DEV Community: Grace

Im attending Manifest 2026!

Grace — Tue, 26 May 2026 06:28:13 +0000

Im attending Manifest 2026!

image source: Manifest site

Hi everyone! Im planning to attend Manifest 2026! A festival for predictions, and markets thereof. (June 12–14 · Berkeley)

Manifest started in 2023 as a festival about prediction markets and forecasting; it has since become an annual excuse to treat curiosity as a serious hobby - long conversations, unfinished arguments, bets, and the company of writers, researchers, and builders you admire from your favorite niche corners of the internet.

"Equal parts Math Olympiad and Burning Man" - a gathering of nerds who want to find the thinkers and practitioners they vehemently agree (and disagree) with, share a meal around a cozy campfire, and come away with new ways of thinking.

What sorts of things happen at Manifest?

image source: Manifest site

Talks, panels, debates, workshops, games, prediction market tournaments, a night market, career fair, and much more. Much of the schedule comes from attendee-led sessions.

Is anyone else planning to attend? I would love to connect!

More info: https://manifest.is/#tickets

Im a mentor with the Technovation AI Ventures Accelerator!

Grace — Tue, 26 May 2026 06:10:43 +0000

Im a mentor with the Technovation AI Ventures Accelerator!
The AI Ventures Accelerator is a free accelerator from Technovation and Generation Unlimited that fast-tracks teams of young women from idea to investor-ready AI venture with a chance at $10,000 in equity-free seed funding.

Who Can Apply to the Accelerator?

The AI Ventures Accelerator exists to jumpstart new tech businesses from young women with exciting ideas and an interest in technology and entrepreneurship.

The AI Ventures Accelerator is for you if you…

Are a team of young women aged 19-24 (teams of 2-4 preferred, solo founders also welcome)
Are interested in technology and AI
Have a problem you want to solve
Are interested in launching an AI based business
Can commit 10-15 hours per week for 12 weeks
Currently reside in a UNICEF Program Country (see list)
The AI Ventures Accelerator will run March to June 2026. Applications are open until March 4, 2026.

For this 1st round of the AI Ventures Accelerator, we are only accepting applications from candidates in UNICEF Program Country (see list) and the US.
More details: https://www.technovation.org/ai-ventures-accelerator/

Women Techmakers Ambassador Applications are here!

Grace — Fri, 22 May 2026 05:49:11 +0000

Women Techmakers Ambassador Applications are here!

This program brings together individuals who are passionate about technology, community, and creating space for others to grow.
As an Ambassador, you'll have the opportunity to:
– Foster inclusive tech communities
– Organize and lead meaningful initiatives
– Support and uplift others in their journeys
– Contribute to a global network of builders and thinkers
We're looking for people who care deeply about impact. Those who are not only advancing in tech, but also opening doors for others along the way.
If you're ready to shape conversations, build community, and create lasting impact, we invite you to apply. Application deadline: June 22.

WomenTechmakers #WomenInTech #WTM2026 #WTMAmbassador

WTM website and handles
Website: https://www.technovation.org/women-techmakers/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/womentechmakers
Twitter/X: https://x.com/womentechmakers
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womentechmakersglobal/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/technovationglobal

Rethinking Open Source Contribution in the Age of AI Agents, featuring vLLM Core Maintainer Roger Wang at MLSys'26

Grace — Thu, 21 May 2026 06:42:50 +0000

Roger is a software engineer focused on machine learning research and systems. He is a core maintainer of vLLM and the lead maintainer of vLLM-Omni, where he works on infrastructure for large multimodal and omni-modality models. He also recently co-founded Inferact, a startup focused on making AI inference cheaper and faster while helping grow vLLM as a major AI inference engine.

The talk was useful because Roger was speaking from direct experience maintaining open source AI infrastructure at a time when AI coding agents are changing how people contribute.

One of the clearest points was that the maintainer's inbox has changed. For vLLM, weekly new pull requests increased a lot from early 2025 to 2026, with visible spikes around major model and coding agent releases. More people can now generate code and open pull requests quickly.

That creates a real burden for maintainers. The hard part is not only reviewing whether the code works. Maintainers also need to understand whether the contributor understands the system, whether the change solves the right problem, and whether the person will stay involved after the pull request is opened.

A line from the talk captured this well:

Talk and code is cheap, show me you really care.

