For more than 20 years Jeanne Sullivan has navigated the investment world as a venture capitalist, fielding bullies, bozos, and buffoons all the way to the top. In this TEDx talk she shares her secrets for how and when to stand up, step up, and speak up. Sullivan recounts the trials and tribulations of her career with wisdom and humor, reminding us all that when the going gets tough you don’t have to be nasty, but you do need to be sassy.

Jeanne M. Sullivan is an Advisor, Speaker, Investor, and Connector, but her favorite title is Chief Inspiration Officer. Sullivan is a co-Founder of StarVest Partners, a venture capital firm in NYC. Prior to her 20 years in the investment community, she gained her operating chops with the likes of AT&T and Bell Labs. A "voice” for women, Jeanne serves on the Global Board of Trustees of Astia, funding high growth women entrepreneurs, the Women’s Leadership Board at Harvard Kennedy School and is an Athena Entrepreneur Fellow for Barnard College. The New York Hall of Science recently honored Jeanne for inspiring girls and women in science and technology (STEM) fields.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx