Dear Twentysomething Melanie Strong: Founding Partner at NEXT VENTURES
Apr 29, 2025
Melanie Strong, Founding Partner at NEXT VENTURES, began her career as a teacher and journalist before making her mark at Nike. She shares her journey from a long-shot job interview at Nike to leading key initiatives, including the Nike Women brand. Melanie delves into the evolving landscape of fitness technology and the pivotal role of women in venture capital. She emphasizes the importance of a strong support system and discusses her passion for health and wellness investments, showcasing innovative companies like Oura ring.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Diverse Perceptions of Female Characters
- Readers perceive the same character very differently based on their perspectives.
- This highlights societal standards and biases about women, especially strong, driven ones.
Younger Generations Struggle with Competing Truths
- The ability to hold competing truths mentally is decreasing in younger generations.
- This limits empathy and the capacity to understand opposing views.
Family Challenges Shape Resilience
- Mel's dad raised her and her sister after parents split; her sister was born with severe disabilities.
- This family experience deeply shaped Mel's perspective and resilience.
