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Interview with Gretchen Robinson, VP & General Counsel, Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation

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2 months ago

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Interview with Gretchen Robinson, VP & General Counsel, Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation

Gretchen Robinson began her career as a lawyer in the Queens District Attorney’s Office, where she worked for many years before moving on to the Civilian Complaint Review Board, where she conducted administrative trials in the Administrative Prosecution Unit.

She joined State Government in 2015, when she became the Compliance & Internal Controls Officer for RIOC. In 2018, Ms. Robinson served as Senior Counsel to the Empire State Development Corporation’s Division of Minority and Women’s Business Development where she advised the Division on policy matters and proposed legislation that would affect the MWBE Program. She also advised other agencies and public benefit corporations around the state on MWBE matters; and defended the Division in administrative appeals.

Ms. Robinson grew up in Washington, District of Columbia. She received her Juris Doctor degree from the American University Washington College of Law, and a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in French and Anthropology from the University of Virginia. She has over a decade of trial and oral advocacy experience and is admitted to practice in New York State.

Where did the idea for your career come from?

I did not come up with the idea for RIOC – Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation is a public benefit corporation and political subdivision of the State of New York. By its enabling legislation, “The RIOC Act”, RIOC’s mandate is to develop, operate and maintain the infrastructure of Roosevelt Island.

What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?

A typical day in the Legal Department involves an array of legal questions that are presented by all departments and units of the corporation in an effort to serve the Roosevelt Island community and advance the goals of the corporation’s mission. With that, the Legal Department essentially fields questions involving labor and employment, contracts, licensing transactions, legal research, and matters of procurement, to competently advise RIOC’s Board of Directors, RIOC’s Executive Management Team, (including the CEO), on various issues that come up in day-to-day operations. The Legal Department is committed to creative and collaborative problem solving to get the job done.

How do you bring ideas to life?

As stated above, the Legal Department is committed to creative and collaborative problem solving, while also ensuring that such decisions are within the confines and in compliance with all laws, rules, and regulations. Since the law often does not have a a bright line answer and the problems that are presented are unique in nature, collaboration is key in coming to resolutions to those issues. It is about “how do we get to yes.” In thinking through an issue, I believe that there are many ways to get to end result and that requires collaboration, brainstorming, and teamwork. As General Counsel, I encourage my team to give their opinions and to “weigh in” on the task at hand. This ability of everyone to speak freely creates an environment of trust and unity that inevitably allows for the best ideas to be implemented for the purpose of solving the problem at hand.

What’s one trend that excites you?

What excites me about my job is the ability to actually see the results of our work. Being a part of an organization that engages in capital projects, it is a rare opportunity as a lawyer to see the concrete results of your work and legal advice. There are various infrastructure projects that are true, concrete examples that remind me that I and my team had a part in the development of those projects.

What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?

I am results driven and in order to stay organized I create “to do lists” every day. I used to put down everything in the universe of things that I have to get done or delegate to my team but I have over the years realized that each day I need to put the top three priorities down on a list to further focus and meet all deadlines while providing a good work product.

What advice would you give your younger self?

You do not have to be the most vocal person in the room to get a point across or to be deemed competent; observing more and speaking less will teach you a lot about how to read your audience; and your input matters and can make a difference.

As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?

Don’t be afraid to tell someone that you do not know the answer but always finish with the understanding that you will think about it and come back with an answer. You do not have to know everything and chances are that if you do not know the answer there is someone that will, hence the important point of collaboration.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?

In terms of growing my career, I have been methodical with every position I have held to help me become a better, more competent attorney. Being an attorney is a profession that I always wanted to do.

What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?

Early in my career, I thought that I had to follow the footprint of all of my friends by working as a summer associate during law school, clerking for a prestigious judge after law school, and working in a private firm in order to make a lot of money. I quickly realized that it’s not always about the money but rather what is rewarding as a career experience. Being in public service has allowed me to have – in some instances – great impact on other people’s lives and you truly feel that you are helping people and situations as opposed to chasing money.

What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?

