#351 Sonia Couto: Persistence and Growth in the Startup Journey

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we sit down with Sonia Couto, a two-time tech founder from Toronto, Canada. Sonia shares her incredible journey from working in accounting and operations to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the tech industry. She discusses the pivotal moments in her career, the importance of resilience and authenticity in leadership, and how she turned challenges into opportunities. Key Topics Discussed: 1. Sonia’s Background and Journey: • Sonia’s early life in Portugal and move to Canada. • Her initial career in accounting and operations. • The accidental entry into the tech industry and her rise to a tech founder. 2. Entrepreneurial Challenges and Insights: • Overcoming personal and professional challenges. • The importance of building a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). • Key strategies for startup success and market validation. 3. Leadership and Authenticity: • The role of authenticity in effective leadership. • Balancing personal vulnerability and professional strength. • How Sonia’s experience with breast cancer reshaped her leadership approach. 4. Navigating the Tech Industry: • Current trends and future opportunities in tech. • The impact of AI on various industries and its potential for innovation. • Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and tech founders. 5. Giving Back to the Community: • Sonia’s podcast “Tenacity with Sonia C.” and its mission. • Mentorship and supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs. • Involvement in programs encouraging women in tech and coding. About Sonia: Sonia C is a two-time tech startup founder, renowned for her remarkable journey in the tech industry for two decades. A breast cancer survivor, Sonia's resilience transcends her personal life into her professional world, where she has successfully navigated and thrived in a male-dominated field. Her experience in overcoming adversity, coupled with her passion for innovation and diversity in tech, makes her a beacon of inspiration. Sonia's insights on leadership, overcoming challenges, and driving change in the tech landscape are not just thought-provoking; they are empowering. She's here to share her story of tenacity, offering valuable lessons for anyone looking to make their mark in the tech world. https://soniacouto.com/podcast https://www.linkedin.com/in/soniacouto 01:02 Sonia's Background and Journey 02:23 Entering the Tech Industry 03:32 Challenges and Risks for Founders 07:48 Importance of MVP and Market Testing 14:32 Evaluating Product Success and Pivoting 21:21 Building Resilience as an Entrepreneur 25:13 Finding a Mentor: Key Qualities and Challenges 25:52 Overcoming Personal Challenges: A Story of Resilience 26:48 The Importance of Delegation and Teamwork 28:16 Balancing Work and Life: Personal Insights 29:44 Authentic Leadership: Embracing Vulnerability 32:44 Future Trends in Tech Startups 33:57 The Role of AI in Shaping Industries 40:06 The Evolution of Jobs and Work 43:17 About the Tenacity Podcast 47:03 Final Thoughts and Words of Wisdom