This is a series of real talk blog posts meant to let founders share a bit about themselves and their companies without the marketing jargon and “killing it” puffery of most tech startup profiles.
What does your company do, for who, in plain English please!
Recurrent helps electric vehicle owners and shoppers understand batteries when they buy and sell EVs.
What's a typical day like for you, from wakeup ‘til bed?
6:45 - 7:45 -- The breakfast/dog/school drop-off scramble
8:00 - 4:00 -- A potpourri of Zoom meetings from home and trying not to sit at the computer for too long at once. Sometimes I try to see other humans outside of my family and the Zoom screen for dog walks or lunch or runs. I'm getting better at making time to eat in the middle of the day.
4:00 - 8:00 -- My favorite thing about work-remote is having the flexibility to be home and present for the afternoon to hang out with my 11-year old. The tyranny of the 9-5 work day + commute meant that I didn't get to spend that time with family pre-pandemic.
8:00 - 9:30 -- Finish work if needed, doing lower-priority stuff like filling out this questionnaire :)
What keeps you up at night?
Staying up too late at my computer doing things like filling out questionnaires :)
What brings you joy?
Running, gardening and board games with friends. Social interactions outside work are so much more important now!
What is one word you hate to hear?
Mayonnaise
What is one word you love to hear?
Done
What was your biggest failure in the past year?
I got a little lost on the #2 job a startup CEO has -- making sure the rest of the team has really clear alignment on strategic direction -- while I was focused on the #1 job a startup CEO has (see next question). That meant some extra wasted time where everyone wasn't working with intent on the highest priorities for the company.
What was your greatest accomplishment in the past year?
Got our $4.5M raise done in April, in a choppy venture market. #1 job of a startup CEO = don't run out of money. Check.
Who or what inspires you most?
The students and graduates of Ada Developers Academy, overcoming so many barriers to get there and then thrive as software engineers in the tech industry.
What's your best tool for managing stress?
A great "To Do" list (I love Any.do), and plenty of cardio exercise.
What's getting the most burn on your playlist right now?
Cold Heart - PNAU Remix from Elton John and Dua Lipa.
Favorite shoes?
Brightly colored adidas sambas - my favorite pair is kelly green with bright orange stripes.
Favorite cooking ingredient?
Sourdough culture for weekly bread bakes and crackers (yum).