Vlasta Pokladnikova has studied and worked in Silicon Valley for over 15 years, working closely with founders, venture capital firms, investing in companies, and developing new products alongside founder-CEOs. She received her BA in economics and MA in Organizational Behaviour from Stanford University.

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In recent years, she has reconnected with her graduate school advisor, driven by a passion for understanding how leadership theory ideas apply to the technology startup world. This exploration of leadership and Silicon Valley emerged during the hundreds of hours of conversation with Jim March, to whom this project is dedicated.