Ahead of this year’s Tech Ladies ICON Conference, we’re highlighting some of the incredible speakers joining us. Next up: Jane Serra, VP of Growth Marketing at Daxtra and creator of the Women in B2B Marketing podcast. Jane shares practical insights from her first “real” tech job managing marketing for Microsoft and NetSuite resellers, to creating a podcast that shines a spotlight on women in her field.
In an era where AI is automating more of our daily interactions, the human desire for genuine connection has never been stronger. Jane Serra, VP of Growth Marketing at Daxtra Technologies and creator of the Women in B2B Marketing podcast, believes that while AI is transforming work, it cannot replace the power of human relationships.
“The rise of AI is also making us crave more human interactions,” Jane explains. “We’re kind of clinging on to those moments… having that human heart-to-heart conversation, commiserating, being like, I’m going through that too, how are you solving this?” These face-to-face connections, she says, are why in-person events, bespoke dinners, and community gatherings remain essential in tech—and beyond.
For Jane, cultivating strong relationships is both a professional and personal priority. Her approach is guided by what she calls a PBOD, or Personal Board of Directors: a curated group of mentors, peers, and trusted advisors who provide honest feedback, guidance, and perspective.
“Whatever you do, you can have several,” she shares. “You can have a personal, personal, like your personal life, you can have a career-specific, you can mix the two, but at least start with one personal board of directors… people you can go to for advice and trust and have raw, real conversations with.”
In a world increasingly mediated by AI, Jane’s advice is clear: technology may streamline tasks, but it cannot replace the empathy, insight, and perspective that only humans provide. Building and nurturing your PBOD ensures that you remain grounded, supported, and connected—even as the digital landscape evolves.
Catch the full recording of our conversation here.
And speaking of human connections… you can meet Jane in person at our upcoming ICON conference, this October in NYC! She’ll be leading a breakout session: The Power of You: Why Personal Branding Isn’t Optional. In a world where opportunities often come down to perception, your personal brand isn’t a “nice to have”— it’s your calling card. Jane’s session will dive into why personal branding is critical and shares practical ways to stand out, build credibility, attract opportunities, and lead with influence. When you take control of your narrative, you don’t just open doors—you set the stage for the career you want.
Resources for women in tech, and the companies that want to build inclusive workplaces where they can thrive.
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