Serena Williams’ husband left a billion-dollar firm to provide a better example for their girls.Alexis Ohanian, the co-founder of Reddit and husband of tennis legend Serena Williams, has now spoken out about the very emotional and professional sacrifices he made for his family.
Leading the lead in both his commercial ventures and personal life, Ohanian claimed that his 2020 resignation from Reddit’s board was motivated by his daughters, Olympia and Adira, and his desire to leave a legacy they could be proud of.
In an interview with journalist Jemele Hill, Ohanian explained why he resigned, following the global anger created by George Floyd’s murder. Ohanian resigned in protest at Reddit’s tolerance for abusive communities on its site, which he claimed was important to align his actions with his ideals.
“I couldn’t reconcile the company’s public statements with the fact that there were thousands of racist, hateful communities that should have been banned,” he told me. Ohanian asked Reddit to replace him with a Black board member, a request that was subsequently fulfilled.
Ohanian is a man of principle.
Ohanian’s departure was more than simply about ethics; it was a public letter to his then-three-year-old daughter, Olympia, emphasizing the necessity of adhering to one’s ideals.
“I wanted her to see her dad doing the best work of his career in a way she’d be proud of,” he told me. With two daughters, Ohanian continues to allow his role as a father dictate his professional career.
Since leaving Reddit, Ohanian has been working to establish a new legacy. He established 776, an investment fund dedicated to promoting social change, and co-founded Angel City FC, a women’s soccer team.
Olympia became the youngest owner in professional sports history when Ohanian brought her on as a part-owner of the Angel City. Under his leadership, the team’s valuation has risen to $250 million, ensuring a prosperous future for his children.
While Serena Williams has established herself as a global celebrity, Ohanian is keen to ensure his girls are equally proud of him. “I deeply want to impress my little girls,” he concluded, summarizing his ultimate ambition.
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