Lauren Lake and Mallorie Brodie are the co-founders of Bridgit, a subscription-based app designed to make communication easier for construction workers. Lauren is a Civil Structural Engineer and an active mentor to young women in construction and she was recently named one of Canada’s top 36 high impact individuals of 2013. Bridget is the winner of The Disruptors season 2 and the only Canadian company selected for Google Demo Day Women’s Edition (which they also won). It is also one of the few startups invited to an exclusive meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
“I think the thing that will drive the majority of young girls to think about careers in STEM will be the female role models that are currently in those careers.” — Lauren Lake
1. In a couple of sentences, can you please tell the audience who you are and what you do?
My name is Lauren and I’m the co-founder of Bridgit. Bridgit is a software company that builds software for construction projects. We help general contractors manage the many thousands of issues that come up on large construction projects and get work assigned to their subcontractors quickly. This is typically a process that is done manually, and by automating it with a software system, we are able to save time and money on these projects.
2. What’s the most important thing you have learned in your career?
I’ve learned that in order to achieve at the highest level possible, I need a team around me, and that it’s not something I can do alone. I’ve learned to surround myself with people who have strengths that I do not have, and build a diverse team that can do great things together.
3. Did you have a mentor? If so, how did you find them and how old were you?
I’ve had many mentors throughout my life. I met them all organically by being involved in different things and actively looking for new opportunities.
4. What did you want to be when you grew up and why?
I wanted to be a doctor because I enjoyed science in school and wanted to help others. As I went into university, I realized that there are many ways to give back to the community and I wanted to build something from scratch.
5. What things did you like to do as a teen?
I danced competitively during high school and was very involved in the performing arts through theatre as well as music.
6. Are there any activities or hobbies you wish you had become involved in as a teen that would have prepared you for the role you have today?
There are a number of programs that allow teenagers to build entrepreneurial skills, such as Junior Achievers. This was not something that I was involved in as a teen, but would have been a great way to get some early experience in starting a company. I also could have done more team sports which would have been great for building teamwork skills.
7. If you could give your 12-year-old self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Try everything. Get out there and try everything to find what you like, because there will be things that surprise you.
8. Any advice for young girls who dream of running a company in STEM?
If you’re considering it, then go for it. Look for people who can help you on the way and make the most of every opportunity that comes your way.
9. What’s the most important thing you have learned in your career?
It can be difficult to picture yourself in a specific career when you don’t see anyone in that role that shares any resemblance to you. I think the thing that will drive the majority of young girls to think about careers in STEM will be the female role models that are currently in those careers. These women can serve as the aspirations for the next generation and get more young girls picturing themselves in these careers from an early age.
10. What is your advice to the industry as a whole to help close the gap for women in technology?
We should highlight all of the women doing amazing things in tech to help shine light and provide mentors for the next generation.