On Wednesday, May 22, we had the opportunity to visit the powerhouse behind digital media, YouTube!

Pulling up to the location, I had no idea what to expect. I, as many others, use YouTube everyday, but I had never taken the time to actually search up the headquarters and see where the magic happens. Outside, the building looked like just another corporate office, which initially had me worried that the YouTube headquarters wouldn’t be as cool as I imagined it to be.

Thankfully, that was quickly proven wrong as we made our way in and were greeted by a colorful,flashy wall, with the YouTube logo right in the center of it, as well as some interestingly designed chairs (which were quite fun to roll around in!).

We were then greeted by our host, Rachel, who after checking us in, first showed us around the building we were in. As we explored, she talked a bit about herself, her work and time so far at YouTube, as well as answering some initial brief questions. One thing I thought was really cool was the existence of a big slide connecting the second floor to the first that employees could use (which we were able to try!).

Afterwards, we were taken outside to the courtyard where we had a more in-depth Q and A featuring questions such as “What does a typical day at work look like for you?”, “How does YouTube combat/moderate dangerous trends”, and “How has the culture at YouTube changed or stayed consistent from where it was six years ago?” (from when Rachel first joined YouTube).

One question that I found very interesting asked what the time frame was from coming up with  a concept, to having it fully on the YouTube platform. In class, we’ve discussed extensively about
identifying problems, “jobs” in which we use a product that was not intended for it, or even “jobs” that don’t yet have a sufficient product to fulfill it, and coming up with new concepts and solutions to those problems and “jobs”. While as of this writing we have yet to talk extensively about the timeline of coming up with a product and bringing it to life (which I know we will get to in the near future), it was interesting to hear Rachel’s perspective about how long it takes things to go from concept to reality at YouTube, which she said takes anywhere from four to twelvemonths, which makes sense given the extensive thought, coding, testing, and more that goes into everything there.

Finally, after exploring more of the headquarters, we had the opportunity to attend a panel of Duke affiliated YouTube employees which included a wide range of roles such as software engineer and global program manager. It was very interesting to hear about various topics such as each employee’s personal story, how they got to YouTube, what their role consists of, and the various teams that make up YouTube (which is to say a lot). I enjoyed hearing their descriptions of the culture at YouTube, and how even though today it’s a pretty big company, it still “feels like working at a startup” due to the fast paced nature of their work and the close bonds within the teams.

Overall, I very much enjoyed visiting YouTube. We were able to hear and discuss a wide range of topics from a wide ranging group of individuals. In addition, it felt like a very full circle moment for me. I’ve been watching YouTube videos for as long as I can remember, and I still watch videos on the daily, as just about anyone else, so being able to visit the headquarters and go behind the scenes of everything that powers the platform I’ve used daily for years is nothing short of amazing. I know we’ll be able to apply everything we’ve learned from this site visit to our work these last two weeks of the Duke in Silicon Valley program and beyond.

Jonathan Torres-Tomas is a rising junior from Hendersonville, North Carolina. He is on track to complete a double major in Computer Science and Economics. On campus, Jonathan is involved in a number of clubs and organizations including the Duke University Marching Band (as a trombonist), the Duke LIFE organization, Mi Gente, and Duke Applied Machine Learning. In his free time, he loves to play various video games, read light novels, and have a great time with friends. Jonathan is excited to immerse himself in the start-up culture through the Duke in Silicon Valley program. He is eager to learn about starting and running a successful enterprise as well as meeting wonderful people along the journey.

On our third day, we visited a startup accelerator and venture capital firm, Y Combinator – abbreviated as YC.

As the Bus pulled into SF’s Pier 70 shipyard at 1:46 PM, quaint warehouse-like buildings greeted us – we quickly learned these were Y Combinator’s new campus buildings that recently opened to provide collaborative work spaces for start-up founders.

Inside, we got a quick tour of the YC building spaces from Joan DeGennaro and Duke Alumni Josh France ‘20 including the commons space, creator studios, and desk areas accented by Y Combinator’s signature orange color. Aside from the building’s interior, I was fascinated to hear about the company’s mission, the reasoning behind YC creating this program and space for founders, and of Silicon Valley’s history – Joan focused on how YC was born from founders Paul Graham and Jessica Livingston initially wanting to seed fund small start-ups. Instead of investing significant funding to a select few of early-stage start-ups, the two wanted YC to provide small, yet still significant capital to many: this not only enabled recruiting a bigger talent pool, but also casted a wider community net, equipping founders with intensely motivated people to accelerate and create a better product/ service value for their business.

I appreciated YC’s model and emphasis on their talent ‘recruitment’ in particular, since this meant YC could provide a shared space for founders to collaborate while also promoting a risk tolerant culture. It was something that Joan and Josh both discussed as one of YC’s values in cultivating a concentrated community, where founders and investors alike saw failures (to a certain extent) as positive, healthy opportunities for growth. Joan and Josh further gave a synopsis into YC’s selection process in curating what they called start-up ‘batches.’ These batches, selected on a biannual basis, are carefully selected and evaluated on the start-up founders’ real-world problem-solving capabilities but more so, their creative, earnest belief in their product/ service solutionizing an overlooked market’s issue/ need. A funny example Joan told our group was that of Airbnb’s founders Brian Chesky, Joe Gebbia, and Nathan Blecharczyk selling cereals during their founding years to keep Airbnb alive – which YC viewed positively enough to onboard them into their 2009 start-up batch.

