Hi Reader,

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Our first Tech Trailblazers session was more than a conversation—it was a reminder of what’s possible when bold ideas meet real resilience.

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We were thrilled to welcome Lindsey Clagg as our featured speaker. Her journey from public service to tech, and the deeply personal lessons she shared about self-doubt, growth, and grit, left the entire (virtual) room inspired. Whether you’re navigating imposter syndrome, pivoting careers, or just trying to find your place in tech, Lindsey’s story hit home.

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We’re excited to share some of the most powerful insights from her session—read on to learn more.

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Lindsey Clagg: Belonging, Bold Moves & Building a Career You Believe In
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Lindsey Clagg is a born-and-raised West Virginian whose journey into tech didn’t follow a straight line—but that’s exactly what makes her story so powerful.

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Before entering the world of software development, Lindsey spent nearly a decade working in Child Protective Services. It was a career rooted in helping others, but not one that lit her up. The truth? She had always dreamed of working in engineering, but years of self-doubt and inherited beliefs told her she wasn’t good enough. It wasn’t a lack of skill that kept her away—it was a lack of belonging.

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Everything changed when Lindsey joined NewForce, the tech training program offered through Generation West Virginia. She rediscovered her love for building things—and slowly began rebuilding her confidence along the way. Today, Lindsey is a proud software developer, passionate about helping others find their voice, dismantle imposter syndrome, and believe in their own potential.

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She shares openly about her upbringing, her fears, and the mindset shifts that helped her move forward. For Lindsey, success isn’t just about landing a job. It’s about learning to own your story—and use it as fuel.
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We sat down with Lindsey to talk about imposter syndrome, making big life pivots, and how to know when a risk is worth taking.

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Q&A with Lindsey Clagg​
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Kel: What do you tell yourself when you're struggling or feeling the effects of imposter syndrome?

Lindsey: “A lot of times, imposter syndrome comes in when we’ve taken for granted how far we’ve come. So when I start thinking, ‘I don’t belong,’ I try to stop and look back at where I started. I began this journey knowing nothing—and now I’ve actually learned quite a bit.

I also try to remind myself to be kind. Are you six months into something new and expecting to be an expert? Probably not realistic. Just tell yourself you’re working on it. It’ll come in time. And honestly, if you have to, gaslight yourself a little—in a good way. Tell yourself you’re amazing. Not in a narcissistic way, but just enough to fight those negative thoughts.”

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Kel: When you decided to make the leap into tech, how did you handle friends or family who were skeptical?

Lindsey: “That was sticky. Around that time, I was starting to recognize who I was surrounded by. Every time I shared something positive I wanted to do, a lot of my friends—at the time—would start listing all the reasons I shouldn’t. It didn’t matter how small or big the goal was.

Luckily, the family I’ve built with my husband and daughter was extremely supportive. When I told my husband I wanted to make a big career change, he just said, ‘Yeah, let’s do it. What do you need to do it? As for everyone else—I just didn’t tell them what I was working on. They found out when it was too late to talk me out of it.”

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Kel: What would you say to someone afraid to take that leap?

Lindsey: “If you’ve come this far, why not see where it goes? If you don’t try, you’re never going to know. And if what’s holding you back is fear of failure, I’ll tell you—the pain of regret has been way worse for me than any failure I’ve ever had.

NewForce was the first time, aside from my husband, that I felt like people looked at me and said, ‘Yeah, you’re confused, but you’re capable.’ And I want others to hear that too.”

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Kel: How do you decide if a risk is worth it?

Lindsey: “I ask myself, ‘Would I regret not taking this opportunity?’

When NewForce came around, I was 35. I had this strong sense that time was running out if I ever wanted to try this. So I went for it. But it’s not just about reacting. I try to be honest with myself—without being self-deprecating. You know your skillset. There are tools out there to help you assess it. But that first step—that first foot in the door—is the hardest part.”

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Kel: What could programs like NewForce do to better support people dealing with imposter syndrome?

Lindsey: “Talk about it. Don’t act like it doesn’t exist just because nobody brings it up.

In NewForce, especially in the first half, it was really rough for me. I remember one day just staring at the code and having no idea where to even start. I shut my laptop and cried. It felt ridiculous, but that moment was real. If someone had said, ‘Hey, this is normal,’ it would’ve helped me feel less alone.”

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Lindsey’s story reminds us that talent is everywhere—but opportunity isn’t. And sometimes, the biggest leap isn’t into a new career—it’s into a new belief about what you’re capable of.

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By speaking honestly and showing up fully, Lindsey is helping make space for others to do the same. She's not just writing code—she's helping rewrite the story of what's possible in West Virginia’s tech economy.

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