Scaling with Soul

How I Built and Sold a $25 Million Tech Company Without Being an A**hole

De: Sharon K. Gillenwater

Narrado por: Sharon K. Gillenwater

Before Co-founder and CEO Sharon K. Gillenwater exited Boardroom Insiders for 25M dollars in 2022, she was a kid growing up in the turbulent '70s in sleepy Ocean Beach, California. A voracious reader and deep thinker often at odds with her working-class parents, she was determined to break from her surroundings—though she never thought her dreams would take her to the top of the tech food chain.

In Scaling with Soul, a swashbuckling memoir of resilience on the journey to becoming a CEO, Gillenwater traces her path from waitress to marketer to bootstrapping founder of an industry-leading software company—all despite false starts, sexism and an imploded first startup. In the process, she shares crucial lessons about how ambitious founders can learn to cultivate resilience without losing their soul.

Illuminating the myriad challenges inherent in tech startups and VC funding, and offering advice on how to beat them, Scaling with Soul is also a toolbox of nuts-and-bolts tech wisdom for ambitious founders: on networking, scaling companies, navigating the politics of acquisitions and more.

Told in a voice guaranteed to galvanize, Gillenwater encourages listeners to become tomorrow's leaders today and proves that entrepreneurship is a viable path to financial independence for all, no matter your gender or background.

©2024 Sharon K. Gillenwater (P)2024 Sharon K. Gillenwater

Must-Read/Listen for Entrepreneurs at Every Stage

I really enjoyed this book—it struck a balance between relatable, inspiring, and thought-provoking. At times, it made me reflect on my own entrepreneurial journey, and I couldn’t help but think, “Why can’t I do this?” It challenged me to confront where I’m falling short but in a way that feels productive because I’m learning and discovering new opportunities and ways of thinking. While it’s not my usual kind of entrepreneur read, I’m glad I picked it up. It underscored the importance of having a clear strategy and surrounding yourself with the right people—you just can’t do it alone.

Wonderful Business Bio

Sharon Gillenwater told an inspiring, real story about how she built a successful business and team from the ground up. She is honest, funny and a total bad ass I aspire to be like.