Jennifer Dulski (Change.org) at Startup Grind San Francisco

TL;DR

Change.org CEO, Jen Dulski, shares her journey from nonprofit founder to leading the world's largest empowerment platform and discusses the power of using technology and personal stories to drive impact at scale.

Transcript

stand and give a big holler to jen dulski and perry gorman hey guys um this would be an excellent moment to silence your cell phones thank you um super happy to have you here jen and um i i always love these opportunities to uh to interview interesting people but i think you know i feel like we have so much in residence that i am particularly excit... Read More

Key Insights

• 💦 Early life experiences and role models shape individuals' beliefs and work ethic.
• 🙈 Being a woman should be seen as an asset, and success comes from confidence, competence, and finding supportive mentors.
• 😤 Leadership experience in different environments, such as coaching a crew team, can provide valuable insights for entrepreneurial journeys.
• 👨‍💼 Recognizing when to pivot based on market demand and having the courage to make bold decisions contribute to business success.
• ✊ The power of technology combined with compelling personal stories drives social impact and empowers individuals to create change.
• 😤 Building a great team of motivated individuals and providing a mission-driven work environment are essential for scaling impact.
• 🖐️ Effective storytelling and inspiring personal narratives play a significant role in mobilizing people to take action.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Jen Dulski's parents influence her career and leadership style?

Jen credits her father for instilling in her a belief that girls can do anything and her mother for teaching her the value of hard work and perseverance. These early role models shaped her career and leadership style by fostering confidence, grit, and belief in oneself.

Q: How did being a woman impact Jen Dulski's success?

Jen believes that everyone's unique experiences and backgrounds, including being a woman, adds value to their work. She emphasizes the importance of finding mentors, believing in oneself, and building strong relationships to earn respect and thrive as a leader.

Q: How did Jen Dulski transition from running a nonprofit to joining Yahoo?

After realizing the limitations of her nonprofit's impact, Jen saw the potential of the internet to create scalable solutions for social change. She fell in love with Yahoo and secured an MBA internship, which eventually led to a job at the company. This experience paved the way for her current role at Change.org.

Q: How did Jen Dulski approach the pivot and acquisition of Deal Map?

When Jen joined Deal Map as CEO, the company was struggling, and she had to pivot its business model multiple times. She navigated the challenges by staying committed to finding something that people needed and ensuring the team believed in the vision. The eventual acquisition by Yahoo allowed the business to reach a global audience and fulfill its mission.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Jen Dulski shares her early experiences and the role her parents played in shaping her beliefs and work ethic.

• She discusses how her early mentor and experience as a coxswain taught her the importance of building relationships, setting high expectations, and earning respect.

• Jen talks about her transition from running a nonprofit to joining Yahoo and eventually leading Change.org, highlighting the impact the internet has had on creating scalable solutions for social change.