Early in her career, Madison Morales’ bosses started asking her to weigh in on company personnel decisions. It wasn’t in her job description, but it was in her life description: naturally recognizing and bringing out the best in people. She blended these talents with a Masters of Arts in leadership and innovation and headed to Silicon Valley, where she joined Lyft. She was soon involved in multiple roles, from public relations to supporting the IPO. 

The company’s fast growth and private-public transition gave Madison invaluable insights into how start-ups create and nurture a culture, mature, and go on to address the challenges of scale. As she notes, she got to bring her whole self to work each day – and wanted to help others experience that too.

Coming to General Catalyst gave Madison another broad runway to fuse her skills, instincts and experience–this time for creating and managing a competency in leadership development for the firm’s rapidly expanding entrepreneurial community. During the pandemic era, founders discovered that more holistic coaching and training helps them lead more effectively in a world of remote teams, constrained resources, and a multi-crisis economy. Often, Madison and the GC Talent Team are one of the first groups to welcome newly funded entrepreneurs, assessing what they and their teams need to thrive.

Away from the office, Madison mentors and empowers college-age women. Her personal interests range widely, from meditating and enjoying fine food to enjoying the outdoors as much as possible.