Why Warby Parker’s Focus on Purpose Paid Off—Big Time

I got to record this episode live on the main stage at Lesbians Who Tech: Check it out!

Building purpose-driven companies with Warby Parker's Neil Blumenthal

Today’s episode is going to sound a little different.? Earlier this fall, we recorded it live, onstage at the Lesbians Who Tech Summit in New York City. This was the 11th year of this conference, and I was not prepared for just how big it had become. It was a gorgeous day on the rooftop of Pier 17, way downtown on the East Side of the City.? The stage was like something out of a rock festival, with massive jumbotrons on each side. And as I waited in the wings go on, I saw something I haven’t witnessed in the decades i’ve been in this business: thousands of LGBTQ women and nonbinary folks, representing the power that comes from being substantial players in technology, media and other businesses.?

The promise of this energy is why I jumped at the chance to record Hello Monday at the Summit. With economic power comes the opportunity to work for equality.?It's a core value of our show!

For our conversation, I invited one of the founders of a company I deeply respect, Warby Parker. Sixteen years ago, Neil Blumenthal and three others set out to build a company with social purpose at its core. Warby Parker took off because it offered really stylish affordable eye glasses, but also, because it stood for something. Neil has real, tangible advice for founders of all stages: invaluable insights from his own journey on how to build a company with purpose and how to stick with that purpose over time. Plus, today Neil is an investor. He offers some tips on how a startup stands out in 2024. You can catch all of this and more right here, or by listening right from this newsletter below:

Raincheck! A special note on Office Hours

I'm traveling this week and will be presenting at the Masters of Scale Conference in San Francisco during the time that we usually meet. So, we will not gather this week! If you will be at the event, please drop me a line and let's meet up! Otherwise, I'll see you on October 30.

Hello Monday is LinkedIn News’ weekly podcast about the changing nature of work—and how we must change to keep up. It's hosted by me, Jessi Hempel. Subscribe to the show's newsletter.

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