Welcome back to ‘From a Woman to a Leader’! In our latest episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Lindsey Witmer Collins, the Founder and CEO of WLCM App Studio. Lindsey’s journey from facing early career biases to building a successful tech agency is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of self-belief. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the key highlights from our conversation and share some of Lindsey’s most inspiring quotes and insights.
Key Highlights:
1. Recognizing and Overcoming Biases:
Lindsey opened up about the biases she faced early in her career and how these challenges shaped her journey. Despite her impressive qualifications, she often found herself underestimated and dismissed.
“I knew I was smart and capable, so I built my own table.”
Lindsey’s story is a powerful reminder that recognizing biases is the first step toward overcoming them.
2. Turning Setbacks into Opportunities:
One of the most inspiring parts of Lindsey’s story is how she transformed setbacks into opportunities for growth. When faced with obstacles, she didn’t back down—instead, she used these experiences as stepping stones to build her own successful business.
“Instead of waiting for a seat at the table, I built my own.”
Lindsey’s entrepreneurial journey began with a simple yet profound realization: if she wasn’t given a chance, she would create her own.
3. Effective Negotiation Strategies:
Negotiation can be particularly challenging for women, but Lindsey shared practical tips on how to navigate these conversations with confidence.
“If you know that you have a really good case, you have to ask for more because you’re doing yourself a disservice if you don’t.”
Her advice is clear: know your worth, make a solid case, and don’t be afraid to ask for what you deserve.
4. Building Resilience and Confidence:
Lindsey emphasized the importance of resilience and confidence in a competitive industry. She shared how she built her confidence over time and used every challenge as an opportunity to grow stronger.
“Life should be an adventure. It shouldn’t be like an easy road—no fun in that.”
Her words encourage us to embrace the journey, with all its ups and downs, and to view each setback as a chance to learn and grow.
Conclusion:
Lindsey Witmer Collins’ journey is a powerful example of how we can turn biases and setbacks into opportunities for growth. Her insights on recognizing biases, negotiating effectively, and building resilience are invaluable for anyone navigating their career.
To hear more about Lindsey’s inspiring journey and gain practical advice on overcoming workplace challenges, listen to the full episode here.
Don’t forget to subscribe to ‘From a Woman to a Leader’ for more inspiring conversations and insights. If you enjoyed this post, share it with your network and leave a comment below with your thoughts!
About Lindsey
Software architect, startup investor, and Founder/CEO of WLCM App Studio, a multi-award-winning software agency
Lindsey founded WLCM App Studio (pronounced “Welcome”) near the dawn of the App Store. Her agency has built winning apps for clients across industries. WLCM’s work has been recognized by Apple, FastCo., and Webby as “App of the Day”, “Best in Class”, a “World Changing Idea” and “Best of the Internet”, and featured in publications including The New York Times, Oprah Magazine, and Vogue.
WLCM was recognized by Inc. for putting “purpose before profit” as a recipient of their ”Best in Business” award, and profiled in 2022.
Lindsey shares her love for technology and entrepreneurship as a contributor for Inc.com and Forbes.com, as a mentor with Berkeley’s Free Ventures, as a member of the American Society for AI, and as a tech investor. She is particularly passionate about representing the perspectives and interests of women and mothers.
Sign up for Lindsey’s newsletter for personal reflections and commentary on tech, AI, and building the internet we want our children to inherit.
Follow Lindsey on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindseywitmercollins/
Subscribe to her Newsletter Build it Right: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7150507287713878016/
Read her articles on Forbes: https://councils.forbes.com/profile/Lindsey-Witmer-Collins-Founder-CEO-WLCM-%22Welcome%22-App-Studio/20061abc-c631-4470-abad-f089309f5bc9
Inc articles: https://www.inc.com/author/lindsey-witmer-collins
Learn more about her company WLCM App Studio: https://wlcm.studio/