41. Sanna Gaspard (she/her) – CEO, Rubitection

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“Surround yourself with like-minded people and non-tech people. The diversity of thought expands your network and problem solving perspective”

Tell us a little bit about what a typical day looks like for you.

I don’t have a typical day. As the CEO I oversee progress in all areas from fundraising, technology development, business development, and clinical partnerships. Each day I have meetings with my team, reach out to potential partners, and execute on the fundraising strategy.

How do you stay passionate in your career?

I stay passionate by taking breaks, celebrating small wins, talking to my enthusiastic future customers who valid the need, and staying focused on the big picture and long term vision. 

Did you have a traditional path into tech (i.e.: CS/IT degree transitioned into tech job)?

Yes I did. I translated my PhD research into a startup. I did that however when that was not a traditional route and there were not many accelerators, support, or wide spread infrastructure for entrepreneurs. I am an OG of entrepreneurship.

Are there any apps, software, or tools you cannot live without?

My phone, computer, Hulu, pubic broadcast station (PBS), and usb drive. 

It’s common knowledge that women and femmes often face obstacles in the tech industry based on their gender. Have you ever had to deal with this type of experience and if so how did you handle it?

I deal with this obstacle in two main ways: a) when dealing with technical teams which are male dominated, and b) when interacting with predominately male investors in tech. I deal with it technically by  reinforcing that I am the inventor, an engineer, and the client who is paying the bill (as needed). I deal with investors by expressing my expertise in the field of medtech development and accepting their bias. If you accept their bias you understand to take their feedback from a grain of salt and not take it personally. You take the coherent and applicable and leave the rest.

What’s your favorite thing about being a part of the #womenintech community?

The commendatory

If applicable, how have you given back to the WIT community?

I try to give back by mentoring women interns and try to help/mentor women entrepreneurs by sharing funding and network opportunities.

What is a piece of advice you would give to others wanting to or currently pursuing a career in tech?

a) Stay on top of advances in the field, understand what your strengths and weakness are.

b) Surround yourself with like-minded people and non-tech people. The diversity of thought expands your network and problem solving perspective.

Tell us about a time you felt extremely accomplished in the past year.

I felt extremely accomplished over the last year on two occasions:
a) when I completed my initial clinical study and the results indicated we could accurately screen people as not having a bedsore, and secondly
b) when I was selected as the 1st place winner of the 2019 AnitaBorg Pitcher Competition and got to meet Arlan Hamilton personally. 

Favorite quote if you have one?

Stay positive


CONNECT WITH SANNA:

• Website: www.rubitection.com
Twitter
Instagram
Press


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