Tampa Bay Business Women Awards 2023: Linda Olson

Linda Olson is the chief executive officer and founder of the Tampa Bay Wave. Today, the Wave has a national, and international, reputation and recruits technology companies from across the United States and beyond, several of whom have relocated to the region.

Since its launch, in 2013, the Wave has supported 450 startups and, collectively, these startups have raised more than $650 million and created 4,000 jobs.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST LESSON IN YOUR PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY?

Over my career, I have learned repeatedly that you can accomplish big things… even almost impossible big things… if you set your mind to it. You must name it and develop a plan to reach it and, if you remain committed and persistent, nearly anything is possible.

No person’s success is “self-made.” There are always others who have opened doors or provided the opportunities for your success, even if they did not intend to do so. But if you want to be successful, surround yourself with other successful people who are willing to help hold you accountable, be there for you when you need them and be your biggest cheerleader each time you cross another milestone.  Of course, this means you need to be committed to doing the same, in return, but the payoff is immeasurable.

WHAT DOES WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT MEAN TO YOU?

Women empowerment is about highlighting, and celebrating, the women who break through ceilings so that all women, regardless of age or background, can be inspired to live up to their full potential. But women’s empowerment is about more than just inspiration. In some cases, there are still some fights to be fought to give all women equal opportunities, and pathways, to success.

 

You May Also Like
Scenes from TBBW’s CEO Connect with Rob Elder (PHOTOS)(VIDEO)

Tampa Bay Business and Wealth held its September CEO Connect with Rob Elder, president of Elder Automotive Group. BankUnited and Nperspetive were presenting sponsors for the event. The event was hosted

Read More
TBBW announces winners of 2024 Apogee Awards

Tampa Bay Business & Wealth has announced the winners of its 2024 Apogee Awards at Armature Works. Presenting sponsors of the 2024 Apogee Awards include Forvis Mazars, Southstate and Vistage

Read More
Scenes from TBBW’s CEO Connect with the Micha Seal (PHOTOS and VIDEO)  

Tampa Bay Business and Wealth held its August CEO Connect with Micha Seal, chief executive officer and founder of Watermelon Swim, in Tampa. Presenting sponsors for the event were Holland &

Read More
Exclusive: TBBW presents the finalists for the Philanthropists of the Year Awards 2024 (PHOTOS)

Three judges from the Tampa Bay area have selected the finalists for Tampa Bay Business and Wealth’s Philanthropists of the Year Awards 2024. The Philanthropists of the Year Awards honors

Read More
Other Posts
Scenes from TBBW’s Women’s Wellness Invitational 2024 (PHOTOS)

Tampa Bay Business and Wealth’s third annual Women’s Wellness Invitational, presented by Cigna, HCA, the Hospital for Endocrine Surgery and Fifth Third Bank, was held at the Rock Spa &

Read More
Scenes from TBBW’s 2024 Apogee Awards VIP reception (PHOTOS)

Tampa Bay Business and Wealth held its 2024 Apogee Awards VIP reception for sponsors and finalists. The Apogee Awards is a unique awards program, created by TBBW magazine, to recognize

Read More
On the Scene: Wheelchairs 4 Kids 13th Annual Jail and Bail (PHOTOS)

The 13th Annual Wheelchairs 4 Kids Jail and Bail fundraiser at Eddie V’s brought together Tampa’s business leaders to support children needing mobility assistance.  This unique event featured participants serving

Read More
Scenes from TBBW’s CEO Connect with the founders of the BKS Partners (PHOTOS and VIDEO)  

Tampa Bay Business and Wealth held its July CEO Connect with Laura Sherman, Lowry Baldwin and Elizabeth Krystyn, founders of BKS Partners, at The Baldwin Group, in Tampa. Presenting sponsors for

Read More