The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett VP Of Meta: Running A Trillion Dollar Business With An Incurable Illness: Nicola Mendelsohn
Aug 15, 2022
In this engaging conversation, Nicola Mendelsohn, VP of Meta and a key figure in UK tech, shares her journey of resilience while battling incurable blood cancer. She discusses the impact of her health struggles on her leadership role and the importance of intentional living. Nicola highlights the challenges women face in the tech industry, including imposter syndrome, and emphasizes the need for mentorship and authenticity in the workplace. With insights on bold leadership and navigating societal biases, her story inspires empowerment and vulnerability in both personal and professional realms.
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Confident Child
- Nicola Mendelsohn was a confident child, often talking too much and asking too many questions, which wasn't always well-received in school.
- A Latin teacher told her parents that her personality would hinder her success, but her father defended her curiosity and confidence.
Antisemitism and Resilience
- Nicola faced antisemitism at school, with teachers scheduling new topics during her Sabbath observance and an English teacher unfairly marking down her work.
- Despite this, she excelled in English after leaving, even confronting the teacher about her potentially damaging bias.
Path to Advertising
- Nicola's path to advertising began after realizing a stage career clashed with her Sabbath observance.
- A friend's advertising job in London sparked her interest, leading her to research agencies and join Bartle Bogle Hegarty as a graduate trainee.