maya torres: redefining tech leadership in a digital-first world

In a world where technology evolves faster than ever, leadership isn’t just about keeping up. It’s about setting the pace. Entrepreneurs Cirque interviews Maya Torres. She is the founder and CEO of VIVID Labs. It is a fast-growing software company using AI to simplify workflow automation for small businesses.

Maya’s journey from being a self-taught coder to leading a global tech firm is proof that innovation has no boundaries. In this exclusive conversation, she shares her thoughts on leadership, inclusion, and how technology can empower rather than exclude.

EC: Maya, you’ve been recognized as one of the most influential women in tech. How did your journey into technology begin?

Maya: It actually began out of necessity. I grew up in a small town where opportunities were scarce. My first computer was secondhand, and I taught myself to code using online forums. What started as curiosity turned into a passion for solving real-world problems with technology. That’s the beauty of tech – it’s the great equalizer. It doesn’t care where you come from; it cares what you can create.

EC: You often talk about the “democratization of innovation.” What does that mean in practical terms?

Maya: It means making technology accessible — not exclusive. Too often, innovation is limited to those with funding or connections. But the future depends on giving creators everywhere the tools and education to build solutions. At VIVID Labs, we create no-code AI tools. These tools allow small business owners to automate tasks. Even those with zero tech background can scale efficiently. Democratization means empowerment – putting innovation in everyone’s hands.

EC: What challenges did you face as a woman building a tech startup, and how did you overcome them?

Maya: I faced the classic trio – doubt, bias, and funding gaps. In the early days, I walked into investor meetings. I was the only woman in the room. The questions focused more on whether I could “handle it” than on the product itself. I learned to let results speak louder than assumptions. I built prototypes, got early users, and generated traction before pitching again. When investors saw growth and adoption, gender wasn’t the headline anymore – performance was. My advice to women founders: Don’t wait for permission; build until they can’t ignore you.

EC: How do you see artificial intelligence shaping the next generation of entrepreneurship?

Maya: AI will redefine efficiency. The entrepreneurs of tomorrow won’t just use AI to work faster — they’ll use it to think smarter. We’re already seeing AI handle customer engagement, marketing analytics, and predictive modeling. But the real opportunity lies in creativity. We can use AI to design better products. We can also tell better stories and make more ethical decisions. Entrepreneurs who understand how to integrate human empathy with machine intelligence will lead the next revolution.

EC: Many fear that automation will eliminate jobs. What’s your response to that concern?

Maya: Every major innovation in history has caused disruption — but it also created new opportunities. The difference this time is speed. Instead of resisting automation, we should focus on re-skilling. The future belongs to adaptable minds. The jobs being created now are in AI ethics, data analysis, or digital design. These roles didn’t even exist a decade ago. The key is lifelong learning. The day you stop learning in tech is the day you start becoming obsolete.

EC: You’ve been vocal about diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. Why is representation so critical right now?

Maya: Because innovation suffers without diversity. If technology is designed by a narrow group of people, it will inevitably serve a narrow audience. Diverse teams bring different perspectives, which leads to better problem-solving. That’s not just social responsibility – it’s smart business. At VIVID Labs, 60% of our workforce comes from underrepresented backgrounds. We’ve seen firsthand how inclusion drives creativity and improves user experience. Representation isn’t charity; it’s competitive advantage.

EC: Let’s talk leadership. What makes a great tech leader in this era of uncertainty?

Maya: A great leader today is part visionary, part listener. You have to anticipate what’s next but also be deeply in tune with your people. Empathy and adaptability are essential. I believe leadership isn’t about control; it’s about connection. You can’t build innovation in isolation. You have to create environments where people feel safe to fail, experiment, and grow. The best leaders aren’t the loudest – they’re the ones who listen with intent and lead with integrity.

EC: How do you maintain balance between growth, innovation, and personal well-being as a CEO?

Maya: It took time to learn that busyness isn’t the same as productivity. I schedule “digital detox” days where I disconnect completely. I also delegate more now not out of weakness but wisdom. Trusting your team empowers them and frees you to focus on vision. Burnout is the silent killer of creativity. To innovate effectively, you must protect your energy.

EC: What’s your outlook on women’s role in shaping the next decade of technology?

Maya: I’m incredibly optimistic. We’re seeing a surge of women not just entering tech. They are leading it – from AI research to fintech to climate tech. Women bring a holistic perspective to innovation – one that values collaboration, sustainability, and ethics. I believe the next great wave of disruption will be feminine in leadership style – empathetic, inclusive, and purpose-driven.

EC: What advice do you have for aspiring innovators who want to break into the tech space but feel intimidated?

Maya: Start where you are, with what you have. Every expert once began as a beginner. You don’t need a Silicon Valley zip code to make global impact. Learn, experiment, build small projects, and share your work online. Communities like GitHub, Product Hunt, and even social platforms are democratizing visibility. And remember – perfection is the enemy of progress. The world rewards execution not excuses.

EC: Looking ahead, what is your biggest prediction for the future of tech entrepreneurship?

Maya: I believe the future belongs to mission-driven entrepreneurs. The next generation of unicorns won’t just be profit-driven — they’ll be purpose-built. We’re moving from a digital economy to an impact economy. Success will be measured by how much good your product does. It will not be measured just by how fast it scales. The most powerful innovation will come from those who balance profit with planet, technology with humanity.

Closing Thoughts

Maya Torres reminds us that innovation isn’t confined to code – it’s a mindset. Her story shows that purpose and progress can coexist. Technology, when built with empathy, becomes a force for collective growth. At Entrepreneurs Cirque, we believe that the future of tech will be defined not by who builds the fastest algorithm. It will be defined by who builds the most meaningful change.