In this episode of Empowered in Tech: Women in Tech Netherlands, host Ilaria Severi sits down with Sonal Vaid—transformation expert, speaker, and member of our Women in Tech NL community—for a deeply honest conversation about motherhood, identity, and the emotional journey of returning to work after maternity leave.

Sonal shares what happens when the world expects you to “bounce back,” but you’re still navigating hormonal shifts, identity loss, and the quiet process of becoming someone new. This episode is a powerful reminder that reclaiming your voice is part of the transformation—and that motherhood doesn’t shrink us, it reshapes us.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

• The emotional reality of postpartum life and return-to-work transitions
• How identity, ambition, and motherhood intersect—and sometimes collide
• The pressure to “be the old you” and why that doesn’t work
• How to begin reclaiming your confidence, boundaries, and sense of self

✨ About Our Guest:
Sonal Vaid is a transformation consultant, speaker, and mother. With a background in leadership and change, Sonal brings not only professional insight—but also a personal lens on what it means to grow, rebuild, and lead with honesty after motherhood.

🙌 Thanks to Our Sponsor:
This episode is brought to you by DMN-WESTINGHOUSE, a company actively committed to inclusion and hiring for diverse roles in tech. Connect with them on LinkedIn!

💡 Connect with Women in Tech Netherlands:
Visit our website and follow us on LinkedIn to stay inspired and engaged with our community.

🎧 Listen now to hear a powerful story of motherhood, identity, and what it means to return—not just to work, but to yourself.

In this episode of Empowered in Tech: Women in Tech Netherlands, producer and host Ilaria Severi sits down with Catalina Dobre and Lieke Muller—two self-taught investors from the WIT community—for a real and relatable conversation about building financial freedom from the ground up.

Catalina moved to the Netherlands with €250 and two part-time jobs just to survive. Lieke started investing over 15 years ago with zero formal knowledge, guided only by curiosity and library books. Today, they invest confidently across ETFs, stocks, real estate, and even crypto—proving that you don’t need to be wealthy or an expert to start.

💡 What You’ll Learn:
• How to start investing—even with a limited budget
• The emotional side of money, fear, and mindset shifts
• Smart ways to diversify based on your goals and risk tolerance
• Real lessons from investment wins—and mistakes
• Why financial health is just as important as physical health

✨ About Our Guests:
Catalina and Lieke have very different backgrounds—but one thing in common: they took ownership of their financial future and now help other women feel confident doing the same. Their stories are honest, practical, and incredibly empowering.

🙌 Thanks to Our Sponsor:
This episode is made possible by DMN-WESTINGHOUSE, a company committed to diversity, inclusion, and creating real opportunities for women in tech. Explore their open roles and connect on LinkedIn!

💡 Connect with Women in Tech Netherlands:
Visit our website and follow us on LinkedIn to stay inspired, informed, and connected to the WIT NL community.

🎧 Tune in now and get inspired to take that first step—your financial future starts with you.

In this episode of Empowered in Tech: Women in Tech Netherlands, host Ilaria Severi sits down with Stefana Sopco—Marketing Manager at PortXchange and Spokesperson for Women in Tech NL—for a raw and powerful conversation about starting from zero, breaking through bias, and rising as a leader in sustainability and tech.

Stefana came to the Netherlands with just €80 in her pocket, no job, and no network. What followed was months of rejections, self-doubt, and hustle—until one spontaneous networking event changed everything. Today, Stefana is a two-time FortyUnder40 honoree and a recognized force in maritime innovation.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

• How Stefana turned rock bottom into a launchpad
• The career-changing power of networking and visibility
• Reclaiming your voice after toxic environments
• How to build a career in marketing with authenticity and resilience

✨ About Our Guest:
Stefana Sopco is not just a marketer—she’s a movement builder, a mentor, and an advocate for women in tech. Her story will inspire anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider to keep going.

🙌 Thanks to Our Sponsor:
This episode is brought to you by DMN-WESTINGHOUSE, a company actively committed to inclusion and hiring for diverse roles in tech. Connect with them on LinkedIn!

💡 Connect with Women in Tech Netherlands:
Visit our website and follow us on LinkedIn to stay inspired and engaged with our community.

🎧 Listen now and rediscover what’s possible when you stop waiting for permission and start showing up as yourself.