Forbes Talks: How Everette Taylor's Unconventional Rise Shaped His Leadership—And Kickstarter's Comeback
When Everette Taylor was named CEO of Kickstarter in 2022, it marked a historic milestone—not just for the pioneering crowdfunding platform, but for the tech industry, where Black leadership at the highest levels remains rare. At the time of his appointment, Taylor became one of only a handful of Black CEOs leading a global tech company—breaking barriers in a space that has long struggled with representation. Taylor wasn't just making noise. He was making impact.
In a candid video conversation with Forbes, Taylor spoke about that journey—from the margins to the main stage—and how his unconventional rise continues to shape his leadership and Kickstarter's comeback.
Raised by a single mother on the South Side of Richmond, Virginia, he dropped out of college—twice. He slept in his car, cold-called his way into rooms where no one expected to see him, and launched his first startup at 19.
That early boldness set the tone for a career defined by risk-taking, reinvention, and relentless drive. Without pedigree or privilege, Taylor forged his own leadership style—one that blends creative vision, market instinct, and a deep understanding of culture.
His big break came when tech veteran Mike Steib took a chance on him at Artsy, naming Taylor CMO at 29. 'Mike taught me what it meant to be a CEO,' Taylor says. 'Everything is your responsibility. No excuses.'
By the time he took the helm, Kickstarter's shine was starting to dim. Though still the leader in its space, 'revenue was declining, competitors were gaining ground, and the company's cultural relevance had started to fade. We weren't operating at the level we needed to be,' Taylor recalls.
To reignite Kickstarter's influence as a vital player in a rapidly evolving digital ecosystem, Taylor made a bold bet on the creator economy. 'I didn't just want to be a leader in crowdfunding,' he says. 'I wanted Kickstarter to be a leader in the creator economy.'
Since Taylor joined as CEO, creator education has become a central focus at Kickstarter, and over the past year alone, Kickstarter has rolled out dozens of new product features designed to support creators not just at launch, but to help them sustain, scale, and thrive throughout the full lifecycle of their projects.
It's a vision that's already showing results, as the company returned to consistent year-over-year revenue growth. 'Project success rates on the platform have climbed from around 50% to 65%,' he says. 'That matters more to me than revenue or any other metric because our mission is to help bring creative projects to life—and that starts with giving creators the tools, support, and education they need to succeed.'
But the transformation hasn't stopped at product innovation. Taylor also reimagined the company's internal culture to reflect the diversity of the global creative community it serves. 'Inclusivity was mission-critical,' he says. 'It started internally—with our team. My CMO is a Black woman. My head of content is a man of color. Our head of social is a woman of color. We built a team that looks like the world we serve.'
With that diverse leadership team in place, together they revamped outreach and education, expanded funding initiatives, and positioned Kickstarter not just as a launchpad, but as infrastructure for creators of all kinds. 'From first-time indie artists to billion-dollar brands like L'Oréal, Kickstarter is now a platform built to meet creators where they are.'
'For me, this work is personal,' Taylor says. 'I know what it's like to fight for an opportunity. I know what it means to have someone believe in you. That's what we're building at Kickstarter—a place where creators don't just launch projects, they build movements.'
Two years since Taylor first stepped into the top role at Kickstarter, now 35, he remains an anomaly in the tech C-suite. But he's determined not to be the last. 'There are so many incredible Black men and women who deserve these seats,' he says. 'I carry the responsibility of paving the way for them.'