Later on, we also heard from the co-founder of Clever Tyler Bosmeny who told us an inspiring story of beginning the start-up at Y Combinator in 2012 with Dan Caroll and Raf Garcia after graduating from Harvard. Tyler described the joy of working with his friends, but also his ambitious goal setting and growth obsession with Clever that aimed to streamline educational sign-ons in the K-12 school districts. Specifically, he spotlighted the importance of building his product by transparently communicating and building trust with core-users like school principals, teachers, and students. In doing so, Clever rapidly scaled from reaching 4 to 1,000 schools over a single summer: as Tyler mentioned, this was a successful, working concept of real-life ‘evangelists’ that we, DSV students, learned during class, where Clever users recognized the innovative solution and advocated Clever’s product to other interested schools: it served to be Clever’s pathway to become one of the most widely used K-12 Ed-Tech products to date.

For me, Tyler’s story and getting a glimpse into YC’s vision left a lasting impression–building and sustaining a successful entrepreneurial venture entails us to ask the right questions, identify market gaps/ opportunities, know your customers (and investors), and most vitally, believe in mission-aligned values with your team to solve a specific problem. Visiting Y Combinator taught me and my peers that as innovative entrepreneurs, our individual willingness to tolerate risks and to question the status-quo were paramount; yet, the irrepressible spirit to disrupt and optimistically recognize and actionize upon our audience’s need and pain points continue to pillar the Y’s of how clever tech corporations, high-impact organizations, and Silicon Valley became successful at large.

James is a rising sophomore from Seoul and New Jersey pursuing a Neuroscience B.S. on a pre-med track with a prospective certificate in I&E. On campus, he serves as a cadet with Duke University EMS, a member with Duke Presidential Ambassadors, and a clinic-aid with Duke Remote Area Medical — part of a national chapter providing free medical, vision, and dental care to rural communities. He cares deeply about human health and is looking forward to gaining more in-depth Industry & Tech insights in healthcare and corporate fields through the Silicon Valley summer experience. During his free time, James loves swimming with the Duke Club Swim team and is an avid aviation enthusiast with Duke Aviators.

 

“To know, love, or deeply believe in” your problem is one of the most important aspects of being a successful entrepreneur, Heidi Zak told us. On Wednesday, Heidi, the co-founder and CEO of lingerie company ThirdLove came to speak about creating a better bra-shopping experience for women.

As soon as I heard she was going to visit us, I became excited about learning from someone who was able to enter the garment industry. How do you find a gap in a market for which there exists so many options? How do you keep it going?

Heidi first walked us through her story, from working in investment banking in New York City, to interning at Aeropostale, to studying at Sloan School of Management at M.I.T. She ended up working at Google, and one day after work she realized she needed a new bra.

Naturally, Heidi ended up in a bright, pink, heavily-perfumed Victoria’s Secret store. She grabbed a few bras, tried them on and realized they weren’t a good fit but felt she had to settle. She even recalled hiding the Victoria’s Secret purchase in a larger back out of shame.

Why wasn’t there a better bra out there, especially for older, working women, who no longer benefit from the bright, uncomfortable products at other stores?

Heidi realized she had a chance to disrupt the industry, and it was something about which she felt passionate. From that, ThirdLove was born. The company relies on three pillars: better product, digital experience, and inclusive marketing. The brand is different from others because it began as an online experience, which was especially convenient for working women who may not have the time or ability to go into stores. And, people loved it. Heidi described beginning with a try before you buy model for women to experience the comfort of her product before committing to buying it, and the results were successful. Women loved the product and the brand now has loyal customers who have even inspired an athletic and swim line.

Her main pointers as a CEO of a company with an estimated net worth of 750 million dollars were the importance of taking risks to disrupt the industry. Heidi reminded us that it’s not about money right away, but rather taking chances to maintain a competitive edge and deliver something new to the world.

I greatly enjoyed hearing from Heidi and seeing the progression of her experience as a startup founder. From trying something new to being willing to send products to potential consumers before receiving payment with her try before you buy program, she embodied the risk-taking mindset we’ve established as vital for an entrepreneur. She touched on industry disruption and accepting the prospect of failing, which we’ve also learned about in class.

What I was most struck by, however, was how down to earth and kind Heidi was. She came through as a humble and giving founder, especially through programs like the Take Back Bag, where women can fill a bag with donated clothes to take used clothes out of landfills and put them towards a recycling process. Companies like this, that are simultaneously helping consumers feel empowered and the world heal, are truly inspiring for our world.

To end things off, Heidi offered ThirdLove swag in the forms of beanies and hats. Students eagerly picked up their merch, and we gathered in the hall to talk about just how cool Heidi was.

Madera is a rising sophomore from Cambridge, MA. At Duke, she plans to study Economics with a minor in Journalism and Media. She serves as an Associate News Editor for The Chronicle, Duke’s student newspaper, and a member of Duke’s Business Oriented Women. She also enjoys being part of the club volleyball team, going for runs around campus, and trying sweet treats around the Durham area, especially Rose’s ice cream sandwiches. She looks forward to better understanding the process of building a successful enterprise and immersing herself in the innovative environment of Silicon Valley.

Welcome to Duke in Silicon Valley! Here, in the heart of innovation, we are embarking on a journey to not only learn about entrepreneurship – but to experience the vibrant environment that is Silicon Valley. From the classrooms to the exciting startup culture that surrounds us, every moment is an opportunity to question, explore, and create. And I’m going to walk you through our first week.

A:

 This first week, we dove headfirst into the root of entrepreneurial thinking. Our class lessons revolved around the power of habitual questioning—a fundamental skill for any aspiring entrepreneur. By reverting back to our toddler tendencies of constantly asking “why,” we learn to see the world through a lens of opportunities that could be transformed into profitable ventures.

For example, we considered the question “Why are school buses yellow?” It’s all about visibility. “School bus yellow” is the last color to fade in low light, making it crucial for safety.

Another example: why is toilet paper white? What’s the first thought that comes to mind? Yes, that one. Don’t overthink it. Toilet paper’s role is to check for cleanliness so it would not make sense for it to be any color other than white.

These questions, while seemingly trivial, illuminate the deeper principle that every product is designed to fulfill a specific need or “job”. Understanding these needs is the first cornerstone of successful entrepreneurship.