The best $100 I recently spent was over the holiday season – I donated money to a charity that helps with food insecurity for children. I also donated money to feed a family over the Thanksgiving holiday. I have realized over the years that family and relationships are the most important thing in this world that affects happiness and as I am blessed to have a good job, I would like to help others where and when I can.

What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?

The 48 Laws of Power – it is a very insightful book on how to influence people and get them to buy into your ideas and/or agendas.

What is your favorite quote?

“God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”

Key Learnings:

  • Be driven and organized
  • You don’t have to be the loudest to make an impact
  • Don’t be afraid of admitting when you don’t know
  • Find work that fulfills you
Originally published on IdeaMensch.
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Interviews

Interview with Adrian Tobey, Founder of Groundhogg: Insights on Entrepreneurship and Marketing Automation

Published

2 hours ago

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March 26, 2023

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Interview with Adrian Tobey, Founder of Groundhogg

Table of Contents

Introduction

Adrian Tobey is a marketing automation expert and the founder of Groundhogg, a WordPress plugin that allows businesses to automate their marketing and sales processes. With over 10 years of experience in digital marketing, Adrian has helped numerous businesses grow and scale their operations through automation. In this interview, Adrian shares his insights on entrepreneurship, marketing automation, and the future of digital marketing.

What inspired you to start Groundhogg?

I’ve always been passionate about digital marketing and helping businesses grow through automation. When I saw how expensive and complex some of the existing marketing automation tools were, I realized that there was an opportunity to create a more affordable and user-friendly solution that would be accessible to businesses of all sizes. That’s what inspired me to start Groundhogg.

What makes Groundhogg different from other marketing automation tools?

Groundhogg is unique in that it’s a WordPress plugin, which means it’s seamlessly integrated with the WordPress platform. This makes it easy for businesses to use and manage their marketing and sales processes without having to switch between multiple tools. Additionally, we’ve focused on creating a user-friendly interface that doesn’t require a lot of technical expertise, making it accessible to a wider range of businesses.

How do you think marketing automation will evolve in the next few years?

I think we’ll see a greater emphasis on personalization and segmentation in marketing automation. Businesses will need to tailor their messaging and communications to specific segments of their audience in order to stand out and engage with their customers. Additionally, we’ll see more automation tools that are specifically designed for smaller businesses, as these businesses become increasingly reliant on automation to manage their operations.

What advice would you give to entrepreneurs who are just starting out?

My advice would be to focus on creating value for your customers. Don’t get too caught up in the latest trends or try to replicate the success of others. Instead, focus on creating a product or service that solves a real problem for your customers and provides them with tangible value. If you can do that, success will come.

What challenges have you faced as an entrepreneur, and how have you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced as an entrepreneur is managing my time effectively. There are always so many things that need to be done, and it can be difficult to prioritize and stay focused. To overcome this, I’ve had to develop strong time management skills and learn how to delegate tasks effectively. I’ve also learned to say no to things that don’t align with my goals and priorities, in order to stay focused on what’s most important.

How do you balance your personal life and work as an entrepreneur?

Balancing personal life and work as an entrepreneur can be a challenge, but it’s important to make time for both. I make sure to schedule in time for my family and personal hobbies. I also prioritize my work tasks based on their level of urgency and importance. I’ve found that setting boundaries and being intentional about how I spend my time has been key to achieving a healthy work-life balance.

What are your future plans for Groundhogg?

We’re always looking for ways to improve and expand Groundhogg. In the near future, we’re planning on releasing a range of new features and integrations that will make the platform even more powerful and user-friendly. We’re also looking to expand our team and grow our customer base, in order to continue providing value to businesses of all sizes.

Closing Thoughts

Adrian Tobey is a true expert in the field of marketing automation, and his passion for helping businesses grow is evident in everything he does. If you’re interested in learning more about Adrian Tobey and Groundhogg, you can connect with him on LinkedIn.