That was my main takeaway. In open source, a useful contribution is more than a code diff. It requires reading the codebase, understanding the project direction, explaining the design clearly, and taking responsibility for the change.
Roger highlighted a few things contributors should focus on:

Understand the system
Pick the right problem at the right scale
Communicate clearly
Have a sense of ownership and responsibility

If AI agents make it easier to submit code, then contributors need to show stronger signals that they understand what they are changing.

For maintainers of critical infrastructure, Roger also pointed to a few changes that matter. Standards are higher now. Projects need clearer non-goals, including when "fork it as a plugin" is a valid path. Design decisions should be reviewable, not just the code diff. Reliability matters more, which means projects need to invest more in continuous integration. Reviewer time should also be spent carefully, especially on contributors who are learning the system and likely to keep contributing.

Another point that stood out was the changing pipeline of open source talent. If the new on-ramp to open source is "prompt an agent," maintainers may see more contributors who have not deeply read the codebase. That creates risk. It also creates an opportunity to be clearer about what good contribution looks like.

The bar for human contribution is getting higher and clearer. Writing plausible code is less of a signal than it used to be. The stronger signals are system understanding, good judgment, clear communication, and trust.

I left the talk thinking that AI agents will change open source contribution, but they will not remove the human part. If anything, the human part becomes more important. The best contributors will be the people who can understand the system, communicate with maintainers, and take responsibility for the work beyond the first pull request.

For anyone trying to contribute to open source now, especially in AI infrastructure, the practical advice is simple:

Ask real questions.
Meet people outside your usual circle.
Support other contributors, especially during poster sessions and discussions.
Read the codebase before asking an agent to change it.
Show that you care about the project, not just the pull request.

Practical Tools for Stress Management

Grace — Mon, 18 May 2026 00:26:58 +0000

We've all been there - that moment when your heart starts racing, your palms get sweaty, and your mind begins spiraling. Whether it's a difficult email from your boss, an unexpected deadline, or a challenging conversation, stress seems unavoidable in our modern world. But what if I told you there's a way to prevent those stress chemicals from ever entering your body in the first place?

Enter Lila Veronica, a former academic turned high-performance coach. Having transitioned from teaching environmental policy at Ohio State University to specializing in mindfulness and embodiment coaching, Lila brings a unique perspective to stress prevention that's grounded in both science and practical application.

The Difference Between Stress Management and Stress Prevention

Most of us are familiar with stress management - techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or taking a walk to help us cope after stress has already hit. But Lila introduces something entirely different: stress prevention. This approach focuses on stopping stress chemicals from entering your body in the first place, and remarkably, it can be accomplished in 10 seconds or less.
"The key," Lila explains, "is understanding that we have a brief window of opportunity before our body's stress response kicks into full gear. If we can catch it early enough, we can prevent the entire cascade of stress chemicals from flooding our system."

Understanding Your Body's Stress Response Cycle

To effectively prevent stress, we need to understand what happens inside our bodies when we encounter a trigger. Lila breaks down the stress response cycle into clear, actionable stages:
Stage 1: The Trigger Something in your environment - a sound, sight, thought, or situation - signals potential danger to your brain.
Stage 2: The Chemical Cascade Your body releases adrenaline first, followed by cortisol. These chemicals prepare your body for fight, flight, or freeze responses.
Stage 3: Physical and Mental Effects Your heart rate increases, breathing becomes shallow, muscles tense, and cognitive function can become impaired. This is when decision-making becomes difficult and emotions run high.
The critical insight? There's a brief window between stages 1 and 2 where intervention is possible. Miss this window, and you're managing stress rather than preventing it.

The Pressure Free Method: Your 10-Second Solution

Lila champions the Pressure Free Method, developed by Elle Ingles, which consists of three essential components:

Targets These are your goals and desired outcomes - what you actually want to achieve in any given situation.
Triggers These are the specific stimuli that activate your stress response. Common triggers include certain tones of voice, specific phrases, time pressure, or even particular environments.
Tools These are your prevention techniques - simple, science-backed methods you can deploy within that crucial 10-second window.

