2018 CU Athletic Hall of Fame Inductee & Policy Manager at Uber Technologies
Why did you decide to come to Leeds?
I grew up in the Czech Republic and ski raced since I was a little child. When it was time to go to college, I was looking for opportunities outside the Czech Republic that would allow me to study and race at the same time. The University of Colorado and the ski team were the perfect choice. The Leeds School of Business became the most natural path for me as well. I was looking for a practical and a broadly applicable major that would play into my strengths while allowing me a good amount flexibility to explore new interests.
Could you share an experience (or two) that was particularly memorable at Leeds?
One class that stands out in my mind was Dr. David Gross’ derivatives class. It was hard and challenging, but the enthusiasm that Dr. Gross teaches his classes with was exciting and contagious. The result was that every class was a mix of emotions—I was scared and excited at the same time. I loved it because it was a feeling similar to what I used to experience at the top of mountain at a ski race. You don’t really know what’s coming your way, but if you give it your all, you’ll do your best and enjoy it.
Where has life taken you since you graduated Leeds?
A lot has happened since I graduated. I worked as an investment analyst in Boulder for several years, earned a CFA charter, married my ski team teammate, moved to the Bay Area [in California], earned a master’s degree in International Policy, and worked for a tech startup that was acquired by Uber. Now I lead policy and government relations on Uber’s freight-related products, and most recently (and most importantly), I gave birth to our baby daughter, Anna.
What is one piece of advice/best practice that has stuck with you throughout your career?
The front-page check—If you don’t want something to be on the front page of the Wall Street Journal, don’t do it. It works every time.
What does it mean to you to be inducted into the CU Athletic Hall of Fame?
I am honored to be inducted into the CU Hall of Fame, representing the CU Ski Team. It’s more than my individual achievements, however, I believe this great honor reflects the values instilled in me by my parents, who taught me to work hard and be independent. I will be forever grateful for the opportunities afforded to me by the University of Colorado and the trust the CU Ski Team coaches placed in me. But what I value most are the lifelong friendships with my teammates (including my now husband), who were there on the slopes with me every day, through every race, and with whom I shared all of our team and individual victories. I couldn’t have succeeded without the team and the support of my family, coaches, the athletic department, and the great academic institution of the University of Colorado.
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January 2019 - Winter Sports Edition!