I spent most of my career in
Finance, specifically in Investment Banking and Financial Advisory. As we
all know, female mentors and role models in the finance sector are not common
given that the vast majority of senior management in Finance are not in fact
female! However, I have worked for some great women in my career. Randy
taught me how to fake a home cooked dinner for your future in-laws (bring your
own pots to your local Italian joint and get them to cook a meal in your pots –
warm it all up in your own kitchen – voila!). Kim taught me how to handle
difficult situations with kindness and empathy. Nancy taught me about
grace under pressure and never to apologize.
However,
I want to address my inspiration for joining the Second Shift – mission driven
entrepreneurs. I spent a number of years working with companies in
Education Technology – a sector where many brilliant entrepreneurs are building
businesses that make money AND improve the lives of millions of students and
families.
Entrepreneurs
are building companies around the world that support women, students, food
availability, environmental initiatives, clean water, healthcare and many other
critical needs – it is truly inspirational. These businesses share a common
thread – passionate entrepreneurs with a vision of how to build a profitable
business by improving the world, and harnessing technology to achieve their
vision. I wanted to have an opportunity to do something similar – work
hard, build a successful business, and make the world a better place. Most
importantly, I want to be a role model for my own daughter and show her that
you can build a company where doing well is equally important as doing good.
Cheers!