An interview with Monica Zent for Silicon Valley Business Journal, originally posted here.
June 16, 2023
The Silicon Valley Business Journal once again is honoring 100 local women who are having a major impact as executives, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. Join us at our Women of Influence event on June 29, and get to know one member of the 2023 Women of Influence class below:
Monica Zent
Title: Founder and CEO
Company: ZentLaw
Location: Sunnyvale
Years at this company: 21
After 21 years at the firm she founded, Monica Zent has more she wants to do. Next up she says helping fund the next generation of new ventures and writing a book or two.
As a business owner, what have you learned about yourself? When you own your own business, you learn whether you can make it or not. Owning your own business is often like being out at sea on a boat all alone. It’s sink or swim. You either make it or you don’t.
Who has been your most supportive mentor and why? My husband. Whom you choose as a spouse is one of the most important decisions of your life. As a woman and working mother, I cannot underestimate just how important it is and has been to have a loving, reliable and supportive partner.
What was your first job? Handling and then brokering babysitting gigs in my neighborhood as a young teen.
Favorite app? There are so many that I like. I like Ring because I like checking on things at home when I’m not there. I really enjoy Zillow. I also find Google Earth very entertaining because I can travel to places I’ve never been and see the lay of the land all from the convenience of my device.
What’s next on your career bucket list? Creating another new venture, then later, partnering to fund the next generation of exciting new ventures, and after that, writing a book or two.
How do you unwind? I enjoy looking at real estate online so I might do that or read or listen to an audiobook before I go to sleep.