Kim Cooper
Founding Operating Partner, U&I Ventures
📍San Francisco, U.S.A.
What qualities do you think leaders need to have in today’s world?
Empathy, courage, and accountability.
If you had to describe your leadership style in one word, what would it be and why?
Empathic.
I lead by listening first. People do their best work when they feel seen and understood. Empathy builds trust — and trust is what drives strong, lasting teams and organizations.
How does your company’s Pledge 1% program help shape the kind of workplace culture you believe in?
Pledge 1% reflects our commitment to global citizenship. We believe companies have a responsibility beyond profit — to contribute to community, advance equity, and expand opportunity at scale. It helps embed those values into how we show up every day.
This year marks the 7th year of Pledge 1%’s #WomenWhoLead campaign. How can companies champion and support female leadership?
By allocating capital equitably. If we want more women in leadership, we need to fund them, as founders, emerging managers, and decision-makers. Capital doesn’t just support companies; it changes trajectories.
If you could write a note to your younger self on her first day of work, what would it say?
Your strengths matter, even if they’re hard to quantify. Be yourself — trust will follow.
