This episode is extra special, not just because of the insights, not just because of the laughs… but because it was recorded in person. Yes, for the first time ever, I had a guest sitting right beside me, and the energy was unreal. And after we wrapped? We celebrated the moment with tacos and guac. As you do.
Today’s guest is the brilliant Payal Pandya, Data Governance Lead at Sportsbet — a self-described data nerd, people-first thinker, and a woman who knows exactly how to turn messy complexity into clarity, calm, and meaningful action.
In this conversation, we dig into the real upsides of leadership, the surprising parts, the growth moments, the identity shifts, the “face-yourself” reality checks… all the things you don’t see on a job description.
What We Dive Into
- The moment Payal realised leadership wasn’t about perfection — it was about learning yourself. We talk blind spots, biases, delegation struggles, and those unexpected traits that show up only when someone hands you a team.
- Why leadership gives you a seat at the strategy table — and why that’s worth every challenging moment. Payal shares how being part of shaping company direction has changed the way she sees her role, her team, and herself.
- Coaching vs Captaining (this one hit hard) A simple analogy that will change how you lead tomorrow morning.
- The Women in Tech Toastmasters program she runs — and how it’s transforming confidence from the inside out. This is the kind of culture-building we want more of in tech.
- Personal life + leadership: the messy overlap we need to talk about more. Triggers, patience, perimenopause, sick pets, busy kids, overloaded calendars — and how to stay connected to your why when life comes barging in.
- How to rethink career paths when life throws you “the universe has other plans” moments (Spoiler: her career story is the plot twist every woman needs to hear.)
My Favourite Mic-Drop Moments
- “Fail… but fail safely.”
- “What problem are we really trying to solve?”
- “Just be you. Invest in you. Be kind to you.”
- “Careers aren’t linear anymore — and that’s actually your superpower.”
🎧 Listen If You’re…
- a woman in tech stepping into leadership
- an aspiring leader who isn’t sure where to start
- an exec wanting to build a healthier, people-first tech culture
- someone going through a career pivot
- OR simply needing a reminder that leadership isn’t just about leading others — it’s about knowing yourself
🌮 PS:
After the recording, Payal and I got Mexican food and debriefed like old friends. That’s the energy of this episode - warm, honest, real, and spicy in all the right ways.
Get in touch with Payal:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/payalppandya
Where to find me:
Website: Sharon (Shaz) Daly www.techtoexec.com.au
LinkedIn: Sharon (Shaz) Daly https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-daly/
Instagram: @techtoexec https://www.instagram.com/techtoexec/
Facebook: TechtoExec https://www.facebook.com/techtoexec/
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