Sukhinder Singh Cassidy knows the secret to success in Silicon Valley. In 2008, she was crowned one of Fortune Magazine’s 50 most powerful women in the world. The 42 year-old wife and mother of three has established the new generation of femaledriven tech companies. She is the Founder and CEO of Joyus, a lifestyle shopping website that is pioneering video-driven e-commerce. The techsavvy savant is eager to share her knowledge, her secrets and what makes her tick.
“I think making women feel beautiful, empowered, excited and connected is not just a passion for me personally, but also a massive business opportunity online.
Born in Tanzania to parents of Indian decent, Singh Cassidy was raised in Canada from the age of two. Both of her parents were doctors, but it was her father who encouraged her to move into business. “My father was an entrepreneur – a doctor who loved the business of running a medical practice and always encouraged me to work for myself. That stuck with me.”
Singh Cassidy lives and breathes the dedication and hard work that runs in her family, taking the driver’s seat in Silicon Valley for over a decade. She became an entrepreneur for the first time at 28 when she co-founded Yodlee, a financial service software company with 4 engineers. With very few women in the field, Singh Cassidy expanded the landscape of female-led startups in Silicon Valley.
She then spent six-years at Google as President of Asia Pacific and Latin America. Under her leadership, Google opened 18 sales offices, 9 research and development centers and full cross-functional operations throughout the region, which was the fastest growing geography within the company.
Though finding massive success at Google, her entrepreneurial appetite influenced her decision to leave in 2009.
“When I left Google, I knew I wanted to pursue my personal passion around building a nextgeneration women’s commerce and media brand.”
Knowing that she eventually wanted to start a company in a female-focused category, she took on the role as CEO-In-Residence at Accel Partners, one of the world’s foremost venture capital firms that would eventually invest in Joyus.
After gaining insight in her interim role at Accel, she spent time as CEO of Polyvore, the web’s largest fashion community site where women create inspiration boards across fashion, beauty, and home products.
Her mission finally fell into place just one year ago when Joyus came to fruition. Backed by $7.9 million of funding led by Accel Partners, Joyus harnesses the power of video to impact the consumer experience, allowing women to discover, use and buy products they love.
“I think making women feel beautiful, empowered, excited and connected is not just a passion for me personally, but also a massive business opportunity online. At Joyus we are motivated to create something special.”
Asked what she is most proud of, Singh Cassidy answered without hesitation. “My children, my father, my team.”
Singh Cassidy’s strong vision and reputation has always managed to attract the most innovative talent in technology, who are focused on building the new future in e-commerce.
“Its incredibly rewarding to build and lead a team of really hungry, smart folks who are all excited to innovate and build something truly special.” Women in business now look to the Silicon Valley veteran for advice and mentorship. Singh Cassidy pays her success forward by offering her simple, foremost piece of advice: “Negotiate for what you need to make things work in all aspects of your life – both at work and at home.”
Of course, the brainy beauty heeds her words.
“When I was at Google and pregnant, I asked my boss and our CEO to support my travelling with my nanny and newborn daughter if I was going to able to continue to run our International business. They supported this arrangement and that’s how I made it work.”
Singh Cassidy finds a way to make everything in her life work. She supports various initiatives that speak to areas she is passionate about. She sits on the board of Job Train, a non-profit focused on helping adults and youth in trouble get the skills they need to get empowered and back on their feet. She is also involved with the Center for Reproductive Rights. They use constitutional and human rights law to ensure women’s rights to healthcare are protected and ensured at a state, national, and international level.
Asked what she is most proud of, Singh Cassidy answered without hesitation. “My children, my father, my team: Every day my children give me perspective on what is important. My father was my hero and a mentor for so many other people. I am proud to be his daughter. My teams at Joyus, Google and Yodlee are amazing people.” Singh Cassidy said.
“I feel proud to see all what they have accomplished. Most of all, I am glad they have been part of my journey.”
News
August 11, 2012The Best of Silicon Valley: Where to Visit, Shop, and Dine
