Turning the Page to a New Chapter for Topia

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow said, “Great is the art of beginning, but greater is the art of ending.”

This is exactly how I feel today as I step down from my role as CEO of Topia, nine years after founding the company, and pass the reins to a new leader who will help us achieve Topia’s fullest potential. While my decision is bittersweet, I know that it is the right one to take Topia to the next level.  

Our new CEO, Shawn Farshchi, brings Topia deep technical and operational expertise from more than 30 years leading technology companies. As I’ve gotten to know Shawn, I’ve also seen that his integrity and values strongly align with our culture at Topia. I’m incredibly excited to have him at the helm for this next phase. 

When I embarked on this journey, I had a vision that global mobility could remove barriers between people and places, creating opportunities for work everywhere and connecting us more strongly as a human society.  Together with my Co-Founder Steve and a fantastic team, we have made that vision a reality, creating a $32 billion software category where none had previously existed. We have created hundreds of jobs at Topia, enabled countless customers to leverage strategic mobility for business growth and given thousands of individuals the opportunity to advance their careers and explore new cultures around the world.

I am extremely proud of the company we’ve built together, and I know the best is yet to come. It has been truly a privilege to work with each and every one of you who have contributed to our growth. I am incredibly grateful for your dedication, trust and partnership along the way. I can’t thank you enough.

While my role as CEO is ending, this is not goodbye. I will remain an active part of Topia’s Board of Directors, continuing to serve as Chairwoman and partnering with Shawn to guide the company into its next phase of growth.

Part of my mission with Topia has always been to inspire understanding and equality across genders, races and socio-economic backgrounds. I’ll be continuing that mission in my future endeavors, working to improve equality of opportunity for everyone, which I feel is critical for our economy, our country and our global society to thrive.

Please join me in welcoming Shawn Farshchi to Topia and turning the page to this wonderful new chapter in Topia’s story!

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My message to Topia employees:

Team Topia,

I am writing to let you know that today I am stepping down as CEO of Topia, and introducing a new CEO for the next phase of our journey. I will become Chairwoman of the company and continue to be involved as an active Board member partnering with our new CEO.

It has been the greatest honor of my life to build Topia with Steve and all of you over the last nine years. I am eternally humbled by the faith and trust you placed in me, and forever grateful for your spirited partnership through this journey. You are the heart and soul of Topia, and every day, you have given me strength, joy and the privilege of working with you. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

Over the last nine years, we have created a $32 billion software category, made modern mobility possible for countless customers and individuals and transformed MOVE Guides, Polaris and Teleport into one Topia, strongly positioned for success. I have never felt more excited about our future. As the Founder and largest individual shareholder, no one will be cheering you on more than me.  

I founded Topia because I believe that we are stronger when we connect with one another; when we understand each other more deeply and spend time with those who are different than us more regularly. Topia removes barriers between people and places, creating opportunities for people to work everywhere and inspiring connection, empathy and equality -- things we need more than ever today. I will be continuing upon this mission, completing my upcoming book and working to create opportunities and empathy for all Americans on my next journey.

I am incredibly proud of the company that we have built, and I know that the best is yet to come for Topia. 

Gratefully, Brynne