For most of my career, I believed there was only one path for me:
Software development.
Engineering leadership.
Climb the ladder.
And to be honest—it worked.
I was good at it. Respected.
But I never asked myself the real question:
Is this truly what I want?
If you’ve ever had that quiet voice inside wondering
whether something else is out there for you—this episode is going to speak to you.
From Data Engineer to Product Manager: Lisa Cao’s Unexpected Leap
This week on From a Woman to a Leader, I had the pleasure of speaking with Lisa Cao—a woman whose story reminded me that we’re never “too far” into our careers to change direction.
Lisa spent years working in data engineering, building complex systems, and loving the technical challenge.
But one day, after giving a talk on open-source data tools, a CEO came up to her and said:
“You have a product mindset.”
She wasn’t looking to switch. She had no product experience.
But she said yes.
And that yes changed everything.
The Courage to Say Yes (Even When You Don’t Know How)
Lisa didn’t fake confidence. She asked questions. She researched.
She admitted what she didn’t know.
And what she learned along the way is something so many of us need to hear:
💬 “If there’s no risk of failure, then it’s not worth doing.”
She reminded me that curiosity and courage can open doors we never even imagined.
That systems thinking, asking good questions, and a willingness to learn
can be just as powerful as technical expertise.
You Don’t Have to Be the Expert to Be Respected
One of the things Lisa and I talk about is how hard it can be to build trust when you’re no longer the technical expert in the room.
Especially for women in tech—we often feel the need to prove ourselves with credentials, certifications, and deep domain knowledge.
But Lisa shows that leadership can look different.
It can look like asking smart, targeted questions.
Creating clarity and space for engineers to do their best work.
And knowing when to say: “I don’t know. Teach me.”
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
💡 How to pivot into product management from a technical role
💡 Why you don’t need to “know it all” to lead
💡 The power of influence without authority
💡 How to gain trust and credibility with engineers
💡 Letting go of your job title—and focusing on value
This Episode Is for You If…
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You’re a woman in tech who feels stuck in the role you “should” stay in
-
You’re curious about switching paths but fear losing credibility
-
You’re craving something more—but don’t know what it looks like yet
🎧 You’re going to walk away from this episode feeling empowered to explore.
To ask different questions.
To redefine success on your terms.
👉 Listen to the full episode here:
https://limorbergman.com/podcast/
About Lisa Cao
Lisa is a product manager and former data engineer working at the intersection of observability, validation, and reliability in data systems. She’s a Google Women TechMakers Ambassador, Linux Foundation LiFT recipient, and a passionate advocate for open-source and DataOps innovation.
🔗 Connect with Lisa on LinkedIn
About Me
I’m Limor Bergman Gross—a former Director of Engineering turned executive coach for women in tech.
On From a Woman to a Leader, I talk with real women about what it actually takes to be seen, respected, and promoted—without burning out or pretending to be someone you’re not.
Let’s stay connected:
🌐 Website
▶️ YouTube
Ready to Lead with Clarity and Influence?
If you’re a mid-to-senior woman in tech who’s ready to grow your presence, gain respect, and step into leadership without burnout:
👉 Join the waitlist for the Strategic Influence & Executive Presence Accelerator
✨ Learn how to influence without authority
✨ Position yourself for promotion—without changing who you are
✨ Be seen and respected as the leader you already are
💬 What’s one moment in your career when you dared to say yes—even when you weren’t ready?
Drop it in the comments—or share this post with a woman who needs to hear it.
