Grateful for Change, with Brittany Istenes

Brittany Istenes gives us a kickass blueprint for thriving as she shares her remarkable journey of personal growth, career pivots, and finding success through adaptability and compassion. She reveals how moving through 15 different schools by the time she finished high school instilled in her a remarkable ability to adapt to new environments. Her unexpected career pivots—from following the Grateful Dead on tour to becoming a special education teacher and then transitioning into the tech industry—showcase her fearless approach to life and career.

Brittany's story is one of resilience and continuous learning filled with valuable life lessons, including the importance of embracing change, trusting your gut, and never fearing failure. She emphasizes the value of community, mentorship, and the impact of supportive environments in personal and professional growth. Her heartfelt reflections on success, self-love, and perseverance provide a powerful reminder that our paths may be winding, but they are filled with opportunities for learning and connection.

During our conversation, Brittany talks about:

- Overcoming instability in her youth to develop adaptability skills
- Making a significant impact as a special education teacher
- Transitioning into educational technology and IT project management
- Finding her place in open source software and embracing public speaking
- Dealing with anxiety and the importance of self-love
- The value of mentorship and allies in career growth

Join us for a conversation that will leave you inspired to embrace the unknown, relish personal growth, and seek out meaningful connections. Don't miss out on this powerful story of a woman lighting the way in her own unique and authentic style!

Guest Bio: 
Brittany Istenes is a dynamo whose journey is marked by resilience, adaptability and a passion for community, from following the Grateful Dead on tour to becoming a special education teacher and then transitioning into the tech industry. She currently works in an open source program office for a large financial firm. 

Having attended 15 different schools throughout her K-12 education, she developed a resilience that has shaped her approach to life and work. After following the Grateful Dead for two and a half years, Brittany pursued her education at community college before transferring to Temple University, where she earned a Bachelor of Education degree.

Brittany's teaching career began in an underserved school in Southwest Philadelphia, where she made a significant impact, helping her students close achievement gaps in reading, math and science. Her dedication to education and her students' success was recognized at the highest levels, including acknowledgment from President Barack Obama.

Now, Brittany combines her teaching experience with her role in the tech industry, advocating for remote work and the importance of community in all its forms. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the belief that we can all make a difference in the lives of others.

Show Notes: 
Introduction
Early Life and Adaptability
Life on the Road with the Grateful Dead
Career in Special Education
Pivot to Educational Technology
Challenges and Overcoming Anxiety
Open Source Advocacy
Lessons and Advice
What 'She Lights the Way' Means
Closing

Learn more about Brittany’s work and connect with her:
LinkedIn
GitHub
Twitter/X