Sian Morson, Entrepreneur for Innovative Mobile Apps, Fusing Creativity with Technology
Why attend a hackathon when you’re not a hacker? ‘Cause you’ll meet amazingly talented people in tech like Sian Morson. Sian is an entrepreneur, mobile thought leader, designer and author. AND she bouts of random air guitar solos! In 2010, she founded Kollective Mobile to help other businesses and startups with mobile development and strategy. Sian currently oversees operations and leads all business development and strategic efforts. Sian is also the founder and CEO of Cast, a lifestyle management shopping platform.
Some of Sian’s pithy self-descriptions and maxims:
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- Loves flying without a net: the worst thing you can do is doubt yourself.
- Always move towards those things that make you uncomfortable; they also help you grow.
- It’s the present that matters most.
- Curious about everything!
- Looks for opportunities to make my mark in this world.
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Who are your heroes?
My mom and grandmother. Also Oprah and Michelle Obama are up there as great models of strong African-American women whom I respect and admire.
What is your current challenge?
Writing my second book, Learn Design for Android, and my new startup Cast.
Your greatest achievement is?
I’m not sure I’ve achieved it yet…watch this space!
What is your motto?
Keep it moving.
Why are you an entrepreneur?
I was born for this.
What problem are you solving?
With over 250 weather apps in the store, none of them use that information to help consumers make informed decisions. Cast is changing that. Using the weather data to power a platform that helps people manage all aspects of their lives.
What problem would you like solved?
Gender and racial equality in technology. IMHO this shouldn’t even be a problem and yet…
Biggest regret?
Not having attended my grandmother’s funeral.
Which talent would you like to have?
Singing!
Best pat on the back you’ve ever received?
I don’t like pats on the back — I prefer high-fives!
Advice you wish you’d had (or had followed)?
I follow all good advice.
Your nails on a chalkboard moment?
Hearing or seeing young women underestimate themselves.
The J.O.B. you’d actually like?
I like the job(s) I have now.
Biggest misconception about being an entrepreneur is?
That it’s easy.
Inc. or Rolling Stone or…..? Which magazine cover?
Inc. or Fast Company first, Forbes next, then Rolling Stone – in that order.
What are you reading?
Lean UX: Applying Lean Principles to Improve User Experience by Jeff Gothelf, Thrive: The Third Metric by Arianna Huffington and the Mobile Mind Shift by Ted Schadler.
What book is your must read?
I always return to Anatomy of the Spirit by Carolyn Myss.
If I wanted to do what you’re doing…what’s your advice?
Start now, and don’t overthink it.
What conference would you like to keynote?
Launch.
Short cut, long route, road less travelled? What’s your roadmap?
I seem to always take the long way home, but I always get there eventually.
One place in time you’d like to visit?
The 1960’s.
Part of the trick to staying focused?
Taking frequent breaks.
One last thing — what’s the question I should be asking you?
I think these were pretty great questions!
TAGS: entrepreneurs Kelly Hoey