B:

We then shifted our focus to the financial mechanics behind business decisions. It’s not enough to find a great market opportunity; understanding the economic forces at play is equally critical. To help us grasp this, we used the question: “How does this make money?”

Professor Aaron Dinin exemplified this question with a case study on Duke’s vending machines.  Estimating about 200 buildings with vending machines, an average purchase price of $2.50, an average of 80 purchases per day, vending machines generate $5 million in annual revenue. This example underscores the intricate web of costs and profits every entrepreneur must navigate to build a successful business.

C:

With these two questions covered, we investigated the third: “How did we start using this?” Humans are creatures of habit, often using products without questioning why. However, behind every decision we make lies a carefully crafted marketing strategy. By recognizing the subtle influences on our choices, we can better understand how to reach and engage our own target audiences. We explored the fine balance between inbound and outbound marketing, understanding that neither is inherently superior. The key lies in striking the right balance. This nuanced approach is essential for creating a robust business model.

It’s Easy as 1 2 3?

There’s no calculated formula for entrepreneurship. What works for one business might cause the downfall of another. Each venture is a unique adventure, shaped by market conditions, timing, consumer behavior, and unexpected circumstances. However, at the heart of every successful venture is a questioning mindset. This mindset drives entrepreneurs to dig deeper, look beyond the obvious, and challenge the norm. By continually asking the three questions—Why does this make sense? How does this make money? How did we start using this? —we can uncover opportunities that others might overlook. It’s this relentless pursuit of understanding that enables entrepreneurs to navigate the complex and dynamic world of innovation with confidence and clarity.

While the lessons we learned this week were invaluable, it wasn’t all sitting in a classroom here at Duke in Silicon Valley. We’ve also been soaking up the vibrant tech world with enlightening guest speakers, site visits to industry giants like Nvidia, alumni dinners, and even a two-hour improv lesson that had us all knocked out during the drive back to the hotel. The program has been an exciting blend of learning and fun with amazing people who were just strangers one week ago. Stay tuned for more blogs as we explore, innovate, and transform our entrepreneurial journey together!

Sara is a rising sophomore from Fairfax, VA. She plans to major in Biomedical Engineering while pursuing a certificate in Innovation and Entrepreneurship. At Duke, she dances with two groups, Devils en Pointe and Defining Movement, provides pro bono consulting to healthcare startups on Duke BioByte’s healthcare consulting team, and gives campus tours to prospective students. Outside of classes, she loves dancing, video editing, and spending time with family and friends. She is so excited to take part in the Duke in Silicon Valley program this summer and looks forward to meeting incredible people while gaining invaluable entrepreneurial skills.

I have only ever heard great things about the Duke in Silicon Valley program, so I signed up. With little prior knowledge of what to expect, I embarked on this adventure with the hope of gaining interesting insights from an entrepreneurship course and the chance to explore San Francisco. Little did I know that the four-week program would not only provide me with valuable takeaways but also introduce me to an incredible network of friends, Duke alumni, and a deeper motivation to build a startup.

Unveiling the Silicon Valley Culture:

The Silicon Valley culture fosters an environment of active learning, and each site visit left me astounded by the warm and relatable nature of our hosts. It was difficult to imagine that the role models we admire were once in our shoes, facing uncertainties and grappling with imposter syndrome. Deb Liu’s candid admission of questioning “why me?” when offered the title of CEO of Ancestry.com resonated deeply. Even with extensive experience, she had moments of self-doubt, highlighting the shared human experience. This made me realize that us Duke students often place excessive pressure on ourselves to be perfect. Instead, we must embrace failure as a stepping stone for growth and learning. The speakers in our group provided valuable insights on dealing with doubt and unlocking our potential. Here are some of the most impactful pieces of advice:

1. Seek mentors and teachers to guide you along your journey.
2. Never hesitate to ask questions.
3. Success lies in the willingness to speak up.
4. There will always be someone smarter than you, but don’t let that limit your aspirations.
5. Find your niche and leverage it to add value.

Embracing Entrepreneurship:

One of the key lessons learned during the program was the significance of being scrappy in entrepreneurship. By embracing failure and letting go of the fear associated with it, we open ourselves up to a world of innovative ideas. Not all ideas may lead to immediate success, but allowing our minds to wander in unique ways can bring forth a wealth of concepts that, when combined, can result in something extraordinary. Tim Hyer’s emphasis on finding a co-founder for his company, Trusty, resonated deeply with this notion. Collaboration allows for a diverse range of ideas to emerge. Despite facing initial rejections and being deemed “uninvestable” by VCs, Tim’s determination, persistence, and exceptional communication skills enabled him to build an unstoppable team and bring his company to life. It is stories like Tim’s that make the Duke in Silicon Valley program so invaluable. We learned that no idea can succeed on its own; instead, it takes a creative, risk-taking founder to bring it to fruition.

My advice:

To those considering this program in the future, I urge you to seize every moment and embrace both the professional and social aspects. While the classroom sessions and brilliant speakers provide immense knowledge, I underestimated the wealth of knowledge I would gain from my peers. With a diverse group from distinct backgrounds and majors, we collectively brought out the best in one another. The strong bonds we forged through games of psych on every bus ride, an improv session full of inside jokes, and a lifetime’s worth of Just Dance, fostered an environment of camaraderie and growth. I am certain that these connections will last throughout our time at Duke and beyond.

I could not recommend this program enough.

Amelia is a rising sophomore from Scarsdale, NY. She is pursuing a computer science major with a minor in psychology and certificate in innovation and entrepreneurship. She has always loved the challenges of problem solving and yearns to use these skills throughout her time in Silicon Valley as she develops her entrepreneurial mindset. Through this program, she hopes to learn the steps to launching a successful startup and how to sustain it. On campus Amelia is part of HackDuke, Business Oriented Women, and a pre-professional and social tech organization called Catalyst. Outside of school, Amelia loves to bake, watch New Girl, and spend time with friends.

