knew when I saw those statistics that the mythology around Silicon Valley was basically a lie, because ingenuity, hard work, hustle, grit, and innovation aren’t traits that are prevalent only in the straight White male population.

There is nothing wrong with being privileged, as long as you use your privilege to help others who lack it.

You must become not just valuable but undeniably invaluable. And the way to do that is through having more knowledge about your corner of the world than anyone else.

Being so deeply truly yourself, as a nonnegotiable, is the answer to everything.

You—yes, you—have something to say. You are intelligent, you are unique, you are interesting, you are intriguing. You may be a visionary.

A start-up may begin with one person’s idea, but it can expand past the idea phase only with the help of other people.

When you’re managing the tour of an independent band

I’d always had ideas, I’d always felt like an entrepreneur, but my ideas either hadn’t led anywhere or hadn’t brought me success.

I was intrigued by what the draw could be, so I started doing what I always do when I’m curious about something: I dived in, asking questions and researching. After that, I started reading books, any and all that I could get my hands on, about start-ups, venture capitalism, and investing. I had the bug.