Practical Tools for Stress Prevention

Lila shares several powerful tools that can interrupt the stress response before it begins:
The Celebration Ferris Wheel Visualize yourself on a Ferris wheel, celebrating a recent win or positive moment. This technique rapidly shifts your brain from threat detection to appreciation, effectively short-circuiting the stress response.
Belly Relaxation Consciously relax your belly muscles. This simple physical action sends a signal to your nervous system that you're safe, preventing the release of stress hormones.
Strategic Smiling Even a forced smile can trigger the release of endorphins and create new neural pathways associated with positive emotions. The brain doesn't distinguish between a "real" and "fake" smile when it comes to chemical responses.
The science behind these tools is fascinating. Each technique helps create new neural pathways while strengthening your brain's ability to choose calm over chaos. Over time, these new pathways become the default, making stress prevention increasingly automatic.
The Transformative Impact
The results of consistent stress prevention extend far beyond just feeling calmer. Lila shares compelling examples of how this approach has transformed lives:
Improved Productivity: When your brain isn't flooded with stress chemicals, cognitive function remains sharp, leading to better decision-making and more creative problem-solving.
Better Physical Health: Preventing chronic stress chemical release reduces inflammation, improves immune function, and supports better sleep patterns.
Stronger Relationships: When you're not operating from a stress-reactive state, you can respond to others with greater empathy, patience, and clarity.

Putting It Into Practice

The beauty of stress prevention lies in its simplicity, but consistency is key. Lila recommends:
Identify Your Why: Connect with your deeper motivations for wanting to prevent stress. This emotional anchor will help you remember to use your tools when you need them most.
Track Your Triggers: Keep a simple log of what situations, people, or circumstances tend to activate your stress response. Awareness is the first step to prevention.
Practice Your Tools: Don't wait for a stressful situation to try these techniques. Practice them when you're calm so they're readily available when you need them.
Use the 10-Second Rule: When you notice a trigger, you have approximately 10 seconds to deploy your prevention tool before stress chemicals begin flooding your system.

The Path Forward

Stress prevention isn't about eliminating all challenges from your life - it's about maintaining your cognitive and emotional capacity to handle whatever comes your way. As Lila emphasizes, when we prevent stress chemicals from hijacking our system, we remain in choice rather than reaction.
This approach represents a fundamental shift from reactive stress management to proactive stress prevention. It's not about being perfect; it's about building a new relationship with the inevitable pressures of life.
The next time you feel that familiar flutter of stress beginning to build, remember: you have 10 seconds to change everything. The question isn't whether stress will come - it's whether you'll be ready to stop it in its tracks.
Ready to dive deeper into stress prevention techniques? Start by identifying just one trigger you experience regularly and choose one tool to practice with it. Small, consistent actions create lasting transformation.

How to Improve Mental Performance

Grace — Mon, 18 May 2026 00:25:31 +0000

Elite performers across sports, entertainment, and business share six fundamental mental strategies that anyone can learn and apply.

Whether you're watching a clutch three-pointer in the final seconds, a flawless performance under stage lights, or a CEO navigating a crisis with unshakeable composure, you're witnessing more than talent or luck. You're seeing the result of deliberate mental training.
Riley Jensen, a performance psychologist who works with elite athletes, entertainers, and corporate leaders, recently shared the six core principles that separate peak performers from everyone else. These aren't abstract concepts - they're practical tools that the "great ones" use daily to maintain their edge.

Vision: Creating Success Twice The Core Principle: All achievements happen twice - first in your mind, then in reality. The most successful people don't just hope for good outcomes; they create detailed mental blueprints of success. This isn't wishful thinking - it's strategic mental rehearsal that primes your brain for peak performance. How the Great Ones Do It: They visualize specific scenarios, not just general success They mentally rehearse both the process and the outcome They create clear, compelling visions that pull them forward during difficult moments

Your Daily Application: Start each day with three "non-negotiable" wins that set a foundation of success. Jensen's personal formula: reading (feeding the mind), meditation (centering focus), and making the bed (creating immediate order). These small victories create momentum that carries into bigger challenges.

Control: Mastering What Matters The Core Principle: Peak performers obsess over what they can control and completely release what they can't. This might seem obvious, but most people waste enormous mental energy on uncontrollables - past mistakes, other people's actions, external circumstances. Elite performers have laser focus on their sphere of influence. Controllables That Matter Most: Your attitude and mindset Your effort and preparation Your sleep quality and nutrition Your response to setbacks Your daily habits and routines

Uncontrollables to Release:
Past failures or mistakes
Other people's opinions or actions
Weather, traffic, or external circumstances
Outcomes that depend on factors beyond your influence

The Mental Performance Hack: When stress hits, immediately ask yourself, "Is this something I can control?" If yes, create an action plan. If no, redirect that energy to something you can influence.