As we come to the conclusion of a summer program that can be described as nothing more than every self help book combined into one, this last week was my personal favorite. Often the concept of an idea gets conflated with a dream. A dream is something fictional. The bridge in bringing the dream into reality is what we learned.

In the first three weeks we visited many companies and startups, but during week 4, we were able to explore one of the most important places: Susa Ventures. In visiting Susa, we were able to sit in on a pitch and observe the conception of a new company and the process in which one goes about seeking funding. What made it more impressionable was the idea of a young founder our age testing the waters of innovation.

In the following days this sense of innovation was furthered as we went to Emergence Capital. Here we heard a panel discussion from Pratyush Buddiga (Susa Ventures), Jeremy Zhang (Finch), Kyle Murphy (Emergence Capital). We were able to learn about the startup environment as all three panelists started their careers at start ups. We learned the thrill associated with it, along with the unreasonable hours. It was eye-opening to see a group of people who spend so much time at work actually praising it. I would have never expected to be at work and say, “what is 4 more hours.” It was inspiring to learn not only about the ecosystem of innovation and how it is supported, but the drive which people who go into these jobs possess.

However, all of this would have been meaningless if not for our professor, Jamie Jones. A professional who manages a successful venture fund herself, her teaching during this final week, covering the topics of bootstrapping, charting, and so on, allowed us to learn from the perspective of the founder and the Venture Capitalist. Overall, it was a great way to finish off the program, and it is sad to see DSV come to an end. However, seeing this program being so structured chronologically, really added emphasis to this last week. It did indeed live up to the hype and became the bow to a memorable summer program I will never forget.

Hello, I’m Joshua. I’m from Los Angeles, CA. At Duke I am currently majoring in Poli-Sci while getting a minor in Psychology and a certificate in I&E. I am a Rubenstein Scholar. I love video games and enjoy building things like pinball machines. I have expertise in 3d design and clothing. Nothing makes me more excited than to go explore many of the companies who are responsible for the technology I am able to use each day.

 

A (Contradictory) Guide to Success

“Communicating efficiently always pops” – Michael Barnett

At first glance, it is challenging to comprehend the significance of a blue square on a canvas. However, Yves Klein’s iconic blue square is a masterpiece because of its sheer simplicity and skill required to paint a single color on a canvas so evenly. Just as this artwork communicates efficiently in its power of simplicity, so does product design – a lesson taught to us by product designer Michael Barnett who rallies for function over form. Michael showed us that the most effective way to communicate is through stripping away the unnecessary and allowing the essence of a design to shine through.

A lesson much harder to implement in our own Figma mockups for Allergood. This week, each team diligently worked to create a digital wireframe of their new idea for Michelle. While it was easy to cover the page with vibrant icons and colorful buttons, feedback from public interviews exposed a need for a simpler, more intuitive design. Once our class realized the power in simple design, we were all successfully able to communicate our solutions to our client, Michelle.

So if you want to be successful and brilliant, learn to see the beauty in the simple. Strive to make elegant and straightforward designs that truly pop and leave a lasting impact.

 “Find a niche for yourself. Do what you are good at” – Deb Liu

Try everything. A common piece of advice for Duke students prior to their first year with the goal of uncovering newfound interests. Throughout our third week in Silicon Valley, we have repeatedly heard that once you explore various roles and internships, it is essential to focus on developing specific skill sets to develop a niche and excel in your field of interest. Guest speaker Deb Liu, CEO of Ancestry, described her niche, which includes having a strong “product sense,” or ability to “feel the design choices” and recognize how the product can be improved. A similar theme was echoed during our visit to Uber when product manager, Bryan Graeser, encouraged us to “find a niche for ourselves” so we can build trust and add value quickly to our teams. Part of developing this niche includes understanding one’s strengths and areas of improvement, which demands having a high sense of self-awareness and willingness to constantly learn. Interestingly enough, it’s not just individuals who should focus on their talents. Eddy Cue, SVP in Apple, explained that this is the same reason why Apple hasn’t expanded into the social media sphere. He noted that an innovator can “look in a mirror and decide what [they’re] really good at,” and Apple is really good at iphones, credit cards, and the macbook I’m currently writing this blog post on! So explore different fields and take chances on things that excite you, but a hack to succeed in Silicon Valley is to become highly specialized in order to differentiate yourself from the competition.

“Never chase tail lights” – Deb Liu

The innovation realm is dynamic and often involves fierce competition. Deb Liu is an innovator who spear-headed Facebook marketplace and is now the CEO at Ancestry along with multiple board positions. Her advice was to “never chase tail lights.” This principle emphasizes the importance of avoiding the temptation to copy or imitate competitors. By fixating on the actions and achievements of others, we risk losing sight of our unique value proposition and diluting our innovation potential.

Our student group decided to spear-head a new activity for Duke in Silicon Valley – California’s Great America amusement park. While this trip was not sponsored by Duke, we hope we have created a thrilling tradition for the future DSV students.

In Silicon Valley and beyond, the true trailblazers are the ones who resist the allure of imitation and set their sights on forging new paths.

“Steal like an artist” – Michael Barnett

This quote from product designer Michael Barnett encapsulates the importance of learning from, drawing inspiration, and building upon the ideas and successes of others. In the ever-evolving landscape of product management, it is essential to seek out innovative solutions and approaches that have already been proven effective in the market.

Bill Schlough, CTO of the Giants, took inspiration from Disney’s Club 33 – a secret society for only super fans – to his baseball stadium. His super, secret club entails a hidden bowling alley, lively pool tables, and spirited bar which brings in revenue and loyalty for the Giants.

