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Leanne Robers
CO-FOUNDER OF SHE LOVES TECH
We kicked off September 2021 with a focus on connecting with our inner selves and expanding our minds. Read on for new perspectives and wisdom, as shared by homegrown tech queen, Leanne Robers.
Introduce yourself and what you do in a sentence!
I'm Leanne, co-founder of She Loves Tech, the world’s largest startup competition and accelerator program for women and technology that operates in 50 countries and 6 continents.
What drove you to start She Loves Tech?
My co-founders and I noticed that a lot of startup tech competitions were lacking in women participants. Many investors and organizers of startup competitions told us that it’s a pipeline issue (i.e. that there are not enough women-led tech businesses).
However, we’ve found this to be untrue – there are many more women startup founders than are represented from startup competitions and we wanted to create a competition that focused on these women. We realized that there were many women building tech companies that needed a platform that would showcase them and their products, receive mentorship and be connected to a global network. And that’s how She Loves Tech started, having grown into over 40 countries globally!
"Self-love and self-acceptance are so important to have any kind of success. We sometimes need to get out of our own way and eliminate self-doubt that paralyzes us instead of allowing us to grow."
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What motivates you to keep exploring and trying new things?
I love to hear about what my brilliant and talented friends are working on, and I’m constantly amazed when I get to see the world and opportunities through their eyes. It’s also never been easier for a curious person to keep growing - I am constantly learning through podcasts, videos, and online courses. Many of us are at home because of COVID-19, and it’s a great time to slow down and learn.
Could you share your favourite reading?
I’m reading 'The Future We Choose' by Christiana Figueres and Tom Rivett-Carnac. The book shows us that we can all play our part to move beyond the climate crisis into a thriving future.
What is one piece of life advice you have for our #LBCommunity?
Self-love and self-acceptance are so important to have any kind of success. We sometimes need to get out of our own way and eliminate self-doubt that paralyzes us instead of allowing us to grow. That said, I can’t do it alone. It’s been essential to have a strong support system – to be surrounded by people who challenge me and force me to be better, who are excited for my future, and who love and respect me even when things are hard and I question myself.
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