 3: Tech & Soul
Date: 11 September 2025
Location: Mango’s Beach Bar, Zandvoort
Time: 15:00 – 22:00 hours
Tickets: On Luma🤔 Your Turn: A Question for You
Have you ever felt the need to present a version of yourself online that’s different from who you really are?
Let me know in the comments or message me directly. I’d love to hear your take.
Meaningful Moments of the Episode
02:52 – Introduction to SheUnfolds and Advocacy for Women in Tech
05:38 – Challenges of Retaining Women in IT
08:36 – The Importance of Belonging and Leadership
11:43 – Navigating Gender Dynamics in the Workplace
14:31 – Personal Journey and the Impact of Transitioning
17:12 – The Role of Empathy in Leadership
20:03 – The Need for Diverse Perspectives in Tech
22:54 – Conclusion and Future Outlook
29:01 – Navigating Identity and Online Presence
37:09 – The Role of Authenticity in Performance
41:45 – Creating Safe Spaces for Women in Tech
49:23 – Envisioning an Inclusive FutureAmplify the Voices of Women Disrupting Tech
Want to make inclusion in tech the new normal by 2032? Here’s how you can help:
Amplify the voices of Women Disrupting Tech by following the podcast on your favorite platform. Every follow brings these stories to more people.
Give the show a rating or review on Spotify or Apple. It only takes a moment, but it tells others this podcast is worth listening to. And helps the voices of my guests carry further.
Share the stories that move you.
Send this episode to a friend, a colleague, or someone who needs to hear it. Every share helps to build a more inclusive tech future and supports my guests in getting the stage they deserve.Use the buttons below to spread the word. Your voice helps amplify theirs.
3 Practical Suggestions for (Allies of) Women in Tech
“Use technology intentionally to empower authenticity and not to distort it.” – Emily van Putten
Each episode, we ask our guests for practical recommendations that listeners can use to build a more equal tech ecosystem. They’re not checklists but the kind of insights that make you (and me) stop and think: what could I do differently today?
- Inclusion isn’t a soft skill. Tie it to pay, power, and promotions.
- Don’t wait for someone else to define what safe spaces look like. Start small, listen well, and create moments of real connection.
- Audit your digital self. Are you posting for validation, or expressing who you are?
What practical advice do you have that others could benefit from? Don’t be shy and leave them in the comments.
🎧 For the full conversation on how SheUnfolds creates the space where women in tech belong, listen to Episode 111 on Apple Podcasts
Or click the image below to listen on YouTube.
“You can’t thrive when you’re constantly trying to survive.”
Emily van Putten, co-founder of SheUnfolds.Personal Observations
This is a special episode for many reasons. Emily speaks with clarity, vulnerability, and strength. Her story is not only brave, it’s deeply instructive.
What stood out most to me was her ability to articulate how exhausting it is to scan every room, to filter every word, and to still be questioned.
And yet, she stays, builds, and leads.
Her message to tech leaders is clear: Stop outsourcing the problem to the people already carrying it. Make inclusion part of your leadership standard.
About Emily van Putten
Emily van Putten is a cybersecurity expert with nearly two decades of experience in the tech industry. She’s also the co-founder of She Unfolds, a foundation focused on creating space for women in tech to connect, recharge, and belong. As a transgender woman, Emily brings a rare perspective on inclusion, visibility, and what it really means to lead with authenticity. She speaks openly about the biases she’s faced and the community she’s building to change that.
You can connect with Emily on LinkedIn.
About SheUnfolds
SheUnfolds is a community initiative founded by Emily van Putten and Megan Weidema. Born from the success of the first Women in IT Gala, it’s a response to the loneliness many women in tech feel as “the only one” on their team or in their company. SheUnfolds creates gatherings that feel different: no name tags, no forced pitches, just space to slow down and connect. It’s about building belonging, not just networks. And making tech a place where more women can stay, grow, and lead.
