Welcome to the Forty Over 40 blog. We frequently spotlight one of our honorees and their thoughts on reinvention, mentorship and momentum…plus a peek into what makes them tick.
This Q & A is with Karen Cahn, Founder & CEO of VProud. Karen is innovating her field of work by founding VProud, a mobile-first, safe video platform for women to talk openly about sensitive topics that are important to them, giving users a choice to engage both publicaly and privately.
1) What was a pivotal moment of reinvention for you?
I don’t believe in reinvention – I believe in evolving. There wasn’t one pivotal moment. I like change, I like inventing new things, I like evolving. When something becomes easy, I become bored.
2) Who has been a valuable mentor or sponsor?
There are a couple of women who have mentored me in different ways: 1) Suzie Reider of Google has taught me the massive value that great customer service brings to my business. 2) Tiffany Shlain of The Moxie Institute has taught me the value of authentic storytelling 3) Tim Armstrong has taught me the value of a team.
3) What is your biggest goal right now?
To get as much funding for women-led creative and business projects as humanly possible.
4) How did you get your first job?
My first job was at a video store. This video shows my journey to video store clerk to Google. It’s amusing. Feel free to use it. How did you jump to your second job?
5) What time do you typically wake up? What do you do every morning?
6:45 am. Make breakfast, lunches, get my kids off to school, do some emails from home, and then head into the city to work. It’s not very exciting. I know I should be exercising but lately I have not made the time to do it.
6) How did you feel on your 30th birthday?
My 30th bday was a blur b/c I gave birth to my first child 3 months premature, 2 days before my bday, so the whole 30th bday thing came and went and I was in traumatic shock. In general, I could care less about age as a number, so when I think back to 30, 35, 40, the big birthdays, I don’t get sad or depressed, I just rock on. It’s all a state of mind.
7) How do you unplug? How often do you unplug?
HA! NEVER! And I’m a total lunatic because of it. I run 3 different internet businesses and I should honestly have my head examined. I am NOT someone to aspire to in terms of “unplugging”. I do take a nightly lavender salt bath, which is a daily routine that allows me to get away from a screen for 15 mins.
8) What was the last business book you read?
What’s a book? All I do is watch video or listen to podcasts. Does that count? I’m loving the podcast “Science Vs.” by Gimlet Media, and I also love “Dear Sugar” with Cheryl Strayed
9) What cause do you most want to advance?
The #FemaleEconomy All the money to all the women, right now. When women have money, they support their children and their communities, and everyone is lifted up.
10) What song can’t you get out of your head?
The entire Hamilton soundtrack and to be honest, it’s giving me insomnia. I go to bed singing it in my head and it’s driving me bat shit crazy.
11) What is your “keep me going” quote?
“Haste Makes Waste” is the mantra I try to keep in the forefront of my mind, so I take my time and don’t make any dumb decisions. It works. It’s amazing what time and space can do to elevate your decision making power.
12) What is your secret indulgence?
It’s not secret! There should be no shame in indulging. I eat whatever I want and don’t apologize for it. I love pizza and chocolate covered almonds. I think that would be my last meal if I had to choose.
13) Who on the list of prior Honorees would you like to meet?
Musimbi Kanyoro, President and CEO of Global Fund for Women
Check out Karen Cahn’s full 40 Over 40 profile here!
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