Panelist Spotlight: Christiana Cacciapuoti, MAD Network

We’re excited for our next spotlight blog to feature panelist Christiana Cacciapuoti, VP of Partnerships and Platform Ops at MAD Network, with our upcoming Changing the Conversation event this Thursday. Here, Christiana talks about the constant changes in tech, taking initiative and what allyship means to her.

Describe a challenge that you’ve overcome in your career.

Technology is constantly changing and evolving. To me, this makes for an incredibly exciting, challenging and fulfilling career -- but it comes with inherent risks.

As new technologies evolve, others become antiquated overnight. Regulatory environments change. Consumer attitudes shift. Any of these things can spell disaster for a company -- especially a small one.

My biggest challenge is anticipating all of these changes. As an individual, this means being very thoughtful about the companies and roles I choose. As an executive at my specific company, this means always having my ears and eyes open for the subtle shifts that shape our industry. Part crystal ball, part intuition, part nerves of steel.

What piece of advice do you wish you could give your former self?

Stop asking for permission. It’s better to ask for forgiveness than permission.

I read this years ago and it really resonated with me. At startups, no one has time for hand-holding and an entrepreneurial spirit is generally rewarded. I gained a new appreciation for this advice when I started growing a team - I loved when my new hires took initiative and took risks.

What does allyship mean to you?

Allyship means working together -- together being the operative word -- toward the goal.

Since the majority of people at the executive level are men, we need them to be willing partners in affecting change.