How did TechSesh get started, and what does it look like now?

My journey was a little different. Being that I was On Air for many years, I already had an audience that was interested in what technology I was using. When I decided to officially start my business, I became much more active on social media and, luckily, my audience began to notice. I wish that I could say that I had a plan, the truth is that I initially did it for fun. Then it turned into something special that I really enjoyed.

I have always wanted to do something meaningful. For the longest time, I wanted to be a foreign correspondent and a storyteller. After spending a large portion of my career as a journalist, starting my career at CNN and CNBC, I found another calling. Tech. Digital media. This was difficult at first, especially coming from a traditional Middle Eastern background, where most women either don’t work or they take ‘safe’ professional routes. To this day, my parents still think I’m unemployed.

Do you think it is harder for women to get jobs in the technology field? If so, how would you advise women to create sustainable change within their workplace?

You can’t be what you can’t see. Women earn about half of science and engineering degrees, yet they make up less than 20 percent of the people employed in those fields. It’s disappointing. Let’s show the world who some of these women in the space are—and what is possible.

Women are less aggressive than men when they apply for jobs. Women in the U.S. make up nearly half of the entry-level workforce, but comprise only a fifth of the C-suite. Today, for every 100 men promoted and hired to a manager position, only 72 women are promoted and hired for the same role.

What scares you most about our society today? What inspires you most about our society today?

It scares me when people don't think for themselves and instead try to be like everyone else. BE YOU. Kindness is still alive.

Where do you see TechSesh in 10 years?

I see more events focused on getting women in tech. At these events, we will have mentorship sessions, salary negotiation workshops, and the opportunity to take headshots and ‘put your best face forward.’

Also, I would love to create a product; this has always been a dream of mine.

With the holidays here, what are some of your top gifts?

I love the holidays and I love to give everyone on my list technology-related gifts. There is something for everyone.

For the homebody: Nothing screams holiday season like lights. If you’re looking for a way to spice up your personal space, these 4 inch Smart Color Selectable CCT Integrated LED Recessed Light Trim light fixtures are so cool. I love the ability to select the perfect mood lighting and highly recommend this light fixture as a party trick.

The Philips Hue Play Light Bars are also really fun and complement gaming rigs. I love seeing the lights sync to the on-screen action when you start to play.

The Facebook Portal also lets the family stay connected when they can't be with us in person. Portal’s smart camera keeps you in-frame as you’re moving around the room, so you can talk comfortably and still be in center stage. If someone else comes in, the frame gets wider.

For the fashionista:

A smartwatch you don’t have to charge every single day? The Jorn Hybrid HR smartwatch from Skagen can last for up 2 weeks without a charge (because I have enough things to charge every single day already).

Stylish, functional and smart all in one and the heart rate sensor is perfect.

For the busy people: As a busy mom and entrepreneur, I don't always have time to do the messy work so I rely on smart tech to do the job. And now it’s time I tell you I officially reached peak adulthood because I am so excited to tell you about my new iRobot Smart Vacuum and Mop bundle.

Thanks to the iRobot Roomba S9+ Robot vacuum and Braava Jet robot mop bundle, I don’t even need to lift a finger. These two are a dream clean team. Think… All the crumbs and food that fall under the crevices of my son Jordan’s highchair and I’m too lazy to clean plus the entire home… clean. □

Article Credits

Jessica Naziri Instagram: @jessicanaziri

TechSesh Instagram: @techsesh

Website: www.techsesh.co