By observing the designs employed by successful products, aspiring entrepreneurs and product managers can gain valuable insight to inform their own creations. Just as Bill took inspiration from one of the most influential entertainment corporations, we hope to embrace the philosophy of stealing like an artist.

“Be willing to learn; have cognitive empathy” – Rishi Tripathy

After meeting with various founders in Silicon Valley, it is increasingly clear that there is no one path to success nor one personality that predicts achievement. However, there are two specific traits that make individuals more likely to thrive in an ambitious industry: a willingness to learn and cognitive empathy. Silicon Valley is not for the closed-minded: companies are dynamic, flexible machines, pushing the status quo and driving progress. Due to technological advancements and a relatively unstable economic environment, there exists a high level of unpredictability in the world of start-ups and the tech sector. These unpredictable conditions mean that the most adaptable individuals, those who are always willing to learn, are the ones who ultimately thrive.

Here’s Alice and Alana venturing into the hyped field of augmented reality to learn more about Apple Park. While we do not know if AR/VR has a place in the future, it’s always fun to dabble in new technology.

Rishi Tripathy, head of product at On Deck, further explains that the second piece of the puzzle includes having a strong ability to empathize with others, including your customers. Understanding the customer’s perspective and pain points through cognitive empathy allows designers to develop effective solutions.

As a way to develop cognitive empathy with their clientele, groups ventured into downtown San Carlos to interview servers, customers, and restaurant owners about their wireframes. Just as Eddy Cue from Apple said, “if you care about the customer, then the results follow.” These interviews allowed us to more effectively address pain points and refine our solutions.

“I only work 30 days each year” – Eddy Cue

Throughout our visits to the San Francisco Giants Stadium, Uber, and Apple this week, we were exposed to dramatically different work environments. At the Giants’ Stadium, we could overhear VIP club members playing pool inside while loud fans cheered for the Giants as they stole bases and hit home runs against the blue bay backdrop. At Uber, we entered the flourishing tech industry, which included a free smoothie bar and gorgeous views of San Francisco. Finally, we were transported to a utopian world at Apple Park filled with floor-to-ceiling glass windows, lush greenery, and of course, an Apple store! Although each environment was conducive for different jobs, one theme that was echoed throughout our various excursions was to find a career that you truly love. Yes, the free smoothies, coffee, and baseball tickets are exciting perks of working for some of the largest companies in Silicon Valley. Nonetheless, once the novelty wears off, and all that’s left is your career, are you going to be happy devoting your days and weeks to your work? Eddy Cue beautifully described his attitude towards his career, noting that he “only works 30 days each year,” and the other 300-something are spent having fun because he is deeply passionate about the work Apple does. Bill Schlough, head of technology of the San Francisco Giants, reiterated a similar sentiment. He emphasized how grateful he was to get to wake up each day and cheer on a team he truly loves. People are often inclined to prioritize money, not happiness when selecting a job. Nonetheless, our various speakers and tours have continuously emphasized that if you do what you love, money will follow, not the other way around.

It’s clear that there is no one way to become rich and famous in Silicon Valley, so carve your own path and do what you love.

Alice is a rising sophomore from Westfield, New Jersey. At Duke, she plans to study Computer Science and Statistics while pursuing a certificate in Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Her favorite involvement on campus is performing with the Momentum Dance team. She is excited to be a new shareholder for Campus Enterprises as a director of GBI where she hopes to apply her new entrepreneurship skills! Alice loves hiking, dancing, pickling, coding, and spending time with friends and family. She is so excited to visit the nation’s hub for entrepreneurial enterprise and form connections with new peers and mentors.

Alana is a rising sophomore from Melville, NY. During her time at Duke, she plans to major in Computer Science and pursue the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Certificate. She is interested in exploring the intersection of medicine and technology, and serves as DTech’s HealthTech interest group leader. She also serves as a mentor for younger students interested in science as a member of FEMMES + Connect. In addition to her academic pursuits, she enjoys playing tennis, taking photos, relaxing by the beach, reading, and spending time with family and friends. She is excited to learn the entrepreneurial and leadership skills required for launching a new venture while also exploring everything Silicon Valley has to offer.

Duke in Silicon Valley Week 2 Recap

1. “Yes, and” could Change your Team and Change your Life

Improv is so much more than acting on the fly and its value spans way beyond the stage. We learned how to say “yes, and,” which is basically the idea that you take what somebody else says, accept it, and use it to fuel what you are going to say. While a seemingly simple concept, it is hugely important to not only move forward with ideas, but also empower others to feel their voice is heard and their contributions are valuable. On the first day of class, Kathie spoke about elements of a successful team, and the single greatest correlate with a team’s success is psychological safety. Psychological safety, or the idea that team members can feel comfortable taking risks and being vulnerable, is a primary byproduct of “yes, and” as it promotes listening, equality in turn-taking, and forces team members to work off of one another rather than solo. The real impact of “yes, and” was felt in a recent class in which we were brainstorming development ideas for the business we are consulting, Allergood, and we used “yes, and” before every contribution we made. While a seemingly simple addition to our statements, adding “yes, and” made the brainstorming incredibly productive and filled with creativity I didn’t think was possible. From Matthew approaching allergies like it was Tinder, to Lhamo and her popular concept of AllerLove. So while improv was filled with unbridled laughter and playfulness, it also sneaked in the key to a team’s success, and if used in one’s life, it could change the way we operate in social settings for the better.

