Rebecca opens up about the emotional toll of working in an environment where constant judgment and lack of validation eroded her confidence and well-being. She reflects on how the pressure to meet unclear expectations led her to internalize criticism and lose her sense of self. Rather than receiving constructive feedback, she faced vague, contradictory labels that left her questioning every decision—a dynamic that mirrors the experience of many women in tech. Rebecca and Brenda also explore the idea that imposter syndrome is often externally induced, not self-made, and that without psychological safety, true growth and belonging are impossible.
Eventually, the pressure became overwhelming, and Rebecca made the difficult decision to take a mental health leave; not for herself at first, but for her children, who were beginning to notice her suffering. Despite the stigma around mental health and fears it might impact her career, she prioritized modeling resilience and self-worth for her family. During her time away, she began therapy and slowly learned to let go of the urge to “fix” herself, instead making space to heal and recognize her inherent value. Though the return to work wasn’t easy, Rebecca came back with new tools and a commitment to separating her identity from her output, offering a powerful reminder that rest and recovery are not signs of weakness but acts of strength.
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Our guests contribute to this podcast in their personal capacity. The views expressed in this interview are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology or its employees (“AnitaB.org”). AnitaB.org is not responsible for and does not verify the accuracy of the information provided in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute legal or other professional advice or services.