At Moxy, we believe in inspiring action by highlighting real stories of real women. The tech world has just lost one of its quietly powerful female leaders : Susan Wojcicki and we are here to share more about her journey navigating the tech world whilst raising a family.
A Pioneer in Silicon Valley
As the CEO of YouTube from 2014 to 2023, Susan was one of the most powerful women in tech, leading the world’s largest video-sharing platform through a period of exponential growth. But her influence extended far beyond YouTube. From her early days at Google, where she played a pivotal role in the development of AdSense and the acquisition of YouTube, to her advocacy for gender diversity and family leave policies in Silicon Valley, Susan was a trailblazer whose work has shaped the digital landscape as we know it.
What many may not realize is that Susan was also a mother of five children—a fact that makes her achievements even more extraordinary. Balancing the demands of leading in a male-dominated industry with raising a family, Susan became a champion for working mothers everywhere. She was the first woman at Google to take maternity leave in the company’s early days, setting a precedent for what would become one of the most progressive family leave policies in the tech world.
The First Maternity Leave at Google
Susan Wojcicki’s story of taking maternity leave at Google is emblematic of the challenges women often face in the workplace. "When I first started I don't think we really had an HR department. So it wasn't really clear," she recalled. "I said, 'Hey Larry, hey Sergey, I'm going to take a little time off ... Nobody had ever done it before at the company.'"
Her experience was not only groundbreaking but also laid the foundation for lasting change. Fast forward nearly two decades, and Susan was instrumental in leading the charge on family leave at Google—both for men and women. Under her influence, Google started to offer new mothers 18 weeks of paid leave and new fathers 12 weeks. "When we increased our maternity leave to 18 weeks, we saw the number of women who left Google cut by 50%," Susan shared in an interview at Fortune's Most Powerful Women Summit.
This data-driven approach was enough for Google to make the case that paid leave is not just a perk but a business imperative. "We wanted to retain women, we wanted to show them that Google cared, that they can be a mother and they could work at Google," she explained. Her legacy in this area is a powerful reminder of the importance of supporting working parents, not just as a moral responsibility, but as a strategic priority for companies.
The Legacy She Leaves Behind
As we reflect on Susan Wojcicki’s legacy, it’s clear that her impact is enduring. Under her leadership, YouTube became a platform that democratized content creation, giving voices to millions of people around the world. She navigated the challenges of content moderation, data privacy, and platform growth with a steady hand, leaving behind a company that continues to play a crucial role in global communication.
Moreover, Susan was a strong advocate for inclusivity and diversity in the workplace, pushing for policies that supported women and underrepresented groups in tech. Her efforts have paved the way for a more equitable industry, ensuring that future generations of women can thrive in leadership roles without having to choose between their careers and their personal lives.
A Call to Recognize and Celebrate
It is unfortunate that we are only now coming to fully appreciate Susan Wojcicki’s story after her passing. Her life and work serve as a powerful reminder that we must not wait until it is too late to recognize and celebrate the contributions of those who make a difference. In an industry that moves at lightning speed, it is easy to overlook the individuals, especially women who have quietly been leading the way. But it is precisely these individuals, like Susan, whose stories deserve to be told and celebrated in their own time.
As we honor Susan Wojcicki’s legacy, let us commit to shining a light on the achievements of all leaders, especially those whose voices and stories might otherwise go unheard. The future of tech—and indeed, of society—depends on our ability to recognize and celebrate the diverse range of talents and perspectives that drive progress.
To all the women out there balancing careers and family life, know you’re seen, you’re valued, and you’re capable of incredible things. Susan's story is a powerful reminder of that.
If you wish to share your experiences, join the movement on Moxy Movement to make your voice heard! And if you are an employer looking to get some help on how to bring retain female talent, contact us to know more here.
In case you also missed our latest post on surprising encounters in the workplace by Kit Lim, read it here.
