Imperfect Genius Podcast

Happy New Year! This January we are revisiting the episodes that define the core of the Imperfect Genius mission.
In this first episode of the Imperfect Genius podcast, host Rachel Foster is joined by Assistant Podcast Producer, Emma Burgin. Together, they introduce the podcast and discuss their backgrounds in the tech industry. Rachel explains her motivation for starting the podcast: to provide technical advice to Black women entrepreneurs and career guidance to all women in the tech industry.
We want you to join in the discussion! Call or text (404) 425-9862 with your questions.

In this episode, host Rachel Foster is joined by guest Kory McDow for a discussion on the challenges of corporate life in tech. They discuss the concept of 'golden handcuffs' that keep professionals tethered to their jobs despite dissatisfaction and share personal stories of finding joy and fulfillment outside of corporate structures.
We want to answer your question in 2025! Contact us at (404) 425-9862 or on social media @askimperfectgenius. ☎️

At last, host Rachel Foster shares her full tech and entrepreneurship origin story with listeners.

In this Throwback Thursday episode, host Rachel Foster revisits her journey of trademarking "Imperfect Genius" and shares the lessons learned along the way. She discusses the challenges she has encountered during the trademarking process and emphasizes the importance of conducting thorough research, hiring professionals, and being adaptable in the face of setbacks. The episode concludes with an update on her current trademark status and offers encouragement for aspiring entrepreneurs.
We are planning another Q&A episode. Do you have burning questions? Contact us at (404) 425-9862 or on social media @askimperfectgenius.

In this episode, host Rachel Foster closes out her Grace Hopper Celebration 2024 experience in conversation with fellow speaker Kaj Bansal, a Software Engineering Manager with a decade of experience in tech. They discuss their serendipitous meeting at the Grace Hopper Celebration, Kaj’s non-traditional career path into technology, and the importance of representation for women of color in tech. The conversation highlights the significance of networking, mentorship, and strategies for encouraging more women to pursue careers in technology.
Want to join in the discussion? Call or text (404) 425-9862 with your questions.

In this episode of Imperfect Genius, Rachel is fresh off her trip to the 2024 Grace Hopper Celebration in Philadelphia and excited to share all the highs, lows, and lessons from the experience.
From engaging conversations with fellow women of color in tech to navigating a packed conference schedule and dealing with introvert overload, Rachel will take you through each day of this fantastic event. She shares reflections on her sessions, some unexpected challenges, and the importance of finding time to recharge.
If you’re curious about what it’s like to attend the largest women-in-tech conference in the world or just want to hear more about Rachel’s takeaways, you don’t want to miss this episode!
Want to join in the discussion? Call or text (404) 425-9862 with your questions.

In this episode, host Rachel Foster speaks with Niesha White, an experienced UX designer and founder of Birmingham Black Techies. They discuss Niesha's unconventional entry into tech, her talent for community building, and how she built a supportive network for Black tech enthusiasts in the Birmingham, Alabama area.
Want to join in the discussion? Call or text (404) 425-9862 with your questions.

Don't miss out on this insightful episode of Imperfect Genius! Tune in to gain valuable insights on project management, technical sales, and building confidence for interviews. Host Rachel Foster shares her personal experiences, insights on certifications, and practical advice for navigating these high-paying tech roles. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the work in project management and offers strategies for standing out during the job search process.
Want to join in the discussion? Call or text (404) 425-9862 with your questions.

In this solo episode, host Rachel Foster revisits her quest to find a supportive community of Black women entrepreneurs and establish a community of support for women of color in the tech industry.
Rachel talks about her discovery of Mighty Networks as a community-building platform and her struggle to decide which group to focus on first. She also teases her session topic for an upcoming speaking engagement.
We are planning a Q&A episode. Do you have burning questions? Contact us at (404) 425-9862 or on social media @askimperfectgenius.

Meet Rukayatu "Ruky" Tijani, the powerhouse behind Firm for the Culture. As a trademark attorney, she's on a mission to safeguard intellectual property and empower diverse founders. Ruky breaks down the key forms of intellectual property—trademarks, copyrights, and patents—and shows us how they're crucial for protecting brands, content, and inventions.
But that's not all. Ruky also dives into the vital need for marginalized communities to understand and engage with intellectual property. She's not just about business; Ruky's all about wellness too. She advocates for self-care, building a strong support network, and ensuring that entrepreneurs grasp the importance of protecting their brand right from the start.
Got burning questions? Reach out at (404) 425-9862.