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Data, machine learning, and AI augment impact across sectors, creating life-changing technologies that transform how we live, work, and play.
But to drive meaningful change, we need equitable representation among the leaders driving its evolution.
That’s why Solmaz Shahalizadeh, Shopify’s former Head of Data Science and Engineering, became a Founding Partner of Backbone Angels: investing in women and non-binary founders with a focus on investments in Black, Indigenous, and Women of Colour-led companies.
There, she channels over a decade of experience leveraging data to support diverse businesses—like bringing Shopify Capital to life and getting $3 billion to entrepreneurs otherwise neglected by traditional financial institutions.
She shares why great career paths aren’t linear, what you need to know to impress investors and the difference between sponsors and mentors (and why you should have both).
[3:13] The magic of watching her mother feed punch cards into a Fortran reader
[3:58] Growing up in Iran where women encouraged to study STEM
[4:37] Technology opens doors
[6:08] This is what happens when diverse fields come together
[7:29] Here’s why you need a sponsor at work
[7:41] That time Solmaz worked at Morgan Stanley in New York City
[9:03] Seeking career advice from mentors
[9:51] “Does this choice give me more options or does it remove options?”
[10:52] When Solmaz met Shopify
[11:22] From a 10-person team serving 100,000 merchants to 500 people serving millions
[11:46] Taking your company public? Have your story—and its data—ready.
[12:58] Data is the game-changer driving Shopify’s evolution
[13:28] Shopify Capital extended $3 billion to merchants
[16:00] Funding businesses during COVID-19, despite its uncertainty halting the support of traditional institutions
[18:20] The women who brought Backbone Angels to life
[19:00] Investing in women-led and founded companies
[20:15] Founders need more than capital from investors
[20:54] Pitching to founders? Talk about *this* to stand out
[22:00] Launching Backbone Angels
[24:01] Solmaz’s niche: biotech companies, data and healthcare
[24:42] Here’s what investors want to see
[25:59] Good time management is all about prioritization
[28:00] “It’s lonely at the top” is only half true
[28:32] Helping your team succeed is akin to conducting an orchestra
[30:35] Sponsors speak your name in the rooms you are not (yet) in
[32:58] “Help me help you.”
This podcast is available in blog format. If reading is your thing:
Invest Ottawa and the Power of Why Podcast teamed up to produce this special series in celebration of International Women’s Week and the women leading in Ottawa.
Naomi Haile
An intrapreneur, consultant, and interviewer.
Naomi Haile is curious about people, their paths and what drives them. In 2017, she launched the Power of Why Podcast. Her guests have taken the non-linear path in business, venture capital and other creative professions to share their story. Each episode explores people’s philosophy on life and work.
As we all navigate our lives and careers, Naomi hopes that everyone she connects with – guests and listeners – can shape products, companies, and communities of impact.
Naomi is a consultant at QuakeLab. She is starting graduate school at Columbia University.