From Failure to Launch

Episode 14: Teaching, Tech & Trust with Kali Peracchia

This week on From Failure to Launch, Keira sits down with Kali Peracchia—AI Instructional Specialist for Denver Public Schools, middle school educator, and PhD candidate at the University of Denver—to explore the intersection of technology, equity, and education. From tackling teacher turnover to building a thriving professional learning community, Kali challenges the scarcity mindset in schools and shares how culturally relevant pedagogy and AI can work hand-in-hand. Tune in for a conversation about reimagining what's possible in the classroom—and what it takes to sustain educators in the process.
Bonus: We also talk hiking, biking, and how nature keeps her grounded!

Episode 13: RC Johnson on Smart Hiring, Staying Relevant, and Supporting the Unemployed

In this episode, Keira sits down with RC Johnson—Founder of Simple and Done, former Engineering Director and CTO, and one of the most prolific interviewers during his time at Indeed. With over 2,000 interviews under his belt, RC shares what he looks for in great engineers (hint: it’s all about ownership), why technical interviews should be more quantitative, and how he’s constantly evolving to stay current in tech.
But the conversation goes deeper. RC opens up about navigating unemployment, the emotional and professional toll it can take, and how he built a weekly newsletter that became a lifeline for others in the same boat. They also talk about the value of networks, making "only new mistakes," and what it really means to support a community in transition.
Whether you're hiring, job hunting, or just trying to keep up in tech—this episode has something for you.
🔗 Mentioned: OnlyNewMistakes.com
 

Episode 12: From Boardroom to Playroom: How Sarah Dooley Empowers Moms with AI

In this episode, Keira sits down with Sarah Dooley, the mom behind AI-Empowered Moms. Sarah shares her fascinating journey—from her roots in marketing research to earning her MBA at the University of Texas, and then diving into customer strategy at EY, where she discovered her passion for technology consulting.
After leading digital transformation efforts at Waste Management, Sarah joined a generative AI team at VISA, where she focused on using AI to boost employee productivity. Now, she’s channeling her expertise into AI-Empowered Moms, a platform and community helping moms embrace the power of generative AI through classes, content, and confidence-building.
With three kids at home and a mission to make AI accessible, Sarah talks with Keira about the realities of tech, parenting, and the future of empowered motherhood.
Whether you're tech-curious, raising kids, or just wondering how AI fits into everyday life, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration.

Episode 11: From Biomedical Engineering to Big Data: Claire Matthews on Mentorship, Mistakes, and Making Your Own Path

What does it take to go from a college grad with no internships to a Senior Data Scientist at one of the coolest brands out there? In this episode, Kiera chats with Claire Matthews of YETI—who’s also Code2College’s Vision 2024 Mentor of the Year—about her unexpected journey into data science, her biggest career lessons, and what drives her to mentor the next generation of women in STEM. Claire shares why advocating for yourself matters, how to push through self-doubt, and the advice she wishes she had while still in school. If you're figuring out your path or just need a dose of real talk and inspiration, this one’s for you.

Episode 10: Trey Briggs on Growth, Leadership and "Embracing Sweaty Palms"

Keira sits down with Trey Briggs, Director of Engineering at Udemy, to explore his 4-year journey at the company and his philosophy of continuous growth. Trey shares insights on transitioning from startups to larger corporations, troubleshooting workplace challenges across departments, and embracing the thrill of trying new things—even when it makes your palms sweat.
He discusses the platforms he’s worked on, the importance of being intentional about learning, and why striving for new opportunities keeps you sharp. This episode is packed with wisdom on leadership, adaptability, and the mindset needed to never stop learning.

Episode 9: Reaching for the Stars with Jade Morgan: Journey to a NASA Internship

In this lighthearted episode, we sit down with Jade Morgan, a Junior at UT Austin studying Electrical and Computer Engineering and currently interning at NASA. Jade shares her love for math, her journey navigating the challenges of transitioning from high school to college, and the importance of building a supportive community.
Jade talks about her appreciation for her female STEM mentor, the value of self-belief, and why you should never compare yourself to others. Plus, Jade gives us a behind-the-scenes look at her NASA internship and reminds us all why you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. Don’t miss this empowering conversation about ambition, resilience, and reaching for the stars!

Episode 8: Making Mistakes and Gaining Perspectives with Radney Wood

Radney Wood — lawyer, entrepreneur, and seasoned world traveler — joins us to reflect on two decades in the legal field and a lifetime of lessons. One of six kids raised with little but surrounded by love, Radney shares how grit, curiosity, and humility shaped his path to success.
In this episode, we talk about learning through mistakes, gaining perspective with time, and the value of being open to new experiences. Radney gets real about how he chooses to spend his time, the importance of being intentional with relationships, and why when it comes to building something meaningful, the goal isn't just to raise money — it's to raise friends.

Episode 7: Brandi Beasley on Patience, Intentions and Purpose

In this episode, we sit down with Brandi Beasley — principal consultant, operator, and former higher education and talent acquisition leader — to talk about what it really takes to grow and sustain a business from the inside out. Brandi shares her journey from higher education to people ops to advising small businesses and scaling startups, bringing wisdom and warmth to the conversation.
We dive into the power of patience, the importance of asking for feedback, how to identify your blindspots before they block you, and why the people around you might just be your greatest untapped resource. This episode is a masterclass in moving with intention — in business, leadership, and life.

Episode 6: Growth, Grit, and Giving Back with Sandy Mathews

Kiera chats with Sandy Mathews, a seasoned tech industry professional with 15 years of experience at Microsoft, Deloitte, and AWS. Sandy shares how each role built on the last, shaping her ability to navigate ambiguity, advocate for herself, and embrace lifelong learning. As a former software development course instructor and mentor at Code2College, she also highlights the power of mentorship, representation, and giving back to the next generation of tech leaders. From handling setbacks to finding confidence in the unknown, Sandy’s journey is filled with insights for anyone looking to grow in their career. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on resilience, learning, and making an impact.

Episode 5: Sapphire Hunter on Growth, Vulnerability, and Breaking Barriers

In this inspiring episode, Keira catches up with Sapphire Hunter, a Code2College alum and Northwestern University student majoring in Computer Science with a minor in Legal Studies. Sapphire reflects on her journey from a Code2College high school student to navigating college classes and the professional world, including her internship with Keira at Yeti last summer.
Their conversation dives deep into the themes of:
 ✨ Embracing the power of vulnerability to unlock growth. ✨ Learning to be okay with failure and its role in success. ✨ Seeing the transformative impact of representation in tech and beyond. ✨ The incredible opportunities that come with being part of Vision 2024, including connecting with inspiring female executives in the industry. ✨ And, of course, their shared experiences at Yeti and the lessons they learned together.
Sapphire’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, representation, and pushing past limits to achieve greatness.