The Women Driving Chicago's Digital Renaissance: Part 1

by Amina Elahi
August 7, 2012

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. 

Know a female leader worth profiling? Send your nomination to Amina Elahi ([email protected]). Include her name, title, organization and a 140-character description of why she deserves to be featured.

 

Amanda Lannert

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WHAT DO YOU DO?
CEO of Jellyvision–that’s my title. What do I do? Find the best talent possible, teach them what I know, and then get out of their way

BEST ADVICE YOU EVER RECEIVED?
When it comes to innovation, done is better than perfect.

YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE ON A DAILY BASIS?
You think selling annuities is hard? Try making them funny. Over 100 clients use us to make dull–but necessary–interactions engaging.

READ MORE

 

 

 

Blagica (Stefanovski) Bottigliero

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WHAT DO YOU DO?
I am the Director of Global Social Media for Motorola Mobility

HOW DID YOU BECOME AN ENTREPRENEUR?
Two major life changes: realizing how much I accomplished on my own led to Gals' Guide. Purchasing my first home led to the creation of CondoPerks. 

BEST ADVICE YOU EVER RECEIVED?
Keep your head down and focus on your idea, doing as best as you can to limit the distractions.

READ MORE

 

 

Ellen Carnahan

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WHAT DO YOU DO?
I am a venture capitalist with my own firm, Machrie Enterprises, a Sr. Advisor to the I2A Fund, a tech investor and I lead tech investing at William Blair Capital Partners.

BEST ADVICE YOU EVER RECEIVED?
Give back. I've been lucky in my life and career; I am honored to give back to others. You always get back much more than you can ever give.

YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE ON A DAILY BASIS?
Patience. I am so Type A.

READ MORE

 

 

Kelly Davis

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WHAT DO YOU DO? 
As SVP of Client Services for BrightTag I lead the team responsible for helping our customers maximize the value they receive from our platform.

HOW DID YOU BECOME AN ENTREPRENEUR?
Early in my career I joined Centro’s founding team as the company’s first employee and am now a magnet to early stage startups.

BEST ADVICE YOU EVER RECEIVED?
“Don’t get hurt. Don’t get lost. Don’t annoy others.” I was four.  As an entrepreneur you must be willing and ready to break all three. Sorry, Dad!

READ MORE

 

 

KD Ironside

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WHAT DO YOU DO?
I am developing an online dating app. I am taking a customer-driven approach, creating a unique, secure, fun, and positive experience.

HOW DID YOU BECOME AN ENTREPRENEUR?
I've been self-employed for decades. Regardless of who writes the checks or makes the decisions, it's about service and doing my best work.

YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE ON A DAILY BASIS?
Financial. I've drained a large portion of my resources in order to work on my startup [an online dating app]. I will need to get a job soon to keep things going.

READ MORE

 

 

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.

 

The Women Driving Chicago's Digital Renaissance:

Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5

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