My Granola CEO

I work for a good sized software company based in San Francisco. The CEO of the company founded the business in 1983 when computers were first becoming used by small offices. I got to hear her speak today for an hour.

She comes off as a kind of aging hippy in a power suit. I would not be surprised if her hobbies included transcendental basket weaving and making her own organic granola.

When she speaks, you instantly know she is kind and innately good. She also exudes intelligence. She does the kinds of things leaders should do like crediting others for achievements and claiming responsibility for shortcomings. She created a culture that values work-life balance, employee morale and telecommuting.

I have to say, she really made an impression on me. I wish I could tell her how impressed I am at her achievements and the company she built without sounding like a suck up. It will just have to wait until I leave the company.