ABOUT THIS EPISODE
In this episode of Her Tech Circle, Bec O’Brien speaks with Speedy Shatari, a dedicated advocate for social justice, LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and equity within the Jewish community in Australia. As General Manager of Programs and Engagement at STANDUP, Speedy has played a pivotal role in LGBTQIA+ advocacy, creating Australia’s first Jewish LGBTQIA+ mentorship program and working to make spaces more inclusive.
Speedy shares their personal and professional journey, from navigating gender identity to stepping into leadership roles in the nonprofit and advocacy sectors. They discuss:
- The power of storytelling in advocacy and leadership
- Overcoming the fear of public speaking and embracing confidence
- How gender influences job applications and career progression
- Building mentorship programs to support marginalized communities
- The importance of networking and finding allies
- Why the tech industry must embrace diversity to drive real innovation
Through their work at Speedy Speaking, Speedy continues to promote inclusive workplaces, community engagement, and leadership development. This conversation is packed with valuable insights on career growth, diversity, and pushing past societal barriers.
Notable Quotes:
💬 “Progress is happiness. Every year, if you can move forward in some way, that’s success.”
💬 “If no one else is doing it, sometimes you just have to do it yourself.”
💬 “Women and gender-diverse people should apply, apply, apply—even if they don’t tick every box. Your skills and experience matter.”
Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction to Speedy Shatari
02:12 – The power of storytelling in advocacy
05:16 – Speedy’s career path: from ancient history to social justice
08:19 – How to demonstrate the need for new programs and initiatives
09:55 – Gendered differences in job applications and confidence
13:06 – The role of mentorship and finding career champions
17:02 – Overcoming public speaking fears and learning from great speakers
19:45 – Why tech and innovation need more diverse voices
22:45 – Speedy’s vision for the next five years
24:53 – Final thoughts and where to find Speedy
Connect with Speedy:
🌐 Website: www.speedyspeaking.com
📸 Instagram: @speedyspeakingofficial