Self-Talk: Rewiring Your Internal Dialogue The Core Principle: Your internal voice either builds you up or tears you down - there's no neutral ground. Elite performers have learned to catch and redirect negative self-talk before it undermines their performance. They don't eliminate negative thoughts (impossible), but they refuse to let them drive the bus. Game-Changing Techniques: The "Yet" Strategy: Transform "I can't do this" into "I can't do this yet" Counter-Arguments: When your inner critic speaks, respond with evidence-based rebuttals Body Language Influence: Stand tall, shoulders back - your posture changes your self-talk

Real-World Example: Instead of "I always mess up presentations," try "I'm still developing my presentation skills, and each one teaches me something new."

Momentum: The E + R = O Formula The Core Principle: Events don't determine outcomes - your responses do. This is perhaps the most powerful concept in mental performance: Event + Response = Outcome. You can't control every event, but you can always choose your response, and that choice determines your outcome. The Momentum Multiplier: Great performers understand that positive responses create positive momentum, which makes the next positive response easier. It's a compound effect that builds over time. Crisis Application: When facing setbacks, the great ones ask, "What response will create the outcome I want?" rather than focusing on the unfairness of the event itself.
Time Travel: The Power of Presence The Core Principle: Peak performance happens in the present moment, not in regrets about the past or anxiety about the future. Elite performers have mastered the art of "time travel" - not dwelling on what was or worrying about what might be, but fully engaging with what is. Instant Presence Techniques: 3–2–1 Breathe Method: Three deep breaths to reset your nervous system "What's Important Now?" (WIN): Ask this question to snap back to present priorities Sensory Anchoring: Notice three things you can see, hear, or feel right now

Why This Matters: Your best decisions, clearest thinking, and most effective actions all happen when you're fully present. Anxiety lives in the future, depression in the past, but power lives in the now.

Confidence: The 60-Second Courage Practice The Core Principle: Confidence isn't a feeling - it's a practice of acting despite fear. The great ones don't wait to feel confident; they build confidence through small acts of courage. They understand that comfort zones are performance killers, and growth happens in the stretch zone. The Daily Practice: Spend 60 seconds a day practicing "pure, unadulterated guts." Take one small action that scares you but moves you forward. This could be making a difficult phone call, speaking up in a meeting, or trying something new. The Compound Effect: These micro-moments of courage accumulate into unshakeable confidence over time. Each small act of bravery makes the next one easier. Putting It All Together: Your Mental Performance Action Plan These six principles work synergistically. Here's how to integrate them: Week 1–2: Focus on Vision and Control Create your three daily non-negotiables Make your controllables/uncontrollables list Practice redirecting energy from uncontrollables to controllables

Week 3–4: Master Self-Talk and Momentum
Implement the "yet" strategy
Practice the E + R = O formula during small setbacks
Notice how positive responses create positive momentum

Week 5–6: Develop Presence and Confidence
Use the 3–2–1 breathe method throughout the day
Ask "What's important now?" when feeling scattered
Practice 60 seconds of daily courage

The Great Ones' Secret
Here's what separates elite performers from everyone else: they don't just know these principles - they practice them relentlessly, especially when they don't feel like it. They understand that mental performance is a skill that requires the same dedication as physical training.
The great ones know that peak performance isn't about perfection - it's about having the mental tools to perform your best when it matters most. And now, so do you.

Ready to develop your mental performance edge? Start with just one principle and practice it consistently for two weeks. The compound effect of small, daily improvements in mental training creates extraordinary results over time.

Beyond Words: The Hidden Messages in Non-Verbal Communication

Grace — Mon, 18 May 2026 00:18:09 +0000

In the boardroom, your words might seal the deal, but it’s often your body language that opens the door. Research suggests that up to 93% of communication is non-verbal, making it one of the most powerful yet underutilized tools in professional settings. Understanding and mastering non-verbal communication can transform how you connect with colleagues, build trust with clients, and navigate the complex dynamics of modern business.

The Foundation: Why Non-Verbal Communication Matters
Every gesture, facial expression, and posture sends a message. These silent signals convey emotions, attitudes, and intentions that words alone cannot express. In business contexts, non-verbal communication serves as the foundation for establishing credibility and trust — two critical elements that can make or break professional relationships.

Consider this: when a potential client meets you for the first time, they’re processing hundreds of non-verbal cues within seconds. Your posture, eye contact, facial expressions, and even how you position your hands all contribute to their first impression. This phenomenon, often called “curb appeal” in human interactions, demonstrates how naturally we judge and assess others based on visual information.

