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Watt It Takes
with Fiona Spruill

Fiona Spruill is the CEO of Overstory, a software company that partners with utilities to predict and prevent wildfires caused by vegetation encroachment, ensuring a more reliable power grid. Emily spoke to Fiona about her journey; from growing up in three very different cultures, to her seminal experiences working at the New York Times and Meetup, to her transition into climate tech, to the evolution of her career at Overstory, from Chief Product Officer, to Chief People Officer, to her decision to step in as CEO. Overstory employs more than 60 people representing 16 nationalities, has raised $32 million, and has partnerships with over 50 utilities across the United States, Canada, and Latin America. 

 
 
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Fiona Spruill

CEO
Overstory
 
 
 

Fiona Spruill is the CEO of Overstory, a startup that is focused on AI-driven grid resiliency. Overstory applies AI to satellite imagery in order to reduce the risk of wildfires and power outages. Before taking over as CEO, Fiona served as Chief Product & People Officer where she led the development of Overstory’s product. Prior to that she was COO of Meetup, the global community platform that was acquired by WeWork. As COO, she was responsible for product, design, business strategy, sales and customer support. Before Meetup, she spent 14 years at The New York Times in various roles, including running the digital newsroom and launching a variety of mobile apps.
 
 
 
“I knew it might not work out. And I knew that Overstory might not succeed, as many startups don't. But I was really excited about the team. I was excited about the technology, and I was excited about learning and being able to have that experience of zero to one. Building a product is just such a gift and it's so much fun.”
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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