
About this episode
From the time she was in high school, Shellye Archambeau had one dream: she wanted to run a business. Ultimately, she pulled it off, becoming one of Silicon Valley’s first Black female CEOs. But getting there was far from easy. She had to learn how to assemble a network of mentors, overcome imposter syndrome, and challenge herself in ways she could never have imagined. The story of how she did it is the subject of her inspiring book “Unapologetically Ambitious: Take Risks, Break Barriers, and Create Success on Your Own Terms,” which was named one of the best of the year by our Next Big Idea Club curators. Today, one of those curators, Susan Cain, chats with Shellye about developing resilience, overcoming adversity, cutting yourself a break when it comes to work-life balance, and pursuing your ambition even if you’re an introvert.
Get every episode summarized
Each time The Next Big Idea publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from The Next Big Idea

Best Of: Tony Fadell’s Guide to Building Products, Startups and Careers
The Next Big Idea
Apr 16, 20261:01:56failed

Demis Hassabis Wants to Build AGI. Should We Trust Him?
The Next Big Idea
Apr 13, 20261:13:44failed

Patrick Radden Keefe on a Double Life, a Gilded City and a Mysterious Death
The Next Big Idea
Apr 9, 202658:18failed

How to Be Okay When Nothing Is Okay
The Next Big Idea
Apr 6, 202648:02failed