I love smart people

I’ve spent two days locked in a conference room with 30 smart people. Although 28 of them were men, it was great fun. Here’s what I love about smart people — they argue really well. They get angry and start yelling, and then someone comes out with a brilliant analogy that resolves the whole thing and everyone applauds.

I’m not sure how I got so lucky. My career is intellectually, socially, and financially rewarding. I’m surrounded by people who aren’t intimidated by me, who I can stand toe-to-toe with, who respect me, who acknowledge where I’m strong and give support where I’m weak. My company is entering its most exciting phase yet (when has it not been exciting, though?), and I’m part of making the excitement happen.

Despite what’s been said, I’m an optimist. I find poetry and nobility in the mundane, and believe it’s possible to build a company for humans — with kindness, intelligence, and fire.