December 17, 2020

35. Releasing External Validation with Cat Hernandez, Partner at The Venture Collective

35 minutes

Everyone’s felt it. The voice in your head reminding you that you don’t belong. That voice can be quiet at times and deafening at others, and it seems that the only way to shut it down is by gaining the validation of others. When someone validates you, those negative thoughts are silenced, but only temporarily. The real remedy is to commit to living consciously. In other words, to actively choose how you live your life without allowing others’ opinions to dictate your priorities.

My guest today is Cat Hernandez. She is a Partner at The Venture Collective and a long time operator and investor. She believes that venture capitalists are responsible for investing in companies that are creating a positive impact and reducing inequality in society.

In this episode, we discuss:

What it means to be free and the American dream

The mental fatigue that comes with being a woman in a male-dominated industry

Overcoming Imposter syndrome and discomfort in career and life

The difference between healthy and toxic external validation

Cat’s experience growing up in Saudi Arabia, as a woman

How Cat stays motivated, focused, and self-aware

The importance of diversity in the workplace

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Follow Lisa on social channels at @lisacarmenwang

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