The Surprising Truth About Asking Questions Without Losing Authority | Nisreen Cain

Описание: Most women hesitate to ask questions at work, but what if curiosity was actually your secret weapon?

This episode uncovers how embracing curiosity can boost your confidence, build trust, and transform your leadership style.
If you’ve ever felt that asking questions might make you seem less competent, I’m here to tell you that’s a myth, and that curiosity is one of the most powerful skills you can develop as a leader.

I’m talking with Nisreen Cane, a former Google engineering leader turned computer science professor. She shares her personal journey of stepping into curiosity, facing fears of appearing not to know enough, and how changing her approach has made her more effective, trusted, and authentic.

We explore real examples like how women often internalize doubt and how asking the right questions can open doors you didn’t even see. She reveals practical tips on asking questions without losing authority, on how curiosity fosters safety on teams, and on handling the common fear of sounding unprepared.

You’ll discover concrete questions that shift how you lead, whether you’re managing teams or navigating your own growth, and learn why curiosity is the game changer in today’s fast-paced, AI-driven world.

Think about how often you hold back on asking for help or sharing your real thoughts. Now imagine turning that hesitation into your biggest strength. This episode is perfect if you want to build confidence, deepen trust, and lead with curiosity that inspires others without feeling like you’re risking your credibility.

Not just for women in tech but for any professional ready to unlock new levels of influence and authenticity, this isn’t just talk. It’s about changing how you approach every conversation, decision, and leadership moment. Curious about how this shift can work for you? Hit play and start your transformation today.

Chapters:
00:00 The Power of Curiosity
07:48 Navigating Change and Embracing the Unknown
10:38 The Importance of Asking for Help
13:50 Curiosity in Leadership
16:48 Curiosity and Personal Growth
19:44 The Balance of Asking Questions
23:01 Curiosity as a Leadership Tool
25:41 Creating a Culture of Curiosity
29:00 Curiosity and Decision Making
31:39 Embracing Multiple Perspectives
34:52 Final Thoughts on Curiosity
40:22 Introduction to the Episode and Guest
41:48 Entrepreneurship and Personal Transformation
42:20 Building Meaningful Businesses

About Nisreen:
Nisreen Cain is a Computer Science professor bridging industry and academia to help professionals navigate the AI era. After 25 years in technology leadership spanning corporate giants like Google to startups like Propel and Babel Street, she now brings real-world experience into the classroom, and academic curiosity into industry practice.
Throughout her career journey, from engineer to VP to professor, Nisreen discovered that curiosity is essential. It opens conversations, reveals new possibilities, creates space for creativity, and helps teams move forward with confidence. She's learned that staying curious about yourself, your team, and your challenges is what creates genuine connection and builds high-performing teams.
This bridge between worlds shapes her teaching today. Nisreen works with tech professionals, organizations, and women in leadership to build practical AI strategies that align with their values and goals. She's passionate about empowering women in tech and leadership to question assumptions, communicate their value clearly, and lead with authenticity instead of perfection.
Beyond her professional work, Nisreen is a community activist who continues to advocate for equity and inclusion of women and minorities in engineering and leadership across STEM/CS fields.

Connect with Nisreen:
LinkedIn:   / nisreencain  
Instagram: @nisreencain
Newsletter: https://beyondthebinary.substack.com

CONNECT WITH LIMOR:
🌐 Podcast hub: ⁠⁠https://limorbergman.com/podcast⁠⁠
Substack: https://limorbergman.substack.com
🎙️ More episodes: https://limorbergman.com/podcast
💼 LinkedIn: / limorbergman
📸 Instagram: / limorbergman
🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/limor_bergman
📺 Subscribe for more: @limorbergman

ABOUT THIS PODCAST:

From a Woman to a Leader is a podcast dedicated to discussing the unique challenges women face in tech leadership and providing actionable tips to help overcome those challenges and grow your career in the tech industry.