You can learn more about SheUnfolds on the website and by following it on LinkedIn.
Share what’s on your mind!
Should inclusion be tied to performance reviews and promotions in tech?
Let me know what you think and how we can start doing this in the comments below.
And if you would like to suggest a guest or a theme for the podcast, please let me know via email or send a DM on LinkedIn.Coming Up On Women Disrupting Tech
Another week, another episode of Women Disrupting Tech. This time, we learn from Raju Joshi how the company she co-founded, Cogensus, is helping an aging population to reduce loneliness and improve cognitive health.
This clip from our conversation on how to spot mom’s memory lapse made me pause and listen more carefully to the answers I get from my own mother.
Click play to hear the clip. So stay tuned for this and much more on Women Disrupting Tech. And until the next episode: Keep Being Awesome
Related Episodes
If this conversation struck a chord, you might also want to listen to:
- Episode 108: Farshida Zafar on authentic leadership and radical inclusion
- Episode 81: Pim Blom on the power of storytelling for unconditional inclusion
- Episode 89: Femke Cornelissen on paving the way for more women in AI and Cyber
-
How FEM-Start Helps Female Founders Get Funded | Show notes for episode 110 of Women Disrupting Tech
What if we stopped asking women to change, and started changing how the system works?
In this episode, FEM-Start co-founders Marian Spier and Simone van Bijsterveldt explain what still keeps female founders from raising capital—and what needs to happen next.
Whether you’re fundraising for your first round or mentoring someone who is, this conversation is a must-listen.
Key Takeaways from Episode 110
FEM-Start isn’t just a training for female entrepreneurs. It’s a mindset shift. A platform. A response to structural bias. And a roadmap for change.
1. Visibility leads to funding
Investors need a certain level of FOMO. If female founders aren’t visible in the press or at events, they’re more likely to be overlooked. Visibility isn’t vanity, it’s strategy.
2. Modesty isn’t the issue; bias is
Women often present more realistic forecasts. That’s not a lack of ambition. That’s clarity. The problem isn’t the pitch. It’s how investors judge it.
3. Access still isn’t equal
Even when women ask for a meeting, they often don’t get a reply from investors. FEM-Start gives them the tools to open doors and make the most of the opportunity when they get there.
🎧 Tune in to discover How FEM-Start Helps Female Founders Get Funded and hear what the future of funding could look like when more women get to the table. Hit play below, or find the episode on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube. Or scroll down for Magical Moments and Practical Takeaways.
How FEM-Start Helps Female Founders Get Funded | Ep. 110 – Women Disrupting Tech
- Key Takeaways from Episode 110
- Inclusive Events for Women Disrupting Tech
- Join the Women Disrupting Tech Community on Substack
- Three Reasons Why Female Founders Should Listen
- 🤔 Your Turn: A Question for You
- Meaningful Moments of the Episode
- Amplify the Voices of Women Disrupting Tech
- Three Pieces of Practical Advice for Female Founders
- Bonus Insight for Investors
- About Marian Spier
- About Simone van Bijsterveldt
- About FEM-Start
- Share what’s on your mind!
- Coming up on Women Disrupting Tech
- Final Thoughts
Inclusive Events for Women Disrupting Tech
As the summer holiday is approaching, the event season will take a break. Below is one event you definitely want to check out. For a full overview of all events, including links to buy tickets, please check the events page.
Founders Beach Series | Edition 3: Tech & Soul
Date: 11 September 2025
Location: Mango’s Beach Bar, Zandvoort
Time: 15:00 – 22:00 hours
Tickets: On LumaJoin the Women Disrupting Tech Community on Substack
Changing the funding landscape starts with access. Not just to capital, but to the right people, ideas, and spaces. That’s why I’m building The Women Disrupting Tech Community on Substack.
Join us if you want to help more women be heard, funded, and celebrated in tech. You’ll receive:
✨ Early access to new podcast episodes, plus a weekly email with the moments that moved me and what they taught me.