Liked this interview? Check out this interview with Alex Malebranche

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Interviews

Interview with Alex Malebranche, Insights on Entrepreneurship in the Aviation Industry

Published

16 hours ago

on

March 25, 2023

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Interview with Alex Malebranche, Founder and CEO of PlaneAhead

Table of Contents

Introduction

Alex Malebranche is the founder and CEO of PlaneAhead, a company that provides private jet charter services. He has a degree in finance and marketing from the University of Miami and started his career in the financial sector before transitioning to the aviation industry. The passion of Alex Malebranche for aviation and entrepreneurship has led him to build a successful business that caters to a high-end clientele. In this interview, he shares his journey as a founder, the challenges he’s faced, and his advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

What inspired you to start PlaneAhead?

My love for aviation and entrepreneurship inspired me to start PlaneAhead. I’ve been passionate about airplanes and flying since I was a child. I started flying lessons when I was 16 and got my private pilot’s license at 18. After working in finance for a few years, I realized that my true calling was in aviation. I saw an opportunity to combine my passion with my business skills and create a company that provides a better experience for private jet travelers.

How did you validate the business idea and find your first customers?

To validate the business idea, I conducted extensive market research and engaged in conversations with prospective customers. I attended aviation industry events and trade shows to network and get feedback on my concept. I also reached out to existing private jet charter companies and learned about their operations and customer needs. Once I felt confident that there was a demand for my service. I started reaching out to potential customers through my personal network and online advertising. Our first customers were primarily referrals from friends and family. But as we grew, we started getting more business from corporate clients and high-net-worth individuals.

What challenges have you faced as a founder, and how have you overcome them?

As a founder, I’ve faced many challenges, including raising capital, building a team, and navigating regulatory hurdles. One of the biggest challenges was building a brand and establishing credibility in a competitive industry. To overcome this, I focused on providing exceptional customer service and building relationships with customers and industry partners. I also invested in marketing and PR to raise awareness of our brand and services. Another challenge was managing growth and scaling the business without sacrificing quality. We overcame this by hiring experienced professionals and implementing processes and systems to streamline our operations.

How do you differentiate your services from private jet charter industry competitors?

We differentiate ourselves from competitors by offering a personalized and customized experience for our clients. We take the time to understand their needs and preferences and tailor our services to meet their specific requirements. Our investment in technology and data analytics enables us to offer our customers real-time information and valuable insights. Additionally, we have a network of industry partners and suppliers that allows us to offer unique amenities and services, such as in-flight catering and ground transportation.

What is your vision for the future of PlaneAhead, and how do you plan to achieve it?

Our vision for PlaneAhead is to become the leading provider of private jet charter services globally. We plan to achieve this by expanding our network of aircraft and destinations, investing in technology to enhance the customer experience, and building strong relationships with our clients and industry partners. We also plan to focus on sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint by investing in eco-friendly technology and initiatives.

What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to start a business in the aviation industry?

My advice would be to gain as much knowledge and experience in the industry as possible before starting a business. This could include working for an aviation company, getting a pilot’s license, or attending industry events and conferences. It’s also important to do your research and understand the market and competition. Finally, you should be prepared to work hard and be persistent, as building a successful business takes time and effort.

How do you balance your work and personal life as a founder and CEO?

Balancing work and personal life can be a challenge as a founder and CEO, but it’s important to prioritize self-care and time with loved ones. I try to maintain a healthy work-life balance by setting boundaries and delegating tasks to my team. I also make time for hobbies and activities that help me relax and recharge, such as traveling and flying.

Closing Paragraph

Alex Malebranche’s passion for aviation and entrepreneurship has led him to build a successful business that provides exceptional private jet charter services. His journey as a founder has not been without its challenges. Still, his dedication to building a strong brand and providing personalized service has set PlaneAhead apart from competitors in the industry. Aspiring entrepreneurs can learn from his experience and commitment to excellence. You can follow Alex Malebranche on his LinkedIn profile or visit PlaneAhead’s website to learn more about their services.

