In this episode of Returns on Resilience, host Dr. Dawn Sizemore sits down with two Atlanta alumni founders, Jillian Anderson, founder and CEO of HerRide, and Jamine Moton, founder and CEO of Skylar Security, for a candid conversation about building tech companies from the ground up, navigating the real costs of innovation, and what it means to lead with both strategy and intuition.
On the Entrepreneurial Journey
How a ride-share driver identified a gap in safety and comfort for women travelers
Why founding a tech company and building its technology at the same time is a path to avoid
The roller coaster of entrepreneurship and why self-reflection is part of the ride
What "why" keeps founders moving when the journey gets hard
On the Technical Founder Experience
Balancing business operations with the demands of tech development
The case for finding a technical co-founder or learning to leverage AI tools to manage costs
Why trademarking and owning your source code matters more than most founders realize
The hidden costs of development, hosting, and maintenance, and how to fund them through revenue
Why advisory boards can be as valuable as venture capital, and less predatory
How the Gathering Spot and other Atlanta networks open doors to grants and resources
Setting clear boundaries around your ideas and knowing when to charge for your expertise
The caution required when navigating relationships that could compromise your vision
On Building a Stronger Atlanta Ecosystem
The frustration of being "over-coached" in exchange for small grants
What mature businesses actually need: capital access and a clear growth ladder
How Atlanta's entrepreneurial ecosystem can better serve founders who are past the early stages
Why staying in tune with your own intuition is a competitive advantage
Own your tech: Protect your source code and trademark your brand from the start
Build your board: Community and advisors can help you navigate what capital alone cannot
Self-care is strategy: Avoiding burnout keeps you in the game for the long haul
Know your limits: Be prepared to be disliked when strong leadership decisions have to be made
Trust your gut: The roller coaster is real, but your intuition is one of your greatest assets
Jillian Anderson is the founder and CEO of HerRide, a female-friendly ride-share app based in Atlanta. Drawing on her own experience as a ride-share driver, Jillian built HerRide to prioritize safety and comfort for women travelers. She holds a computer science degree and is a vocal advocate for founders understanding the technical and legal foundations of their businesses.
Jamine Moton is the founder and CEO of Skylar Security, an Atlanta-based company that uses technology to deliver security guard services with a high level of transparency. Rooted in a background in protection and a passion for private-sector innovation, Jamine built Skylar Security on the belief that security is, at its core, an emotional experience.
Visit weiatlanta.com for more stories, resources, and ways to connect with the Women's Entrepreneurship Initiative community.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Invest Atlanta or the City of Atlanta. The program is committed to fostering inclusive entrepreneurship regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, age, ability, or background.
Produced by the Women's Entrepreneurship Initiative, Empowered by Invest Atlanta & Could Be Pretty Cool
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