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.
Vanessa Rollings
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WHAT DO YOU DO?
I am the CFO and a Managing Director at Sandbox Industries. We manage venture capital funds, as well as build and grow businesses.
BEST ADVICE YOU EVER RECEIVED?
My first boss told me, “The graveyard is full of people who thought they were indispensable.” It's important to be confident, yet humble.
YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE ON A DAILY BASIS?Managing my time and finding the right balance to be successful in my professional and personal life is tough – both parts are important.
YOUR SECRET WEAPON?
A good sense of humor. It can take the edge off a tense moment and help you keep perspective, even in the darkest of hours.
YOUR FAVORITE INDULGENCE?
Probably eating my husband’s banana cream pie with rum chiffon. That, or cranking up The Clash in my car and driving at a spirited clip.
YOUR FIRST JOB?
Mowing yards and tarring parking lots for my father’s office locations. It gave me a huge appreciation for a desk job and air conditioning.
YOUR FAVORITE TRAVEL DESTINATION?
Domestically, New Orleans. The food and music can’t be beat. Internationally, Santorini, Greece. The people, food and scenery are amazing.
Connect with Vanessa on Built In Chicago, friend her on Facebook, 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.
