Serendipity and Careers: Entrepreneur Turned AI Ethicist Dr. Eleanor Drage (Cambridge)

Being lost isn't such a bad thing

Dr. Eleanor Drage had her eyes set on becoming a lawyer before dropping out even before the classes started. She admits to feeling lost early on in her career. She started her career working in some incubators, worked at a leading fintech company, and started her e-commerce venture.

Today, she is a researcher at the University of Cambridge where she spends most of her time conducting research on AI ethics with the broader goal of making the internet kind and inclusive. Feminism and racial inclusion are core components of her research.

You may disagree with her on some points, but how she has carved her career at the intersection of technology and ethics is fascinating. Dr. Eleanor is active on TikTok and has built a portfolio of careers and income streams. As you listen/watch this Network Capital episode, pay attention to key inflection points in her career and how she eventually found her purpose.

Here are the main takeaways to guide your reflection:

1. On Career Fluidity: "My career so far has been a series of happy accidents... I left law school before I even started... and when I got back I remember thinking I have no idea what I wanted to do at all"