Confessions of a Female Founder with Meghan: Fan Favorite – The Long Game with Girls Who Code’s Reshma Saujani

Release Date: June 28, 2025
Host: Lemonada Media

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Confessions of a Female Founder, hosted by Meghan from Lemonada Media, listeners are invited into an intimate and insightful conversation with Reshma Saujani, the visionary founder of both Girls Who Code and Moms First. Reshma shares her personal journey, the challenges she faced, and the unwavering dedication that has driven her to become a leading figure in empowering women and girls in technology and beyond.

Reshma’s Early Life and Influences [05:22]

Reshma opens up about her humble beginnings, describing how her parents arrived in the United States as refugees. Despite facing financial hardships, her family was supported by the Catholic Church, which instilled in her a deep sense of empathy and a desire to give back to her community.

Reshma Saujani [05:22]: "My parents came here as refugees. They had no money, and the Catholic Church took them in, fed them, sheltered them. That spirit of empathy has always been in my blood."

Growing up in a predominantly white, working-class town near Chicago, Reshma grappled with cultural assimilation. She recalls the struggles of fitting in, from her parents adopting more Americanized behaviors to the personal challenges she faced as a child being teased for her heritage.

Reshma Saujani [06:05]: "I tried to be white, to fit in with the other girls, but every day I would get made fun of and bullied."

This personal adversity played a pivotal role in shaping her activist spirit, leading her to start a club in high school aimed at reducing prejudice.

Academic Pursuits and Setbacks [09:00]

Reshma’s ambition led her to pursue higher education with the goal of making significant societal changes. Influenced by leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi, she envisioned a career in public service and politics.

Despite multiple rejections, including three unsuccessful applications to Yale Law School, Reshma's resilience never wavered. She persevered through these setbacks, eventually gaining admission after redefining her approach and demonstrating unwavering determination.

Reshma Saujani [10:26]: "I go to Yale, make my pitch, and Dean Cromwin says, 'I'll make you a deal. Just go to other schools, and if you get into the top 10%, I'll let you come to Yale.'"

However, the political climate shifted with the Bush administration's victory, derailing her plans to work in public interest and leading her to a crossroad that would define her future endeavors.

The Birth of Girls Who Code [17:25]

With a background rich in advocacy and a passion for technology as a tool for change, Reshma founded Girls Who Code. Her mission was clear: to bridge the gender gap in technology and empower young girls, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, to pursue careers in coding and STEM fields.

Reshma Saujani [18:17]: "When I saw that girls and girls of color were not entering these high-paying fields, I knew coding and technology were paths that could transform their lives and their families."

The organization quickly gained traction, supported by influential figures like Jack Dorsey. Their early support was crucial in establishing credibility and attracting further investments.

Reshma Saujani [20:11]: "For Girls Who Code, it was really Jack. For Moms First, it was you and Melinda."

Leadership and Transition to Moms First [22:11]

After leading Girls Who Code for over eight years, Reshma recognized the importance of stepping down to allow new leadership to take the reins. This decision was rooted in her belief that no one should lead an organization indefinitely, ensuring sustained innovation and growth.

Reshma Saujani [22:11]: "I knew it was time to step away because building Girls Who Code almost killed me. I had to pick a successor and give her the opportunity to lead."

The transition was met with overwhelming support, reinforcing the impact Girls Who Code had made and setting the stage for her next venture, Moms First, which focuses on advocating for childcare and paid leave.

Balancing Activism and Personal Life [25:11]

Reshma courageously shares her personal struggles, including battling autoimmune issues and experiencing miscarriages. These deeply personal experiences highlighted the often-overlooked challenges women face, even those who are successful leaders.

Reshma Saujani [27:56]: "I had to detach because I felt like I was letting the girls down. In my quest to become a mother, everything just stopped."

Her openness about these struggles underscores the importance of authenticity and vulnerability, especially for female leaders who are often expected to appear resilient and unbroken.

Overcoming Burnout and Encouraging Future Female Founders [35:37]

A significant part of the conversation revolves around the pervasive issue of burnout among female entrepreneurs and activists. Reshma emphasizes the necessity of redefining success and allowing for failure without the devastating belief that it will break one's spirit.

Reshma Saujani [32:17]: "We can't continue to operate this way. If we lose a generation of social entrepreneurs, we're going to lose the fights we desperately need to continue."

She advocates for creating environments where women can balance personal well-being with professional aspirations, challenging the outdated structures that set them up for failure.

The Importance of Legacy and Continued Fight for Equality [41:34]

As the discussion moves towards the future, Reshma contemplates the ongoing struggle for women's rights and equality. She acknowledges the possibility that substantial change may not occur within her lifetime but remains steadfast in her commitment to keep hope and the fight alive.

Reshma Saujani [43:21]: "We have a role to play in creating a world where our children can thrive. Even if we don't see the changes in our lifetimes, the legacy we build is essential."

Her dedication to maintaining momentum in the fight for gender equality inspires listeners to continue pushing for progress, even in the face of setbacks.

Conclusion and Final Insights [45:35]

Reshma concludes by reflecting on the importance of joy and sustainability in activism. She stresses that fighting for change should never come at the expense of personal health or happiness.

Reshma Saujani [45:29]: "You have to do it with joy. It can't come at the expense of your health or your happiness."

Her insights serve as a powerful reminder that true leadership involves not only striving for societal change but also nurturing one's well-being to sustain that effort long-term.

Key Takeaways

1. Resilience Through Adversity: Reshma's early life challenges fueled her passion for advocacy and shaped her into a resilient leader.

2. Empowering Through Education: Founding Girls Who Code was a game-changer in bridging the gender gap in technology, providing young girls with the skills and confidence to pursue STEM careers.

3. Leadership Transition: Recognizing the importance of stepping down for new leadership ensures the longevity and continued innovation of organizations.

4. Authenticity and Vulnerability: Sharing personal struggles highlights the human side of leadership and fosters a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.

5. Redefining Success: Overcoming the stigma of failure and preventing burnout are crucial for sustaining long-term leadership and advocacy efforts.

6. Legacy and Hope: Continuing the fight for gender equality, even without immediate results, builds a lasting legacy for future generations.

Notable Quotes

• Reshma Saujani [05:22]: "That spirit of empathy has always been in my blood."
• Reshma Saujani [10:26]: "If you don't break, you don't learn, and then you can't improve."
• Reshma Saujani [22:11]: "Building Girls Who Code almost killed me. I had to step away to survive."
• Reshma Saujani [27:56]: "I had to detach because I felt like I was letting the girls down."
• Reshma Saujani [32:17]: "If we lose a generation of social entrepreneurs, we're going to lose the fights we desperately need to continue."
• Reshma Saujani [43:21]: "Even if we don't see the changes in our lifetimes, the legacy we build is essential."
• Reshma Saujani [45:29]: "You have to do it with joy. It can't come at the expense of your health or your happiness."

Final Thoughts

This episode serves as a beacon of inspiration for female entrepreneurs and activists, highlighting the importance of resilience, authenticity, and sustainable leadership. Reshma Saujani's journey underscores the profound impact one individual can have in shaping a more equitable and inclusive future.

Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own paths, embrace their vulnerabilities, and continue striving for meaningful change without compromising their well-being.

Thank you for tuning into Confessions of a Female Founder. Stay inspired and keep pushing forward on your entrepreneurial journey.