Michelle Scarborough on Building Something Bigger Than Yourself

Power of Why with Naomi Haile

Building a business is a team sport. You’ve got the CEO’s vision, the product team’s execution, and marketing working with sales to attract and retain customers.

But when an unstable market threatens the stakes? That’s where Michelle Scarborough comes in.

Leading two of the world’s largest venture funds supporting women-led tech businesses — as Managing Partner of BDC Capital’s Thrive Venture Fund and Women in Technology Venture Fund — Michelle is levelling the playing field: laying the steady foundation for a more inclusive, creative and resilient future.

Here’s what she thinks it’ll take.

This episode is for you if:

• You’re an entrepreneur struggling to navigate this market
• You’re interested in becoming a venture capitalist
• You’re not sure if you should be investing more time in networking
• You want to know how BDC can help your business

Looking for a specific gem?

• [3:18] The daughter of entrepreneurs
• [5:16] It’s not about “what” she would be, but who she could impact
• [9:53] Mentorship from men, and learning how to influence others
• [11:33] Michelle isn’t afraid of failure
• [17:09] What a “funky market” means for entrepreneurs
• [17:38] What are you building? Who are your customers?
• [18:12] Talk to your customers constantly
• [20:54] What entrepreneurs always ask Michelle
• [23:49] Creating entrepreneurial playbooks
• [24:50] A responsibility Michelle doesn’t take lightly
• [25:19] Managing funds is not for the faint of heart
• [29:09] How to lead impactful teams
• [30:20] Why Michelle works with entrepreneurs and investors
• [31:00] What makes a great investor
• [33:43] The best investment Michelle made for herself
• [37:00] Where’s the puck going?

Connect with Michelle

• LinkedIn: Michelle Scarborough
• Twitter: @michelle_scarb

Connect with Naomi

• Website: naomihaile.com
• Instagram: @naomiahaile
• Twitter: @naomiathaile
• LinkedIn: Naomi Haile