Chief Operating Officer | Goldfinch Health
AGE: 39
What do you consider your biggest break so far?
I was a junior lab assistant with a science degree and no business experience. I finally landed a medical sales interview. I got a haircut and flew to D.C. in a suit that didn’t fit. An hour later, I was offered a job contingent on getting a haircut.
What would most people be surprised to learn about you?
I received my mortuary science degree when I was considering taking over as the third generation of my family business … and I can juggle fire.
What’s the biggest issue facing the Corridor, and why?
The one closest to my heart has to do with the rising cost of health care and opioid overuse. My co-founder and I are working to help patients understand their choices and get care that is intentional about avoiding unnecessary costs, pain and prescription drug use.
If you had $1 million to give, what causes would you support?
I would use it to facilitate a startup festival or incubator. Austin was a fun college town until it made a calculated effort to attract top talent with SXSW and wooing employers like Google. This effort brings new jobs, talent, tax dollars and innovation. I think the culture and infrastructure of the Corridor would be a great place to host the new economy.
What should people know about your generation in the workplace?
I think often we miss that people want to be recognized for their efforts. Many studies have shown this can be more important than pay after a certain point. When society has helped deliver many of the basic needs of life, feeling appreciated becomes critical to personal and workplace happiness.