✨ Exclusive research on what it really takes to build a more inclusive tech ecosystem.
✨ Invites to special events we sponsor or co-host, where conversations turn into collaborations.This community is for people who believe in action. And know that together, our voices go further.
Three Reasons Why Female Founders Should Listen
This episode gives you more than advice. It gives you language, mindset, and courage.
1. Marian and Simone name what others only hint at
From investor bias to financial blind spots, Marian and Simone speak with clarity and care about the real challenges female founders face.
2. They offer tools and experience
You’ll learn from two leaders who have seen it all what’s in their programs, and why understanding investor “lingo” is a power move.
3. It reminds you not to shrink
You don’t need to change who you are to get funding. In fact, investors should choose you. So you do need to be prepared. This episode shows you how to stay authentic and still win the pitch.
🎧 Ready to hear it? Listen to Episode 110 on Spotify.
BTW, please share this post with someone who should hear it.
🤔 Your Turn: A Question for You
Julia has redefined success to be measured from within, not based on external factors. And I wonder, how do you define success?
Let me know in the comments or message me directly. I’d love to hear your take.
Meaningful Moments of the Episode
02:30 – Founding FEM-Start: The Journey
05:16 – Navigating Challenges During COVID-19
08:23 – Barriers for Female Entrepreneurs
11:31 – The Importance of Visibility and Networking
14:18 – Investor Bias and Its Impact
17:25 – Educating Female Entrepreneurs
20:11 – Confidence in Pitching
23:23 – The Role of Bias in Investment Decisions
26:01 – Changing the Narrative Around Female Founders
29:04 – Myths About Female Entrepreneurs
32:03 – The Future of Gender Diversity in Business
33:39 – Gender Bias in Leadership and Promotion
36:13 – Education Gaps for Women Entrepreneurs
42:07 – The Role of FEM-Start in Entrepreneurial Growth
43:47 – Personal Experiences Shaping Entrepreneurial Journeys
47:24 – Understanding Financial Literacy for Entrepreneurs
52:45 – Future Aspirations for FEM-Start
1:00:30 – Advocating for Inclusion in Tech FundingAmplify the Voices of Women Disrupting Tech
Want to make inclusion in tech the new normal by 2032? Here’s how you can help:
Amplify the voices of Women Disrupting Tech by following the podcast on your favorite platform. Every follow brings these stories to more people.
Give the show a rating or review on Spotify or Apple. It only takes a moment, but it tells others this podcast is worth listening to. And helps the voices of my guests carry further.
Share the stories that move you.
Send this episode to a friend, a colleague, or someone who needs to hear it. Every share helps to build a more inclusive tech future and supports my guests in getting the stage they deserve.Use the buttons below to spread the word. Your voice helps amplify theirs.
Three Pieces of Practical Advice for Female Founders
Taken straight from the FEM-Start playbook, here are three pieces of practical advice for female founders:
1. Know your finances by heart
Investors want founders who understand their numbers. Not just the P&L, but also cash flow, forecasting, and what’s driving growth.
2. Learn the language of funding
Terms like “pre-seed,” “valuation,” and “cap table” are more than buzzwords. Knowing the VC lingo helps you negotiate from strength, not guesswork.
3. Build your pitch like a marriage
Don’t play a role just to impress. The investor-founder relationship is long-term. Be honest from the start. You’ll attract better partners.
🎙️ Which of these have you already mastered? Share your experience in the comments.
🎧 For the full conversation on how FEM-Start closes the gender funding gap, listen to Episode 110 on Apple Podcasts
Or click the image below to listen on YouTube.
Simone van Bijsterveldt’s quote from episode 110. “I believe founders should know their business case by heart. Because if you don’t know it, what should an investor do with it?”
Simone van Bijsterveldt, founder of FEM-Start on the importance of understanding your business case as a founder.Bonus Insight for Investors
Bias training won’t fix the gap. But behavior can.
