“She’s got #GUTS” It was the best descriptor I could come up with when thinking of a tremendously skilled founder in my orbit, and yet, I was aware that this simple phrase can sometimes carry unwelcome connotations. The types that can be weaponized against otherwise clever, hardworking, and bold individuals who should be heralded for their ambition, rather than penalized for it. When I think of someone who’s got “guts”, it goes beyond courage and tenacity to include the boldness to stare down the naysayers (even your own self-doubt), in service of a higher goal, even if you don’t ultimately achieve it. Having guts becomes an invaluable practice. Here are just a few examples of the incredible founders, leaders and badasses I know who demonstrate what it means to have guts: Alison: She’s the real deal, and despite her considerable success, she still has a fire inside her that compels her to take on big challenges in the name of building the world she wants to see. Plus she’s never afraid to roll up her sleeves and do the hard work herself if need be; an incredible trait to find in a leader. Amy: A modern-day oracle whose insights into the future help shape emerging trends as they become reality, Amy is a wise leader who doesn’t take the responsibilities she’s earned lightly. Her work at Future Today Institute continues to inspire legions to think more critically about our collective role in shaping what’s to come. April: Underestimate her at your peril, because some have done it before, and they have come to regret it. But before you think she’s just kicking ass and taking names (which she most definitely is), recognize that she’s a generous connector dedicated to opening doors for those coming behind her. Colleen: Sometimes it’s unclear if Colleen has Guts or if Guts has Colleen - that’s how much she embodies this trait. As she embarks on her latest disruptive journey with Proxure, one thing’s certain: it won’t be her last. Danielle: She leaps. Even when she isn’t sure where she’ll end up, she trusts herself to stick the landing, recognizing how many times she’s done it before. And she does. Every time. Geri: Though I’ve only met her once (when we spoke on a Tech Thursday Panel together) I could tell immediately that Geri’s a skilled and capable operator who knows what it means to act with conviction. Janet: Before I met her at this year’s Banff Venture Forum, someone described Janet as bigger than Taylor Swift, to which I responded: then consider me a #Swiftie! As a solo GP launching her own venture capital fund in a male-dominated field, some might have thought she’d bitten off more than she could chew, and yet they would have been woefully ignorant. She’s crushing it, and the founders she champions (like the indomitable Alice) are thriving. This list is by no means exhaustive, rather, it’s meant to spur a conversation and showcase some incredible people. Who else would you add to this list? Let’s highlight some rockstars!
Derek Armstrong
1mo
What an amazing post showcasing some of the top business people in our community today!
Arielle Land
1mo
Love this list of incredible humans! 🏆
Alison Sunstrum
1mo
George Damian, CFA True Ally, dear friend!
Janet Bannister
1mo
Thank you very much George Damian, CFA for highlighting some incredible leaders who are stepping up and making a difference. I am honored to be on your list!
Danielle Gifford
1mo
George you are so kind and thoughtful! I am greatful our paths crossed at CDL. The last 6 years working, collaborating, and partnering together have been some of the fondest memories of my career. You are a true friend and ally and our community is so lucky to have you!
Erin Chan
1mo
I second Janet Bannister. She is a force and incredible role model for both women and men. The industry is lucky to have her.
Thank you George Damian, CFA for such a wonderful post celebrating others, I am honored to be included.
CEO | Transformation Leader | Corporate Director | Board Member | Strategy, Digital & Business Transformation | M&A | Start-Up | Tech | Data & Analytics | Builder | Top 40 under 40 | Disruption with Purpose
1moGeorge, when I saw the “She’s got #GUTS” my first reaction was oh dear, what have I done now? Haha. Thank you so much for highlighting the importance of guts and grit in founderland, and being the most incredible ally, supporter and pump-your-tires friend. Your continued contributions, efforts and support make it easier to keep going on the gritty days and you amplify the wins in a way that help me walk a little taller.