In this monthly series, Built In Chicago will highlight some of the most important players in our digital ecosystem: the women. From entrepreneurs to technologists, investors to academic leaders, and corporate innovators to developers, women play important and diverse roles in dozens of local organizations. Every month, we'll introduce you to five women worth knowing. Through these exclusive interviews, get to know these women through their likes, experiences, and maybe even their secrets. Here's one of them.
Genevieve Thiers
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WHAT DO YOU DO?
[I’ve] founded several companies in the Chicago area. The first, Sittercity.com, is America's first company to take caregiving services online.
THE REASON YOU BECAME AN ENTREPRENEUR?
I saw a pregnant mother climbing stairs to post flyers and had the idea for a place to screen sitters, like an online dating site for parents and caregivers.
THE BEST ADVICE YOU EVER RECEIVED?
I think the best advice I ever got was from my husband–to be proactive, not reactive. You never get anywhere by just reacting.
THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE YOU FACE ON A DAILY BASIS?
Coping with [infant] twins, helping several women launch new companies and performing more, as I was originally trained as an opera singer.
YOUR FIRST JOB?
Trash cleaner at Sesame Place. Then, I got a promotion to Cookie Monster.
YOUR ADVICE FOR YOUNGER WOMEN?
Do it. Don’t think twice.
Connect with Genevieve on Twitter and Built In Chicago and add her to your network on LinkedIn.
nominate someone
Nominate your favorite woman for future installments of The Women Driving Chicago's Digital Renaissance by emailing Amina Elahi ([email protected]). Include her name, title, organization and a 140-character description of why she deserves to be featured.
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