Megan Smith
shift7
Washington, DC USA
"The idea of ‘culture fit’ is very destructive. I don’t want you to fit, I want you to add."
Career Roadmap
Megan's work combines: Technology, Science, and Learning / Being Challenged
See more careers and stories that connect to your interests.
Take Roadmap Quiz
Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Advice for getting started
People who know me were a little confused when I decided to accept the CTO position for the Obama administration and when I first heard about the job, I doubted whether I wanted to do it. I eventually realized that the government is just us, it's whoever shows up. I didn't need to be a politician in order to make a difference in my country.
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Mechanical Engineering
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Graduate Degree
Mechanical Engineering
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Life & Career Milestones
I've taken a lot of twists and turns
1.
Grew up in New York in an entrepreneurial family—my mom and dad worked on local environmental issues, education, and community development.
2.
Attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) where I earned my bachelor’s and master’s in mechanical engineering.
3.
In the late 80's, I was initially interested in working on renewable "green" energy projects, but decided to transition into working on the new developments in Internet technologies.
4.
I was part of designing early smartphone technologies at General Magic and worked on product development at Apple in Japan.
5.
In 1998, I became the CEO of PlanetOut, one of the early leading LGBTQ online platforms that partnered with major web players to create diverse content and community.
6.
Worked for Google for over eleven years—first, leading new business development, and later, as the Vice President of Google X where I helped pilot innovation and tech diversity initiatives.
7.
In 2014, President Obama appointed me as the 3rd Chief Technology Officer of the U.S. where my team focused on how technology policy, data, and innovation can advance the future of the nation.
8.
In 2018, I founded shift7, which seeks to connect diverse tech talent from around the world and expand social innovation—I am also a board member of MIT and co-founded the Malala Fund.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Peers:
Why would you go into government?
How I responded:
People who know me were a little confused when I decided to accept the CTO position for the Obama administration and when I first heard about the job, I doubted whether I wanted to do it. I eventually realized that the government is just us, it's whoever shows up. I didn't need to be a politician in order to make a difference in my country.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
In tech, finding people that look like you can be a huge challenge. Unfortunately, it tends to advance certain types of people and diminish others. You have to seek out groups and individuals that can help you. If they don't exist, create them.