Author Archives: Dirkjan Hupkes, Host of Women Disrupting Tech

In my podcast Women Disrupting Tech, I give a platform to the women who work in tech so they can be a role model for others. The goal is to promote more diversity, equity and inclusion in the tech sector. I believe that this will lead to better solutions to the three problems of our time: the climate crisis, exploding demand for healthcare services and poverty.

Arosha Brouwer on Scaling Workplace Wellbeing with Impact and Integrity | Show notes episode 122

In this episode, Arosha Brouwer discusses her new role as Chief Impact Officer at True Tribe and the importance of impact in her work. She shares insights on the partnership between True Tribe and Quan, focusing on workplace wellbeing and predictive analytics. Arosha reflects on the acquisition journey, emphasizing the significance of integrity and alignment in business. She addresses the pressures faced as a female founder and the importance of building a legacy through impact. The conversation also covers lessons learned from VC funding and the value of healthy investor relations, concluding with advice for aspiring female founders.More

Click to hear Azin share the moment she knew the movie was making the right impact.

How Dayana Marin Valencia Bootstrapped Adasight to Global Growth | Show notes episode 121

Dayana Marin Valencia, co-founder of AdaSight, discusses her successful journey of building a global, bootstrapped company during the AI boom in the latest episode of Women Disrupting Tech. She emphasizes data as a guiding “co-pilot,” the importance of intentional remote work, and the evolving nature of mentorship for entrepreneurs.More

Hit play to listen to a clip from episode 122.

How Curious Minds Build Better Companies in Tech with Henny Hoekstra | Show notes episode 120

Henny Hoekstra’s journey from high school tech-skepticism to co-owning Pluvo highlights the power of curiosity in overcoming challenges and achieving success in tech. In Episode 120 of Women Disrupting Tech, she shares insights on navigating a male-dominated environment, fostering employee development, and the importance of resilience, questioning, and support.More

Dayana Marín Valencia on what supporting women really means.

How Women In VC NL Close the Funding Gap with Erica van Eeghen & Maud Vermeulen | Show notes episode 119

Only 2 percent of global venture capital supports all-female founding teams. In Episode 119 of Women Disrupting Tech, Erica van Eeghen and Maud Vermeulen discuss strategies to improve this, emphasizing the importance of network access, reframing risk perceptions, and changing investment behaviors to address systemic barriers and close the funding gap.More

Henny Hoekstra on the importance of self-care as an entrepreneur

How AI Can Make Us More Human with Anouk Vlietman | Show notes episode 118

In Episode 118 of Women Disrupting Tech, host Dirkjan Hupkes discusses with Anouk Vlietman the importance of human connection amid rising technology. They explore how AI influences our humanity and the necessity of prioritizing soft skills like empathy and curiosity over mere efficiency. The conversation highlights disconnection as an epidemic affecting various societal aspects.More

Click to hear what Maud Vermeulen has to add.

From Burnout to AI Founder with Kuhu Singh | Show notes episode 117

Kuhu Singh transformed her burnout into a purposeful venture by founding Amber, an AI mental health companion. Her journey highlights resilience, accountability, and the importance of finding meaning beyond happiness. Kuhu’s story emphasizes the potential of AI to support mental well-being while reminding users that it should not replace traditional therapy.More

Click to listen to Anouk’s view on inclusion.

How to Build a Resilient and Purpose-Driven Business With Marleen Somohardjo | Show notes episode 115

Marleen Somohardjo’s journey as a founder, beginning during the 2008 financial crisis, emphasizes the importance of preparedness, resilience, and purpose-driven profitability in business.

Episode Highlights
02:40 – From Corporate to Consultancy: Marleen’s Journey
05:44 – Navigating the Financial Crisis: Challenges and Opportunities
08:48 – The Importance of Financial Preparedness
11:39 – Building Resilience: The Role of Leadership and Strategy
14:28 – The M2 Framework: Enhancing Financial Stability
14:40 – Financial Strategy: The Key to Business Success
20:23 – Personal Development: The Entrepreneur’s Journey
23:24 – Embracing Technology: AI and Automation in Business
26:17 – Diversity and Inclusion: A Path to Preparedness
29:17 – The Future of Leadership: Purpose-Driven Approaches
32:06 – Marrying Profit and Impact: A Sustainable Business Model
35:06 – Taking Risks: The Entrepreneurial Mindset
37:58 – Preparing for the Future: Vision and Strategy
40:53 – The Role of Personal Resilience in Entrepreneurship
42:47 – Creating a Culture of Inclusion: Small Steps to Big Change
46:42 – Marleen’s Vision for Financial Freedom and StabilityMore

Click to listen to Marili.

How The Wealth Within Her Empowers Women’s Finances and Self-Worth | Show notes for episode 114 of Women Disrupting Tech

Catrine Rhenberg, co-founder of The Wealth Within Her, emphasizes how childhood praise affects women’s financial confidence and risk attitudes. In a conversation on the Women Disrupting Tech podcast, she discusses the importance of praising effort over results, the care gap’s impact, and encourages small investments to build confidence and community among women.More

Hit play to hear Marleen