2. The secret to YouTube isn’t master coders. It’s communication.

For some it was the slide in the middle of the workplace, for others it was the kitchen filled with free food, but for us, our favorite part of the YouTube company visit was getting to hear insights on their company philosophy. Their philosophy is that communication is more important than technical skills, meaning individual skill sets don’t mean much when people don’t work as a team. Everybody at YouTube has their own expertise, but it is not a collection of accomplished individuals that makes YouTube successful, but the interconnectedness of their expertise that allows for them to excel. We learned this philosophy during a panel in which there was a combination of skill sets ranging from a software engineer to a product manager. Each one of them has a particular range of experiences and technical skills, but they say the communication and culmination of these skills are much more important than any one skill an individual has. This philosophy is present in our I&E class as we all are different ages, have different majors, and are interested in different things. Thomas is a rising senior chemistry major and Lhamo is a rising junior religion studies major and yet the two of them together are a dynamic duo.

 

3. The Scientific Method is not just for Labs

From our earliest school days, the significance of the scientific method has been ingrained in us. However, it wasn’t until we had the privilege of hearing from guest speaker David Schwarzbach, Yelp’s CEO, that we truly understood its vital role in product development and entrepreneurship. David enlightened us on the constant idea generation, hypothesis formation, testing, and experimentation that he and his team engage in to determine statistically significant concepts worth implementing. We had a taste of this process ourselves during a project in our I&E class, where we tackled the challenge of redesigning the lunch-making process for a mother and daughter struggling with communication. With only post-it notes and a big pad of paper, our class came up with both simple and extraordinary ideas to help solve the issue at hand. Through ideation, quick prototyping, and evaluation from the father of the family, we witnessed the power of the scientific method in driving innovative solutions. For this challenge, solutions included websites, whiteboards, lunch boxes, schedules, and more. It doesn’t matter if you are a student or an entrepreneur; embracing the scientific method allows us to tackle complex problems and unleash creativity to discover solutions.

4. Make Tipos… Intentionally

Although it may seem like a mistake at first glance, companies like Stytch, Lyft, and MiResource intentionally incorporate misspellings in their names. This strategic choice serves a dual purpose: differentiation and discoverability. By tweaking just one letter in familiar words, these companies create their own distinctive identity and streamline online search results. Reed McGinley-Stempel, the founder of Stytch, emphasized the significance of this seemingly simple alteration. Rather than getting lost looking search results related to the literal definition of “Stitch,” such as clothing or Lilo & Stitch, users can effortlessly access information on user authentication and security assistance by searching for “Stytch.” This innovative mindset extends beyond company names—our own teacher, Kathie, embraces a creatively spelled name to amplify her individuality. The spirit of creativity even is seen in Stytch’s conference rooms, with funny names like “Open Sesame” and playful nods to common password references like “ABC123.” When it comes to leaving a lasting impression and being found easily, a touch of creativity and spelling can go a long way.

5. MiResource’s Resource: Using the Duke Network can Fuel your Startup

After hearing from the owner of MiResource, Mackenzie Drazan, we learned the importance of taking advantage of the Duke network. Mackenzie lost someone close to her to suicide and she wished there was an easier way to connect them to a therapist before it was too late. With this unwavering mission, Mackenzie went to Duke CAPS to learn how they operated their processes to connect students to mental health resources, and implemented this strategy at a bigger and more efficient scale, ultimately founding MiResource. Mackenzie knew she wanted to start something to help people be able to take action on improving their mental health, and found pockets of Duke that could help her chase this purpose. Starting with Duke CAPS, she began working with other universities, now totaling over 50. So she used the resources available to her at Duke to propel her startup and has never looked back.

6. There’s a Fence Shielding us From the Unknown. Cross it.

While everyone was so sad that Kathie’s two-weeks were up, she left us with a story that really motivated us to redefine our mindsets. The story was about an electric fence that divided up two areas of land due to political turmoil. There were deer that lived on one side that learned to never cross that fence due to its danger. Eventually the fence was taken down, and the opportunity for the deer to venture to the other side was there and would have provided them an incredible new habitat. However, since they were programmed to never cross that fence, they never crossed over even after the fence was down. In fact, after multiple generations when no deer were alive to witness the fence, they still did not go to the other land. The moral of this story is that we are programmed to confine ourselves in imaginary fences, when if we had the courage to venture to the unknown that lies outside that comfort zone, we would find success where no one else had the courage to go. The best CEOs cross the fence. They are not afraid to take uncommon routes. For Duke students, there is a norm of if you want to be successful one day, you must do consulting or finance; however, there are other routes that will lead to success if we dare to venture down unfamiliar paths.

7. It’s just like a Puzzle–Find the Piece that (Product Market) Fits!

Throughout various visits, guest speaker sessions, and lectures, one concept has consistently echoed: product market fit (PMF). Yelp CFO, David Schwarzbach even explained “Product market fit is to live by. It’s the mantra.” But what exactly does PMF entail, and why is it important to companies? PMF is the stage in a company’s growth where its product or service perfectly aligns with the precise needs and demands of a specific target market. However, uncovering product market fit can be a challenging task because people will make assumptions and stereotypes that may not be true. Often, companies look too broad or too narrow, and will not spend enough time to find their true “target audience” to market, resulting in missed opportunities for maximizing sales potential. During our visit to ThirdLove, Heidi Zac, the founder, shared her own arduous journey of discovering PMF, which spanned over two years. As a brand that prioritizes comfort in bra design, she eventually realized that her primary customers were moms aged 35-60. She delved into the customer personas of these women, finding out that they typically have young kids and enjoy cooking. Once she found this PMF, she could accurately market her product to this demographic and cater to their needs and desires. By taking advantage of PMF, companies can unlock the potential for strategic growth and long-term success.

