I love everything about product design and never thought I would do anything else but when I had to wind down my last company due to knock-offs and met my co-founder Breen Sullivan, who gave me great advice about how I could have tried to protect my product, I realized how invaluable advisors- or advisory boards are. It became clear to me that underrepresented founders that don’t have access to networks of experts are at a huge disadvantage, on top of the lack of funding they receive. Meeting Breen and hearing about her vision for breaking women into the board candidate pipeline by matching them to startup advisor opportunities ignited a new passion for me. I wanted to help get more women on to boards while strengthening startups.
You do not need to be perfect. Try things. Ask for help and be flexible. People are generous and appreciate being asked for advice. You do not need to have all of the answers.
Networking and listening. It sounds like two different things but they really go hand-in-hand. Networking is so important but rather than just telling people about yourself, idea or product, listen for their challenges or thoughts. It will help you build real relationships and create a better solution.
85% of board seats are exchanged through networking. That doesn’t leave a lot of room for those that are not in the “right” networks. Women should focus less on certifications and more on accessing opportunities that can help them get into those networks and build experience so when they are presented with an opportunity, they aren’t turned down for lack of experience. That’s why we, at The Fourth Effect, really encourage starting with early and growth stage startups. Compensation may only be equity but you get so much more and you never know, you could be working on a unicorn.
I’d like to say exercise but it’s actually coffee, specifically I love my Nespresso machine. I love the design, the sound and the yummy coffee it makes. It’s a ritual for me. And I love that they recycle the aluminum capsules to make other products like cups and pens.
Sallie Krawcheck, founder of Ellevest. She is not afraid to tell it like it is. She is empowering so many younger women to invest which is vital to help bring about the balance we need.
Community - it may be the buzz word of the year. I’m not sure if it’s a lingering effect of Covid or if new tech solutions are making it easier but it seems like every product is building community around it and so many people are building communities to solve problems. I love it!
