Startup founders frequently defer serious engagement with Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) initiatives until their organizations reach significant size, often exceeding 50 or even 300 employees. This approach, widely recognized by industry analysts and DEIB professionals, mirrors the imprudence of postponing legal counsel until a company is substantial enough to warrant a full-time in-house […]
Since its inception in 2016, Victress Capital, co-founded by Suzanne Norris and a visionary partner, has occupied a unique position at the forefront of consumer startup investment. Over the past five years, the firm has cultivated a diverse portfolio, closely observing the trajectories of numerous founders, particularly those from often underrepresented backgrounds. This close engagement […]
A groundbreaking new book, "Beyond Diversity: 12 Non-Obvious Ways to Build a More Inclusive World," authored by Jennifer Brown and Rohit Bhargava, challenges conventional approaches to diversity and inclusion (D&I) by advocating for a deeper focus on shared human commonalities and the complex interplay of intersecting identities. This essential work, drawing insights from impactful social […]
The ability to trust one’s own judgment, to articulate deeply held convictions, and to advocate for critical issues forms the bedrock of individual power. Yet, a historical and systemic pattern has often emerged where women, when exercising this very power—especially in pursuit of collective well-being—are frequently met with dismissal, labeled as irrational, risk-averse, or overly […]
The landscape of global entrepreneurship is undergoing a profound transformation, increasingly revealing itself as a critical avenue for economic resilience and innovation, particularly for individuals from marginalized communities. While often born from necessity in response to systemic workplace discrimination, these ventures frequently encounter significant barriers, primarily a lack of adequate funding and limited access to […]
In the dynamic and often turbulent landscape of modern business, organizational success hinges not only on innovative strategies and market acumen but also critically on the avoidance of fundamental leadership and operational missteps. Drawing upon decades of collective professional observation and extensive industry analysis, certain recurring patterns of failure emerge that, if unaddressed, can derail […]
The venture capital industry entered 2022 grappling with a renewed and intense debate surrounding racial disparities in funding, sparked by controversial comments from prominent venture capitalist Joe Lonsdale of 8VC. A social media "firestorm" ignited over the holiday period drew critical attention to the stark reality that only a meager 1% of venture capital (VC) […]
The landscape of entrepreneurship, long perceived as a meritocracy, is undergoing a profound re-evaluation as systemic barriers to access, particularly in funding and support networks, come under increasing scrutiny. While entrepreneurship has historically offered a pathway for individuals from marginalized groups to circumvent workplace discrimination, these ventures frequently contend with inadequate capital and limited access […]
Major life transitions, such as the dissolution of a marriage, often serve as profound catalysts for individuals to re-evaluate their identities and life trajectories. While undeniably painful, these pivotal moments can paradoxically present an unprecedented opportunity for self-discovery and the deliberate construction of a life aligned with one’s deepest values. This journey frequently uncovers a […]
