Ageism - Bless your heart!!
Deepa Kartha
Deepa Kartha
Solutions blending People+Process+Technology+AI| Founder and CEO @ Journyz,CultureRox | Kellogg, B2B SaaS
Hello Tech Enthusiasts,
Welcome to the tenth edition of 'Keep Calm and Tech On,' on Ageism in Entrepreneurship and Technology. What spurred me to write on this topic is the innumerable number of emails I have been getting recently that say something like this. “Are you tired of running your startup? There are so many young hungry entrepreneurs that are looking to buy your business. Want to sell?”? Obviously, who would want to focus on running a business at a ripe old age.. might as well retire and eat bonbons and watch Netflix. This is very standard philosophy in corporate environments as well, especially recently as companies have been laying off in anticipation of the bad economy..
There is only one thing to say here. Awwwww… Bless your heart!
???? Unveiling the Myth: Age is a number
Age is not determined by your biological age - it is determined by your ability to change and adapt. You can be 25 years old set in your ways or a 60-year-old constantly looking to learn. Step aside, stereotypes! Let's debunk a myth, shall we? Silver hair doesn't mean outdated software. Experience and wisdom are like fine wine—they get better with time. Bless your heart if anyone thinks they can't navigate the tech landscape with a smooth finesse! Did you know that Ray Kroc, the man behind McDonald's, was 52 when he joined the company?
???? Tech Titans of Wisdom: Defying Expectations
Coding wizards and startup maestros, gather around! Age doesn't determine innovation; it amplifies it. Bless your heart if the assumption is that folks are just keeping up; many are setting the pace. Did you know that Vera Wang, the iconic fashion designer, didn't start designing until she was 40?
???? Startups and Silver Linings: Age as an Asset
In the entrepreneurial arena, age isn't a barrier; it's a secret sauce. Bless your heart if the belief is that startups are solely a playground for the young. Seasoned entrepreneurs bring a truckload of experience, a vast network, and the ability to tackle challenges like a pro. Did you know that Harland Sanders, better known as Colonel Sanders, founded KFC at the age of 62?
?????? Learning Never Retires: Lifelong Tech Exploration
Tech-inept? Not on anyone's watch! Curiosity doesn't retire with age; it refines. Embracing lifelong learning, mastering new skills, and staying ahead of the tech curve—now that's the name of the game. Did you know that Stan Lee, the co-creator of Marvel Comics, created some of his most iconic characters in his 40s and 50s?
???? Collaboration Knows No Age: Tech Harmony Across Generations
Picture this: a tech team that's not just good but a perfect symphony. Bless your heart if there's doubt in the power of intergenerational collaboration. Diverse teams, with members of all ages, create a harmonious melody of innovation. Did you know that Andrea Bocelli, the renowned tenor, started his international singing career at the age of 34?
???? Wisdom in Every Byte: Tech Leadership Beyond Age
Age doesn't slow anyone down; it adds flavor to leadership. Bless your heart if the belief is that older leaders can't steer tech companies to success. Wisdom, resilience, and a deep understanding of the industry are a secret sauce. Did you know that Steve Jobs returned to Apple in 1997 at the age of 42 and turned the company around?
???? Breaking the Ageism Code: A Tech Revolution for All Ages
Time to dismantle the ageism code in the tech world. Bless your heart if there's doubt in the revolution folks of all ages can lead. Mentorship programs, tech leadership roles – it's not just about being part of it; it's about driving it. Did you know that Peter Mark Roget, the creator of the thesaurus, published it when he was 73?
?????? Addressing the Diversity Quandary in Tech Investment
Now, let's chat about a little misconception. Bless your heart if there's a notion that PE and VC firms are exclusively chasing young prodigies. It's high time these firms recognize the wealth of talent among older women and BIPOC women. The focus isn't just on youth; it's on embracing diversity in all its vibrant forms. Ageism? That's so last season! Did you know that Martha Stewart started her media company at the age of 56?
Thank you for being part of 'Keep Calm and Tech On.' Here's to celebrating the seasoned tech enthusiasts who defy stereotypes, proving that age is just a number, and experience is an invaluable asset!
#KeepCalmAndTechOn #AgeismRevolution #TechWisdom #StereotypeBusters #InnovationKnowsNoAge #BlessYourHeartTech
Founder @ inspHIRE Talent Solutions | Advisor
9 个月Love this message. This is why OpenWater Group was created. A community where accomplished professionals with decades of experience can connect with each other and corporate partners to create economic opportunities.
Hi Deepa, thank you for sharing this post on entrepreneurship and ageism in the tech industry. It's great to see more awareness being brought to this important issue. I completely agree that intergenerational collaboration is crucial in breaking down age barriers and promoting diversity in tech leadership. Let's continue to work together towards a more inclusive and innovative industry. Keep inspiring us with your posts! #AgeIsJustANumber #TechDiversity
Love it! Age is only a number! You can do anything you put your mind and energy towards!
Business Owner & Social Entrepreneur, Product Manager, Mom, Friend, Wife, Doer of things that need to be done.
9 个月Couldn’t agree more. What people often don’t realize is that after checking off the expectation checkboxes for a while, with age often comes a fearless attitude and a will to play on your own terms. And resilience that can come only with the been there done that.?
Empowering Women Over 40 to Redefine Success | CEO & Co-Founder at Fizz Enterprises | Speaker | Best Selling Author | Success Coach | Course Creator
9 个月Deepa Kartha, this topic is near and dear to my heart and you hit on all the reasons the ageism code needs to be dismantled in the tech world and beyond. Thank you for presenting this topic in a thoughtful, fact-filled way and doing it with a lot more politeness than I would. Really, bless your heart!