Why Women Are Essential to Transforming IT Leadership in the Age of AI with Leslie Bonsett, April Armijo, Lara Mayes

In this powerful and candid conversation, host Tonya Turrell sits down with three trailblazing women from GCG — Lara Mayes, April Armijo, and Leslie Bonsett — to explore how female leaders are reshaping the future of tech. Together, they unpack the shifts happening in leadership today, why traditional models are breaking down, and how empathy, adaptability, and emotional intelligence are becoming essential leadership skills in the age of AI.

From navigating male-dominated boardrooms in the ’90s to mentoring the next generation of leaders, Lara, April, and Leslie share their personal journeys, hard-earned lessons, and the unique strengths women bring to the table — strengths that are now driving cultural and strategic change across the industry.

They dive into:

• The evolution of tech leadership and why the old “command-and-control” style is no longer enough
• How women’s intuition, empathy, and ability to build genuine relationships create stronger teams and better results
• Real-life stories of overcoming bias, breaking through barriers, and earning respect in male-dominated spaces
• Why curiosity, listening, and courage are essential leadership skills for both emerging and seasoned leaders
• How AI is accelerating the need for human-first leadership — and the role women can play in setting ethical, people-centered standards for the future
• Actionable advice for both women leaders and male allies to create more inclusive, balanced, and effective workplaces

Why You’ll Love This Episode:
If you’ve ever wondered how to lead authentically in fast-changing, high-pressure environments — or how to amplify the voices and impact of women in tech — this conversation is filled with real talk, inspiration, and strategies you can use right now. Whether you’re an aspiring leader, a seasoned executive, or a male ally who wants to support positive change, this episode will leave you motivated and hopeful about the future of leadership.

Connect with our guests:

• Website: gcgcom.com
• Email: [email protected]
• LinkedIn: Lara Mayes | April Armijo | Leslie Bonsett