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Megan Smith Highlight
The idea of ‘culture fit’ is very destructive. I don’t want you to fit, I want you to add.
About Megan
- Grew up in New York in an entrepreneurial family—my mom and dad worked on local environmental issues, education, and community development.
- Attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) where I earned my bachelor’s and master’s in mechanical engineering.
- In the late 80's, I was initially interested in working on renewable "green" energy projects, but decided to transition into working on the new developments in Internet technologies.
- I was part of designing early smartphone technologies at General Magic and worked on product development at Apple in Japan.
- In 1998, I became the CEO of PlanetOut, one of the early leading LGBTQ online platforms that partnered with major web players to create diverse content and community.
- Worked for Google for over eleven years—first, leading new business development, and later, as the Vice President of Google X where I helped pilot innovation and tech diversity initiatives.
- In 2014, President Obama appointed me as the 3rd Chief Technology Officer of the U.S. where my team focused on how technology policy, data, and innovation can advance the future of the nation.
- In 2018, I founded shift7, which seeks to connect diverse tech talent from around the world and expand social innovation—I am also a board member of MIT and co-founded the Malala Fund.
