What if I told you that the career path you’re on right now doesn’t have to be your forever path?
That’s exactly what Gabriela Schwartz-Porto discovered. She started her career in law but took a bold leap into tech, where she now leads compliance at Flo Health, a fast-growing company with over 300 million users. Her story proves that stepping outside your comfort zone can unlock incredible opportunities—if you’re willing to take the leap.
Curious? Keep reading to learn the key lessons Gabriela shared on this week’s From a Woman to a Leader podcast episode.
Making Career Pivots: Finding Your Place in Tech
Gabriela didn’t plan to work in tech. In fact, she felt stuck for years in her legal career, until she landed a role in a startup by chance. The fast-paced, innovative environment of tech unlocked a new passion for her career.
Her advice for women considering a similar pivot?
- Be curious—Learn how different departments work and be open to new experiences.
- Expand your skillset—Understanding project management and agile methodologies will give you a competitive edge.
- Talk to people—Networking can reveal what’s really expected in your target industry.
If you’re thinking about a career change, Gabriela’s story might inspire you to take the next step.
Managing Risk in a High-Growth Industry
In traditional careers, like law, risk is something to be avoided. But in tech, taking calculated risks is essential for growth and innovation. Gabriela shared how compliance teams can’t be gatekeepers who block progress. Instead, they need to:
• Help businesses define their risk appetite
• Collaborate to create risk strategies
• Advise teams on making informed decisions
Wondering how you can apply these strategies in your own career? Gabriela’s insights might just change the way you think about risk.
Balancing Career and Motherhood
Balancing a high-pressure job and family life isn’t easy. Gabriela shared her personal strategies for creating boundaries and staying sane:
- She starts work early, when she’s most productive.
- She blocks her calendar after 5 PM to pick up her daughter from daycare.
- She prioritizes self-care through activities like yoga and gym sessions.
These small but intentional choices have helped her thrive at both work and home. For anyone juggling multiple responsibilities, this part of the episode is packed with relatable and practical advice.
Building Trust and Collaboration in Tech
One of Gabriela’s biggest takeaways is the importance of building trust across departments. Compliance professionals are often seen as blockers, but Gabriela’s team has worked hard to break down those walls by:
- Using the same tools as product and design teams
- Making compliance requirements easy to understand
- Becoming trusted partners, not rule enforcers
Trust is essential for collaboration, and this episode sheds light on how you can foster it in your own work environment.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Here’s a quick snapshot of what this episode covers:
✅ How Gabriela made a successful pivot from law to tech
✅ Essential skills for thriving in a fast-paced industry
✅ Tips for balancing career growth and family life
✅ How to build trust and collaboration across teams
✅ Strategies to guide companies through risk management
Ready to Be Inspired?
🎧 Listen to the full episode here: Link to Episode
Whether you’re looking to pivot your career, navigate challenges in tech, or create better work-life balance, Gabriela’s story offers valuable insights to help you grow.
💬 Have you made a bold career move? Share your story in the comments below!
About Gabriela:
Gabriela is a compliance leader with a legal background and extensive experience in the health tech sector. Currently, she is the Head of Compliance at Flo Health, a platform with over 300 million users worldwide, where she leads the company’s compliance initiatives. Gabriela holds a master’s degree from Nova University of Lisbon and a Healthcare Compliance Certification from Seton Hall Law School, with additional training in risk management.
Follow Gabriela on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriela-schwartz-porto-04334416a/
About Limor Bergman Gross
I’m Limor Bergman Gross, a former Director of Engineering with over 20 years of experience in the tech industry. Today, I’m passionate about mentoring and coaching women in tech, helping them break through barriers and advance their careers.
Through my podcast, From a Woman to a Leader, I share conversations with inspiring women who provide actionable strategies to help you thrive in tech leadership roles.
🎧 Listen to the full episode: limorbergman.com/podcast
🔗 Connect with me:
- Website: limorbergman.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/limorbergman/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/limorbergman
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LimorBergman
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