A Titan in the World of Emerging Tech
“I firmly believe in the profound power of technology to shape our futures and create a better world for generations to come,” says Sandy. Throughout her illustrious career, she has consistently broken new ground, from pioneering AI with Watson at IBM to harnessing Cloud, AI, and IoT at AWS. Now, at Unstoppable Domains, she’s using her formidable skills to drive web3, Metaverse, and digital identity initiatives.
“Our vision centers around creating a new category of Web3 Digital Identity. Empowering people to possess their data will drive equity, privacy, and empowerment on a global scale, impacting billions of lives,” she shares enthusiastically.
This appetite for innovation has earned Sandy numerous accolades, including ‘Top 50 Business Thought Leaders’ and a ‘Top 100 Global Thought Leader’ by Awards Magazine. She was also named among the ‘Top 25 Most Influential Sales Leaders’ by Crunchbase, and the list goes on.
As impressive as her list of accolades is, Sandy is just as enthusiastic about the recognition her team and company have received. “Unstoppable Domains was named by Forbes as one of America’s ‘Best Startup Employers’ in 2022 and became a Unicorn in 2022,” she proudly shares.
Inspiring Inclusion in Tech
At the heart of her work at Unstoppable Domains is a mission to deliver user-owned, digital identity to every person on the planet. “It’s a human right to own your own identity,” Sandy affirms. This bold vision propels the company’s initiatives to leverage digital identity to fight against deep fakes and increase accessibility and inclusion in emerging technology.
In addition, Unstoppable Domains is committed to making web3 more accessible. It has enabled everyone to acquire a web3 digital identity through credit card transactions, developed a vault for storing personal identities until a user is ready for a crypto wallet, and established the first and largest application marketplace in web3.
For Sandy, technology isn’t only about business growth and innovation but also about empowering and representing all people, particularly women. She founded Unstoppable Women of Web3, AI, and the Metaverse, an initiative to diversify the tech space. “We have over 210 companies who have joined the mission,” she shares. Her vision? To benefit all the “women of tech bold enough to go after the emerging tech space, whether in AI, web3, spatial computing, blockchain, or the Metaverse!”
A Glimpse into the Future of Tech
Looking ahead, Sandy foresees significant changes in the world of technology. She predicts wider adoption of blockchain technology, rapid advancements in AI, the emergence of web3, and the evolution of the Metaverse. Sandy is particularly excited about the potential of blockchain technology in enhancing supply chain transparency and digital identity management, and the role of AI in reshaping human-technology interactions. She believes these technologies will revolutionize the gaming, e-commerce, education, and healthcare industries.
As for her personal contribution to these exciting developments? “Innovation runs through my blood,” she states. Her track record certainly supports this. “Throughout my career, innovation has defined my personal brand. It’s a trademark that I bring to companies in various roles and functional specialties,” she shares.
In the realm of emerging technologies, Sandy’s aspiration is clear: to be at the forefront of driving innovation and shaping the future of these industries. “What truly inspires me is the ability to drive positive change in these domains by promoting ethical practices, fostering collaboration, and ensuring that the benefits of emerging technologies are accessible to all,” she says.
From Humble Beginnings to Technological Titan
Sandy’s passion for helping people traces back to her formative years. Initially, she had her heart set on becoming a doctor, a passion rooted in her love for helping others. However, fate had a different path for her, filled with digital innovation and transformation. She recalls: “A funny twist of fate revealed that I had an unusual allergy to the very chemicals doctors use — I would pass out! At this point, my advisor encouraged me to explore the incredible impact I could make through technology.”
Equipped with a computer science and math degree from Duke University, Sandy plunged headfirst into the exciting world of emerging tech. At IBM, she worked on groundbreaking technologies such as SOA, IoT, and AI. Reflecting on her time at IBM, Sandy recounts: “The pursuit of shaping the future requires risk-taking and boldness, and I found myself drawn to that challenge. I had the privilege of working on groundbreaking technologies and became the godmother of SOA, a foundation on which the Cloud was later built.”
Her time at AWS saw her pioneering work in establishing their first Enterprise group for Cloud services, leading to tremendous growth in AWS revenue from $12B to a staggering $88B. In her words: “The transformative power of emerging tech and innovation on companies was awe-inspiring.”
Thinking Big
Looking back at her illustrious career, Sandy’s advice to her younger self is crystal clear: “Always think big, not small.” She maintains that thinking big unleashes our full potential, breaks self-imposed limitations, and fuels innovation. “Embrace boldness, embrace ambition, and dare to dream on a grand scale,” she urges. This bold thinking has propelled Sandy Carter to the heights of success in the tech industry and will continue to inspire women in their career journeys.
Defying Stereotypes
One of the most critical issues Sandy identifies facing women in tech is the lack of gender diversity and representation. To address this, she believes we need to encourage STEM education, promote equal opportunities, build supportive networks, address unconscious bias, and empower women in leadership. Sandy advises other women in the field: “Be bold, take risks, and pull others along with you.”
Sandy has never shied away from embracing her identity as a woman in the tech industry. By embracing her identity and defying societal norms, Sandy has inspired others to do the same and has contributed to a more diverse and vibrant professional environment.
Sandy’s journey through the world of emerging technology is one of purpose, innovation, and empowerment. Her enduring message to the world is her unwavering commitment to shaping a thriving future. She has forged her path, changing the narrative for women in technology, and continues to inspire others to do the same.
