The Adventures of Women in Tech Books
Coming Soon! November 11th 2025
The second edition, five years after the first, includes three new chapters that explore how big tech has changed. I dive into why DEI and WFH programs have struggled, what's behind the shift toward traditional company cultures, and how to navigate career paths in our new AI-driven world.
The Workbook
Based on my top-selling first book, explore specific steps you can take in your life and career. Whether you’re just beginning or building skills along the way, this workbook guides you through your thought processes and helps you build the tools you need.
First Edition (2020)
My first book looks at the lives of women forging their careers in Tech. What do their paths look like? How are they navigating the ongoing stressors of an environment where they are in the minority? Are they satisfied, or are they tempted to give up?
The Adventures of Women in Tech:
Navigating the Hard Tech Era
This is a different story. More than 80, to be exact.
The first edition of Alana Karen’s award-winning book, The Adventures of Women in Tech, broke the stereotypes of women in tech and helped thousands to find success and belonging in the industry.
In this new edition, Alana dives into the changes big tech has faced since 2020, including why many DEI and WFH programs have flopped, what has caused tech companies to feel so traditional, and how to navigate the emerging career options that are available in this rapidly changing, AI-driven world.
Alana Karen paints an honest and heartfelt picture through women’s lived experiences in the tech industry. The truth is not just in the data but in the empathy, realness, and guidance that give it life and give hope.
Through over 80 stories, insight, and advice, this book answers questions like:
● How do women navigate the “likeability problem” and “bro culture”?
● How do we adapt to the rapidly changing tech employment climate?
● What practical tools do women use for career growth?
● Why do women stay in tech, and why do some choose to leave?
Advance Praise
“For anyone grappling with the rapid shifts in big tech, Alana Karen’s latest chapters are a must-read. With a unique, 25-year perspective, she illuminates the industry’s changing culture, trust issues, and employment dynamics, providing clear, actionable advice for thriving in this new era.”
— Virginia “Ginny” Clarke, Conscious Leadership Expert
“The second edition of The Adventures of Women in Tech is a powerful and timely resource. It bravely tackles the challenges of burnout, the ‘god mindset’ of tech, and the impact of capitalism on the industry, while also offering profound encouragement and practical strategies for transforming one’s career. The sections on rest, allies, and looking across industries are particularly strong, making this book a critical guide for anyone seeking to thrive and find their own ‘wise old lady’ wisdom in tech and beyond.
— Jon Alferness, Product and Technology Leader