Amber Mac is an accomplished tech expert, author, speaker, TV host, and president of her thriving business, AmberMac Media. With a career that took root during the dot-com boom, she has consistently pushed boundaries and her expertise in the field.
Her knowledge and insights have caught the attention of major media outlets such as CBS, CNN, Bloomberg TV, and Fast Company magazine, who have sought her expertise to provide fresh perspectives on the evolving tech landscapes.
You’ve witnessed the growth of the tech industry since the dot-com boom. How did learning and growing up in that environment shape you?
During the dot-com boom in the late 1990s, startups were much riskier regarding overspending. I worked at one startup that raised over $20 million and spent most of it within a few years without significant revenue. Also, there were more entry barriers to starting a business during that first bubble. Today, it’s easier than ever to launch a company thanks to plenty of third-party tools (whether it’s Freshbooks for invoicing or Squarespace for website design) and more opportunities for seed funding. If you want to start a business in your basement, it’s doable.
The experiences have helped to shape my perspective. The financial recklessness of that era has instilled in me a cautious approach to resource allocation, emphasizing sustainable growth. Moreover, the contrast between the earlier entry barriers and today’s democratized entrepreneurship has driven home the significance of adaptability and seizing the myriad tools at our disposal.
As a child, you attended school in a two-room country schoolhouse. What was learning like in that environment?
As a child growing up in rural Prince Edward Island, I had a unique experience that shaped who I am today. While I’ve had incredible professional experiences, such as writing two bestselling books, working with top technology companies, and interviewing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau this past May, I always remember my very humble roots. From a learning perspective, I always knew I would have to work harder if I was going to succeed on a global scale; after all, I had no built-in network, being from the country’s smallest province. As the child of entrepreneurs, I worked in the family business at the ripe age of 8. While my parents ran a property management company during that time, my brother and I often cleaned up garbage in parking lots my mom and dad oversaw before heading to school in the morning. I believe that this early work ethic has helped me grow my business and my brand.
Did you always have an entrepreneurial spirit?
Indeed, an entrepreneurial drive has been a constant thread in my journey. Balancing roles, like my early morning gig at a San Francisco radio station before my technology startup day shift, exemplified my hunger for success. In my early 20s, I leveraged my willingness to outwork my peers to forge ahead. Today, embracing the digital economy’s demands is effortless––TV takes a backseat, and I don’t drink alcohol. My devotion extends to my family and business operations.
Furthermore, my entrepreneurial journey has been a continuous learning experience, teaching me to adapt, innovate, and seize opportunities in an ever-evolving landscape. My many challenges have only fuelled my determination to craft impactful solutions and make a lasting mark.
During your career, have you observed any changes in how women in tech-related industries are perceived and treated?
I give my mother and her generation credit for being one of the first to raise families and go to work outside the home. Over the past couple of decades, I’ve seen plenty of positive changes in the tech industry regarding the treatment of women. A famous saying, “If You Can See It, You Can Be It,” applies perfectly to women in tech. While there are more of us, we must continue spotlighting these women at work.
Compared to the past, today’s landscape offers more platforms to share women’s stories and successes. But true transformation arises when women’s achievements become more essential threads of the tech narrative.
What are some entrepreneurs’ best strategies to grow their businesses and keep their clients interested?
Today’s entrepreneurs must constantly adapt to new digital tools and technologies. Consider a recent trend like artificial intelligence; all business owners should be working hard to figure out how AI can help make their companies more productive. Whether introducing a chatbot for customer service or learning how an AI-driven sales tool can maximize opportunities, staying relevant is essential.
Fostering solid online communities and engaging through social media platforms can also build a loyal customer base. Regularly analyzing market trends and customer feedback ensures a tailored approach, while collaborations with complementary businesses can expand reach. Have a blend of innovation and customer-centricity paves the way for sustainable growth and enduring client interest.
Are there any lessons you learned when you were in San Francisco during the dot-com boom that are still relevant today?
My experiences during that vibrant period still resonate deeply. My initial role at Razorfish in San Francisco taught me the power of quiet observation and active listening. Today’s frenetic environment often drowns out meaningful dialogue with constant noise and people shouting at each other, whether online or offline. Amid this, stepping back, embracing another’s viewpoint, and genuinely understanding and listening before responding remains pivotal. In an era of noise, genuine growth springs from the wisdom of attentive concentration. //
Jennifer M. Williams | Editor-in-Chief