About 24 minutes into the conversation, Marian says something important: the system won’t change because people suddenly become less biased. It will change because more women are building companies too big to ignore.
That is why it’s important to expand the lens through which we evaluate potential. And asking better questions, to women and to men.
About Marian Spier
Marian Spier is the founder of FEM-Start and a serial entrepreneur with a background in innovation, education, and leadership. She launched TEDx Amsterdam Women and the Startup Awards to spotlight underestimated female talent. Marian believes visibility leads to funding. With FEM-Start, she now helps women learn the rules of the game: how to raise capital, how to stay true to yourself, and how to build a global business without losing your voice.
You can connect with Marian on LinkedIn.
About Simone van Bijsterveldt
Simone van Bijsterveldt is a finance expert turned entrepreneur. After working as CFO at MediaMonks, she joined FEM-Start to make the startup world more accessible for women. Her strength? Helping founders get investor-ready by keeping the back office strong. Simone believes female founders don’t need fixing. They need support, honest forecasts, and access to the right rooms. With FEM-Start, she helps them get there.
You can connect with Simone on LinkedIn as well.
About FEM-Start
FEM-Start is an education platform that prepares female founders to raise funding. Founded in 2020, the program combines online courses with real-world investor meetups. It focuses on early-stage entrepreneurs with growth ambition. FEM-Start teaches the language of funding, helps women understand investor expectations, and connects them to a broader ecosystem of legal, tax, and finance experts. The mission: close the gender funding gap one pitch at a time.
You can learn more about FEM-Start on their website and by following them on LinkedIn, YouTube and Instagram.
Share what’s on your mind!
What would change if we closed the gender funding gap?
Let me know what you think or what you hope would happen in the comments below.
And if you would like to suggest a guest or a theme for the podcast, please let me know via email or send a DM on LinkedIn.Coming up on Women Disrupting Tech
Coming up on Women Disrupting Tech
Next week on Women Disrupting Tech, I’m joined by Emily van Putten. She shares her personal experiences as a transgender woman in tech, the impact of online identity, and the necessity of accountability in leadership.
Talking about leadership, Emily has a clear view on what inclusive leadership is and isn’t. Just click to hear it…
Click to hear Emily’s view on inclusive leadership. So stay tuned for this and much more on Women Disrupting Tech.
Final Thoughts
This episode made me pause. Not just because of what Marian and Simone said, but because of how they said it: With clarity, conviction, and with zero interest in playing games.
FEM-Start isn’t just helping women raise money. It’s helping them raise the bar for what funding should look like in an inclusive tech world.
🎧 Listen to Episode 110 of Women Disrupting Tech: “How FEM-Start Helps Female Founders Get Funded” on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube.
And until the next episode: Keep Being Awesome!
-
How Cyberette Battles Deepfakes to Restore Digital Trust | Show notes for episode 109 of Women Disrupting Tech
Can we still trust what we see on the internet?
That question is becoming harder to answer. Because deepfakes are getting harder to spot. And digital trust is no longer a given.
In Episode 109 of Women Disrupting Tech, I spoke with Julia Jakimenko. She’s the founder of Cyberette. Her tech startup focuses on detecting deepfakes across video, audio, and images.
But what really stood out? Julia’s not just building software. She’s building standards. For truth. For transparency. For safety in a digital world shaped by AI.
Key Takeaways from Episode 109
Julia Jakimenko isn’t just building a product. She’s building the conditions for trust in a digital world shaped by AI. Here are three things that stood out:
Digital Trust Starts With Transparency
Cyberette’s vision is clear: media verification should be as normal as two-factor authentication. Built-in. Always on. No second-guessing.
AI Can’t Be Ethical Without Clear Boundaries
Julia is outspoken about the risks of scraping, shortcuts, and data misuse. She believes AI needs global standards, and the companies building it should be held accountable.
