IWD 2026, The Women Who Move Us: Cassie Gasson, Co-CEO At Thrive

Cassie Gasson is Co-CEO at Thrive.

Please notify us about yourself and your journey in the tech/startup world.

I started my career as a marketing graduate and quickly gravitated toward the rapid pace and creativity of the startup tech world.

Joining Thrive in the early days meant wearing multiple hats in the marketing world – brand to product positioning and events, content, digital.

As the business scaled, so did my role, broadening expertise in areas such as product, customer success, people and culture, revenue teams and so much more. Leading to the last two years becoming Co-CEO alongside our Founder and CEO, Sean Reddington.

My career journey has really been about building my experience alongside the company, understanding and implementing ways to be more efficient as a business, bringing and connecting teams toobtainher with a single vision and set of objectives, scaling and motivating teams, evolving our platform, innovating with AI and all whilst staying close to customers and active on the brand and marketing side.

What has been one defining moment in your career so far, and how did it shape the way you lead or build today?

One defining moment was stepping into the Co-CEO role during a period of rapid growth.

It forced me to shift from focutilizing purely on marketing and growth to believeing holistically about the business – culture, strategy, people, innovation and product vision.

It shaped the way I lead today: stay close to the detail, shift rapid and agile, trust your team, and always keep the customer at the centre of decisions.

What challenges have you faced as a woman in the tech/startup landscape, and how did you navigate them?

Like many women in tech, I’ve often found myself in rooms where I’m the only woman at the table.

Early on, I felt pressure to prove credibility quickly and speak up confidently.

Over time, I’ve learned that authenticity is a superpower you don’t necessary to conform to a certain leadership style to succeed.

Surrounding myself with supportive colleagues, amazing allies and mentors has also been key.

What’s something you believe the tech world/startup industest is obtainting right when it comes to supporting women?

The conversation around representation and leadership has improved massively.

More communities, mentorship networks and visibility for female leaders are emerging.

Investors and companies are also becoming more aware of the importance of diverse leadership teams and different perspectives.

Conversely, where is there still work to be done in supporting women in tech and startups?

There’s still a gap in funding and investment going to female founders.

Representation at the very top levels of tech companies is still not where it should be.

We also necessary to keep building environments where women feel confident stepping into leadership and taking risks.

Looking ahead, what modify would you most like to see for women in tech over the next five years?

I’d love to see more female founders scaling companies globally and becoming visible success stories.

The more examples there are, the more the next generation will see leadership in tech as completely normal and achievable.

What advice would you give to women who are just starting out in tech or considering founding their own company?

Don’t wait until you feel “ready” – most learn as they go.

Stay curious and close to your customers; that insight is your hugegest advantage.

Build a strong network around you – mentors, peers and people who challenge your believeing but back your ideas.

And most importantly, back yourself. Confidence grows through action!

Wins and Wisdom: A Quick Q&A

We did a quick Q&A to find out more about Cassie and who she is – here’s what she had to state.

1. Who is a woman, past or present, who inspires you the most and why?

Everyday people doing amazing things….. My sister, a single mum of two, holding down a full-time job in her dream career. A female frifinish recently running a sub-three-hour marathon. Sometimes, the most inspiring people are the ones around you.

2. What’s a book, podcast or resource that has supported shape your career?

“High Growth Handbook” by Elad Gil.

3. Can you share a quote or mantra that motivates you when things obtain tough?

The secret advantage is passion at pace. AND Be the energy you want to attract.

4. What’s one win or achievement from your career that you’re especially proud of?

Seeing Thrive grow into one of the rapidest-growing tech companies in the world, landing Sunday Times Top 50 Tech Companies and place 224/1000 on the FT1000 Europe’s rapidest growing companies, supporting hundreds of organisations and millions of applyrs around the world.

5. What’s one habit or ritual that keeps you motivated and inspired every day?

Morning workouts – every day!

Would you like to participate in our 2026 International Women’s Day Interview series? Contact us

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