TheBridge profile: Julie Kearney
Name: Julie Kearney
Current city: Mountain View, CA
Current job: Vice President of Communications Regulatory Affairs and Policy at Twilio Inc.
Past job: Global Head of Communications Regulation and Policy, Loon (an Alphabet company); VP of Regulatory Affairs, CTA; Director of Policy and Legislation, NPR; Associate Counsel, MCI; Associate, Haley Bader and Potts (one of the original boutique communications law firms in DC)
Q. Favorite spot for a coffee meeting? In CA, any Google cafe’ with an espresso bar (they’re still shiny and new to me). In DC, Cafe’ du Parc.
Q. Describe how a skill you learned in a previous job helped you in your current job. Patience, good listening skills, and attention to detail are skills that previous mentors instilled in me. When working across issues and constituencies, it’s important to understand that the easiest solution isn’t always the best long-term solution.
Q. Job advice in three words? Always Practice Humility
Q. How are you (or your company, org, nonprofit) currently bridging the gap between innovation and regulation? At Loon, we’re working to bridge the digital divide through the use of balloons traveling on the edge of space (check us out at loon.com). Loon balloons travel in the stratosphere, acting as floating cell towers, to deliver connectivity to people in unserved and underserved areas around the world. We recently launched service in Kenya and are planning to launch in Mozambique in the coming months. Operating one of the most innovative technologies at the intersection of two of the world’s most heavily regulated industries, telecommunications and aviation, makes it exciting to work with regulators and policymakers to bring connectivity where it’s needed most.
Q. What can innovators learn from policymakers? Bring in policymakers early on in the planning process to understand where collaborative efforts are possible.
Q. What can policymakers learn from innovators? Policymakers are key enablers of life-changing technologies. Policymakers and innovators alike need an open mindset when working together.
Q. Favorite book/podcast/long-form article you recommend? As a lifelong public radio fan, I’m addicted to the podcast and live radio formats of This American Life, Fresh Air, and Wait, Wait … Don’t Tell Me. I also love to read fiction as a way to unwind. Recent favorites include The Beekeeper of Aleppo, The Silent Patient, and Purple Hibiscus.
Q. Everyday is probably different, but can you describe a "day in the life" of your job? At Loon, every hour is different, which makes this job so exciting. Working with some of the most talented colleagues and policymakers around the globe makes every day a learning and growing experience.
Q. Living person you admire? Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Q. Favorite app? GarminConnect because working from home due to Covid-19 requires extra motivation to get moving.
Q. If you had to live in another city, which would it be? After nearly 30 years in DC, I’m living the dream in the Bay Area. Anywhere in Provence would be great, too.
Q. Best advice you’ve received? Know your audience.
Q. How do you unwind after work? My favorite ways to unwind include getting outside with my family or playing piano, singing or strumming on my guitar … with a glass of wine (sometimes all at the same time).
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