Commerce Conversations

The Importance of Creativity and Risk-taking, with Sharda Caro Del Castillo

Episode Summary

In this episode, Dan Rosen talks to Sharda Caro Del Castillo, who shares her compelling journey from her family's immigration to the United States to her globetrotting childhood and how these experiences shaped her into a global citizen. She discusses the significant risks she took throughout her career, transitioning from law to tech and finance, and her time at companies like Silicon Valley Bank, PayPal, Square, and Airbnb. Sharda emphasizes the importance of creativity, risk-taking, and dreaming big, while also highlighting the need to align personal values with a company's mission and culture. Her reflections on her career, family influence, and current pursuits in philanthropy and advisory roles provide valuable insights for aspiring professionals and entrepreneurs.

Episode Notes

Global Perspective and Resilience:

• Sharda's upbringing was deeply influenced by her parents' journey from India to the United States and their subsequent global relocations. This nomadic lifestyle instilled in her a sense of global citizenship and adaptability. She learned the importance of creativity, risk-taking, and dreaming big from her family's experiences, which have significantly shaped her professional journey.

Career Risks and Pivots:

• Sharda's career is marked by several significant risks and pivots. After law school, she transitioned into a business development role at Silicon Valley Bank, which set the stage for her future in tech and finance. Later, she moved from Wells Fargo to PayPal and eventually to Square, where she embraced roles that pushed her boundaries and leveraged her passion for technology and innovation.

Importance of Mission and Culture:

• Sharda emphasizes the importance of aligning with a company's mission, vision, and culture. She advises that believing in the product and leadership is crucial for meaningful work. She also highlights the value of being true to oneself and recognizing when a company's culture and goals do not resonate with personal values, which can significantly impact job satisfaction and effectiveness.