Simone Giertz: Queen of sh*tty robots | Lex Fridman Podcast Clips

TL;DR

Simone Giertz discusses her experiences with imposter syndrome, self-deprecation, and the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated field.

Transcript

in those early days um did you suffer from imposter syndrome like that leaped to being an engineer was was there especially when you started uh working in punch the design on a team of Engineers was there insecurity both yes and no I think I've um I always try to flip my flaws into selling points and for that so getting that job I I was like oh you... Read More

Key Insights

• 😥 Turning flaws into selling points can be a unique approach in certain roles, providing a valuable perspective for customers who may not be experts (e.g., engineers).
• 🤗 Asking questions instead of hiding insecurities can create a safe and open environment for learning and growth.
• 🤳 Self-deprecating humor can help navigate the challenges of the internet, but finding a balance is crucial to avoid unnecessary self-sabotage.
• 🕵️‍♀️ Being a woman in a male-dominated field may require managing perception by staying unthreatening while showcasing intelligence and wit.
• 🤯 Fear of failure and judgment can deter brilliant minds from sharing their work on the internet, but learning to navigate it is important for exposure and recognition.
• 🤳 Simone's journey from building "shitty robots" to becoming a CEO showcases the power of embracing failure and maintaining a balance between self-deprecation and self-confidence.
• 🫠 Autobiographies may not be appealing to everyone, but the willingness to read about someone's life signifies genuine interest in their experiences.

Questions & Answers

Q: Did you experience imposter syndrome when you started working as an engineer?

Yes, Simone experienced imposter syndrome, but instead of letting it hinder her, she turned her lack of skills into an asset by representing the everyday person.

Q: How did you handle insecurity in a room filled with intelligent people?

Simone had a rule to ask questions whenever she didn't understand something, which created a safe environment for others to ask questions too, earning their gratitude for breaking the fear of seeming stupid.

Q: Why did you adopt the title "Queen of Shitty Robots"?

Simone didn't come up with the title herself, but she embraced it because building things that didn't work and failing happily became a powerful tool to overcome perfectionism and fear of judgment.

Q: How did being self-deprecating become a defense mechanism for you?

Simone used self-deprecating humor as a survival tactic on the internet to avoid being shot down for daring to present herself as an expert. It became both beneficial and harmful, influencing her work life and relationships.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Simone Giertz talks about how she embraced her lack of engineering skills as a selling point to become a filter between engineers and customers.

• She shares her approach of asking questions when she doesn't understand something and how it helped others feel comfortable asking questions too.

• Simone reflects on her journey from building "shitty robots" to being a CEO, navigating self-deprecating humor, and finding a balance between being approachable and credible.