About Dream Big
In Dream Big, Roy Clay chronicles his extraordinary journey from the segregated town of Kinloch, Missouri, to the heart of Silicon Valley, where he became a groundbreaking force in the tech industry. More than just a memoir, this inspiring book is a powerful testament to resilience, vision, and unwavering determination in the face of adversity.
With clarity and heartfelt wisdom, Clay recounts how he navigated systemic racism, poverty, and exclusion to become one of the first African American computer scientists in America. From his early work at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory to leading the development of Hewlett-Packard’s first computers and founding his own company, ROD-L Electronics, Clay’s story is a blueprint for dreaming big and building boldly.
But Dream Big is not just about technological triumphs—it’s about leadership, character, and the responsibility to lift others as you rise. Clay shares life lessons on entrepreneurship, ethics, and community service, including his historic role as the first Black city councilman in Palo Alto. Throughout, his voice is both humble and powerful, offering motivation for aspiring innovators, changemakers, and leaders of all backgrounds.
Whether you’re a student, entrepreneur, or seasoned professional, Dream Big will challenge you to push boundaries, defy limitations, and create a legacy that matters. Roy Clay’s life is proof that dreams, no matter how bold, are achievable with courage, purpose, and hard work.
Buy the book, and follow the author on social media:
Learn more about the writer. Visit the Author’s Website.
Like the Authors Facebook Fan Page.
Author Bio:
Roy Clay, often hailed as a pioneer in the world of technology and innovation, has a legacy that bridges engineering brilliance with social progress. Born in Kinloch, Missouri in 1929, Clay overcame the barriers of segregation and limited access to opportunity to become one of the first African American computer scientists in Silicon Valley. He began his groundbreaking career in the 1950s when he joined Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, helping to program atomic simulations. Later, he made a significant mark at Hewlett-Packard, where he led the team that developed the HP 2116A — one of HP’s first mini-computers — playing a crucial role in launching the company’s computing division. As an entrepreneur, he founded ROD-L Electronics in 1977, a company that became instrumental in developing electrical safety testing equipment, particularly for PCs, setting industry standards still in use today. Beyond technology, Roy Clay was a champion for diversity in the workplace, consistently advocating for the inclusion of African Americans in the tech industry during an era of significant racial disparity. He also served in civic leadership, including as the first African American city councilman in Palo Alto, California. Through his life and work, Clay broke barriers not only in the tech industry but in American culture at large. Today, his story inspires future generations of engineers, entrepreneurs, and leaders who dare to dream and persevere. As an author, Clay brings the same visionary insight, depth, and resilience to the page, reflecting on innovation, equity, and legacy. His work stands as a testament to the power of intellect, determination, and social responsibility in reshaping the world.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.