Shelly Patel's Linkedin Analytics

I’ve built my career in the operations and strategy realm of technology start-ups, with 15 years of diverse experience at high-growth companies (such as Groupon and Uber). Specifically, I've developed an expertise in marketplace tech - growing businesses quickly and navigating the nuances of a two-sided customer base. After experiencing start-ups at various stages of their growth, I've focused on the challenges that come with early-stage building, both on the people / organization side of house, as well as strategic leadership. Currently, I am the VP of Growth at ShopThing, a live shopping marketplace focused on luxury products. My "why" has been constant - I have always valued working with local businesses, entrepreneurs, and communities, and finding ways for technology to make their lives easier. While start-ups naturally allow you to wear a variety of hats, I’ve found that my true strengths and passion lie in working directly with clients and stakeholders, building and managing teams, and taking an idea from “in the clouds” to on-the-ground execution. Every time I’ve pursued a new opportunity, it’s to stretch my skill-set and explore a new facet of this industry. I gravitate towards stepping out of my comfort zone, and encouraging others to do the same. Outside of work, I take a similar community-centric approach to constantly learn from others. Examples of this include sitting on the Executive Committee of the Lincoln Park Zoo Auxiliary Board - working to keep the zoo free and accessible to all - and participating in the inaugural cohort of Bonfire, a talent accelerator program focused on women in leadership.