Breaking the Mold: A Tech Exec's Bold Plan to Fix Leadership & Social Impact
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This episode features Mai Moore, a dynamic force in leadership and social impact, as she sits down with host Jason Rigby to explore her transition from a 26-year tech career—helping companies like TravelZoo and United Online go public—to founding EYEJ (Empowering Youth, Exploring Justice) and BossMe In. Mai’s story is one of courage, authenticity, and a relentless drive to bridge generational and cultural gaps, creating lasting change for underserved communities and corporate environments alike. She dives into the systemic challenges facing youth, the inefficiencies of traditional nonprofit boards, and the urgent need for intergenerational leadership as Millennials and Gen Z prepare to dominate the workforce by 2030.
Mai offers a masterclass in bold leadership, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, humility, and action over endless theorizing. She challenges tech leaders to “open the door” for diverse voices—particularly women and underrepresented groups—by taking immediate, practical steps like inviting new perspectives into decision-making rooms. Her insights on bridging the digital divide, addressing toxic stress in youth, and fostering equity in corporate settings resonate with anyone looking to lead with purpose and impact. This conversation is a must-listen for leaders eager to evolve, connect, and empower in a rapidly changing world.
Timestamps with Key Points:00:01 – Introduction to Mai Moore Jason introduces Mai, highlighting her bold leadership and social impact journey.
01:19 – From Tech to Social Impact Mai reflects on her 26-year tech career and the pivotal moment that sparked her shift to founding EYEJ.
05:06 – Systemic Issues and Nonprofits Discussion on why 27,000 nonprofits in Cleveland fail to address youth mental health and social inequities.
10:38 – Bridging Tech and Youth Leadership Mai explains how to connect underserved youth with tech opportunities and break the “white male Stanford” mold.
14:23 – BossMe In and Corporate Reform Introduction to BossMe In, focusing on intergenerational leadership and corporate change.
22:31 – Advice for Tech Leaders Mai urges leaders to act now—bring diversity into meetings and hire beyond silos.
30:57 – Inspiring the Next Generation Mai shares what excites her about young leaders and their demand for authenticity and harmony.
33:23 – Conversations with Tech Leaders Practical tips for tech executives: act fast, talk money openly, and understand who you serve.
Mai Moore: “We need to embrace change, be authentic, and say, ‘I have no effing clue’ when we don’t know something—it’s about being human.”
Mai Moore: “Just do it today. Bring someone to a meeting, hire someone for that role—stop overanalyzing and act.”
Jason Rigby: “It’s so awesome to see somebody with courage and boldness also be positive—this is a tough task.”
Mai Moore’s Website: maimoore.com – Learn more about Mai’s mission and book her for speaking engagements.
EYEJ: eyej.org – Explore Mai’s nonprofit empowering youth for justice.
BossMe In: Visit bossmein.com for insights on intergenerational leadership.
Related Episode: “AI Ethics and Equity in Tech” – A TARTLE episode on fostering inclusion in technology.
TARTLE Blog: “Monetizing Data for Social Good” – How data can drive impactful change.
Ready to lead with purpose and bridge worlds for change? Subscribe to the TARTLE podcast, leave a review, and visit tartle.co to join the movement for equity and empowerment. Connect with Mai Moore at maimoore.com to bring her bold insights to your next event!
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