After stepping down as the U.S. Secretary of Commerce on January 20, 2025, Gina Raimondo decided to take a break to reflect on her next chapter.

“I took about two days,” she chuckles.

Having had a distinguished career in venture capital and public service, Raimondo is intentional about her next steps. “I’m 54, blessed with tremendous success. What do I want to achieve next? … What brings me happiness?”

Considering a Presidential Campaign

This past year, Raimondo has engaged with the Council on Foreign Relations but has been clear about her disinterest in becoming a CEO, having turned down several offers.

On the How She Does It podcast with Karen Finerman, she stated, “I’m not looking for a full-time, profit-driven position. I want to lead something with purpose.”

Is a presidential run on the horizon for her? She’s open to it. “I believe I could do the job, though securing it is tough. Politics isn’t a meritocracy.” She reflects, “I want to serve my country. I love public service, and I’ll explore how I can contribute.”

However, she recognizes the challenges. “Women face greater hurdles,” she notes. “People envision leaders as protectors, and it’s harder for them to see that in a woman.”

Raimondo emphasizes, “Whoever runs and wins, we need to unite behind them, whether it’s me or another serious candidate.”

Raimondo’s Roots and Values

To grasp Raimondo’s future, it’s essential to understand her background. She’s the grandchild of Italian immigrants, raised in Smithfield, Rhode Island, by her parents, Joseph and Josephine Raimondo.

“We learned to work hard, strive for our best, give back, and honor our ancestors who lacked opportunities,” Raimondo recalls.

A pivotal moment occurred when her father lost his job after 28 years at the Bulova watch factory due to job outsourcing. “It was more than just employment; it was his identity and pride,” Raimondo remembers.

This experience fueled her quest for financial independence. Raimondo excelled academically, becoming valedictorian, graduating magna cum laude from Harvard, earning a Rhodes Scholarship to Oxford, and completing Yale Law School. She briefly practiced law before venturing into business, co-founding a venture capital firm in her home state.

Turning Frustration into Action

A newspaper article highlighting budget shortfalls in Rhode Island sparked a change in Raimondo’s path. The cuts affected libraries, public transport, and school sports, outraging her. Her husband, Andy Moffit, encouraged her to seek public office to address these issues.

“So I did,” she remarked. “It was quite reckless. I had no political experience, my family was against politics, and I had young children. But I took the plunge and won.”

Thus began her political journey, leading her to two terms as governor of Rhode Island and an appointment by President Biden as Commerce Secretary.

High Stakes in Public Service

The Commerce Department plays a critical role in U.S. economic growth, overseeing the Census Bureau, Weather Service, and Patent and Trademark Office.

Raimondo’s role also involved national security, ensuring the U.S. was not overly dependent on foreign semiconductors, as emphasized by the CHIPS Act. She helped enact measures to protect advanced American technology to maintain competitiveness.

Moreover, she implemented export controls on Russia at the onset of the Ukraine conflict.

“All these decisions weighed heavily,” she reflects. “Should we sell these chips to China? How far should we restrict Russia? What about food, medical supplies, or auto parts?”

The pressures were immense. “I lost sleep over these issues, just as I did when I was governor. It’s a massive responsibility.”

Valuable Insights for Women

Raimondo offers practical advice for women balancing demanding careers and family life: “Expect chaos. Some days will feel like complete disasters. Don’t blame yourself.” On feelings of guilt: “You simply can’t afford that. Toss it aside.”

Her mother imparted the most significant wisdom: “Keep going,” Josephine Raimondo said before her passing nearly three years ago at 91.

Raimondo treasures this mantra. “It’s incredibly wise. When you’re overwhelmed, it feels unbearable. Just keep moving forward. You’ll reach a better place.”