Carolyn Dawson: If you’re the smartest person in the room, get out |
Thursday 23 April 2026 5:23 am | Updated: Wednesday 22 April 2026 6:42 pm
Carolyn Dawson: If you’re the smartest person in the room, get out
By: Anna Moloney
Deputy Comment and Features Editor
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Each week, we dig into the memory bank of the City’s great and good. Today, Founders Forum CEO Carolyn Dawson takes us through her career in tech, from her most embarrassing job interview to her best advice, in Square Mile and Me
CV
Name: Carolyn Dawson Job title: CEO of Founders Forum Group Previous roles: President of Informa Age: 47 Born: Abergavenny, South Wales Lives: Chobham, Surrey Studied: French and German Talents: Talking Motto: What would I do today if I weren’t afraid? Biggest perk of the job? Being in the middle of amazing tech minds and developments Coffee order: Skinny Latte (decaf after 12) Cocktail order: Martini Favourite book: Shoe Dog by Phil KnightWhat was your first job?
At the tourist offices in North Wales. I’m pretty sure a few visitors received terrible advice about climbing Snowdon, which I have only done by train. Saying Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch 20 times a day to Americans was also a highlight! Taught me a lot about customer service.
What was your first role in tech?
I was a research analyst and........