Discover how a tech entrepreneur turned her basement startup into one of the most successful IPOs in history and eventually managed a $3 billion budget as a cabinet secretary. Caren Merrick, Tech Founder, Private Equity Advisor, and Author, discusses the "Power of Insight" and why cultivating clarity is the essential discipline every modern leader must master to avoid the traps of bureaucracy and "scope creep." Learn why the most effective leadership begins with uncomfortable self-awareness and the willingness to ask, "What is it like to be on the other side of me?"

Bio: Caren Merrick believes business is a force for good. She brings more than 25 years of leadership experience across the private, public, and nonprofit sectors, helping organizations scale, govern wisely, and lead with purpose.

As co-founder and EVP of webMethods, she helped scale the company from a basement startup to one of the most successful software IPOs in history, expanding globally and creating significant shareholder value. She has since served on public and private company boards, guiding organizations through inflection points and working closely with CEOs, investors, and regulators to drive sustainable growth.

From 2022 to 2025, Merrick served as Virginia’s Secretary of Commerce & Trade, overseeing $3B budget, 13 agencies, and leading strategy for economic development, energy, workforce, housing, and innovation. Under her leadership, Virginia achieved record results:

• $140 billion in new capital investment across keysectors, including data centers, energy, and advanced manufacturing
• 15,000+ high-wage, high-growth startups launched
• CNBC recognition as America’s Top State for Business(2024)
• A new trade office in Taiwan and global trade missions expanding foreign direct investment
• An All-American, All-of-the-Above Energy Plan advancing affordability, reliability, and innovation

Merrick now serves as an advisor to private equity firms and as a board director, guiding executive teams on growth strategy, governance, and impact. She continues to champion philanthropic and mission-driven initiatives that expand opportunity through education, energy, and digital access—thriving where innovation meets execution and leadership delivers measurable results.

Her upcoming book, ThePower of Insight is for generous, mission-minded leaders who want their teams and organizations to flourish. Yet in a world of overwhelming noise—endless data, constant demands, rapid change—clarity is increasingly hard to find. This book equips leaders with the tools to cut through the noise and choose the wisest path forward. Follow Caren for latest updates and articles on LinkedIn. 

She is active in her church, is a member of The CEO Forum, The Council on Foreign Relations, The Economic Club of Washington, D.C., and The International Women’s Forum. She and her husband, Phillip—her business and life partner—celebrate 32 years of marriage and have two adult sons.

 Something Extra: "I have to say that I think it's insight. I think it's the understanding that if what you want is clarity and wisdom and discernment, you have to cultivate."

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