Let’s start from the beginning. What early lessons did you get from your parents?

I grew up in a family of all doctors. Some conversations with them are still in my head today. One about empathy: “Khira, you have to always be understanding and kind. You have no idea what the person next to you at the grocery store is going through.” Another about perspective: If I had a problem my parents would say “Khira, are you healthy?” Me: “Yes.” Parents: “Great, then it’s nothing we can’t figure out.” And finally, about balancing working hard for others and yourself. My mom would start a workout at 10pm and say, “I worked at work for my mind, now I have to work out for me and my body.”

Is there anything about where you grew up that defines you?

My father is a first-generation immigrant from the country of Georgia. I grew up in St. Louis, but was raised very “Georgian.”

Which means?

Um…basically we like to eat a lot of cheese and drink a lot of wine.

Ok, jumping to today…what most excited you about joining the Catalyst team in particular?

It was VMG’s exceptional “founder-first” reputation and track record of partnering with iconic brands. I fundamentally believe that as every part of the consumer ecosystem (retailers, manufacturers, brands, etc.) increasingly embraces technology and as the lines between consumer and enterprise software continue to blur, we can offer unique expertise around functional areas such as brand building, GTM, supply chain and digital commerce.

What do you find most exciting about working with entrepreneurs?

I’m so lucky to get to work with a community of entrepreneurs who above all else see themselves as change agents. Their drive toward building an excellent product for their customers and their overall energy makes coming to work every day rewarding.

What about the VMG culture attracts you?

We approach venture as a team sport  —  we’re in this together  —  with a unifying goal of investing in the leading tech and infrastructure companies supporting the future of brands and commerce. We work hard and play hard together. And we all have our eyes on the bigger picture.

Empathy (check), perspective (check), life balance(check).

Yup. And I’m working on introducing more cheese and wine into the mix.

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