Self-Promotion Still Comes With a Gender Tax
Women in tech are often judged more on tone and appearance than competence. Julia breaks down how she’s had to navigate expectations — and why “putting on a bit of ego” shouldn’t be a disadvantage.
🎧 Hear how Julia leads with clarity, integrity, and purpose in Episode 109 of Women Disrupting Tech. Hit play below, or find the episode on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube. Or scroll down for Magical Moments and Practical Takeaways.
How Cyberette Battles Deepfakes So You Can Trust What You See with Julia Jakimenko | Ep. 109 – Women Disrupting Tech
- Key Takeaways from Episode 109
- Inclusive Events for Women Disrupting Tech
- Join the Women Disrupting Tech Community on Substack
- Three Magic Quotes From This Episode🪄
- 🤔 Your Turn: A Question for You
- Important Moments of the Episode
- Amplify the Voices of Women Disrupting Tech
- Five Ways to Spot a Deepfake (Tips from Julia)
- About Julia Jakimenko
- About Cyberette
- Share what’s on your mind!
- Coming up on Women Disrupting Tech
Inclusive Events for Women Disrupting Tech
As the summer holiday is approaching, the event season will take a break. Below is one event you definitely want to check out. For a full overview of all events, including links to buy tickets, please check the events page.
Founders Beach Series | Edition 3: Tech & Soul
Date: 11 September 2025
Location: Mango’s Beach Bar, Zandvoort
Time: 15:00 – 22:00 hours
Tickets: On LumaJoin the Women Disrupting Tech Community on Substack
Changing the funding landscape starts with access. Not just to capital, but to the right people, ideas, and spaces. That’s why I’m building The Women Disrupting Tech Community on Substack.
Join us if you want to help more women be heard, funded, and celebrated in tech. You’ll receive:
✨ Early access to new podcast episodes, plus a weekly email with the moments that moved me and what they taught me.
✨ Exclusive research on what it really takes to build a more inclusive tech ecosystem.
✨ Invites to special events we sponsor or co-host, where conversations turn into collaborations.This community is for people who believe in action. And know that together, our voices go further.
Three Magic Quotes From This Episode🪄
This episode goes beyond startup strategy or AI trends. Here are three magic moments from the episode that show us Julia’s heart as a founder.
“Our goal is not to stop AI, but to bring confidence back to the internet.”
Julia on Cyberette’s core mission“Now for me, success is something more holistic. Something that comes from inside. I cancelled all those external values. I transitioned into peace and happiness that doesn’t rely on that portrayed image of what success is like.”
Julia on redefining success on her own terms“I think we really need more role models. […] If you don’t have those role models, you know, growing up, how can you know that someone that looks like you can be successful?”
Julia on the power of visibility for women in techThese words are more than quotes. They’re reminders of why stories matter. And why we need more women like Julia shaping the future of tech.
Ready for some more magic? Check out the episode on Spotify.
Oh, and don’t forget to tell me about your favorite moment from the episode in the comments.
🤔 Your Turn: A Question for You
Julia has redefined success to be measured from within, not based on external factors. And I wonder, how do you define success?
Let me know in the comments or message me directly. I’d love to hear your take.
Important Moments of the Episode
03:20 Journey to Cyberette: A Unique Path
06:31 Understanding Deepfakes: Technology and Implications
09:31 The Threat of Deepfakes: Real-World Examples
12:05 Spotting Deepfakes: Red Flags and Awareness
14:55 AI and Digital Trust: Building Confidence Online
17:58 The Role of Women in Tech: Diversity and Inclusion
20:53 Challenges for Female Founders: Funding and Support
23:39 Self-Promotion: The Gender Divide
26:47 Success Redefined: Personal Growth and Business Goals
29:25 Cultural Adaptability: Lessons from Diverse Backgrounds
32:24 The Future of Cyberette: Envisioning Success
35:21 Privacy First: Ethical Considerations in AI
38:07 The Importance of Data Quality: Building Trust
37:36 Navigating the Male-Dominated Tech Landscape
44:06 Overcoming Self-Doubt: The Female Entrepreneur’s Journey
46:48 The Power of Community: Building Networks
49:48 Vision for 2032: A Safer Digital World
52:33 Final Thoughts: Inclusion and Authenticity in TechAmplify the Voices of Women Disrupting Tech
Want to make inclusion in tech the new normal by 2032? Here’s how you can help:
Amplify the voices of Women Disrupting Tech by following the podcast on your favorite platform. Every follow brings these stories to more people.