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Black America Web
37 minutes ago
- Black America Web
20 Famous Black Talk Show Hosts
Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Talk shows have long been a staple of American television, offering a platform for entertainment, discussion, and cultural exchange. Over the years, numerous Black hosts have made indelible marks on the industry, bringing unique perspectives and voices to the forefront. From groundbreaking daytime programs to late-night innovations, these hosts have not only entertained but also educated and inspired audiences worldwide with their groundbreaking talent, opening doors for future generations. Meet Hazel Scott, the first Black woman to host a TV show. Hazel Scott, a trailblazing jazz pianist and vocalist, is widely recognized by historians as the first Black woman to host her own national television program in the United States. According to Women's History, more than just a performer, Scott was a fearless advocate for civil rights, standing up against the Hollywood studio system and testifying before the House Un-American Activities Committee during a time when doing so posed grave personal and professional risks. Her signature fusion of classical music with jazz rhythms captivated audiences across America and around the world. Born in Port of Spain, Trinidad, in 1920, Scott moved to New York City in 1924 with her mother and grandmother following her parents' separation. She was the only child of R. Thomas Scott, a West African scholar, and Alma Long Scott, a classically trained pianist and accomplished saxophonist. Hazel's musical aptitude emerged early—by age three, she could play piano by ear, and she was known to vocally protest when her mother's students hit incorrect notes. 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When Billie Holiday abruptly ended her engagement there, she personally recommended Scott as her successor. Scott quickly became the club's star attraction and was affectionately dubbed the 'Darling of Café Society.' In 1950, Scott broke new ground once again with ' The Hazel Scott Show,' a 15-minute television program aired three times a week. It initially broadcast in New York and later expanded nationally. On the show, Scott performed her unique blend of jazz, blues, and classical music, earning critical acclaim and strong viewership. However, her rising stardom was cut short when she was named in ' Red Channels ,' a publication that accused entertainers of Communist affiliations. The show was swiftly canceled, despite her refusal to back down under pressure. Scott's legacy is not only defined by her musical genius but also by her incredible commitment to justice and artistic integrity in the face of adversity. She walked so many of our favorite Black talk and TV show hosts could run and thrive. Here's a look at 20 influential Black talk show hosts who have shaped the landscape of television. 20 Famous Black Talk Show Hosts was originally published on Source:Getty Tyra Banks revolutionized the modeling industry with 'America's Next Top Model' from 2003 to 2015, and later hosted 'The Tyra Banks Show' (2006-2010), where she delved into personal stories and social issues with guests. Her candid approach and charisma made her a household name. Source:Getty Queen Latifah brought her multifaceted talents to 'The Queen Latifah Show,' from 1999 to 2001, blending music, comedy, and interviews with a focus on positivity and empowerment. Her warmth and authenticity resonated with audiences. Source:Getty Former NFL star Michael Strahan transitioned to television, co-hosting 'Live with Kelly and Michael' from 2012 to 2013 and later hosting 'The $100,000 Pyramid ,' and 'GMA3,' showcasing his versatility and charm. His engaging personality made him a favorite among viewers. Source:Getty Oprah Winfrey's 'The Oprah Winfrey Show' became a cultural phenomenon when it premiered in 1986, touching on topics from self-help to politics, and making her one of the most influential media figures in history. Her empathetic interviewing style set a new standard for talk shows and made her a beloved figure around the world until the show's end in 2011. Source:Getty Known for her candid and often controversial opinions, Wendy Williams hosted 'The Wendy Williams Show,' from 2008 to 2022, where she discussed celebrity gossip and current events with unapologetic flair. Her bold approach garnered a dedicated following. Williams took a step back from the spotlight in 2022 to tend to several health issues including her ongoing battle with lymphedema, frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and primary progressive aphasia (PPA). Source:Getty RuPaul had a brief stint with his talk show, 'The RuPaul Show,' between 1997 and 1998. However, his big break would come in 2009, when 'RuPaul's Drag Race' premiered. It brought drag culture into the mainstream, celebrating self-expression and diversity. RuPaul's charisma and advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights made him a trailblazer. Source:Getty Sherri Shepherd co-hosted 'The View' from 2007 to 2014 and later launched her own daytime talk show, 'Sherri,' in 2022, where she now combines humor with heartfelt discussions on various topics. Fans love her funny and authentic delivery on air. Source:Getty Steve Harvey parlayed his funny humor as a comic into his full-time hosting role with 'Family Feud' in 2010. 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Source:Getty Ananda Lewis hosted 'The Ananda Lewis Show,' from 2001 to 2022, a place where she engaged with young audiences on topics ranging from relationships to social issues, providing a relatable voice for her generation. Her approachable demeanor made her a trusted figure thanks to her early days as an MTV veejay. Source:Getty Oscar-winning actress Mo'Nique hosted 'The Mo'Nique Show,' where she combined celebrity interviews with discussions on real-life issues, all while showcasing her comedic talents. Her authenticity and boldness set her apart. The show ran for 7 seasons between 2009 and 2012. Source:Getty From 1989 to 1994, Arsenio Hall's late-night talk show, 'The Arsenio Hall Show,' brought a fresh perspective to the genre, featuring musical performances and interviews with a diverse range of guests. His show became a platform for emerging artists and cultural discussions. Source:Getty Tavis Smiley began his broadcasting career as a radio commentator in 1991. 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Her vibrant personality and style make her a standout host. Source:Getty Comedian Sheryl Underwood was a regular contributor on the nationally syndicated ' Tom Joyner Morning Show' until June 2010. She also briefly hosted her own radio program, 'Sheryl Underwood and Company,' which aired on Radio One's Syndication One News/Talk network and on XM Satellite Radio's Channel 169, known as The Power. Additionally, Underwood hosts 'The Sheryl Underwood Show' on Tuesday nights on Jamie Foxx's SiriusXM channel, The Foxxhole (Sirius 106). In 2011, she joined the CBS daytime talk show 'The Talk' as a co-host during its second season, stepping in as a replacement for Leah Remini. Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE
Yahoo
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Effort to improve transportation in Bluefield moving ahead
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New York Times
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A Comprehensive Accounting of Trump's Culture of Corruption
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