A Day in the Life of Lucy Guo, the Youngest Self-Made Female Billionaire
Lucy Guo, the youngest self-made female billionaire, starts her day at a precise time, ensuring that she is always on schedule. Her routine is a testament to her disciplined approach to life and work. As a 30-year-old entrepreneur, she has built a successful career through her company, Scale AI, an artificial intelligence data-labelling firm that she founded in 2016 when she was just 21.
Despite her hectic schedule, Lucy manages to maintain a balance between her professional and personal life. She shares that even though she has two cats named Chili and Sega who often disrupt her sleep, she finds joy in their antics. “One was pooping very heavily. It was like a little robot going and going,” she says with a smile.
Lucy’s journey into the world of technology began with her passion for AI. She explains that AI companies require high-quality training data to ensure their models produce accurate results. “If the data says the sky is red, AI doesn’t know that that’s not true,” she adds, highlighting the importance of quality data in AI development.
After leaving Scale AI with a 5% stake, Lucy’s share was valued at $25 billion, making her cut approximately $1.2 billion. While she jokes about wishing it were liquid cash, she remains focused on her next ventures.
Lucy’s day begins early with a rigorous workout at Barry’s Bootcamp, followed by a long day at her office. She rarely takes breaks, opting instead for delivered meals from Uber Eats to keep her energized during meetings. Despite her demanding schedule, she finds time to work from home in the evenings, sometimes staying up late dancing with friends.
Her ability to function on minimal sleep is attributed to her genetics, which she humorously credits to her parents. However, her drive and motivation are not solely based on her genetic makeup. Lucy admits that she tried retirement but found it unfulfilling. “The concept of an off day doesn’t make sense to me,” she says, emphasizing her love for using her brain.
Lucy’s achievements have not gone unnoticed, and she has become a prominent figure in the business world. Her success has allowed her to indulge in various passions, including collecting Pokémon cards and enjoying different types of chilli oils. She also founded Passes, a creator-driven platform that enables content creators to earn money through merchandise, live streaming, or subscriptions.
While her ventures have brought her success, they have also faced challenges. A class-action lawsuit against Passes raised concerns, but Lucy remains focused on the positives and continues to support other entrepreneurs through her venture capital firm, Backend Capital.
Lucy’s journey began in childhood, where she learned the value of making money through small businesses on the playground. Her parents, Chinese immigrants, had specific expectations for her future, but Lucy chose a different path, studying computer science and human-computer interaction at Carnegie Mellon University.
Despite her success, Lucy acknowledges the sacrifices she has made, including giving up stability for her career. She believes that arrogance is a key trait for founders, as it drives them to work long hours and pursue ambitious goals.
Lucy’s dedication to her work is evident in her daily routine, where she rarely takes a break. She finds it puzzling that others might feel the need for an off day. “I don’t understand it,” she says, highlighting her commitment to her work.
In addition to her professional endeavors, Lucy invests in experiences, such as skydiving and luxury properties. She also values her independence, avoiding brands like Hermès and focusing on practicality in her lifestyle choices.
Looking ahead, Lucy is excited about the future of AI and its potential to enhance efficiency in various jobs. She believes that AI will allow people to focus on more meaningful tasks while creating new opportunities for human connections.
As for her title as the youngest self-made female billionaire, Lucy expresses hope that someone else will take it soon, as it signifies progress for women in the business world. She remains confident that the future holds even greater achievements for women in AI and entrepreneurship.
Lucy’s story is one of determination, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of success. Her journey serves as an inspiration to many, showcasing the possibilities that come with hard work, innovation, and a strong mindset.