Laurie Schultz's Insights: Why Equity and Scale Matter for Future Leaders

The Legacy of Laurie Schultz: Beyond the Exit

In a world where business exits are often celebrated as the culmination of success, Laurie Schultz sees it differently. After leading Galvanize to a stunning $1 billion sale in 2021, Schultz emphasizes the importance of viewing this milestone not as an end, but as a foundation for future endeavors. Her conversation with Shelley Kuipers at Road to the Summit uncovers a compelling narrative about the enduring significance of equity, values, and the strategic focus required for sustained growth.

Equity: More Than a Perk

Schultz’s perspective on equity is transformative. At Galvanize, equity was not merely a retention incentive but a fundamental operating principle. When Schultz joined the company, the culture was in jeopardy; employees felt disconnected and uninspired. However, by redistributing stock options and fostering a narrative that linked individual contributions to the company’s overall mission, she cultivated a sense of ownership among the team. This shift resulted not only in greater employee satisfaction but also in a remarkable rise in the company’s valuation—from approximately $50 million at her arrival to a multibillion-dollar acquisition.

Risk Reimagined: Bold Yet Calculated

When addressing the topic of risk, Schultz offers a fresh take, particularly for women in entrepreneurship. She argues that taking risks does not equate to being reckless. For Schultz, true risk involves a well-thought-out strategy aligned with clear personal and professional goals. This approach encourages individuals to make informed decisions rather than impulsive ones. Her view underscores the necessity of patience and planning, aspects she personally embraced throughout her career.

Scaling for Success: The Unfinished Business

One of Schultz’s most critical points revolves around the idea that the real challenge for women in business is scaling their operations—transforming insight and vision into tangible growth. Despite individual exits and the celebration of personal achievements, the focus should remain on building systems that promote scalability. Schultz calls out the industry for often rewarding visibility over real scale, a discrepancy that can stifle broader advancements. As she states, “Scale is the unfinished work for women in business.”

Lessons in Long-Term Thinking

Schultz encourages future leaders, especially parents and families striving for stability and success, to adopt long-term thinking in both business and personal arenas. This includes cultivating a disciplined approach to financial planning which can often be more neglected at home than in the workplace. Her “Double Five” personal model, which maps out five- and ten-year goals, reflects a structured methodology that can empower not just business decision-making but personal agency in life choices.

Conclusion: Embrace the Long-Term Perspective

Laurie Schultz’s journey serves as an inspiration, showcasing that the exit from a business is not an end but a stepping stone toward further growth and engagement. For parents, families, and millennials looking to make sense of equity, risk, and scaling in today’s technology-driven landscape, her insights provide vital guidance. They remind us that equity and values can coalesce for more significant, long-lasting impact.