Cultural Intelligence: The Eye Contact Dilemma
One of the most nuanced aspects of non-verbal communication lies in understanding cultural differences, particularly around eye contact. In Western business cultures, direct eye contact often signals confidence, honesty, and engagement. However, in many Asian, African, and Latin American cultures, prolonged eye contact can be perceived as disrespectful or confrontational.

The key to navigating these differences isn’t to memorize every cultural norm, but to develop cultural intelligence through observation and mirroring. Pay attention to how your international colleagues or clients use eye contact, and adjust your approach accordingly. This adaptive behavior demonstrates respect and cultural awareness — qualities highly valued in global business environments.

Breaking Down Communication Myths

Several persistent myths about non-verbal communication can lead to misinterpretation in professional settings:

Myth 1: Crossed arms always indicate

defensiveness Reality: Context matters. Someone might cross their arms because they’re cold, comfortable, or simply thinking. Always consider the environment and other accompanying signals before drawing conclusions.

Myth 2: Fidgeting means dishonesty Reality:

Fidgeting often indicates nervousness, excitement, or even concentration. High-stakes business situations naturally create anxiety, making fidgeting a normal response.

Myth 3: Avoiding eye contact suggests deception

Reality: As mentioned earlier, eye contact norms vary significantly across cultures. Some individuals may also avoid eye contact due to neurodivergence, social anxiety, or cultural upbringing.

The Power of Intentional Gestures

Hand gestures can either enhance your message or undermine your credibility. Pointing, for example, often comes across as aggressive or confrontational in professional settings. Instead of pointing directly at individuals during presentations or meetings, try these alternatives:

Open palm gestures:

Extend your hand with palm facing up when referring to someone or something
The inclusive sweep: Use a gentle, open-handed gesture to encompass the group when addressing everyone
The bridge: Bring your fingertips together to form a bridge when making important points — this conveys thoughtfulness and authority
These subtle changes in hand positioning can dramatically shift how others perceive your intentions and leadership style.

Building Team Communication Standards

In diverse workplaces, establishing clear communication norms becomes essential for preventing misunderstandings. Teams that proactively discuss and agree upon non-verbal communication standards tend to collaborate more effectively and experience fewer conflicts.

Consider implementing team discussions around:

Preferred meeting etiquette (cameras on/off, muting practices)
Cultural communication preferences within the team
How to signal agreement, disagreement, or need for clarification
Appropriate use of space and positioning during collaborative work
The Three Pillars of Authentic Communication
Effective non-verbal communication rests on three fundamental principles:

1. Be Authentic

Align your non-verbal signals with your genuine intentions. Forced or fake gestures are often more noticeable than we think and can damage trust. Instead of trying to perform confidence, focus on cultivating it through preparation and practice.

2. Take Deliberate Action

Consciously practice positive non-verbal habits. This might mean:

Maintaining an open posture during difficult conversations

Using active listening signals like nodding and leaning slightly forward
Managing your facial expressions to remain approachable and engaged

Demonstrate Consistency Trust builds through consistent behavior over time. When your non-verbal communication aligns with your words and actions repeatedly, colleagues and clients develop confidence in your reliability and authenticity.

Virtual Communication:

The New Frontier
The rise of remote work has created unique challenges and opportunities in non-verbal communication. When cameras are off, voice becomes the primary non-verbal tool available. Speaking from a lower, more resonant place in your chest rather than your throat can create a sense of confidence and connection, even through a screen.

For video calls, consider these adaptations:

Position your camera at eye level to maintain natural eye contact
Use slightly more expressive facial expressions and gestures than you would in person
Pay attention to your background and lighting as they become part of your non-verbal message
Practice active listening cues that are visible on camera, such as nodding and appropriate facial responses
Practical Steps for Improvement
Developing stronger non-verbal communication skills requires intentional practice:

Record yourself during practice presentations to identify unconscious habits

Seek feedback from trusted colleagues about your non-verbal presence
Observe successful communicators in your industry and note their non-verbal strategies
Practice mirror exercises to become more aware of your default expressions and postures
Experiment with different approaches in low-stakes situations before important meetings
The Competitive Advantage
In an increasingly digital world, those who master the art of non-verbal communication gain a significant competitive advantage. They build stronger relationships, resolve conflicts more effectively, and inspire greater confidence in their leadership abilities.

Non-verbal communication isn’t about manipulation or performance — it’s about creating genuine connections and ensuring your intended message reaches your audience clearly. By developing this awareness and skill set, you’re not just improving your professional effectiveness; you’re contributing to more positive, productive, and inclusive workplace cultures.

