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?
I am not sure I agree with this. I think that success has more to do with what matters more to you, and focus on that. The thing about a daily routine is life happens, you have to make it work regardless of what happens. Especially if you are a female, you have to adjust to what is going on around you.
Looking back at your teenage years, did you have any entrepreneurial interests?
The one thing I did that you might call — this was 1973, I was in boarding school in Massachusetts, and I was very lonely and so miserable. I went with a friend, and she totally dropped me, and I was so lonely sophomore year. I made friends with this very cool girl, and we were very opinionated, so we decided to start a school newspaper. We had to get permission to sell ads and get people to write articles.
Is there a specific time of day where you feel most productive?
Usually in the morning. I always try to do everything that matters early morning, but I have so much going on it doesn’t always work out that way.
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?
I think there is more than one. I think you really have to believe because the world doesn’t really care about your ideas, and being an entrepreneur is about bringing new ideas into the world, so you truly have to believe in yourself in order for it to work out.
Has being a woman in the business world affected you positively or negatively, and how so?
I think it is very hard to know when someone denies you something because of your sex or race, but I think what I would say is I have not had any overt occasions because I am a female. Yale Strippen from 1996.
What is one major goal that you wish to achieve by 2030?
I tend not to look that far ahead because life keeps changing. Right now, I won the Seattle storm with two other women, and now my big goal is trying to build a big practice center. By women for women. Also trying to write another book.
Who is your biggest influence and why?
My biggest influence was my dad. He died two years ago. I always looked up to him. My family was not a happy one. My mom struggled with mental illness, and my dad was always there for me. He was very successful and very likable. And he said a lot of things about how important it was to pursue growth. I didn’t realize at the time those words were influencing me, but they really work. And dreaming big. I really wanted him to be proud.
If you could pick one female entrepreneur, who would you say is your biggest inspiration?
She’s not really an entrepreneur. I don’t get inspired by other people but by things that make me mad or excited, and I try to pursue that. People that impress me are athletes. Billie Jean King fan. Also Martina Navratilova.
What has been the most formative advice you have received and why?
That suggests that I have had formative advice. You know, I guess my father always said do what you love. In some way, it was terrible advice because he never explained how to put it all together and make a living. But it really made me think hard about what to do in life and what to pursue. He never talked to me about the whole idea of purpose. I kind of stumbled into that. He started me with do what you love, and I had to figure out what that really meant. I don’t think life is very worth living if there isn’t something to get me out of bed to have a purpose. The reason I own a WMBA team is that I try to broaden the spectrum for women and follow what I am really passionate about.
What has been the most impressive/memorable question anyone has ever asked you?
I don’t know that is an interesting question. Depends on the context. Someone asking a question and changing how I look at it is a good question.
If you have siblings, are they also entrepreneurs?
I have 3 siblings, and none of them are. Although we have children and they are entrepreneurs.
Do you think the drive to become an entrepreneur is born with or is learned?
I think it is probably a combination. You know, there are families where there are multigenerational. When you grow up in an environment where certain things are taken for granted. It’s kind of like if you see it, you can do it. If you are born into an entrepreneurial family, you kinda have a leg up. But there are certain qualities that it takes. Like risk. Not everyone can stomach that risk or persistence. You have to build those qualities. There are qualities that you have to develop. Some of has to do with the person you are, and some of it depends on how you were raised.
CONTACT INFORMATION & SOCIAL MEDIA Gilder office for Growth Seattle, WA Raleigh NC Serial Social Enterprise Entrepreneur, Co-owner of WNBA's @SeattleStorm Two-time Olympian, Dedicated & Battle-tested Mom Address: 1 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh NC 27603 Telephone: +1 (919)-680-3919 website: https://www.gilderpartners.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginny-gilder-4772b463/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ginnygilder