Reframe for Resilience - Episode 37: Leading with Courage and Community in Tech with Dr. Telle Whitney

Reframe for Resilience

How do you lead with courage when you’re the only one in the room? In this inspiring episode, Dr. Telle Whitney, author of Rebooting Technology Culture, joins Dr. Frank Douglas to share powerful lessons on inclusion, innovation, and resilience. From confronting bias to creating communities that empower women in tech, this conversation is a masterclass in courageous leadership.

“Never say no to yourself — there are enough people who will tell you no.”

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Episode Summary:

In this episode of Reframe for Resilience, Dr. Frank L. Douglas speaks with Dr. Telle Whitney, a trailblazing computer scientist, author, and advocate for women in technology. Dr. Whitney shares her personal and professional journey — from being one of the few women in Silicon Valley during the 1980s to co-founding one of the largest gatherings for women in computing.

Together, they discuss what it means to create a culture where everyone thrives, the courage it takes to stand up for yourself and others, and how reframing challenges can lead to meaningful innovation. Dr. Whitney also shares insights from her book Rebooting Technology Culture, where she introduces her Six C’s — Creativity, Courage, Confidence, Curiosity, Communication, and Community — as the foundation for inclusive and innovative workplaces.

Listeners will walk away inspired to build environments that value authenticity, inclusion, and courageous leadership.

Key Topics

• Overcoming bias and fostering inclusion in tech
• The story behind Rebooting Technology Culture
• Lessons from early Silicon Valley experiences
• The cost of silence in leadership moments
• The power of speaking up and modeling courage
• Building community and supporting women in tech
• The Six C’s framework for thriving innovation

Timeline Summary

[00:00 – 01:30] — Introduction to Dr. Telle Whitney and her pioneering journey in computer science

[02:00 – 03:30] — Why she wrote Rebooting Technology Culture and the importance of inclusive innovation

[03:30 – 05:30] — Early challenges in Silicon Valley and building community outside of work

[05:30 – 07:00] — Learning from Anita Borg and understanding social science in DEI

[07:00 – 09:50] — The cost of staying silent and lessons in leadership and trust

[09:50 – 12:30] — Dr. Frank and Dr. Whitney share moments of courage in confronting bias

[12:30 – 13:45] — The story of Al Zolar and allyship in the workplace

[13:45 – 14:40] — The Six C’s: the foundation of creativity and courage in innovation

[14:40 – 15:00] — Closing reflections: “Never say no to yourself”

Links & Resources

• Connect with Dr. Telle Whitney - Website
• Dr. Telle Whitney's book Rebooting Technology Culture
• Connect with Dr. Frank L. Douglas at Safe Haven Dialogues LLC
• Listen to more episodes at Reframe for Resilience Podcast

Closing Remark

Dr. Whitney reminds us that innovation and inclusion go hand in hand — and that courage is the foundation of both. By standing up for ourselves and others, we not only build stronger teams but also create cultures where creativity and belonging can flourish.

As Dr. Douglas beautifully concludes:

“Never say no to yourself — there are enough people who will tell you no.”