From journalism to trails to tech: Wendy Bounds on innovation and personal transformation

Gwendolyn (Wendy) Bounds, an accomplished journalist, author, and tech executive, shares her journey from journalism at the Wall Street Journal to the fast-paced world of tech startups. The episode kicks off with a remembrance of the 1994 Photo Marketing Association convention, where Bounds and Dead Pixels Society host Gary Pageau first met and witnessed the dawn of digital photography with Apple’s QuickTake camera. Bounds provides a unique perspective on Eastman Kodak Co.‘s struggle to transition from film to digital during George Fisher‘s leadership, contrasting it with Fujifilm’s successful evolution into a diversified imaging giant.

The conversation takes a thoughtful turn as they unpack the lessons from the Advanced Photo System failure, a cautionary tale about innovation that didn’t align with consumer needs. Bounds discusses her transition from journalism to tech, reflecting on how her book, “Little Chapel on the River,” was inspired by the aftermath of 9/11 and a deep affection for a particular place.

Finally, the topic shifts to personal reinvention, where sparked by a simple dinner party conversation, Bounds embraced the challenge and pushed beyond her comfort zone to achieve global ranking. This personal transformation story illustrates the power of facing obstacles head-on, whether in sports, career, or life transitions, is highlighted in her new book, “Never Too Late.”