Where I Met Cindy
I met Cindy at a mutual passion of our, Capital Sisters. Capital Sisters is an organization that is stepping beyond pure fundraising and has created a viable SEC regulated bond to support micro lending to women in developing countries. In addition to being a board member, Cindy demonstrated her phenomenal organizational skills as we set up for the event.
What I Really Like About Cindy
Cindy is a kind-hearted and fun person to be around. She is a successful entrepreneur and also finds time to support the causes she feels passionate about.
Background
Cindy is originally from East Texas and was raised by a slightly nonconventional ‘50s family. Her dad contracted polio when he was 24, but never took on a victim role. And her mom stepped up as an entrepreneur turning her skills such as sewing into income generators for the family. Additionally, Cindy was taught that she could be anything she wanted to be. Cindy was accepted to Rice University and studied math and science because computer science had yet to be offered. Her husband graduated a year ahead and received a National Foundation Scholarship so Cindy agreed to spend her senior year “abroad” with him at the University of Illinois. Illinois is cold for Texans, so after graduation they quickly accepted jobs in Silicon Valley and worked for Hewlet Packard at a very extraordinary time. HP was dedicated to growing its people in addition to their business by sponsoring courses in project and people management. In the ‘80s, startup fever took over and Cindy and Steve (her husband) started a company and took it public. Cindy said it was quite an experience to watch your company be posted on the NASDAQ. They had some free time and came to ski Colorado for the season and were hooked. Cindy and Steve figured out how to move to Boulder and haven’t looked back.
My Ideal Client…
Cindy is now part of FLS Associates, the L is for Lindsay. This is a business accelerator for startups. Cindy found a way to support young talent and combine her experience with business and connections with investors. She keeps to her specific area of expertise in computer systems and has a very clear description of the type of clients FLS wants to work with:
1. People with ideas in technologies that we are very familiar with—networking, chip design and highly integrated systems.
2. People who are coachable
3. People who are fun to work with
People with ideas in technologies that we are very familiar with—networking, chip design and highly integrated systems.
3 SECRETS of my Personal Success
1. Flexibility in the Entrepreneurial world. Be willing to step out of your comfort zone and not be attached to what you think is the right answer. You cannot be risk adverse.
2. Serendipity. I liked tech and got trained in tech and stepped into the digital era with the right skill set. I equate my life to surfing—I get on the board and all the waves keep coming. I still have to ride the board but I’m ready when opportunity shows up.
3. Surround yourself with great people—family, mentors, husband. I found some mentors but cultivated many more. It is important to go to meet and greets.
1 Great Recommendation for the Next Person
Be sure you’re solving a big problem! Women can get pigeon- holed into roles and need to look for a passion. Know you are stepping into a world that may not have a perfect job for you. Explore avenues and build your career around your passion. Always be looking for what you want.
My Biggest Financial Question/Concern
Because I had such an unusual upbringing, I was raised with financial savvy. It is important to have good communication in your relationships and be sure to include money management in your discussions. An interesting side note is that I have two sisters. One gave her kids an allowance and the other sister sat down each year to discuss the family chores and the financial value of each chore. This relationship to money has translated to the kids in their adult lives, too.
Visiting with Cindy was interesting to see the impact her family had on her start in life. I enjoy discussing investment strategy ideas and can be reached through my website www.taraenolan.com.
Contact Cindy
If you are interested to learn more about her business consulting or just have questions, please contact Cindy at cindy.lindsay@flsassociates.com
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