Decoder with Nilay Patel Recode Decode: Why tech is "flunking" the diversity test
Apr 22, 2019
Freada Kapor Klein, founder of Kapor Capital and a leading advocate for diversity in tech, shares her insights on the industry's failure to meet diversity goals. She discusses the importance of genuine company values over profit and the nuances of sexual coercion versus harassment. Klein reflects on her impact investing journey, holding tech companies accountable, and the need to address systemic inequalities. She critiques existing diversity initiatives in venture capital, emphasizing the importance of inclusive practices and the balance between financial success and social responsibility.
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Freada's Early Tech Career
- Freada Kapor Klein began her tech career at Lotus Development Corporation in 1984, focusing on progressive employment practices.
- Her dissertation research on sexual harassment informed her work in creating a more inclusive workplace.
Sexual Coercion in the Workplace
- Freada co-founded the first group on sexual harassment in the US in 1976.
- She highlights the importance of "sexual coercion", emphasizing the power dynamics inherent in workplace harassment.
Meeting Mitch and Values at Lotus
- Freada and Mitch Kapor met at Lotus but didn't become a couple until 12 years later.
- They prioritized values alignment in their work, even implementing employee surveys that influenced compensation based on adherence to company values.