From Fishing Port to Tech Titan: Fidji Simo's Journey to Instacart

Fidji Simo, the CEO of Instacart, has a unique background that has shaped her leadership style and approach to business. Born and raised in a French fishing port town, Sète, Simo's upbringing in a family of fishermen and fishmongers instilled in her valuable lessons about hard work, community, and adaptability. These experiences have been instrumental in her success as a leader in the tech industry.



One of the key lessons Simo learned from her upbringing is the importance of adaptability and embracing change. Her grandfather, a fisherman, faced a significant disruption when sonar technology was introduced, making his intricate knowledge of local waters obsolete. Instead of resisting the change, he embraced it, spending time with the technician to understand the new technology better than anyone else. This allowed him to maintain his competitive advantage and adapt to the new reality. In business, leaders must be open to change and willing to adapt their strategies to stay ahead of the competition (Simo, 2024).

Another important aspect of Simo's leadership style is her focus on community and collaboration. As a boat captain, her father emphasized the importance of valuing each crew member and fostering a collaborative environment. This approach has stayed with Simo, who believes in prioritizing her team and creating a supportive work environment. In her interview with CNBC, she stated, "The crew comes before you, always" (Simo, 2024). Aspiring leaders should focus on building strong, collaborative teams and fostering a culture of mutual respect and support.

Simo's commitment to authenticity and staying true to oneself has also been crucial in her success. She struggled to fit into the tech industry's unspoken dress code and expectations, particularly at Facebook. She initially tried to conform by wearing hoodies and toning down her French accent, but ultimately realized that she couldn't be her best self while trying to fit a mold. Embracing her unique identity and style allowed her to excel in her role and become a successful leader. Aspiring leaders should learn to be authentic and true to themselves, as this will help them build stronger connections with their teams and achieve greater success (Simo, 2024).

Fidji Simo's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion has also shaped her leadership approach at Instacart. She believes that each person brings something unique to the table, and that diversity makes teams more interesting and creative. This commitment is reflected in her actions and decisions at Instacart, where she has encouraged employees to be their authentic selves and fostered a growth mindset. Additionally, she has committed Instacart to addressing food insecurity, a pressing social issue, demonstrating her focus on stakeholders beyond just shareholders (Simo, Fortune, 2021).

In conclusion, Fidji Simo's journey from a French fishing port to the helm of Instacart is a testament to her adaptability, authenticity, and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Her experiences and leadership style have contributed to Instacart's growth and success, as well as its positive impact on society. Aspiring leaders can learn valuable lessons from Simo's experiences and apply them to their own leadership journeys.