What would it take to build a global movement that empowers millions of girls to change the world through technology?
In this episode, you’ll meet Tara Chklovski, the powerhouse behind Technovation—the world’s largest tech entrepreneurship program for girls.
Born in India and raised by women who shattered expectations, Tara shares how self-reliance, vision, and the courage to walk away from a PhD in aerospace engineering led her to launch a nonprofit that’s transforming lives in over 120 countries. With a bold new goal of equipping 25 million girls with AI and tech skills by 2030, she’s creating a future where innovation is driven by inclusion—not exclusion.
You’ll hear what it means to stay relevant in a world that’s changing faster than ever, why confidence is something you build, not something you’re given, and how creating—even in small ways—can transform your sense of purpose.
Key Takeaways:
- Why confidence is a muscle you build by doing hard things
- How Technovation is fueling a generation of fearless innovators
- What it takes to lead with courage in an age of uncertainty
- The surprising role of nonprofits in global innovation
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Highlights
The key moments in this episode are:
[00:00] Introduction to Beyond Barriers Podcast
[00:26] The Importance of Staying Relevant as a Leader
[01:01] Meet Tara Chklovski: Building a Global Movement
[02:29] Tara's Personal Journey and Family Influence
[03:40] Starting Fresh: From Aerospace to Nonprofit
[05:14] The Birth of Technovation
[09:43] Impact and Ripple Effects of Technovation
[12:25] Leadership and Personal Branding
[14:03] Facing the Future: Innovation and AI
[20:15] Building Confidence Through Creation
[21:28] Intentional Living and Decompression
[21:59] Physical Strength and Social Support
[25:38] Setting and Achieving Ambitious Goals
[27:42] Sustaining Energy and Fighting for Equality
[30:52] The Importance of Community and Self-Reliance
[34:18] Lightning Round and Final Thoughts -
Lightning Round
Q: What book has greatly influenced you?
A: Man's Search For Meaning by Viktor FranklQ: What is your favorite inspiring quote or saying?
A: It doesn't have to feel fun to be funQ: What is one word or moniker you would use to describe yourself?
A: Self-RelianceQ: What is one change you've implemented that made your life better?
A: Started reading booksQ: What power song would you want playing as you walk out onto a stage?
A: Stronger - Kelly Clarkson -
Quotes
“I think looking towards the future is what gives you hope. And that's what gives you the energy to fight. And so that's where you need to set a big goal. And to envision a much better future. And then you see yourself as part of that, and that's what helps you survive.”
Tara Chklovski
“Surrounding yourself with people who are better than you and who compliment your strengths. I think that's the best you form a leadership team. 'Cause you cannot do this on your own.”
Tara Chklovski
"I've always seen myself as a builder and a creator. Every time you create, you build confidence because you're doing something that didn't exist before."
Tara Chklovski
“It never gets easy. But I think what you're progressing along is that you do bigger and bigger things.”
Tara Chklovski
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About
Tara Chklovski is the Founder and CEO of Technovation - the world’s largest technology
entrepreneurship program for girls. Technovation has empowered 400,000 participants across
120+ countries to tackle local problems using cutting-edge technologies (mobile and AI). Tara
has been featured in the award-winning documentary Codegirl, and named “the pioneer
empowering the incredible tech girls of the future” by Forbes. Technovation recently released a
strategic plan to empower 25 million girls with AI & technology entrepreneurship skills over the
coming years - to meet the UN 2030 Sustainable Development goals.