Liked this interview? Check out this interview with Omer Molad

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Interview with Omer Molad: Insights on Building a Startup, the Future of Hiring, and Staying Creative

Published

20 hours ago

on

March 25, 2023

By

Interview with Omer Molad, Co-Founder of Vervoe

Table of Contents

Introduction

Omer Molad is the co-founder of Vervoe, an AI-powered hiring platform that helps employers hire the best candidates for their open positions. Prior to starting Vervoe, Omer Molad worked in marketing and analytics for various tech companies, including Waze and Google. He has also served as a mentor and advisor for several startups.

In this interview, Omer Molad shares insights about his experience as a startup founder and his vision for the future of the hiring process.

What inspired you to start Vervoe?

My co-founder David Weinberg and I were both frustrated with the traditional hiring process, which often relies heavily on resumes and subjective evaluations. We wanted to create a more objective and efficient way for employers to assess candidates, and we saw an opportunity to do that with AI. Our vision was to build a platform that could evaluate candidates’ skills and abilities through real-world simulations, rather than relying solely on their past experience or education. That’s how Vervoe was born.

How does Vervoe differentiate itself from other hiring platforms?

One of the key ways we differentiate ourselves is by using AI to automate the hiring process as much as possible. Our platform can evaluate candidates’ skills and abilities in real-time, which means employers can get a more accurate and objective assessment of their capabilities. Additionally, we provide a library of customizable assessments that are tailored to specific job roles, so employers can ensure they’re evaluating the right skills for each position. Finally, we provide a candidate management system that streamlines the entire hiring process from start to finish, which saves employers time and resources.

Can you tell us about a significant challenge you faced while building Vervoe and how you overcame it?

One of the biggest challenges we faced early on was getting the word out about Vervoe and convincing employers to try our platform. We knew we had a great product, but it was difficult to break through the noise and get noticed. To overcome this, we focused on building relationships with potential customers and showcasing our product through demos and case studies. We also leveraged content marketing and social media to raise awareness about Vervoe and the benefits of our platform. Over time, we were able to build a strong customer base and grow the business.

What advice do you have for other startup founders?

My advice would be to stay focused on your vision and don’t get sidetracked by distractions or noise from the outside world. Building a startup is hard, and there will be many ups and downs along the way. But if you believe in what you’re doing and stay committed to your goals, you’ll be able to weather any storm. It’s also important to be adaptable and open to feedback from customers and the market. Listen to what people are telling you, and be willing to pivot your strategy if necessary. Finally, surround yourself with a strong team of people who share your vision and are committed to helping you succeed.

What is your vision for the future of the hiring process?

Our vision is to make the hiring process more objective, efficient, and fair for everyone involved. We believe that AI has the potential to revolutionize hiring by providing a more accurate assessment of candidates’ skills and abilities. We also think that the traditional resume-based approach will eventually become obsolete and that employers will rely more on real-world simulations and other objective measures to evaluate candidates. Ultimately, our goal is to create a world where everyone has an equal opportunity to showcase their skills and get hired based on merit, not just their credentials.

Can you share a project or initiative that you’re currently working on that excites you?

We’re currently working on a project to integrate Vervoe with other HR technology platforms, such as applicant tracking systems and video interviewing tools. This will allow us to offer a more seamless and integrated experience for our customers and their candidates. We’re also exploring ways to use machine learning to analyze candidate data and provide insights that can help employers make better hiring decisions. I’m excited about the potential of these projects to make a real impact in the hiring industry.

What do you do outside of work to recharge and stay creative?

I’m a big believer in the power of exercise and mindfulness to recharge and stay creative. I try to work out regularly and make time for activities like hiking and yoga. I also make a point of disconnecting from work and technology for a few hours each day, whether it’s by reading a book or spending time with family and friends. Finally, I find that travel is a great way to gain new perspectives and stay inspired, so I try to take at least one big trip each year.

Closing Paragraph

Thank you so much for sharing your insights with us, Omer. Where can our readers learn more about you and Vervoe?

You can learn more about Vervoe and Omer Molad. You can also follow me on LinkedIn at for updates on our latest projects and initiatives.

Liked this interview? Check out this interview with Cam Sloan

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