Hey there! Launching December 16, What She Does is the podcast that spills the tea on surprisingly cool jobs – and the women behind them.

Each episode takes you inside a career journey, from the first spark to the unexpected twists that shaped it. You’ll hear the real stuff — how she got there, the detours and curveballs, the personality traits, the life lessons, and how her profession is evolving.

Think of it as part career confessional, part field guide to the modern world of work.

Join us to see what she does and whether it is something you might do next.

Think being an elementary school teacher is just about grading papers and summer vacation? Think again.

This week on What She Does, we sit down with Sydney Higginson, a fifth-grade teacher who pulls back the curtain on one of the most demanding and rewarding careers. From the shocking number of certifications required to the magical "aha moments" that make it all worthwhile, Sydney shares what it's really like to shape young minds.

You'll hear about:

• The multi-year credentialing journey most people don't know about (spoiler: it's way more than you think)
• Managing 25+ fifth graders through fractions, five-paragraph essays, and friendship drama
• Why elementary school teachers are part teacher, part nurse, part counselor, and part parent
• The heartwarming story of a foster care student who changed Sydney's perspective on teaching
• A typical day that starts at 7:30 AM and includes PE, math, robotics club, and everything in between

If you've ever wondered what elementary school teachers actually do all day—or if you're considering teaching yourself—this episode is a must-listen. Sydney's passion for education is contagious, and her insights into patience, time management, and caring for the whole child will resonate whether you're a parent, educator, or just curious about what happens behind classroom doors.

What does a product marketer actually do? And can you really build a tech career with an English degree?

Beth Barach demonstrates that you can. A Product Marketing leader in cybersecurity, Beth has led go-to-market strategy at Cisco, Akamai, and high-growth startups—transforming complex products into clear, compelling stories that help businesses understand value and make decisions faster. Product marketing blends strategy, storytelling, and influence, and Beth shares how she brings those elements together in practice.

In this conversation, we trace her path from English major to cybersecurity leader, discuss why non-technical perspectives strengthen tech teams, and explore how curiosity and clear communication fuel long-term career growth. Beth also explains how she influences without authority, connects product, sales, and leadership, and unlocks opportunities by simplifying complexity.

This episode is for anyone curious about product marketing, considering a move into tech, or looking to leverage communication skills in a strategic role.