About Gaby

Gaby Darbyshire’s life reads like an adventure novel infused with a dash of British wit and a big helping of entrepreneurial spirit. Born in Beirut and raised in London, Gaby's early years were anything but conventional. Her precociousness was evident when she constructed an electric car at the tender age of 15—and was allowed to drive it despite not having an actual drivers license. This glimpse of ingenuity would foreshadow a career marked by innovation and boundary-pushing achievements.

Gaby’s academic journey took her to the hallowed halls of the University of Cambridge, but, not content with a single alma mater, she also holds a degree from City University, and a JD from the Inns of Court School of Law. This collection of degrees would lay a solid foundation for her adventurous career at the intersection of media, technology, and law.

Gaby’s professional career began with… a wig and gown, which she wore in her role as a barrister working on environmental cases involving nuclear power and land contamination. From there, she moved on to being a management consultant, while somehow finding time to co-found a charity supporting Death Row inmates in the Caribbean and working pro bono on death row appeals to the Privy Council.

Moving to Silicon Valley in 1999 and quickly getting, in her words, “caught up in the internet world,” she worked on a number of startups as her roommate Nick Denton kept trying to get her to join his fledgling media company. She finally joined as a co-founder and went all in at the new startup, Gawker Media.

Gawker, which included brands like Gizmodo, Jezebel, and Lifehacker, soon took off. In an era when digital media was still finding its footing, Gaby helped to transform Gawker into a formidable force, characterized by its fearless journalism and unflinching commentary. With Gaby at the helm, the company not only survived but thrived amidst the evolving digital landscape.

Gaby's creative pursuits are as varied as her professional endeavors. In 2015, she executive produced the documentary "Steve Jobs: The Man in the Machine," offering a nuanced exploration of the tech icon’s life and legacy. The documentary was praised for its depth and critical perspective, reflecting Gaby’s commitment to thoughtful and impactful storytelling. 

But Gaby's talents aren't confined to the boardroom. Whether scaling mountains, kayaking through rapids, or exploring remote trails, Gaby’s love for adventure mirrors her professional philosophy: always push the boundaries and embrace the unknown.

Her culinary skills, particularly in the art of pickling, are another testament to her eclectic interests. What started as a hobby has evolved into a passion, with Gaby experimenting with flavors and techniques to create unique and delicious pickled delicacies. 

Beyond her professional and personal achievements, Gaby is deeply committed to giving back to the community. She volunteers as a crisis counselor, underscoring her empathy and dedication to making a positive impact on the world around her. Even in her spare time, she’s driven by purpose and compassion.

With all that being said, Gaby Darbyshire’s story is far from finished, and as she continues to forge new paths and embrace new challenges, we can only imagine what her next chapter will hold.