#177 - From Dancing to Python: Sara Moad's Inspiring Tech Transition

What happens when a professional dancer trades it in for a keyboard? Join us as we uncover the incredible journey of Sara Moad, who went from being a professional dancer to managing tech solutions as a Solutions Architect at Sydney Airport.

Her transition wasn't just about switching careers; it was about embracing change, self-belief, and the profound impact of soft skills cultivated in teaching children. Sara shares her story of stepping into the tech world during the COVID-19 pandemic, inspired by friends and fuelled by a yearning for fresh challenges.

Sara's path is sprinkled with invaluable insights for anyone dreaming of a tech career. She shows how personality and empathy, honed through years of teaching dance, have been her greatest allies on this new stage. Her involvement with the Girls Programming Network is a testament to her belief in inclusivity in tech, as she passionately teaches Python and champions the importance of community support. With Sara, we explore how to overcome imposter syndrome and the power of connecting with those around us to find our footing in unfamiliar territory.

For those feeling the itch to transition, Sara offers more than inspiration—she provides a roadmap. From setting short-term goals to exploring personal projects, her advice is about aligning your career with your passions. She emphasises leveraging networks and communication to uncover opportunities and shares anecdotes about how hobbies like playing Dungeons & Dragons can bolster skills vital in tech.

Sara's story is a celebration of discovering joy in building tech solutions that resonate with one's own experiences and interests.

Links:

• Connect with Sara on LinkedIn 
• Book: Invisible Women - Caroline Criado Perez
• Girls Programming Network
• The _nology Program Sara went through.
• Join our Community 
• Pybites Python Coaching

Chapters:
0:00 - From Dance to Python
4:50 - Transitioning Careers in Tech
15:19 - Navigating the Tech Transition
19:42 - Building Confidence and Finding Career Paths
33:10 - Exploring Perspectives in Tech Education