I was recently asked who my roles models in tech are. As strange as it sounds I actually don’t have any role models in …
I was recently asked who my roles models in tech are. As strange as it sounds I actually don’t have any role models in tech. I think of it as a very young industry, and its yet to be seen whether its leaders will lead inspiring lives outside of their careers. To me someone is inspiring based on how they lived their entire life not just a moment or a single accomplishment. Since inquiring minds want to know here are two people I consider inspiring:
Julia Child
I love Julia Child. In an era in which most woman were settling down to be homemakers Julia was traveling the world in search of adventure. A pioneer freelancer. She didn’t lack confidence despite her gargantuan figure, and ultimately found a wonderful man who loved her dearly. Her passion for food lead her to a very lengthy and successful career filled with cooking classes, books, and tv shows.
While she faced a number of setbacks while trying to get her initial book published, she never gave up, and spent nearly 12 years in search of a publisher. While she had no children her devotion to her passion for food and cooking left behind a legacy, which we can all still see in print today. The reason I truly admire Julia is that she never let what others think get to her, whether it was her father, friends, or even peers in industry. She was modest in her approach to life and valued simple pleasures.
Christopher Columbus
It wasn’t until I read the the Last Voyage of Columbus, and yes I know it might have some revisionist views in it, that I grew to appreciate the Italian explorer. What I admire about Columbus is that despite coming from a middle class family, he had great ambitions. He taught himself many languages, read great works, but unlike most intellectuals of his time he was a man of action! He spent nearly 7 years trying to convince people to let him set sail to explore Asia through a different route. He was met with a lot of opposition because people were content traveling through Silk Road – I guess changing human behavior in any era is hard 🙂 First he appealed to the Portuguese Monarchy, but each attempted failed. He ultimately raised funds from the Spanish King and Queen. Like many entrepreneurs funding was only half the battle for Columbus. The high seas and voyages were where he was truly tested. Sure he wasn’t perfect, and even at times a little delusional, in thinking that the Americas were Asia. But I’m basing my admiration on his continued perseverance.
