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Designing Impact with Debbie Sterling

n this episode, Lindsay Pedersen talks with Debbie Sterling, founder and CEO of GoldieBlox, about how a simple idea to get more girls into engineering turned into a multimedia movement.

Episode 43 of the North Star Leaders podcast, hosted by Lindsay Pedersen, titled "Designing Impact with Debbie Sterling" was published on May 20, 2025 and runs 27 minutes.

May 20, 2025 ·27m · North Star Leaders

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Summary

Could a unicorn pillow or a spinning toy change the face of the tech industry? In this episode, Lindsay Pedersen talks with Debbie Sterling, founder and CEO of GoldieBlox, about how a simple idea to get more girls into engineering turned into a multimedia movement. Debbie shares the story behind building a brand that challenges gender stereotypes in toys, the decision to grow as a for-profit business, and what it takes to stay playful and purposeful as a leader. This is a conversation full of insight, honesty, and practical inspiration for anyone building something with heart. You'll hear them discuss: Representation - the moment Debbie realized how few women were in her engineering classes and how that sparked a mission to change the narrative. Stereotypes - why toys still fall into “pink” and “blue” aisles, and how GoldieBlox is working to redefine what’s seen as “for girls.” Evolution - how GoldieBlox has grown from building toys to creating videos, apps, and games that make STEM fun and accessible. Business model - what influenced the choice to go for-profit and how that decision has shaped the company’s impact and reach. Partnerships - how working with organizations like Black Girls Code is helping to expand access to high-quality, free STEM content. Culture - how the company has matured over time and what it looks like to stay focused without losing its creative spirit. Wellbeing - the simple but powerful habits Debbie relies on to stay energized, present, and effective as a leader. Resources: Debbie Sterling on the GoldieBlox | GoldieBlox Instagram | GoldieBlox YouTube | LinkedIn Lindsay Pedersen - Contact me to tell me who you'd like to hear as a guest! | Connect with me on LinkedIn

Episode Description

Could a unicorn pillow or a spinning toy change the face of the tech industry? In this episode, Lindsay Pedersen talks with Debbie Sterling, founder and CEO of GoldieBlox, about how a simple idea to get more girls into engineering turned into a multimedia movement. Debbie shares the story behind building a brand that challenges gender stereotypes in toys, the decision to grow as a for-profit business, and what it takes to stay playful and purposeful as a leader. This is a conversation full of insight, honesty, and practical inspiration for anyone building something with heart. You'll hear them discuss: Representation - the moment Debbie realized how few women were in her engineering classes and how that sparked a mission to change the narrative. Stereotypes - why toys still fall into “pink” and “blue” aisles, and how GoldieBlox is working to redefine what’s seen as “for girls.” Evolution - how GoldieBlox has grown from building toys to creating videos, apps, and games that make STEM fun and accessible. Business model - what influenced the choice to go for-profit and how that decision has shaped the company’s impact and reach. Partnerships - how working with organizations like Black Girls Code is helping to expand access to high-quality, free STEM content. Culture - how the company has matured over time and what it looks like to stay focused without losing its creative spirit. Wellbeing - the simple but powerful habits Debbie relies on to stay energized, present, and effective as a leader. Resources: Debbie Sterling on the GoldieBlox | GoldieBlox Instagram | GoldieBlox YouTube | LinkedIn Lindsay Pedersen - Contact me to tell me who you'd like to hear as a guest! | Connect with me on LinkedIn

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