A Candid Conversation with Meghan, Duchess of Sussex

Reshma Saujani, the founder of the non-profit organization Girls Who Code, recently shared her story on the podcast “Confessions of a Female Founder,” hosted by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. In a striking revelation, Saujani noted, “If I had applied to be the CEO of Girls Who Code, I wouldn’t have gotten the job,” highlighting her unconventional path to leadership.

From Politics to Technology

Despite her background in political science and speech communications, Saujani did not have a coding background. Her initial venture into politics, a congressional campaign in 2010 where she became the first Indian-American woman to run for Congress, ended in defeat. However, her ambition did not fade; it led her to create one of the most recognized coding camps focused on young women, girls, and nonbinary individuals.

Impact of Girls Who Code

Girls Who Code has reportedly reached over 670,000 young individuals in STEM fields, gaining support from notable tech leaders like Jack Dorsey and Microsoft. As other organizations face challenges, Girls Who Code continues to thrive, making significant strides in encouraging female participation in technology.

Personal Struggles and Motherhood

During the podcast, Saujani reflected on her early struggles in establishing Girls Who Code and discussed the often-hidden sacrifices female founders encounter. She also spoke about her personal life, including her experiences with motherhood and the challenges of navigating her career while facing personal health battles and miscarriages.

Inspiring the Next Generation

One of Saujani’s core messages is about resilience and learning from setbacks. She emphasizes the importance of teaching young girls the tools they need to tackle the challenges of tomorrow, particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence, where women currently hold only 22% of positions globally.

In her words, “You lose, you lose, you lose, you lose, and then you win,” illustrating her steadfast belief in perseverance.

A New Initiative: Moms First

Post-Girls Who Code, Saujani founded Moms First, advocating for improved workplace conditions for mothers. Margaret’s support early on for this initiative underscores the collaborative spirit shared among female entrepreneurs.

Lessons in Business and Leadership

The dialogue between Saujani and Meghan delves into the nuances of business ethics and entrepreneurship. An insightful nugget from their conversation highlights the importance of seeking advice: when asking for guidance, funding may follow naturally if the advice is valued. This approach reflects a broader philosophy of building relationships over transactions.

Conclusion: A Vision for the Future

As the podcast continues to resonate with audiences, it stands as a testament to female leadership in business. Meghan and Saujani’s discussions shine a light on the need for social entrepreneurship and underline the legacy female founders are cultivating for future generations of women in leadership roles.