Silicon Valley visits Stephen Perse

A panel of speakers from Silicon Valley took to the stage on Friday 18 November to talk to Years 10 and 11 about their experiences as entrepreneurs in a digital world. 

Despite a range of backgrounds and involvement in a diverse collection of businesses, there were a number of common themes that provided food for thought for everyone in the hall. One message came over loud and clear – entrepreneurs are true agents for change, their businesses born out of a heartfelt frustration about something that could be done better, followed by a single-minded pursuit to make their ideas real. The speakers also championed the importance of students keeping their options open throughout their education, citing how many different skills were required to exploit successfully the many opportunities that have crossed their paths. Our thanks to Julie Hanna, Chairman of Kiva, the world’s largest micro-lending marketplace, Cindy McLaughlin: Founder and CEO of Style for Hire, a network of personal stylists and Megan Smith, a Vice President at Google who manages early-stage partnerships, explorations and technology licensing.