The investment in understanding and refining your non-verbal communication pays dividends throughout your career. Start with small, conscious adjustments and build from there. Your silent language speaks volumes — make sure it’s saying what you want it to say.

Communication

Nonverbal Communication

Leadership

Strategic Leadership Communication: Mastering Conflict Management in the Modern Workplace

Grace — Mon, 18 May 2026 00:12:03 +0000

Workplace conflict is inevitable, but how leaders communicate during these challenging moments determines whether conflicts become destructive forces or catalysts for growth. Strategic leadership communication transforms conflict from organizational liability into competitive advantage.

Most workplace conflicts stem from predictable sources: poor communication patterns, personality clashes, unrealistic expectations, interdependence issues between departments, and competition over limited resources. When leaders fail to address these root causes through strategic communication, stress increases, team dynamics deteriorate, and productivity suffers.

Leaders who master strategic communication during conflicts create environments where teams thrive despite disagreements.

Conflict competency represents the ability to develop cognitive, emotional, and behavioral skills that enhance productive outcomes during disputes while reducing the likelihood of escalation or lasting relationship damage. This competency hinges on communication choices leaders make in critical moments.
Leaders exhibit either constructive or destructive communication responses during conflicts. Constructive responses include active listening, acknowledging different perspectives, asking clarifying questions, and focusing on shared goals. Destructive responses involve personal attacks, dismissive language, ultimatums, and blame-focused communication.

These communication patterns create measurable physiological effects on team members. Constructive communication reduces cortisol levels and promotes collaboration, while destructive communication triggers fight-or-flight responses that impair decision-making and creativity.

Every leader has "hot buttons" - specific situations or behaviors that consistently provoke reactive communication responses. Common workplace triggers include feeling disrespected, being interrupted during presentations, having decisions questioned publicly, or receiving criticism about work quality.

Strategic leaders identify their personal triggers and develop communication protocols for managing these situations effectively. This preparation prevents reactive responses that escalate conflicts and damage relationships.

The Transportation Security Administration's Integrated Conflict Management System demonstrates how organizations can systematically improve conflict communication outcomes. Their approach focused on three key components: systematic skill development programs, organizational structure modifications, and comprehensive support mechanisms.

The results were measurable: reduced grievances, improved employee satisfaction, and faster resolution times for disputes. This success stemmed from treating strategic communication as a learnable skill rather than an innate talent.

When managed through effective communication, conflicts generate significant organizational benefits. Teams experience strengthened working relationships as they navigate disagreements successfully. Creative solutions emerge when diverse perspectives are communicated respectfully and thoroughly explored. Decision-making improves as leaders facilitate discussions that surface hidden assumptions and alternative approaches.
Leaders who embrace this mindset view conflicts as opportunities to demonstrate strategic communication skills and strengthen team capabilities.

Strategic leadership communication requires mastery at three distinct levels:

Individual Self-Mastery involves developing emotional regulation skills, practicing active listening techniques, and learning to communicate clearly under pressure. Leaders must recognize their default communication patterns and consciously choose more effective approaches.

Team-Level Coordination focuses on establishing communication norms, creating safe spaces for disagreement, and facilitating productive discussions between conflicting parties. Leaders set expectations for how team members communicate during disputes.
Organizational Systems Integration requires embedding strategic communication principles into policies, training programs, and performance evaluation criteria. Leaders create structures that support and reward effective conflict communication throughout the organization.

Implementing Strategic Communication Practices

Leaders serious about improving their conflict communication should focus on continuous skill development. This includes practicing difficult conversations in low-stakes situations, seeking feedback on communication effectiveness, and studying successful conflict resolution examples.

The investment pays dividends through reduced workplace stress, improved team dynamics, and enhanced organizational resilience. Strategic leadership communication transforms inevitable workplace conflicts into opportunities for growth, innovation, and stronger relationships.

Mastering these skills positions leaders to navigate organizational challenges effectively while building teams capable of thriving in complex, fast-changing business environments.

Codepath Volunteers

Grace — Mon, 18 May 2026 00:10:03 +0000

Earlier this year, CodePath organized a meetup with Microsoft employees who volunteer with the organization. The gathering brought together dedicated mentors from Microsoft and the greater Seattle area who are committed to diversifying the tech industry through meaningful mentorship.

During the event, I was inspired hearing firsthand accounts of how mentors supported mentees who started their careers. Participants shared powerful stories about how their mentorship experiences had transformed students’ lives, giving them the confidence, skills, and connections needed to succeed.

