Inspiring Path to Chief Product Officer: Sarah Rodrigues on leading innovation at Acre Security: Women in Tech Texas
Welcome back to the Women in Tech podcast, where we spotlight inspiring women shaping the future of technology across the globe. Today’s episode features Sarah Rodriguez, Chief Product Officer at Acre Security and a dynamic leader whose career path has taken her from lighting design to the forefront of security technology. Tune in as Sarah Rodriguez shares how she navigated major career pivots, embraced the unknown, and leveraged mentorship to drive impact in new industries. As a recent Austin transplant, Sarah Rodriguez reflects on the challenges and triumphs of building teams, setting boundaries, and finding community in tech. If you’ve ever wondered how to thrive in unfamiliar territory or build your career on grit and curiosity, this episode is for you. Remember, "If she can do it, so can I"
Guest: Sarah Rodriguez, Chief Product Officer, Acre Security
In this episode, we sit down with Sarah Rodriguez, Chief Product Officer at Acre Security, who shares her inspiring journey from growing up in India to leading innovation in the security tech industry in Austin, Texas. Sarah Rodriguez brings a fresh perspective to how diverse experiences, curiosity, grit, and mentorship accelerate women’s careers in technology.
With a dynamic background spanning engineering, lighting design, Amazon, and now security hardware and software, Sarah Rodriguez discusses the art of career pivots, building professional allies, learning through doing, and the real role support systems play in achieving personal and professional growth.
Key Topics Discussed
Redefining what it means to be an engineer in tech 00:00
How Acre Security keeps people and businesses safe globally 01:28
Transitioning from Amazon to a leadership role in an entirely new industry 04:38
The power of curiosity and learning by doing 25:00
Building a board of life “directors” and mentorship networks 19:56
Navigating major career shifts and overcoming obstacles 30:12
Embracing boundaries and self-care for sustainable success 27:37
Advice for women feeling unqualified or intimidated by new challenges 22:24
Notable Takeaways
“Everything she has achieved in her life, she has done scared. She’s just gone and done it.” – on lessons from her mother
“If you look back at the journey, you can see you’ve done harder things and you’ll get through it.”
"My career didn't follow a plan. Life circumstances shaped my journey."
“You can combine so many different things, leverage technology—whether it’s art or music. It’s endless.”
Resources & Recommendations
Book: Grit by Angela Duckworth 34:00
Productivity Influencer: Ali Abdaal (practical, happiness-oriented productivity) 35:13
App: Headspace (meditation and mindfulness) 36:10
Connect with Sarah Rodriguez
LinkedIn: Sarah J. Rodriguez
Mission of the Show
“If She Can Do It, So Can I.”
Inspiring stories and actionable lessons from women accelerating in tech worldwide.
Join the Community
Connect and celebrate more women in tech globally: womenintechvip.com
Follow @WomeninTechShow on all platforms.
Thank you for listening! Don't forget to subscribe and share this episode with anyone who needs a little inspiration to make their next leap in tech.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
