#SummerSeries: 5 questions for Monique Morrow—chief technology strategist, technologist, and innovator

11.08.2020 08:30, Isabelle Mitchell

During the summer months, we ask people who inspire the Swiss startup ecosystem to provide the Venturelab community with food for thought, inspiration, and recommendations for summer 2020—and beyond. In this episode of our summer series, we ask our five questions to Monique Morrow, one of the most influential technology leaders worldwide.

Monique is the senior distinguished architect emerging technologies at Syniverse, where she provides thought leadership and strategic direction and vision. As the co-founder and president of the non-profit organization The Humanized Internet, Monique is committed to defending the rights of vulnerable people and giving everyone secure and sovereign control over their digital identity. The tireless advocate for women in technology and engineering is a TEDx Speaker and recognized as Forbes top 50 Women globally in Tech 2018. Monique has written and contributed to a wide range of books in the tech industry, serves on multiple non-profit boards, and holds several industry advisory positions.



Monique, how will you spend your summer this year?
In a nutshell: Exploring ways to re-boot from the COVID-19 situation, like focusing on the topic of ethics in technology-cybersecurity and privacy. I have been completing a book project, The Humanized Internet, which is timely now. More about the tenets of The Humanized Internet can be found here. The Humanized Internet is a vision where humans are the center of technological evolution. The Humanized Internet is about leveraging technology to empower people to bring more equality, especially to those who are in need, including an invisible population of over one billion who have no official identity. We strongly believe that identity is the cornerstone of any solution that proposes dignity and inclusion. A secure digital identity not only can help individuals defend their rights, but it can also provide individuals access to essential services, like education, health, and banking.
Additionally, being cognizant of potential abuses via technology is a critical issue now – this issue certainly keeps me up at night. Algorithms without ethics, transparency, or governance, are simply dangerous.

Reflecting on the year so far, what do you see as the most critical challenges and opportunities for entrepreneurs?
Much of what I have articulated in the previous question still applies here. It is all about pivoting and not being stagnant in the face of the COVID-19 health and financial crisis. There are problems we need to solve, and hence, I see opportunities. We must ask ourselves whether or not the societal infrastructures that have existed over these past several years are still valid. It has taken a pandemic to challenge the validity of these infrastructures, e.g., the way we work, train, and interact. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of cybersecurity, self-sovereign identity, and privacy. These topics provide new skills opportunities for our entrepreneurs. Additionally, of course, the articulation of social good in whatever we are doing as entrepreneurs. I think these are exciting times!

What is the essential principle for mastering challenges as an entrepreneur?
Agility, an open mindset, and the ability to pivot under ambiguous conditions are key principles to mastering challenges as an entrepreneur. Articulating a societal value proposition and benefits across industry verticals is an opportunity for entrepreneurs. It is about being able to play the “long game” at the end of the day.

What book would you recommend founders and entrepreneurs to read this summer – and why?
Simon Sinek’s The Infinite Game is a great read – I alluded to the “why” in my previous response.

What can startup founders learn from you when they follow you on social media?
Much of what I have articulated in this interview!

Learn more about Monique Morrow on her website, and connect with her on Twitter and LinkedIn.


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