Welcome to the Club of Dreamers and Doers

Hey there, fellow dream chasers! If you’re a female founder navigating the tech world’s twists and turns, especially as an immigrant, this one’s for you. We’ve got a story that will not just inspire you but will push you to rethink what’s possible. This week at CEO School, we’re diving deep with Deb Dutta, the brilliant mind behind Criya, a platform revolutionizing how women, especially immigrants like us, tell their stories.

From Dreams to Reality: Deb Dutta’s Leap

Imagine moving to a new country with dreams and a hard drive full of ambition. Now, meet Deb Dutta. Deb’s journey from a student visa to founding a tech startup, Criya, backed by Y Combinator, is nothing short of a rollercoaster ride full of learning curves and triumphs. With over 13 years of tech experience at giants like PayPal and Microsoft, Deb didn’t just dream; she hustled her way into making those dreams a reality.

A Test of Resilience

One of the most jaw-dropping parts of Deb’s journey? Her battle with the green card process. Instead of waiting around, Deb decided to become the exception. Through personal branding and showcasing her impact, she turned what could have been a 15-year wait into a triumph in just 14 days. Talk about breaking barriers!

Criya: Empowering Women One Profile at a Time

Criya isn’t just a tech platform; it’s a movement. Aimed at helping professionals, especially women, build their personal brand, Criya is the answer to making that first impression count. Deb’s vision with Criya is to ensure that women, irrespective of their background, can articulate their accomplishments and win over anyone in those first few crucial seconds.

The Y Combinator Journey: A Dream Within a Dream

Deb’s story takes an exhilarating turn with her acceptance into Y Combinator, a feat that she achieved with the firm belief that “it had to happen.” Her tale is a masterclass in ambition, showcasing that with the right mindset, doors will open, and opportunities will arise.

For the Female Founders: Deb’s Message

If you’re sitting on a goldmine of ideas but doubting your ability to break through, especially if you lack a technical co-founder or feel weighed down by your immigrant status, Deb’s advice is to start simple. Validate your MVP, leverage platforms like Bubble for prototyping, and remember, resources and connections materialize when you put yourself out there.

The Ultimate Boost of Inspiration

Feeling inspired yet? We’ve only scratched the surface of Deb Dutta’s incredible journey and the gems of wisdom she shared on CEO School. For every female founder out there, especially my immigrant sisters, this episode is a beacon of hope, a guide, and a reminder that no barrier is too big.

Tune into the full episode of CEO School and let Deb Dutta’s journey from an immigrant to a tech founder superstar fuel your drive to succeed. Trust me, if you’re looking for a sign to push forward with your dreams, this is it. Listen to the podcast and let’s make those dreams a reality, together.

Ready to Make Your Mark?

Remember, the world needs your ideas, your innovations, and yes, your stories. Let’s break barriers, build bridges, and blaze trails. Your journey starts now.

See you at the top, queens,

The CEO School team.

Connect with Deb here.

Discover Criya.