Give the show a rating or review on Spotify or Apple. It only takes a moment, but it tells others this podcast is worth listening to. And helps the voices of my guests carry further.
Share the stories that move you.
Send this episode to a friend, a colleague, or someone who needs to hear it. Every share helps to build a more inclusive tech future and supports my guests in getting the stage they deserve.Use the buttons below to spread the word. Your voice helps amplify theirs.
Five Ways to Spot a Deepfake (Tips from Julia)
Deepfakes are getting better with AI. But there are still ways to spot them. During our conversation, Julia shared some practical red flags you can look out for to prevent you from being abused.
Pressure to act quickly
This is the biggest red flag. If someone asks you to respond fast, especially on the phone, pause.
Requests to move platforms
Scammers often try to move you from email to WhatsApp or a call. That’s because voice cloning is easier over the phone.
Unnatural blinking or lighting
Watch the eyes. And check if the light on the person’s face matches the background.
Robotic tone or strange background noise
If something feels off, it probably is. Trust your instincts.
Inconsistent context
Someone looks like they’re at the office, but you hear beach sounds? That’s a clue.
Julia calls this a “zero trust” approach. It doesn’t mean paranoia. It means paying attention.
🎧 For Julia’s full masterclass on detecting deepfakes, listen to Episode 109 on Apple Podcasts
Or click the image below to listen on YouTube. And don’t forget to share what your biggest learning from the episode was in the comments.
Quote by Julia from episode 109. “Success is something more holistic. Something that comes from inside.”
Julia Jakimenko, Founder and CEO of CyberetteAbout Julia Jakimenko
Julia Jakimenko is the visionary founder and CEO of Cyberette, a Dutch startup born from her journey into law, human rights, and now impactful tech. She’s driven by a relentless belief that digital trust must be rebuilt, one verified video, call, and message at a time.
You can connect with Julia on LinkedIn.
About Cyberette
Cyberette is a Netherlands-based startup on a mission to prevent disinformation and fraud by detecting AI-manipulated content and ensuring the authenticity of digital interactions. They do this by making media verification as routine as two-factor authentication.
Their AI-native platform provides real-time detection of deepfakes in images, videos, audio and text with 99% accuracy.
You can learn more about Cyberette on the website and by following them on LinkedIn and Instagram.
Share what’s on your mind!
What would change if we treated women’s well-being as the default, not the exception?
Let me know what you think or what you hope would happen in the comments below.
And if you would like to suggest a guest or a theme for the podcast, please let me know via email or send a DM on LinkedIn.Coming up on Women Disrupting Tech
Next week on Women Disrupting Tech, we hear from FEM-Start founders Marian Spier and Simone van Bijsterveldt how they’re empowering female entrepreneurs. We cover the need for education, confidence, and collaboration in supporting female founders, as well as the aspirations for Femstart to create a global platform for women in business.
And education should not only cover women. Investors need education, too. Here’s Marian explaining why.
FEM-Start founder Marian Spier on the need for women and investors to educate themselves. So stay tuned for this and much more on Women Disrupting Tech. And until the next episode: Keep Being Awesome!
Women Disrupting Tech | The Podcast
Stories That Build a More Inclusive Tech Future.
Women Disrupting Tech | The Podcast 