Welcome back to I'm a Software Engineer ~ What Next? The podcast for devs figuring out their next move. Hosted by James Wilson and Matt Sinclair, we talk honestly about what it takes to build a meaningful career in tech.
In this episode, we sit down with Swapnali Bhansali, a seasoned engineering leader and software quality expert, to discuss her journey navigating career transitions, international moves, and the challenges of stepping into leadership roles as a woman in tech. From starting her career as a campus recruit at Yahoo to becoming a senior leader in the UK, Swapnali shares candid insights on overcoming professional setbacks, breaking through biases, and redefining leadership on her own terms.
She opens up about the barriers women face in corporate spaces—whether it's returning to work after maternity leave, being overlooked for senior roles, or simply making their voices heard in male-dominated rooms.
In this episode, we cover:
- The hidden cost of poor software quality and how to build a culture of excellence
- The reality of international career moves and adapting to new work environments
- How to transition from an individual contributor to a leadership role—twice
- The challenges women face when re-entering the workforce after career breaks
- Practical advice for allies, hiring managers, and leaders on supporting diverse teams
⏱️ Chapters
- 0:00 Intro: software quality is a whole-of-team responsibility
- 0:33 Meet Swapnali Bhansali: Yahoo in India to test manager at Global Relay
- 1:37 Moving to the UK: mid-level roles, a lead's mindset and a year of learning
- 5:31 Hiring after that experience: take the interview, don't judge by the CV
- 8:28 IC to management: no principal path for testers, but the best decision
- 10:39 The multiplier effect, and why day one is your worst day as a manager
- 14:05 Re-entering after a two-year maternity break: a mid-level role again
- 15:58 To hiring managers: a gap is not lost memory, and returners bring energy
- 19:48 Judge a company by how it treats the return, not just the leave
- 21:46 Advice for female engineers moving into leadership: learn, present, ask
- 23:24 Find a female mentor, be yourself and set your boundaries
- 25:31 Know what you are known for, and express your preferences
- 27:40 Senior people will help: ask sincerely and do the prep first
- 30:09 How allies can support women: advocate, speak up, stop assuming
- 33:06 The magic telephone: speak up, be yourself and enjoy the work
- 34:31 Wrap-up: a whirlwind tour, and maybe a series 2 return
🔗 Links
🗣️ Guest
- Swapnali Bhansali — https://www.linkedin.com/in/swapnalibhansali/
🎙 Hosts
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