Hello there!
‘Social media is the medium of our time and it doesn’t serve people. And I think the next evolution of technology is where it serves us. And so I do see myself in service to people on the planet.’ So says Sue Fennessy, the brilliant founder of new and innovative social media platform WeAre8, which aims to bring a positive social media experience to hundreds of millions of people, all while sharing the majority of the advertiser money with people, creators and causes. Already WeAre8 has raised over $1.25m for charities. But how does someone become the person who courageously takes on the world’s enormous social media players? Here Sue shares the story behind her passion and reminds us that inherently we all just want to help others.
Resources:
Learn more about Sue here.
Learn about and download WeAre8 here.
About Sue Fennessy
Sue Fennessy is a passionate, articulate and engaged leader, who talks from the heart and is on a mission to change the social media landscape, taking on the Silicon Valley bros as the only female global CEO for socials platforms. She’s created a social media app that not only has zero tolerance for hate, but can also generate millions of dollars shared across charities, creatives and citizens each month.
Sue has a seriously impressive career and has spent the past 30 years creating disruptive businesses in a male-dominated digital and media landscape. She launched her first business at just 21, eventually selling it to global media company, Omnicom. Sue then moved to China to set up a media, sport and entertainment business before heading to New York, where she established the ground-breaking media data company, Standard Media Index, which she later sold to private equity firm GCTR.
In just 12 months, WeAre8 has accomplished an array of impressive feats. Now launched in the USA, UK, Australia and NZ, it’s directed $1.25 million towards pivotal causes, encompassing charities and initiatives focusing on environmental welfare. The have a tangible commitment to securing a sustainable future, also planting 43,750 trees, effectively neutralising 875 metric tons of carbon emissions. However, their dedication extends beyond financial considerations. Through collaborative efforts, WeAre8 has engaged with 112 charitable organisations worldwide, spanning continents, underscoring their resounding dedication to effecting global transformation.
Find the moment you're seeking
02:38 Jo forgets to press record! Episode starts with huge laughs, and Sue celebrating vulnerability.
03:52 Facebook and the other social media platforms are broken – in their ad model, and in the way it makes us feel. So Weare8 aims to change that.
07:58 Purpose chooses us.
09:46 99% of people want to do something for others, but social media dampens that down.
12:42 400 likes is the same dopamine input as your wedding day. Although that depends on your wedding day!
15:28 The damaging way algorithms work.
17:07 The history of Sue’s family and how it made her who she is.
24:14 Other people who influenced Sue, including Megan Wiggsy (who’s Megan Wiggsy?)
30:43 Sue believes WeAre8 could only be created by a woman. Why?
31:23 Sue’s first job and her first act of rebellion.
33:39 The origin story of… The Magic 8 ball
38:09 What’s next for WeAre8?
41:03 Sue’s ‘be’: Be you, be yourself. You’re doing the world disservice if you’re not, so be yourself.
Meet Jo
Jo Stanley is Founder and CEO at Broad Radio – radio for women, by women. Comedian, author, MC, speaker. Co-host of The House of Wellness TV and Radio. Hope messenger. Equality warrior. Mother, wife, awesome friend.
Broad Radio Insta • Broad Generation Insta • Broad Radio Web
Say hi to Mimi
Mimi is the Author of House of Kwa, Journalist, MC, Facilitator, Keynote, Mum of four, studying to become a mindfulness mediation teacher, also did architecture at university and didn’t become an architect. Quite a good friend.
BUY House of Kwa • Mimi Kwa Web