85 - The Making of a Tech Leader: Embracing Growth, Balance, and the Power of Unknown - Star Hofer

Women in Customer Success Podcast

There's something incredibly inspiring about a person who dares to take a leap of faith in their career and land in an industry entirely different from what they initially intended - meet Star Hofer. A small-town girl from Newfoundland, Canada, who dreamt of being a nurse, she's now a tech leader, serving as the Chief Customer Officer and Chief Operating Officer at A.K.A. New Media.

Star's journey was far from easy. Trading nursing for a tech school in Toronto, she found herself in a class of 3000 students, with only three other women present. But rather than being deterred, Star used this as a fuel to excel. She not only thrived in her studies but also managed to secure a job even before graduation.

In our candid conversation, Star shares her life-changing decision, how she navigated the tech industry with zero experience, and the unique ways she learned to study that led to her success. This episode is an absolute must-listen for anyone who believes in the power of determination and the beauty of an unconventional path. Tune in to be inspired.

Did You Know:

• Star grew up in a small town of 800 people in Newfoundland, Canada
• As a teenager, she wanted to be a nurse
• She joined a Tech school in Toronto (From 3000 students, she was one of four women!)
• Star is an Ultra Runner!
• Her first criteria for a role is a mission-driven company with the social impact

Episode chapters:

• 0:09:04 - Learning Math With Hands
• 0:14:02 - Career Change and Growth
• 0:18:54 - Prioritizing People in Mission
• 0:24:07 - Coaching for Work-Life Balance
• 0:29:23 - The Benefits of Exercise for Work
• 0:35:11 - Embrace What You Don't Know

Follow Star!
This episode is brought to you by Vitally.io.

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About Women in Customer Success Podcast:

Women in Customer Success Podcast is the first women-only podcast for Customer Success professionals, where remarkable ladies of Customer Success connect, inspire and champion each other.

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