Let’s not forget the women that have actually made it in Silicon Valley
The recent IPO of Twitter highlighted an ongoing problem in Silicon Valley – the lack of female leaders at the helm of start-up and technology firms. Twitter was criticised for not having a single woman on the board despite the fact that women are the world’s biggest Twitter users. While the ‘Valley’ comes to grips with its dearth of female CEOs and the rise of a chummy and unproductive ‘bro culture’- it’s important to focus on those that have actually made it to the top. If not to praise them, then, at the very least, to learn their secrets of success.
I had the good fortune to meet one female shining light from Silicon Valley three years ago when I was working as a PR for start-ups in Tech Hub. Her name was Victoria Ransom and she was just launching the European office for her promising new start-up in London. The idea of her company, Wildfire, was simple and effective – find a solution to drive traffic to websites. As the world’s biggest user of ecommerce, the UK was a perfect place to grow the business. Victoria was young, personable, and unassuming, the kind of woman you could have a drink with after work in the pub. There was nothing showy about her but she attracted plenty of attention for her leadership skills. She was bright and focused – and most importantly – her vision for the company was crystal clear: to become a leader in social marketing for enterprise. Getting Victoria interviews during her time in London was a breeze because everyone knew her business model was solid and her team was behind her. Investors and journalists also liked her for her passion and confidence.
I was pleased to learn that Victoria sold her start-up to Google this year for a whopping US$350 million dollars. She is now ranked #19 on Fortune Magazine’s 40 under 40 list and was named one of Fortune Magazine’s Most Powerful Women Entrepreneurs in 2012. I was keen to learn whether all this wealth and success had changed her and it appears it hadn’t after reading an interview with her in the New Zealand Herald.
Victoria sounded as humble and unassuming as she was before her meteoric rise – but with the same focus and sharp business wisdom. What grabbed my attention the most however, was her list of top tips. Among them was a website worth visiting called Upworthy.com. I went online and was immediately hooked. Upworthy shares video content that’s unique and inspires people to act collectively on important issues and to change their way of thinking. In less than two years Upworthy has become a big hit and has the power to attract more than 38 million unique visitors each month. Visitors that include people from all walks of life – even a Silicon Valley superstar like Victoria.
For a multimillionaire who has it all, it’s good to know that she still wants to stay grounded and likes a good inspirational video like the rest of us. She seems connected and wants to remain part of the world – instead of keeping it at her feet.