Some people think that the key to success lies within their daily routines. Do you agree with this, and if so, what is your daily routine?
If they say that that is the key to their success, I agree with that for them … but for me, the only routine, really, is flexibly responding to the needs of the day – and everyone is different! The only real constants in my routine/life are eating healthfully and checking in with family.
Looking back at your teenage years, did you have any entrepreneurial interests?
Well, I always stepped up to leadership positions at whatever job I had … so in that way, yes. And I always loved working out new ways of making money – for example, I recall painting wooden plaques with my high school’s initials in the school colors and selling those …. so I guess the answer is yes!
Is there a specific time of day when you feel most productive?
Yes – early morning, for sure. Best flow time for me – I have to be careful not to touch email too early, or all the best productivity can get lost in email.
Do you think there is one character trait/skill that is important to have in order to become a successful entrepreneur in today’s world?
Perseverance and kindness. Can I have two words?
Has being a woman in the business world affected you positively or negatively, and how so?
I’m not entirely sure what you’re asking here – but if you’re asking about the totality of being a woman in business, then it has impacted me both positively and negatively, honestly. It has certainly strengthened and focused me … and helped me lose some unhealthy habits like worrying about what people think about me. But it has also contributed to some “toughness” that I’ve had to be careful to temper as well.
What is one major goal that you wish to achieve by 2030?
Being a fantastic grandmother.
Who is your biggest influence, and why?
I have so many “biggest influences”! Personally, I would say my daughter because she is just a masterclass in being present. Professionally, there are so many – but perhaps the biggest was my mentor, Frank Lane because he taught me how to think hard and to think strategically.
If you could pick one female entrepreneur, who would you say is your biggest inspiration?
No way I’m picking just one here – so many badass women with great stories – Debbi Fields, who was one of the first of our era; Oprah Winfrey, Lisa Calhoun of Valor Ventures, Sara Blakely of Spanx, Renee Mongomery, who bought the Atlanta Dream.
What has been the most formative advice you have received and why?
It was, “Don’t set out to build a company to get it acquired; go build a great company, and you’ll find that people will want to acquire it.” That was incredibly important as it taught me to take the focus off of playing to investors and instead play to the market.
What has been the most impressive/memorable question anyone has ever asked you?
I was getting off a phone call with a business partner, and they said, “Before we go, is there anything I could do for you today that would help move your business forward?” I almost dropped the phone, it was such a great question!
If you have siblings, are they also entrepreneurs?
I do have siblings – one is an entrepreneur, and the other had a very impressive career as essentially an “intrapreneur.” My mom was also a serial entrepreneur … at a time when that was even more unusual!
Do you think the drive to become an entrepreneur is born with or is learned?
Both! I think you’re born with a bent towards responsibility/leadership … and then if you learn that works in the world, you do more of it.
CONTACT INFORMATION & SOCIAL MEDIA CEO Smart Commerce Atlanta, GA San Francisco, CA Barcelona, Spain website: https://smartcommerce.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SmartCommerceCo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifersilverberg/ and https://www.linkedin.com/company/smartcommerce/ Telephone: +1 800 571 3520 email: [email protected]