404: Women Not Found - The Podcast for Women in Tech

In this episode Vanessa explores the story and thinking behind 404 Women Not Found - a practical, action-focused book created to help women navigate, progress and thrive in the technology industry.The book grew out of a 2025 research report examining the barriers women continue to face in technology, particularly around progression, recognition and pay. Rather than telling women they need to change who they are to succeed, 404 Women Not Found is about helping them sharpen the skills they already have, navigate the realities of today’s workplace and take greater ownership of their careers.With women still accounting for only around 20–26% of the technology workforce, compared with approximately 17% a decade ago, the pace of change remains frustratingly slow.This episode looks at why that is, what women working in technology say they actually need, and how the book was designed to turn those conversations into practical action.The topics discussed:The research behind 404 Women Not Found and why women in tech don’t need “fixing”.Why progress on gender representation, recognition and pay remains slow.How TechWomen100 winners helped shape the book and its 19 chapters.Confidence, mindset, workplace politics and the power of community.Future-proofing careers in the age of AI and embracing “squiggly” career paths.The practical, action-focused workbook approach behind the book.The writing journey, from a 95,000-word first draft to contributions from 41 women — and why boundaries, mental health and sisterhood matter just as much as career progression.Links:This episode is hosted by Dave Savage Host of Pod Tech TalkThe guest: Vanessa Vallely - visit her website hereVanessa is the Author of 404 Women Not Found - A new book aimed at helping women in the tech industry thrive and survive Buy the book on Amazon hereCheck it out on Instagram here 

In the very first episode of 404 Women Not Found, Vanessa sits down with Dave to explore an extraordinary career journey shaped by resilience, risk-taking, determination and a refusal to let other people define what was possible for her.Growing up in a tower block in London’s East End, Vanessa could see the financial district from her bedroom window, but a career there seemed far from guaranteed. She left school at 16 with only a handful of GCSEs, including an F in technology, and faced repeated rejection when trying to break into banking.Eventually, an opportunity through a programme designed to recruit young people from challenging schools gave her the opening she needed.What followed was a 25-year corporate career spanning nine financial institutions, a successful move into technology and leadership, and ultimately the decision to leave corporate life behind and build something of her own.Topics discussed:Growing up in London’s East End and entering the corporate world without traditional academic credentials.How rejection, conscious bias and having “nothing to lose” shaped Vanessa’s early career.Why saying yes to opportunities helped accelerate her progression.Building a reputation as someone who gets things done.The value of observing great, and not-so-great, leaders and learning how they manage conflict, negotiation and workplace politics.How confidence can be gradually eroded by managers, setbacks and worrying about what other people think.The impact of informal workplace networks, from pub conversations to golf clubs, on access to opportunities.Why proximity to senior leaders can influence who receives the projects that transform careers.Discovering that a male colleague doing the same job was earning £20,000 more.Sacrificing personal time to deliver a major project, only to watch promotion opportunities go elsewhere.Returning to work after short maternity leaves and rebuilding confidence.The moment Vanessa realised she was ready to walk away from corporate life.Why a volunteering trip helped change her perspective on success and fulfilment.The beginnings of We Are The City and the need for a professional network where women could connect, learn and support one another.Taking the risk of leaving a successful career, even when people around her questioned the decision.What receiving an OBE, honorary doctorate and honorary degree meant to Vanessa and her family.Why refusing to give up remains one of her proudest achievements.Links:This episode is hosted by Dave Savage Host of Pod Tech TalkThe guest: Vanessa Vallely - visit her website hereVanessa is the Author of 404 Women Not Found - A new book aimed at helping women in the tech industry thrive and survive Buy the book on Amazon hereCheck it out on Instagram here