What happens when a software engineer leaves crypto behind to build something that actually improves civic life?

In this episode of Synching Up, Jake sits down with Shruti Gupta, founder of Pollsee, a new platform aiming to democratize lobbying and bring everyday people into conversations with local governments.



They discuss:

• Why local elections feel so out of reach—and how Pollsee is changing that
• How Shruti navigated coming out, camping solo, and launching a company all in one year
• What she learned from a co-founder breakup and why solo building is both freeing and lonely
• And how being queer and brown shapes her role as a civic tech founder

From potholes to policy proposals, Shruti’s story is one of bold pivots, quiet courage, and building the tools we wish we had.

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Suggested Links for Show Notes

• Shruti’s LinkedIn
• Pollsee
• Out in Tech Mentorship Program
• Out in Tech U
• Out in Tech Discord
• Girls Who Code

What do you get when you blend performer, educator, and nonprofit strategist into one career? In this episode of Synching Up, Jake sits down with Brian Kirn, a former teacher, working actor, and nonprofit leader at America On Tech, to explore how internships, access, and identity intersect.

They discuss:

• Why early access to tech internships matters
• How being queer and Midwestern shaped Brian’s leadership style
• And how the performing arts prepare you for corporate life more than you’d expect

From St. Louis to NYC, from Spanish teacher to hand model (yes, really), Brian’s journey reminds us that the nonlinear path is often the most impactful.

Show Notes:

• Be Our Next Podcast Guest
• Brian's LinkedIn
• Brian's Instagram
• Jake's LinkedIn
• America On Tech
• Out in Tech U
• Out in Tech Discord
• BrainStation Digital Marketing Bootcamp

What happens when you come out in your 40s after building a 20-year career in tech? In this episode of Synching Up, Angela Earl shares her powerful story of self-discovery, reinvention, and leadership. From navigating coming out as a queer woman in the midst of a high-powered marketing career, to unpacking the true ROI of inclusion and authenticity at work, Angela offers wisdom, wit, and tangible insight into what it means to lead with empathy and edge. We talk vulnerability, trust, burnout, Carol Dweck, LinkedIn panic attacks, and why sometimes the most courageous thing you can do is just show up.

Whether you’re out, coming out, or still figuring it out — this episode is for you.

• Angela’s LinkedIn
• Jake's LinkedIn
• ⁠Angela’s first book: Significant Women: Leaders Reveal What Matters Most
• Mindset by Carol Dweck
• Uncloseted Media
• Out in Tech
• HRC - Coming Out Day Resources