“Life is too short. Be curious, be bold, be authentic. The only treadmill not worth getting off is one that involves learning and giving back.” 

Lata Krishnan is an engaged philanthropist, technology entrepreneur and a start-up investor. She is also the co-founder of the American Indian Foundation (AIF) and currently serves as a member of public and private boards, the largest of which is Stanford Health Care. In conversation with Sonal, Women in Leadership Fellow at CSUEB, Ms. Krishnan emphasizes the impact of institutional and venture philanthropy and what inspired her to build an organization such as AIF and continue to be involved in investing and philanthropy. 

Q. You have been very successful in the for-profit and VC world, yet you decided to transition into the not-for-profit. What motivated you to do so?

I wish I could say it was a deliberate, well thought-out transition. It was not. It was the result of my seizing an opportunity, perhaps even impulsively, that presented itself as a call to action. The 2001 earthquake that struck India was the catalyst that led to the formation of AIF- an organization to match the development needs of the underprivileged with the desire of Americans to give back. My personal journey of building a non-profit with no previous background is one that I will treasure for a long time. 

Philanthropy in my view has the independence to test new models, utilize risk capital, and determine how to derive efficiency and scalability. Well-managed philanthropic efforts can translate into significant impact that has the ability to measure, with clarity, the difference that one is making. 

The fulfillment derived from giving back is itself fuel for further action. It was this experience that has spurred my many varied philanthropic interests in the Bay Area.

Q. What do you typically look for in entrepreneurs when you invest? What is your philosophy on making investments?

I invest in people. I am old-fashioned; I also like profitable companies!

Q. What is your leadership style? Has your leadership style changed in times of adversity?

I am more of a hands-on leader. Whether in good times or times of adversity, I like to roll up my sleeves and work with the team to achieve our objectives.

Q. Your bio suggests that you have sat on multiple boards in the past and are currently serving as one of the board of directors at Stanford Health Care. As a woman, what is your perspective on the lack of representation of women on corporate boards?

While progress has been made, we are far from having equal opportunity in the technology sector.  The not-for-profit sector has been more equal in my experience. Rather than fulfilling a government mandate or a company policy, diversity should be viewed as good business practice that enriches the company balance sheet on multiple fronts. Why is this so difficult to understand?

Q. Did you ever hit a wall?

Of course, every entrepreneur does, multiple times. At such times, I usually go back to my original motivation – what is the mission? And then having the courage to be resilient and believe in oneself. I am big on seeking the guidance of peers and friends who want to see you succeed.

Q. So now we have heard a lot about your professional journey. Tell us something about your family background and childhood.

I come from a very loving family. My father, a banker, always encouraged us to try everything once and my mother, a homemaker herself, fiercely believed every woman should be financially independent. I was born in India but was raised in Kenya, East Africa for many years. 

Later we moved to the UK where I attended and graduated from the London School of Economics and started my career as an auditor with Arthur Anderson. In 1986, I started my career in the US as a financial analyst at Montgomery Asset Management in San Francisco. This preceded my tech startup in 1989 where I experienced the valley dream of a bootstrapped company and a public offering some years later.

Today I live with my husband, a son and a daughter in Los Altos, California. 

Q. Do you believe that your South Asian heritage has influenced your leadership style in any way? If so, how?

Absolutely! I love so many aspects of our Indian heritage, such as the emphasis on education, family and humility.  This combined with the American “anything is possible” culture is powerful in my view. 

Q. If you could go back in time, what advice would you give your 15-year-old self?

To study computer science at university, an advantage if one chooses to live in a tech center like the Valley. Also, to be bold and outspoken.

Q. What is one piece of advice you would like to share with young women professionals? 

Life is too short. Be curious, be bold, be authentic. The only treadmill not worth getting off is one that involves learning and giving back. 

Bonus Fun Facts:

Q. What are you most passionate about apart from work?

I love spending time with my family and friends. I also love traveling, especially off the beaten path travel.