Q&A with Liz Claman on “3 Days in the Valley”
FOX Business Network’s Liz Claman has set off to Silicon Valley for the fourth annual “Three Days in the Valley” summit, an exclusive three-day behind-the-scenes look inside the high-tech business capitol of the world. Claman took time to weigh in on why the “Three Days” are so important—especially to women.
Q: What is “3 Days in the Valley” all about? Where did the idea come from?
A: “3 Days in the Valley” is the most inspiring collection of live interviews with Silicon Valley leaders spread over 3 days and 3 locations. This year, we’re live from Electronic Arts, Intel and the Tech Museum. Each year, we pick 3 locations and set up a live studio on each site. We then invite every major and, frankly, minor leader who’s crushing it in the rarified world of the Valley. Nowhere else can you get this collection of entrepreneurs, CEOs, start-up leaders and linchpins of tech-land in such a unique, live setting. It’s our 4thyear here; we came up with the idea in 2008 when we kept getting shut-out of other conferences. We sat around and thought, wait a minute, let’s plant our own flag in Silicon Valley and do it our way.
Q:Does Steve Jobs’ death have any impact on Silicon Valley?
A: Steve Jobs’ life had huge impact on the Valley. He grew up there and represents the best of the region’s genetics. I’ll be asking some of my guests how he impacted them or their view of how to take risks or follow passion. One thing about Steve, he never let go of the belief that he had the best eye, the best vision to make beautiful electronics for everyone.
Q: Why is Silicon Valley such a significant hub?
A: I’m a Californian and I grew up hearing the old adage, “As California goes, so goes the nation.” There’s something about it that engenders optimism. And in Northern California you’ve got two of the most inspirational universities that churn out real leaders. UC Berkeley and Stanford literally teach kids to think independently, aim high and take risks where others might shrink away. Don’t underestimate the power of those institutions. Google’s Eric Schmidt, Intel’s Paul Otellini, Electronic Arts’ John Riccitiello… they all went to Berkeley. Stanford produced Google’s Sergei Brin and Larry Page, and Yahoo’s Jerry Yang and David Filo, among others. The list goes on. But the history of the Valley really goes so much further back. The semiconductor chip, made with silicon, was perfected and innovated there. The actual term “Silicon Valley” goes back to 1971.
Q: What should women know about this special?
A: That we need more of them to proliferate the Valley! There’s nothing I’d like to see more than women becoming engineers, code-writers and entrepreneurs. Stephanie DiMarco founded Advent Software, she’s one of the original leaders whom I always think about: intrepid, smart, focused. We need schools to truly bring along girls and help them see the engineering light. But it’s about leadership and spirit too… the spirit that encourages young women to take chances in life.
Category: Women in the World, Women@Work
