I Left an $800M+ Dating App to Build Tinder for Mums

In this episode, Michelle Kennedy, CEO of the parenting app Peanut, discusses her transformative journey from being a lawyer for tech company Badoo to founding her own business. She reflects on her early experiences in a male-dominated tech environment, noting the loneliness of being the only senior woman in the room and the lessons she learned about boundaries and self-advocacy. Michelle emphasizes the importance of a supportive community and mentorship, as well as the sacrifices she made along the way, including juggling motherhood and her career ambitions.

Kennedy recounts the pivotal moment of her life-changing meeting with Badoo's founder, which ignited her passion for tech. She also talks about her experience of feeling excluded at tech events and how she overcame imposter syndrome through her determination to make a meaningful impact in her field. Her entrepreneurial endeavor, Peanut, was driven by her own motherhood experiences and her desire to connect with other mothers facing similar challenges.

Throughout the conversation, Kennedy addresses the realities of being a founder, the misconceptions around work-life balance, and the need for a supportive network. She also highlights the ongoing challenges women face in the tech industry and expresses her vision for increasing diversity and representation. The episode provides valuable insights into resilience, community building, and the transformative power of female leadership in tech.