Alysia Silberg: Techpreneur Creating Change

In short… Alysia Silberg is a spirited “theatre arts” kid who grew up in apartheid South Africa, lived in a pharmacy/makeup/costume shop and then honed the skills she learned to create global change.

Wow.

In reality… Alysia has been called a visionary, a force, an inspiration,  a modern-day guru. In her TED TALK above, you can see her poise, passion and message. Her resume is incredibly impressive:

“Alysia Silberg is a seed-stage technology investor working with startups addressing global challenges via beneficial AI, analytics, business automation, financial technology, health technology, infrastructure, life sciences, robotics and security technologies.

Alysia regularly advises US, Canadian, Asian, European, African and Emerging Market governments on startup ecosystem development, accessing leading-edge technology for economic development, inclusive and diversified entrepreneurship, women’s empowerment and is leading Trade-Missions at the highest levels.

She is a Fellow of the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures & Commerce and a Fellow of the Institute of Enterprise and Entrepreneurs. Through her roles as an UN Women Empower Women Global Champion, Tech Leaders Diversity Leader of the Year 2017, UK #MicroBizMattersDay Ambassador, IGD Jennifer Potter Emerging Leaders Fellow, TechUK STEM Ambassador, Inspiring Woman in Tech UK, SA-UK Chamber of Commerce Business Woman of the Year 2018 and COCREATESA #InspiringFifty Most Inspiring Women in STEM South Africa 2018, Computer Weekly Most Influential Women in UK Tech 2019.”

You can see her entire biography here.

Our wonderful Brad Koepenick caught up with Alysia (an unbelievable feat on its own) and spoke with her.

Here’s Brad and Alysia…

“Mindfulness and meditation are the foundation for everything I do — daily life and business. I try to do everything by intention. I feel like I have no time to waste.”

—Alysia Silberg

You are a global, multi faceted, award winning entrepreneur and change agent, but where did you start? Can you tell us a few things about your upbringing?

In my family’s pharmacy/costume store in Pretoria, S.A., a one-of-a-kind place. My first memories are of climbing out of my stroller to sell, talk to customers and help out. Business delighted me. The environment delighted me. I wanted to be a part of it.

My father was renaissance man bringing together many cultures & places (Europe, Africa, Hollywood) and many eras through times of change (the 20th century wars, great European migrations, classic Hollywood and the fall of apartheid). He brought so much together. He was an entrepreneur, scientist, inventor, classical person, contemporary person, cultural person, immigrant, global person, multilingual communicator, family person, religious person, community person, advocate for others.

The pharmacy was a place that worked for the whole community. My father took the time to know everyone, understand everyone and their needs. He developed specialized medicines for them. He always had time for people. He and the pharmacy were progressive. Somehow he was able to bridge all these communities.

My mother was a ballerina. So with my father, we were engaged with the arts non-stop. The house was filled with classical music. We were always at the theater. My uncle talked about seeing me swaddled behind the curtains on the stage.

We were always doing business. We were always traveling to explore new businesses and supply sources. Coming up with new deals.

Education was primary. As was excellence, we knew that as entrepreneurs, immigrants, Jews and Africans that we had to excel.

What personal qualities do you feel were forged by your journey?

A love of entrepreneurship and investing, a drive towards excellence (thinking big — how can we do this so it’s the best expression of its potential?), a drive to learn and achieve, wheeling & dealing, business creativity, connecting/bridging communities/types and cultures.

An unstoppable drive towards freedom and personal self sovereignty.

A deep appreciation for the power of capital and importance of financial resources.

An ability to see opportunity.

Sincerity and earnestness. A sense of stewardship. Being comfortable being a leader and role model.

Sensibility.

A love of education. A passion for teaching. A global view. An appreciation for empowering others to be their best. Constant curiosity. A love of community.

Theatrics. Artistry. A love of the arts. Musicality. A great love of books. An appreciation for fashion & design. A systematic and scientific approach. Discipline. Constant self-development.

Also, an appreciation for home. An appreciation for family and loyal friends. An appreciation for the little things, like my daily 3:00 am hot chocolate! An appreciation for mental health.

Without giving away the secrets in your new book…Can you shed a little light on what makes a successful entrepreneur?

Knowledge of self. Knowledge of, facing and dealing with one’s fears. Persistence. A love of learning and ability to learn systematically without ego or fear. An ability to look ahead at what’s real, happening, emerging, different or interesting in the face of doubt, disparagement, fear, denial, disagreement, etc. The ability to sell, deal and conduct business at the highest levels. An ability to “mind the store” and manage the operations and finances. A true connection to the endeavor at hand (if we’re talking about being an entrepreneur by choice).

I know your work ethic. Do you ever take the time to chill, relax, decompress…just BE. What does that LOOK like?

Meditative walks on the beach, looking at art galleries, discovering and mentoring artists, going to flea markets, meditation, breathwork, yoga and nice dinner outside on the porch, watching a quirky French movie, watching a documentary, reading the Harvard Classics. Being with those I’m closest to and hanging out with my besties, my bunny and my parakeet. Dancing, laughing, making fun of myself and things. Doing vocalizations and theatrics.

In the end, how can someone have impact even in the smallest of ways?

• Be physically healthy. This affects everyone around you..
• Be mentally healthy. This affects everyone around you.
• Be financially healthy. This affects everyone around you.
• Know your fears and deal with them.
• Be kind to yourself. Be kind to others. Recognize yourself. Recognize them.
• Be responsible. Be a good steward of the opportunities you are given.
• Be systematic and consistent.
• Focus on your success. If you are successful, you can help others.
• Be reliable. Professional. Talk straight.
• Greet people! Smile. Engage in the basic social graces. Invite people. Include people.
• Figure out how to be who you are and be OK with that. Know yourself. Engage on an authentic basis.
• Be patient with people who are different. Listen to what they actually say.
• Self- develop. Meditate. Deal with your fears. Embrace your drive. Your self development affects everyone around you.

Alysia’s Tips for Taking on a New Business (or a new anything for that matter)