April 14, 2023

Juggling Family Life and Founding Startups: How Dr. Monika Paule Does It All

Juggling Family Life and Founding Startups: How Dr. Monika Paule Does It All

As a startup founder, there are countless challenges and demands that come with the role. But what happens when you're juggling not one, but two startups? In this episode of Innovators Can Laugh, Dr. Monica Powell shares her experience as the co-founder and CEO of Kaza, a company focused on developing innovative applications in the field of CRISPR-based molecular tools, as well as Polite Tech, an ed tech company aimed at STEM education.

Dr. Powell is also an associated professor and the founder of Women in Biotech, a social initiative aimed at promoting gender diversity in the biotech industry. With so much on her plate, it's clear that Dr. Powell is a driven and dedicated individual.

One of the things that stands out about Dr. Powell is her love of music, particularly the lyrics. When asked what song she has memorized, she immediately responds with Bob Marley's "No Woman, No Cry." She discovered Marley in her early teenage years and was drawn to the meaningful lyrics that spoke to her.

Dr. Powell also believes that fruit belongs everywhere, including on pizza and pasta. As someone who always eats at least one piece of fruit after every meal, it's clear that she values healthy habits and nutrition.

If Dr. Powell could have one superpower, it would be to make people happy by doing whatever makes them happy. Her first target would be her son, who she describes as a "little drama queen."

Growing up, Dr. Powell was an avid reader and still loves books today. Her taste in literature is quite sophisticated, with a particular fondness for the works of Hermann Hesse.

With her impressive educational background, it's no surprise that Dr. Paule has excelled in academia. After completing her PhD in marketing, she took on various roles, including project manager and lecturer at Ness University. While lecturing, Dr. Paule also pursued her passion for startups, co-founding Kaza and later Polite Tech.

Dr. Paule's journey highlights the importance of pursuing your passions and balancing multiple interests. Whether it's music, literature, healthy eating, or startups, she approaches everything with dedication and enthusiasm.

For startup founders looking to follow in Dr. Paule's footsteps, it's clear that a strong work ethic and passion for your work are essential. It's also important to prioritize your time and find ways to balance the demands of running multiple ventures.

Dr. Paule's success is a testament to the power of perseverance and hard work. By staying true to her passions and juggling multiple interests, she's become a role model for startup founders everywhere.

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