Home Talk Free Talk For Black CEOs in Silicon Valley, Humiliation Is a Part of Doing Business This topic has replies, 0 voices, and was last updated 4 years ago by 88. Now Editing “For Black CEOs in Silicon Valley, Humiliation Is a Part of Doing Business” Name * Password * Email Topic Title (Maximum Length 80) Will Hayes has grown accustomed to an awkward start to business meetings. On numerous occasions, venture capitalists would confuse Hayes, the head of software company Lucidworks Inc., with another man on his executive team. The investor would introduce himself, extend a handshake to the other guy and say, “Good to meet you, Will.” It’s strange because they don’t look alike. Also, Hayes is Black, and his deputy is White. This happened so many times, in dozens of meetings over many years, that Hayes and his longtime colleague, Keith Messick, say it’s no coincidence. Such unintentional instances of racism, they say, have become a routine—and insidious—part of doing business at a Black-led company in Silicon Valley. .................... .......... I agree to the terms of service Update List
