Episode 106 of Women Disrupting Tech features Kirsten Heukels, an expert in conflict resolution, discussing the critical impact of founder relationships on startup success. Key takeaways include understanding human behavior, addressing generational dynamics within teams, and fostering a positive company culture, all essential for effective communication and leadership.More
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.
Building Inclusion Into Capitalism with James Felton Keith | Show notes for episode 105 of Women Disrupting Tech
In Episode 105 of Women Disrupting Tech, James Felton Keith discusses how inclusion is vital for business success. He reveals that exclusion increases risks and costs, while inclusion enhances resilience and reduces insurance premiums. The conversation emphasizes the necessity of integrating inclusion into business strategies and fosters a new approach to capitalism.More
Mastering The Art of Authentic Leadership with Farshida Zafar | Show notes for episode 104 of Women Disrupting Tech
In episode 104 of Women Disrupting Tech, Farshida Zafar discusses her journey embracing authenticity in leadership and fostering inclusion at the Erasmus Centre for Entrepreneurship. From her experience as a refugee, she emphasizes the power of being oneself, creating belonging, and making bold choices that prioritize integrity and authenticity over traditional notions of professionalism.More
How Flouria Health is Healing Women and Shaping Workplaces with Anna Christie | Show notes for episode 103 of Women Disrupting Tech
In episode 103 of Women Disrupting Tech, Anna Christie shares her personal journey through fertility challenges and how it led her to co-found Flouria Health.
She discusses the importance of community, education, and personalized support for women’s health, emphasizing the need for greater awareness and research in this area.
The conversation highlights the historical neglect of women’s health issues and the innovative approaches Flouria Health is taking to empower women and improve their health outcomes.
In this conversation, Anna Christie from Flouria discusses the importance of empathy in health technology, particularly in the context of women’s health.
She emphasizes the need for human-centric solutions that can scale effectively while maintaining a personal touch. Anna shares insights on building a strong founding team, the role of male allies in FemTech, and the challenges of fundraising in a sector often viewed as niche.
She highlights the growing awareness of FemTech’s potential and envisions a future where women’s health is prioritized and supported by both men and women in leadership roles.
Additionally, Anna discusses the need for government policies that promote diversity in health innovation funding.More
Women Disrupting Tech | Events
The event season is in full swing, so allow me to highlight some inclusive events that are worth visiting. BTW, if you are a man and afraid that you’ll be the only one in the room, fear not. I will be there to support you. Featured Event – Trek XIII – 23-30 May 2026 Trek…More
Behind the Mic of Women Disrupting Tech: Lessons Worth Sharing
When you’re starting something new, not knowing what’s ahead can be a blessing. This applies to starting a company and also to starting a podcast. When I launched Women Disrupting Tech, I tried not to overthink it. I had a message I cared about, a mic, and just enough tech to hit record. If I…More
How the Netherlands Enterprise Agency Funds Inclusive Innovation with Bibi van Gijzel and Merel Zimmerman | Show notes for episode 102 of Women Disrupting Tech
In Episode 102 of Women Disrupting Tech, Bibi van Gijzel and Merel Zimmerman from the Netherlands Enterprise Agency discuss how public funding promotes inclusive innovation. They emphasize the importance of diversity in funding criteria and visibility for women, especially in tech, while explaining the Innovation Credit and Seed Capital schemes.More
Why Men Should Embrace Gender Equality, and How They Can
Dirkjan Hupkes reflects on his responsibility towards gender equality. Acknowledging the systemic inequalities rooted in history, he emphasizes the importance of listening to women’s experiences. Progress requires collective efforts from all genders, as diverse systems benefit everyone. True allyship involves active participation and awareness in fostering inclusivity.More
How to Use Cultural Intelligence as a Leadership Superpower with Gwen Kolader | Show notes for episode 101 of Women Disrupting Tech
In episode 101 of Women Disrupting Tech, Gwen Kolader discusses leading across cultures and fostering inclusion in teams. Key insights include the importance of cultural intelligence, the relationship between inclusion and diversity, and strategies for challenging bias. Kolader shares unique leadership lessons learned from the Maasai in Kenya.More
Three Ways We Can All Be an Ally in Tech
Allyship in tech is vital but often neglected. It’s not an option but a responsibility, especially for those in positions of influence. Practical ways to be an ally include sharing the mic to amplify unheard voices, asking individuals what support they need, and inviting reflection on biases respectfully. Every action counts towards building an inclusive culture.More
Women Disrupting Tech | The Podcast 