CodePath students often seek guidance in various areas, from finding internships and developing new programming skills to overcoming impostor syndrome. The impact of mentors in these journeys cannot be overstated. Many volunteers spoke about the mutual benefits they received, noting how teaching concepts to others deepened their own technical understanding and leadership abilities.

Join Our Monthly Community Calls
In addition to my work with CodePath, I host free monthly community calls where we share wins, learnings, and give each other advice. These sessions create a supportive environment for professionals in technology and other fields to connect with experts and learn from each other’s experiences. Whether you’re seeking mentorship, looking to expand your network, or simply want to engage with like-minded professionals, these calls provide valuable insights and connections.

To participate in our next community call, visit https://topmate.io/graceg to sign up. These sessions are open to everyone, regardless of experience level, and provide a fantastic opportunity to build relationships with others in the tech community.

Thanks for reading!

Women in Product Conference 2025 #25WIP

Grace — Mon, 18 May 2026 00:08:30 +0000

Earlier in the year, I had the privilege of attending the Women In Product Conference in Santa Clara. It was a full day of insights on the future of AI, leadership, and what it means to build with courage. The speakers came from across industries startups, big tech, consumer brands yet their lessons echoed a common theme: the era of building is here, and we rise together through community, clarity, and craft.

The conference opened with Tekedra Mawakana, Co-CEO of Waymo, in conversation with Cassie Campbell. Tekedra spoke about leading with vision, integrity, and boldness while standing at the edge of transformative technology. Her reminder: leadership is not just about managing change, but about embodying courage when the path forward isn't obvious.

Cassie Campbell and Tekedra MawakanaClaire Vo, previous CPO of LaunchDarkly, delivered one of the most urgent calls to action of the day. She described AI as a generational economic opportunity - one that women can't afford to sit out. Her words stuck with me: "This is the era of hard skills. The era of building." It was a powerful reminder that as product managers, we can't just observe the AI wave; we have to learn, adapt, and build with it.

Aparna Chennapragada, CPO at Microsoft, added a striking perspective: "Prompt sets are the new PRDs. Natural Language Interfaces are the new UX." For PMs, this shifts the foundation of how we write requirements, design experiences, and deliver value.

The Panel with Julie Wenah, Aparna Chennapragada, Sun Choe, Tiffany To, Suba Vasudevan, COO of Mozilla, emphasized that AI isn't just about speed or scale - it's about building responsibly. She encouraged PMs to flip the funnel: don't start with technology, start with the problem and the value. Only then bring in AI capabilities that serve those needs. This framing was refreshing. In an industry where hype often outpaces substance, Suba grounded us in trust, responsibility, and human impact.

The "From Features to Futures" panel featured leaders who had navigated unconventional career paths. Yana Welinder, CEO of Kraftful, urged us not to wait until everything is perfect - just start. Opportunities rarely arrive gift-wrapped.
Deboshree Dutta spoke vulnerably about the burnout she experienced as a founder, and how resilience has been her greatest asset.
Debbie Soo, CEO of OpenTable, shared how gratitude and self-awareness anchor her leadership. The theme that tied it all together? Treat pivots like experiments. Test, learn, adapt - in products and in careers.

One of my favorite sessions was with Charlotte Narvaez and Vidya Srinivasan from Meta. Their advice was practical, simple, and empowering: don't let knowledge gaps linger - ask AI. Read widely, especially trusted AI newsletters like The Information.

Remember that the PM's job is not to fine-tune models, but to define success and use cases. Their vision for the future of product management? AI taking the busywork off our plates - things like meeting notes and summaries - so that humans can spend more time on impact, creativity, and family.

Chloe Shih and Ami Vora closed the loop by reframing brand as "reputation goals." It's not about flashy visibility, but about intentionally defining how you want to show up. They encouraged us to evolve our professional brand by blending presence, influence, and authenticity. This was a reminder that while AI may reshape products, our personal leadership presence remains a key differentiator.

Across all the sessions, three threads emerged for me: craft matters, courage is required, and community is our anchor. Craft is about intentionality, whether in a product, a pivot, or a personal brand. Courage is about stepping into AI, taking risks, and embracing pivots before we feel ready. And community is about recognizing that growth doesn't happen alone, but through learning from and supporting each other.

A huge thank you to Women In Product for organizing such a powerful event and for supporting my attendance through the Empowerment Fund. I left Santa Clara energized, challenged, and committed to leading with vision in this new era of AI.

