Megan Smith

Megan Smith

Technologist

Megan Smith is a prominent technology leader and former U.S. Chief Technology Officer, known for her advocacy of innovation and diversity in tech.

Mean Awareness Compromise Diversity Everything Happens For A Reason People
Born
January 1, 1964
Quotes
9
Rank
#5672

About Megan Smith

Megan Smith — Life and Legacy

Megan Smith is a distinguished technology executive and the first woman to serve as the U.S. Chief Technology Officer. Her work emphasizes the transformative power of technology in society, advocating for innovation that addresses real-world challenges. Smith's perspective is encapsulated in her assertion that 'The future is not a gift, it is an achievement,' which underscores her belief that proactive efforts in technology can shape a better tomorrow. Throughout her career, she has championed the importance of diversity in tech, arguing that varied perspectives lead to more effective solutions. This is evident in her initiatives to promote inclusivity within the tech industry, as she believes diverse teams are essential for driving innovation. Her tenure as U.S. CTO involved leveraging technology to enhance government services, showcasing her commitment to using tech for public good. Smith's insights continue to resonate, as they challenge conventional views on leadership and innovation, inspiring a new generation of thinkers and doers. Her quotes reflect a deep understanding of the intersection between technology and society, making her a significant voice in the ongoing conversation about the future of innovation.

Quote collection

Megan Smith quotes

9 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.

Megan Smith Technologist
Popular

"Having everyone get exposed to brainstorming, prototyping, thinking about a problem, that's a best practice. One of the things I love seeing is how genius people are. You'll be thinking about some area that needs improving, and then someone just comes in and gives you that little bit of energy. Free online education doesn't solve everything, but you open the window and you build on each other."

Thinking People Giving
Read quote 5 likes
Megan Smith Technologist
Popular

"Google is a place filled with open-minded, innovative people from all over the world. It's a fun place to work, and it's a place where different kinds of skills come together. As we grew from a startup, I remember our founders saying that people don't want us to change our culture, but we need to keep making it better. It's an attitude: "We are the ones we've been waiting for." Silicon Valley in general, tech in general, means using technology to solve big problems in the world."

Fun Attitude Mean
Read quote 3 likes
Megan Smith Technologist
Popular

"Tech companies like to set stretch goals, like we'll try to be the best company for women and minorities, and we have to ask, "What does that really mean?" By setting a goal like that, it makes all of us pay attention to that idea and try to innovate around it, to understand the underpinnings. One piece is being transparent, saying "Hey, we have an issue, we're open to innovation on it." It's important for innovation to prove that more diversity makes better products."

Mean Diversity Goal
Read quote 3 likes
Megan Smith Technologist
Popular

"It's a mistake to get too narrow too fast. Kids today, many of them will live past 100, and you cant predict what you might work on. The things you're passionate about and interested in, get experience with them by going deep on projects. I would encourage science projects, plays. Pursue science, math, writing, history - the 21st century demands a lot of cross-disciplinary thinking."

Mistake Kids Writing
Read quote 3 likes
Megan Smith Technologist
Popular

"To look back at history, during WWII, Rosie the Riveter and all that, when women needed to get to work, the US opened a LOT of daycare centers very fast. When we have the will, we do it; we're capable of doing these things. Continuing to raise awareness is important."

Important Awareness Wwii
Read quote 3 likes
Megan Smith Technologist
Popular

"Science is taught like the history of science, and it's boring. Doing science fair, anything that's project-based learning, that involves field trips, that's really valuable."

Boring Valuable
Read quote 3 likes