Remembering the Legacy of Susan Wojcicki: A Trailblazer and Visionary
Susan Wojcicki, a trailblazer in the tech industry and former CEO of YouTube, passed away on Friday after a two-year battle with non-small cell cancer. At the age of 56, Wojcicki left behind a profound impact on the industry and a legacy that will be remembered for years to come.
Wojcicki’s journey in the tech world began when she rented her Menlo Park garage to Larry Page and Sergey Brin as they were starting Google. She then became one of the company’s first 20 employees, showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit and determination from the start. In 2014, Wojcicki took on the role of CEO at YouTube, further solidifying her influence in the industry.
As news of Wojcicki’s passing spread, her colleagues, friends, and peers took to social media to share their memories and reflections. Marc Benioff, co-founder and CEO of Salesforce, expressed his admiration for Wojcicki as a trailblazer in the industry and a cherished friend. He highlighted the many family events they shared and celebrated her incredible success.
Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, also expressed his sadness at the loss of Wojcicki, describing her as one of Silicon Valley’s visionaries. Her impact on the industry was widely recognized, and her presence will be missed by many.
Neal Mohan, current CEO of YouTube, spoke of Wojcicki as a teammate, mentor, and friend. He acknowledged her pivotal role in the DoubleClick acquisition and emphasized how her legacy lives on in everything she touched at Google and YouTube.
Melinda French Gates, a philanthropist, praised Wojcicki for breaking the mold and intentionally opening doors for young women pursuing careers in tech. She described Wojcicki as a role model for people of all backgrounds, highlighting the meaningful and impactful nature of her career.
John and Hank Green, both writers and YouTubers, expressed their sorrow at Wojcicki’s passing. John shared how Wojcicki quietly supported his project for maternal health in Sierra Leone without seeking credit or attention, showcasing her exceptional leadership and kindness. Hank described his admiration for Wojcicki’s thoughtfulness and kindness, despite the toughness she displayed during her tenure at YouTube.
Diane von Furstenberg, a renowned fashion designer, paid tribute to Wojcicki as a witness to our century. She acknowledged Wojcicki’s role in the early days of Google and the growth of YouTube under her leadership. Von Furstenberg emphasized the impact Wojcicki had on the world and the void her absence will leave.
Kara Swisher, a journalist, described Wojcicki as a true treasure in Silicon Valley. She highlighted Wojcicki’s kindness, warmth, integrity, and her ability to balance her successful career with being a tremendous parent to five children.
Marques Brownlee, a well-known YouTuber, expressed his sadness at the news of Wojcicki’s passing. He commended her for handling the stressful position of YouTube CEO with grace and vision and praised her generous nature behind the scenes.
Emily Chang, a journalist, looked up to Wojcicki as a mother of five who also built and led massive products and teams. She appreciated Wojcicki’s willingness to share her experiences and insights, highlighting an old interview where Wojcicki discussed her journey.
Ron Conway, a venture capitalist, remembered Wojcicki as one of the biggest contributors to the tech community. He emphasized her kindness and thoughtfulness, as well as her dedication to being a great mom. Conway called on others to follow her example and strive to make the world a better place in her honor.
Alex Winter, director of “The YouTube Effect,” shared his experience of interviewing Wojcicki for a documentary. He described her as brilliant, gracious, compassionate, and open to intense criticism of the platform, showcasing her willingness to listen and consider different perspectives.
Matt Ross, a former YouTube executive and founder of Day2 Health, shared a personal anecdote about Wojcicki’s compassion. He mentioned how she supported him when he received a Parkinson’s diagnosis and admired her ability to reject work she didn’t like without belittling others.
Susan Wojcicki’s passing leaves a void in the tech industry, but her impact and legacy will continue to inspire future generations. From her early days at Google to her transformative leadership at YouTube, Wojcicki’s journey serves as a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and compassion in the face of challenges. Her contributions will be remembered and cherished by all those who were fortunate enough to witness her remarkable career.