Meet Canada’s Boldest Women: WXN Unveils 2025 Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award Winners

Grace — Mon, 18 May 2026 00:05:10 +0000

I've been recognized as one of WXN's Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada for 2025!

TORONTO, [October 30, 2025] - WXN (Women's Executive Network) and its partners today unveil the winners of the 2025 Canada's Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Awards, celebrating 102 women whose leadership, innovation and impact are transforming industries, organizations and communities across the country. A full list of winners is available here: [LINK].

The winners will be honoured in person at the 23rd annual Top 100 Awards Gala, hosted at the Fairmont Royal York Toronto on November 27. The gala also features Taylor Hui, executive director and founder of The BeaYOUtiful Foundation in a fireside chat with Nkechi Nwafor-Robinson, Founder of In My Skin Inc.
"This year has tested what it means to rise boldly, and our Top 100 Award Winners have shown us what it means to answer the call," said Sherri Stevens, Owner and CEO of WXN. "They've turned setbacks into breakthroughs, uncertainty into courage, and ambition into real impact. Their achievements light a path for others, proving that strength, confidence and purpose are unstoppable - and that when women rise boldly, they change the whole world around them."

In 2025, WXN is introducing a new Board of Directors Award, recognizing standout women who bring transformative vision and leadership to the highest levels of governance. With 11 categories in total, the Top 100 Awards highlight extraordinary contributions of bold women at every stage of their careers across industries:

Canada's Most Powerful CEOs, presented by Postmedia
• Amex Emerging Leaders
• Entrepreneurs
• CN Executive Leaders
• RBC Future Leaders
• Food Industry Award, presented by Skip
• Professionals
• STEM • CPKC Skilled Trades
• Board of Directors
• WXN Hall of Fame Winners were selected by
WXN's Global Alliance for Inclusive Leadership, a partnership of established and influential corporations committed to helping women rise and lead. Winners span the private, public and not-for-profit sectors.

WXN has celebrated 1,833 women with a Top 100 Award since the program launched in 2012. Past winners include iconic Top 100 winners such as Lisa LaFlamme, award-winning international journalist; Princess Sarah Culberson, Princess of Sierra Leone; The Honourable Rona Ambrose, former leader of Canada's Official Opposition in the House of Commons; and Dr. Makaziwe Mandela, global activist, head of the House of Mandela and the daughter of Nelson Mandela.

Join WXN in celebrating the extraordinary women shaping Canada's future. For event details and tickets, visit https://wxnetwork.com/page/Top-100-about.

About WXN

WXN (Women's Executive Network) is a one-of-a-kind community shaping the future of leadership across North America. We bring together thousands of bold women, allies, and corporate members in a rich and diverse ecosystem of professional development, networking, thought leadership, belonging, and celebration that propels professional women to rise and lead.
Guided by our Owner and CEO, Sherri Stevens, and WXN's Global Alliance of Inclusive Leadership (GAIL), we lead North America's most prestigious events for women in business, create professional development programming, and champion thought leadership for professional women. This includes the Canada's Most Powerful Women: Top 100™ Awards, the GAIL Summit and Awards, the Bold Convos Summit, and programs such as the RAW Courage Coaching Program and the Boldly Forward Leadership Learning Series.

For more information, visit https://wxnetwork.com/.
Follow WXN on social media:
• Instagram: @wxnetwork
• Facebook: @WXNEvents
• LinkedIn: Women's Executive Network

On minimalism

Grace — Sun, 17 May 2026 23:57:14 +0000

When I first moved to the Seattle area, my mom told me to buy a queen mattress, a sofa couch, a dining table, basically all the essentials for a “proper” home. I listened, of course. Soon, my once-empty studio filled with furniture, decor, and more.

Now, as I think back on all the memories made outside my apartment through travels, experiences, and simply living life, I realize I didn’t need most of those things. They didn’t really contribute to my happiness.

As my lease ends and I prepare to move, I’ve been reflecting on how this principle extends beyond furniture. The physical baggage I’ve accumulated mirrors the mental and emotional baggage we sometimes carry. Much of it isn’t truly needed or useful.

There’s real value in lightness, the freedom to move through life with agility, without attachment to places or possessions. There’s beauty in that kind of freedom.

As I downsize and focus only on what’s truly essential, I’m practicing gratitude for what I have while gaining clarity about what I genuinely value. It’s about understanding the trade-offs I’m willing to make to create space for what pushes me forward.

The extra stuff is just icing on the cake. By choosing to live well within my means, I’m able to direct more energy and invest more deeply, both physically and figuratively, into the things that matter most.