Deena Shakir's Journey from Investor to Children's Book Author

Deena Shakir, an investor at Lux Capital, faced a relatable challenge: explaining her job to her young children. Inspired by a unicorn-shaped Chia Pet, she decided to create a children's book that would engage children while teaching them about the process of founding a startup.

The Inspiration Behind "Leena Mo, CEO"

During the pandemic, Shakir felt the need to create something that would explain the world of startups to her children in a fun and engaging way. This led to the birth of her first children's book, "Leena Mo, CEO," which tells the story of a young girl who dreams of becoming an entrepreneur.

• Shakir used the Chia Pet analogy to explain how small seeds can grow into something amazing, paralleling the journey of a startup.
• The book features a young girl named Leena Mo, who builds a snow-plowing robot and eventually becomes a CEO, making the world of entrepreneurship accessible to children.

From Idea to Publication: The Story of "Leena Mo, CEO"

Shakir's journey from having the idea for the book to its publication was not without its challenges. She faced rejection from numerous literary agents, but her determination paid off.

• She persisted in her efforts, sending out hundreds of emails to agents before finally finding one who believed in her story.
• Simon & Schuster ultimately published her book in the spring of 2022, marking a significant milestone in Shakir's journey.

"Leena Mo, CEO" - A Children's Book with a Powerful Message

The book not only entertains but also carries a powerful message about female entrepreneurship, diversity, and representation.

• Leena Mo, the protagonist, is an American Iraqi Muslim girl, demonstrating that anyone can become an entrepreneur regardless of their background.
• The book challenges gender stereotypes and encourages young girls to dream big and pursue their passions.

Shakir's Future Plans: Expanding the Universe of "Leena Mo"

With "Leena Mo, CEO" now in the world, Shakir is exploring ways to expand the universe of her characters.

• She is considering writing a follow-up children's book or a graphic novel, further exploring the themes of entrepreneurship and investment.
• She is interested in telling the story of the investor, providing a deeper understanding of the role of investors in the startup ecosystem.

"Leena Mo, CEO" - A Children's Book About Entrepreneurship, Diversity, and Representation

Shakir's debut children's book, "Leena Mo, CEO," serves as a powerful reminder that anyone can become an entrepreneur and that diverse perspectives and backgrounds enrich the world of startups. The book's relatable characters and engaging storyline make it an excellent resource for inspiring young minds to dream big and embrace their entrepreneurial spirit.

• Shakir's experience as a successful investor in companies like Alife Health and Maven Clinic adds another layer of authenticity to her story.
• Her journey from investor to children's book author demonstrates that individuals can pursue multiple passions and make a positive impact in different fields.