I just finished judging the semifinalists in transportation category of the Cleantech Open, a national business plan competition for start-ups and emerging companies. It was a difficult task due to the diversity of the eight contestants, which included a range of technologies (from engines and advanced vehicle technologies) as well as companies almost ready to go to market and some that may take years to get there. (See the list of all semifinalists.)
The first-place winner was Pressure Sentinel, which helps truckers get higher fuel efficiency by helping keep their tire pressure at the proper level. Pressure Sentinel stood above the others due to their technology, ability to get to market quickly and understanding of their market niche. Look for big things from them in the future. Conderos, which provides lead-free cellulosic fuel for propeller aircraft, was the runner-up.
The next step for Pressure Sentinel is competing with other regional winners for the top spot in the National Cleantech Open. The winner will be announced at the awards gala November 17 in San Jose that includes demos by the finalists and technology exhibits. See the list of finalists and learn more at the Cleantech Open website.
RoseRyan was just named one of the Bay Area’s Top 100 Women-Owned Businesses in the Bay Area by the San Francisco Business Times. I am very proud to be a part of a company to receive this honor. To learn we are ranked No. 35 in an outstanding lineup was humbling, and the women who spoke at the September 24 awards presentation were inspiring. Each was asked to say something in 15 words or less about what it takes to be successful (my favorite was “Having a husband who enjoys taking care of kids and cooking.”)
The Bay Area is a competitive marketplace where just owning a business and keeping people employed is a true success. Being honored as one of the Top 100 is just icing on the cake. Women are critical in business.
I read Alix Stuart’s article “The Perils of Flextime” in the July/August issue of CFO Magazine and want to share my perspective. As the co-founder of a talent-centered accounting and finance consulting firm, I have a different take on some of the issues raised.
It’s certainly true that in 1993 women faced the mommy track in corporate finance. That’s partly why my former colleague, Sue Macias, and I started RoseRyan with an eye toward making it family-friendly and more.
We’ve found that top finance talent is hungry for non-traditional work hours, and it’s been the key driver to our success. Today, RoseRyan is a bustling business for men and women who work part-time or flex-time while enjoying satisfying, challenging work. Half of our seasoned finance gurus are parents, 41 percent work flex hours and 65 percent are female.
It’s heartening to see that companies like Bain & Co. are investigating alternative promotion paths for employees on nontraditional schedules. I’d like to add the kind of high-level consulting work we offer as another option for finance pros who are struggling with work/life balance issues.
While the general stats for women in the field at the CFO position remain dismal, it’s also true that the profession is innovating and alternatives do exist. Certainly, change is afoot. I think the next generation of finance leaders will pick up the ball and charge further down the field.
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