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
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.