8. What if Chaos is a Feature, not a Bug

Do you ever get lost for hours on TikTok? If the answer is no, you either don’t have TikTok or don’t have TikTok because it is addicting. We heard from Chen-Lin Lee who works for TikTok in reputation management, but as he puts it, his job is to waste billions of hours of people’s time. While this job sounds almost maniacal, TikTok commands attention for a reason and it is that they have learned to “sell chaos as a feature, not a bug.” And when you think about it, TikTok is very chaotic, steered by creators down an endless feed. TikTok has learned to lean into chaos even though perhaps chaos is what many companies try to avoid. For TikTok, chaos is what appeals to the users as it is unpredictable, random, and entertaining, but it is chaos targeted towards us given TikTok’s genius algorithm. Even for Chen-Lin Lee, he likes companies during some of their most chaotic times as he has a track record for joining companies in their earliest stages. And for us, sometimes the most chaotic moments are the best, like when we went bowling as a group, but it was the claw machine and karaoke that made that chaotic bowling alley so much fun. Like TikTok, we could use chaos as an asset and figure out how to apply that TikTok secret sauce to our own lives.

9. I got 99 Solutions but a Problem ain’t 1

When faced with a problem, our instinct is to rush into finding solutions. However, a more effective approach is to prioritize understanding customer needs before diving into new approaches. In order to assist Allergood, a company dedicated to addressing allergies in restaurants, our I&E class focused on a crucial first step: identifying the existing challenges. Our class was divided into four teams, each tasked with “observation dinners” at various restaurants. We engaged with restaurant owners, servers, and even family members of individuals with allergies, among others, conducting interviews with a total of 100 individuals. Through this combined effort, we collected valuable insights and were able to identify the challenges experienced by different stakeholders. By analyzing this data, we crafted problem statements that captured the pain points and what each group needed to be able to have a more enjoyable and safe experience. In this scenario, we discovered many solutions by focusing on the actual needs of customers and staff, rather than proposing solutions that may seem effective but fail to align with anyone’s necessities.

10. Lily and Jack’s DSV Hacks

When coming to Silicon Valley, our first bus ride was awfully quiet as no one came into the program knowing anyone. Day by day, the bus rides got louder and louder, filled with laughter and inside jokes. Although we came in as strangers, now we are having daily group events such as barbecues, bowling, karaoke, and ice cream. So how did this happen in only 2 weeks? Lily and Jack have come to realize the keys to this group’s success. First, it is important to make the most of the daily adventures. When the group went out bowling for a nighttime adventure, we were burdened by a 1 hour wait time because we (Amelia) didn’t make a reservation for our large party. We could have been frustratingly waiting, but instead we turned that 1 hour into the best hour of the trip: we went to the arcade and won claw machine after claw machine. We were all huddled around Ardil as he won a stuffed animal for his little sister and the energy was infectious. Everyone was screaming (even non-DSV people). We entered our name at the karaoke booth surrounded by a bunch of all the club regulars and stole the show. By the time we were up for bowling, we forgot that we were even there to bowl. The moral of this story is that everyone decided to put their ego aside and just have a good time and that is why all of us, each from a different major and different hometowns, have become so close. We all collectively want to have the best time together and we are spending each day as a group to the fullest, and we can’t wait for the adventures these next two weeks.

 

Jack is a rising junior from Charlotte, NC, studying psychology and pursuing an Innovation and Entrepreneurship certificate at Duke. Jack is involved with both basketball teams, working as a manager and practice player for the women’s team and as a social media manager for the men’s team. He ultimately wants to be an entrepreneur and is very interested in personal development and motivation, much of why he is studying psychology. He is very excited to get closer to his goal being immersed in the Duke in Silicon Valley program.

 

Lily is a rising sophomore from Ardsley, NY studying Computational Media (Computer Science & Visual Media Studies). She is planning on pursuing the Innovation & Entrepreneurship certificate, and the Digital Intelligence certificate. She is actively involved in several organizations on campus, including Dtech, Project Build, and the Penny Pilgram George Women’s Leadership Initiative, reflecting her interest in promoting gender diversity in technology and contributing to impactful projects that create positive change. Outside the class, she loves music, traveling, playing sports, and spending time with family and friends. Lily is thrilled to be participating in the Duke in Silicon Valley program. She looks forward to collaborating with like-minded students, gaining insights from Duke alumni and industry leaders, and exploring the intersection of technology and design. This program presents an opportunity for her to expand her knowledge, skills, innovative mindset, and teamwork.

Introduction:

Prepare to be captivated as we take you on an electrifying journey deep into the heart of technological innovation: Silicon Valley. Get ready to witness the transformative power of an experience that will leave you breathless. I am Wanghley Soares Martins, a passionate and driven student majoring in Electrical and Computer Engineering and Computer Science with a Certificate in Innovation & Entrepreneurship, I am here to tell you that this adventure has been nothing short of mind-blowing. The networking opportunities and knowledge I am acquiring through this exhilarating learn-by-doing experience have surpassed my wildest expectations.

Embracing the Team:

Imagine being assigned to a dynamic team, a collective of brilliant minds, each with their own unique talents and perspectives. Together, we embarked on a daring mission: to revolutionize the user experience in restaurants for Allergood, led by the visionary Michelle Addison, Founder & CEO, and guided by the expertise of Professor Kathie Amato. The synergy within our group is awe-inspiring, as we collaborate passionately to solve complex problems and unleash innovation.

Venturing into the Silicon Valley Ecosystem:

Silicon Valley, the birthplace of groundbreaking ideas and revolutionary companies, welcomed us with open arms. Our journey led us to Sprinter Health, where we had the privilege of engaging with Max Cohen and Cameron Behar, Co-Founders, and Duke alumni. Their stories and insights unveiled a world where healthcare and technology converge, igniting a fire within us to create meaningful impact in these transformative industries.

Design Thinking Unleashed:

Prepare to have your creative boundaries pushed, your problem-solving skills honed, and your innovation unleashed. Classes during the first week unleashed the power of design thinking like never before. From real-world challenges to practical examples, we delved headfirst into the methodology, mastering the art of ideation and empathetic problem-solving. Through a learn-by-doing approach, we embarked on a thrilling journey to transform ideas into tangible solutions, as our minds expanded and innovation became second nature.

