Sophie Schmidt - Rest of World
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Contributor
Sophie Schmidt
Sophie Schmidt is the founder of Rest of World.
Sophie began her career in the Middle East with Afghanistan’s MOBY Media Group, and subsequently worked in technology and politics across the UK, China, the UAE, South Africa, and Myanmar. Prior to founding Rest of World in 2019, she held public policy and communications roles at Uber, in both their San Francisco HQ and European offices.
She earned an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business and an MPA from Harvard Kennedy School. She holds a bachelor of arts in Islamic Studies from Princeton University. She was named a 2024 Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum.
Inside_
4 Jun 2025
We’re hiring a new publisher
From our founder, on a big step forward
Q & A
26 September 2024
Nigeria will become a net exporter of tech talent: Nigerian Minister Dr. Bosun Tijani
The tech entrepreneur-turned-bureaucrat spoke to Rest of World about his year in government, his administration’s priorities for advancing AI in Nigeria, and the difficult task of choosing between allies.
Inside_
3 Apr 2024
Rest of World has won its first National Magazine Award
The American Society of Magazine Editors recognized us in the Design category. Rest of World was also a finalist for General Excellence in the Literature, Science, and Politics category.
Founder's Note
10 March 2024
What I missed when I went to North Korea
Eleven years after her Pyongyang trip, Rest of World’s founder revisits how she interpreted the country, its people, and their culture.
Founder's Note
14 January 2024
The Taliban’s curious love of SIM cards
Afghanistan’s extremist rulers learned what all governments now know: SIM cards are worth every penny.
Inside_
12 May 2023
Rest of World is 3! A message from our founder and CEO
We want to thank you for reading, sharing, and being a part of Rest of World
Global
April 2020
A letter from the founder
Why I started Rest of World
Inside_
Jan 2020
Meet our Executive Editor
Founder's Note
January 2013
It might not get weirder than this
Rest of World founder Sophie Schmidt went on a North Korea propaganda tour in 2013. Read her original trip report.
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