Before starting The Tech Connection, and beginning her journey to bring diversity into the tech world, Melissa James found comfort and calmness in her little secret to success: Beyonce.
Listening to “I Was Here" by Beyonce resonated with the CEO and former Google employee because it shows the impact of lives and the work that they do, she told me.
Inspired by the momentum of Women’s History Month, I spoke to a variety of Boston’s best women in tech, from CEOs, to venture partners, to columnists, and of course — the lovely ladies here at BostInno. After a truly electric International Women’s Day on March 8, I thought it'd be best to ask a simple question: What’s your fight song?
Almost everyone I talked to had a go-to song that inspires and motivates them, whether it be before a big interview, a difficult meeting or a long day. As statistics rack up — for example, according to Silicon Valley Bank’s recent Women in Technology Leadership report, 68 percent of startups surveyed have no women on their board and more than half have no women in the C-suite — these women show that motivation can still bring the momentum it takes to climb up the rungs.
So as promised, the conversation continues. Presenting the Fight Song Mixtape by Boston’s women in tech and business.
For when you’re feeling fierce and fiery:
Katie Rae, managing director of Techstars Boston: "Girl on Fire" by Alicia Keys.
Christine Healy, national events director at BostInno: "Freedom" by Beyonce & Kendrick Lamar. Also, the Whole Lemonade Album. (Enjoyed as a go-to “responding to emails” soundtrack.)
Felicia Jadczak, co-founder of She Geeks Out: "Superwoman" by Alicia Keys. (Favorite lyrics: “Even when I'm a mess | I still put on a vest | With an S on my chest.")
Nadya Okamoto, CEO of Camions of Care: "Superwoman" by Alicia Keys.
Melissa James, CEO and founder of The Tech Connection: "I Was Here" by Beyonce. (Listened to while trying to bring diversity into the tech world…. nbd.)
Adaora Asala, founder of CODE RED HQ: "Long Live the Chief "by Jidenna. (Favorite lyric: "You can either sink, swim or being the captain. Get the last word, I’ma get the last laugh in.”)
Shirley Leung, business columnist for the Boston Globe: "These Boots Are Made For Walkin’" by Nancy Sinatra. (Enjoyed because it’s a reminder that women should never be taken for granted.)
Nomunaa Purevbayar, digital marketing intern for BostInno: "My Life" by Phases. (Inspired by Brie Larson at the Oscars.)
Elizabeth Lawler, CEO and co-founder of Conjur Inc.: "Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots" by The Flaming Lips. (Loved because it has a heroine fighting robots with karate, and the robots are a metaphor for cybersecurity.)
When you’re ready to slay and want that extra push:
Natasha Mascarenhas, editorial intern at BostInno: "Gives You Hell" by The All-American Rejects (Enjoyed during that awkward moment when your lede is rejected for being too wordy.)
Tracy Deforge, executive-in-residence at Streetwise Media: "Kryptonite" by Three Doors Down (Listens before running marathons.)
Maia Heymann, general partner at Converge Venture Partners: "Middle of the Road" by Chrissy Hynde and the Pretenders. (For her it means "get out there, get out there in the middle of the road, go take risks, don’t be timid.")
Rachel Murray, co-founder of She Geeks Out: "You Learn" by Alanis Morissette. (Favorite lyrics for entrepreneurs: "I, recommend biting off more than you can chew to anyone.”)
Jenna Fusfield, intern at BostInno: "Wannabe" by Spice Girls. (She says it's the perfect go-to song when chilling with friends and having fun.)
Pamela Aldsworth, head of Silicon Valley Bank's venture capital group: "Born to run" by Bruce Springsteen.
When you need to meet that work deadline:
Justina Perro, head of content at Localytics: "I Can't Stop" by Flux Pavilion. (Listened to during long runs, and when there’s an aggressive work deadline.)
Diane Hessan, former CEO of Startup Institute and chairman at C Space: "We Are The Champions" by Queen. (Favorite Lyric: "I've had my share of sand kicked in my face.")
Morgan O’Brien, events coordinator at BostInno: "I’m Alive" by Celine Dion, or anything by Celine Dion. (Listened to while running.)
Katie Burke, chief people officer at HubSpot: "How Will I Know" by Whitney Houston and "Work from Home" by Fifth Harmony. (Listened to while on a long run or in a spin class).
For your convenience, I put together these favorites in a playlist. Check it out below. If you enjoy the playlist, and want to see more roundups like this, shoot me an email at natasha@americaninno.com/boston.