Alumni Connections and Inspirational Dinners:

Picture an unforgettable evening filled with warmth, wisdom, and inspiration. We were privileged to share a dinner with esteemed Duke alumni who graciously shared their remarkable experiences and invaluable insights. Their stories of resilience, perseverance, and success resonated deep within us, reminding us that dreams can indeed become reality. These connections have become the pillars of support and guidance as we pave our own paths to success.

Unveiling the Giants: LinkedIn, OpenAI, and Paradigm:

Prepare to be awestruck as we venture into the very heart of technological giants. Our journey led us to LinkedIn, a behemoth of professional networking, where the magnitude of its operations left us spellbound. The networking opportunities and profound knowledge shared within those hallowed walls opened doors to unimaginable possibilities. At OpenAI, we glimpsed into a future driven by generative artificial intelligence, fueling our imaginations and propelling us toward uncharted territories. And at Paradigm, we witnessed the power of diversity, equity, and inclusion, understanding how innovation can reshape the world for the better.

Conclusion:

Are you ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime? Don’t hesitate, for this is your golden ticket to an extraordinary world of innovation, connection, and personal growth. As an aspiring engineer and entrepreneur, the Silicon Valley air has infused me with an indescribable energy, propelling me to new heights as a person and as a visionary. This journey has already shaped the trajectory of my startup idea, fueling it with the methodologies learned in class and the wisdom of industry titans. If you’re wondering if this experience will be worth it, let me assure you—it will surpass your wildest dreams. In a single, captivating week, I’ve absorbed knowledge equivalent to an entire semester, all while having the time of my life.

So, step into the world of Duke in Silicon Valley, where innovation knows no bounds, friendships are forged in the crucible of ambition, and ideas evolve into tangible enterprises. Join us as we defy the ordinary, reshape the future, and leave an indelible mark on the ever-evolving world of technology and beyond. The time is now. Will you seize this extraordinary opportunity?

Wanghley is a rising sophomore at the Duke Pratt School of Engineering hailing from Brasi­lia, DF, Brazil. He is a gifted social entrepreneur, inventor, speaker, young scientist, and aspiring engineer, driven by an unwavering passion for using technology to solve real problems and improve people’s lives. Wanghley’s mission is to leverage his skills and experience in entrepreneurship, innovation, computer science, electrical/biomedical engineering, and quantum computing to develop pioneering solutions that better the lives of individuals and communities. He is constantly pushing boundaries and challenging conventional thinking to make a positive impact on society. Wanghley is known to put his skills into practice by developing relationships, listening to customers, designing innovative solutions on his computer, and collaborating with others on his team. He strives to use his passion, problem-solving skills, and technical expertise to create meaningful solutions that make a difference in the world.

This first week in Silicon Valley has been a very new and exciting experience. With different site visits and speakers each day, we have received so much helpful advice about how to build a startup or make meaning in your job at a large company.

On our first day, guest speaker Michelle Addison, CEO of the startup Allergood, spoke to us about her entrepreneurial endeavor and how we could provide help. While talking to us, Michelle made clear how passionate she is about helping people with allergies. I was inspired by Michelle’s story and motivation for starting her company and am excited to continue helping to research and prototype for Allergood over the next few weeks. We also had the privilege of visiting Duke alumni and Sprinter Health co-founders Max Cohen and Cameran Behar on the first day. It was very interesting to learn about their experience working on the Oculus VR headset and how their paths led them to starting Sprinter Health. The main takeaway I had from their talk was the importance in finding people you trust and can rely on when founding a company.

On our second day, we visited Fred Ehrsam at Paradigm, a crypto-focused venture firm. Fred talked to us about his story of how he got where he is, from being a Computer Science major at Duke to working at Goldman Sachs to co-founding Coinbase, and most recently, co-founding Paradigm. What I loved about Fred is that he was brutally honest with us, giving us genuine advice based on his experience founding a company from a young age. Fred emphasized the importance of taking risks and pursuing your interests after you graduate college.

Our third day was marked by an incredible experience visiting LinkedIn. Caleb Getahun, a ’22 Duke grad talked to us about his recent transition from graduating to working at LinkedIn and gave us a tour of the headquarters. In addition, Thamina Stoll, Sarah Ali, and Nils Albertsen all provided us insightful advice about their jobs and what they enjoyed most about working at LinkedIn. The LinkedIn headquarters was nicer than I could have imagined, with breathtaking views of San Francisco, complimentary food, state-of-the-art gym, music room, game room, and beautiful paintings throughout the building. It seems like an incredible place to work.

Finally, on the last day, guest speaker Rana DiOrio came to our class and spoke about the numerous projects she has going on, including being the founder and CEO of Creative Mint. I was greatly impressed by Rana’s multitude of skills, including being a lawyer, investment banker, angel investor, author, and startup founder. The thirteen pieces of advice she provided us were invaluable. Furthermore, our visit to OpenAI on last day gave us a glimpse into the people behind the artificial intelligence that is becoming such as big part of our lives. I liked the nature and mindfulness orientated OpenAI office. Duke Alumni Shyamal Hitesh, Brad Lightcap, and Boris Power spoke to us about their experience working on groundbreaking products including DALL-E and ChatGPT and their opinions on AI and plans for the future of OpenAI. Overall, the experiences from this week made me realize that there is no definitive path to becoming an innovator and entrepreneur and creating a lasting impact.

Chris is a rising junior from Bedford, NY. At, Duke he is studying economics while pursuing a minor in computer science. In his free time, Chris enjoys playing spikeball, 3D modeling and printing, watching movies, and playing poker with his friends. He is interested in new technologies and investment opportunities, as seen in his involvement with the Investment Club and Duke Blockchain Club. In Silicon Valley, Chris is looking forward to learning about innovative ideas, meeting exciting people, and gaining the skills needed to become a successful entrepreneur.