Jennifer Maskrey

Hours available for mentoring per month: 3

Degree(s): Biology

Professional background, interests and expertise: I'm a serial entrepreneur, founding or launching 8 companies over the past 20 years. That was after a solid career in biotech and pharmaceutical research. I've had a few big successes (Fast Lane Kiosks at Panera), and one spectacular failure (triple bankruptcy during the 2008 recession). My career tends to vacillate between developing new Apple tech, diving into large scale baking (am a trained Pastry Chef too), and saving the planet (have run two non-profits as well). I'm currently COO of a food delivery impact startup-a nice combination of all three! I'm driven to make a difference-reduce food waste, eliminate hunger, stop global warming-and plan on working at this goal forever.
My personal life is also quite unique. After 25 years of marriage to my husband, I supported his transgender transition to a woman six years ago. We remarried as wife and wife. But I am still heterosexual, so am now dating a wonderful man in an ethically non-monogamous, polyamorous long-term relationship.

Best professional advice: It's all about adaptability. I never imagined this is what my life would look like, but I wouldn't want it any other way. On a daily basis, I'm surfing the waves of chaos. Which was very uncomfortable at first for a die-hard planner. But I've learned to prioritize the most critical tasks, and let the other things float away for another day.

I've also struck an unusual work-life balance. The startup life is draining, so I tend to work hard for 18 months, then take a 6 month sabbatical (and bake lol). Those recharging cycles keep me going for the next round.