Neil Whitney
Co-founder, Menud
Areas of Expertise:Fundraising, Healthcare, Marketing
I love deep thinking. I love getting to the root of a problem. And I’m a firm believer in first principles thinking.
Throughout my career in the Army, in the Intelligence Community, at Apple, and in my own venture, Menud, I’ve worked to solve hard problems that affect people’s everyday lives. To that end, I enjoy creating things that simplify decision making. When we can reduce the noise and friction in life’s simpler decisions, we shore up time to tackle harder problems.
But solving problems cannot happen in a vacuum. I’ve learned throughout my career, and I love sharing those lessons with young innovators.
To meet with Neil, or any of our excellent mentors, please fill out this interest form.
Q. What excites you most about the Wond’ry?
A. The opportunity to work with energetic innovators on the projects they are pursuing.
Q. What do you feel are the most important skills you have to offer in your role as a mentor?
A. Helping innovators define real problems that deserve solutions… and avoiding the pitfalls of creating for the sake of creating.
Q. What has been your proudest moment in your career?
A. Standing in a room with my project team at Apple as Tim Cook released Apple Watch to the public. My team was essential to the launch of that iconic product.
Q. What has surprised you most about your job?
A. Learning that great professionals do not always make great entrepreneurs.
Q. If you could do everything over again, would you make the same career choices?
A. Absolutely. I’ve served in the Army and for the Intelligence Community. I created teams and products at Apple. And now I’m building a platform that can improve the health and wellness of millions of people. Its been a winding road; but, I wouldn’t have changed anything.
Q. In your opinion, what is the most important quality for success?
A. Finding the win-win-win in relationships.
Q. When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A. I wanted to work for CIA.