At an extravagant baby shower in 2008, Sergey Brin, co-founder of Google, and Anne Wojcicki, co-founder and CEO of 23andMe, set a rather unusual dress code – an adult-sized onesie or a large diaper, accessorized with a baby bonnet or pacifier. Only two guests declined to partake in the dress-up: Kara Swisher, a renowned tech reporter, and Gavin Newsom, the future California governor. This humorous anecdote from Swisher’s memoir, Burn Book: A Tech Love Story, gives us an insider’s view into the world of Silicon Valley’s elite.
The Rise of a Tech Reporter
Swisher’s journey from a humble tech reporter to a media figure and confidant of tech executives is a testament to her tenacity and foresight. Starting her career in the late ‘90s at the Washington Post, Swisher was one of the few journalists who saw the potential of the internet and its impending impact on journalism. She warned the paper’s owner, Don Graham, about the impending flood of the internet, only to be met with a joking response, “You better stay dry then.”
But she didn’t stay dry. Instead, she dived in, covering tech giants like Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, Steve Jobs, and Elon Musk. She broke significant stories, such as Sheryl Sandberg joining Facebook and Uber hiring Dara Khosrowshahi as its next CEO. Her reporting and insights have significantly shaped public perception of the technology industry.
But her relationship with Silicon Valley is complicated. Is she an observer, a participant, or a bit of both? As Swisher herself puts it, “I had clearly been infected by some of the entrepreneurial spirit of the people I had been covering.”
Insider or Outsider?
Swisher is known for her close relationships with tech’s most prominent figures, a status that can raise eyebrows about her ability to maintain journalistic objectivity. But she is quick to clarify that the people she covers are not her friends. Instead, she attributes her close access to being in the right place at the right time and her diligence in cultivating relationships.
Throughout her career, Swisher has been animated by the understanding that technology only moves in one direction—forward. This understanding has steered her approach to covering the tech industry. She has embraced the digital transformation, seeing it not as a threat, but as an opportunity.
The Tech Luminary Who is Also a Reporter
Swisher’s career mirrors those of tech luminaries. Her network of sources is so extensive that tech moguls often call her for advice. But she acknowledges that at some point, she felt she had become too much a creature of Silicon Valley. This prompted her to move to Washington D.C. in 2020, a move strategically aimed at forging relationships with government officials who determine tech regulations.
Despite the debates about her style and level of access, Swisher’s work is beyond reproach. She has been instrumental in shaping the narrative of the tech industry. Through her relentless reporting, she has shown how the traits of those who make products greatly influence the outcomes, especially when these products have far-reaching implications on society.
As we continue to navigate the digital age, Swisher remains a vital voice in understanding the ever-evolving tech landscape. As she puts it, “I love tech,” but she is “not stupid to the dangers.” This balance of enthusiasm and caution makes her an indispensable guide in the complex world of technology.
For a more in-depth look at the impact of tech industry developments, check out TechCrunch and Wired for their comprehensive coverage of the sector.
